Latest Features
Talking Point The Nintendo Switch Could Revive Local Multiplayer
Get ready to call up some friends and start playing
In this guest article Funké Joseph, who attended a Nintendo Switch preview event, shares his thoughts on why Switch can be integral to local multiplayer. Local multiplayer is dead. Well, it's almost dead, some would argue. There are still a few games that are carrying the split-screen torch like...
Guide Essential Nintendo Switch Accessories
Switch it up with these lovely peripherals and accessories
Having now preordered your Nintendo Switch and possibly a carrying case, some games and possibly a micro SD card - you are all set, right? You get two Joy-Cons and a simple 'Grip' in the box, but there are a whole host of different ac
Interview Preparing for Adventure in forma.8 on the Wii U eShop
"We can't wait to work on Switch, it's such a lovely bit of kit!"
MixedBag rightly earned praise for Futuridium EP Deluxe, which brought its colourful and high tempo gameplay to both the Wii U and New 3DS. Yet forma.8 was the first project we heard of from the Italian studio - it emerged in early 2014, was part of the Nindies@Home demo promotion...
Interview Greg Wohlwend on TumbleSeed and What Makes Nintendo Switch Special
Holding Switch "made me excited for this generation of Nintendo games"
When a game is described as a 'rolly roguelike' and comes with an intriguing trailer, it's certainly a good idea to sit up and take notice. TumbleSeed is expected on the Nintendo Switch this Spring and is the work of aeiowu, a '1-person developer' that's also a collective - in...
Talking Point The Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC is Both Surprising and Inevitable
Hands up if you expected that... erm, no-one?
In the 3DS and Wii U era Nintendo slowly adopted some modern trends, embracing necessity in order to keep games active and - in the process - make some extra money. DLC emerged in ho-hum form as 'Coin Rush' packs in New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS, but then there was no going back. New Super Luigi U...
Editorial 'NX' Development Documentation Gives Few New Insights, But The Leak is Far From Ideal
Nintendo is secretive enough already, so this doesn't help
It seems that leaks are an inevitable part of the modern gaming industry. We've seen plenty of game leaks come out around the NX / Switch over the past year (some yet to be proven right), while some tech specs of the PS4 Pro were doing the rounds before it was officially announced;...
Feature Nintendo Switch Countdown - The Origins and Simple Magic of Snipperclips
From Indie project 'FriendShapes' to enticing Switch co-op game
When it comes to the launch day and more general 'March' line-up for the Nintendo Switch, there are a few obvious high-profile releases that are getting plenty of attention. As we made clear in our first impressions article, however, some in our team left January preview events with a...
Talking Point Splatoon 2 is Set to be a Vital Early Arrival on Nintendo Switch
The Global Testfire adds some extra spice
When Splatoon was unveiled at E3 2014, this writer was initially unsure of its appeal. Then the reaction of the community on these pages began to take shape, and fans tweeted, and the fan-art began - it was evident that Nintendo had produced a new IP with huge potential. By the time we got closer to its...
Poll Does Nintendo Switch Need Streaming Apps and a Web Browser, Or Is It All About Games?
Noflix
The Nintendo Switch is just weeks away, and Nintendo is still keeping us waiting on some details such as the eShop, the Virtual Console (if it'll even be there at launch) and pinning down a finalised launch day line-up. The company is likely planning a Direct, information drop or new feature-driven videos to answer some questions prior to 3rd...
Talking Point Considering Nintendo's Portable Future
It's all about the target audience
The DS attracted an incredibly broad range of gamers, as its sensational sales attest, and the 3DS has also achieved positive results drawing in gamers of various types. Nintendo has also released variations of the 3DS for different audiences, too, with the 2DS - as an example - primarily pitched as a budget option...
Feature Flicking Through The Debut Issue Of Switch Player
Print isn't dead?
The internet has changed a lot of things in modern life. We now consume more music, videos and news online than ever before, and as a result those industries have had to change dramatically in order to compensate and survive. Music and video retailers are closing down while paid-for print media is feeling the pinch due to the fact...
Talking Point The State of Play - amiibo and Its Next Big Move
Pokémon, probably
When Nintendo unveiled its amiibo range in Spring 2014 with the codename of "Nintendo Figurine Platform", it came at a time when the toys-to-life market was near its peak. After Skylanders had blazed a trail Disney Infinity had followed, and it had become a lucrative sector in the market. Nintendo's initial pitch was enticing -...
Talking Point The Nintendo Switch Super Bowl Ad Was a Huge Success, But Why?
Making people believers
The Nintendo Switch featured prominently during the recent Super Bowl (or Superb Owl, we're not sure yet) and the ad that featured it has been very well received by the press and the public. But why? What was it about this ad that went down so well where some previous efforts by Nintendo have fallen flat? Make sure you check...
Feature Nintendo Switch Countdown - Considering the Joy-Con
Vital weapons for the Switch's future
The Nintendo Switch is now a little less than a month away. Over the coming weeks we're going to use official details and our own hands on impressions to give breakdowns and opinions on various features and games that are integral to the system. First up - the Joy-Con. It seems an age ago now, but in early...
Editorial No, Nintendo Switch Isn't Having a 'Soft Launch', But The Perception is a Problem
Strategy clashes with expectations
Well, the Nintendo Switch is a month away, which is exciting news for those with pre-orders down or perhaps are considering the possibility of grabbing one on launch day. The arrival of new gaming hardware, from Nintendo or rivals such as Sony and Microsoft, is typically enough to get hearts fluttering and send...
Feature The Rollercoaster Ride of Nintendo's Financial Reports
Poor sales revenues contradicted by profits and cash boost
Nintendo's most recent financial report, covering the first three quarters of the financial year, certainly qualifies as one of the most contradictory the company has issued. On the one hand there have been increases in 3DS sales across both hardware and software, while on the flipside...
Poll What Are Your Nintendo Switch Pre-Order and Launch Day Plans?
Are you going beyond Breath of the Wild?
Since the big Nintendo Switch Presentation we've run a couple of polls to gauge your views and thoughts on the system, with a mixed outlook in our most recent set of questions. Over the past week, though, we've been publishing some guides for those that have decided they're picking up a Nintendo Switch on day...
Feature Nindies and Nintendo Switch - Developers Reflect on the New Console
"It's a compelling and unique message in the console gaming market"
It's been a little while since the major Nintendo Switch unveiling, with a clearer picture now on the system's capabilities, games and prospects. Much is still up for debate, of course, but with its release a little over a month away opinions and thoughts on the new system are...
Soapbox You're Going To Love ARMS, And Here's Why
Boxing clever
It would be fair to say that ARMS received a somewhat lukewarm response when it was unveiled during the Nintendo Switch presentation. While some reacted positively to the colourful visuals, fetching character design and motion-sensitive action, others wrote it off as little more than Wii Sports boxing with better graphics, and...
Feature Reflecting on Time Spent With the Nintendo Switch
Feeling positive about the big N's next move
It's nearly two weeks since Nintendo hosted its Switch Presentation in Japan, and lots of opinions and details have been shared since. We also had teams go to both the London and New York press / public events after the broadcast, and we wrote up quite a few articles about the system and games as a result...
Talking Point The Nintendo 3DS, A System That Still Has a Role to Play
It's not going anywhere yet
With the Switch coming out in just a couple of months, it seems that Nintendo is truly committing to a future in which it invests in just one platform that fulfils the needs of both portable and home console gamers (though it should be noted that it's pitched primarily as a home console at present). Obviously, the Wii U...
Guide How to Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow to Pokémon Sun and Moon
Get a Bulba in your life
Pokémon Bank has had the update Pokéfans have been anticipating for months, and finally we're able to transfer our beloved Pokémon from the Virtual Console versions of Red, Blue, and Yellow to the shiny new Pokémon Sun and Moon. But how do you go about this? Well if you'd divert your attention
Parent Trap Nintendo Switch Parental Controls Beat Console Rivals To The Punch
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson loves no longer being the bad guy
With all the excitement of going hands-on with the games, controller and screen at the launch event it's easy to pass over some of the finer details of the Nintendo Switch. Chief among these details for families is the Parental Controls app. Other features may be sexier or more...
Talking Point Important Features Yet to be Revealed for the Nintendo Switch
There's still time before launch
When Nintendo gave its major Switch Presentation earlier this month, following it up with details in press releases, social media and interviews, there was a fair bit of information that was shared. While the Presentation had the task of giving the first major showcase for the system, it did however skip over quite a...
Hardware Review Putting The Retro Freak's Range Of Accessories To The Test
NES! Sega Mark III! Game Gear! Controller adapter!
Retro gamers have really been spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a clone console these days. Not only have we had machines like the Retro-USB AVS which uses FPGA tech to accurately replicate the performance of the NES, but we've also seen all-in-one solutions like the Hyperkin Retron-5 and...
Talking Point Is the Nintendo Switch a Handheld or Console? Does it Matter?
It's a Switch, that's all we need to know
Over the years we've had some quirky exchanges with Nintendo's PR department, but one of the best related to a light-hearted article about Yoshi. It turned out that an official Nintendo Character Guide from 1993 had said that Yoshi is "properly known as T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas" and is a 'young dinosaur',...
First Impressions Feeling Young Again With Sonic Mania
A delicious blend of the retro and modern
On occasions in the past we've bemoaned Nintendo's tendency to shut down work by talented independent developers remixing and re-imagining their games, when an alternative is to embrace them. Capcom did this with the quirky free PC release of Mega Man X Street Fighter, which was fun if a tad flawed, but SEGA...
Feature 10 Intriguing Third-Party Nintendo Switch Games for Your Wishlist
Not just the big names
With the Nintendo Switch getting rather close, interest in the line-up of games that we can expect this year is naturally starting to increase. We've already produced a breakdown of confirmed games that we periodically revisit and update, but we thought we'd pick out some particularly intriguing titles from third-parties. In...
Poll A Week On, How Do You Feel About the Nintendo Switch?
Good, bad, numb to it all?
Well, it's been a little over a week since Tatsumi Kimishima took to the stage in Tokyo and kicked off a weekend of reveals, events and live streams to showcase the Nintendo Switch. Early pre-orders have been made, games have been confirmed, and opinions have been shared. Some of you may recall that we ran a poll shortly...
First Impressions Getting Some Laps In With FAST RMX
The popular racer makes the switch
FAST Racing NEO was easily one of the best indie titles on the Wii U; in our review we referred to it as one of the few titles that is "...able to stand to-to-toe with Nintendo's first-party offerings." Unfortunately it didn't get the level of attention it deserved due to being released on a console with such a...
Feature The Quest for the Ultimate NES Classic Edition Wireless Controller
8Bitdo NES30 Vs Nyko Miniboss
The NES Classic Edition is a wonderful micro-sized retro-gaming machine; availability issues aside its hard to find much fault with, it apart from the rather short controller cable which comes with the otherwise excellent replica of the original NES controller. At just 30 inches the cable that joins the pad to the...
Soapbox It's Nintendo's Job To Make Switch A Success, Not EA's, Ubisoft's Or Capcom's
Playing the blame game doesn't work
The dust has settled on the big reveal of the Nintendo Switch and while we're almost certain to see more software support confirmed for the console before launch day arrives, it's hard to ignore the feeling that history is repeating itself, at least when it comes to third party support. Companies like EA, Capcom,...
Editorial Pricing Blunders Have Distorted The Narrative Around Nintendo Switch
The cost of stubborn business
The reaction to Nintendo Switch since its presentation has been mixed, it's fair to say. In terms of metrics such as 'Likes' on YouTube and vibes among my own acquaintances, family and friends there's been a positive response. Yet to browse some specialist sites and similar channels on YouTube (or even comments sections...
First Impressions Getting Strategic in Disgaea 5 Complete
Layin' the smackdown on jabronies
One of the most unexpected titles coming to Nintendo Switch is Disgaea 5 Complete, a tactical RPG in the vein of genre classics like Final Fantasy Tactics. We spent quite a bit of time with the game at Nintendo's New York Switch event, and came away quite impressed with the port. If you haven't heard of the Disgaea...
Preview Feeling Warm and Fuzzy With Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World
This is how 3DS ports should be done
In recent times we've seen a very deliberate attempt by Nintendo to broaden the audience for key Wii U titles through 3DS ports. Hyrule Warriors Legends set the tone, and then Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS gave an offline spin on the home console title. In both cases the ports had tweaks to suit the...
Talking Point What We Hope to See in the Fire Emblem Nintendo Direct
Switch and mobile to the fore
If early year intentions can be taken as an indication of Nintendo's eagerness to have a big year, then so far things bode well. Despite the various positives and negatives around the Nintendo Switch and its launch offerings, Nintendo did at least go wholeheartedly into presenting it. The live event from Tokyo was...
First Impressions Revisiting Hyrule in Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch
Link has never looked this good
Steve Bowling and Narelle Ho Sang collaborate their thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch. At E3 2016, Nintendo showed little from upcoming games in the Wii U's twilight year. Understandable given the Switch was on the horizon, and details were still under wraps. Instead, the...
Talking Point Considering the Paid Online Service for the Nintendo Switch
An inevitable gamble
One of the surprise announcements from Nintendo's big Switch presentation was that it would be introducing a new subscription-based online service for which fans will need to pay a monthly fee. This seems as though it could come as something of a double-edged sword, so we're going to break down some of the pros and cons of this...
Feature Switching It Up In NYC at the Nintendo Switch Event
Nintendo brings Mario and company to The Big Apple
Steve Bowling, Narelle Ho Sang and Lee Meyer share some thoughts on the press and fan event for Nintendo Switch in New York. Nintendo's New York Switch event took place in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Attendees were led up a staircase and funneled into a narrow hallway; on either end of the wall...
First Impressions Taking Aim in The Colourful World of Splatoon 2
Ink or sink
2015 was a funny time for Nintendo, against all the nay-sayers and all the 'Nintendoomers' the company managed to successfully re-evaluate what makes a shooter tick with Splatoon. Now it's at it again with the aptly named Splatoon 2 - sadly not Spla2oon - and we thought we should sit down to ink out the details of the preview event demo...
First Impressions 1-2-Switch is an Ideal Pack-In Game That's Missing Its Chance
Milking the release
The Joy-Con controllers are a key part of the Switch appeal. Though the core mechanic of 'switching' between the TV and portable play is right there in the name, Nintendo's messaging has put plenty of stock in the controllers and what they can bring to the party. As we outlined in our Hands On write-up on the Nintendo Switch, the...
First Impressions Round One With Ultra Street Fighter II On Nintendo Switch
Evil and Violent
Many modern-day Street Fighter fans cut their teeth on the Super NES version of Street Fighter II, the fighting game by which all others continue to be measured even to this day. It's therefore fitting that 25 years later, Capcom is releasing a new version for the Nintendo Switch. We were on-hand to play the latest entry in both...
First Impressions Going Hand-to-Hand With ARMS
Fun with fisticuffs
One of the biggest surprises during Nintendo's Switch Presentation was ARMS, a new one-on-one fighting game directly from The Big N in which you slug it out with springy, stretchy arms. We had the opportunity to spend some time with it at Nintendo's New York Switch event; we're not 100 percent sold, but there's no denying this...
Feature Thoughts on the Nintendo Switch Preview Event in London
A long but fun day
Late last week we attended press events for the Nintendo Switch in London and New York, the same venues that then hosted lucky ballot winners over the weekend. As the first real public pitch of the Switch, along with the main event in Tokyo equivalents in Paris and Frankfurt, these settings were an important first testing ground...
First Impressions Explosive Action in Super Bomberman R
Bombs away!
One of the more pleasant surprises to come out of the weekend's Nintendo Switch announcements is Konami's Super Bomberman R. This pick-up-and-play title will be ready for the Switch's launch, and looks to be very charming, fun and accessible. For those unfamiliar with the 33-year-old franchise, Bomberman is a series in which the title...
First Impressions A Switch Surprise - Cutting Snipperclips Down to Size
A potential gem for the launch month
If this writer is pressed on his favourite game from the Nintendo Switch preview event, it isn't one of the big-hitters. Some of them were grand, for sure, but tucked away in a corner - somewhat unloved in the shadow of the section for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - was Snipperclips - Cut it out,...
First Impressions Back on Track with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Switching gear
Given that a number of gamers who pick up the Nintendo Switch may not have owned a Wii U, it makes a lot of sense to have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the launch window for the new system. Not only is it one of the most fun games on the Wii U, but it has also been the best-selling too — with over eight million copies sold worldwide...
Guide A Breakdown of Confirmed Nintendo Switch Games and Release Dates
When can you buy the biggest hits?
With Nintendo Switch due so soon, on 3rd March, a lot of debate and focus is on the confirmed line-up to date. Eager to avoid ambiguity, we've looked through Nintendo's information and confirmation from third-party developers to get a picture of what games are coming, and when. Note that we're disregarding all...
Gallery Here's What The Nintendo Switch Looks Like From (Almost) Every Angle
Hands-on with the new system
During yesterday's Nintendo Switch UK Premiere in London we got the opportunity to not only sample some of the forthcoming games for the new console, but also to lovingly fondle the Switch itself and some of its accessories. The tiny Joy-Cons are adorable but don't feel too small in use; time will tell if they're up to...
Gallery Treading The Red Carpet At The Nintendo Switch UK Premiere
Hello Hammersmith Apollo!
Today we were lucky enough to attend the UK premiere of the Switch, the latest games console from the Japanese gaming giant Nintendo. The event took place at the Hammersmith Apollo in London and was filled with Switch units running some of the titles we'll be playing on the platform in 2017. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had its own...