Latest Features
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...
Hands On Putting the Nintendo Switch Hardware Through Its Paces
We consider its features, build and general performance
As you're no doubt aware, press events are currently taking place to showcase the Nintendo Switch, with some also open to the public this weekend. We attended the London event and took the opportunity to put the hardware through its paces, testing out its varied control options and functions...
Feature The Big Nintendo Switch Presentation Summary
Let's break it down...
The Nintendo Switch Presentation, live out of Tokyo, delivered a number of exciting reveals. There were some surprises, some absences from past rumours, and even a 4Chan post was ultimately proven right in multiple areas. For most, we hope, there were some genuine surprises to add to the buzz. We put together quite a lot of...
Live Blog Watch the Nintendo Treehouse With Nintendo Switch - Live!
Going in depth with upcoming games
We've had the Nintendo Switch Presentation live out of Tokyo, and now the big N moves into promoting and showing off the goodies that were revealed. Nintendo of America's Treehouse team is going to go in depth with some major Switch games, so check it out below. <liveblog...
Poll What Did You Think of the Nintendo Switch Presentation?
Is the hype real?
It's now been a few hours since Nintendo wrapped up its Nintendo Switch Presentation, during which it revealed a whole range of launch details. We learnt more about what the system can do, saw a lot of games, and discovered how much it'll cost. Our Nintendo Switch section has all the news articles, while you can watch the...
Live Blog Watch the Nintendo Switch Presentation - Live!
It is time!
It's been a long wait but it's finally here - the Nintendo Switch Presentation. Live from Tokyo, we're expecting a whole lot of reveals and details on Nintendo's next-gen system. The time is now. <liveblog id="watch_the_nintendo_switch_presentation_-_live" tags="#NintendoSwitch" video="
Feature What We Expect from the Nintendo Switch Presentation
It's nearly time...
The Nintendo Switch Presentation is almost upon us, which will be followed up by multiple streams and plenty of hands-on impressions - including our own - hitting the web. It's been a long wait, but we're finally going to get a good look at Nintendo's next system. When is the Nintendo Switch Presentation? The full presentation,...
Editorial The Idea of VR on Nintendo Switch is Interesting, But Big Questions Remain
Virtual Insanity?
In early 2016 I wrote an article about why Nintendo and VR weren't a good fit for 2016, heady days when there was a chance of the Switch - at that point still the 'NX' - being a Holiday 2016 release (in our dreams). I concluded by saying that "Virtual Reality isn't well established, efficient or affordable technology, at least not...
Guide Getting to Grips With SOS Battles in Pokémon Sun and Moon
Sending out an SOS
S.O.S. Battles are the most noteworthy new battle element in Pokémon Sun & Moon because, well frankly, you will continually see them during your gameplay. So what are they? As you are battling a Pokémon, it will often call for help from another Pokémon, usually one of the same species, that will join the battle and give...
Soapbox Why I Still Love the Wii U
Forgotten by some, but not gone
On what Steve (a reviewer on these pages) is calling 'Switchmas Eve', he shares his love for the system that's soon to be replaced by the Nintendo Switch. He raises a glass to the Wii U. It's Switchmas Eve, and like a child waiting for Father Christmas I couldn't be more excited for what the Nintendo Switch...
Feature Our Hopes for the Nintendo Switch Presentation
High hopes
With the Nintendo Switch presentation creeping ever closer the anticipation is undoubtedly building. It's been over four years since the launch of Wii U and nearly six years of the 3DS, so the prospect of new generation hardware is undeniably exciting. We have our usual batch of 'what we expect' and other editorial articles on the way...
Book Review Hardcore Gaming 101 Presents: The Guide To Shoot-Em-Ups Volume 1
Bullet point
The humble 2D shooter may have fallen out of favour with the mainstream these days, but it's certainly one of the most important genres in the world of video gaming. Were it not for Space Invaders – the shooter that arguably birthed a genre – then our industry may well have evolved in an entirely different fashion. During the '80s...
Talking Point The Challenges and Opportunities of the Nintendo Switch Presentation
It can provide vital early momentum for 2017
With just days to go until Nintendo's Switch Presentation, anticipation is building for the first substantial official look at the system and - presumably - a number of games and launch details. Putting aside rumours and leaks, relatively little has been said since the initial preview trailer, beyond a...
Feature Experiencing Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses & Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
Music to all ears
Arjun has attended both the Symphony of the Goddesses and Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions tours, and shares his thoughts on the experiences. To most people, video games are a way to relax, unwind, be entertained, get competitive, or all of the above. To others, video games are that and then some - a tool to escape into worlds...
Feature Everything You Need to Know About the Nintendo Switch, So Far
Get clued in ahead of the big presentation
It's Nintendo Switch week, at long last. In a matter of days we'll have seen a lot more of Nintendo's next-gen system and will have a good idea of what it'll have to offer at launch. The arrival of a new console generation is always exciting, and there's the sense that Nintendo aims to go all-in with its...
Feature Ten Classic Games Which Would Be Great To Play On The NES Mini
If only there was legit way of adding more games
We really loved getting our hands on the NES Mini back in November last year; this diminutively-sized replica of Nintendo's nostalgic first home console really shows off some of the best games in the NES library. However, after a while even the greatest games in the world may feel a little bit stale,...
PlayStation Now is another example of the creeping role of cloud gaming
It seems an age ago now, but once upon a time Cloud Gaming was said to be an imminent reality - in 2010 it was hot news, with excitable talk about a revolution in how we play games. The concept has always been simple in theory - utilise remote processing power delivered by the...
Feature Delving Into The World of Accessories for the Classic Mini Famicom
Guidebooks, a pretend Mini Famicom Disk System and more
Its been about six weeks since the NES Classic Edition and its Japanese counterpart - the Classic Mini Family Computer - were released. While there have been a few complaints, mostly about the
Poll One Week to Go - How Are Your Nintendo Switch Presentation Hype Levels?
Let's get it goin'
2017 is still barely underway but, from a Nintendo fan's perspective, the coming week is surely one of the most anticipated in quite some time. After last year's teaser video, the big N is finally prepared to show off its next generation of hardware in the Nintendo Switch Presentation. It's now less than a week away, and the...
Soapbox You Should Probably Avoid Capcom's Mega Man Mobile Ports
Poor emulation, frame rate issues, dodgy controls - what went wrong?
Capcom may be reluctant to release an entirely new Mega Man game these days but it has no issues with mining its past and recycling existing titles from the series, and recently announced that it would be releasing all six of the classic NES entries on iOS and Android. Those games...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Twelve
It's all about the new year
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Matters Of Import Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3: Final Stage
The end of an era
While Sega has been curiously reluctant to update its existing Wii Virtual Console catalogue for the Wii U and 3DS, it hasn't entirely forgotten its past glories this console cycle. Courtesy of emulation experts M2 we've had some amazing updates of vintage Sega games on the 3DS, each one blessed with auto-stereoscopic visuals and a...
Editorial The 3D Effect - A Smart 3DS Feature That Struggled to Find Its True Depth
It was the future, once upon a time
In early 2011 I went to a public demo event for the 3DS, getting an invite through Club Nintendo. This was long before I annoyed people with my opinions here on Nintendo Life; in fact at that point I was the unfamiliar name that had written a review for Spot the Differences! on WiiWare. As some of you no doubt...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Eleven
"Eleven pun"
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Feature A Year in Development - CIRCLE Entertainment Reflects on 2016 and Indie Challenges
"We won't give up on Nintendo platforms"
In this series of features we invite 'Nindies' to share thoughts on their experiences in 2016. In this entry we chat to Chris Chau, co-founder and CEO of CIRCLE Entertainment; the company is one of the most prolific eShop publishers, particularly on 3DS, and we discuss its continuing drive to release a...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Ten
Ten-a-plenty
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Poll Are You Optimistic for Nintendo's 2017?
There's a lot on the horizon
2017 is a vital year for Nintendo; we think that's beyond dispute. 2016 did have highlights and moments of significant interest for the company, particularly in mobile and with notable Pokémon releases across smart devices and 3DS, but it'll also be remembered as a year in which Nintendo went into a bit of a holding...
Feature Hopes and Dreams for Nintendo's 2017
Our writers on their wishes for the year
With a New Year set to bring fresh hardware and all of that goodness, there's much to look forward to for Nintendo fans in 2017. There's a major Switch presentation just days away, too, so momentum should start strong and hopefully see us through to the start of 2018. In this feature a number of our writers...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Nine
Nine gamers laughing
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. Today features an excellent 3DS case from Waterfield Designs. To say Alex loved the gloriously soft interior and robust leather outer layer is an understatement If you fancy...
Feature Five New Year's Resolutions for Nintendo
Be bold and Switch things up
2017 is here, which means a fresh start and looking forward with optimism. Many also take the chance to set New Year's resolutions, goals for improving on what's come before. Nintendo, undoubtedly, has some of its own. There's plenty to be excited about for Nintendo's upcoming year and no doubt the company is gearing up...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Eight
Greight stuff
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Feature A Year in Development - 3Souls and the Debut of a New Nindie
"Games are a really powerful tool for connecting with people"
In this series of features we invite 'Nindies' to share thoughts on their experiences in 2016. In this entry Arturo Chaves Maza of Red Column writes about a year in which his studio released its debut game on the Wii U eShop - 3Souls. If you haven't heard about Red Column before, I...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Seven
Lucky number seven
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Feature A Year in Development - Yacht Club Games on Digging In With Shovel Knight
"We couldn't feel more honored that people still care about Shovel Knight"
In this series of features we invite 'Nindies' to share thoughts on their experiences in 2016. In this entry we chat to David D'Angelo of Yacht Club Games; we discuss another year of evolution for Shovel Knight, including its retail release in Japan and ongoing free updates...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Six
Six-a-ma-phone
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Talking Point Splatoon May Be Winding Down, But Its Legacy Could Be Significant
Modern trends with a Nintendo touch
In the remainder of 2016 we'll re-share some of our favourite feature articles from the year. This article from 4th August reflects on the end of an era after the final Splatoon Splatfest, and how the colourful shooter established a DLC model for Nintendo that's sure to return in the future. Recently we had the...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Five
Five alive
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
Feature Looking Back at Nintendo's 2016
The Nintendo Life team considers the good and bad parts of the year
2016 is nearly at an end, and it was an interesting year for Nintendo. It made its first moves into mobile, played its part in the extravagances of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary, while also going big on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It was a year that also had some lows,...
Ninterview Learning Retro Secrets With A Former Nintendo Game Play Counselor
"We couldn't say 'kill', we had to say 'defeat'"
In the remainder of 2016 we'll re-share some of our favourite feature articles from the year. We're actually cheating with this one, as it was originally published way back on 20th January 2015; with the NES Mini hype of 2016, however, it nevertheless seemed worth sharing once again. In its day the...
Feature Nintendo Life's 12 Days of Christmas - Day Four
Four score
In this video series Alex takes a look at a wealth of wonderful Nintendo-themed goodies, unboxing one parcel at a time over the course of twelve days. If you fancy picking up what Alex unboxed today, click here.
A Link to the Present
In the remainder of 2016 we'll re-share some of our favourite feature articles from the year. This article considers the bigger picture behind the design decisions in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, based on some extended playtime with the E3 build at Nintendo UK's HQ. This was originally published on 29th June, back...