News Nintendo Is Ending SplatNet for Splatoon Next Month
Don’t worry, the game servers will still be up
News - August, 2017
Thursday31st Aug 2017
News Nintendo Is Ending SplatNet for Splatoon Next Month
Don’t worry, the game servers will still be up
Splatoon was a landmark moment for Nintendo, marking its first major online multiplayer focused game and in a new genre for the company, too. The game was a smash hit (or at least as much as one could be on Wii U), but it’s been inevitable since day one that this online game would eventually see a...
Review Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack (Switch)
A shock to your system
In the void left behind by the absence of Capcom’s classic Mega Man series, Azure Striker Gunvolt stepped up to the plate and did a fantastic job of iterating on the original format while also adding in some wholly unique elements that made the game stand out. Then Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 came out, offering up a tighter,...
News Nintendo Ordered to Pay $10 Million Following Patent Lawsuit Loss
Nintendo confirms intent to appeal
The technology behind the Wii went through plenty of patent lawsuits with Nintendo winning the majority of reported cases, though a looming loss to Philips back in 2014 led to the signing of a global patent license agreement. That was related to motion technology in the Wii Remote, and now Nintendo has lost in an...
News This 400GB Micro SD Card Looks Perfect For Switch Owners
It's a big 'un!
With so many tempting downloadable delights on show in the recent Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase, we did wonder how long the measly Micro SD card in our Switch could keep up. After all, who wants to be switching SD cards over to play all your games, or worse still having to delete some games? For those who have made the...
Nintendo Download 31st August (North America)
LEGO Worlds! League of Evil! R.B.I. Baseball 17! More!
After all of the excitement about games coming to the Switch eShop over the next few months, it's time to settle down for the latest Nintendo Download Update details. It's a relatively quiet week (albeit Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle recently arrived but was listed last week) that...
News Sonic Forces Gets North American Release Date and a Snazzy Pre-Order Bonus Edition
Includes a Joy-Con Grip skin and free DLC
Sonic Forces recently got a Japanese release date, and it turns out that North America will get it two days earlier on 7th November. At a price of $39.99 USD/$54.99 CAD. the pre-order 'Bonus Edition' will come with a neat controller skin and some DLC outfit goodies. SEGA® announced today that Sonic...
News Switch Hardware Sales Climb Again as Monster Hunter XX Arrives in Japan
The new MH doesn't scale the heights of predecessors, however
In the madness of prepping for the Nindies Showcase yesterday we skipped by the Media Create Japanese chart results, but by popular(ish) demand here they are. The big software arrival of the week was Monster Hunter XX on Nintendo Switch, but though it hit number one it...
News NBA 2K18 to Have All Modes and Support amiibo on Switch, But Won't Hit 60fps
Early impressions suggest it's a 'little last-gen'
NBA 2K18 is one of a few high profile sports titles coming to the Switch this year - the Wii U also had some early support that only lasted one round of games, but hopefully the Switch will have greater longevity. With its release closer some impressions are emerging, and our network colleagues at...
News Worms W.M.D. Is Now Officially Confirmed For Switch
Switch version features two new forts
Yesterday's Nintendo Summer Nindie Showcase was jam-packed with indie goodness that is coming to the Switch eShop in the foreseeable future. Team 17's upcoming Worms W.M.D. didn't make the cut (for shame), but eagle-eyed Switch fans did notice som
News A Nintendo 64 Die Hard Prototype Has Been Preserved
"Yippee-Ki-Yay, Nintendo 64!"
Video game archaeologists can rejoice, because Assembler Games forum user 10ahu has dumped and released the three known working prototypes of the infamous Die Hard 64, a game that would try to give the revered GoldenEye 007 a run for its bullets. Canned mid-development by Fox Interactive, this Bits Studios-developed...
Guide Getting Started in Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Battle for beginners
The crossover between the house Mario built and Ubisoft’s demented Rabbids is finally upon us, and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a game unlike any other on the Switch to date. Before it was even so much as officially announced gamers were panning the title, saying it just didn’t make sense. Much to our delight,...
Nintendo Download 31st August (Europe)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle! League of Evil! Zed Blade! Much more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the Nintendo Download Update in Europe. This week has brought us two retail titles and a few interesting download-only games on Switch, while a promising 3DS eShop game and various DLC packs across platforms are also up for grabs - along...
Feature The Big Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase Summary - Summer 2017
There's a lot to get through
This week Nintendo brought us the second 'Nindies Showcase' of the year, focused almost exclusively on Switch eShop games (with a couple also coming to the 3DS). It followed a similar format to the late February original, with Damon Baker spending around 20 minutes rattling through quickfire announcements and trailers...
News Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Street Fighter With This Pricey SNES Cart
Yoga fire warning
Ah, nostalgia. While we can totally get behind retro delights such as the upcoming SNES Classic Edition and being able to challenge friends on the train with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers on the Switch, there has to come a point where you just roll your eyes. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Street...
News Game Boy Color Title 'µCity' Brings Sim City To Your Pocket
Homebrew release proves 8-bit portable city managment was feasable
The homebrew community strikes again with a rather surprising fully featured release! µCity (read "Microm City") for the Game Boy Color is the result of dedication by homebrew coder AntonioND, who released version 1.0 of the game a couple of months ago. It flew under our radar until...
Random Worms W.M.D Assets Included in Nintendo's Nindie Showcase Press Details
A weird error or an announcement yet to be made
Nintendo's Summer Nindie Showcase wasn't short of announcements, but it naturally didn't cover everything coming to the Switch eShop. One game that Nintendo of America seems to be confirming - which is a new one that wasn't even in the European sizzle reel - is Worms W.M.D. At the time of...
Review Physical Contact: SPEED (Switch eShop)
Not so wild card
The Nintendo Wii brought a new demographic to the world of video games. Suddenly, everyone from Mum and Dad, Nan and Grandad were subject to waggle, stray remotes flying into TVs, plastic balance boards and mini steering wheels. Unfortunately, for every Galaxy and Prime example of the console's library, the Wii was engulfed in what...
Video Catch Up With the Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase and PAX West Trailers
Lots of videos to enjoy
For fans of Nindies and the Switch eShop it's been a bumper week, culminating in the Summer Nindies Showcase from Nintendo. We'll be doing our usual 'Big Summary' soon to help you catch up on the glut of news articles related to announcements, but until then we thought we'd bring together the videos and trailers around the...
News Build Your Switch eShop Hype With This Nindies Summer Sizzle Reel
So many games
This has been a particularly cool week for fans of Indie games, with both Nintendo of Europe and America going out of their way to showcase and highlight some of the gems currently on the way to the Switch eShop. Nintendo of America hosted its Nindie Showcase already but tonight is the Nindies@Night event in Seattle, and to celebrate...
News Blue's Journey Takes Him To Switch Next Week
Da ba dee da ba daa, da ba dee da ba daa, da ba dee da ba daa...
Better know as "Raguy" in the Land of the Rising Sun, 1991's Blue's Journey is your next HAMSTER Neo Geo title to be re-released on the Switch eShop, due on 7th September. Opening the month of September with a two player cooperative platformer is a rather nice change of pace...
Wednesday30th Aug 2017
News Zelda: Breath of the Wild Glitch Allows You To View Link Without A Cartoon Shader
Fifty shades of Hyrule
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild might have already been in the public's hands for nearly six months, but gamers continue to unearth hidden gems whilst the exploring the world of Hyrule. Now Reddit user Rangers_Of_The_North is the latest person to stumble upon something. Whilst scouring for Korok seeds, the...
News Here’s What the Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Day One Update Does
A nice change
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle will perhaps go down as one of the biggest turnarounds in gaming history, and the game is now available on store shelves. After an initial reveal due to some massive leaks, fan and media reaction was tepid to say the least, but since then, the game has become very well received. And now, a launch day...
News Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes Will Be a Switch Exclusive in 2018
First trailer makes its mark
Having previously announced its existence in the big Switch unveiling out of Japan at the start of the year, today's Nindie Showcase brought us a first look at Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes, which will be a Switch exclusive in 2018. The premise is that Bat Girl's father tries to kill Travis Touchdown, but...
News Nintendo Throws Us Another Freebie With the Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gift
Not as fancy as the weapons pictured, of course
As many of you have no doubt noticed Nintendo has started SpotPass on the Switch, sort of, via free gifts for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. All you do is access the 'Tips from the Wild' posts in the News tab and launch the software from within the note, and a treasure chest or the items...
News Golf Story Hits the Links in September, Exclusively on Switch
Ditch the swords for a set of irons in this RPG adventure
Combining both traditional RPG mechanics and golf, Golf Story brings together a heartfelt story and cast of characters with the mechanics of an arcade golf game. Today's Nindie Showcase revealed some new features as well as a new release window. Featuring traditional golf, disc golf and mini...
Watch The Nintendo Switch Summer Nindie Showcase - Live!
Download details galore
In what's clearly going to be a regular treat, Nintendo of America is bringing us a Nindie Showcase to remind us of all the goodies on the way to the Switch eShop. Expect plenty of release dates, game announcements and a few exclusives. <liveblog id="the_nintendo_switch_summer_nindie_showcase_-_live" tags="#NintendoSwitch...
Review Super Sidekicks (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
International so-so Soccer
Although primarily known for its fighters, the Neo Geo did host games in a number of other genres and indeed Hamster’s ACA releases have included puzzlers, run and gun titles, shooters and a golf game. Now they bring us football (or "soccer" if you're reading this in North America) simulator Super Sidekicks. The aim of...
News Shovel Knight: King of Cards Brings a New Adventure to Switch in 2018
The final quest in the Treasure Trove saga
Shovel Knight fans rejoice! Today's Nindie Summer Showcase revealed a brand new adventure for the critically acclaimed 2D side-scroller. Shovel Knight: King of Cards is the final chapter in the Treasure Trove saga and brings 30 all new courses for players to enjoy. In this prequel adventure,...
Guide Tips For Winning Splatoon 2's Splatfests
To the splattlefield
Splatoon 2 is gearing up for its second Splatfest as we publish this, a battle between Flight and Invisibility; inklings will battle across a variety of stages to determine which side will reign supreme. Of course, that means those inklings are going to need to know how to outsmart and outshoot their opponents. Not all of us are...
Feature Five Things We Expect From the Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase - Summer 2017
Along with increased web searches for micro-SD cards
Over the years Nintendo has spread its wings from slapping 'Direct' on all of its broadcasts, and is returning with another Nindies Showcase. We had one of these just before the Nintendo Switch launched, and it went big on outlining notable games heading to the eShop, also making a point of...
Review Sky Ride (Switch eShop)
Sky’s quite limited
When you first boot up Sky Ride, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d accidentally downloaded an early alpha version by mistake. After selecting it from your Switch home menu you get a brief loading screen and are then immediately presented with your character sitting there, ready to go with a basic title logo up in the...
News SteamWorld Dig 2 Arrives on 21st September, Image & Form Confirms Pricing
"It's more than a nice deal"
During today's Nintendo Switch Nindie Showcase, it was confirmed that the highly anticipated SteamWorld Dig 2 will arrive on 21st September; developer Image & Form has also confirmed the pricing. It'll cost $19.99 / €19.99 / £14.99, which is higher that the original SteamWorld Dig but in the same...
Feature How Wulverblade Is Bringing Britain's Blood-Soaked History To Life On Nintendo Switch
"We really feel like part of the Nintendo family already"
Wulverblade is a game that is three years in the making, and was originally supposed to come out on the Xbox One to spearhead (no pun intended) Microsoft's indie drive. However, fast forward to 2017 and the situation is slightly different; this gorgeous-looking hack and slash title is going...
News Response To Descenders On Switch Has Been "Incredible", Says No More Robots
"Nintendo has been super supportive to us"
Descenders is shaping up very nicely indeed, and publisher No More Robots has revealed to us that the response from Switch owners has been overwhelming - so much so that developer RageSquid is ramping up its efforts on Nintendo's system. No More Robots founder Mike Rose told us: Nintendo has been...
News Dragon: Marked for Death is the Next Game From Inti Creates - Exclusive on Switch
Will support local and online co-op
Inti Creates has been active on the Switch eShop since it launched, and the popular studio now has another title on the way - Dragon: Marked for Death. It'll be a Switch exclusive and is due 'this Winter'. It sounds rather promising, with sidescrolling play (very much Inti Creates' wheel house), plenty of content...
News Gear.Club Unlimited Power Slides Onto Switch in December
Vroom vroom
We've just got word from publisher Microïds that racing simulator Gear.Club Unlimited will land on the Switch on 1st December. We have to say it's looking pretty good from the reveal trailer shown above. The PR follows: For the first time on Nintendo Switch, players will discover an authentic racing car universe with Gear.Club...
News Competitive Shooter Morphies Law to be a Switch Console Exclusive This Winter
Has a particularly quirky premise
During today's Nindie Showcase Nintendo's Damon Baker made the point that the company is keen to ensure all kinds of games are available on the Switch eShop. To that end he announced Morphies Law, a 4 vs 4 shooter from Cosmoscope with some interesting twists. Check out the trailer below to get a sense of what this...
News Square Enix Unveils a New Gameplay Trailer for Lost Sphear
Including the rather funky 'Vulcosuits'
I am Setsuna was one of the more high profile early arrivals on the Switch eShop, and now the aptly named Tokyo RPG Factory (with publishing by Square Enix) is getting closer to releasing its next game - Lost Sphear. There's a new trailer to show us what this one will play like, including 'Vulcosuits'...
News Yono and the Celestial Elephants Shines Onto Switch as a Console Exclusive This October
Make sure to pack your trunks!
Just when you were beginning to think that today's Nindies Showcase should have featured way more giant mammals, Yono And The Celestial Elephants trumpeted onto the scene with an adventure to really sink your tusks into. The work of Swedish developer Neckbolt Games, this top-down adventure title will have...
News Mom Hid My Game Will Try to Find a Home on Switch and 3DS Later This Year
Previously a smart device release
Quite a few of the games in today's Nindie Showcase made a positive impression, but it's fair to say that Mom Hid My Game baffled some onlookers. It's a light-hearted game in which you have to solve puzzles and find assorted gaming systems hidden through various rooms. Developed by hap Inc. and previously released...
News Light Fingers Takes Turn-Based Board Gaming To Switch In Early 2018
Play deviously in a procedurally generated world
Given the console's portability and the versatile Joy-Cons, it's always great to see local multiplayer titles announced for the Switch; today's Nindies Showcase was no exception. Played by thieves and outcasts by candlelight in shady taverns, Light Fingers is a competitive board game for any budding...
News Super Meat Boy Forever Bounces onto Nintendo Switch in 2018
This beefy sequel launches in 2018
During today's Nindie Summer Showcase, the sequel to the indie hit Super Meat Boy was announced for Nintendo Switch. Super Meat Boy Forever tells the story of Meat Boy and Bandage Girl and their quest to rescue their baby Nugget from the evil Dr. Fetus. Alongside a new story, new gameplay features were also...
Feature Christophe Galati On The Long Road To Switch For Save Me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San
"All the pieces fit together organically and I’m happy with the result"
Yesterday saw the surprise announcement of many upcoming Switch eShop games, one of which was of special interest to fans of the vintage Game Boy. However, despite looking every inch like a classic monochrome title from 1989, Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San is the...
Video See How Pokkén Tournament DX Has Evolved in This New Features Trailer
New fighters, online tournaments and more
Plenty have been following Pokkén Tournament DX closely since its announcement earlier in this year, but some may still be fuzzy on what distinguishes this Switch version from the Wii U original. With its release just weeks away, Nintendo is clearly aware of the need to convince some fans to double dip. A...
News Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is Coming to Switch in Early 2018
Complete with all five mysterious acts
Slinking out of the shadows of Nintendo's Nindies presentation, it was announced that the acclaimed point-and-click title Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition would be coming to Switch in early 2018. The entire episodic story will release for the first time on consoles, including the debut of the...
News Poly Bridge is Engineering a Release on Switch in the Holiday Season
Another 'console exclusive'
Slowly and surely the Switch eShop is getting more games that suit more cerebral, laid back players. Poly Bridge will certainly fit that role, arriving as a console exclusive on the Switch eShop this Holiday season. This looks to be a game that'll keep engineers and logical gamers interested for a long time,...
News Pikuniku to Bring "Absurd Puzzle-Exploration" Gaming to the Switch eShop
Devolver Digital to publish
It's been a terrific week for Switch eShop aficionados keen to see more quality games that are on the way, and now Devolver Digital has confirmed Switch as the only console (so far) to be in line for its upcoming title Pikuniku (it'll also come to PC). The developer is Sectordub, a collaborative studio comprised of Arnaud...
News Sausage Sports Club Will Aim for Meaty Sales on the Switch eShop
Featuring "adorable floppy-necked animals"
Due to the out-of-the-box multiplayer options of the Nintendo Switch, it's a happy follow-on that various games will make use of that functionality. We've already had quite a few party games, and Sausage Sports Club will join the ranks this Autumn / Fall. It'll have various modes and minigames in...
News Next Up Hero Will Join the Ranks on Switch in 2018
Summon players that have died to help you out
The Switch eShop is getting plenty of games that are already making their reputation on PC and other consoles, and one title starting to do that is Next Up Hero, confirmed today as coming to the Switch in early 2018. This one is currently available as a beta in Steam, and has quite an interesting...
News Mulaka Will Bring Its Weird Running and Intriguing Premise to Switch in 2018
Will have exclusive features on Switch
Some Nindie games, courtesy of the development tools now available, deliver a grandeur beyond the resources sunk into the project. Based upon the initial trailer, Mulaka could be one of those games. Check out the description and trailer below. Battle mythical creatures, solve puzzles and undergo magical...
News Runner3 Gets a Shiny New Trailer, Due for Release in 2018
For those of you wondering
Today's Nindie Showcase featured a lot of games, but one notable absentee was Switch exclusive Runner3. Though it wasn't in the broadcast, it does have a new PAX West trailer on Nintendo's YouTube channel that also confirms it'll be a 2018 arrival. It's a shame we have a little while to wait for this one, but it'll be...
News Floor Kids Will Start the Beat on Switch This Holiday Season
A breakdancing game with funky beats
Those looking for more rhythm gaming kicks on the Switch will have been pleased by the announcement of Floor Kids during today's Nindie Showcase; it'll come to Switch 'first' in the Holiday season. It's a project with a fascinating history - Canadian animator JonJon produced some animated shorts in 2007-2008,...
News Battle Chef Brigade Aims to Deliver a Festive Feast on Nintendo Switch
New trailer showcases a mix of gameplay styles
Battle Chef Brigade was one of many games confirmed for the Switch eShop back when the console launched, but Nintendo has now taken the opportunity to share more of it in today's Nindie Showcase. Developed by Trinket Games and published by Adult Swim, it's a fantastical setting that mixes up combat...
Tuesday29th Aug 2017
Guide Pokémon GO Raids, Bosses, Rewards And Winning Tactics
Playing with the big boys
Niantic’s Pocket Monster-catching phenomenon is an ever-changing and adapting beast; regular updates and additions to the game have made Pokémon GO a much-loved but potentially confusing experience. The recently added ‘Raid Battles’ are one element that may well cause some confusion to new players and veterans alike...
Feature A Breakdown of the New Nindie Gems Heading to the Switch eShop
Including trailers and footage for 6 fresh games
Earlier today Nintendo of Europe published a rather tasty Nintendo x Indies sizzle reel, in slightly odd timing considering that tomorrow Nintendo of America is broadcasting a Nindies Showcase Presentation. Inter-subsidiary one-upmanship aside, the European video is a nice reminder of some of the...
Hardware Review The Retro-Bit RES Plus Gives You A HDMI NES For Under 40 Dollars
But is it better than the competition?
Despite the fact that the SNES Classic is on the horizon and we're already seeing SNES clones being announced - like the Hyperkin Supa Retron HD - there's obviously still a healthy market for systems which replicate the performance of Nintendo's previous system, the NES. This year has already given us...
News EA Talks Up the Positives of FIFA 18 on Switch Not Using the Frostbite Engine
"This is a full FIFA that players players will enjoy.”
When FIFA 18 was first announced for Switch some expected a lazy port from EA Sports (perhaps justifiably based on previous Wii efforts). However, early reports are that the Switch version runs at a rock solid 60FPS in both docked and handheld modes. However, there is still one element
News Stardew Valley is "Coming Along Very Well" for Nintendo Switch
Fixes of "the last known bugs" pave the way for testing
Stardew Valley has proven to be a big hit on PC and consoles, but plenty of Nintendo gamers are keen to play the charming farm-sim RPG on the Switch. Recently the team producing the port - Chucklefish Games - advised that it was being cautious not to give a release date until it was fully...
News Two Of Ash's Oldest Pals Are Returning In The Pokémon Sun And Moon Anime
Ah, the nostalgia!
Brock and Misty may be two of the most famous (human) faces in the Pokémon universe, but that didn't stop them being unceremoniously cut from the recent 20th anniversary Pokémon movie. Fans were up in arms about history effectively being re-written to expunge Ash's devoted travelling companions, but it would seem that...
News Super Mario Kart on SNES Gets MSU1 Digital Audio Enhancement
Koopa Troopa's supremacy remains unaffected by aural changes
It is hard to believe that just recently Super Mario Kart turned 25 years old. Even more unbelievable, in just one month there will be a new SNES console with the game out at retail, so we can take on those cups all over again. Dedicated Super Nintendo and MSU1 fans (a byuu-developed...
News The Plug Will Finally Be Pulled On Miiverse In November
We hardly knew Mii
Back in July, we reported on a Wii U system update message which confirmed that Nintendo's quirky social network Miiverse would be coming to an end in the foreseeable future. Of course, the writing was on the wall the moment it was confirmed that Miiverse would not integrated into the Nintendo Switch launch. Now it's been...
Video Nintendo of Europe Unleashes a Tasty Nintendo x Indies Sizzle Reel
Includes a few new arrivals
Sometimes it's easy to wonder if Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo of America are actually both part of the same company. For example the European subsidiary is yet to post a tweet about tomorrow's Nindies Showcase Presentation out of North America, and has now gazumped it somewhat with a tasty Nintendo x Indies sizzle...
Weirdness Splatoon 2 Actually Has Built-In Voice Chat For LAN Play
But it sucks
If you're a big Splatoon 2 fan you might be interested know that it is possible to use voice chat within the game without the need to use the Nintendo Online smartphone companion app. This functionality only works in LAN mode, however, and it isn't particularly great - as you can hear if you watch IGN's test video below. If you want...
News Fire Emblem Warriors Special Edition Is Also Coming to North America
Same release date as Europe, too
One of the most anticipated titles for the Switch in the near future is that of Fire Emblem Warriors, the new crossover title that’s acting as a sort-of sequel to the Legend of Zelda-themed Hyrule Warriors. It was revealed last week that the game would be receiving a special edition release in Europe, but at the...
News Ubisoft Developer Davide Soliani On "Pushing The Limit" With Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Selfies and dabs in the Mushroom Kingdom
With Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle being released into the wild today, Ubisoft developer Davide Soliani has been speaking with Gamasutra about his experience of working with Nintendo. The now-familiar developer became a popular figure during Ubisoft's E3 conference, filmed crying happy tears after he
Editorial Farewell to the Flawed Miiverse, But Thanks for the Memories
A bright start made way for a slightly weird online space
Sometimes Nintendo takes an established idea and makes it very, well, 'Nintendo'. It made a deathmatch-style shooter but decided it shouldn't be all about killing, so we got Splatoon, for example. It's a broader trend through the company's history, too, especially in the hardware space...
Save me, Mr. Tako!
Californian publisher Nicalis has announced the release of platformer / RPG crossover Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San on Nintendo Switch, due out in the fourth quarter of this year.. From 23-year-old French developer Christophe Galati and composer Marc-Antoine Archier, Tako-San is a love letter to both the Game Boy...
Review Boost Beast (Switch eShop)
Pairing Paws
Arc System Works may be best known for its hardcore 2D fighters, like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, but it's also got a softer side, publishing several smaller titles like Shephy and New Frontier Days on the Switch eShop. The latest of these is Boost Beast, an animal-themed match-three puzzler from Yoshi's New Island and
Review Puzzled (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Blocking our enjoyment
Not all Neo Geo games are created equal. Although the majority of titles on SNK’s system offer great blasts of arcade goodness, there were also a number of Neo Geo games back in the day that didn’t quite meet the high standards set by other gems like The King Of Fighters or Metal Slug. Puzzled, sadly, is a perfect example...
News Harmonix Confirms Its New Switch Exclusive, Super Beat Sports
Five rhythmic minigames to take on
Update: As pointed out in the comments this seems to be a follow-up to 'Beat Sports', which was a high profile arrival on Apple TV in 2015. They aren't actually the same game but seem to share two minigames. Original Article: The exciting run of new Switch eShop game announcements continues, with Harmonix (best...
News Nintendo Affected by Recent Online Issues in Japan, Google Admits Fault
A simple 'network configuration error', apparently
While the internet and modern technology are wondrous, powerful things, it's interesting to note how vulnerable and susceptible they are to tumbling down. This was highlighted last week in Japan (on 25th August), when a number of services - including the eShop and servers for Nintendo Switch, Wii U...
Random Ubisoft Shares a Quirky Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Unboxing Video
Rabbid Peach makes a cameo too
With Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle released today, Ubisoft has uploaded a variety of promotional videos to its YouTube channel showcasing the company's collaboration with Nintendo. The standout video, arguably, is an unboxing video by Rabbid Mario himself - parodying that of many famous YouTubers. The...
News Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition Arrives on 7th September With a Switch-Exclusive Co-Op Mode
Practise your German
Earlier today Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition emerged as part of a Nintendo x Indies sizzle reel, a title that's previously won fans on platforms like Steam and PS4. Crunching Koalas, which is handling the port and publishing of the Lichthund-developed game, has now confirmed that it's right around the corner - release is set...
Monday28th Aug 2017
Review Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (Switch)
Bwang Bwang
When Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was revealed to the world through a leaked image of a selfie-taking 'Rabbid Peach', it's fair to say that not all reacted with joy. It seemed like a horrific bit of fan art, especially once follow-up artwork showed Mario and company targeting guns at foes; yet when the game was revealed plenty of...
News These Pokémon Gold & Silver Joy-Cons Are Legendary
You've got to be Johto
Many owners of Nintendo's newest console have taken to the recent trend of customising their joy cons to show off some of their favourite gaming franchises. Alexander Blake - who goes by his Instagram name of cptnalex - has previously created custom Sonic Mania Joy-Cons depicting the blue blur and his fox friend...
News References To Virtual Reality Discovered In Switch's Code
Virtual Boy 2?
Whatever your opinion on the current state of Virtual Reality, the technology is certainly gaining a lot of attention of late, with efforts by Sony, Samsung, HTC and Oculus all capturing the attention of the media and general public. It's probably too early to say if VR is going to cause the revolution it has long promised in...
Review Aero Fighters 2 (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Awesome Shmup action
Aliens are causing trouble all over the world and it’s up to you to stop them. There’s a variety of colourful characters for you to pick from including a baby, a head-in-a-Jar and a dolphin (no, really) as you take to the skies to save the day. With frantic play, some great music and a dose of the quirky, Video System’s...
Review League of Evil (Switch eShop)
Up the wall
Platformers are deceptively simple and addictive beasts. Ever since millions of '80s kids discovered the hard way that walking in to a brown, eyebrow-sporting mushroom was unceremoniously fatal, jumping, spinning, dodging and stomping has become as synonymous with growing up as lunch boxes and grazed knees. The genre has evolved, changed...
News Nintendo Confirms a New Nindies Showcase Presentation for 30th August
Downloadable goodness
Nintendo has confirmed its next sort-of Direct, with the announcement of the Summer 2017 Nindies Showcase. You may recall a similar stream that aired just before the launch of the Switch, so like that broadcast the focus will be exclusively on eShop titles. It's happening on 30th August at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK /...
News Report Suggests Nintendo Switch Manufacturing Could Hit 18 Million This Year
Nintendo stuck to its 10 million forecast in Q1 results
The Nintendo Switch has now been on the market nearly six months, but demand has led to continually limited stock in various territories. Some parts of Europe have decent availability, but in areas such as Japan and North America units can be tough to find. Nintendo, for its part, has...
Feature A Long Journey Through Metroid Prime: Federation Force
"Charge!"
Right now Nintendo is building the hype for Metroid: Samus Returns, but it's not been that long since our last game from the IP graced the 3DS. Metroid Prime: Federation Force was divisive (to put it mildly), and is now one year old. Amusingly, our editor Tom Whitehead and reviewer extraordinaire Conor McMahon only recently finished a...
News Nintendo Shows Off Awesome SNES Classic 'Nintendo Power' Covers
Will be given out as posters at PAX West
Last week Nintendo outlined extensive plans for PAX West, which is right around the corner, and it's ramped up the hype with some neat promotional art for the Super NES Classic Edition. The following tweet shows off three special collector's posters that revive the Nintendo Power brand in order to promote...
News Clever Hack Brings Hyrule Warriors to the NES
Link shot the food! Impa is about to die! Zelda shot the potion!
Hats off to 'pacnsacdave' for this ingenious bit of graphical hacking. Bringing the over the top action of Hyrule Warriors to the humble NES hardware seems like quite a stretch, but thanks to this well implemented complete graphics overall of Tengen's NES conversion of Atari's ageless...
News Double Dragon IV is Hitting the Switch eShop Next Week
The secrets of Sosetsuken
Arc System Works has today announced that the beat 'em up Double Dragon IV will be hitting the Nintendo Switch eShop next week; the official page gives a Japanese price, though we'd anticipate a Western release on the same day or shortly after. The series takes place after Double Dragon II, following the adventures of...
News Ubisoft Developer Insists Steep Is Still Destined To Hit The Slopes On Switch
Still in the "optimisation" phase
Remember Steep? Ubisoft's snow-based sports title was one of the first third-party games to be confirmed for the Switch, but we've seen very little of it since then, leading to rumours that it has been quietly canned while the French publisher focuses on games like Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. However, according...
News Nintendo Outlines Upcoming Special Events for Fire Emblem Heroes
Feh hopes it's not meh
Fire Emblem Heroes has been a steady mobile release for Nintendo; while it may not have gone viral and taken off fully, it's earned a loyal player base and has regular content and event updates. The latest 'Feh Channel' video goes into what's next in the game, with events and new additions due later this week. It...
Competition Nintendo Life's Splatoon 2 UK Championship Team Qualifier
We're looking for two players
We need your help! We're recruiting two players to join our team and fight alongside Nintendo Life staff members in the Splatoon 2 UK Championship Grand Final next month. What is happening?: Nintendo UK has invited Nintendo Life to enter a team into its Splatoon 2 UK Championship Grand Final at EGX 2017 in...
Sunday27th Aug 2017
News You'll Be Able To Sacrifice Resolution For Frame Rate In Fire Emblem Warriors On Switch
720p, 60fps or 1080p, 30fps? You decide
Fire Emblem Warriors director Hiroya Usuda has revealed that the game will give players the option to drop the overall resolution to hit a higher frame rate. Speaking to Japan's Nintendo Dream, Usuda explained that while the game runs at 1080p, 30fps normally in docked mode, the player can choose to drop...
News Splatoon 2 Staffer Jordan Amaro Gives Some Insight On His Approach To Game Design
"What is an interesting situation to play?"
Jordan Amaro might not be as famous in the world of gaming as some of Nintendo's other staffers, but he's had a hand in designing some of the most highly-rated games of recent memory, including Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Resident Evil 7 and - most recently of all - Splatoon 2. Amaro has taken...
Saturday26th Aug 2017
Review Shock Troopers 2nd Squad (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Shock and slightly less awe
There are few games that enjoy the sort of cult status Shock Troopers does. As one of the few Neo Geo games that was only released in arcades and not the Neo Geo console as well, the original Shock Troopers wasn’t as widely played as the likes of Metal Slug and SNK’s various fighting games. Those who did manage to...
Feature Everything You Need To Know About The 2017 Pokémon World Championships
Serebii's Joe Merrick fills us in on the action
This past weekend was the 13th Pokémon World Championships. After last year, where spectators were not permitted to enter barring those who queued early in the morning in the slim hope of getting a spectator pass, this year The Pokémon Company International shifted the locale to Anaheim, California,...
Live Watch Nintendo's Fifth Day At Gamescom 2017
SteamWorld Dig 2! Flipping Death! Yoku's Island Express! ARMS tournament!
Nintendo's fifth day at Gamescom 2017 is already underway, and you can watch some interesting parts of it right here. Here's today's schedule, with times in BST (plus one hour for CEST): 12:00 - 13:00 – SteamWorld Dig 2 and Flipping Death 15:00 -...
Friday25th Aug 2017
News This Replacement Shell For The Switch Is Clearly The Best
Switch it up
Do you have fond memories of the N64 era of gaming, where limited edition translucent consoles were all the rage? It's mind-boggling why this isn't so much of a thing these days - who wouldn't want to see the internal gubbins of their electronics as they play their favourite game? Step in AliExpress seller MYRIANN, who have...
News Secret Of Mana Is Getting A 3D Remake, But Guess What Console It's Not Coming To
Clue: it's not the PS Vita
Sony has revealed that a Secret of Mana remake is in the works for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Steam. Launching on February 15th 2018, the game will boast 3D graphics and controls, full voice acting, a newly arranged soundtrack and local multiplayer. Pre-orders are op
News Switch Sales Fall Dramatically In Japan, But Splatoon 2 Passes The One Million Marker
The Summer lull
The launch of Splatoon 2 really helped to boost sales of Switch hardware in Japan during the month of July. The console shifted almost 100,000 units in a single week, which was a pretty impressive feat. Things have slowed down a bit in the Switch sales department in Japan this week, with just over 22,000 units shifted. Still, it's...
Gain the upper hand
From Canadian developer DrinkBox Studios – the creative force behind Metroidvania brawler, Guacamelee – comes Severed, an action-adventure game with RPG elements, real-time combat and a whole lot of slicing the body parts from various creatures onto the floor. The game was initially released on PlayStation Vita back in April...
News FIFA 18 On Switch Runs At 60fps In Both Docked And Handheld Modes
1080p when docked, 720p handheld
There's been plenty of speculation regarding the upcoming FIFA 18 on Switch. We already know that it's not using the Frostbite Engine like the PS4 and Xbox One versions, but a custom engine designed specifically for Nintendo's console.
News Dynasty Warriors 8, Samurai Warriors And Warriors Orochi Are All Headed To Switch
Physical and digital releases, but only for Japan at present
To mark Omega Force's 20th birthday publisher Koei Tecmo is re-releasing some of the most famous entries in the Warriors series on the Nintendo Switch. On November 9th, the Switch will be getting Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires, Samurai Warriors: Spirit of...
News Super Mario Odyssey Walks Away With Lots Of Gamescom Awards
Metroid and Rabbids grab awards too
It's been a week of fun and frolics from Gamescom 2017, the European equivalent of E3. It wouldn't be an gaming expo without an awards ceremony, and Nintendo pretty much stole the show this year. Super Mario Odyssey walked away with the coveted "Best of Gamescom" award and Gamescom “Most Wanted” Consumer...
Review Samurai Shodown (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Weapon-based wonder
Pick from one of twelve characters, fight one-on-one against the others (and your clone) en-route to a ridiculously-dressed final boss character. Sounds standard fare for a '90s fighting game, but with its 18th century Japan setting and the combatant's use of weapons, Samurai Shodown offered something quite different. If playing...
News Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack Is Getting a Physical Release
No Switch tax either!
Azure Striker Gunvolt and its sequel were standout releases on the 3DS eShop, bringing a fresh and unique take on the tried and true run ‘n’ gun gameplay of Mega Man, while also introducing a fascinating narrative and world around the action. It had been previously announced that the two of these games would be bundled in...
Video Opening a Box of Mysteries from Ubisoft
Mystery & Rabbids
It's common knowledge that Ubisoft are the ones behind the ever-intriguing Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the Switch, so goodness only knows what could be inside a suspiciously blank box from their UK headquarters. Obviously we know, as we had to open it to record the video, but we wanted to keep it as much as a surprise...
News Nintendo Happy To "Leave Door Open" For More Rhythm Heaven Games
"No, it's not dead"
We may have seen several fun outings since the days of the Game Boy Advance, but the Rhythm Heaven series appears to be on ice at present - at least, that's what many have assumed following rumours regarding the franchise. However, series producer Yoshio Sakamoto, speaking to Eurogamer, counters this rather negative outlook...
News Ubisoft's Live Action Commercials For Mario + Rabbids Are Rather Weird
Not everyone can team up with a rabbit, apparently
Ubisoft has just released three new live-action commercials for the forthcoming Switch title Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, and it's fair to say they're quite unusual. Each one is set in a different high-risk situation: a bank raid, a war-torn, modern-day battleground and a medieval battlefield...
News Moon Hunters Bringing Mystical Mesopotamian Multiplayer Mayhem To Switch
Includes the Eternal Echoes DLC
We've just got word that Kitfox Games will be bringing its indie adventure game Moon Hunters to the Switch eShop at some point in the not too distant future. In the game you create your own legend in a 1-to-4 player co-operative personality test, and explore a mystical Mesopotamian-inspired world that's different...
News Check Out the Tag Team Gameplay of Sonic Forces
Also, listen to the new Metal Sonic theme remix
By all accounts, Sonic Mania has been a smashing success for the blue blur, restoring much of the fanbase’s faith in SEGA’s ability to put out a great Sonic game. Of course, that’s not the only Sonic game we’re getting this year; Sonic Forces is due out in a few months, and early impressions...
News The Sloshing Machine Returns To Splatoon 2 Tonight
Splatastic!
The Sloshing Machine was one of the more fiendish weapons in the original Splatoon for Wii U. Now according to the Japanese Splatoon Twitter account it will be making it's triumphant return in Splatoon 2 tonight. Let's take a closer look at this bad boy: The Sloshing Machine comes with the Autobomb sub-weapon and the Sting Ray...
Review Qbics Paint (Switch eShop)
Sit back, relax, and paint a sculpture or two
Qbics Paint is not your traditional gaming experience. In fact, you could argue that it’s not trying to be a “game” at all. Up until this point, the majority of games released on the Nintendo Switch have been dedicated to showing off the hardware’s unique features and processing power while...
News McDonald's In Japan Is Offering Awesome Pokémon Goodies With Its Happy Meals
Gotta eat 'em all
Lucky Japanese Pokémon fans will soon be getting Pokémon goodies in their McDonald's Happy Meals. From 1st to 7th September, buying a Happy Meal in the Land of the Rising Sun will gain you a Pokémon Ga-Olé discs which can be used with the arcade game Pokémon Ga-Olé. Characters on the discs include Solgaleo,...
Live Watch Nintendo's Fourth Day At Gamescom 2017
Super Mario Odyssey! Xenoblade Chronicles 2! Pokkén Tournament DX!
Nintendo's fourth day at Gamescom 2017 already underway, and you can watch it all right here. Here's today's schedule, with times in BST: 10:00 - 10:30 – Super Mario Odyssey gameplay recap with Charles Martinet 12:00 - 13:00 – Xenoblade Chronicles 2 gameplay 15:00 -...
News The Bridge Will Bring M.C. Escher Inspired Puzzles To The Switch Soon
Paradoxical fun
The Bridge was a surprisingly fun experience when it was released on the Wii U eShop back in 2015 to critical acclaim. The game is a 2D logic puzzle game that forces the player to reevaluate their preconceptions of physics and perspective. The lovely folks over at The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild are now bringing The...
Thursday24th Aug 2017
News Here's The Lead Problem With The SNES Classic's Controller
You know where this is leading to, right?
As much as we loved the NES Mini, there was a big problem with the console: the cables on its controllers were so short you had to sit almost directly in front of the TV to play. Those of us who feared that the SNES Classic Edition would suffer the same fate were pleased to hear that the leads on its...
Nintendo Download 24th August (North America)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle! forma.8! Piczle Lines DX! Puzzled!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download update. This week it's all about the Nintendo Switch, with a major retail title and a few promising offerings on the eShop. Let's get right to it. Nintendo Switch Retail Download: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom...
News Pelda Pro Switch Case Aims To Make Your Dock Redundant
Already funded on Kickstarter
Remember the SwitchCharge case we covered a while back? It has a challenger which offers something even more unique - the ability to connect to your TV via HDMI. The Pelda battery case adds a 8000mAh battery (that's around 6 hours of play time) to boost your play time, has a kick-stand and storage for game cards,...
Video The SNES Mini Controller Is Not Entirely Identical To The Original
Obtuse, overlooked, and of little consequence
The SNES Mini or Super NES Classic Edition depending on where you're from is a marvellous little machine that really captures the spirit of the original console it's trying to emulate (pun intended). However even Nintendo can't seem to make an absolutely identical copy of itself it seems. The controller...
A Most Adventuresome Little Probe
When it comes to independent studios, Metroid-styled games are like opinions – everybody has one. While it’s easy to jest, the template is solid and the amount of nostalgic cachet they have is very strong. Exploratory games are a dime a dozen these days, so to get your lock-and-key, ability discovering...
News Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Is Getting a Season Pass
Cue internet outcry
One of the standout games of the upcoming Nintendo Switch lineup is that of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, a game which has no right to be as good as it’s shaping up to be. The tactical RPG is getting lots of positive press and all the footage of it released thus far indicates that the gameplay will be up to the high standard...
Nintendo Download 24th August (Europe)
Minecraft Story! Pokkén Tournament demo! Classic Pokemon discounts! More!
The European Nintendo Download Update is live and it has plenty to offer this week. We have a retail title, some tempting downloads and demos on Switch, while classic Pokemon games and many more titles besides have discounts across the current-gen system, 3DS and Wii U. Let's...
Review Magician Lord (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Casts ‘impedimentia’ too often
It’s funny how over the years some big titles can fade completely into obscurity. There’s a good chance most modern gamers will never have heard of Magician Lord, but back in the early ‘90s it was actually quite a well-known title. That’s because in the early days of the Neo Geo, Magician Lord was one of...
News No Really, Red Game And Green Game Are Coming To Switch
Without a great name!
Polish game developer Ifun4all has just reached out to let us know that their two games known as Red Game Without a Great Name and Green Game: TimeSwapper will be coming to the Switch eShop in the next few weeks. These games have made an appearance previously on Steam, iOS and Vita, and now Nintendo Switch owners will get the...
News Nintendo Confirms Nindies@Night and Lots More for PAX West
Playable Super Mario Odyssey, too
It's been expo season all around the world, and the next major event for gamers on the US West coast isn't far away - PAX West. As was the case in previous years Nintendo is showing plenty of enthusiasm for the Seattle event - running from 1st to 4th September - with a mix of Nindie and big-name goodness for...
Review Fatal Fury Special (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Fatal Fury II' Special Champion Edition
With tweaks to the controls and a refined version of the two-plane fighting system, Fatal Fury 2 was a big improvement over the first game in the series, but SNK clearly felt it could do better. Taking a leaf out of Capcom’s book, it went away, added in some stuff and came back with this updated version:...
Watch The Metroid: Samus Returns Presentation from Gamescom 2017 - Live!
With Yoshio Sakamoto and José Luis Márquez
Gamescom 2017 is still in full swing. Following yesterday's Super Mario Odyssey presentation, today's presentation will focus on none other than Metroid: Samus Returns. The presentation starts today at <time>24th August 2017 11am</time> Producer Yoshio Sakamoto and José Luis Márquez,...
Video Get Hyped For Metroid: Samus Returns With This Overview Trailer
Welcome to Planet SR388
The Metroid: Samus Returns hype train has officially left the station. Following the Gamescom presentation today Nintendo has now released an overview trailer, which you can view above. In this video you will learn more about the incredible arsenal at the disposal of the legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran and the many...
News Telltale Games Says We Can Expect Guardians of the Galaxy and Batman on Switch
I am Groot
Telltale Games' Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure was released on Switch recently, and it seems it is just the beginning of Telltale's plans for Nintendo's portable powerhouse. In a recent video interview with Rocket Beans TV, Telltale's Head of Creative Communications Job Stauffer teased the following: I think...
News UK Media Outlet The Guardian Aims To Settle The 16-bit Console War Forever
Mega Drive or SNES?
For decades the endless debate on which is better - the Mega Drive / Genesis or the SNES - has raged. These two 16-bit powerhouses presided over one of the most popular periods in the history of video gaming; they sold millions and established gaming as one of the most successful entertainment mediums in the world. Little wonder...
News Zed Blade Brings Shmup Action to the Switch eShop Next Week
We hope your neighbours love '90s rave music
Shmup fans can rejoice, as the end of August brings along NMK's 1994 title Zed Blade (better know in Japan as Operation Ragnarok) to the Switch eShop. In this frenetic horizontal shmup you have the choice of three craft with different speeds along with customizable weaponry. After your choices have been...
News MXGP 3 Bringing Motocross Madness To Switch Later This Year
More than real?
Milestone, the devloper of the Motorcross racing MXGP series, recently took to Twitter to reveal that it plans to bring MXGP 3 to the Switch at some point before the end of the year. This game is a bit of a looker and uses the Unreal Engine 4 graphics engine. MXGP 3 tasks you with tackling unpredictable and dynamic...
Live Watch Nintendo's Third Day At Gamescom 2017
Third time's a charm
Today marks Nintendo's third full day at Gamescom 2017, and the company has plenty of stuff to keep you busy, including FIFA 18, Metroid: Samus Returns and Splatoon 2. Here's the full schedule (all times GMT): 10:00 - 10:30 – EA SPORTS FIFA 18 gameplay 11:00 - 11:30 – Metroid: Samus Returns presentation with Mr...
News Sonic Forces Hits Japan On November 9th
Just in time for Christmas
Sega has confirmed that Sonic Forces will launch on the Nintendo Switch on November 9th in Japan. The Nintendo edition will arrive alongside the PlayStation 4 version at retail, with a cost of 5,990 Yen. Japanese Xbox One owners will only have digital release, costing 5,980 Yen. In the west, Sonic Forces has a...
Video Check Out This League of Evil Trailer for Switch
Every Villain Is Lemons
There’s no shortage of fantastic indie games to pick up on the eShop, and that catalogue continues to grow with each passing week. One standout indie game that’s due out this week is League of Evil, a tough as nails retro platformer that follows in the vein of games like Super Meat Boy and The End Is Nigh. It came out on...
News New VOEZ Update Adds Twelve New Songs
Also, there's now a free demo
One of the ‘hidden gems’ on the early Switch eShop was that of VOEZ, a smartphone rhythm game that takes advantage of the system’s touch screen to provide some high-speed beat matching thrills. We really liked the game when we reviewed it, citing the large amount of content as a big plus. Fortunately, in a new...
Wednesday23rd Aug 2017
Soapbox The SNES Classic Edition Pre-Order Farce Proves Nintendo Hasn't Learned A Thing
It's all just a little bit of history repeating
Nintendo dropped the ball with the launch of the NES Mini last year, with retailers making the pre-order process more testing that it needed to be and the volume of stock needed to meet demand being woefully underestimated. We had every hope the Big N would have learned from the bad feeling caused by...
News Digital Foundry Comes Away Very Impressed With Skyrim On Switch
"The port is looking very strong"
Our friends over at Digital Foundry have been stomping around the show floor at Gamescom in search of tasty news, but they perhaps weren't expecting to find one of the Switch's biggest upcoming releases hiding in plain sight. Bethesda hasn't made a big song and dance about it, but the forthcoming Elder Scrolls V:...
News Side-Scrolling Beat 'Em Up The TakeOver Is Punching Its Way To Switch
Fans of Streets of Rage and Final Fight, take note
Pelikan13 - developer of '90s Super GP - is bringing its side-scrolling fighter The TakeOver to the Switch. Currently available on Steam Early Access, The TakeOver is inspired by genre classics like Final Fight and Streets of R
News Pokkén Tournament DX Demo Confirmed for the Switch eShop
Update: Coming tomorrow!
Update: The demo has been confirmed for tomorrow: Original Story: During the Pokkén Tournament World Championships it was announced that a demo of Pokkén Tournament DX will be coming to Nintendo Switch eShop. Like Splatoon 2 and fellow fighting title
Watch Super Mario Odyssey Presentation From Gamescom 2017 - Live!
Featuring producer Yoshiaki Koizumi
At Gamescom this year, Nintendo has two lovely presentations for you to enjoy. The first presentation is today and offers a chance to see more Super Mario Odyssey gameplay with a special developer talk from producer Yoshiaki Koizumi. The presentation starts today at <time>23rd August 2017...
News Spot The Difference Between Hori's Pokkén Tournament DX Switch Controller And The Wii U One
Refinement repackaged?
Pokkén Tournament DX hits the Switch soon and peripheral maker Hori is producing a special controller for it - and you'd be forgiven for thinking it looks somewhat familiar. That's right, the shiny new Pokkén Tournament DX Controller is in fact the exact same pad that the company released alongside the Wii U version of...
Video Just How Well Does The SNES Classic Edition Run Its Library Of Games?
See with your own eyes
You may remember not that long ago we showed off every game that is featured on the Super NES Classic Edition in part to highlight the wonderful standard of titles coming to the system. Now we're back with those very same titles in a very similar video, but this time we have the games running on the console itself so...
Video Nintendo's Latest Switch Promo Really Crams In Reasons To Own One
Splatoon 2! Mario Kart 8! Super Mario Odyssey!
Nintendo has released a new promotional video for the Switch in time for Gamescom 2017, and it does a pretty convincing job of selling the machine to those still undecided on its merits. The promo - which contains elements that have been seen previously in TV commercials - showcases some of the...
Review Rocket Fist (Switch eShop)
Everything is better with rockets
Since its release earlier this year, the Nintendo Switch has excelled at offering bite-sized experiences for multiple players. The thoughtful design of the system promotes local multiplayer like never before, channelling the "good old days" of the pre-internet era. Similar to the Switch launch title Super Bomberman...
News Rocket League Is Getting Free Nintendo-Themed Battle-Cars At Launch
Mario! Luigi! Samus' gunship!
Rocket League developer Psyonix has revealed that the Switch version of the game will be getting free Nintendo-themed Battle-Cars. Available as special unlockables when the game launches on Switch later this year, the first cars are Mario NSR and Luigi NSR. Depending on which team colour you select, you'll...
News Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Pirate Queen’s Quest Launches on 29th August
Risky business
We absolutely loved Shantae: Half-Genie Hero—on both Wii U and Switch—though one minor point of contention was that the game ends a little sooner than we would like. Of course, since launch, WayForward has been busy preparing a lot more content to add on to the game, the first of which is a new storyline in which you take control...
Review Chicken Wiggle (3DS eShop)
A rival to Super Mario Maker?
Jools Watsham's Atooi — formerly part of Renegade Kid — made quite a name for itself in the very early days of the 3DS eShop when it put out Mutant Mudds, a high-quality retro action platformer. It seems only fitting then that this splinter studio would put out a similar title here in the autumn of the life of the...
News SNES Classic Edition Won't Be Sold In Canadian Province Of Quebec
Thanks to laws which "protect the use of French"
The SNES Classic arrives next month and is sure to be a solid seller, but if you live in Canada's second-most populous province, then you might be out of luck. According to EB Games employees, the system won't be sold in Quebec due to the province's strict language requirements. Here's what...
Deals Nintendo UK Opens Pokémon Ultra Sun And Moon Pre-Orders
Gotta catch at least one!
The eagerly awaited Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon launches on 17th November and the Official Nintendo UK Store has some tempting pre-order bundles for your consideration. Let's take a look, shall we? Game + Figurine: <products id="6784,6785,6786,6787,6788" style="list"> New Nintendo 2DS XL...
News Mario + Rabbids Dev Praises "Unprecedented" Gameplay Possibilities Offered By Switch
"You never lose the thread. You keep the pace"
The Switch's ability to behave like a portable and a home console has surely helped it become a resounding commercial success, and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle's lead narrative designer Andrea Babich has heaped even more praise on the hybrid nature of the system, stating that it offers...
Review Fatal Fury 2 (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Not quite Special enough
Back in the day, the power of the Neo Geo meant that SNK was the first publisher to release home console games that were over 100 Mb in size (that’s megabits, so around 12.5 MB). It commemorated this by launching the 100-Mega Shock series, which basically involved slapping a lovely splash screen at the start of any game...
Live Watch Nintendo's Second Day At Gamescom 2017
There's more to come
Nintendo is about to enter its second day at Gamescom 2017, and you can watch the action unfold on this very page. Here's the schedule for today, with all times in GMT: 10:00 - 10:30 – ARMS – Lola Pop gameplay 12:00 - 12:30 – Splatoon 2 – Salmon Run gameplay 12:30 - 13:00 – Mario + Rabbids Kingdom...
Random CoroCoro Has Started an ARMS Manga
Because of course it has
ARMS is one of the newest IP’s in Nintendo’s deep stable of franchises and although it may not have been quite the homerun that the company was hoping for, it’s still a great game that has plenty of free additional content to look forward to. It seems likely that at some point, Nintendo will want to build this game...
Tuesday22nd Aug 2017
Hardware Review Hori's Switch Horipad Is The Controller You Never Knew You Needed
Rolling start
When we first reported on the Hori Switch Horipad a while back there were a few puzzled faces in the Nintendo Life office. The big selling point of the wired controller was the fact that the D-pad could be removed to reveal a cluster of four buttons underneath; at the time, we genuinely pondered why you'd ever need to do this, and -...
News Square Enix's Hajime Tabata Hints That Final Fantasy XV Could Be Coming To Switch
...but will it be the newly-announced Pocket Edition?
Square Unix's Hajime Tabata has given the strongest hint yet that Final Fantasy XV is coming to the Switch in some form. During a Twitch panel at Gamescom, Tabata - who served as director on the game - said: You asked the question, what other things do we have planned in the future? We...
News Introducing The SNES-Themed New Nintendo 3DS XL
Isn't it a beauty?
During Gamescom today Nintendo of Europe has revealed that it will be launching a SNES-themed edition of the New Nintendo 3DS XL on 13th October. This retro-themed system’s outer shell pays tribute to the classic design of the Super Nintendo, while inside the Nintendo 3DS buttons are coloured just like the original...
Review The King of Fighters 2000 (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
The crown slips?
Although Hamster Corporation is doing God’s work by bringing a horde of classic Neo Geo games to the Switch, by this point it’s starting to become pretty clear that there’s no logical rhyme or reason to the order they’re being released. On the day the Switch launched in March we were treated to The King Of Fighters ‘98,...
News PayPal Payment Option Arrives On Switch eShop
Makes it even easier to part with your cash
Update: The PayPal payment method has now been rolled out in all regions and is ready available for use. Original story: A new payment method is making its way to the Nintendo Switch eShop, giving users even more options to fund their accounts. The popular online payment system PayPal...
News Fire Emblem Warriors Gets A Limited Edition Release in Europe
With a soundtrack and art cards
A special limited edition version of Fire Emblem Warriors has been revealed for the Nintendo Switch. Earlier in the day a new trailer was dropped at Gamescom showing off some of the new playable characters along with confirming the release date of 20th October for Europe. Now a limited boxed edition that will...
News Hoenn Pokémon Data Has Been Spotted in the Latest Pokémon GO Update
Here we go again!
Though it has certainly dropped off in popularity since last summer (and who could forget that trainwreck of a festival?), Pokémon GO still has a strong and loyal fanbase and Niantic is keen on keeping them busy with new content from time to time. This past year saw the addition of Generation II Pokémon as well as Legendary...
Video Here's What Star Fox 2 Looks Like On The SNES Classic Edition
Barrel rolls and everything
The SNES Classic Edition comes out next month, but we've been lucky enough to get our hands on the system early, and as you might imagine we've been tirelessly putting it through its paces to see what all the fuss is about. Perhaps the biggest selling point of the system is that it includes Star Fox 2, which is being...
Review Metal Slug 2 (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Slow Vehicle – 001/II
For those seeking enjoyable run and gun action the first and third Metal Slug games are already available on the Switch’s eShop and now Metal Slug 2 gets the ACA treatment, faithfully recreating the sights, sounds and feel of the original game. Unfortunately, this also includes the extreme slowdown. It doesn’t take much...
News Here's The New Fighter Coming To Switch Brawler ARMS
She's going to be pop-ular
Nintendo has revealed the next fighter coming to its Switch combat title, ARMS. Lola Pop is a clown-like character with baggy, MC Hammer pants and a red nose. Her stage appears to have a "sweet" theme, and is shown off the official video below. Lola Pop also comes with three brand-new Arms to equip. She'll be...
News Bomber Crew Will Be Making A Big Explosion On Switch Soon
Bombs away!
Curve Digital have announced today that they will be publishing Bomber Crew in conjunction with developer Runner Duck Games. Bomber Crew is a simulation game about managing a WW2-era bomber and its crew, which will be coming to the Switch eShop at some point following the Steam launch on 19th October. Players will be tasked...
Video Gamescom 2017 Gives Us Our Best Look At Switch FIFA 18 Yet
Digital kickabout
EA has shown off some footage of FIFA 18 running on the Nintendo Switch at Gamescom 2017. The popular football title marks a return of sorts for the series on Nintendo systems, but the gulf in power between the Switch and other home systems has led some to ponder just how good it can possibly look. During the demonstration, it is...
Live Watch Nintendo's First Day At Gamescom 2017
Direct from the show floor
Nintendo is streaming a whole host of content live from Gamescom 2017, and you can watch it on this very page. The company has already confirmed new content for Splatoon 2 and ARMS, and more announcements are expected throughout the day. You can check out Nintendo's full Gamescom schedule here.
Video Take a Detailed Look at the Original "Legend of Zelda" Manga
Just in time for the 30th anniversary of the English release
If there is anything that you could say is good about having delayed releases for games from Japan, it’s that for many classics we can celebrate anniversaries for both the East and West. The Legend of Zelda is one such game, and though its Japanese landmark was last year, the US release...
Video Feast Your Eyes On This Gamescom 2017 Fire Emblem Warriors Trailer
Leo, Takumi, Hinoka and Camila join the cast
Fire Emblem Warriors is launching on Switch and the New Nintendo 3DS this fall. To celebrate Nintendo have unveiled a new trailer at Gamescom 2017 which gives an idea of what to expect from the game. In this action title you will clash with legions of soldiers and fierce monsters as a selection of...
Video Nintendo Details New Free Content Coming To Splatoon 2
New stage, weapon and Salmon Run location
To kickstart its Gamescom 2017 coverage Nintendo has detailed some upcoming free content coming to Splatoon 2. If you're a fan of Turf War and Ranked Battle then you'll be pleased to learn that Manta Maria joins the roster soon. That's not all, however; the Bubble Blower special weapon – available in...
Video The Latest LEGO Worlds Trailer Has A Switch Twist
Lego on the go
The release of LEGO Worlds on the Switch is just around the corner on 5th September. To celebrate this monumental occasion Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group have released a teaser trailer with a Switch flavour, which you can view above. The physical version, priced at $39.99, will include two bonus...
News Hand-Drawn Platformer Shu Coming To Switch This Fall
Can you outrun the end of the world?
Shu was a pleasant surprise when it launched on PS4 and other platforms last year. Following this success Coatsink is pleased to announce that its charming hand-drawn platformer will also be coming to the Switch this fall. The Switch version of Shu will also include the recently-released ‘Caverns...
News Fast RMX Is Getting A Free REMIX Update Next Month
6 new tracks, 2 new cups, no cost to you
FAST RMX was one of our favourite Switch launch titles; it's pretty much everything we wanted from an F-Zero game, but without Captain Falcon and the gang. The lovely folks over at Shin'en Multimedia just got in touch to let us know that there will be a "REMIX UPDATE" coming to FAST RMX at some point in...
Video Let's Have a Look at the SNES Classic Edition's Menus & Save State Features
Gripping stuff
The SNES Classic Edition's user interface bears a striking resemblance to its NES predecessor, but there's more going on under the surface. One of the most interesting new additions is the inclusion of a rewind feature that allows you to scrub through a save state and jump back in moments before you fell into that pit or were zapped...
Video Check Out This Japanese Overview for the SNES Mini
This thing will be impossible to find
Nintendo is a company that has millions of fans across the world, but it’s pretty well documented that it doesn’t always have the easiest time meeting those fans demands. The NES Mini was perhaps the most heinous case in recent memory; the company offered a cheap, simple box that played some of the best...
News HAL Laboratory Opens HAL Egg, a Mobile Game Development Branch
And no, they aren't making a Kirby game yet
HAL Laboratory is a studio that is primarily known for one thing: Kirby. The series has arguably never been doing better, and with a new Kirby game due out on Switch next year, one would think that the company would be focusing all its resources on the super tuff pink puff, but a new announcement today has...
News SNES Classic Edition Has A Rewind Feature To Make Up For Your Ageing Reflexes
You can also use special frames to spruce things up
Nintendo has given a bit more detail on the upcoming SNES Classic Edition console, which launches on September 29th. The most interesting new announcement is that the console comes with a special "Rewind" feature which allows you to skip backwards when you make a mistake - a similar concept to...
News Roll7 "Considering" Bringing Both OlliOlli Games To Switch
"If we get 500 likes then we might consider it even more seriously!"
OlliOlli developer Roll7 has stated on Twitter that it is considering bringing both games in the skateboarding series to the Nintendo Switch. The studio has playfully suggested that it might become more serious if its Twitter post gets more than 500 likes. OlliOlli launched on...
News Joy Joy Kid - Also Known as 'Puzzled' - Arrives on the Switch This Week
It's not a joy con
If you're not a fan of Neo Geo fighting games (and why not, dare we ask) this week's new Arcade Archives (ACA) release might be your thing. Hamster is bringing Puzzled to the Switch eShop on 24th August, known in Japan by the much funnier title Joy Joy Kid. At first glance this 1990 release looks like a general Tetris clone, with...
Monday21st Aug 2017
News Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 Will Allow Two Player Co-Op Using Joy-Cons Alone
Mobile mayhem
When we had the chance to try out Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 recently we took the opportunity to ask the developer about the Wii U and Switch versions. We’d really enjoyed playing Lego City: Undercover on Switch and understandably wanted to know how the next Lego iteration would work on the new system. TT Games seems to be...
Soapbox Seriously Nintendo, It's Time For A Switch Joy-Con With A Proper D-Pad
Buttons just aren't as good
After months of speculation prior to the Nintendo Switch being officially revealed in October 2016, it's fair to say that the initial reaction was largely very positive. This early enthusiasm from the gaming community has been backed up by decent software support from Nintendo and a ever-growing install base; the Switch...
News Fear Effect Is Being Remastered On The Nintendo Switch
With "drastically improved visuals, tweaked controls and exciting extras"
Square Enix Collective has revealed that the 2000 PlayStation title Fear Effect is being remastered for Switch, PC, PS4 and Xbox One next year. French studio Sushee - which is also responsible for the forthcoming Fear Effect Sedna - is handling development duties in...
"Don't want to disappoint if testing turns something up"
Since its announcement, fans of farming-simulator Stardew Valley have been heavily anticipating its release on the Nintendo Switch. Having the opportunity to take the game anywhere and continue with farm life on the go is why many people have resisted the urge to purchase the title on...
News Let's Sing 2018 Is Coming To Switch And Wii, But Not Wii U
Yup, the original Wii
If you fancied a bit of a singalong with the family this Christmas on the Switch, you are in luck. Ravenscourt and Voxler have announced that Let's Sing 2018, the latest instalment in the vocal chord-loosening Let’s Sing series, will be making its debut on the Switch just in time for the festive season. Old-school...
Review Gunbarich (Switch eShop)
Ball batting brilliance
A 2001 arcade title, Psikyo’s Gunbarich is now available to purchase from the Switch eShop. A Breakout/Arkanoid-style game, the aim is to bat a ball around the screen destroying all the blocks to move on to the next stage where there is a new arrangement of blocks for you to remove. Along the way there are hazards to mess...
Feature Pixel Perfex On Why Earth Atlantis Is Ideal For Nintendo Switch
We chat about the BitSummit 2017 award winner
Set after a global catastrophic event that resulted in 96 percent of the Earth's surface being underwater and forced machines to adapt into various marine forms, Earth Atlantis is shaping up to be an interesting shooter on Switch. Your mission is to slay more than 20 'boss monsters' by choosing...
Review Use Your Words (Switch eShop)
You Know, Jack Would Be Proud
No matter how great your intentions can be, it can be tough to break the ice at a party with a game. It’s truly hard to please everyone and trying to do so can be a descent into madness. Find something too complex and you’ll befuddle yourself in trying to explain the rules whilst losing your audience to sheer...
Random The Cast Of We Bare Bears Help Out In New ARMS Commercial
Surprising crossover
If you follow TV animation then you'll no doubt have seen The Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears, an amusing look at the everyday lives of, well, some bears. Seemingly out of nowhere, the animated cast of this show have been recruited to star in a new commercial for ARMS on Switch, which you can watch above. Does this mean we'll...
News Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Races Up The UK Charts, But Digital-Only Sonic Mania Is Absent
Zelda and 1-2-Switch climb slightly
With the Summer lull in the games retail market continuing, there are few new releases meaning that evergreen titles lead the way. As has been the case for some time now, Nintendo feature quite heavily in the UK sales charts. In a week with no big-hitting newcomers Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy on PS4...
Video FIFA 18's Gamescom Trailer Shoots And Scores, But Can It Look This Slick On Switch?
Back of the net
EA has released a new trailer for FIFA 18 at Gamescom, and even if you have no interest in football (or soccer, if you're in America), you have to admit that it's pretty impressive. The clip - which is set to a rather mangled version of New Order's classic Blue Monday - showcases the stunning animation present in the title, with...
News Unruly Heroes To Bring Monkey Magic To Switch Next Year
Born from an egg on a mountain top
We've just received word from Magic Design Studios - attending Gamescom this week - that its upcoming game Unruly Heroes will be headed to the Switch in 2018. Unruly Heroes is a action-adventure platformer 2D game enriched by combat and other surprising gameplay. The game is inspired by the famous Chinese legend...
News Zordix Is Bringing Aqua Moto Racing Utopia And Snow Moto Racing Freedom To Retail On Switch
Come snow or high water
Zordix's Aqua Moto Racing Utopia and Snow Moto Racing Freedom are getting retail releases on Switch. The fact that the games were coming to the Switch eShop was already known, but listings for physical releases for both games have been spotted on EB Games' Australian site, with Bigben acting as the publisher. Are...
News Electronic Arts Is Bringing Zoink's Fe To Switch In 2018
Fe Fi Fo Fun?
Electronic Arts has confirmed at Gamescom that it is bringing Zoink! Games' intriguing adventure title Fe to the Nintendo Switch in early 2018. Part of the publisher's "Originals" indie programme, Fe allows you to "climb, glide and dig your way through a dark Nordic forest and explore its living, breathing ecosystem filled with...
Sunday20th Aug 2017
Leave this Troll under the bridge
There's evident potential in Troll and I. Initially developed as part of a crowdfunding program run by Square Enix, it is an intriguing action game starring a Scandinavian boy named Otto who, after finding his village aflame and being separated from his mother, stumbles upon a large creature during his hasty retreat...
Random Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon has a New 'Photo Club' Mode, and Kanto Could Return
Vermilion City gym teased
The Pokémon Company showed off a new trailer for Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon this past weekend, giving hints as to what players can expect in this new story within the Alola region. In the trailer gameplay can be seen with the protagonist talking to a Pokémon trainer in a yellow...
First Impressions Piczle Lines DX is Another Reminder of the Switch Hybrid's Appeal
Bringing a slower pace to eShop gaming
The early Switch eShop line-up had some gems, but it arguably did little to accommodate a demographic keen on sedate gaming experiences, or indeed those with a particular love for puzzle games. The DS and 3DS, in particular, built up a broad range of titles focused around puzzles, wordplay and so on, whether...
News Series Producer Yoshio Sakamoto Is Interested In Making Another 2D Metroid
"If there is another opportunity..."
After a long absence of 2D Metroid games, plenty of fans were delighted to see Metroid: Samus Returns announced at this year's E3. Now series producer Yoshio Sakamoto has made clear that he's interested in creating more 2D outings for the bounty hunter, and has been talking about his passion for the project in...
Friday18th Aug 2017
Editorial Is This a Golden Era of Gaming? Absolutely
Tom Whitehead immediately regrets the headline
Because I'm a literary geek I've been attending some events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival - I know, it's pretty rock and roll. In any case, one talk I went to kicked off with some wise words, and I paraphrase slightly, that every generation lives under a delusion that theirs is the...
News The Sonic Mania Collector's Edition Statue Cuts Corners, But Can be Made Cooler
Here's how to get the LED working
Sonic Mania is a absolutely amazing game; this love letter to the classic 16-bit Sonic games hits all the right notes and is great value for £15.99 / $19.99. Of course many 16-bit fans are also collectors, and SEGA was only too happy to take advantage of this with the slightly ludicrously-priced Collector's...
News Pokémon Gold and Silver Getting Boxed 3DS Releases In Europe
With a download code inside!
Back in June's Pokémon Direct it was revealed that Game Boy Color classics Pokémon Gold And Silver will be coming to the 3DS Virtual Console on the 22nd September. As if that wasn't exciting enough for Pokémon fans, Nintendo of Europe has announced today that it will be releasing a boxed version of the game,...
News Dataminers Have Found 3DS Code in Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
What’s this, Capcom?
No doubt many Nintendo fans were greatly disappointed by the puzzling omission of anything Nintendo with the recently released Mega Man Legacy Collection 2. Considering that some of the games included originally came out for Nintendo platforms and that the first Mega Man Legacy Collection came out on 3DS, it seems logical that...
News New Trailer Reveals Fresh Details for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
New avatar looks! Plot teasers! Z-Power Rings!
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are creeping ever closer, and are likely to be key in driving 3DS and 2DS sales into the Holiday season. The Pokémon Company, aware that time is ticking away, is gradually ramping up with details on what these new entries will bring to the Alola setting. Fresh on...
Video Digital Foundry Compares Monster Hunter XX on Switch and 3DS
Not just a resolution bump
A little over a week ago we shared a video comparing Monster Hunter XX on Switch and 3DS, with the demo from the Japanese eShop allowing for a direct look. Naturally the jump in hardware was very apparent. Now Digital Foundry has given its take on how the new version compares to the portable original - check it...
News Nintendo Switch and Splatoon 2 Led US Retail Sales in July
Zelda: Breath of the Wild is currently the year's second bestselling game
After a few years in which Nintendo largely relied upon the 3DS for good news, 2017 has brought a lot of positivity with the Nintendo Switch. The NPD sales results for the US market have often reflected these improved fortunes, and courtesy of a major release Nintendo achieved...
News Here’s a Look at One of the New ARMS Coming in the Next Update
Better go walk that one off, Helix
Part of the charm of ARMS is the sheer depth of customization when it comes to the titular weapons with which the fighters do battle. There’s thousands upon thousands of possible combinations and setups, yet Nintendo isn’t content to just call it day quite yet. The company already teased the upcoming new...
News Get Ready To Splat As The Classic Squiffer Arrives In Splatoon 2 Soon
Blazing fast charge speed
Splatoon 2 is the game that keeps on giving; much like its Wii U predecessor regular updates will ensure that the experience never gets stale. It's been revealed that a new weapon - affectionately known as the Classic Squiffer - will be available to pick up tomorrow from the Ammo Knights store; it's free in real-world...
News We're Recruiting For Our Splatoon 2 UK Championship Grand Final Team!
We need to two players to join us for the grand final
Nintendo UK has today announced its Splatoon 2 UK Championship, with a number of qualification events taking place over the coming weeks. Successful teams will participate in a live-streamed grand final at EGX 2017 towards the end of September, which will see all eight qualifying teams battle it...
Thursday17th Aug 2017
Guide How To Unlock Mean Bean Mode In Sonic Mania
This might take a while
If you're too tight to shell out for Puyo Puyo Tetris, then you might be interested to know that you can get your Puyo Puyo fix within Sonic Mania, any time you want. Yes it's possible to unlock your own little version of Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine in Sonic Mania. You'll just need to collect 20 silver medals in...
Random It's Hard to Resist Importing These Super Famicom Joy-Con Kits
Super Switch indeed
You may have noticed the name of our editorial director Damien McFerran has been largely missing for the last couple of weeks, and that's because he's swanning about on Holiday. He still has time to browse random Japanese accessories online, of course, because that's just his style. In any case, he sent us poor worker drones a...
Review Strikers 1945 (Switch eShop)
Classic arcade blasting fun for all
Currently there is no Virtual Console on the Switch, but there are still a few options for those seeking ye olde gaming thrills, such as Namco Museum and the various Neo Geo ACA releases. Now Zerodiv is adding to Switch owners’ retro choices by bringing a number of titles from the Psikyo back catalogue to the...
News Here's How ARMS Might Look On The Game Boy Advance
Retrotastic
We weren't sure what to make of ARMS when it was first revealed, but Nintendo's bold new IP turned out to be a pleasant surprise and every bit as colourful as Splatoon. The game makes great use of Joy-Con motion controls to let the player use their stretchy weaponised arms to punch, thump and knock-out opponents. However what if...
Nintendo Download 17th August (North America)
Minecraft: Story Mode! Chicken Wiggle! Two Jackbox Party Packs! More!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the Nintendo Download Update details for North America. This week brings a notable retail title, in addition to four Switch eShop games and a couple of interesting options on the 3DS. Without further ado, let's get to it. Switch Retail...
News Colourful Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 Edition Bundle is Heading to North America Soon
It's pretty fresh
Splatoon 2 has already emerged as an important year one hit for the Nintendo Switch, and the big N has been looking to utilise the IP to promote the hardware. Now Nintendo of America is joining in with a neat hardware bundle to build demand further. The Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 Edition bundle will be a Walmart exclusive in North...
News The Overcooked: Special Edition Performance Patch Is Nearing Release
Targeting that cinematic 30 FPS
We think Overcooked: Special Edition is a standout game in the Switch’s growing catalogue, but the one major problem to be found in this particular version is the relatively shoddy performance compared to other versions. Overcooked runs at a steady 30 FPS on other platforms, but stutters somewhere around 20 FPS on...
Nintendo Download 17th August (Europe)
Sonic Mania! Chicken Wiggle! SmileBASIC! Much more!
The European Nintendo Download Update is now live, and it's a relatively busy line-up. For reasons only it knows Nintendo of Europe is listing a big release from earlier in the week in this update, but beyond that we have some interesting options on Switch and a couple of enticing releases on 3DS...
Competition Get Back Into Pokémon GO With A Nifty Pokémon GO Plus!
We've got FIVE up for grabs
There is a limited amount of summertime left in the UK and together with our friends at Nintendo UK we've got five Pokémon GO Plus accessories to give away, a perfect excuse to get back into Pokémon GO, right? The ultimate companion for any Pokémon Trainer, Pokémon GO Plus let's you Catch Pokémon and hatch eggs...
Random This Sonic Mania Easter Egg Brings Back Memories of the 25th Anniversary 'Party'
The horror...
Occasionally we do live blogs of events and streams that turn out to be disasters on an epic scale. Examples that spring to mind include the first 'VGX' awards, and basically any live show by SEGA. Famously, SEGA did at least two 'announcements for an announcement' that culminated in the Sonic 25th Anniversary Party in July last year...
News 'Battle Inspired' Rewards Added to My Nintendo in North America
Includes a discount on The Wonderful 101
This week's new set of goodies on My Nintendo in North America is designed to promote Flip Wars, which arrived on the Switch eShop in the region last week. Even if that title isn't to everyone's taste, one discount in particular may prove tempting to some. Below are the 'Battle Inspired' offers on My...
News Necrocosmos Aims To Bring Metroidvania Style Goodness To Switch
There is no god up here!
We love a good Metroidvania game here at Nintendo Life. While we've got Metroid: Samus Returns to look forward to on 3DS and the lovely Axiom Verge: Multiverse Edition coming up on Switch, we could always use one more quality Metroidvania style game, right? The lovely folks at Andromeda Project aim to make our dreams...
News It'll Be a Battle of Super Powers in the Next Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Nope, not Marvel vs DC
Nintendo has confirmed the theme for the next Splatfest in Splatoon 2, this time setting up a battle between blue and green once the tussle rolls around. It'll be Flight vs Invisibility, the same in both North America in Europe; it'll go down on 1st-2nd September. Nintendo also confirmed that Splatoon 2 is past one million...
News Fire Emblem Echoes Developers on How the Game Iterates on Fire Emblem Fates
"There were things we wanted to implement but couldn’t fit"
The 3DS has arguably been the most impactful platform for the Fire Emblem series, playing host to a succession of three titles that all manage to take the series to new heights in their own ways. The last of these--Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia—was a remake of the second Fire...
News Show Off Your 16-Bit Style With This Adorable SNES Classic Hoodie
Totally rad, dudes
Following on from last month’s reveal of the delightful NES Classic Hoodie, Merchoid are back with the affectionately named SNES Classic Hoodie which of course is cleverly timed to coincide with the release of the SNES Classic Mini. Based on the Europe
News Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy Hits Europe on 6th October
Nintendo to publish in EU, daily puzzles to be added
Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy is a welcome return for the classic series formula, albeit we have a new protagonist and a focus on light-hearted storytelling and a push to keep the focus on puzzles. Already confirmed for the Fall season in North America,...
News Neo Geo Classic Magician Lord Casts A Spell On The Switch eShop Today
Save the world from the fiendish Gal-Agiese
For those of our readers who have been enjoying the ACA Neo Geo releases on the Switch eShop, it's been revealed that later today Magician Lord will be available to download for the usual price of £6.29 / $7.99. Developed by Alpha Denshi and released in 1990 as a launch title on the Neo Geo,...
Feature Trying Biohazard Beverages, a Rockman Stew and More at the Capcom Café
One of the gaming treats in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Located opposite the famous 'Golden Gai' izakaya (bar) square in Shinjuku's Kabukucho district (Tokyo) is a small cafe dedicated to all things Capcom. Whether your franchise of choice is Street Fighter, Biohazard (Resident Evil), Rockman (Mega Man), or something a little more niche, there's plenty of...
News The Pokémon Company Confirms Its Streaming Schedule for The Pokémon World Championships
For those that can't get to Anaheim this weekend
The Pokémon World Championships are almost here, the culmination of months of regional qualifying events. In Anaheim, California from 18th to 20th August the best Pokémon Sun and Moon, Trading Card Game and Pokkén Tournament players will gather to prove they're the very best. As always there's...
News MixedBag Confirms forma.8 Switch Release Date, Two More Games on the Way
The Italian studio steps into publishing
A week or two ago a Switch 'News' category popped up on the system for forma.8, confirming that the intriguing exploration title that graced the Wii U was coming to the new system. Developer MixedBag has now outlined the release details - it'll arrive on 24th August in North America and Europe priced at $9.99...
Wednesday16th Aug 2017
Review Sonic Mania (Switch eShop)
Sonic is back to his best
In certain circles of chatty online gamers, Sonic the Hedgehog is often a hot topic. SEGA and Sonic Team has taken its mascot on some wild rides over the past 20+ years, stepping into 3D 'modern' Sonic, attempting a return to 2D with Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and dividing opinion, and blurring the lines (with some success) in...
Review Slime-san (Switch eShop)
It's not easy being green
If there's a lesson to be learned from Slime-San, it's that looks can be deceiving. Glancing at screenshots reveals a grungy, pixellated style, some weirdly gooey environments and what would appear to be a fairly straightforward 2D platformer, but scratch just beneath the slightly viscous surface and you'll find...
News Sonic Mania Dashes Straight To The Top Of The Switch Best Sellers Chart
Great news for the Blue Blur
It's fair to say that Sonic Mania has been really well received so far, attracting positive reviews all over the shop. Our own review will be with you shortly (spoilers: we like it too!). For many Sonic fans this is the game they've always wanted Sega to make -- a spiritual successor to the original Mega Drive trilogy...
News Now You Can Play The Nintendo Switch With Only One Hand
A 3D printed wonder
While Nintendo designed Super Mario Run to be easily played with only one hand, and laboured this point repeatedly, it was a reminder of a genuine need to make games more accessible to those who only have the use of one hand. Thankfully for those gamers Thingyiverse user Vexelius has created a seriously useful
Review Phantom Trigger (Switch eShop)
Hack, slash, repeat...
Phantom Trigger is a self-described “neon slasher” featuring RPG and roguelike elements developed by two-man squad, Bread Team. Combining some rather tough gameplay with an intriguing storyline, it sees you make your way through various monster-ridden, dungeon-like worlds, whilst also attempting to make sense of what is...
News Here’s Your First Look at the Upcoming New ARMS Fighter
Well, sort of
Last week, Nintendo put out a decently sized patch for ARMS that introduced a series of balance tweaks, and it also confirmed that the next update would be much more significant, adding in a new fighter, stage, and more arms. Not much else has been revealed since then, but Nintendo of Japan just recently put out a bit of a teaser for...
News Japanese Gamers Can Now Pick Their Favourite Joy-Con Colour Combo
Mix and match
Lucky Japanese Nintendo fans now have the option to pick their favourite Joy-Con colour combination when buying a Switch online from the official store. We had a play around with the online configurator and came up with the rad combo which you can see above. Hot or not? Japanese customers can pick from any options which actually...
Guide Unlocking Sonic Mania's Debug Mode and Stage Select
There's no such thing as too many goalposts
Sonic Mania is a treat for classic Sonic fans of all ages, but those that fiddled around with the original games & Knuckles will remember the debug modes that allowed you to mess around with any stage and completely ruin its subtle layout. Thankfully Sonic Mania delivers once again, as the classic...
News Dragon Quest XI and Nintendo Switch Still Dominate the Japanese Charts
The Snack World: Trejarers makes its debut in 2nd place
The Media Create chart results for Japan are here once again, bringing some new releases but also familiar sales trends that mean good news for Nintendo. Starting with software, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age on 3DS stays at number one in the software chart, taking it past 1.5...
News An EA Executive's Four-Year Old Son Helped Him Appreciate the Nintendo Switch Concept
"I think it's a pretty special machine"
We've said in multiple editorials that the Nintendo Switch is more than the sum of its parts, but sometimes people need to use one to 'get it'. The core ingredients of a tablet with detachable controllers, that can be docked for a TV output, sounds neat but isn't necessarily considered game changing in...
News Prima Has a Super Mario Odyssey Guide on the Way
You’ll need some help finding all those moons
It seems like official video game guides are a bit of an antiquated item in the current day and age. Just about every game now has extensive YouTube series covering every facet of the gameplay and going over it all in nuance that guides might miss, and games are also prone to change with patches, which...
News Capturing Uproots In Super Mario Odyssey Looks Like Fun
Reaching new heights
To say we're excited about the October release of Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch is a bit of an understatement. The more we see of the game the more we can't wait to play it for ourselves. The Super Mario Odyssey Japanese Twitter account has been a great reminder of what we have to look forward to in the game. In the...
Video Digital Foundry Shares Its Full Technical Breakdown of Sonic Mania
For you framerate fans
Sonic Mania is causing, well, mania, and we'll be typing out our final review today (following some more personal thoughts earlier in the week). The good news is that it runs beautifully on all platforms, with just one odd example on Switch (the first 3D 'chase the UFO' Special Stage) of frame drops; asides from that it's...
News Brazilian Brawler 99Vidas Is Bringing Old-School Arcade Combat To Switch This Year
Inspired by Double Dragon, Golden Axe and Final Fight
QUByte Interactive has confirmed that it is bringing its side-scrolling fighter 99Vidas to the Switch eShop later this year. Created in conjunction with 99Vidas, Brazil's most popular video gaming podcast, the fighter has 4 player co-op, 11 characters, a 6-level story mode, 2 bonus levels,...
News Stylish Switch eShop Title, Original Journey, is Brought Forward to a Q4 Release
A quicker journey than we thought
Earlier this year Original Journey was confirmed as yet another intriguing title to be on the way to the Switch eShop. Developed by Bonfire Entertainment and published by Another Indie, it utilises a 'pencil art' style with platforming, action and mechs. Alongside the release of a PC (Steam) launch...
Tuesday15th Aug 2017
News The OJO Aims To Be The First Dedicated Nintendo Switch Projector
Could this be the ultimate Switch accessory?
We recently checked out an LED mini projector with the Switch to see if it was a match made in gaming heaven. The results proved to be quite pleasing; with this projector coupled with the SFANS Adapter and Nintendo Switch, we were able to fit everything we needed into a medium-sized backpack...
News Sonic Mania Runs Brilliantly on Switch, With One Tiny Drawback
Christian Whitehead confirms they're working on bugs
Here's a spoiler ahead of our Sonic Mania review - it's a huge amount of fun. Prior to release this scribe published some personal thoughts based on the PS4 version to summarise why it's the Sonic game many have been waiting for. We are now dashing through on Switch, and our review will be with...
Guide A Simple Fix for a Game Breaking Bug in Troll and I on Switch
Get past the first 10 minutes...
Troll and I is out now on the Switch, a somewhat under-the-radar retail release that nevertheless looks rather appealing in footage. A single player adventure, it revolves around a co-operative relationship between a young man and the troll to get through various environments and challenges. We're working on a...
News Nicalis Would Love To Bring Night Trap To Nintendo Switch
"If Nintendo weren't such *****, LRG would have done it"
Publisher Nicalis has been doing a great job in bringing games such as Cave Story+ and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ to Nintendo Switch retail. Collectors really appreciate physical releases such as this, and Nicalis clearly has a way of convincing Nintendo to relax its policies, as...
Review The King of Fighters '99 (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Enjoyable, skip-able fighting fun
Since its beginning the three-vs-three Team-Battling shenanigans of SNK’s The King of Fighters series provided enjoyable fighting action. Each instalment added and tweaked things, culminating in the superb “Dream Match” ’98 edition. This was followed unsurprisingly by The King of Fighters ’99, which...
News Disgaea 5 Complete Passes 100,000 Sales on Nintendo Switch
How about that, dood?
Disgaea 5 Complete, released alongside the Switch in Japan and in May in the West, provides a huge amount of quirky, complex strategy gameplay for those that embrace its 'niche' approach to storytelling. We enjoyed it enough to give a recommendation in our review, with the proviso that it's a commitment to get into it fully...
News Unepic and Ghost 1.0 Are Heading to the Switch eShop
Epic news
The Wii U had its share of quality download-only games, and one that certainly deserves mention is Unepic, developed by Francisco Téllez de Meneses and published on the last-gen system by EnjoyUp Games. That arrived back in early 2014 and the developer has been busy - as it turns out that'll be to the benefit of the Switch eShop. The...
News GameStop Gets Major Nintendo Switch Restock in the US, But Only In Stores
Call your local or get down there!
If you're in the US and still trying to get a Switch, it's potentially been a struggle to find stock; various retailers have often offered sporadic and limited availability. According to CNET, though, GameStop stores in the country will have a notable restock today (15th August) and tomorrow. CNET quotes a...
Video Get a Good Look at Rabbid Luigi and Mario in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Ubisoft gradually introduces the cast
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is just two weeks away, and Ubisoft is releasing regular videos to showcase the game. Over the past week it's released a couple of 'Character Spotlight' videos, which showcase how different characters bring important strengths to your squad. First up a week ago was the Mario...
Monday14th Aug 2017
News Translation of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Japanese Ending Prompts Interesting Debate
The end result actually seems the same, though, if you dig into it
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is, in the opinion of this scribe, one of the finest games ever made. The adventure can be tackled in a variety of ways, but the ending brings it all together in one intense showdown, which naturally has Legend of Zelda lore fans interpreting...
Feature Basking in Nostalgia and '16-Bit' Goodness in Sonic Mania
The 12-year-old me would get all the Chaos Emeralds
With Sonic Mania just a day away at the time of publication, the lid is being lifted on review embargoes. Our chums at Push Square have published a review, but there's one simple reason we're posting this feature instead - we've been playing it on PS4. SEGA America offered us PS4 / Xbox...
News Curve Digital Confirms Two Games for the Switch eShop
More good stuff on the way
Curve Digital was quite active in its support for the Wii U and 3DS eShop, particularly the former. It published the likes of Thomas Was Alone and OlliOlli on Nintendo hardware, and has now confirmed two games that it's bringing to the Switch. Below are trailers and some official game descriptions for these. The Flame in...
News FIFA 18 Sales Are Important for Future EA Support of Nintendo Switch
"I hope we get there, that would be my personal ambition."
The Nintendo Switch has got off to a great start so far, with a growing install base, quality first party games and solid indie support on the eShop. Nevertheless the third-party retail line-up has been rather thin; while SEGA's Puyo Puyo Tetris and Capcom's Ultra Street Fighter...
News The Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition Demo is Live, For Real This Time
Castle Rock is rockin'
Eagle-eyed download update readers last week will have spotted confirmation of the Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition demo being due to go live in North America today, on 14th August. The European update didn't list it, but it has now officially gone live in the region; it'll arrive in North America later today. This isn't...
Video Celebrate Kirby's 25th Anniversary With This Special Trailer
Including a reminder of the 2018 Switch release
As we've seen over recent weeks with themed discounts and promotions, Nintendo's been celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Kirby. Nintendo of Europe, for its part, has now published a rather nice trailer celebrating the landmark. It works through 25 years of Kirby games, ending with a few snippets of...
News Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Keep Top 10 Places in the UK Charts
Other titles such as Miitopia continue to do well
We're in the middle of the Summer lull in the games retail market - there are few new releases meaning that evergreen titles lead the way. That's certainly the case in the UK, but the most recent chart results do bring some cheer for Nintendo. In a week with no big-hitting newcomers Crash...
News Mewtwo Raids Spotted At Pokémon GO Event In Japan
No sign of Mew though
Update: Mewtwo will arrive in the game for all very soon through 'Exclusive Raid Battles' - details below. In the coming weeks, you, too, will have the opportunity to battle and catch Mewtwo with the new Exclusive Raid Battle feature. Exclusive Raid Battles are similar to existing Raid Battles, with a few notable...
News Behold, It's the Pikachu Snapchat Lens!
Um, yay?
Hey, you hip young things, we know you're on the interwebs to update your Facebook profile and tweet a video of you eating a burger, and you may even do whatever it is you do on Snapchat. Well, we're down with that, so here's the Pikachu Snapchat Lens for Snapchatting - get it now (in Snapchat, yeah?)! It's totes amazing right?...
Sunday13th Aug 2017
Poll 99 Games and Counting - Are You Pleased With the Switch eShop Library?
Download decisions
We're just a couple of days away from the launch of Sonic Mania on the Switch eShop, the latest intriguing release to head to the store. While the line-up of exclusive games on the Switch download store is modest (but arguably offering quality over quantity), we're seeing a diverse range of multi-platform titles. A number of...
News RiME Producer Explains Why The Switch Port Is Coming So Much Later
Achievement system also being worked into the Nintendo version
RiME is taking its sweet time getting to the Nintendo Switch, with the release date now locked down to November. However, there are valid reasons for this delay, and producer Cody Bradley has taken the time to explain what's what with a lengthy but informative blog post...
News Sony's Jim Ryan Reiterates Praise for Nintendo's Resurgence With the Switch
"It’s great that they’re back"
With the latest figures showing that the Switch has sold 4.7 million units worldwide, Nintendo has garnered praise from various corners of the industry. The latest high profile figure to comment on the console's early success is Sony's own Jim Ryan. Speaking to EDGE magazine, the global head of sales and...
News Pokémon GO Adds Shiny Pikachu For Japanese Residents
Shiny Raichu available too
A new shiny Pokémon has been made available in Pokémon GO for all Japan-based players. After last week's Pikachu Outbreak event, Niantic has begun to roll out Shiny Pikachu in the wild. This is not the first time a shiny Pokémon has been added to the game after shiny (gold) Magikarp began appearing - which in...
Saturday12th Aug 2017
News US Sprint Stores Are Giving Away Pokémon GO Trainer Level Badges
Grab one while supplies last
US-based telecommunications company Sprint is offering Pokémon GO players the chance to own a trainer level badge to show off their progress in the app. The company is handing out free level badges to anyone that visits one of the US stores and proves their level achievement to a member of staff. The levels...
News Stylish Twin-Stick Shooter, Boiling Bolt, Announced For Switch
Maybe not as fast as the iconic sprinter
Persistant Studios has announced that twin-stick shooter Boiling Bolt will be making its way to the Nintendo Switch. The game (originally released for PC) features 2D gameplay with 3D graphics and two player co-op across all game modes. Enemies strategically work together to take down your ship whilst you...
Friday11th Aug 2017
News Gamevice Launches Patent Case Against the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con Concept
It begins...
A common occurrence in the Wii era was Nintendo being taken to court by various companies claiming that the system violated existing patents. This has happened with multiple Nintendo systems, in truth, with the 3DS also being targeted quite a few times. Nintendo wins the majority of these cases and, even on the rare occasions it loses...
News Playtonic Gives Update On Yooka-Laylee For Switch
Studio needs to be 100% confident before giving a release date
With the prospect of taking it anywhere, some have held off on purchasing Yooka-Laylee as they wait for it to be released on the Switch. Developer Playtonic Games has now given a little insight into how far along it is, saying that the "final issues" are being worked out. This news comes...
News Infinite Minigolf Disappears From North American eShop Due to Ratings Issue
Zen Studios is working on a patch
Anyone looking for Infinite Minigolf on the North American eShop for some weekend play may be a tad baffled at the moment, as the game has been temporarily pulled from the store; Zen Studios, however, is on the case. Oddly it seems to have been caused by a ratings change; Zen Studios initially tweeted surprise,...
Video This Nintendo Staffer Is Way Better Than You at Playing Splatoon 2
Amazing...
Much of the talk around Splatoon 2 is about the excellent core multiplayer mode and the occasionally available Salmon Run mode, but it seems like the single player is what gets often ignored. Though it’s obviously not the primary selling point of the title, it suitably builds upon the ideas established in the original Splatoon and...
News The Splat Brella Will Stop Raindrops Falling on Your Head in Splatoon 2 This Weekend
We did some talking to the sun
Splatoon 2 has been serving up weekly updates and/or events so far, and that's set to continue this week. The coming weekend will bring us one of the quirkiest new items in the Switch sequel - the Splat Brella. It's the first of its type in the game, and the Japanese account's tweet has a few nice shots of the...
Video Check Out the Opening Cinematic for Sonic Mania
What a catchy tune
It’s been a long time coming, and in just a few short days, Sonic Mania will finally see a release. The 16-bit platformer seems to be the game that fans have been requesting for years; this is a game that’s being made to honor the past while still introducing new stuff for the future. To keep anticipation high, Sonic Team has...
News Game Freak Director Discusses Evolution of Pokémon Designs
"Treating them like living creatures"
Game Freak Director and Pokémon series developer Junichi Masuda has been speaking about the design process in creating Pokémon, and how this has changed over the years since the games' inception. Pokémon has always been praised for its wide variety of designs, taking things as...
News Robonauts is Blasting Its Way Onto the Switch eShop
Let's take a look, shall we?
The European eShop has a nice routine of dropping in new game pages on a regular basis to show more titles that are on the way, and this week a number were added. In most cases they're games we're already covered, but one is new and worth picking up - Robonauts by QubicGames. QubicGames has some experience...
News The Jackbox Party Pack 1 & 2 Hit the Switch on 17th August
Twice the fun
Early on in the Switch's life we had The Jackbox Party Pack 3, a collection of quirky multiplayer games in which players can jump in and use their phones to play. It was well executed on Switch, adding another party game to the system's line-up. A little while ago Jackbox Games confirmed that the Switch would catch up with...
Thursday10th Aug 2017
Nintendo Download 10th August (North America)
Sonic Mania! Ironcast! Flip Wars! Phantom Trigger! Much more!
The North American Nintendo Download Update details are here, and it's another busy week. The Nintendo Switch is jam-packed with a demo, full download options and a retail game, from turn-based match three, to retro kicks, multiplayer shenanigans and more besides. The 3DS gets a new...
Video See the Big Difference Between Monster Hunter XX on Switch and 3DS
Well, obviously...
Occasionally our memory plays tricks on us - we may think back to old games and picture lovely, crisp visuals, but then we play them for real and, well, the results don't match our memories. That could conceivably be the case with Monster Hunter XX. The Switch version demo is now out in Japan (instructions to access it here)...
Review Infinite Minigolf (Switch eShop)
Better than par?
Zen Studios is undoubtedly best known for its pinball games and 'platforms', honing online systems and gameplay over the years. It's a company with an eye for stylish representations of some of the most simple but addictive pastimes, and its latest effort is Infinite Minigolf. Thankfully the name isn't suggesting questionable...
News Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 1.2.1 Now Available For Download
Don't get too excited, though
These Nintendo Switch software updates are coming thick and fast these days. We've already seen Zelda: Breath of the Wild and ARMS get new updates, and now it's the turn of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Version 1.2.1 of the popular racer has just gone live, but it doesn't boast the sweeping changes seen in the other titles; in...
News 'Next Gen Nintendo 64 Controller' from Retro Fighters Smashes Kickstarter Target
Good news for those preserving their originals
When it comes to Nintendo's rich gaming history, there's little doubt that the Nintendo 64 holds a special place in many gamers' hearts. It delivered games that were revolutionary for the time, and it has an iconic look that's hard to forget. The controllers, particularly the analogue stick,...
Nintendo Download 10th August (Europe)
Ironcast! Phantom Trigger! Rocket Fist! Kirby Discounts! More!
The European Nintendo Download Update is live, and this week's line-up brings quite a lot of options across the three core systems. On Nintendo Switch we have five new download titles along with a discount, the 3DS gets artistic and the Wii U Virtual Console gets two new arrivals. Beyond...
News Splatoon 2 is Getting a Special Range of Summer Outfits Starting This Weekend
Shame about the flip flops
Splatoon 2 is already one of the key games of this Summer, and Nintendo is stepping up the seasonal theme with a special range of outfits and shoes to appear this coming weekend. As is always the case it's the official Japanese Twitter account spilling the beans, but typically this sort of thing rolls out globally...
News Super Meat Boy is Definitely Coming to Nintendo Switch
Well done
Super Meat Boy is a title that is firmly fixed in 'Indie' gaming history, and has been ported and re-released on most systems, including the Wii U. It's now confirmed that it's coming to the Nintendo Switch, too, with Team Meat and its crew evidently getting comfortable working with Nintendo's new system. The confirmation was given in a...
News Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth Launches on 17th October in North America
New video introduces Fencer class, too
Plenty of 3DS fans have been looking forward to the arrival of Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth later this year, and those in North America now have a firm date - it'll arrive on 17th October priced at $39.99USD. The European release date will be announced "at a later time". In addition to that...
News Mutant Mudds Deluxe Is Nearing Release on the Switch
Hopefully a release date is inbound?
In the early days of the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS, one of the standout titles for the digital storefront was Mutant Mudds, a 12-bit tough-as-nails platformer that utilized the 3D effect. It certainly put Atooi—then part of Renegade Kid—on the map for Nintendo players, and it later got a solid follow up in...
Wednesday9th Aug 2017
Video Here's How You Download and Play the Japanese Monster Hunter XX Demo on Switch
Easy peasy
The Monster Hunter XX demo is out in Japan, and while we bemoan the lack of localisation we can, of course, all give it a whirl. All you need to do is setup a Japanese Nintendo Account - which is pretty easy, here's our guide - and then hop onto the eShop to download the demo. It could certainly be something fun to do as the weekend...
Review Ironcast (Switch eShop)
More than meets the eye
At E3 this year, this writer got the chance to demo an intriguing game called Ironcast, which initially sounded like it was trying to do a bit too much all at once. A match three puzzler that’s also a roguelike, that’s also a strategy RPG with permadeath? Even so, we came away feeling that it just might have what it takes...
News Zelda: Breath of the Wild's First Free Item Distribution is Live on Switch
Just don't get TOO excited...
Earlier this week Nintendo introduced what could be considered as SpotPass for Nintendo Switch. As part of the update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild there were posts in the 'News' tab for the game that promised tips and free items to come; the first of these is now live. You simply access the News tab and,...
News Nintendo Switch Screen Supplier, Japan Display Inc., is Facing Tough Times
Likely loss of Apple contract is a source of concern
While many simply expect gadgets to be manufactured in large numbers to stock shelves and meet demand, the reality is that companies sometimes face a tough time sourcing and producing all the relevant parts. Nintendo may be considering a long term change for Nintendo Switch, for example, as the...
Random GameCube Listings on Nintendo Websites Raise Hopes for Switch, But Don't Get Too Excited
Looks like a data entry error to us
Today we've had multiple readers pass us pointers to GameCube listings on Nintendo of Europe's regional websites. When looking at the broad 'Games' category you get a large list of titles, mainly current-gen games. In the default view, however, four semi-complete GameCube game listings appear on the first page;...
News Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Will Make Its Case on 3DS in November
Revamped edition also includes full Japanese version, too
In one form or another the 3DS eShop has played host to almost the entire 'main' series of Ace Attorney games, including in the West; that requires us to brush off the lack of localisation of The Great Ace Attorney and its sequel, of course. In any case, Capcom is rounding off the collection...
News ARMS Version 2.1.0 Is Now Available
No new character, but we'll get one next time
Much alike to its support for Splatoon 2, Nintendo has pledged to support ARMSwith an ongoing series of balancing tweaks, new ARMS, new stages, and new characters over the course of roughly a year from the time that it launched. The last major update most notably saw the introduction of a new playable...
News GameStop Opens Pre-Orders on Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL in the US
Get rollin'
Earlier today Nintendo unveiled the rather handsome Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL, which will arrive alongside Metroid: Samus Returns on 15th September; that's the date for both North American and Europe. In the US it's set to be available at 'select retailers', and one of those is GameStop. Pre-orders for the system are live in the...
News Dragon Quest XI and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japanese Charts
Great Ace Attorney 2 makes its debut, sales down on predecessor
The Japanese Media Create results are out, and remind us of the power of brands with two versions of a massive Square Enix title still leading the way. There's good news for Nintendo in both the software and hardware results, too. Starting with the software top 20, Dragon Quest XI:...
Video Check Out Cordelia's Sweeping Moves in Fire Emblem Warriors
The Pegasus isn't as cool as the back-flipping horse, however
Not long ago Koei Tecmo (via Famitsu) confirmed that Cordelia and Female Robin would be playable charactersin Fire Emblem Warriors. As expected the action title has already accumulated a sizeable cast, following in the lead of Hyrule Warriors and the many other Warriors...
News Learn More About the Cast and Battle Systems for Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon
Out in October, if you need the reminder
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, published by Koei Tecmo and due for release on 24th October, is perhaps still a little under the radar. Developed by GUST Studios, the RPG is a sequel to a 2016 release that some with a PS4 may know well. Koei Tecmo's update on the game this week goes into two...
Gallery Checking Out Yokohama's Pikachu Outbreak Pokémon Event
Painting the town yellow
From today until next week, various locations in the Japanese city of Yokohama will play host to the annual Pikachu Outbreak event. This year's event consists of merchandise stalls, parades, air ship flyovers and a number of Pokémon GO parks and stadiums, catering for fans of the phenomenally popular mobile game...
News Thimbleweed Park is Pointing (and Clicking?) Towards a September Release on Switch
Will support physical and touchscreen controls
We were rather pleased when it was confirmed that Thimbleweed Park is coming to the Switch eShop. It's the latest game from Ron Gilbert, who was behind some of the most iconic and memorable point-and-click games of the '90s, such as The Secret of Monkey Island and Day of the...
News INVERSUS Deluxe to Bring Fast-Paced Action to the Switch in Autumn / Fall
Looks ideal for quickfire multiplayer sessions
Indie developers are starting to arrive in greater numbers on the Switch eShop, and the hybrid device is getting expanded versions of some popular PC and console titles. Now INVERSUS Deluxe, developed by Hypersect, is another interesting download title confirmed to be on the way to the Switch eShop in...
Tuesday8th Aug 2017
News The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Version 1.3.1 Is Now Live
Bug fixes! Item distribution! Stability!
With only half of the expansion pass content currently available, Nintendo is certainly still keen on supporting The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with new content via updates and patches. The latest patch just went out and while it makes the usual bug fixes and tweaks that these kinds of updates do, it...
News Nintendo Unveils Gorgeous Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL
Crikey
Update: This system is also coming to Europe, also on 15th September. Original Article: The 3DS 'family' of systems has had some terrific limited edition hardware, and we reckon this is another to add to the list. The 'Samus Edition' New Nintendo 3DS XL has been unveiled by Nintendo of America, and it'll arrive on 15th September alongside...
News Brawlout Could Keep Smash Bros. Fans Busy on Switch Later This Year
Hyper Light Drifter tie-in also confirmed
Super Smash Bros. can feel pretty unique, but it does inspire its fair share of projects that adopt a similar approach to party-friendly brawling. We've seen various games adopt the platform fighter style, and now one of those titles is targeting the Switch this year. In this case it's Brawlout,...
News Axiom Verge Launches on Switch on 17th October
It'll be worth the wait
One of the very best games that we played on the Wii U last year was that of Axiom Verge, the incredibly deep and rich Metroidvania from Thomas Happ, a one-man development team. Considering how the game very clearly acted as a sort of neo-Metroid, it was a perfect fit for Nintendo systems, and although it couldn’t fit on...
Review Ultra Hyperball (Switch eShop)
Not very ultra
If humanity has given the world anything, it’s the ability to turn even the most mundane games into a sport. Rock/Paper/Scissors, the epitome of what you do when you can’t decide who gets to do something unsavoury, now has world championships. Not content with merely kicking a soccer ball into a net, folk now insert themselves...
News The Nintendo World Championships 2017 Have Been Announced
It's a rather limited event, however
After a nostalgia-fuelled event at E3 2015 reminded us all about the Nintendo World Championships, Nintendo of America has confirmed that the event will be back for another run in the US in 2017. It's exciting in principle, but in reality the contest is rather limited. In August and September eight Best Buy...
Random Mario Kart Wii's Abandoned Mission Mode is Uncovered at Last
Deleted files found by familiar MK modder
The busy nature of game development means that clues are often left behind in code, often pointing to assets or features that were changed or removed in the final game. Sometimes the clues can take a long time to uncover, as seems to have been the case with a Mission Mode in Mario Kart Wii. It was spotted...
News Sonic Mania's Competition Mode Brings Back Splitscreen Memories
Albeit without the shonky framerate
Not many likely bothered with it much, but in some of the classic 16-bit Sonic games (this old man's memory is letting him down and he can't remember which ones) you could play against a buddy in splitscreen. It was a fun idea, albeit the framerate would dive; granted, in those days not many of us minded shoddy...
News SEVERED Slashes Its Way onto the Switch eShop, Out Today
Already live in Europe
Some developers opt for the big build-up to releases, but in some cases games simply arrive. Drinkbox Studios has launched SEVERED on the Nintendo Switch eShop - it's out now in North American and Europe, priced at $14.99 / €14.99 / £13.49. If you need a reminder, this is a game that utilises swipe controls for com
News Nintendo to Live Stream Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid: Samus Returns and More from Gamescom
Yoshiaki Koizumi and Yoshio Sakamoto due to appear
Nintendo of Europe often puts on a good show at Gamescom, the huge annual expo in Germany. Over the years there have been some impressive booth setups, which can include stage demos and events, but it's not often pushed the event up to the level seen at E3, for example. NoE seems to be upping the...
News Project AM2R Creator Earns Job Working on Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Makes announcement on first anniversary of AM2R
The saga around AM2R, a hugely impressive fan-made Metroid 2 remake, was a divisive one in 2016. Acclaimed by fans of the series, the free download was then targeted by aggressive takedowns through Nintendo, while it had a 2016 Game Awards nomination revoked in what many assumed was due to...
News Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is Heading to the Switch eShop
A narrative tactical RPG with plenty of colour
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is a game that's been quite well received on PC since September 2016, and is out today on the PS4. Publisher Ysbryd Games and developer Witching Hour Studios have used today's Sony release to confirm that work is now underway to bring the game to the Switch eShop (though...
Video Giddy Up with Winning Post 8 and Champion Jockey Special on Nintendo Switch
Joy-Con motion controls? You betcha!
Watching motion controls in games are a good way to brighten any day, as we sometimes do absurd things in the name of entertainment. We waggled our way through the Wii generation, and the legacy still lives on thanks to the motion support of the Joy-Con controllers. And so we present the trailer...
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off Extended Metroid: Samus Returns Gameplay
And plugs the amiibo, naturally!
For those eagerly awaiting Metroid: Samus Returns, today brought some lovely news with the announcement of the handsome Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS. There's also some footage of different areas, with Nintendo Minute pitching in. Along with Sam from the Treehouse they go through some neat areas and also show...
News UFO 50 Brings a Team of Talented Developers Together for an 8-bit Collection
Confirmed for PC so far, but looks like a lovely fit for Switch
The retro aesthetic is used a fair amount in modern gaming, sometimes to play on nostalgia and on other occasions because it's the best option for a given project. When you browse any download store you don't need to look far before you see pixel-art and hear chiptune music. The...
Monday7th Aug 2017
Guide Splatoon 2 - Adding, Removing and Picking Abilities
Ready and able
Splatoon 2 is now well into its run on Switch, and with it comes a whole new generation of inklings ready to take to the splattlefield for some turf wars and ranked battles. All inklings may be created equal, but that doesn’t mean all abilities are. Fortunately we’re here to give you a rundown on which abilities are worth your...
Talking Point Capcom, the Nintendo Switch and Gaming Business Realities
Sometimes Capcom and Nintendo are close partners, but not always
At the moment some Switch aficionados are a little baffled and frustrated with Capcom. There are multiple reason for this, but Monster Hunter: World (coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC) is arguably top of the list. Capcom has only shown limited support for the Switch so far, with a...
News 25 Years Later, And Night Trap Still Isn't Going To Appear On A Nintendo Console
Howard Lincoln's words echo through the decades
Controversial FMV game Night Trap is getting a 25th anniversary remaster, but the game won't be appearing on the Switch - despite the best efforts of the developers. The game - which involves trying to protect a household full of excitable young women from the clutches of some rather unconvincing...
News The Next Wave Of ACA Neo Geo Titles For Switch Is Confirmed
Magician Lord! Blue's Journey! Spinmaster! Art of Fighting!
Hamster has confirmed the next wave of games for its ACA Neo Geo range on the Switch. During a recent livestream, the Japanese company revealed that Magician Lord, Puzzled, Zed Blade, Raguy / Blue's Journey, Spinmaster, and Art of Fighting are all bound for Nintendo's console. Out of that...
Rumour Dataminers Appear To Have Unearthed More ARMS Characters
Potential spoilers contained within...
ARMS is getting a new update this week, and although the official stance is that it will introduce balancing changes, dataminers have uncovered evidence that something more substantial could be coming to the game soon. Digging through the game's code, a list of character names has been found. Some of these are...
Random When Fans Go to the Next Level - Check Out Alex Kidd in Miracle World 2
No Kidding
Sometimes business realities don't bring us all of the games we want, or publishers have their own ideas on how to best utilise an IP. This certainly applies to retro gaming and 'missed opportunities' in the past, which explains the rich scene in mods and fan created games that deliver sequels and remasters that enthusiasts want to see...
News Elminage Original Will Be Crawling Through Your 3DS Dungeon This Week
"Your very own epic adventure awaits you!"
Nintendo's official site has revealed that Elminage Original is coming to the 3DS eShop in North America this week. Developed by Starfish, Elminage Original is a remake of the 2008 game which started it all. It was previously localised for the west on the PSP in 2012. Elminage...
News Mayo Wins in Splatoon 2's Battle of the Condiments
Mayowned
This past weekend we had the slightly odd battle of pinky red and gloopy yellow in the Splatoon 2 Splatfest, which was both gross and entertaining at the same time. The battle between Ketchup and Mayo was fought in North America and PAL territories, and there was one unanimous winner. It was a sweep for Mayo, in the end. Nintendo of...
Video The Art of Legend of Zelda Series Masterclass Finally Gets an Official Translation
Eiji Aonuma and colleagues from Japan Expo
On 7th July attendees at Japan Expo in Paris had the chance to attend a Legend of Zelda Masterclass given by series producer Eiji Aonuma, Breath of the Wild artistic director Satoru Takizawa, and "Battle of Ganon" illustrator Yusuke Nakano. The video of the presentation popped up on Nintendo France's...
News Piczle Lines DX to Bring Its Own Spin on Artistic Puzzles to Switch
A pretty picture for the eShop
The Switch eShop is starting to flesh out its library not just in terms of the volume of games available, but also the range of genres. For puzzle fans that want a nice accessible challenge there's another option on the way with Piczle Lines DX. It blends ideas seen in Picross with the ability to fill...
News Splatoon 2 and Miitopia Hold Top 10 Places in UK Charts
MK8 Deluxe and Breath of the Wild also maintain top 20 spots
The UK charts had very little change to report last week as the summer holiday season rolls on. A lack of new releases meant that it was all about discounts and ongoing popularity, so from that perspective we saw some Nintendo titles hold up quite well. Splatoon 2 is still the...
Sunday6th Aug 2017
News Dragon Quest Builders 2 Confirmed for Nintendo Switch
Will it stack up?
Dragon Quest Builders was a recent title that won quite a lot of fans among series veterans and those that enjoy the sort of gameplay that Minecraft brought to the mainstream. It combined resource accumulation and management with plenty of freedom to build and create the world around you. Blend all of that with adventure elements,...
News First Three Dragon Quest Titles Heading to the 3DS in Japan
Will they make it to the West?
This weekend has brought the Dragon Quest Summer Festival, and with that there were a few announcements. One of these is pleasing for fans of the very beginning of the franchise, with news that this month will bring the first three games on the 3DS. As you can see, the first two titles will land on the 3DS (and PS4)...
Saturday5th Aug 2017
News Hyperkin Reveals HDMI SNES Clone, The Supa RetroN HD
The SNES Mini could have competition
Hyperkin's Chris Gallizzi has just lifted the lid on the company's next clone system, the Supa RetroN HD. The clone system uses hardware rather than software emulation, and boasts 720p output via HDMI as well as composite AV. You'll be able to toggle between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and there's a region...
Friday4th Aug 2017
News The ALL Controller Aims To Work Across All Your Game Consoles and Devices
It's in the name
Meet the ALL Controller. It’s a single pad designed to work effortlessly across all your gaming consoles; for those that hate clutter and have multiple gaming systems it could certainly be useful. Launched on Kickstarter, the product is already making waves by smashing its target of $75,000 Canadian dollars with 43 days...
News GameStop Listing Hints At Physical Release For Sonic Mania On Switch
Fingers crossed...
Sonic Mania is shaping up to be one of the finest outings for the Blue Blur in years, but there's a sticking point for really dedicated fans: the lack of a confirmed physical release for the 2D platformer. Sega has so far remained silent on the possibility of the game getting a boxed retail release, but if GameStop Italy is to be...
News Game Boy Color Screen Mod Almost Makes The Console Complete
Close, but yet so far
Those of you who happen to follow the Game Boy modding scene will be aware that its relatively easy to tinker with your monochrome system and get a gorgeously sharp and well-lit screen these days, but the Game Boy Color is a harder nut to crack, largely due to the nature of its reflective display, which can't be lit with LEDs...
News Take-Two "Very Optimistic" About Switch, Expects Sales To "Continue To Be Great"
"We’re very supportive of Nintendo"
Take-Two has a pair of big titles lined up for Switch this year in the form of NBA 2K18 and WWE 2K18, the former of which was one of the earliest games to be confirmed for the console. During the company's recent conference call, chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick reiterated just how confident Take-Two is in...
News Pokémon GO Getting Ready For Japanese Pikachu Outbreak Event
Japan-only Pokémon GO Deluxe Set also revealed
Further details have been revealed about the upcoming Pokémon GO "Pikachu Outbreak" event occurring in Japan this summer. Like Pokémon GO's Anniversary event (but hopefully proving to be somewhat more successful), the location will see an increased lot of PokéStops as well as access to...
News ARMS Balance Update Is Coming Next Week
Who's getting nerfed?
The official ARMS Twitter account has revealed that the game will be getting a balance update next week. There are no details on exactly what's going to change, but the Twitter post appears to indicate that more news will be forthcoming before the update actually goes live. Are there any elements of ARMS that you think...
News Looks Like We Can Expect More Classic Arcade Titles On Switch From Zerodiv
More Psikyo shooters on the way?
Yesterday, publisher Zerodiv surprised everyone by releasing not one but two Psikyo arcade titles on the Switch eShop: Strikers 1945 and Gunbarich. It would seem that these are just a small part of a larger release schedule, as Zerodiv has now stated that it will release "more and more" games on the Switch...
News TumbleSeed '4 Peaks' Update Makes Big Changes, Including Switch-Exclusive Multiplayer
Discount makes it rather tempting, too
TumbleSeed is, in the opinion of this scribe, one of the most unique and intriguing titles to currently grace the Switch eShop. It can also be divisive because of its punishing difficulty, though, and while we gave it a big recommendation with an 8 in our review, the steep challenge meant it wasn't warmly...
News Sploosh-O-Matic To Return In Splatoon 2 This Weekend
Get up close and personal
Continuing the trend of weekly Splatoon 2 updates, the latest weapon to make a comeback is the Sploosh-o-matic. A shooter which specialises in close-range combat with fast firing but low accuracy, this weapon is great for charging the enemy team. Appearing in Splatoon for the Wii U as a part of free DLC, the...
News Cave Story+ Receives Free Classic Graphics Update
Just like the good ol’ days
It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Cave Story has been released on a lot of platforms; Cave Story+ on the Switch is just the latest in a long line. Over the years, various iterations have tweaked and iterated on the original art style, and the new release did that yet again and offered a marginally different...
News Slime-San: Blackbird’s Kraken Will Be Releasing for Free on Switch at a Later Date
Arigato, Slime-San
Slime-San is a promising new platformer for the Nintendo Switch starring an adorable green ball of slime as he runs and jumps and sloshes his way to freedom. It just came out today and we’ll be sure to have a review ready soon, but it seems that the game has even more content on the way already. The title previously released on...
Exclusive Super Play And Rare Legend Wil Overton Confirmed As Switch Player's Next Cover Artist
Inked
We've been following the evolution of the superb Switch Player magazine for some time now, and it never ceases to amaze us how good the cover artwork for this publication is. Each month, a different artist is commissioned to illustrate the cover, and for issue 6, Switch Player has secured a genuine video game legend. Wil Overton's doodles...
News Chicken Wiggle Release Date Revealed, Level Creator Detailed
Create and share levels with your friends
Atooi has confirmed release info and pricing for 3DS platforming adventure Chicken Wiggle. The game launches on the 3DS eShop on August 17th in North America and Europe, and will cost $14.99 / €14.99. The game's main campaign stars a young chicken and a wiggly worm, who have to work...
News NeuroVoider to Blast Its Way Onto the Switch eShop on 7th September
Includes Switch-exclusive controls for a single Joy-Con
The list of intriguing titles on the way to the Switch eShop is getting increasingly long, but one of the earliest titles to line up way back in March was NeuroVoider, one of multiple titles on the way from publisher Playdius. Now, at long last, we have firm release details. The Flying Oak...
News Compelling "Risk 'Em Up" Duel Hand Disaster: Trackher Is Coming To Switch
Split-screen, single player, twin sticks
Ask An Enemy Studios has revealed that its unique split-screen, single-player shooter A Duel Hand Disaster: Trackher is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Described as "A Split-Screen Single Player Twin Stick Risk Em' Up in which your score is meaningless unless you exist", A Duel Hand Disaster sees you...
Thursday3rd Aug 2017
Feature Is It Really Cheaper To Order Retro Games Direct From Japan?
Forget eBay - there could be a cheaper option
Back in the '90s, it seemed that the Japanese got all the best stuff. Not only did games typically launch sooner in Japan, they came in gorgeously-illustrated boxes complete with full-colour manuals, putting the rather drab western equivalents to shame. Not only that, the Japanese were blessed with many...
News Capcom Reveals Ultra Street Fighter II Sales Figures, Is Still "Evaluating" Switch Support
"The Nintendo Switch seems to be doing very well"
Capcom has already stated that it is pleased with the way Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers has performed on Switch, but in the company's officially-translated first-quarter financial results conference call Q&A summary, it has given
Nintendo Download 3rd August (North America)
Slime-san! Retro City Rampage DX! I am Setsuna discount! More!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week we have a lot of varied offerings on the Switch eShop, while the 3DS and Wii U also have some new options to consider. Let's get to it. Switch eShop: Slime-san (Fabraz,...
News Virtuos Is Working on Porting a AAA Game to the Switch
What could it be?
If you took a look at the headline and wondered, “What on Earth is Virtuos?”, you’d be forgiven for not recognizing the studio, but it turns out that it actually has a significant amount of pedigree behind it. Virtuos is a studio that works primarily with porting popular games to new consoles, and has Batman: Return to...
News Metroid Prime Trilogy and Majora's Mask Included in Latest European My Nintendo Rewards
Or you can par-tay with Mario
As always the start of a new month brings extra My Nintendo rewards, and while North America got a whole load of stuff the most recent EU update kept it simple, with discounts on three notable first-party games. You've already figured out what games they are from the headline and tagline, so below are the details on...
News Nintendo UK Has Reopened Pre-Orders For Metroid: Samus Returns Legacy Edition
Get in quick!
When Nintendo UK opened up pre-orders for Metroid: Samus Returns a while back, they sold out almost instantly. The pack comes with a retro steelbook case, 40-page Artbook, soundtrack, gold S-Mark pin, Morph Ball 3D keyring and a download code for Metroid II: Return of Samus. If you didn't get one last time, then you'll be...
Nintendo Download 3rd August (Europe)
Slime-san! Retro City Rampage DX! Switch discounts! More!
The European Nintendo Download Update is live, and it's a busy line-up this week. The Switch eShop gets seven new downloads along with a couple of discounts, while there's also DLC and new download options up for grabs across 3DS and Wii U. Add in the usual batch of discounts and some 3DS...
News NES30 Arcade Stick For Nintendo Switch Pre-Orders Open Now, Ships Later This Month
Costs 80 bucks, also works on Android, Mac and PC
Pre-orders for 8Bitdo's NES30 Arcade Stick have gone live today, and the controller will ship on August 20th with a retail price of $79.99. The controller - which is fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch - has turbo functionality, an 18 hour play time and is customisable. It comes with...
News NBA 2K18 Will Launch Digitally First On Switch, Retail To Follow "Fall 2017"
WWE 2K18 still listed as "Fall 2017"
Take Two has revealed during its earnings call that NBA 2K18 will launch digitally first on Switch, with the exact release date for the physical retail version still undecided. The Switch digital version of NBA 2K18 arrives on September 19th alongside all other formats, but the physical version is listed as...
News The King Of Fighters Goes Millennial Next Week on Switch
No Y2K bug is stopping this brawling
After weeks of football and shmup action, Hamster is set to go back to Neo Geo's most familiar genre next week, with The King of Fighters 2000 arriving on the Switch eShop on 10th August. Following up the previous game the Striker system makes a return, now featuring alternate Striker-only characters from
News Strikers 1945 And Gunbarich Appear From Out Of Nowhere On Switch eShop
Both come with "TATE" modes, too
Two classic Psikyo shooters have launched on the Switch eShop, ahead of this week's official download update. Strikers 1945 is a vertically-scrolling shooter from 1995 which features classic WW2 planes facing off against a host of enemies - including transforming battle engines. The UK price is £6.99, but this one...
Weirdness Indulging the Senses with Splatoon 2 Accessories
This is not just an accessory range...
If there's one thing we enjoy at Nintendo Life, it's games. That shouldn't be all that surprising, but what this video maker likes to do almost as much is parody the dickens out of primarily UK-centric media. So I did just that. Nintendo UK were kind enough to send over a care package of delightful Splatoon 2...
News Blaster Master Zero Passes 100,000 Downloads for Switch & 3DS
"In only five short months"
Fans of the Switch and 3DS are proving that small studios can make a huge dent, with Inti Creates announcing that Blaster Master Zero has sold more than 100,000 copies across both systems. The action-platformer has proved a strong hit, recreating the original Blaster Master that was released for NES back in 1988. This...
News Studio Behind Netflix's Castlevania Opens Up On Story Changes And The Meaning Of Anime
"I grew up on Castlevania. I play Symphony of the Night to this day"
Netflix's Castlevania series may not have pleased absolutely everybody, but we certainly enjoyed it - and it seems have gained favour with plenty of hardcore followers of Konami's vampire-slaying video game franchise. We've already spoken to producer
News RiME Will Arrive on Nintendo Switch in November
As promised the download price matches other systems
It's been a while coming, but RiME now has final release dates and details for the Nintendo Switch - 14th November in North America and 17th November in Europe. As previously confirmed the eShop version will price match other systems at $29.99 / €34.99 / £29.99, while the retail edition will...
News Bask in Nostalgia With Sonic Mania Special and Bonus Stage Footage
Memories of Sonic 3 and Sonic CD
Sonic Mania is only a couple of weeks away, which is very exciting indeed for fans of the blue blur that are of a certain age, or are perhaps younger but with an appreciation for the 16-bit days. The latest video for the game adds more cause for excitement, as it unveils the special and bonus stages to be found -...
News Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Has Sold 1 Million Copies in Europe
That's a lot of happy homes
It seems like Nintendo is in an odd spot with the Animal Crossing series, right now. After the launch of Animal Crossing: New Leaf—arguably the best entry yet—it seemed like the natural next step would be to expand on that game in the next home console entry, but Nintendo instead chose to follow it up with Animal...
Wednesday2nd Aug 2017
Editorial The Switch eShop Library is Starting to Look Like the Real Deal
Keep it on the download
The Switch has only been out a little over five months, but in this helter-skelter world it already seems to be settled into the market. General buzz and demand remain high, there are major retail games due regularly for the rest of the year, and Nintendo is still in a continuous battle to ensure that supply meets demand. For...
Review Overcooked: Special Edition (Switch eShop)
Well done
Part of the draw and charm of the Nintendo Switch is the increased focus that it puts on local multiplayer. Nintendo has always been the king of that style of play, but the Switch takes this to a whole new level when you combine the portability factor with at least two controllers that are always ready to go. Though there are already...
Exclusive Gear.Club Unlimited Unveiled for the Nintendo Switch, Coming This Year
Online play and car customisation cited as key features
In early June publisher Microïds outlined six games that it has in development for the Nintendo Switch, one of which was listed as Gear.Club. Developed by Eden Games, the original with that name on mobile is free-to-download, utilising ads and in-app purchases to make money. Still due in Q4...
News Dragon Quest XI Rewards You With A Copy Of The 8-Bit Original When You Finish It
Twice the fun
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has just launched in Japan and has sold like hot cakes. The game features hours of JRPG goodness that will no doubt keep players busy for some time, but even when the quest is over, the entertainment value doesn't end there. It has been revealed that upon completing Drago
News Persona Q2 is Confirmed for Nintendo 3DS
Logo and slogan point to Persona 5 characters
Atlus sure likes its stylised and non-committal reveals, and has opted for that approach with Persona Q2, which is confirmed as a 3DS exclusive. This is a sequel to 2014's Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, a rather excellent game that blended Etrian Odyssey ideas with cast members from Persona 3 and...
News Peach Ball: Senran Kagura Is The Pinball Game Kenichiro Takaki Has "Always Wanted To Do"
"I want to play pinball on a woman’s body"
Yesterday, we saw the first gameplay footage for Shinobi Refle: Senran Kagura, the first entry in the long-running series for the Nintendo Switch. However, it wasn't the only Senran Kagura title to be revealed; the lid was also lifted on Peach Ball, a pinball game for Nintendo's console. While...
News My Nintendo Updates with New Kirby and Star Fox Rewards
Along with plenty of others
It’s pretty safe to say that the My Nintendo rewards service has been disappointing to many, although it has been showing some signs of improvement in more recent months as the rewards have been ever so slowly getting better. Whether or not that upward trend has been continued will be up to you to decide, but Nintendo...
News Dragon Quest XI Delivers Extraordinary Sales on 3DS, as Switch Hardware Continues to Thrive
New 2DS XL leads the way thanks to DQXI bundle
The Media Create chart results are out for Japan, and it was a bit of a storming week for Nintendo, with Sony also enjoying a boost. The source of this is mostly the Dragon Quest series, which is absolutely massive business in Japan. Unsurprisingly Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive...
News Dragon Quest XI Sold Over 2 Million Copies in Two Days in Japan
Whoa
Though it’s relatively popular over here in the West, the Dragon Quest series is quite the big deal in Japan, to the point that Square Enix has enacted a company policy to only release each new game on a weekend due to complaints from other companies about loads of employees calling in “sick” and taking vacation days. The latest title,...
News Upcoming Monster Hunter XX Demo Will Give All Switch Owners a Taste of Japanese Release
No hint yet of localisation, however
Capcom recently made noises about increased support for the Nintendo Switch, and has backed that up by including the system in the recent announcement of re-releases of Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2. Yet with Monster Hunter the picture is fuzzier - 'World' is an ambitious main entry due next year that's...
Video Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Team Reflects on the Impact of Pre-E3 Leaks
"It was quite hard on team morale"
After playing Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, or indeed watching extended footage online, we suspect many will be rather drawn to its charms. Yet when detailed art leaked before E3 (some information had done the rounds long before the LA event), the project was at the mercy of early opinions and the cruelty of...
News Kirby Classics Get 25th Anniversary Discounts in North America
Absorbing some of the cost
As fans of Kirby no doubt know, this year is the character's 25th Anniversary, and Nintendo of America has kicked off some discounts over the coming week to celebrate. Live now, they're running until the morning on 8th August. The discounts are rather modest, but details (in US dollars) are below. 3DS eShop Kirby:...
News Chess Ultra to Make Its Move on Nintendo Switch Later This Year
Check it out, mate
Slowly and surely the range of game styles and genres is growing on the Switch eShop, and now Chess Ultra is confirmed to be filling a very particular gap later this year. It's being developed and published by Ripstone, which boasts that it's the "best looking chess game in the world". Based on the trailer and limited information...
News The Stylish 'Aztez' is Finally Out on PC, and Planned Wii U Version May 'Pivot' to Switch
A blend of empire-building and brawling
Some indie game projects take years to wrap-up, as real life and circumstances, or perhaps changes in design, prompt delays. Aztez seems like an example of that, having been in the works for over four years, but is now finally out on PC. It looks like an intriguing game, with a mix of gory combat, empire...
News Check Out the Hero Mask Power-Up for Chicken Wiggle
Chicken wings
Chicken Wiggle is creeping ever closer to release on the 3DS eShop, an ambitious platformer from Atooi that'll have a full level editor for players to create and share their own stages. We've seen plenty of environments and item types already, but now Jools Watsham has shown us the 'Hero Mask', the first of five power-ups that will...
Tuesday1st Aug 2017
Deals Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games And Accessories For August And September
Mario + Rabbids, Pokkén Tournament and lots more!
Can you believe it's August already? It's a great time to be a Switch owner; we've recently seen the release of ARMS and Splatoon 2 and there's still lots more to look forward to in upcoming months. So what's on the horizon for Nintendo Switch fans, then? We've complied a list of...
News Nintendo Releases New Super Mario Odyssey Artwork, Confirming Another New Kingdom
It wouldn’t be a modern Mario game without a water world
Super Mario Odyssey is shaping up to be a truly groundbreaking entry in the series and fans are understandably excited by every new tidbit of information as Nintendo continues to drip it out. We already knew of six worlds (or ‘kingdoms’) that are due to make an appearance in the...
News Switch Firmware Update 3.0.1 Is Live, Fixes Battery Charge Indicator Issue
More power to you
After Switch firmware update 3.0.0, some users reported that their console never charged fully, or that the battery indicator didn't update during charging. Others said that they were able to continue playing even after the battery was at zero percent, and it was also reported that the battery indicator was completely absent during...
Video Here's What Senran Kagura Looks Like On Nintendo Switch
Watch at your own risk
A Senran Kagura-themed livestream has just taken place in Japan, and during the broadcast gameplay footage from the upcoming Switch entry was shown, as well as the game's opening anime. Dubbed Shinobi Refle -Senran Kagura-, the game lanches later this year in Japan. Perfectly Nintendo has captured some of the...
News Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2 Are Coming To Switch Later This Year
Special collection pack confirmed, digital releases also incoming
Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2 will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in "late 2017". The two games will be released in a special Resident Evil Revelations Collection double pack for $39.99, which contains Resident Evil Revelations on a game...
Preview Jumping Into the Crazy World of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Including a stint in the co-op mode
While its reveal at E3 was anything but a surprise, the positive response to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was arguably unexpected. The idea of a crossover between the two IPs wasn't well received by everyone before it was shown, with this writer among the initial doubters. Yet the impact in LA was significant,...
News Game Genie Controller Adapter Lets You Use Your PlayStation Or Xbox Pad On Your Switch
Choose your weapon
Peripheral maker NEXiLUX is about to release an adapter which allows you to use a wide range of alternative controllers on the Switch. The Game Genie (no relation to the cheat cartridge from the early '90s) plugs into the USB port of the Switch's dock and works with The Wii U Pro Controller, Xbox One S pad, PlayStation 3...
Feature Just How Bad Is Hori's Wired 'Solution' For Switch Voice Chat?
Wired for sound, for better or worse
You've all seen (and no doubt poked fun at) the official diagram for Hori's Switch voice chat headset, and you may well have tried out the rather irksome, smartphone-based voice chat system Nintendo has created for its leading console. For the full experience you really need one of Hori's headsets, which come...
News Hands Up, This Is The Police Is Coming To Nintendo Switch
You have the right to remain silent
THQ Nordic's European distributor Koch Media has confirmed that crime-smashing resource management title This Is The Police is coming to the Switch. The game is a strategy and adventure game set in the crime-ridden city of Freeburg. You assume the role of Police Chief Jack Boyd - voiced by Jon St. John (Duke...
News Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You to Get Limited Theatrical Release in the West
Screenings on 5th and 6th November
The Pokémon Company is in a particularly strong position with its brand at present, and no doubt has high hopes for Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You; it's already been released in Japan (topping charts in the process) and it's now confirmed there'll be a limited theatrical release in the West. The Pokémon...
News Cordelia and Female Robin Added to Playable Cast in Fire Emblem Warriors
Male Robin featured in a previous trailer, by the way
We've been looking into button reinforcement mods for our Switch controllers recently, as they'll get a heavy workout with the arrival of Fire Emblem Warriors (don't forget the YYYYYX combo). That aside, it seems like a very natural marriage of IPs, and with its release creeping ever...
Feature Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle's Producer on the "WTF" Blend of Iconic Franchises
"From the very start it was a true cross-over project"
With Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle now just weeks away, attention will start to shift to how this cross-over will perform on Nintendo Switch. Early instincts from leaks weren't positive for all, but it made a notable impact at E3 to win over a number of fans. We recently enjoyed some extended...
Video Overcooked: Special Edition on Switch Could Do With a Little More Time in the Oven
Digital Foundry pinpoints frame issues
Overcooked: Special Edition is a relatively high-profile recent arrival on the Switch eShop, serving up a very popular frantic co-op experience (though you can also play solo) both on the TV or on the go. We're still cooking up a review, but in the meantime our chums at Digital Foundry have taken a look at its...
News Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters Launches on 29th September
Check out the new trailer, too
The 3DS just keeps right on chugging along with new releases such as the Metroid: Samus Returns, Monster Hunter Stories, and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon to look forward to in the coming months. That last one, of course, has competition with
Random See Pikachu Run, Show Impeccable Balance and Skip Rope
Why wouldn't you want to see that?
This scribe has a slightly odd obsession with those inflatable Pikachu outfits that are frequently seen in Japan, possibly because of the sad tale of the Pikachu that couldn't dance. Thankfully The Pokémon Company uses them constantly for promotions and marketing, so there are frequent opportunities to see them in...
Reminder Legendary Bird Moltres Is Now Live In Pokémon GO
Flame on
Another legendary monster has come to Pokémon GO, and this time it's the fire/flying-type bird Moltres. Users started reporting the appearance of Moltres raids late last night, and players will have until August 7th to catch one. However, it's also being reported that Articuno - which was supposed to vanish from the game...
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