Latest Features
Preview Onimusha: Way Of The Sword Is Capcom's Next Banger
Play as Miyamoto on Switch 2 (not that one)
Capcom is having a massive 2026, with hits like Pragmata, Resident Evil Requiem, and Monster Hunter Stories 3. The studio is now closing out the year with another highly anticipated game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword. I spent almost three hours playing Way of the Sword, splitting my time between the PS5 and...
Feature Six Things I'd Like To See in 'Metroid 6'
Ravenous for more
On 6th August, the original Famicom Disk System Metroid turns 40. To celebrate this milestone, we're publishing various Metroid articles this week discussing Samus' past, present, and future. Today, Ollie scans the horizon. And fair warning - if you haven't finished Metroid Dread yet, you may want to skip... The original Metroid...
Talking Point So, What Did You Think Of The Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Nintendo Direct?
Dagdan it
More than six weeks out from its 17th September launch, Nintendo has put out a Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Direct broadcast with over 20 minutes of details covering a bunch of characters, story points, and combat features. If you missed it, scroll down to catch up on the archived version. It certainly gave a comprehensive overview of the...
Opinion When It Comes To Metroid's Future, Familiar Is Better
Same-us
On 6th August, the original Famicom Disk System Metroid turns 40. To celebrate this milestone, we're publishing various Metroid articles this week discussing Samus' past, present, and future. Today, Ryan considers how the series might best move forward... I think change is important. Video game franchises that exist for decades...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects (July 2026)
Our picks for the best eShop games on Switch 1 & 2 in July
Welcome, one and all! As we segue into August and the busy end-of-year release calendar peeks its head over the horizon, it's time for the July edition of our eShop Selects awards. This month, we had five games that met our 7/10 criteria for our monthly showdown: Switch eShop games that...
Book Review CTRL: Essays On Video Games - An Affecting Anthology For Anyone Who Grew Up On Games
Works of cart
CTRL: Essays on Video Games is an anthology examining the cultural impact and effects of gaming through deeply personal reflections. Edited by Dean Fee, it's a brilliantly varied collection filled with memories and illuminating accounts that run the emotional gamut. Lilliput Press kindly sent me an early copy and I finally managed to...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (GameCube)
Drumroll please...
We are back with another edition of Box Art Brawl! Last time, we matched up a pair of covers for the excellent Mario Superstar Baseball on the GameCube, and with two very different designs, it wasn't even close. The Western design walked away with a comfortable 76% of the vote, leaving the more simplistic Japanese art with the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st August)
Poké Preparations
The weekend is here, and all of us are hungry for a spot of gaming. It was a reasonably quiet week in the world of Nintendo this time. We finally got a release date for 'Part 1' of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass and our first look at 'Part 2', Nintendo announced
"He knew they were identical, but no, he didn't want it"
Earlier this summer, we were invited to London to check out the upcoming line of Pokémon sets coming from The Pokémon Company's collaboration with LEGO on 1st August. The Pikachu and Eevee sets — plus the enormous Charizard-Blastoise-Venusaur one — were the first to arrive back in...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Splatoon Raiders?
Feel Good Ink
Well folks, Splatoon Raiders is finally here. The series' first spin-off launched on Switch 2 last week, and if you're anything like us, then you've likely spent most of your weekend hunting down Salmonids on the Spirhalite Islands. And what a wonderful way it is to spend your time! In our 9/10 review of Raiders, the wonderful Alex...
Poll Box Art Brawl - Duel: Mario Superstar Baseball (GameCube)
Innings
Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of Box Art Brawl! In last week's battle, we looked at Digimon World 4 for the GameCube, and goodness, it really wasn't a close fight. Japan absolutely annihilated the competition to gain 85% of the vote, and it's not hard to see why. Well done, Japan! This week, we're sticking with the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (25th July)
Splat's life
Wahey, you made it through another week! Well done, good job. The big highlight for this week was, of course, the release of Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2. Our 9/10 review is live and you should definitely give it a read if you're on the fence. If you need any help, we also have a bunch of guides available, so be sure to check...
Burrowing from the greats
Late last year, Yacht Club Games founder Sean Velasco described Mina The Hollower as "make or break" for the studio. After a long development process and a last-minute delay, Yacht Club needed Mina to hit if it was going to have a future. Two months since launch, and it's fair to say that it's hit. The game shifted a...
Poll How Would You Rate Nintendo's Switch Online Offering In 2026?
NSOMG
Nintendo Switch Online is approaching its ninth year soon (yes), having launched on 18th September 2018 and steadily built a library of games and features spanning both Switch 1 and its successor. Compared to online services on other consoles, an NSO subscription is significantly cheaper and arguably easier to parse, with just two tiers...
Poll Box Art Brawl - Duel: Digimon World 4 (GameCube)
Brawlmon
Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of Box Art Brawl! Last week's heated battle focused on the Game Boy title Fortified Zone, which was recently added to NSO as a new playable title. Both box art designs were pretty good, but in the end, Japan took home the trophy with 66% of the vote. It seems the more comic book style...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th July)
A Roomfinder with a Viewfinder
We are back, back, back with another edition of What Are You Playing! It was another rather quiet one in the land of Nintendo this time, with the biggest stories feeling a far cry away from the stacked months prior. Square Enix announced new Switch 2 versions for Octopath Traveler 1 & 2 (without any upgrade path,...
Opinion Nintendo Gains A Rep Boost As Sony & Microsoft Lay Waste To The Industry
Players' choice
With the Northern Hemisphere's summer months producing a slightly lighter news cycle on the Nintendo front, we at NL Towers have been getting hot and sweaty with the latest first-party-published release, Fitness Boxing 3 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Yes, yes, don't worry, gamers — Splatoon's coming next week, and Sony and Micro
First Impressions Nintendo's Latest 'Switch 2 Edition' Is Here, And It'll Really Make You Sweat
Towel at the ready
I like to think of myself as a pretty fit person. I go to the gym and run multiple times a week, I watch my diet, I go on walks. Nintendo's latest addition to the Switch 2 Edition catalogue has convinced me that, actually, I'm not as ship-shape as I thought. You see, I just finished a few sessions of Fitness Boxing 3: Your...
Feature Nintendo's Japan-Only 'bit Generations' Still Plays Like Little Else 20 Years On
A bit ahead of its time
20 years ago, Nintendo published some of its most boldly experimental games on the Game Boy Advance – and only in Japan. Released across two waves in July 2006 and developed largely by Skip Ltd., the studio behind Chibi-Robo!, the seven-game bit Generations collection stands out as some of the most abstract game design...
Poll Box Art Brawl - Duel: Fortified Zone
NSO newbie
We are back with another edition of Box Art Brawl! We celebrated the launch of Rhythm Heaven Groove last week by matching up the three regional covers for its Fever Wii predecessor, and it wasn't even close. The North American design walked away with a staggering win, taking 72% of the vote and leaving Europe and Japan with the remaining...
Talking Point New Ocarina = New amiibo? Nintendo Needs To Make These Zelda Figurines
amiibocarina time
With an Ocarina of Time remake coming later in the year, it's got me looking at my bookshelf of Ocarina-related knick-knacks and wondering what else Nintendo might have planned for release. Coming in Zelda's 40th anniversary year, I'm expecting a tempting Limited Edition with a Steelbook, an artbook, a Triforce paperweight -...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th July)
Finding the Groove
Hello everyone, and well done on making it to another weekend. It's been another fairly quiet week for us as the gaming industry continues to come to terms with Sony and Microsoft's shenanigans. It's probably a good idea for Nintendo to just sit down, shut up, and don't do anything stupid. There were still a few notable events,...
Opinion Help! I'm Obsessed With Rhythm Heaven Groove's Secret Beatspell Finale
Beatspell? More like Neatspell
Here's a sentence that I never thought I'd write: I'm about to discuss spoilers for Rhythm Heaven Groove. That's right, I have spoilers, and they're for a Rhythm Heaven game. What's more, it was a really lovely surprise to discover it myself. So, if you're still working your way through the minigames and, more...
Back Page After 40 Years, It's High Time Link Got Some Pyjamas
The Minish Night Cap
In the magazine business, the Back Page is where you'd find all the weird goofs that we couldn't fit in anywhere else. Some may call it "filler"; we prefer "a whole page to make terrible jokes that are tangentially related to the content of the mag". We don't have pages on the internet, but we still love terrible jokes — so...
"Ironically, I'm not actually good at horror games"
Creating a horror game is no small feat. Creating one built around the concept of co-op play is even harder. How do you balance that crucial sense of isolation and fear when you've constantly got someone along for the ride with you? For new development team Atlantis Studio and creative director...
Preview Orbitals' Cosmic Anime Co-Op Made Me Feel Like A Kid Again
In space, no one can hear you SKWEEEEEE
I had to remind myself recently that it's been less than a year since we first saw Orbitals back at The Game Awards 2025. It feels like forever ago, not because the seven months since have been particularly packed — though they absolutely have — but because in that time, I don't think a day has gone by...
Talking Point What Are Your Pokémon GO Launch Day Memories?
Welcome to the world of Pokémon
Get those Saving Private Ryan GIFs at the ready, folks, because it's time to feel old. 10 years ago today (yes, ten), Pokémon GO began its global rollout, taking the whole world by storm as it went. 6th July 2016 marked the AR 'mon's arrival in their first regions (Australia, New Zealand, and the US), before...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Rhythm Heaven Groove?
Sick beat or sick bay?
Nintendo has proven that the humble Switch still has life in it with the launch of Rhythm Heaven Groove, the latest entry in the company's quirky, colourful rhythm series. It might not be the most high-profile of Nintendo releases, but it is nevertheless a pretty cool swansong for the Switch. In fact, we gave it a solid score...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects (June 2026)
Our picks for the best eShop games on Switch 1 & 2 in June
It's time for this month's (read: last month's) eShop Selects, our look back at our favourite eShop-only releases from the last 30-ish days. In June, we had six games that met our criteria for our monthly showdown: Switch eShop games that don't have physical releases (including Game-Key...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii)
"Pa pi pu pe po!"
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another edition of Box Art Brawl! Last week, we looked at Diddy Kong Racing for the N64, pitting North America and Europe against Japan in a good ol' duel. Japan won the battle this time, netting 66% of the vote. Well done! This time, we'll be heading over to the Wii to check out Rhythm Heaven...
Review Snack Box Micro Arcade Controller For Switch 1 & 2 - Tiny Yet Mighty
A tasty snack
There are so many leverless controllers on the market at this point, yet few come quite as small as the Snack Box Micro from Junkfood Arcades. This no-nonsense controller is a delightful option for you if you’re after something simple, stylish, and easily portable for all of your fighting game needs. Weighing in at 360g and...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th July)
Every Day's Great At Your Junes!
Hello everyone, and great job on making it through another week! It's felt like a bit of a quiet week in the world of Nintendo, despite the release of Rhythm Heaven Groove and a fairly meaty Splatoon Raiders Direct. Yet all eyes have been on Microsoft and Sony: the former for its impending studio closures and...
Review Gulikit Portable Dock For Switch 1 & 2 - A Light, Elegant Travel Companion
Dinky dock
As a means to play your Switch 2 games on the TV, Nintendo’s official dock is perfectly fine. But when it comes to portability, it’s definitely a bit lacking. Though not massive, it’s going to take up substantial space in your backpack or suitcase if you want to bring the full-fat Switch 2 experience with you on the go. So that’s...
Opinion What's The Best Star Fox Stage, And Why Is It Sector X?
Sector Why?
I'm all for celebrating the little anniversaries. For example, did you know that Star Fox launched on Switch 2 one week ago today? Far from the biggest achievement, I'll admit, but it does mean that one thought has been rattling around in my head for a whopping seven days now (even longer, if you include the review period), and I just...
Talking Point As Sony Bins Physical, How Long Until Nintendo Follows Suit?
The first of the Big Three to pull the plug
The day we've known for years was coming has finally arrived - or its arrival has been announced. From January 2028, Sony will not release physical disc versions of any PlayStation games. Coming shortly after Rockstar went digital-only with its GTA6 pre-orders and taking advantage of the latest avalanche...
Preview Splatoon Raiders Promises The Single-Player Splatting I Always Wanted
Raiders of the Lost Carp
I've had my fingers crossed for a single-player Splatoon game ever since... well, since Splatoon 1, now that I think about it. I love a bit of online Turf War battling, really I do, but the very best parts of the series for me have always been those stellar single-player campaigns, which annoyingly seem to wrap up just as...
Hands On R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos - How Does This Turn-Based PSP Pair Hold Up On Switch?
It's a bold strategy Cotton
With Irem’s video game division being dissolved in 2011 after Japan’s Tōhoku earthquake, some staff went on to found Granzella Inc. Interested in revisiting their most beloved work, Granzella then got hold of the R-Type licence for 2007’s R-Type Tactics, a turn-based strategy affair for Sony’s PSP. A sequel...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Star Fox On Switch 2?
Barrel (roll) of laughs?
After skipping the Switch 1 generation entirely, Star Fox's return has felt like a long time coming. This week, the fab four returned (Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy, we mean), and while it might not have been the most original fly past we've seen from the mercenaries, it sure brought a smile to our faces. Because yes, Star...
Poll What's Your Switch 2 Game Of The Year So Far?
Switch 1, too
We're almost halfway through the year, and it feels like Switch 2 shifted up a gear in the games department. While Nintendo has been cranking out its first-party offerings at the regular monthly cadence, third parties have been putting out brilliant games, too, including impressive ports and day-and-date cross-platform releases...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Duel - Diddy Kong Racing
Monkey business
We are back for another edition of Box Art Brawl, and it's a good one this week. Last time, to celebrate all things Sonic for his 35th anniversary, we matched up every Sonic game on Switch, leading to a beefy nine poll options! Sonic Origins Plus came out on top with 33% of the vote, Sonic Mania Plus landed in second with
Feature The Master Of Multiplayer - Finally Playing N64's Only 8-Player Game
Nintendo's friend machine
The N64 is 30 years old! This week, we're running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine, its industry-shaping software, and its effect on a generation of gamers. Today, George meets new people with Nintendo's multiplayer marvel. What follows is an epic session, concluding with the system's only eight-player...
Talking Point Have You Bought A 1TB Micro SD Express Card Yet?
This is one steep bill...but it's worth it?
Switch 2 recently turned one year old, and we asked you lovely NL readers what your essentials were - the games and accessories you've found indispensable after a year with the console. With an impending price increase on 1st September, and with hardware
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th June)
Do a barrel roll!
Well done folks; you made it through another week. For those in Europe at the moment, that's a mighty fine achievement considering how bloody hot it's been the past few days. We hope you've been keeping cool and safe! This week, Sonic celebrated his 35th anniversary with a few key announcements. First, a couple of "new"...
Feature My Parents Bought An N64 To Stay Sane With A Nightmare Newborn (Me)
"We didn't play it for recreation, we played it as therapy"
The N64 is 30 years old! This week, we're running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine, its industry-shaping software, and its effect on a generation of gamers. Today, Jim tackles a tough couple of interviewees... What sounds come to mind when you think back to 1998?...
Feature 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
Warp pipe dreams
The N64 is 30 years old! This week, we're running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine, its industry-shaping software, and its effect on a generation of gamers. Today, we're imagining what might have been if the sliding doors hadn't opened for PS1 and totally changed the game... While the N64 era marked a downturn...
Feature I Lent Out My N64 Like A (Deku) Dealer
Trading quest
The N64 is 30 years old! This week, we're running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine, its industry-shaping software, and its effect on a generation of gamers. Today, Omar remembers the wonders of carting around consoles before Nintendo added a carry handle... Do you remember blowing the dust from a cart to try to...
Community "All-Consuming, Joyous, Heartbreaking" - Your Nintendo 64 Memories
Grab your Controller Pak
The N64 is 30 years old! This week, we're running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine, its industry-shaping software, and its effect on a generation of gamers... Three decades ago to the day, players were sitting down with Super Mario 64 on their new console for the very first time. Launching in Japan on...
Feature In The Zone - Our Favourite Sonic The Hedgehog Levels, Music & Memories
Special stages
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of gaming's most enduring characters. He's been through multiple eras and designs over the course of a 35-year career, starring in a huge number of games, and branching out from his bread-and-butter platformers with spin-offs in many other gaming genres. And he's not going anywhere, as the massive success of...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Sonic The Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Switch Showdown
Which runs rings around the rest?
Hello folks, and welcome to a very special edition of Box Art Brawl! Before we get into the weeds with this one, let's see how last week's brawl concluded. We looked at Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D to celebrate the announcement of the upcoming remake, and we honestly weren't quite sure how this one would pan out. In...
Opinion 30 Years On, I've Finally Come Around On The N64 Pad
C, it's good
The N64 turns 30 on 23rd June 2026. To celebrate, we'll be running a series of articles celebrating the 64-bit machine and its industry-shaping software over the next week or so. Today, it might have taken the best part of 30 years, but Ollie has finally seen the light when it comes to the system's revolutionary yet undeniably odd...
