Latest Features
Hands On Getting Our Hands Dirty With My Time At Portia On Switch
Your next Switch time sink?
Team17 has revealed that its RPG/crafting sim My Time at Portia is building up to a 16th April release on Nintendo Switch. Being the lucky so-and-sos that we are, we were recently invited to the studio's headquarters in sunny Wakefield, UK to spend some quality time with the game, giving us the chance to see what all the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 16th)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
We've made it to yet another weekend and it's finally time to relax with some of our favourite games. After the excitement of the physical Hollow Knight release and the horror of seeing Zelda: Breath of the Wild without its cel-shading this week, team Nintendo Life has gathered to talk over our weekend gaming...
Hands On Should You Buy Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's Special Episode DLC?
Time to explore (again)
Just yesterday, Nintendo released the full DLC package for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on Switch and - being the ever helpful folks that we are - we thought we'd give it a go and share our findings with you lovely lot. The DLC, called 'Special Episode' contains 18 new challenges (some new, some remixes of old) among five...
Talking Point Should Nintendo Be Concerned About Google's Play For Gamers?
Keep your friends close
‘Gather Around’ everyone, Google commands. Unless you’ve been actively avoiding it, you’ve probably heard about the company’s plans to reveal long-rumoured hardware at this year’s Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco next week. The latest teaser for the keynote – the company’s first at GDC...
Talking Point We Shouldn't Saddle Labo VR With Unrealistic Expectations
Perhaps it’s time to think inside the box
Nintendo’s long-rumoured foray into virtual reality with Labo: VR Kit has set some heads spinning with dreams of high-end experiences featuring all manner of Nintendo franchises. Imagine Mario Kart VR on Switch! they say. What about Animal Crossing VR! Where’s Metroid Prime Trilogy VR-astered?! Okay,...
Feature Fire Emblem Heroes' Directors On Making Nintendo's Most Successful Mobile Game Yet
"We are actively listening to player feedback and opinions"
It's hard to believe it, but Fire Emblem Heroes is now more than two years old. In that time, the smartphone-based tactical RPG has become Nintendo's most successful mobile venture, dramatically outperforming stablemates such as Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Super Mario Run and
Feature Remembering The Wikipad, Stan Lee's Favourite Nintendo Switch Forerunner
Haven't we met before?
As I've gotten older I've noticed that I'm becoming increasingly forgetful, and I was reminded of this sad fact of life recently thanks to Blake J. Harris' The History of the Future, a book I've been lucky enough to have been sent an advance copy of to flick through. While the book – billed as the sequel to the brilliant...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 9th)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
Another busy week has gone by, with rumours of another 2019 Zelda release and Mario game discounts popping up all over the place, but we've finally made it to the weekend and it's time to play some games. As always, team Nintendo Life has gathered together to discuss our plans and we'd love to have you...
Talking Point Labo VR Is The Best Worst Idea Nintendo Has Had In Years
The pros and cons of cardboard VR on Switch
You can always rely on Nintendo to enter a new market in the most esoteric way imaginable, and we got a great example of this today with the news that the next Labo kit is going to be based around VR. After the failure of the Virtual Boy, and repeated claims that it would only enter this exciting emerging...
Talking Point Could Nintendo Ditch Physical Media With A 'Switch Lite?'
Microsoft prepares for an all-digital future; could Nintendo be next?
The Switch, when you really think about it, is a machine stuck between two extremes. On one side, it offers a thriving and healthy consumer base for physical games, with not a week seeming to pass without news of a new (and highly collectable) boxed edition of an existing digital...
Feature What Developers Really Think Of The Nintendo Switch eShop
The state of play: 2019 edition
The Nintendo Switch is now over two years old, and in that time it has seen a staggering number of games. The vast majority of these are digital titles released on the console's eShop, and as the Switch's install base has ballooned over the past two years, so two has the volume of digital content released on it each...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects - February 2019
February's best Switch eShop games!
We can't quite believe that 2019 is flying by as quickly as it is, but here we are, firmly in March. The good news is that this gives us a chance to look back at all of the excellent games which arrived on Switch throughout February for our eShop Selects awards. These awards aim to celebrate the best of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 2nd)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
Here we are, folks! We've made it to the end of yet another week. It's been a busy one, what with all the Pokémon goodness and the Resident Evil pricing shenanigans, but now it's time to sit back and chat about which games we'll be playing over the next couple of days. As ever, we've left our entries down...
Talking Point Capcom’s Resident Evil Switch Pricing Is Nothing New
Forget demanding a REbate – there's only one way to send Capcom a message
While Capcom’s announcement that Switch versions of Resident Evil Zero, 1 and 4 are coming on 21st May should be cause for celebration, the
Hardware Review 8BitDo M30 - The Best Retro Controller On Switch
And it works with the original Mega Drive, too
8BitDo has come a long way in a relatively short space of time. In the beginning, the company wasn't taken totally seriously by a select few who saw its line of clone NES and SNES pads as little more than cheap facsimiles of the real thing, but following a
Feature Things We’d Love To See In Super Mario Maker 2 On Switch
From 'Likely' to 'Possible' to 'Downright Silly'
After six weeks of rumours and escalating expectations, Nintendo chose to open its first Nintendo Direct of 2019 by revealing Super Mario Maker 2, and as opening gambits go, it was a winner. The original Wii U game launched back in September 2015 and absolutely nailed the basics, providing an...
Talking Point Nintendo And Microsoft Working Together Isn't As Crazy As You Think
Dogs + cats living together = ?
The whispers that Microsoft is preparing to launch games and services on Switch are, in some ways, too fantastical to believe; a dream-come-true for fanboys-and-girls of a certain age. The rumoured deal suggests that the company is planning not only to launch Xbox Live and Game Pass integration, but also to publish...
Feature Meet Doug Bowser, The Man Behind The Meme
Just who does this 'Bowser' fellow think he is?
With news that Reggie Fils-Aimé is to step down from his role as President of Nintendo of America, his successor – Mr Doug Bowser – was probably prepared for the deluge of familiar headlines to flood the web. He’s been on the radar of Nintendo fans for a while now – with that surname it would...
Feature Why Image & Form Is Taking A Risk With SteamWorld Quest On Switch
"Everyone only lives once"
The latest entry in the popular SteamWorld saga, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is coming to Switch later this year and promises to deliver a fun take on the otherwise well-worn RPG genre. We were lucky enough to get some quality time with Image & Form's Brjánn Sigurgeirsson and chat about the game, its origins...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 23rd)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
Ah, Saturday. Quite possibly the best day of the week; certainly in the top five. It's been a busy week despite the post-Direct lull. News that Reggie Fils-Aimé will be stepping down in April had us rewatching classic clips with a tear in the eye. Enough of that nonsense, though. Reggie wouldn't want us...
Feature What Reggie-Fils-Aimé Meant To Nintendo, The Games Industry, And All Of Us
"I believe the best way to lead is through example"
“My name is Reggie. I'm about kickin' ass, I'm about takin' names, and we're about makin' games.” These were the words uttered by then industry newcomer Reggie Fils-Aimé while standing on Nintendo’s stage during the Electronic Gaming Expo (E3) in 2004. Fils-a-what? “Ass”? Who the heck...
Feature Reggie's Video Highlights From 15 Years At The Top Of Nintendo
Our bodies aren't ready, Reggie!
Yesterday, the world of Nintendo was rocked by the news that Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime is set to retire in April after more than 15 years with the company. In that time, Reggie has overseen the launch of systems like the DS, Wii, 3DS and Switch, had himself turned into a puppet, become a meme...
Nindie Round Up Inops, The Raven Remastered, Utopia 9, Heroes Trials and Debris Infinity
More indie hits than you can shake a joy con at
This week, we have some solid entries from the Indie scene, bringing you five more lovely titles to potentially add to your library. Atmospheric puzzler Inops delivers some quirky brain teasers via platforming, The Raven Remastered offers a Switch port of a mystery solving classic, Utopia 9 – a...
Talking Point Is The Remake Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Worth $60?
And more importantly, will it still work with the Game Boy Printer?
There’s some chatter doing the rounds on the interwebs regarding the potential pricing of the upcoming Switch remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Retailer pre-order listings are putting it as a full $60 release, and while there’s no official confirmation at this...
Soapbox My Love Affair With Tetris, Probably The Best Video Game Ever Created
More than 30 years of block-dropping fun
Like millions of players all over the world, my relationship with Tetris began with the Game Boy. Alexey Pajitnov's famous puzzler may have begun its life on computers in 1984, but it would find a whole new level of fame thanks to the fact that it was bundled with Nintendo's million-selling monochrome...
Hands On Getting Arty In Yoshi's Crafted World On Nintendo Switch
Where there's a will, there's a PVA
When we first clapped eyes on Yoshi’s Crafted World, we’d be lying if we said our first thoughts weren’t something along the lines of ‘oh look, another Yoshi game’. That’s not to say we didn’t like what we saw, but the Yoshi series has always played things a little bit safe in the past, and at first...
Talking Point The Pokémon Trading Card Game Is In Desperate Need of An Evolution
The famous card game is in danger of being left behind by its rivals
Ever since the release of Pokémon GO in the summer of 2016, the Pokémon brand has been going through a period of transition. There’s been a handful of mobile games ranging from the simplistic Magikarp Jump to the surprisingly complex Pokémon Duel. We’ve seen the company’s...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 16th)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
We're finally at the end of what has been a pretty eventful week - you know, with that little video presentation thingy from Nintendo and all that - so it's time to settle down and recover with some games-based chat. As ever, members of the Nintendo Life team have gathered to share their weekend plans and we'd...
Guide How To Claim Battle Royale Victory In Tetris 99
Top of the blocks
Tetris 99 is, amazingly, the newest and freshest 'Battle Royale' on the block, T-spinning its way into a heated battle against the likes of Fortnite and Apex Legends for world domination. Okay – it might not be in quite the same league as those gaming heavyweights – but it certainly brings an equal amount of fun to the table,...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 13th February
The first Direct of 2019 was worth waiting for
Phew! We can finally take a deep breath now that all the tension built up since New Year has been released with a whopping great Direct. It had been a while since one without Smash Bros., and Nintendo didn't disappoint (unless you're a poor Metroid fan, but more on that later). With so much packed into...
Nindie Round Up Pumped BMX Pro, Bleep Bloop, Bad Dream: Coma, Airheart And Big Crown: Showdown
All aboard for this week’s indie reviews
This week we have some great entries, with the stand out of Big Crown: Showdown, boasting some really great party game fun. Also featured are twin stick shooter, Airheart – Tales of Broken Wings, simple puzzler, Bleep Bloop, point-and-click horror goodness in Bad Dream; Coma and a disappointing arcade...
Feature What We Expect From The February Nintendo Direct
It's only blimmin' happening!
Well, it finally happened. Nintendo has us on such tenterhooks that the announcement of an announcement feels like an event in itself. Although here at NL Towers we avoid reporting on baseless rumours and idle forum speculation, now's the time to indulge our inner fanboys-and-girls. The press release tells us to...
Feature Please Understand: Unpacking Nintendo's Vision For Metroid Prime 4
Is Metroid finally on the right track after the Federation Farce?
Nintendo’s announcement that Metroid Prime 4 was effectively being taken back to the drawing board wasn’t exactly the January surprise fans were hoping for; the sizeable delay to this much-anticipated sequel was an understandable downer for fans. Despite disappointment, the video...
Talking Point Is A Nintendo Direct Really On The Way?
No smoke without fire, right?
We know you love Nintendo Direct news – who doesn't? These little presentations have long been Nintendo's way of updating us on forthcoming games or revealing entirely new ones, so it's little wonder that everyone gets excited by rumours of new broadcasts, and when they might air. Practically since 2019 began, we've...
Feature Just One More, Honest: The Unlikely Endurance Of amiibo
Despite untapped potential, amiibo survives the death of toys-to-life
With Disney Infinity, Skylanders and Lego Dimensions falling by the wayside in recent years, toys-to-life seems to have reached its natural conclusion. Much like the plastic instrument peripherals of a decade ago, consumers have had enough after filling their homes with plastic...
Feature Behind The Scenes On Sensible Software's Unreleased SNES Bomberman Beater
Da bomb
Sensible Software is a studio embedded in gaming history for many reasons outside of the admittedly immortal Sensible Soccer. Along with the Canon Fodder games – the destructive sibling of Sensible's popular football sim – the company's commitment to the 16-bit Amiga proved that, sometimes, you can achieve impossibly addictive gaming...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 9th)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
We've reached the weekend once again and, as is tradition, the Nintendo Life team has banded together to talk over all the lovely games we'll be playing over the next couple of days. We've got farming, fighting, fishing, and fun bursting out of our Joy-Con this week, so feel free to read our entries and join...
Feature How Aragami: Shadow Edition Aims To Stealthily Win Over Switch Ninjas
"As Miyamoto says, a delayed game is eventually good"
For those not in the know, Aragami: Shadow Edition is a third-person stealth game that casts you as a restless warrior who is blessed with the ability to control shadows, which must come in very useful at parties and social gatherings. You may have heard of this interesting title thanks to its...
Talking Point What Does The Nintendo Seal Of Quality Mean In 2019?
A guarantee of quality, or a relic from the past?
Picture the scene; it's the mid-'80s, the American home video game market is in the pits, and Nintendo – an upstart Japanese company that only really has Donkey Kong to its name in terms of global commercial success – is trying to sell consoles to people who still remember the video game crash of...
More indie titles fight for your money
The good news is that there are no real stinkers this week, as we try to get you some of the cream of the crop, with the occasional warning to steer clear. Let’s take a look in detail. Black & White Bushido: A unique concept that provides some genuinely fun local multiplayer gameplay, Black and White...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects - January 2019
January's best Switch eShop games!
And just like that, the first month of 2019 has already whizzed by. It might be a traditionally quiet month, but this January still packed quite the punch on the Switch's eShop with some truly great picks to choose from. These awards aim to celebrate the best of Nintendo's digital store, giving some love and...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 2nd)
Here are our picks, but what are yours?
Once again, we've successfully made it all the way through the week to the glorious weekend. As is tradition, Team Nintendo Life has gathered together to talk about our weekend plans, this time featuring friendly tournaments, dungeon-crawling, TATE mode goodness, and planty fighting machines. Feel free to give...
Talking Point What Do You Want From A Switch Mini?
No dock? Fused controllers? Or something different?
Earlier today, we reported on a rumour from Japanese outlet Nikkei that suggests what many of us have been expecting for quite some time now: Nintendo is working on a smaller, cheaper Switch console and it may even be coming early this year. This isn't exactly groundbreaking news; Nintendo has a...
Feature What The Creator of Ecco The Dolphin Did Next
"It is still 'us', the original Ecco the Dolphin team!"
Ed Annunziata's career spans all the way back to the early '90s, and includes titles such as Spider-Man, Chakan: The Forever Man, Cyborg Justice and Kolibri, all games that appeared on Sega hardware. However, his name is most closely associated with the groundbreaking Ecco the Dolphin, a 1992...
Feature Chucklefish On Wargroove, Advance Wars And Making Tools That Turn Players Into Creators
"It’s important to us that we make games we’re truly passionate about"
It's fair to say that Wargroove has been near the top of many of a Switch owner's 'most wanted' list for quite some time; it was initially revealed way back in February 2017, the same month the console was launched. Right from the off, its eye-catching visual style and...
Feature Predicting Super Bowl LIII with Super Smash. Bros Ultimate
Madden, schmadden
Super Bowl LIII is upon us all! This Sunday, the New England Patriots square off against the LA Rams for NFL supremacy. (As a Seahawks fan, barf.) It’s anyone’s guess who will take it all, but in the meantime, we can read the digital tea leaves with video game simulations. Ain’t the future grand? While, yes, EA Sports’s...
Nindie Round Up Bedtime Blues, Apocalipsis, My Memory Of Us, JackQuest And The Shrouded Isle
Scares, sacrifices and Sir Patrick Stewart
This week we have a game heavily influenced by WWII, one paying homage to the writings of H.P Lovecraft and one with a visual style based on 15th-century wood carvings. If that doesn’t cement the level of variety and creativity in the indie scene, then we don’t know what does. Let’s dive in…...
Exclusive The Making Of Observer, A Cyberpunk Horror Set To Terrify The Nintendo Switch
A visit to Bloober Team in Poland
One of several upcoming Switch games which has really grabbed our attention over the last few weeks is Observer, a psychological horror heading to the console later this year. We were lucky enough to be invited to Kraków, Poland for a quick snoop around the Bloober Team office (and by "we", we mean Alex - the lucky...
Guide How To Beat Every Boss In Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
Squash every bug
If you picked up Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes and are looking to give those bugs a sound thrashing, we've got some tips to get you on the right track. It's not the most complex game, but it's easy to get stuck in a rut and forget the variety of options at your disposal to approach each encounter. As well as general pointers...
Feature How Virtuos Solved The Technical Challenge Of Bringing The Final Fantasy Remasters To Switch
"This requires a fair amount of skill"
Singapore-based Virtuos is a studio that has already made quite a name for itself on Switch thanks to its superb ports of L.A. Noire, Dark Souls and Starlink – a trio of third-party efforts which have done much to enhance the library of Nintendo's hybrid system. However, the company's next project could be...