Latest Features
Soapbox A Love Letter To My Favourite New Character In Zelda: TOTK
You have my full support
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Jim wants to spread the love for a certain Hylian in need of support... Before getting my hands on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the first time, I had a...
Soapbox It's Time For A Zelda 1 Remake, Please
Or a 'temporal localisation', if you like
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, as TOTK anticipation increases to dangerous levels, Gavin explores why it's time for Nintendo to go back to a very specific well... Look, I'm all for...
Feature 8-Bit Wolf - Remembering The NES Game Teaching Kids To Conquer Wall Street
It’s all about bucks, kid
When you think back to being in middle school, staying up all night with your friends playing video games, what games are you playing? Is it Mass Effect? Maybe some iteration of Smash or Mario Kart? The big one when I was that age was Street Fighter II in all its iterations. But there's another game that brings back the...
Soapbox Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Straight Up Fails In Just One Respect: Accessibility
In 2023, we should expect better from Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been a critical and commercial success, garnering glowing reviews across the board (including from this her
Feature A Visit To '84 Hashi', Tokyo's Secret Nintendo Staff Bar Now Open To You
Eiji Aonuma? “Drinking buddy.” Shigeru Miyamoto?...
There’s no shortage of fascinating Nintendo-related places to visit in Tokyo. You could explore shops for boxed Famicom games, sit down and eat a Kirby burger, or play Punch-Out!! in its original cabinet at a retro arcade. Yet one attraction was hidden from Nintendo diehards for years. A...
Soapbox 15 Years Ago, The Action Replay Ruined Pokémon For Me
Infinite Master Balls. Maxed out stats. Walking through walls.
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Ethan remembers a time when he flew too close to the sun... This is the power fantasy eight-year-old me dreamed of when I slotted an...
Feature Nintendo Switch Ports We'd Love To See In 2024
Or on 'Switch 2', perhaps?
Another year down and the Switch ports have been coming thicker and faster than ever. Looking back at our wishlist from last year, we've seen Batman Arkham Trilogy, Metroid Prime, The Case of the Golden Idol, Vampire Survivors, Potion Craft, Metal Gear Solid 1,
Soapbox Why I Love Deepnest, Hollow Knight's Most Divisive Area
Deeply in love
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Alana thinks back on a divisive part of a beloved game as she peers into the middle distance, rocking back and forth, mumbling 'Silksong, Silksong, Silkso—'... I'm a pretty...
Feature Nintendo Players UK - A Decade Of The UK's Biggest Nintendo Fan Community
Celebrating 10 years of meetups this August
In the gaming industry, Nintendo sets itself apart not just with the quality of its games and its evergreen catalogue of classic characters, but also a focus on community. Whether through software that brings people of all ages together, hardware features like StreetPass, or the local multiplayer...
Soapbox Cassette Beasts Is The Monster-Catching RPG For A Disillusioned Pokémon Fan
"We’re all in the same ship..."
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, in a year where Pokémon has let her down, another monster-catching game was there for Alana. Beware of story spoilers if you haven't played the game yet...
Feature "Fans Have Waited Many Years For A Return To Form" - WayForward On Contra's Grand Revival
'Operation Galuga' launches in Early 2024
The Contra franchise has had a bit of a rough ride in recent years. Although fans and critics alike were generally receptive toward the 2011 title Hard Corps: Uprising, Konami put the franchise on ice for a total of eight years until the poorly-received Contra: Rogue Corps in 2019. Yet fans have continued...
Feature Which Zelda Game Has The Best Ganondorf? Every Design Ranked By You
From Ganondorf to Ganondoof
We've all had the weekend to sit and stew over the final pre-launch trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (meaning, watching it another 100+ times) and it is fair to say that we are pretty jazzed for this game now. We're excited to see the changes made to Breath of the Wild's Hyrule, Link's new abilities,...
Feature Inside The Mind Of A Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Speedrunner
Tearing through Hyrule
Since its release in March 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been an attractive game to speedrun for many reasons, and in our article last year, we were able to talk about its intricacies with two high-profile members of the community, including the world record holder. In 2023, the sequel, Tears of the...
Soapbox Why Aren't There More Books About Games?
Seeking the novels of tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Michelle reads an incredible novel about games, and argues that books and games should get on the same page... Two kids pore over Super...
Back Page Are Mario's Power-Up Mushrooms Suitable For Vegetarians?
Soul food
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 welcome to...
Feature The Best Hidden Gems And Underrated Switch Games Of 2023
Some overlooked games you might have missed
2023 has been an absolutely ridiculous year for gaming. Despite not having much in the announced lineup in January, it wound up being one of the strongest showings since Switch's launch, with belters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Pikmin 4, and Persona 4 Golden...
Soapbox 1080° Snowboarding Is The Coolest Nintendo Ever Got
Work your body, w-work your body
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, on its 25th birthday, Gavin recalls an atypical Nintendo first-party game where the only goofy thing is your stance choice in the lodge at the start... Tuesday...
Feature Samus' Suits, Ranked - Every Metroid Box Art Suit Design, From Worst To Best
"Honey, where's my super suit?"
Metroid's protagonist, Samus Aran, has a rather unique privilege in the world of Nintendo. Unlike characters like Mario, Link, and Kirby, all of whom retain the same general look across their respective franchises (okay, Link is a little more varied than the other two, but still), Samus' basic design can be altered...
Community Nintendo Life Staff's Non-Game Highlights Of 2023
Our favourite non-interactive media this year
It's been another tumultuous year — is there really any other kind? Although 2023 has been a landmark year for incredible video game releases across all platforms, the state of the gaming industry itself — with post-pandemic layoff announcements from big companies coming on a seemingly daily basis...
Feature Nintendo Life's Alternative Game Awards 2023
Most Long-Winded Title, Best Switch Icon, and more!
As we approach the end of 2023, naturally, there's going to be a metaphorical flood of features and lists counting down the very best games of the year. We've already presented our picks, and you lovely lot have presented yours, but now it's time to have a bit of fun with the Nintendo Life...
Soapbox I Scoffed At Switch Lite, Then I Backpacked Through South East Asia
Travelling Lite
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Rory details how Nintendo's smallest Switch finally won him over... “Yes sir, it’s definitely a sleeper train. Don’t worry.” The lady at the ticket office chuckled to...
Feature The Real Songs That Inspired Iconic Nintendo Music
And a few non-Nintendo ones for good measure
Have you ever been listening to music, enjoying yourself, and then BAM, suddenly you hear the first four notes of a song from a video game — and then you have that song stuck in your head for the rest of the day? Well, that's not always a coincidence. Many musical composers take heavy inspiration from...
Editorial Happy Holidays, Nintendo Lifers
You mean you forgot cranberries, too?
It's here! Season's Greetings to you and yours! The mood is right, the spirit's up, and with any luck you're taking it nice and easy today and, perhaps, settling down to devour not just some delicious festive treats but also some of the many excellent video games 2023 has gifted us. We've briefly surveyed the...
Feature 16 Best Nintendo Switch Soundtracks Of 2023
The Sounds of the Switch
2023 hasn't just been a banger year for quality video game releases — it's also been a bloomin' good year for video game music. We're living in a time where video game music is becoming more recognised and celebrated worldwide — earlier this year, the Grammy's gave out its first-ever award for 'Award for Best Score...
Feature 25 Stardew Valley Secrets And Easter Eggs You Might Not Have Known About
More like ConfidentialApe
Fancy yourself a Stardew Valley nerd? Do you feel like you know the game inside and out? We're here to challenge that, with 25 niche and surprising things that you may (or may not) already know about the game! 25 Things You Didn't Know About Stardew Valley: Rarecrow references The Rarecrows, which as rare scarecrows...
Soapbox It Feels Like Everyone Forgot The Best Switch RPG Of The Year
Eight's not a crowd
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Alana is talking about her favourite RPG of 2023, one that everyone seems to have completely forgotten about... Eight travellers. Eight stories. These eight adventurers’...
Soapbox In 2023, Mario Got Weird Again
The Year of Mario?
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Richard looks back on a year when Nintendo let Mario get a little loose... If 2013 was the Year of Luigi, 2023 may as well have been the Year of Mario. Though only three new...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2023 Edition)
Let's-a snow, let's-a snow, let's-a snow
With just two sleeps to go before the big day, we are unwrapping a present early here at Nintendo Life. It's a festive edition of What Are You Playing! Something about 'What Are You Sleighing' sounded a little too sinister... Before we sledge into our gaming plans over the holiday period, however, let's take...
Feature 13 Best-Looking Switch Games Of 2023
Really, really, ridiculously good-looking games
Throughout the year, we've seen thousands of games launch on Nintendo Switch, from the lowliest of scammy cash grabs and shovelware to some of the highest-quality video games ever conceived. Despite approaching its eighth year on shop shelves, and with some Switch ports delivering a less-than-smooth...
Soapbox Kieran’s Hatred Of You In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's DLC Almost Makes It Good
Fumbled PokéBalls
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell laments the Scarvi DLC, but finds a diamond in its rough. The following article contains story spoilers for The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk... Pokémon stories suck...
Feature Game Of The Year 2023 - Nintendo Life Staff Awards
Our personal picks for the best Switch games of 2023
2023 is all but wrapped up. It's been a colossal year in terms of the quantity and quality of software on all platforms. The mass layoffs we've seen across the industry in recent months are a worrying sign for anyone who cares about video games, not least for the creatives affected — all the...
Soapbox Chants Of Sennaar Is The GOTY Candidate That Nobody Is Talking About
Strange, for a game all about language...
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Jim sings (or should that be 'chants'?) the praises of one of his GOTY picks... Let me make something clear right from the jump: Chants of Sennaar is a...
"You cannot go through your life punching everything"
The Prince of Persia series is held near and dear to the hearts of many, whether you fell in love with the original platformers and their revolutionary rotoscope animation, The Sands of Time for its rewind mechanic and magical atmosphere, or maybe even the reboot from 2008 — which we're sad...
Soapbox Mega Man X's Tutorial Is The Perfect Intro To Capcom's Sublime Sub-Series
Wall-to-wall perfection
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of Mega Man X in Japan, Ollie dives into what makes its introductory stage so darn good... The original Mega Man series is...
"We actually don’t like to talk about Worldless as a Metroidvania"
Fans of 2D platformers in the Metroidvania mould aren't exactly lacking for excellent examples of the genre. It feels like every other game launching at the moment is either a roguelite deckbuilder or an explorative action platformer. It's a brave developer who dips a toe into this...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16th)
We have liftoff!
Well, the weekend has rolled around once again so it's time for a spot of gaming, we'd say. Before we get to that, however, does anyone fancy a quick round-up of the Nintendo highlights from this week? We've been taking a look at what classic SEGA franchises you'd like to see return, keeping up with everything going on in Fo
Feature Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2023 - Our Most Played Games
...it's Zelda, isn't it?
What happens every December? Christmas Day. New Year's Eve. A bunch of sales as we approach the end of the year. Oh, and our year-end video game wrap-ups. Nintendo Switch Year in Review 2023 is officially available, meaning you can scour over every single second of your video game habits for the year. The stats range from...
Guide LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, Fornite Festival - Which Is Best? Everything You Need To Know
(Battle) Royale with cheese
Fortnite is changing. Of course, this is hardly a new realisation. We distinctly remember when Thanos started popping up and things became a little cash-grabby, or when the map was completely remodelled, or when, out of nowhere, a blooming 'Creator Mode' made it a challenge in itself just to find the blasted Battle Royale...
Talking Point What Classic Sega Franchises Do You Want To See Rebooted?
Power Surge? More like Nostalgia Surge
Segaaaaa~ Ahh, the sweet sound of nostalgia. Yes, despite being Nintendo Life, Sega is unmistakably a part of our childhoods. Equally important, it's also a part of the Big N's history. From the great rivalry of the late '80s and early '90s, to Mario and Sonic teaming up and facing off in more recent years,...
Soapbox If You're Not Playing LEGO Fortnite, You're Missing One Of The Best Survival Games
One of this year's biggest surprises
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Kate delves into a new addition to a f2p indie minnow called 'Fortnite' that turns out to be one of 2023's best surprises... I've been playing Fortnite for the...
Hands On Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown Royally Delivers On Switch
You dropped this, Sargon
Back in June, we went hands-on with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new 2D Metroidvania take on the long-running dashing and slashing franchise. We were thrilled to learn that Ubisoft Montpellier is the team crafting this new adventure as its past games like Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends were incredibly unique works...
Feature Dragon Quest Monsters Producer On Introducing Series To A Whole New Audience
Revisiting Chapters of the Chosen
As a beloved RPG series in Japan, Dragon Quest took a pretty long time to make waves in the West. In Japan, games in the mainline series get released on the weekends to stop people skipping work and school, and the franchise has sold millions just in its native home. Dragon Quest XI changed that. Originally...
"My personal favorite is "Turnabout Reclaimed"
Ace Attorney fans have had a lot to love over the past few years. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy and the surprise localization of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles on Switch gave us a lot to celebrate. But, as far as the main series goes, there's long been a gap that's been waiting to be filled on...
Soapbox Donkey Konga Introduced Me To One Of My Favourite Songs Ever
A mighty impression
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Donkey Konga in Japan, Ollie recounts how the game introduced him to a song that remains one of his all-time favourites... I used to love...
Soapbox This Year, The Game Awards Failed The Industry
Please Wrap It Up
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Zion speaks about his feelings after attending The Game Awards 2023, and why the show needs to do better at celebrating game developers. When you first hear the name of the...
Hands On Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy Lays Out A Compelling Case On Switch
Turnabout Triumph, or Turnabout Tragedy?
They've done it again. Capcom has done it again! Only this time, they've done it better. Following on from the success of the Ace Attorney Trilogy, which brought the first three games in the beloved series to Switch, PC, and other consoles, Capcom has taken the next three games (Apollo Justice, Dual...
Guide Best Pokémon-Likes On Nintendo Switch - Games To Play After You've Finished Pokémon
The Mimikyus of video games
Updated with Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. Enjoy! When they said "Pokémon! Gotta catch 'em all", we all assumed that they meant catching all the pocket monsters. But actually, what they were talking about was catching all the Pokémon and Pokémon-like games out there — of which there are many. And now, at...
Feature Zelda, "Linguistic Chaos", And The Challenges Of Bringing 'Outer Wilds' To Switch
"We love Outer Wilds and we’re thrilled it’s on the Nintendo Switch"
It's finally here — Outer Wilds has finally landed on Nintendo Switch, two years after it was originally meant to crash onto the system. And we've been champing at the bit to try out this indie darling. Incredibly immersive and visually arresting, Outer Wilds was critically...
"It's a niche, but it's a dedicated niche, you know?"
If you have even a passing interest in video games (and we assume that you do, since you have found yourselves here), then you probably will have heard of Did You Know Gaming? Since its launch in 2012, the trivia-focused website and YouTube channel has amassed a huge following, showcasing...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 9th)
Out of this world
The weekend has rolled around once again so it's time to put those gaming plans into effect. Before we dive into all that though, let's take a look at some of the highlights from this week in Nintendo. The big news this time around was, of course, The Game Awards, which saw a whole bunch of titles announced for Switch as well as...
