Latest Features
Poll Are You A Fan Of Nintendo Switch Online's Game Pass-Style Missions And Rewards?
Yep, Nintendo is starting to 'get it'
It's always a popular — and accurate — go-to joke that Nintendo's online offering will be largely similar to whatever Xbox and PlayStation did a decade ago. Harsh, but often fair. Maybe, just maybe that's started to change in the Switch era. Now, let's be upfront and say Nintendo is still on the cautious...
"I guess architecture and cave paintings win this race"
While many of us treasure the broad range of games that modern gaming brings us through download stores, we're regularly reminded that these platforms — and the creations they host — are finite. That came into focus recently when Nintendo announced the timeline for closing both the Wii U...
Feature From Chrono Trigger To Super Mario RPG, The Varied Influences Of Sea Of Stars
"Just like with The Messenger, with the genre we want to present our 'definitive edition'"
The Messenger made a notable impact when it arrived back in 2018, with its sharp design and Ninja Gaiden-inspired gameplay also giving way to a major twist and very modern design. In that case developer Sabotage captured the imagination of retro gamers and...
Soapbox As A Recent Pokémon Convert I'm Excited For Scarlet And Gen 9
#TeamScarlet
Soapbox articles give our team a chance to share some personal perspectives; today it's the turn of Tom Whitehead to admit he might be a Pokémon fan now. Back in early January I wrote about how Pokémon Legends: Arceus would be my first game in the series, a confession for which I was instructed to recite 10 'Pika-Pika' chants and...
Poll Are You Excited About Pokémon Scarlet And Pokémon Violet?
A new generation is coming this year
Whether as part of a surprise strategy, out of respect for current events or a mix of both, the weekend's Pokémon Presents broadcast had very little publicity and build-up. The main English-language social media channels didn't even promote the event, with live stream pages only going live in the final hours...
Feature "I Think Studio Saizensen And I Will Make A Second Cotton Rock 'N' Roll”
Cotton Fantasy devs on building a new entry for the iconic cute-’em-up series
Over the decades Success Corporation has crafted a great many shmups that are distinct and captivating in equal measure. Games like the sublime Psyvariar, with its remarkable bullet grazing system and adaptive difficulty, or the curious, vibrant-yet-gritty...
Feature From Zelda Fangames To The Real Deal, We Talk To The Ocean's Heart Developer
"I’ve always viewed Zelda: Minish Cap as the height of pixel art"
The list of games overtly inspired by Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise isn't small, but it's nevertheless impressive to see what some of the smallest development teams, in particular, can achieve. Ocean's Heart is a recent example on the Switch eShop, a game that's been...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 26th)
On Switch, too
Another week has passed in the Nintendo Life, and after a few rather frantic weeks in gaming news it was a little calmer overall. There were interesting reveals, though, with Capcom Fighting Collection in particular getting plenty of retro gamers hot under the collar. Meanwhile it was confirmed that Next Level Games has been working...
Feature Kit & Krysta: "We Both Consider Ourselves To Be Disciples Of Reggie"
Kit & Krysta on post-Nintendo plans, bickering, and Nintendo execs
News that Nintendo Minute hosts Kit and Krysta were leaving Nintendo signalled the end of an era for many fans who have followed their careers with the company through years of the fun video series. However, the pair soon revealed plans for their own podcast and it seems they'll be...
Soapbox Two Ace Attorneys Are Trapped On 3DS eShop, So It's About Time For A New Trilogy
Take a shot every time someone points in this article
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've got on their minds. Kate would like to point out that two of the Ace Attorney games really should get a nice new remake some time soon... The Ace Attorney games, in...
Soapbox Why Can't Nintendo Offer Both Virtual Console And Switch Online?
Says the writer that will need to redownload a lot of VC purchases on Wii U and 3DS
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Thomas discusses the unnecessary 'choice' by Nintendo between Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online...
Feature "Lemmings Meets Dickens" With A Bit Of Fable - Ex-Lionhead Dev Talks 'Tin Hearts'
"As a studio we care deeply about memorable and meaningful stories"
Tin Hearts first came onto our radar last year when it was unveiled by its publisher Wired Productions in a 'Direct'-style event. The trailer above set the scene nicely for a Victorian-era setting and, seemingly, gameplay reminiscent of Lemmings or even Mario vs. Donkey Kong. We...
Feature Is It Worth Importing A Japanese 3DS For These Virtual Console Games?
Save money on import classics before it's too late
As we all know the 3DS and Wii U eShops are closing down, taking with them countless classics in all genres. It's a decision that's understandably left many of us scrambling to find our old passwords and make those last minute purchases, finally turning those 'Maybe next time' purchases into a...
Hands On MLB The Show 22 Tech Test Impressions - Sony Takes A Swing At Switch
Strike
For those of us that consider it to be the true sport-sim addiction, rather than the usual FIFA and Madden entries, news that MLB The Show 22 would represent the series' debut on Switch was rather exciting. A PlayStation exclusive for many years, Major League Baseball clearly felt a broader audience was needed and — presumably in license...
Feature Brownies President Talks 'Egglia Rebirth' And Working On 'Mother 3'
"Itoi-san replaced all the placeholder text... and it just completely changed the tone"
Assembled by a team of former Mana series veterans at Brownies and released on 10th February, Egglia Rebirth is a cracking good RPG on Switch that began life on mobile devices. Egglia, in its initial incarnation, was one of the company's first projects after...
Feature "Shovel Knight Feels Like Our 'Mario', But We Kept Wondering What Our 'Zelda' Might Be"
Yacht Club Games discusses the creative process for Mina the Hollower
Yacht Club Games is a company that needs little introduction, particularly thanks to the huge success and acclaim for Shovel Knight, a title that had multiple major expansions and campaigns over a number of years. The company has been busy beyond that too; last year it published...
Feature Switch Hidden Gem 'In Other Waters' Is Diving Into The World Of Tabletop RPGs
Like Dungeons and Dragons, but underwater and in space
In Other Waters is a surprising little gem of a game that came to the Switch back in 2020, telling the story of an alien ocean through little more than a three-colour dashboard, full of knobs and switches. You experience the story, and the world, through the descriptions of biologist Dr Ellery...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 19th)
Can those old eShops handle the strain this weekend?
Another week, another dollar. Err, yes — that's how that saying goes. Various things happened this week in the world of Nintendo, but by far the biggest story was definitely the lovely Felix joining our lovely video team. What's that? Oh yes, there was also the matter of Nintendo's announcement...
Full server shutdowns could be coming sooner than you think, too
Nintendo recently revealed its schedule for shuttering its digital storefronts for both the 3DS family of systems and the Wii U. From March 2023 you'll be unable to make new purchases of digital software of any kind on the 3DS and Wii U eShops, which includes digital versions of...
Feature Our Nintendo 3DS And Wii U Memories, In Infographic Form
Wow, we sure liked Netflix on Wii U
Alongside the rather dispiriting — perhaps even controversial, depending on your take — news of the Wii U and 3DS eShop being shutdown in the next year, Nintendo also shared a rather neat trip down memory lane. Similar to the year-end Switch website many of us used, you can visit My Nintendo 3DS & Wii U...
Soapbox A Week After Jailing One Pirate, Nintendo Just Made Piracy A Reality For Countless Fans
The timing is impeccable, even by Nintendo's standards
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Damien discusses the less-than-ideal timing of Nintendo's announcement regarding its 3DS and Wii U eShops... Nintendo has just announced that...
Poll The End Is Coming, But How Much Will You Miss The Wii U And 3DS eShop?
Be honest...
Recently we've had news that isn't necessarily surprising, but has undoubtedly ruffled feathers and caused some upset among Nintendo fans: Nintendo is beginning a phased shutdown of the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. This means that there's now limited time to purchase download-only games and content on both platforms. You will be able to...
Soapbox NSO Isn't Game Pass, But Nintendo Is Learning The Benefits Of Subscription Models
SLOWLY, but steadily adding value
In Nintendo's February 2022 Direct, we found out that yet another boon is being added to the rapidly-expanding number of benefits that come with Nintendo's Switch Online Expansion Pack: The 48 DLC tracks for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We already have access to the catalogue of N64 games (which are being sllllooowwwly...
Feature 'Arcade Paradise' Dev On Animal Crossing And CoD Influences, And Its Toilet 'Boss Battle'
"We wanted to make the most generous game ever created"
There are a lot of similar games on the Switch eShop, which can be a blessing when you're seeking a particular genre or style. Titles with the creative conviction to be rather different and quirky are a little harder to come by, so in that respect Vostok Inc. remains as a bit of a standout,...
Feature 16 Tracks That Need To Be In The Mario Kart 8 DLC
The hype begins
There are 48 new tracks coming to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe over the next two years, as part of the "Booster Course Pack" DLC that was announced in the February 2022 Nintendo Direct. Those 48 tracks will all be remakes of old, beloved tracks — and we've already seen the first wave, which brings 8 new courses and two new cups, the Golden...
Feature Atelier Series Producer On Popularity Polls, Seamless Battles, And Returning To Sophie
"We looked over the reactions we received on social media"
2022 is the 25th anniversary year of Koei Tecmo and Gust Co.'s Atelier RPG series. It debuted in 1997 back on PlayStation with Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg, and Switch owners have several entries in its library to choose from, including the very successful Atelier Ryza and
Feature Which New Hisuian Pokémon Are Viable For Competitive Play?
Gotta rank ‘em all
Pokémon Legends: Arceus raises a lot of questions about the future of the official competitive Pokémon format, VGC. Will Frostbite replace the Frozen status condition? Will Drowsy supersede Sleep? How will overpowered new moves such as Stone Axe and Victory Dance translate into a ‘typical’ Pokémon game? Will there even be...
Soapbox Pokémon Legends: Arceus Is A Reminder That It's Never Too Late To Change
*click
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Stuart thinks back on decades of trying to get into Pokémon, and his joy at finally coming in from the cold... Back in the misty vales of 1999 and at the frankly silly age of 12, I must...
Feature Infernax Devs Discuss Gross-Out Pixel Gore And Calling It A 'Zeldavania'
"many of the [Metroidvania] elements are mostly inspired by the second Zelda"
If you're into modern games with retro style, you've got no shortage of options on Switch. For years now talented younger developers have been channelling nostalgia and affection for the games of their youth into new titles that update classic mechanics and genres with...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 12th)
Time to Switch it up?
It was a big week in the Nintendo Life, with the big N serving up the first major Direct of the year. It was packed with exciting reveals, including the likes of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes,
Feature All Six American Football Games On Switch (Yes, You Read That Right)
Enough to make you mad(den)
As we write this it's nearly time for the 2022 SUPER BOWL, which we understand has to be shouted with great enthusiasm. As a bit of history, here in NL Towers during Thanksgiving 2021 we had a bright idea - "let's do a best NFL-style list for Switch, like the proper football / soccer one we did in the Summer!" Oh how we...
Talking Point Nintendo Sticks With Mario Kart 8 Through 2023, But What About Switch?
Don't hold your breath waiting for a new generation system
The frenzy and excitement around this week's Nintendo Direct is settling down, and it seems that the general consensus among the majority is that it was pretty darn good. Through first- and third-party reveals, Nintendo has set out a release schedule up to September that is busy, to put it...
Poll What Did You Think Of The February 2022 Nintendo Direct?
It was certainly packed with reveals
This week we had the first major Nintendo Direct of the year and, well, it was packed with surprises and reveals. It's clear that Nintendo has also successfully plugged most — if not all — leaks, with quite a few of the announcements not appearing beforehand with the usual rumours and speculation; the show...
Round Up Everything Announced In The February 2022 Nintendo Direct - Every Game Reveal And Trailer
Fire Emblem! Mario Kart DLC! Xenoblade Chronicles 3! Portal!?!
Yesterday Nintendo delivered its first Nintendo Direct presentation of 2022 — a jam-packed 40 minutes of new nnouncements, old favourites, and more than one 'FINALLY!' moments. Below you'll find the video of the full Nintendo Direct February 2022 presentation, plus every individual...
Poll What Are Your Hopes For The February Nintendo Direct?
You can't have everything, you must choose
We've not had to wait too long for the first major Nintendo Direct of 2022, which is rather lovely. As you're no doubt aware there's a Nintendo Direct broadcast today at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm GMT / 11pm CET, and of course we're gearing up for our usual live blog and excitement as Nintendo beams games into...
Feature "Switch Is More Than Capable" - 'Lumote' Devs On Porting The Beautiful Puzzler
"Porting to Switch has been pretty fun and interesting"
We have plenty of beautiful platformers, narrative experiences and Metroidvania titles on Switch, but a genre that always needs more representation is dynamic puzzlers. Games that allow you to both explore and soak in a beautiful atmosphere while keeping your grey cells busy - Lumote: The...
Feature Our Predictions For The February 2022 Nintendo Direct
Kirby! GoldenEye! Triangles!!!
Another Nintendo Direct? In this economy? That's right! And it's a 40-minute one, focused on the games coming to the Nintendo Switch in the first half of 2022. Or, technically, mainly focused on the first half of the year... The Direct will take place tomorrow, February 9th, at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm GMT / 11pm CET...
Feature The Last Worker Promises To Be "Memorable, Heartfelt" And "Chunkiest" On Switch
"I adore the Switch"
The Last Worker is a title that, with each passing month, is attracting more attention and curiosity. It's a project led by Jörg Tittel, whose career has seen him work across the arts in TV, film and games. Revealed last year with an enigmatic trailer, it also achieved the notable landmark of being showcased at the 78th Venice...
Hands On Rune Factory 5 Feels Comfortable And Familiar, But Is That Enough?
A decade on, a new day has dawned
It’s rather hard to believe, but this July will mark the 10-year anniversary of the initial launch of Rune Factory 4 for the 3DS. Since then, the farm sim genre arguably hasn’t seen much innovation or notable movement, other than the release of a certain indie gem that hardly needs any introduction. Still,...
Feature Pokémon Legends: Arceus Has Made Pokémon Downright Disturbing Again
Putting the monsters back in your pocket
There's not a person alive who doesn't know what Pokémon is these days, not a single soul who couldn't correctly point out Pikachu in a line up of every pocket monster there has ever been. The series' success has seen it spread its easily merchandised charms to all corners of commercialism, from Funko Pops...
Memory Pak Star Fox 64, My Incredible Introduction To The World Of Nintendo
Not Mario or Zelda, and my affection for the series will never end
Soapbox articles give our team a chance to share some personal perspectives; today it's the turn of Tom Whitehead to talk about the 64-bit game that sparked his love affair with Nintendo... I'm old enough to say my first gaming system was a ZX Spectrum, which is a big yikes. We had...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects - January 2022
January's best Switch eShop games!
2022 has been off to a fun start in gaming, with the Switch eShop serving up some darn good titles throughout January. If the rest of the year keeps up the standard it's going to be a hoot. These awards aim to celebrate the best of Nintendo's digital store, giving some love and attention to the games that could so...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 5th)
Time, sweet time
Another fun week in the Nintendo Life is finished, and it had some interesting bits and pieces of news. The highlight was probably Nintendo's Q3 financial results, which generally showed that Nintendo is making a lot of money; even shareholders are relatively happy, crikey. For you NFT watchers, multiple projects were
Talking Point Nintendo's Mastery Of Physical Game Sales Hides Limited Digital Growth
Download revenues lag behind rivals
Nintendo's Q3 financial results have been shared and an overall take could probably be a simple "yep, business as usual". Arguably it's a little better than that, though, with an exceptional Q3 (driven by strong sales in the Holidays) allowing Nintendo to increase its projected profits (albeit while shaving a...
Hands On 'Mina The Hollower' Mixes Zelda, Castlevania, And Plenty Of 'Git Gud'
Death is coming
When Yacht Club Games formed way back in the distant sepia-toned past (2011), there was a good amount of buzz around a studio predominantly staffed by WayForward veterans. The prospect of outstanding pixel-art gaming was then fulfilled when Shovel Knight was unveiled in 2013, with the game going on to have a hugely successful...
Soapbox I'm Looking Forward To Going To The Past With Pokémon And Ace Attorney
Super-nostalgia
My knowledge of "the past" is relatively limited to specific periods of history. I have a degree in Ancient Greek and Latin, so I could tell you all about Suetonius' account of Claudius' imperial reign in excruciating depth, although I doubt you'd want me to. I know a lot about the Tudors, because I went to school in England, and...
Talking Point Who Is Nintendo Going To Buy? Don't Be Shocked If The Answer Is "Nobody"
That's not how Nintendo usually does business
The big news of 2022 is industry consolidation – with Microsoft buying Activision and Sony snapping up Bungie, it's all about big fish gobbling up the smaller fish. As we discussed yesterday, this isn't necessarily something
Soapbox Don't Cheer For Corporate Takeovers - It's Not A Game
Monopoly isn't just for fun when it's real money
Back in September 2020 when Microsoft announced its acquisition of Bethesda for around $7.5 billion, it was a big move — one that some fans would have been excited by, and others less so. It was a huge deal at the time, with that purchase giving Microsoft Gaming / Xbox a number of new studios and...
Talking Point A Poképro And A Pokénoob Discuss Pokémon Legends: Arceus
It's a Tom and Kate debate!
As we all know by now, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has taken the well-trodden Pokéformula of the last 20 years and turned it on its head. For fans who've been playing the games for years, it's an exciting reinvention of the series — but what about people who are completely new to Pokémon? And what about people who really...
Talking Point Triangle Strategy Is A Bad Name, Which Hopefully Won't Matter
Looking forward to the next Mario title, Platform Jumper
Nintendo is starting off the year rather strongly on Switch, with exciting games to keep us busy towards Summer. Despite fierce opposition the Nintendo-distributed game at the top of this scribe's list is Triangle Strategy, which is coming to us thanks to Square Enix and continuing the visual...
