Latest News
TodayThu, 16th Jan 2025
News Switch 2 Will Be Backwards Compatible With Physical And Digital Games, With Some Exceptions
Cart in the right place
Wrapping up the Switch 2 teaser trailer, Nintendo provided more clarification on the new console's backwards compatibility, namely confirming that it will be able to play both physical and digital 'Switch 1' games. Showing an image of Super Mario Bros. Wonder playing on both the old and new handhelds, Nintendo confirmed that...
- News
- Nintendo
- Switch 2
News Switch 2's Rumoured 'C' Button Isn't Actually A 'C' Button
So what is it..?!
The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer seemingly confirmed many of the leaks and rumours ahead of its release, including the magnetic Joy-Con, the colour scheme, the mouse functionality, and more. One thing that continues to baffle, however, is the rumoured additional button on the right Joy-Con, sitting just below the Home Button. It was...
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch 2
Guide Switch 2: Hardware Gallery - Take A Closer Look At Nintendo's Lovely New Switch
Switch Inspection
After months (more like years) of speculation, Nintendo has finally revealed its new hardware: Switch 2. Today's brief teaser trailer was nothing more than a 'first look' of what's on offer, but there was enough there to get us suitably excited. We caught our first official glimpse of the console itself, with close-up peeks at the...
- Guides
- Nintendo Switch
- Switch 2
- Nintendo
- Hardware
News Joy-Con Mouse Functionality Seemingly Confirmed In Switch 2 Trailer
Now you're playing with mice
The new Nintendo Switch 2 trailer has just dropped, confirming the existence of what might well be the most leaked console in history. In addition, this debut look at the successor seemingly confirms that the Joy-Con controllers will indeed include mouse functionality. A brief segment of the footage shows both Joy-Con...
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch 2
News Nintendo Will Hold A Switch 2 Direct Presentation In April
Followed by a hands-on tour
Nintendo has announced that it will host a Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the upcoming Switch 2 on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. Details on specific timing will be announced at a later date. Following this, a hands-on tour will commence in which members of the public can try out the new console for themselves at...
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch 2
News New Mario Kart 9 Teased For Switch 2
It's looking good!
Folks, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially revealed, and alongside that, we also know we're getting a brand new Mario Kart game. Okay, we probably could have predicted that — and presumably this is Mario Kart 9, but who knows, naming conventions and all — but we did get a little bit of footage during today's Switch 2...
- Switch 2
- Mario Kart
News Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console
The wait is over!
Nintendo has finally unveiled its next console in an official reveal trailer: Say hello to the Nintendo Switch 2! Following months of leaked details and industry rumours, the official Switch 2 trailer confirms many previously leaked hardware details, including a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Con, and showcases previously...
- Switch 2
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch
News Broken Sword 'Reforged' Team Teases Another Remaster Might Be On The Cards
The mystery continues... maybe
Last year, we had a great time with Revolution Software's 'Reforged' remaster of the classic point-and-click adventure Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars. "It sure would be neat if the rest of the series received such a treatment," we thought to ourselves, "if only Revolution had something up its sleeve..." As it...
- News
- Switch eShop
News Nintendo's New Japan-Exclusive Donkey Kong Merch Range Goes Hard
You'll either love it or hate it
Nintendo has just unleashed its second DK rerelease on the Switch with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, a game that's seemingly taken a few cues from Emperor Palpatine on how to cheat death ("Somehow..."). To celebrate, the firm has also launched a range of Donkey Kong-themed merchandise in Japan and, well, it goes...
- Nintendo
- Japan
- Donkey Kong
News Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP Is Getting A Sweet Photo Mode Update Very Soon
Smile, Juliet
The Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP developer Dragami Games has not only continued to address various issues with multiple patches but it's also adding additional content to the game. With this in mind, Dragami Games company CEO Yoshima Yasuda has now announced the team will be adding a photo mode "soon". Nothing else was detailed, but...
- Nintendo Switch
- Switch eShop
- Updates
News Nintendo Is "Very Upset" About The Switch 2 Leaks, It's Claimed
Former employees Kit and Krysta discuss company secrets
We don't know how exactly Nintendo feels about the supposed 'Switch 2' leaks, but former company employees Kit and Krysta - who had over 10 years of first-hand experience at Nintendo of America - have now chimed in with their thoughts and insights. When the pair were at Nintendo leaks were...
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Rumours
- Leaks
- Industry
News Switch Online's Missions & Rewards Adds Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Icons
Wave 1 is now available
Nintendo has rolled out another batch of icons, this time celebrating the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for Switch. There'll be four waves of icons up for grabs, with the first wave starting today and running until 22nd January 2025. These new icons will set you back 10 Platinum Points each, with borders and...
- Nintendo Switch
- Donkey Kong
- Switch Online
Video Digital Foundry's Technical Analysis Of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
"A solid Switch port with some unexpected failings"
The folks at this Digital Foundry have this week taken a look at the latest Switch release Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. In brief, the resolution and frame rate are "surprisingly solid". This Unity-powered game runs at 1080p docked and 720p in handheld mode on the Switch - with reasonable image...
- Videos
- Nintendo Switch
- Donkey Kong
- Nintendo
- Digital Foundry
Exclusive Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma Gets Gorgeous New Trailer Ahead Of May Release
Spring into action
Amazingly, it's been four years since Rune Factory 5 finally arrived on Nintendo Switch. And while we've had the fabulous Rune Factory 3 Special, a remaster of the popular DS title, we haven't seen a new entry for a minute. Well, that's about to change: Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will be launching on Switch (and Steam) on...
- Exclusive
- Upcoming Releases
- Nintendo Switch
- Videos
News Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind Adds Online Play In Latest Update
Better late than never
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind made its debut on the Switch eShop in December last year but was missing one key mode on the Switch. Fortunately, online play has now finally arrived in the latest update - allowing players to "connect with friends" and punch some putties (together). Here's the developer's official...
- Nintendo Switch
- Switch eShop
- Updates
- PSA
YesterdayWed, 15th Jan 2025
News Nintendo Asks Wii U Owners To Refrain From Using "Unauthorised" Online Services
Update: Pretendo responds
Although you would think Nintendo's focus would be completely on the Switch "successor" right now, it seems the company's customer support line has found time to issue a notice about unauthorised services for older hardware. In a brief message on social media, the Japanese branch has apparently confirmed the existence of...
- Wii U
- Nintendo
- Random
News The Switch eShop Is A Nightmare, So We've Made Our Own "Better eShop"
Fixing what Nintendon't
Recently whilst twiddling our thumbs waiting for Switch 2 to be announced, we got thinking about the state of the current Switch's eShop. It's long been bemoaned for being painfully slow and containing a 'large shedful' of shovelware titles. After pondering what could be d
- Site News
- Switch eShop
- Nintendo
News Nintendo Lawyer Breaks Down What Makes An Emulator Illegal
Emulation explanation
2024 was a big year for Nintendo's emulator takedowns, with the likes of Yuzu and Ryujinx both biting the dust after facing the company's wrath. Now, at a recent lecture hosted by Japan’s Association of Copyright for Computer Software, Nintendo lawyer Koji Nishiura has explained the technicalities of when an emulator is...
- News
- Nintendo
- Legal
- Emulation
Review Blade Chimera (Switch) - A Ridiculously Fun, Combat-First Metroidvania
Slice to kill
The problem with the term ‘Metroidvania’ is that it’s a far broader genre classification than some give it credit for. Depending on where they fall on the spectrum between the exploration-heavy Metroid series and the combat-centric Castlevania series, it’s possible for two games to both be considered Metroidvanias while...
- Reviews
- Switch eShop
News Oops! EVO 2025's Lineup Has Accidentally Been Revealed
Update: Evo confirms lineup and extended roster
The world's biggest fighting game tournament EVO is scheduled to announce this year's US game line up next week on 14th January, but it seems it might have already been revealed. In other words, if you would rather find out in the official broadcast, navigate away from this page right now. Otherwise,...
- Nintendo Switch
- EVO
- Leaks
- US
- North America
News My Nintendo Store Adds New Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Reward (US)
Fancy some sticky notes?
It's the start of a new year and if you've already got a Nintendo themed calendar, how about some sticky notes to go with it? To celebrate the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Nintendo's latest reward is themed sticky notes. Yes, if you need to remind yourself about anything in 2025, these notes are the perfect...
- Nintendo Switch
- Donkey Kong
- My Nintendo Store
- Nintendo
- US
News Guillemot Family And Tencent May Move Select Ubisoft Assets To New Venture
Is Ubisoft in the endgame..?
A new report from Bloomberg reveals that the Guillemot family and Tencent may currently be in talks to move select Ubisoft assets over to a brand-new venture (thanks, VGC). Following a lengthy period in which Ubisoft has struggled in the midst of a rapidly declining share price, the move is supposedl
- Ubisoft
- Tencent
- Business
- Industry
Random Now You Can Play DOOM... Inside A PDF?
PDF Software
Your eyes are not deceiving you, reader — the hugely influential FPS DOOM is now fully playable inside a PDF file. Did anyone ask for this? Probably. And it's a pretty impressive feat. Reported on by IGN (via Push Square), a high-school student known as
- Random
- DOOM
News Buckle Up, Animal Crossing Is Heading To 'Sea Life UK' In February
'Ello 'ello, got some bells, guv'nor?
Following its previous aquarium tours in the US and Japan, Nintendo has now announced that it is collaborating with Sea Life on a new Animal Crossing: New Horizons tour event in the UK. Kicking off on 8th February 2025, the event will take place across five different locations across the UK (well, England...
- Nintendo
- Animal Crossing
- UK
News DOOM Creator Calls Legendary Final Fantasy Programmer An "Inspiration"
"Without Nasir, there is no DOOM"
Co-founder of id Software and one of the minds behind the seminal FPS Doom, John Romero, has honoured a legendary Square programmer on social media, calling him an "inspiration". Sharing his thoughts in the wake of Japanese broadcaster NHK's interview with Nasir Gebelli, who lead programmer on the Final Fantasy...
- NES
- SNES
- DOOM
- Final Fantasy
News The OG Mega Man Is Getting The 'Hand-Drawn Game Guide' Treatment
And it looks glorious
Artist and author Phillip Summers is back with another 'Hand-Drawn Game Guide', this time looking at the classic hard-as-nails action title Mega Man. Soaring past its Kickstarter funding goal in just 12 hours, the Capcom-licensed book is aiming to launch in August 2025 for backers and will boast over 200 pages of stunning...
- NES
- Mega Man
- Capcom
Video Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered "Meet The Bosses" Trailer Showcase
Pre-order and get a 10% discount
In case you missed it, the famous video game mascot Lara Croft returns in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered next month on Valentine's Day. In the lead up, Aspyr has been detailing certain aspects of the game, and the latest trailer showcases the many boss battles Lara will encounter across this trilogy of games...
- Videos
- Nintendo Switch
- Tomb Raider
- Upcoming Releases
News The Adorable 'Lil Gator Game' Is Getting A "Huge" Expansion
Is it Big Gator Game now?
Playtonic Friends and MegaWobble have announced a surprise expansion to one of the cutest hidden gems of 2022, Lil Gator Game. In The Dark promises to be a "huge" expansion, introducing new characters and doubling the size of the base game. The original was a breezy affair, but we're delighted to have the opportunity to...
- Switch eShop
- DLC
Cramp Rock
It's not every controller review that we have to start with a rundown of the current state of Fortnite, but bear with us, we promise it's relevant. The classic looting and shooting that we all know and love is now just a small part of the "Fortnite ecosystem" *squirms*, a hub-world for games that bundle the battle royale in with the...
- Reviews
- Nintendo Switch
- Hardware
- Accessories
- Fortnite
Tuesday14th Jan 2025
Monkey business
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is just around the corner and, now that the embargo on our review coverage has lifted, we can officially confirm that developer Forever Entertainment is responsible for the porting duties on Retro Studios' platformer. However, much like Metroid Prime Remastered before it, Nintendo has opted to omit the...
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch
- Donkey Kong
Review Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
That's what you get for not hailing to the chimp
It’s not unfair to say that the gaming landscape was somewhat different when Donkey Kong Country Returns first fell into our laps in 2010; 2D platformers were a rare breed, and ol’ DK himself hadn’t arguably had a mainline entry in his series since 2004’s Jungle Beat. Back then, the title said...
- Reviews
- Nintendo Switch
Round Up The Reviews Are In For Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Worth going bananas over?
Nintendo's first release of 2025 is almost upon us, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD set to swing onto Switch on 16th January. With mere days to go before we get to barrel into this primate platformer again (again), it's time to get an idea of what the critics make of ol' DK's latest adventure. Here at Nintendo Life, we...
- Round Up
- Nintendo Switch
- Upcoming Releases
- Donkey Kong
News Lunar Remastered Collection Brings Classic JRPG Series To Switch This April
Physical release also confirmed
Classic JRPG fans, rejoice. The Lunar Remastered Collection will be coming to Nintendo Switch on 18th April 2025. Plus, it's confirmed that the collection will be getting a physical release. Launching digitally on the eShop for $49.99 USD / €49.99 EUR — with physical releases coming in at $54.99 USD (on...
- Nintendo Switch
- Upcoming Releases
News Rusty Rabbit, From The Creator Of Psycho-Pass, Is The Most Bonkers Metroidvania Ever
Just hoppy
NetEase Games and NITRO PLUS have announced that action platformer Rusty Rabbit will be launching on Nintendo Switch on 17th April 2025 (via Gematsu). Now, on the surface, you might notice the gruff-looking, middle-aged rabbit that chain smokes carrots and think: "huh!". You might be entertained as he rides around maze-like maps in a...
- Switch eShop
- Upcoming Releases
Rumour Konami And Square Enix Expected To Bolster 'Switch 2' Software Library With Major IP
As you would hope
Following last week's supposed 'Switch 2' hardware leaks, more hints about the software lineup are now circulating online. Apart from "more than half a dozen Ubisoft games" expected, Nate the Hate has claimed on his latest podcast Nintendo's new system could also be getting Konami's next Metal Gear Solid game. Here's what he had...
- Rumours
- Nintendo Switch 2
Rumour Ubisoft Has "More Than Half A Dozen Games" Planned For Switch 2
An Assassin's Creed "port" could lead the charge
Nintendo's new console launch is seemingly on the horizon and apart from first-party titles there is also expected to be plenty of third-party support. The reliable podcaster 'Nate the Hate' has once again chimed in, claiming Ubisoft has "more than half a dozen games for the Switch 2" planned, with...
- Rumours
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Ubisoft
News 'Nintendo Music' Adds Another Legendary Zelda Soundtrack, Here's Every Song Included
Wind Waker sails onto the NSO music app
It's a new week and that means a brand new update for the Nintendo Music app on mobile devices. Today Nintendo has added the GameCube soundtrack for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This includes 133 tracks with a total runtime of 3 hours and 40 minutes - you've got songs like the title theme, Outset...
- Zelda
- Nintendo Music
- Nintendo Switch Online
- Updates
- GameCube
News Sega Files New Retro Trademarks After Delisting A Bunch Of Classics Last Year
[Insert dolphin laughter here]
Sega has announced it's reviving a lot of classic IP and with this in mind, it's been discovered the company recently filed trademarks in December 2024 for Ecco The Dolphin and 'Ecco', which have been made public today. This action and adventure series, developed by Novotrade International (Appaloosa Interactive)...
- Sega
- Nintendo Switch Online
Random No, That's Not Wii Sports, That's Live Tennis On YouTube
Quiet, please
Tennis fans hitting YouTube to see live matches from the Australian Open could be forgiven for thinking they've accidentally clicked on a channel recreating the tournament in Wii Sports, but no. It turns out the event's official channel has taken a novel approach to getting around broadcast rights issues. As noted by Kotaku, the...
- Random
- Wii
- Tennis
News Acclaimed Horror Hit 'Soma' Is Finally Coming To Switch
Alongside Amnesia: Rebirth and Amnesia: The Bunker
Abylight Studios has announced that it's bringing three of Frictional Games' horror titles to the Switch in 2025. SOMA, Amnesia Rebirth, and Amnesia: The Bunker will all be getting digital and physical releases later this year. This means all Amnesia games will at last be on Switch, alongside the...
- Nintendo Switch
- Upcoming Releases
Video Let's Celebrate 10 Lovely Years Of Alex YouTube Videos
A decade of Mr Olney
Sure, 2025 might be home to some pretty big gaming anniversaries, but you want to know the biggest of them all? This week marks 10 years since the wonderful Mr Alex Olney published his first video on the Nintendo Life YouTube channel. That's right, it has been a decade of "Heeeeello there lovely peeeople". To mark the occasion,...
- Videos
- Nintendo Life
- Anniversaries
News Alucard And Richter Return In 'Castlevania: Nocturne' Season 2 This Week
"Richter Belmont is done running"
If you've been following Netflix's animated Castlevania series, here's your reminder that the second season of Castlevania: Nocturne is out this week on 16th January 2025. The legendary Alucard, Richter Belmont and their band of vampire hunters race against time to stop the "invincible Vampire Messiah" Erzsebet...
- Castlevania
- Netflix
- Konami
News Nippon Ichi Software's 'Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero' Scores Free eShop Demo This Week
ArrrghPG
Nobody expected Nippon Ichi Software to announce a sequel to the 2004 PS2 strategy RPG 'Phantom Brave', but over 20 years later, the company did just that. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero sets sail on Switch on 30th January, and for those who want to see what it's all about before release, NIS America has announced that a free demo will be...
- News
- Switch eShop
- Upcoming Releases
- Demos
Monday13th Jan 2025
Guide Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know About Nintendo's Next Console
Everything about the "Switch successor"
The Switch 2 is the next console expected from Nintendo, and is widely expected to act as a direct successor to the original Nintendo Switch that launched all the way back in March 2017. Switch 2 rumours have circulated for almost as long as the first console's been on the shelves, yet it wasn't until May...
- Guides
- Switch 2
- Switch Pro
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch
Random Geez, PS5 Game 'Anime Life Sim' Sure Looks Familiar
Update: More details emerge
This year marks five years since the last mainline Animal Crossing game launched. Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out at the perfect time and made an absolutely huge splash worldwide. But with its fifth anniversary fast approaching, we're sure lots of fans are champing at the bit for a new game. So, if you were...
- Random
- Animal Crossing
Rumour 'Switch 2' Will Reportedly Be Officially Revealed This Thursday
Though software won't be the focus
Reliable podcast channel Nate the Hate has claimed that Nintendo's 'Switch 2' will be revealed this coming Thursday, 16th January (thanks, VGC). Speaking on Nintendo's plan for its Switch successor, Nate the Hate states that the console "will be revealed on Thursday, January 16th, just a few days from now". He...
- Rumours
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Hardware
News 'Team Presents' Unwraps A Win In Splatoon 3's 'Frosty Fest' Splatfest
The gift that keeps on giving
Monthly Splatfests are a thing of the past for Splatoon 3 these days, but Nintendo is still keeping the seasonal events coming. With Splatoween out the way, the next one to roll around is Frosty Fest, a festive celebration which will be heading to the Splatlands next month. As revealed in a tweet by @NintendoUK, the...
- News
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch
- Splatoon
- Splatoon 3
News Square Enix May Withhold Its Own Products If You Harrass Its Staff
So just don't, y'know?
Square Enix has updated its 'Group Customer Harrassment Policy' to ensure that its employees and partners remain protected against unwelcome nuisance and threats from certain customers. As detailed on its official website (thanks, GamesIndustry), the firm stated that if it deems an individual has indeed harassed its...
- Nintendo Switch
- Square Enix
- Legal
- Industry
Japanese Charts Super Mario Party Jamboree Surpasses 1 Million Units Sold
Keeping the party going
We're back with the latest Japanese charts folks; the first of 2025! It's a little bit different for this first go around, too. Famitsu has posted software sales figures for the two weeks of 23rd-29th December and 30th Dec - 5th January, but no hardware figures. We'll collate the top ten games for both weeks here, and...
- Nintendo Switch
- Japan
- Charts
- Sales
News 8 Years Ago Today, We First Got Our Hands On Nintendo Switch
So how about a 'Switch 2' reveal, eh?
On this day in 2017, Nintendo finally lifted the lid on a little console called the Nintendo Switch, revealing the hybrid's technical specs, price and all-important release date to the world. Eight years on, we're desperate to see 'Switch 2' get the same treatment. To be clear, the 2017 presentation wasn't the...
- News
- Anniversary
- Hardware
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch
