Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Mushroom Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
News The Switch is Getting its First Game Boy Advance Port Soon
Hopefully a sign of things to come?
DLC Review The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - The Champions' Ballad + Expansion Pass
On the new story content and whether the expansion pass is worth your money
Editorial Trying to Play Monster Hunter XX in Japanese on the Nintendo Switch
When the World beta isn't an option
News - December, 2017
Sunday31st Dec 2017
News Retro-Bit Announces R-Type Returns For Super Nintendo
Irem's Holy Diver also making a comeback on NES
Looks like Retro-Bit is once again targeting retro gamer's wallets in early 2018 with a couple of exclusive physical re-releases. R-Typepe Returns will bring both excellent entries of the series exclusive to the Super Nintendo (Super R-Type and R-Type III: The Third Lightning) in a single...
Feature The 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards
You know the top two already, right?
Well, 2017 has been an incredible year for Nintendo, and in years to come will likely be remembered as a vital comeback for the company. The 3DS kept ticking over, there were a couple of key Mobile releases, but most importantly the Switch arrived and proved to be a success. Demand outstripped supply for much of...
Review Hiragana Pixel Party (Switch eShop)
Rōmaji rhythm runner
If you spend much time playing games, watching anime, or reading manga, Japanese is certainly an appealing second language option, and if you want to try your hand at learning, Hiragana Pixel Party — originally a mobile title — aims to kickstart that process. While it won’t help you with words or phrases, it will teach...
Review The Last Blade (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
The king of fighters?
Kaede is fighting Yuki and weapons slash quickly as the two leap about the screen. Quick strikes from both, the action is fast as each looks to string together a series of moves to end the battle. Another day, another fight between Kaede and Yuki, but this time things are playing out differently. This time the combatants have...
Site News Thanks For Playing, Thomas Whitehead
Nobody likes goodbyes
Hopefully by now you've heard the news that our illustrious editor Tom will be leaving Nintendo Life in a mere matter of hours. It's been quite an adventure over the last 6.9 years and it simply wouldn't be right to not take a dive into the numbers, Tom style. In The Beginning It was Saturday, 22nd January, 2011 and a...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - Party Golf
Bringing multiplayer to the fore
In this series of features Nintendo Life contributors have shared thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This final entry by news writer and reviewer Ryan Craddock opts for a lesser known eShop title that showcases some of the biggest strengths of the Nintendo Switch. Party Golf falls into a category...
Saturday30th Dec 2017
News Switch Hackers Declare That a Homebrew Launcher Will Be Available 'Soon'
Detail given on how the hack was discovered
In November it became clear that homebrew was going to be a reality on the Switch, with a breakthrough declared for those most determined to use it. That process appears to be continually moving forward, with a Homebrew Launcher apparently coming 'soon'. This was confirmed by hackers Plutoo, Derrek and...
News Enter the Gungeon Has Been a Sales Success on the Switch eShop
"Surpassing all expectations"
Anyone that's been paying attention to the Switch eShop charts for North America or Europe has probably figured out that Enter the Gungeon has been a popular release. Now Dodge Roll Games has given an early sales figure to highlight how quickly the eShop userbase has embraced the dungeon crawler. Check it out...
Feature We Learn More About the Ambitious 'Cycle Across Kanto' Pokémon Documentary
"I love that developers find inspiration from the world around them"
Earlier this month, production company Gravity Dog launched a Kickstarter campaign to make a documentary exploring the real world locations from the immensely popular Pokémon video games series. Travelling across the Kanto region in Japan by bicycle over the course of 40 days, the...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - ARMS
It's got LEGS
In this series of features Nintendo Life contributors will share thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This entry by feature writer Arjun Joshi focuses on the year's new IP from Nintendo - ARMS. What memorable game really grabbed me this year? Pun intended, it’s ARMS! ARMS is a unique and innovative take on your typical...
Friday29th Dec 2017
Review Stern Pinball Arcade (Switch eShop)
A classic experience
Stern Pinball Arcade for the Switch eShop prides itself on authenticity. The company Stern - as featured in the title's name - was founded in 1977, plying its trade as a pinball and arcade video game manufacturer. As the most experienced and largest producer of real pinball machines to this day, the publisher and developer...
Review Frederic: Resurrection Of Music (Switch eShop)
Playing second fiddle
Nintendo Switch’s music rhythm games thus far have been stellar editions to the console's library. Whether it’s the raw power of Thumper or the serene ambient songs of Deemo, the genre fits the hardware well, using either the touchscreen or traditional inputs, and with Frederic: Resurrection Of Music, developer Forever...
Soapbox Yoshi's Woolly World Mended My Rocky Relationship With Yoshi
A cracked heart tightly stitched back together
Yoshi has been my favourite character from the Super Mario series since he made his dino-riffic debut in Super Mario World back in '91. I was so fond of him at that time that I convinced my parents to name our new Bichon Frise puppy in his honour. To this day, when I play Mario Kart or Mario Party...
Review Sparkle Unleashed (Switch eShop)
Lose your marbles
In a time where the eShop is flourishing, more than a dozen games are launching every week with no let up in sight, and prolific Finnish developer/ publisher 10tons continues its long run by bringing puzzle game Sparkle Unleashed to Nintendo Switch in time for the holiday season. The premise is a simple one: in an attempt to save...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - Ever Oasis
Everlong
In this series of features Nintendo Life contributors will share thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This entry by Tony Stephenson - who runs our Facebook page - focuses on the underappreciated 3DS title Ever Oasis. It's been an epic year to be a Nintendo gamer. The launch of the Switch and the subsequent release of...
Thursday28th Dec 2017
News Breath of the Wild Developers Discuss the Zelda Timeline
Hyrule Historia is getting a little outdated
Lots of noise has been made by fans over the years about the “official” Zelda timeline. It seems that each game release is accompanied by a lengthy and meandering discussion over where it sits in the bigger picture, and some of the games are rather hard to pin down. The matter isn’t helped by the...
News Super Mario Land 2 Gets a Fan-Made Colour Treatment
Now with added plumber
We are still catching up with all the fan retro projects released during the Holidays. Often cited as the very best platform game on the original Game Boy (sorry Kirby Dreamland fans), Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins not only seemed to defy what was possible with the humble portable, but was also responsible for...
Review Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops XL (Switch eShop)
War can be hell (and a little bland)
Having already reported for duty on mobile platforms and other consoles, you’d think that Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops XL had seen enough tours to earn itself a little extended leave. But the top-down, ‘roguelight’ shooter has donned its camo paint one last time as it guns its way onto Nintendo Switch. This...
Nintendo Download 28th December (North America)
SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition! VS. Super Mario Bros.! More!
It's the final North American Nintendo Download Update of 2017, but with most businesses still enjoying the Holidays it's a much quieter line-up than we've seen in recent times. That's not to say there aren't some extremely tempting options, with the Switch doing a lot of the heavy...
Nintendo Download 28th December (Europe)
SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition! Stikbold! Double Dragon arcade! More!
As 2017 draws to a close there's one final Nintendo Download Update, with the European line-up offering some intriguing options on the Switch eShop, in particular. In addition there's some DLC and a nice batch of discounts to consider, so let's get to it. Switch eShop:...
News Hackers Confirm Switch's Not-So-Secret Golf Game Has Vanished
FLOG is no more
Way back in September, some rather nosy hackers discovered a treasure hidden in Switch's base code - an emulation of Golf, an old NES sports sim - leading many to assume it was a quiet tribute to the late, great Ninty president Satoru Iwata. Considering Iwata himself helped code the game back in the '80s, and that it could only be...
News Mighty Gunvolt Burst Gets Three New DLC Characters Tomorrow
The more the merrier
One of the better eShop releases of this past summer was Mighty Gunvolt Burst, the follow up to a popular tie-in game for the original release of Azure Striker Gunvolt. At the time, Mega Man 11 hadn’t been announced yet, and Mighty Gunvolt Burst stood as a worthy heir to the Blue Bomber’s legacy. At launch, the game was...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - Thumper
Headphones are mandatory
In this series of features Nintendo Life contributors will share thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This entry by editor Tom Whitehead focuses on an eShop game that may be responsible for his left Joy-Con's early demise. I first played Thumper in 2014 or 2015 at EGX (I honestly can't remember...
Wednesday27th Dec 2017
Review SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition (Switch eShop)
I love it when a plan comes together
After releasing the sublime SteamWorld Dig, many expected Image & Form to go the safe route of producing a follow up that more or less built on that foundation. Though we would eventually receive SteamWorld Dig 2, the company chose to defy expectations and make SteamWorld Heist, a game which belongs to...
News Nintendo Has Reportedly Delayed the Roll-Out of 64GB Switch Game Cartridges
A move that may disappoint some publishers
The Nintendo Switch has, overall, had a wonderfully successful 2017. Like any new device on the market, however, there have been some issues of varying scopes, one of which has been the 'Switch tax', in which some retail games on the system carry higher price tags. It's a topic we explored in detail,...
Review Max: The Curse of Brotherhood (Switch eShop)
This curse is a welcome one
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a puzzle-platformer that is actually just over four years old now; it originally released in 2013 on other consoles as a sequel to Max & The Magic Marker (a Wiiware and Nintendo DS title). Now the game has made it onto the Switch, no doubt hoping to sit amongst the numerous success...
News Nintendo Switch Continues to Dominate in Japan
Over a quarter of a million sales in one week
We may be in the middle of the Holidays, but we still have the Media Create results to show us what's hot - and what's not - in Japan. Unsurprisingly, Nintendo's latest system is continuing to fly off the shelves. Before we get to that, though, we have the software results to look at, and the number one...
News The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gift is Genuinely Useful for Hunting Guardians
Nintendo's in a giving mood
'Tis the season to be jolly, slightly bloated and - most importantly of all - generous in spirit. Nintendo's clearly aware of that, as its latest free gift for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is arguably the most useful and valuable yet. The 'Tips From the Wild' post is the third part focused on The...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - DOOM
Because even portable cyberdemons need slaying
In this series of features Nintendo Life contributors will share thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This entry by upcoming site editor Dom Roseigh-Lincoln focuses on the high profile port of DOOM to Nintendo Switch. If you’d have sidled up to me six months ago and whispered in my...
Feature Video Game Ghosts Of Christmas Past
What are your fondest festive moments?
So, Christmas is over for yet another year. Presents have been opened, food has been consumed in vast quantities and much fun has been had by (hopefully) all. This is the first Christmas that Switch has been available, and we assume that it will have contributed to many a household's latest festive memories,...
Tuesday26th Dec 2017
Review Dimension Drive (Switch eShop)
Double vision
Dimension Drive might be a familiar name to some, but unfortunately it wasn't always known for the game itself. A news story broke in May 2015 about the crowdfunded project from Dutch studio 2Awesome, but it was for the wrong reasons. What the two man team experienced was agonisingly documented as their project was short of the...
News 'Super Famicom Wars' And 'Princess Minerva' Translated to English
Plus ' U.N. Squadron' gets a spiffy MSU1 audio patch
Once again the Super Nintendo community made sure that this was yet another Christmas to remember if you are still playing around with Nintendo's 16-bit wonder. Three major projects were completed and released in time for the Holidays, including a complete English translation for one major...
News The Nintendo Network and eShop Are Back to Life After a Festive Mishap
No surprise with all those new Switch systems
Going back a while now, the release of Pokemon Bank in Japan caused a festive Nintendo Network meltdown. The service was sporadic and mostly inaccessible for a few days, with Nintendo and The Pokemon Company eventually resorting to taking Pokemon Bank down. This year hasn't been anywhere near as...
Feature Memorable Games of 2017 - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A mammoth adventure I will never forget
In this series of features Nintendo Life writers will share thoughts on their most memorable games of 2017. This first article by Dave Letcavage focuses on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on both Switch and Wii U. Later entries will also focus on lesser known games that have entertained and enthralled...
Monday25th Dec 2017
Review Arcade Archives VS. Super Mario Bros. (Switch eShop)
Super Mario Bros. rejigged
Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. in 1985, making a lot of people very happy due to the superb platforming action it provided and selling a lot of NES systems in the process. Numerous sequels have followed, but that first game has remained available on various machines over the years, sometimes adding things like updated...
Editorial Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From Nintendo Life
The end of a great year for Nintendo
It's hard to believe the time is already here, but we're now into the Holiday season once again. Whether it's the Holidays, Christmas or neither to you, it's a chance to unwind, think about the year that has passed and get excited about what's still to come. From a Nintendo perspective this year has been rather...
Sunday24th Dec 2017
Editorial Trying to Play Monster Hunter XX in Japanese on the Nintendo Switch
When the World beta isn't an option
It's fair to say that a group of Switch gamers are rather annoyed at Capcom, even as the company has recently reversed course from minimal support to offering more backing for the popular system. Many are likely Monster Hunter fans that have been used to the series gracing Nintendo hardware and now face a harsh...
Review Bloody Zombies (Switch eShop)
A genre back from the dead?
Playing Bloody Zombies put us in mind of another Switch eShop game that launched recently in Guns, Gore & Cannoli. Just like that game Bloody Zombies mixes old school side-scrolling action, cartoony yet hyper-violent graphics, waves of undead opponents and a smattering of broadly drawn national stereotypes. Whereas...
News Super Meat Boy Launching in January on Switch With Brand New Race Mode
Run Meat Boy, Run!
Team Meat has announced that Super Meat Boy will be releasing on Nintendo Switch on 11th January, adding a brand new 'Race Mode' into the mix. For anyone not in the know, Super Meat Boy is a tough-as-nails platformer that has been around for several years across various platforms. After receiving a large amount of requests from...
Saturday23rd Dec 2017
News Here’s Why Traditional Dungeons Got Axed in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
At least there wasn't a water temple...
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was notable for reinventing the Zelda formula in a significant way, shaking up the basic template and trying something entirely new. One such thing was the removal of the usual dungeon system, replacing it with 120 smaller shrines scattered about the landscape...
Review Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
An action-packed multi-plane adventure
Travelling to different planets, the stretchy-armed Roddy and Cathy move left to right employing a variety of skills as they bash the bad guys. Available to tackle alone or co-operatively with a friend, Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy includes some neat features that add to the fun of the action across nine...
News Slain: Back From Hell Now Runs at 60FPS
Slaying it
A few weeks ago, Slain: Back From Hell launched on the Switch eShop, and it admittedly didn’t impress all that much. The game had a troubled release cycle, with the main issue being that the difficulty was initially far too high, and the final release didn’t quite shape up to provide what it promised. Even so, desperate fans of the...
Friday22nd Dec 2017
Horrific, for all the right reasons
Some games are just a perfect match for Switch. Whether they’re designed with its portability and local multiplayer support in mind, or simply ported so well you’d think Switch was always part of the developers plan all along. Couchplay-orientated hack ‘n’ slasher Crawl comfortably fits into the latter...
Review Guns, Gore & Cannoli (Switch eShop)
Sweet but a little sickly
How do you make the well-worn platform shooter genre feel fresh and exciting? Our answer wouldn't necessarily be to mash together equally well-worn zombie and gangster tropes, but that's what the developer of Guns, Gore & Cannoli has come up with. The game casts you as Vinnie Cannoli, a prohibition-era mob enforcer...
News Data East Arcade Titles Are Coming To Switch, Courtesy Of One Of Gaming's Worst Mascots
It's Turbo time!
Flying Tiger Entertainment has announced that it is bringing some of Data East's most beloved arcade titles to the Switch. Over 20 titles are coming to Switch, PS4, Xbox One and Steam, with the only confirmed game so far being the 1990 fantasy action release Gate of Doom (also known as Dark Seal). Games are expected to sell...
News Ubisoft Makes Smart Changes in the Latest Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Update
Tips and better preparation before battle
We're big fans of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Ubisoft's impressive strategy title that blends intelligent design with a whole lot of whimsy and humour. Pleasingly the development team continues to make adjustments alongside expansion pass content and free goodies, with a fresh update making some welcome...
News ARMS Version 5.0 Is The Last Content Update The Game Will Recieve
Rebalancing fixes notwithstanding
ARMS version 5.0 has just gone live today, the latest update in what has been a surprisingly active period for the game. However, Nintendo has confirmed that the flurry of new content is now at an end; just like
News Super Sonic Is Coming to Sonic Forces as DLC
Free for now, too
After the excellent Sonic Mania graced consoles late this summer, fans were hoping that SEGA would be able to replicate the success with Sonic Forces and give the hedgehog one of his greatest years. Unfortunately, Sonic Forces turned out to be a bit of a dud; not a bad game by any means, but nothing particularly great either. SEGA...
News ARMS Version 5.0 Is Now Live, Along With A Brand-New Fighter
The doctor is in
Nintendo has been doing a fantastic job of keeping ARMS updated with new stages, characters, and ARMS, and that support has been continuing nearly nonstop up until now. The company has been teasing version 5.0, which would be adding in a new character, for a few days now, and the update only just went live. As expected, it adds...
News The Donkey Kong World High Score Record Just Got Smashed To Bits (Again)
Robbie Lakeman wins back his title with a score of 1,230,100
In video games, there are high scores and then there are high scores. The long battle for Donkey Kong's biggest score definitely falls into the latter category; it's the holy grail of arcade scores and it's played host to some of the most competitive rivalries in history. Well, the arcade...
Feature Going Deeper Into the Incredible Design of Gorogoa
"There were points where I decided to break my own rules"
Though the eShop has been bombarded with new titles in December, one that has stood out is Gorogoa, earning praise for its elegance and smart design. It takes a unique approach to puzzle-solving along with a beautiful aesthetic and artful storytelling - we loved it in our Gorogoa review...
News Bloodstained's Latest Level Reveal Has A Very Far Eastern Feel To It
Land of the Rising Fang?
A new stage from the eagerly-awaited Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has been shown off, and it's perhaps a little different from what fans of the Castlevania series might be expecting. The level is set in a Japanese-style environment complete with subtle, chilled-out music and some particularly beautiful background...
Feature Homebrew Experts Mega Cat Studios On Surviving A Coffee Crisis And Coming Out Stronger
"We're really, really excited to be part of this retro renaissance"
Mega Cat Studios might not be a household name at present, but the company has been doing some incredible work in the realm of homebrew games development and has produced multiple physical NES carts over the past few years. We say down with Zack Manko, Mega Cat co-founder, to...
News It Looks Like The Windjammers-Style Sports Game Disc Jam Is Coming To Switch
The next Rocket League?
High Horse Entertainment's Disc Jam might be making its way to the Nintendo Switch. There's been no official confirmation yet, but the game has been listed on the Switch's News Feed application, which would suggest one is coming very soon. Seen by many as a spiritual successor to the classic Neo Geo title...
News Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap Gets Updated With Video Capture Support
Plus some other fixes, too
The superb Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap has just received an update which enables in-game video capture. A remake of the equally brilliant Sega Master System original, Wonder Boy has also benefited from some other minor fixes as well, which are detailed below. With so many amazing games arriving on Switch this year...
Thursday21st Dec 2017
Review TINY METAL (Switch eShop)
Hold me closer, Tiny Metal
It's been almost ten years since we last had an entry in Intelligent Systems' superb Advance Wars series, but don't let that depress you - we now have the next best thing in the form of Tiny Metal, the debut game from Japanese studio Area35. This is unashamedly a clone of the aforementioned Nintendo franchise and the nuts...
News Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's Champions' Ballad DLC Marks The Conclusion Of The Game
No more content to follow, sadly
It might sound like stating the obvious, but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Champions' Ballad DLC officially brings the game to a close - there will be no more content released from this point onwards, Nintendo has confirmed. Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma delivered the news in an interview...
Random These N64 Box Art Covers Have Not Aged Well
In fact, most of them looked terrible at the time
We've all got plenty of fond memories of Nintendo 64 - which is why we're excited for the inevitable N64 Mini and its third-party friends - but that doesn't mean we look back on every game with a smile. In fact, just thinking about some those box art covers makes us a little queasy. Over on N64...
Review Hammerwatch (Switch eShop)
A smarter gauntlet
There’s something to be said for Nintendo’s continued insistence that local multiplayer is as important as any other method of play. While there are plenty of reasons why online features are always touted, from the ability to play with friends from afar or just because you can keep your plans to yourself instead of on a...
Review Pinball FX3 (Switch eShop)
The definitive pinball title
The free-to-download series Pinball FX has gone from strength to strength over the years, acquiring many famous licenses at an increased rate while slowly refining the overall quality of the experience as each new entry is released. As old-fashioned as pinball now is in the 21st century, the effort Zen Studios...
Nintendo Download 21st December (North America)
TINY METAL! Bloody Zombies! The Next Penelope! Style Savvy! Much more!
It's the final North American Nintendo Download Update before the Holidays / Christmas, and it has some enticing games on offer. As is now the norm the Switch has a significant number of intriguing titles, and the 3DS also joins in with some tempting options of its own this week...
News Nintendo Launches Official Nintendo Power Podcast
Now you’re playing with power!
One of the most celebrated publications in gaming history is that of Nintendo Power, the long running magazine that covered all things Nintendo. Though the changing times ultimately led to the magazine’s demise, it’s legacy has still been fondly remembered by the community, with projects like Nintendo Force...
News Super Mario Odyssey Soundtrack Coming to iTunes Tomorrow, CD Collection Next Year
"Let's do the Odyssey"
Thanks to Super Mario Odyssey's wonderful original soundtrack, and the possibly even more wonderful 'Jump Up, Super Star!', it can be pretty difficult to stop yourself from humming along to the game as you play. With the help of these two official soundtrack options, however, you'll soon be able to blast your favourite Mario...
News More Festive Switch, 3DS And Wii U eShop Discounts Hit Europe
WWE! L.A. Noire! FAST RMX! Sine Mora EX!
Remember last week, when lucky European Nintendo fans were given over 200 discounts across Switch, 3DS and Wii U? Well, it's happening again this week, so we hope you've got some pennies saved. WWE 2K18 Digital Deluxe Edition (2K) Nintendo Switch (Bundle) Nintendo eShop from 22/12/2017 00:00...
News ConcernedApe Reveals Free Content Coming to Stardew Valley
Alongside the multiplayer update
Stardew Valley has been a fantastic addition to the Switch eShop, blending Harvest Moon farming gameplay with some aspects of Minecraft to provide a low-key, yet addictive experience that can just keep going. It’s been a perfect fit for a hybrid console like the Switch, and the developer has been making noise...
Nintendo Download 21st December (Europe)
TINY METAL! Enter the Gungeon! Brawlout! Floor Kids! Mario Party! More!
It's the final European Nintendo Download Update before the festive break, and it's a bumper offering. The Switch has various high-profile downloads to cater to most tastes, while the 3DS also has a notable retail title and a few of its own new downloads. Without further ado...
Feature Vote For Your 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year
The big choice
Earlier this week we closed voting on four major categories in the Nintendo Life community Game of the Year awards. Thousands of you took part in the polls and via email submissions, but there is one prize left - that of overall Game of the Year. As promised, then, we've taken the top five from each of the four categories - Switch...
News You Can Now Spice Up Your iMessages With Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Stickers
iPhone users rejoice
One of the nicest things about being a iPhone user is the joy of plonking stickers on your friend's iMessages. We've already had fun with Pokémon iMessage stickers and more recently 8-Bit Super Mario stickers, but now it's Link's turn. The Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Feature Tiny Metal Director Hiroaki Yura On Reviving The Spirit Of Advance Wars For Switch
"We worked hard under very limited resources"
Tiny Metal sure looks a lot like Advance Wars, and that's no bad thing when you consider how beloved that particular series is. If Nintendo and Intelligent Systems aren't going to give us a new entry, then we should perhaps be thankful that newcomer Area35 is doing it instead; formed by Hiroaki Yura,...
News The Original Double Dragon Brings Street Justice To The Switch Next Week
Double the Dragons, twice the fun
Billy and Jimmy Lee's original arcade adventure will bring the pain next week to the Switch eShop at the usual price point. HAMSTER's Arcade Archives send off to 2017 is none other than Yoshihisa Kishimoto's sequel to Renegade (Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun in Japan, Kunio's debut video game), a coin-op that...
News Splatoon 2's Next New Weapon is The Squeezer
Squeeze the trigger
Like the world's most ink-filled Advent calendar, Splatoon 2 just keeps giving and giving. We've seen regular new updates released for the game since its launch in July and this weekend is no different. Resembling a bottle of champagne concealed within a plastic bag (a perfectly safe item, we imagine), The Squeezer is the latest...
Video The Complete History of Phantasy Star
The other “Fantasy”
Though it happened a long time ago, the last month of 1987 has gone down in history as one of the most influential times in gaming. This week three long running, ground-breaking franchises were first released in Japan. Mega Man and Final Fantasy had already had their day earlier in the week. Now we turn to Phantasy Star...
News Pokémon GO Holiday Event Brings More Brand New Pokémon
With more ice-types in the wild, too
Playing Pokémon GO over the next few weeks may not have been your top priority what with the weather turning so cold, but a new celebration for the holidays might just be enough to change your mind. This event will see the return of the festive Pikachu, a noticeable increase in the amount of ice-type Pokémon...
News Christmas Mode Is Coming to Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack
But only for two days
Inti Creates has been quite good at supporting all its games on the Switch, adding in new content updates and tweaks post-launch that do a decent job of adding value to the games while also reinvigorating interest in them. Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is their latest release, bundling the two Azure Striker Gunvolt games...
News 'Cycle Across Kanto' Aims To Document The Real-Life World Of Pokémon
Pedal power
Here's a fun looking Kickstarter to start your day with. "Cycle Across Kanto" - if successfully funded - is going to be a 40-day, feature-length documentary taking the first-ever cinematic journey through the real-life world of Pokémon. It's no secret that the fictional lands found in various Pokémon games over the years are...
News ARMS Version 5.0 is Launching Tomorrow
With the mysterious new character
It was only a few short days ago that we learned about ARMS Version 5.0 and, sticking to the promise of releasing the new content this year, Nintendo has announced that the update will begin rolling out tomorrow. Past updates have provided very welcome improvements to the game's mechanics, as well as new modes and...
News King Of Fighters '96 To Flex Its ACA Neo Geo Muscles on Switch
Violent fighting to come again this December
Hamster is giving the ACA Neo Geo series a 2017 sendoff with none other than The King of Fighters '96 hitting Nintendo Switch on 28th December. The third entry in SNK lead fighting series saw some major improvements, namely the ability to fake smaller jumps, a perfect way to trick your opponents and...
Video Get In The Festive Spirit With This Disturbing Layers Of Fear: Legacy Trailer
Sleep in heavenly peace
Bloober Team is set to release its critically-acclaimed horror title Layers of Fear on Switch early next year and to drum up some festive cheer the studio has released a spooky Christmas trailer, which you can view above - if you're brave enough, that is. Layers of Fear: Legacy is a Switch-exclusive update of the...
Wednesday20th Dec 2017
Video It's Time to Look at the 31 Best Nintendo 3DS Games of All Time
21 is so last week
The 3DS has been a stalwart system, holding on beyond the bitter end even with the monolith that is the Nintendo Switch looming over it. It's had at least seven different hardware iterations, and that's without going into the limited editions, and countless fantastic games. So to celebrate our underpowered workhorse, we...
Review The Deer God (Switch eShop)
Oh dear God
You are a hunter. In the distance is a graceful deer - a protector of the forest. Just as you go to take aim at the deer you are attacked by wolves, as if the forest was defending one of its own. From here, you awake to find that you have been reincarnated as a baby deer and are spoken to by the Deer God; she explains that you must now...
News Student Whose 3DS Was Stolen Is Given A Replacement By His Schoolmates
The spirit of Christmas
Losing something precious is never a pleasant thing, but losing it at Christmas is especially heartbreaking, and that's what happened to Antioch High School student Shawn Hawkins. His beloved 3DS XL was stolen, and he wrote messages on the school's notice board begging for it to be returned. Trouble by his obvious...
News Mario + Rabbids Director Reveals He Once Pitched A Wind Waker GBA Port To Ubisoft
There's even a screenshot to boot!
Ubisoft Milan creative director Davide Soliani has already earned a place in Nintendo Life's heart - mainly due to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle being so good and because he's not afraid to cry in front of the entire world - but he's now booked himself a VIP seat in our affections following a recent Game Boy...
News Nintendo Switch Picks Up Incredible Sales in Japan to Continue Its Strong Run
Yo-kai Watch Busters 2 makes its debut at number one
It's no surprise to hear that the Switch is already close to overtaking the lifetime sales of the Wii U, even if it's a statistic that'll always be harsh on the last-gen system. Nintendo's hybrid console is hot stuff right now and that's especially the case in Japan, where the latest Media Create...
Deals UK Switch Owners Can Now Pre-Order The Bayonetta Special Edition With A Free Poster
A bewitching deal
We can't wait for Bayonetta 3 to land on the Switch on 16th February next year. In this climactic sequel to the critically acclaimed Bayonetta action game, players will be on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Brimming with jaw-dropping battles and gorgeous cut scenes, this game never lets up on the action, and has...
Review Puzzle Box Maker (Switch eShop)
Mini-game building magic on Switch
With no news on a potential port of Super Mario Maker for Switch, it’s fallen to Austrian indie studio - and long-time Nintendo developer - Bplus Games to step in with its own slice of creative mayhem. Puzzle Box Maker distils the often daunting task of designing your own level into an instantly intuitive format,...
News Switch Set To Overtake Wii U In Japan After Less Than A Year On Sale
230,000 consoles sold in the last week alone
The Switch is close to surpassing the total lifetime sales of the Wii U in Japan after less than a year on sale, according to Famitsu. Last week, Nintendo's console sold 230,000 units in Japan, bringing its total in that region to 2,988,399 units. It launched on March 3rd this year. At the last count,...
News Super Mario Odyssey Is Japan's Fastest-Selling 3D Mario Outing
More than a million copies sold in 8 weeks
Super Mario Odyssey is Japan's best-selling 3D Mario game, according to recent sales figures from Famitsu. The Switch epic has sold 1,055,806 copies in its homeland after just 8 weeks on sale, putting it above the likes of Super Mario 3D Land (1,042,511 in the same time period) and Super Mario Galaxy 2...
News The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Free Gift is a Bit Mean to Kass
Eat roasted bird while listening to his ballads
We love Kass, the gentle bard from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In fact, his set of sub-quests and the eventual ending to his original tale is one of the most charming sequences in the game, and actually provides some important insight into the overarching story. If you haven't worked...
News Digital Foundry Gets Into Gear With a Rocket League Switch Tech Analysis
Back of the net?
Rocket League has proven to be hugely popular on the Switch eShop, as shown by its consistent placing at the top - or near enough - of the store's regional charts. A smash hit on PC and other consoles, it's no surprise that Switch owners have been keen to join in - especially with cross-platform online play also supported. A recent...
News Pokémon GO Receives New iPhone Exclusive Features
"That Snorlax is ginormous!"
A brand new feature called AR+ has been made available for Pokémon GO, allowing trainers to experience "even more realistic Pokémon encounters". You'll need to be running the game on iOS 11 on the iPhone 6s or newer models to make use of it, however. This enhanced augmented reality improves the...
News Super Smash Bros. Inspired Brawler Earth Romancer Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
"Decades of inspiration"
Developer Lunar Hare Studios has launched a crowdfunding campaign for their Super Smash Bros. inspired platform-fighter Earth Romancer, currently aiming to fund the development for versions on Steam and Nintendo Switch. The game aims to blend the flexible combo chaining of traditional fighters with Super Smash Bros.'...
Feature nDreams Talks About Reanimating Bloody Zombies for a Festive Switch Release
"We hope gamers receive it with open arms and a bloody fist!"
For some gamers of a certain age, the beat 'em up genre is a rather important part of the gaming scene. There may not be many major titles that ask you to walk through an area crudely punching and kicking the snot out of foes, but it still has a certain appeal. This...
Video Get Ready for Battle With This TINY METAL Pre-Release Trailer
Promises plenty of content and strategy
The Advance Wars franchise is fondly regarded by plenty of GBA / DS era gamers, but it's been quiet for a good number of years. Understandably that's led to plenty of attention for TINY METAL, a title that isn't shy about trying to assume the crown for turn-based strategy warfare. It's out this week...
News Dark Horse Will Be Giving Away ARMS Comics On Free Comic Book Day
Free, you say? We're in!
Considering ARMS contains a complete roster of interesting, colourful characters, and fighting game fans often long for a wealthy amount of information surrounding the lore of their favourite fighters, comic books and graphic novels surrounding the game seems like a perfect idea. Things have just become potentially even...
News Kingdom: New Lands Gets Some Free DLC - Skull Island
Should be available now
Kingdom: New Lands is quite an intriguing title on the Switch eShop, with an interesting blend of town management and tower defence to accompany some neat visuals. If you're a fan of the game then there's good news, with Raw Fury releasing some free DLC in the form of a sixth island - Skull Island. It's described as a...
News New Characters Are on the Way to Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Get those apples ready
It’s been about a month now since Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp saw a global release, and it has since seen a modest success on smartphone storefronts. Though perhaps a bit oversimplified, the game goes a long way towards miniaturizing the core series experience into an easily accessible experience that feels well-suited to...
News Expect Inti Creates To Spread The Love (And Some New Details) On Gal Gun 2
A trailer, a livestream and more
There certainly are some weird and wonderful subgenres out there in the world of video games, which probably goes some way to explaining why a series about firing pheromones at schoolgirls and sucking their clothes off has attracted such a cult following. The latest entry, Gal Gun 2, is coming to Switch in Q1 2018...
News SaGa Series Director Says We Could See Other Entries Get Localised
"We plan on continuing to release titles overseas in the future"
The recent release of Romancing SaGa 2 on consoles in the west is quite significant, as the game was never published outside of Japan at the time of its original launch. The high cost of localising such a massive RPG will no doubt have put Square Enix off the idea in the past, but...
News SUPERBEAT: XONiC Has Two New, and Free, Songs to Enjoy
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Some developers are certainly in a giving mood. Arriving on the same day as a new free island as DLC in Kingdom: New Lands, now the rather good music rhythm game SUPERBEAT: XONiC has a couple of new tracks, which should be available at no cost in the Switch version right now. A preview video and some details...
Tuesday19th Dec 2017
Poll Surprise! A New Zelda Is In Development, But What Do You Want From It?
Another open-world adventure, or a return to the classic roots?
To the surprise of absolutely nobody at all, Nintendo has recently confirmed that work has already begun on the next instalment in the Zelda franchise. The blindingly obvious announcement came in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Master Works, a book which has recently...
Review Brawlout (Switch eShop)
It's super fast, bro
Countless comparisons will no doubt be made between Brawlout and the Super Smash Bros. series as we see the game launch on Switch, and for good reason. Not only is its gameplay distinctly similar to Nintendo’s giant franchise, but we are of course yet to see a Super Smash Bros. game on the console; Brawlout is aiming to lure...
News Sega Dreamcast, Saturn And Mega Drive Hardware Coming From Retro-Bit in 2018
The retro gods have smiled upon us
It's safe to say we're big fans of the retro-focused wonders coming out of Retro-Bit - including the brilliant Retro-Bit RES Plus and the wealth of classic titles on its Super Retro-Bit micro-console - so you can imagine how excited we are following the announcement that it's teaming up with Sega to bring a...
News WWE 2K18 Gets An Update On Switch, But Can It Fix Its Problems?
We'll be testing out the patch and updating our review
Earlier this month we reviewed WWE 2K18 on Switch, filled with excitement and anticipation for a wrestling experience on par with other console platforms. Unfortunately, the end result was a hot mess of inconsistent character models and a serious issue with performance slowdown. Well, there's...
Review Mecho Tales (Switch eShop)
Unenthusiastic Homages for Blue Bombers
Mecho Tales wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Under most circumstances this means a developer is able to take away familiar and comforting concepts and design decisions and meld them with their own ideas to give us something unique. Sadly in this case, while many bits and pieces were bolted together and...
More shmup fun for Switch
Earlier this year Zerodiv brought some excellent shmup action to the Switch in the form of Psikyo’s Strikers 1945. Having rummaged around in the developer’s back catalogue, the publisher is now bringing Gunbird to the eShop, a similar proposition with a shared range of options (and the added ability to record video...
A deep cut
Bleed is a vibrant, pixel art 2D run and gun platformer that comes from one man team Ian Campbell/ Bootdisk Revolution. For our spunky protagonist Wryn, winning the coveted title of the best hero in video games (trademark) is her one and only objective, and a hand written checklist of competitors are all that stand in her way in order to...
News Square Enix Has Finished the Score for Project Octopath Traveler
Now it’s time to finish the project’s name
Square Enix has shown the Nintendo 3DS plenty of strong support with fantastic original titles like Bravely Default and its sequel. Though it’s still working on similar support for the Nintendo Switch, the company has promised that there’s lots to look forward to for its fans. One such thing we have...
Deals Pokémon Gift Ideas: Clothing, Toys, Games, Plush And Merchandise
Gotta buy 'em all
The Pokémon brand is on a all-time high following the release of Pokémon GO, Sun and Moon and - more recently - Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Now that it's almost Christmas, hopefully you can still manage to dress up warm and get out and about collecting the little critters while getting some fresh, bracing...
News LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 Adds Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 DLC
New level and characters included
Today sees the release of a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 DLC pack in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, adding a brand new level and several characters from the franchise. The new level is inspired by the opening scene of the movie, allowing players to battle a giant alien-monster-thing known as the Abilisk. The...
Site News Say Hello To The New Nintendo Life Editor, Dom Reseigh-Lincoln
A new face at the helm for 2018 (and beyond)
Like a Christmas Doctor Who regeneration, exiting editor Tom Whitehead will vanish on New Year's Eve in a blinding flash of golden light, only to be replaced by a brand new face. Well, another bearded face with glasses, that is. Hey everyone, my name’s Dom and I’m the new guy in the editor’s chair...
News The Escapists 2 Will Break Out on Switch Next Month
And you'll be able to pre-order it early
Team17 and Mouldy Toof Studios have announced that The Escapists 2 will be released for Nintendo Switch on 11th January 2018. The game sees you breaking out from ten unique prisons, exploring multiple floors, roofs, vents and underground tunnels whilst you live by the prison rules. You'll be doing a variety...
News Euro My Nintendo Rewards Include Wii U And 3DS Discounts, But Nothing For Switch Owners
Tennis! Parties! Zeldas! Golden Suns!
A host of seasonable rewards have just gone live on the European My Nintendo site, with a focus on Wii U and 3DS titles. On Wii U, we've got the following offers: Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash - 20 percent off (£31.99 / €39.99) Mario Sports Mix - 30 percent off (£12.59 / €13.99) Wii Party U - 30...
Out Today Brawling, Mechs and Dungeons Feature in the Latest Switch eShop Releases
And some free puzzles, 'tis the season
Back in the old days new downloads would mostly arrive on Nintendo's stores on a Thursday, with the occasional retail game being special enough for an alternative day. Now we get all sorts of neat arrivals on various days in the week, and today brings a few new releases across North America and Europe. Gaze...
Feature Chatting to 10tons About Its Prolific First Year on the Switch eShop
Heavy hitters
The Nintendo Switch has been a notable success this year, and its eShop is attracting more and more indie developers and publishers. One of the most prolific has been Finnish team 10tons, with top down shooters such as JYDGE and Time Recoil, as well as puzzlers and physics-based games including King Oddball and Tennis in the Face...
News WorldNeverland: Elnea Kingdom is Coming to Switch Next Year
Simulation and RPG combined
According to the latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, WorldNeverland: Elnea Kingdom will be released on Nintendo Switch in Spring 2018. The game was originally released on iOS and Android stores in 2015 and aims to act as a simulation of a living society. With hints of RPG gameplay elements also involved,...
News Capcom on the Audio Design of Mega Man 11
The first game in the series to use real world sounds
The Mega Man franchise is iconic for many reasons, one of which is the chiptune soundtrack that accompanies each game. Though there have been highs and lows with the different soundtracks, they’ve all captured that mechanical, synthesized sound, and it’s expected that the upcoming Mega Man 11...
News Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure Deluxe Lets Six Players Run Riot On Switch
Switch-exclusive update arrives this month in Europe
Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure Deluxe is coming to the Nintendo Switch this month, it has been revealed. The wacky hybird of sports and action adventure features a wide range of game modes, including a co-op story campaign packed with epic boss fights and a rather silly plot. More...
News Nintendo UK Opens Pre-Orders on New 2DS XL Pikachu Edition and Pokémon Crystal 'Boxed Version'
Get a mug with the system, too
Long live the 3DS / 2DS, as the portable family keeps ticking along with a helping hand from the Pokémon franchise. One of the first notable releases of 2018 will be the Virtual Console arrival of Pokémon Crystal on the 3DS eShop, due for release on 26th January. Different regions are celebrating in various ways,...
News Picross e8 is Heading to 3DS in North America This Week
With some new puzzles in time for the holidays
Nintendo has revealed that the latest entry in Picross' 'e' series, Picross e8, will be released on Nintendo 3DS in the US on 21st December. Just like previous titles in the series, this eighth entry will pit players against grid-like puzzles where numbers help to determine which squares should be...
Monday18th Dec 2017
News Some Japanese Gamers Aren't Happy About Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Including Hideki Kamiya
The fact that we're getting a compendium of every Street Fighter game should be cause for celebration, but in Japan some fans are less than happy about the upcoming 30th Anniversary Collection. The problem stems from the fact that Capcom is using the "international" versions of each game. In the small print relating to the...
Truly unique
Gorogoa is not your typical video game. In fact, we’re having trouble thinking of any other games that feel and work in quite the same way as this one. Created by the one-man team of Jason Roberts, this seven year-long development project uses a beautiful, storybook-like layout to allow players to interact with elements on each page,...
Review Mom Hid My Game! (Switch eShop)
Mum's the word
This summer's Nindies showcase thrust a number of smaller, lesser known and previously unannounced titles into the Nintendo Switch buying publics consciousness, including Mom Hid My Game!. It's fair to say that it was met with a wide spectrum of reactions. Mostly somewhere between bewilderment and ridicule, the game didn't...
Review The Sexy Brutale (Switch eShop)
Turn back time to save the day
If Groundhog Day took on the form of a video game, it might very well be The Sexy Brutale. It’s a 3D puzzle and adventure title developed by Cavalier Game Studios and Tequila Works (Rime) focused on intrigue, murder and mystery with a huge emphasis placed on the manipulation of time. Taking control of the...
Site News A Fond Farewell from Nintendo Life Editor, Thomas Whitehead
After nearly 7 amazing years
As the headline makes clear, I’m bidding a fond farewell to Nintendo Life to go on a different path; I’ll hand over the editor’s hat on New Years’ Eve. I was asked to ‘announce’ this myself, making this the toughest article I’ve written to date. My new role will be as Product Manager for CIRCLE...
Review One More Dungeon (Switch eShop)
Monsters from the id
One More Dungeon may look like an old school RPG from screenshots, but really it harks back to id Software's early first person shooters in its focus and pacing. Wolfenstein 3D and Doom were tense, claustrophobic affairs that encouraged you to creep around their blocky environments, expecting an ambush at any time. So it is with...
News Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus Is Heading To Switch, Includes Exclusive Co-Op Mode
Lovely jubbly
Bandai Namco has revealed that Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus will be making its way to Nintendo Switch early next year. This 'plus' edition of the game is a fresh port of Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 which was released on other platforms in 2016, adding a faster feel to the franchise with some interesting additions to the base...
News Loads Of Rare Zelda Amiibo Are Available Right Now From Amazon Japan
It supports internaional shipping, too
It's the holiday season, so if course it's time to indulge your own needs while you should really be buying those last few gifts for your friends and family. And what better way to 'treat yo'self' than filling in the gaps in your amiibo collection? And oh look, Amazon Japan has just restocked its supplies of...
Review Black The Fall (Switch eShop)
Escape the system
Inspired by Romanian communism and '90s sci-fi universes, Black The Fall is an atmospheric puzzle-platformer developed by Sand Sailor Studio – a Bucharest-based independent game company that was originally founded in 2014. The concept came about as a way to express rebellion against the mechanisms of a heavily corrupted system,...
News Best Buy Has an Exclusive Mario Kart 8 Deluxe SteelBook
It's pretty darn festive, too
We all love retailer-exclusive editions, right? Ok, maybe not, but if you live in the US and happen to shop at Best Buy they do have a neat extra to go along with new copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Anyone that picks the game up for the festive period will get a free SteelBook case. You can get it from the US...
News Panic Not, Panic Button Is Handling The Switch Port Of Wolfenstein II
Going to be "as good" as the Switch DOOM port, apparently
Panic Button is the studio behind the excellent Switch versions of DOOM and Rocket League - two amazing ports which prove that the company is becoming something of an expert when it comes to getting the most out of Nintendo's hybrid system. There's more good news to report, as it has been...
Random Completing Zelda: Breath of the Wild Using Donkey Kong Bongos
Because why not?
Many of you reading this may well have completed, or at least played a portion of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild over the past few months, but did you overcome that lengthy quest using only Donkey Kong bongos? Nope, we thought not. A YouTube and Twitch streamer known as ATwerkingYoshi, someone who has worked on similar...
News SoulCalibur VI Isn't In Development For Switch, But That Might Change In The Future
"But of course, personally, I’m interested in the platform"
Whatever happened to the space in-between Soul and Calibur? That's just one of the questions that keeps us awake at night. One of the other questions relates to the sixth game in the illustrious weapon-based fighting series, and its chances of coming to the Nintendo Switch - something...
News Dragon Quest Builders Digs Into the Switch on 9th February
A construction boom
Slowly and surely Nintendo is putting to rest any brief fears that early 2018 will be bereft of notable retail games. Bayonetta 2 and its predecessor are coming on 16th February, and now we know that Dragon Quest Builders will arrive in Europe and North America a week earlier on 9th February. The news was confirmed by...
Gallery Cracking Open Retro-Bit's "New" Old NES And SNES Games
Data East and Jaleco classics are back!
Remember those terrible cardboard boxes that Nintendo games used to come in, way back when? The company thankfully moved onto more civilised plastic cases in the GameCube era, but NES, SNES, N64, Virtual Boy, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles all came in easily-crushed cardboard packaging which, for modern...
Out Today Monday Releases Are a Thing on the Switch eShop - Good Times
Three in Europe, one in NA
As your humble scribe was checking the European and North American eShop in preparation for the now-traditional 'Out Now' early mini Nintendo Download article on Tuesday, it emerged that three games are out in Europe today, a Monday. With the Switch eShop throwing so many delicious games at us on a weekly basis it makes...
News Design Your Dream Subway in Mini Metro on Switch Next Year
As in trains, not sandwiches
Radial Games has announced a partnership with the excellently-named Dinosaur Polo Club to bring their strategy-simulation title Mini Metro to the Switch. The game sees you creating subway layouts, drawing routes to connect the various stations in an ever-growing city. As time passes you'll have more stations and...
Video Take a Good Luck at My Hero Academia: One's Justice, Heading to Switch in 2018
BOM! WHAKOM!
At the end of November it was confirmed that My Hero Academia: One's Justice is coming to the Switch, with more information promised at the 'Jump Festa 2018' event in Japan. We now have a clearer picture of how the game will shape up as a fighter, adopting a 3D arena approach and some awesome 'impact' graphics. You can see a...
News Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Now Has Video Capture Support
Capture your best tactics
The latest update for Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle introduces video capture, despite not making a big song and dance about it. The free patch - which also brings with it the new Vs. Mode - means you can now record 30 second videos to share on social media accounts. If you've performed an impressive pincer...
Sunday17th Dec 2017
News 5 Things To Do With Your Master Cycle Zero In Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Lots of room to vroom
It’s still quite shocking to think that Link can now ride a bike in a Legend of Zelda game. Just in case you missed the announcement from The Game Awards 2017, the Master Cycle Zero is now available to unlock in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a reward for completing the story segment of the game’s second DLC...
Review Human: Fall Flat (Switch eShop)
A slapstick symphony
It has been said that the essence of comedy is tragedy plus time. A good-natured pratfall here and there is enough to brighten up anyone's day, but when you play the role of both the audience and the victim of said pratfall, things get a little more complicated. Developer No Brakes has created an experience where...
Review Floor Kids (Switch eShop)
Top Rock
While the Switch has already booked an array of both dance (Just Dance 2017 and 2018) and rhythm games (like VOEZ, Deemo, and Superbeat Xonic), it’s safe to say that there’s nothing else in the system’s lineup quite like Floor Kids. In fact, this labour of love from Montreal-based duo JonJon (animator and former bboy) and Kid Koala...
News ARMS Version 5.0 Update is Coming This Year, With Another New Character
The roster keeps growing
ARMS, very much mimicking the approach seen in Splatoon 2, is a game that keeps on giving. Frequent updates have not only improved mechanics and balancing but have also added fresh modes and characters. The roster's grown rather nicely, as a result, and it seems that'll be the case once again with version 5.0. It's due...
Video The First 30 Years of Mega Man
You can’t stop the rock!
17th December is a big day for Capcom, as one of its top series and characters - Mega Man - celebrates its 30th birthday! The company started the party a bit early by announcing Mega Man 11, coming next year! But, it all began thirty years ago, when Capcom put forth a plan to create its first non-arcade port for the...
Saturday16th Dec 2017
Review Enter The Gungeon (Switch eShop)
Right to bear arms
Nintendo Switch received one of the finest roguelike indie games in the business earlier this year with The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+. Now it has another in Enter The Gungeon. Much like Edmund McMillen's reworked masterpiece, ETG takes the basic form of a top-down twin-stick shooter. Dodge Roll's game, however, has an...
Pass the Joy-Con
The holidays are fast approaching and, if you’re anything like us, you’ll likely end up being thrown into some form of endearingly awkward family gathering wishing that there was something fun to do as everyone starts to fall asleep. Party Planet aims to shine in this very situation; a collection of mini-games that can be played...
News Pikachu Gets A Villainous Makeover With These New Secret Team Pokémon Plushies
Because being bad doesn't mean you can't be cute
We all know eternal Pokémon mascot Pikachu will forever remain a force for good - including when he hits the big screen with Ryan Reynolds' voice, no less - but that doesn't mean The Pokémon Company can't throw an adorable curve ball in the form of these new bad guy-themed plushies. They're part of...
News First 4 Figures Reveals Stunning Shovel Knight Collectibles
Beautiful, but not cheap
High-quality collectible maker First 4 Figures has revealed its first statue from the Shovel Knight universe and, as always, it's rather breathtaking to behold. Available in Regular, Exclusive, and Ornate Plate Armor editions - as well as a Combo edition which gives you those second two variants in one package - this new...
Friday15th Dec 2017
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Dark Side & Darker Side Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from Dark Side in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 24 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. We've also added a small...
News Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Gets Wii U Update To Improve Gameplay
Update v1.4.1 is a game changer
Did you happen to pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Wii U instead of the Switch? If so you might feel a little bit left out, but Nintendo hasn't forgotten about you. Update v1.4.1 was released yesterday for the Wii U version and promises "Various fixes to improve gameplay". We can only...
Rumour Burnout Paradise Gets Rated For Switch Release In Brazil
Following in the tracks of a retail listing in the same region
Classic open world racing title Burnout Paradise has apparently received a classification rating for Switch in Brazil. The listing - which has since been removed - also mentions possible Xbox One and PS4 editions, which would hint at a forthcoming remaster project. The game originally...
Video These D-Pad Joy-Con Shells are Great, But Come with a Cautionary Tale
They're screw-strippin' good
When we covered these D-Pad-boasting replacement Joy-Con shells last month, we were pretty impressed with how they looked, and we knew we wanted to get our mitts on them in real life. As explained in the video above, the shells are of high quality and are certainly a good bit of kit, but the journey to get to an actual...
Feature Testing The Best RGB SCART Cables Known To Humanity
These ones pack-a-punch
Not all retro gaming AV cables are created equal, despite what you may have read or heard. Unlike HDMI – which is a digital signal – the analogue realm is subject to wild variances when it comes to quality, and the pursuit of the perfect audio visual setup has become the lifelong objective of many a retro gamer. Some will...
News Zen Studios Working On Pinball FX3 Patch For Switch That Brings 1080p Docked And 60fps Handheld
Update: Zen responds: "To reduce the game down to this feels unfair"
Update: Zen's Mel Kirk has responded to this story stating that the "looks terrible" comment was attributed to a customer service representative and was in relation to a query from a buyer, rather than a reflection on the graphical quality of the game itself. In reflection...
News The Story Of Gorogoa, One Of The Switch's Most Intriguing Indie Titles Yet
"You don’t know how long you have to wander"
The Switch certainly isn't short of top-quality indie games at present, and with so many titles hitting the eShop each week it can be hard to decide which ones are worth your time and money. Hopefully you consult our reviews to make your purchasing choices, but in the case of Gorogoa, you might find the...
Review Super Putty Squad (Switch)
Super name, average game
In 2013 an updated Putty Squad arrived on modern systems (3DS version in 2014) and this is now available on Switch, slightly re-titled as Super Putty Squad for reasons unknown. You control a stretchy blue blob and employ various abilities in this platformer as you navigate the stages collecting all the red blobs to...
Review Vostok Inc. (Switch eShop)
Solar powered
Vostok Inc. is made up of a combination of ‘clicker’-style gameplay (where you essentially set things up and wait for results to happen with hardly any interaction) and twin-stick shooter moments (where you fight off aliens by shooting a whole host of weapons from your spaceship). The combination of the two might look a little mad...
News Nintendo Files Patent for a 'Passive Walking Device'
Probably not for a LEGS sequel to ARMS
Nintendo's made it clear for many months that it is still looking at ways to expand its business outside of video games. We haven't seen any recent firm updates on the 'Quality of Life' initiative, but it seems the company is exploring options to produce products with potential medical or scientific uses. In...
News These Lovely Smartphone Cases Are Now Available Via My Nintendo, But Only In Japan
Japan continues to get the good stuff
Lucky Japanese gamers will soon able to pick up a series of charming smartphone cases from My Nintendo. They will cost 50 Gold points each. The Limited Pochi Bag has a 8bit Mario design and is free, you just need to pay the postage. Reasonable! The Smartphone Cases have a 30% discount with...
News Take A Look Behind The Scenes Of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Character Design
Concept art and development requests revealed
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has been sitting firmly in the cartridge slots of countless Switch consoles since its release at the start of the month. If after hours and hours of exploration you're just as enamoured with the game's art as we are, you may be interested to take a look at some behind the scenes...
Video This SNES Classic Mini Teardown Explores the Similarities to the NES Model
One small difference, but it leaves plenty of questions
It's been known for a good while that the innards of the SNES Classic Mini are pretty much the same as the NES Classic Mini. It makes perfect logistical sense for Nintendo and no doubt means solid profits on each unit, but it also raises questions around supply issues and what Nintendo may need...
News Image & Form Will Be Bringing More Games To Switch Next Year
Yes please!
With SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition blasting its way onto the Switch's eShop on 28th December, and with the incredible success of the wonderful SteamWorld Dig 2 that came to the console earlier this year, it's pretty safe to say that Image & Form had a pretty decent 2017. The future is looking just...
News Nintendo Shares Gamers' Breath of the Wild #ZeldaMoments
So many memories
For a good while now Nintendo UK has been running a social media campaign encouraging gamers to share their #ZeldaMoments from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's now released a rather charming video in which some of those with the best submissions were seemingly given a nice t-shirt and a chance to talk about their...
Video Check Out The Analogue Super Nt's UI And Boot Animation, Created By Phil "FEZ" Fish
With music from Squarepusher
Analogue has lifted the lid on the UI of its forthcoming Analogue Super Nt system, as well as giving some details on the console's unique boot sequence. The man responsible for the clean look of the UI is none other than Phil Fish, creator of the cult indie platformer FEZ. He has crafted all of the art, layout and...
News Unofficial Nintendo GameCube Anthology Book Hits Kickstarter
By the book
Remember the superb N64 Anthology we covered a while back? Well the team behind that excellent tome are now producing a sequel in the shape of the GameCube Anthology. A crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter has gone live, and currently sits at just shy of 29,000 Euros - the target goal is 40,000 Euros. The final book will be 360...
News Fire Emblem Heroes Gets Into the Festive Spirit With Daft Outfits
Tannenboom!
Fire Emblem Heroes has been a reasonable success for Nintendo on mobile, earning loyal fans in the West and some solid momentum in Japan. Due to that it's been heavily supported with frequent updates, so naturally there are new 'Special Heroes' to summon that get in the festive spirit. It looks rather fun - check out the outfits...
News The Legend Of Dark Witch 3 Casts A Spell Over 3DS Next Week
When magic and side-scrolling shooters collide
It's been two years since an episode from The Legend Of Dark Witch series graced a Nintendo platform (episodes one and two were digital titles that shot their way onto the 3DS eShop), but The Legend Of Dark Witch 3 - Wisdom And Lunacy is almost ready
News RIVE Update Adds Video Capture and Some Helpful Fixes
A smaller chance of getting stuck in a "loop of hell"
We're big fans of RIVE: Ultimate Edition on the Nintendo Switch, the explosive final hurrah from Two Tribes. It's full of intense 60fps action that looks great on the system, and we didn't hold back on the praise in our review. Two Tribes has been working away on an update and has now...
News Sally's Law Will Roll Onto the Switch eShop This Winter
Another smart puzzle game for the system
Those that enjoy puzzles and more laid-back gaming have some excellent options on the Switch eShop, and it seems as if Sally's Law will be added to the list. Confirmed to be in the works for Switch back in November by its development team, Nanali Studios (based in Korea), Japanese publisher Polaris-X...
Thursday14th Dec 2017
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Mushroom Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 104 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on...
A rare game
In a post-Super Mario Odyssey world, the bar has been set even higher for 3D platformers. How, then, can a game like Yooka-Laylee stack up - a game so firmly focused on the past rather than the future? Though it may not quite hit the heights of some contemporaries, Yooka-Laylee still stands as a fantastic modern take on 3D platforming...
Snow Joke
While the first Syberia game may have arrived on the Nintendo Switch a full fourteen (ish) years after its initial PC release, its point and click legacy has no doubt been felt since, and there have been a few decent modern examples - such as Thimbleweed Park and Violett - on Nintendo's hybrid system. Not to be outdone, the second...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Update to Bring Bug Fixes and Map Improvements
Paving the way for a New Game+ addition next year
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has been available for nearly two weeks, offering an enormous adventure for Switch owners to take on. With its own Expansion Pass and some areas needing improvement it's a title that'll have a number of updates, and Monolith Soft has outlined the first major patch - version...
News More Than 240 Nintendo Switch, Wii U And 3DS eShop Games Are On Sale In Europe
Festive fun for all
Nintendo has kicked off a massive eShop sale in Europe (and Australia!) across all of its consoles. We've only covered the Switch releases here, but Wii U, 3DS and New 3DS are also included. We wanted to feature them as well but the list is so long the computer which runs the website starting smoking and vibrating worryingly...
Review Poly Bridge (Switch eShop)
A bridge over the river fun
Poly Bridge is bridge building simulator with a lot of charm. Your goal is to get vehicles from one side of an area to another by using the materials provided to you. The game gets you up to speed quickly by providing a tutorial that explains the different types of bridges you can build and how they are useful to you...
Review The Next Penelope (Switch eShop)
Hit or myth?
One of the most famous Greek myths of all time might not seem like an ideal starting point for an intense, top-down combat racer, but the setup for The Next Penelope feels perfect. You assume the role of the titular heroine, wife of the long-absent Odysseus who is famed for her undying loyalty despite the advances of many persistent...
Nintendo Download 14th December (North America)
Yooka-Laylee! Brawlout! Romancing SaGa 2! Enter The Gungeon! Many more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download update. This week is a bit of a beauty for Switch owners with a whopping 21 new download titles, many of which look rather tempting. There's a lot to get through, so that's enough pre-amble... Switch...
News Digital Foundry Heaps Praise On Yooka-Laylee Switch Port
A "superb" conversion
Yooka-Laylee finally arrives on Switch today, and as you'll know if you've already consulted our review, it was worth the wait. Playtonic has personally handled conversion duties this time around (Team17 ported the PS4 and Xbox One editions earlier in the year) and the developer has taken an inordinate amount of care in...
News Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion Is Sailing Onto Switch in Spring 2018
Starts off in a "flooded Land of Ooo"
We've seen multiple Adventure Time titles over recent years on Nintendo hardware, and now the Switch will get in on the act with the next main release - Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion. Due in Spring 2018, it kicks off in a 'flooded Land of Ooo', so Finn and Jack naturally hop in a boat and set off...
News The Hyperkin "Pupper" Switch Joy-Con Grip Is Just Too Cute For Words
It charges your Joy-Con, too
When the Nintendo Switch was first revealed to an unsuspecting world, it didn't take long for people to make the connection that the attachment into which you slide the Joy-Con kinda looks like a cute puppy face with droopy ears. Shortly after, we got this successful Kickstarter. Thankfully the dream of turning...
Nintendo Download 14th December (Europe)
Yooka-Laylee! Poly Bridge! Romancing SaGa 2! Mudds Collection! Many more!
Well, the European Nintendo Download Update is live, and it's another big 'un. The Switch is packed with high profile downloads which is sure to lead to stiff competition, while there are also some tempting DLC and demo options. As an additional note, you'll notice this...
News The Next Batch Of ACA Neo Geo Titles For Switch Has Been Revealed
Kaiju wrestling, baseball and some fighting
Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you want to be surprised every week with upcoming Arcade Archives Neo Geo titles you should click onto the next article. If you're OK to living a life without surprises, read on. Hamster has revealed the next batch of up and coming Neo Geo re-releases under the ACA label on the...
News Fallen Legion Drops Onto Switch In 2018 With The Rise To Glory collection
Two slices of RPG goodness in one package
Having already slashed up a storm on other platforms, the Fallen Legion series is finally making a beeline for Nintendo Switch - and its arriving in 2018. The new Rise To Glory collection will unite Fallen Legion: Sins Of An Empire and Fallen: Legion: Flames Of Rebellion (which were previously released on...
News Pokémon Crystal Is Coming To 3DS Early Next Year
Complete with Pokémon Bank and wireless support
Game Boy Color classic Pokémon Crystal is coming to the 3DS eShop, it has been confirmed. Originally released in 2000, Crystal will launch on 3DS on January 26th. In other good news, it has also been confirmed that the game will be compatible with Pokémon Bank, a paid service that allows players to...
Video Mega Man 11’s Art Director Explains the New Look
Better than 8 bit spritework?
Capcom took the industry by surprise with its announcement of Mega Man 11, the continuation of the classic run ‘n’ gun series. Though it appears that it will adhere quite closely to the beloved template that all its predecessors used, the new art style has divided opinion with its 2.5D style. It’ll still be quite...
News The Gorgeous-Looking InnerSpace Glides Onto Switch Early Next Year
An "exploration flying game set in a universe of inside-out planets"
PolyKnight Games is releasing its unique flying game InnerSpace on the Switch early next year, it has been revealed. Placing you in the role of an archaeologist who must recover the last remaining memories before the Inverse collapses on itself, InnerSpace sees you flying through...
News Hand-Drawn Platformer Shu Will Jump Onto Switch in January
Delayed slightly, but for good reason
Developer Coatsink has announced that its attractively hand-drawn platformer Shu will be arriving digitally on Nintendo Switch on January 23rd 2018. The game is set across six different worlds and will see you play through fast-paced platforming action, battling to save your friends from a mysterious storm...
News Tactical RPG Regalia: Of Man And Monarchs Is Plotting Its Way To A Switch Release
Marching onto the battlefield for Q1 2018
Indie studios Crunching Koalas and Pixelated Milk are bringing the tactical RPG Regalia: Of Man And Monarchs to consoles, it has announced. Influenced by JRPG classics, Regalia is already available on PC and the console versions (under the "Royal Edition" banner) will benefit from...
News The Coma: Recut To Bring Korean Survival Horror To Switch Next Week
Will you survive high school?
The Switch eShop continues its rapid pace of releases next week with The Coma: Recut, which is a manhwa-styled Korean survival horror and a remastered version of the indie cult classic, The Coma: Cutting Class which is also developed by Devespresso Games. In the game you play as Youngho, a hapless Korean...
Feature Throwing Shapes With Floor Kids' JonJon And Kid Koala
"Pure, uninhibited (funky) joy"
There are plenty of dance-based games out there - with the likes of Just Dance 2017 and Just Dance 2018 having already moonwalked their way onto Switch - but the classic art of breakdancing is yet to have its proper time in the virtual spotlight. Well, one little indie is about to change all that, and with style, too...
News New Nintendo 2DS XL Pikachu Edition is Heading to Europe
Arrives on 26th January alongside Pokemon Crystal
Today has brought the pleasing news that Pokémon Crystal is coming to the 3DS Virtual Console on 26th January. There's even more good news in Europe, as the New Nintendo 2DS XL Pikachu Edition is heading to the region on the same day. This one just recently arrived in Japan, and we think it's...
News Runner3 Will Have a Switch Retail Release With the Help of Nicalis
"Some games just belong on physical cartridges"
When it comes to budget / indie retail games on the Nintendo Switch, Nicalis has established itself at the forefront of the industry. Often loading its retail editions with neat game manuals, stickers and more besides, they're become a popular purchasing option. Nicalis has now announced that it's...
News Splatoon 2 Is Getting a New Map Tomorrow
A perfect companion to Clam Blitz
Splatoon 2 got a big new update yesterday that adds in a brand new game mode, but Nintendo certainly isn't slowing down with bringing new content to the game. Tomorrow, the company will be adding in a new map, though this one is a bit of a throwback. Splatoon 2’s Japanese Twitter account just revealed that the...
Wednesday13th Dec 2017
News Hyperkin Has Created A Prototype Portable Nintendo 64 Mini
But it may not enter production, before you get too excited
Accessories maker Hyperkin is apparently working on a portable Nintendo 64 system. The news comes from Hyperkin Senior Account Manager Ramon Navos-Moral, who (rather foolishly, it should be said) posted the following images of a functioning prototype system on his Facebook page: The...
News Sharpen Your Blades Because Titan Quest Is Coming To Switch Soon
Monster hunting, on the go
Back in 2013, THQ Nordic acquired the rights to classic PC hack 'n' slasher Titan Quest with the aim to update its multiplayer and give the whole game a fresh makeover. Well, now it turns out all that mythical monster hunting mayhem is coming to Nintendo Switch, alongside a raft of other console platforms in 2018. Both...
News VS. Super Mario Bros. is Jumping Onto the Switch eShop Next Week
World 1-1 all over again... with a twist
As previously reported from printed promotional materials, HAMSTER will indeed bring out the second Nintendo Arcade Archive title next week (along with a fantastic Neo Geo shmup). It's confirmed for the Japanese eShop, though we'd be surprised if the European and North American stores don't match the same...
Review Riptide GP: Renegade (Switch eShop)
Causing a splash
From the development studio behind Beach Buggy Racing - a racer similar in many ways to Mario Kart - comes a fresh port of its water-based take on the genre: Riptide GP: Renegade. Opening with a cut-scene showing your character getting busted for competing in illegal races, this game has the potential to fill that Jet Ski...
News Rocket League Collector's Edition for Switch Is Just Weeks Away from Retail Release
Includes an art print and loads of DLC
Rocket League seems to have been a major hit on the Switch eShop, having nestled near the top of the store's charts for a number of weeks. Psyonix is keeping busy too, lining up a performance-boosting update that's due on the Nintendo Switch imminently. Some have been waiting for the retail version, however,...
Video Here Are The 21 Best Switch Games Money Can Buy Right Now
In our humble opinion, of course
The Switch has had a storming first year when it comes to software. It's hard to believe we've had so many solid-gold hits in such a short space of time - especially when you consider how barren the Wii U era was at times - and this robust performance means that anyone who is lucky enough to find the console...
News Reggie on Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon Sales Performance on the Switch
Wow
Today Nintendo announced that the Switch has cleared 10 million units sold worldwide; no small feat for the new hardware. Of course, the Switch wouldn’t have sold half as much as that if it’s software lineup wasn’t so appealing, and Reggie Fils-Aime recently shared some information on the sales performance stats of Nintendo’s biggest...
News Rocket League Getting Performance-Boosting Update On Switch Later Today
That. Was a goal.
It has been revealed that Rocket League will be getting an update across all platforms today, with the Switch version benefitting from additional performance improvements. Across all systems the update will introduce bug fixes to make the gameplay experience more pleasurable. It goes live at 11am PST / 2pm EST / 8pm CET / 7pm...
Feature It's Time to Vote for Your 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards
Good luck choosing from all these great games!
As a fantastic 2017 draws to a close it's that time once again - Game of the Year Awards. We're continuing with tradition in having both Staff and Community awards; the latter are entirely in your hands. As in previous years you can vote through a series of polls. In each category we've created...
Buyers Guide Nintendo Switch Price, Where To Buy, Best Games And Accessories
Have you got everything you need yet?
There has never been a better time to pick up a Nintendo Switch, but obtaining a console is merely one part of the puzzle. There are accessories and other items which are essential parts of Switch ownership, so we've pulled them all together for you in this handy buying guide. Is there anything you still need to...
News The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gift Should Help You With 'That' Hard Bit in the DLC
The Champions' Lament
Nintendo seems to have a simple philosophy with its DLC content in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - if you want to enjoy the content you have to work at it. The Champions' Ballad in DLC Pack 2 is no different, and it kicks off with a particularly tricky section on the Great Plateau. Stealth is certainly a good idea...
News Build-A-Bear Workshop Is Launching A Super Mario Range Of Soft Toys
You sadly can't stuff Toad, however
Build-A-Bear Workshop's quest to licence every popular media property under the sun is set to continue with the announcement of a Super Mario range of stuff-em-yourself toys. The store - which already sells a handsome line of Pokémon plushes - is releasing a series of themed teddies, as well as a range of...
News Nintendo Switch is Still Number One in the Japanese Charts
Holds off the challenge of Monster Hunter: World PS4 Pro model
It's the middle of the week, which means we get an updated look at what's hot and what's not in Japan; though the software charts have new challengers to Nintendo games, hardware is still very much the dominion of a certain hybrid system. Kicking off with software, two new releases on...
News Pulstar Is Your Next Neo Geo ACA Release On Switch
But R you my Type?
Nintendo Life shmup heads rejoice, for next week Hamster is bringing the forerunner to Blazing Star to the eShop! It has been long rumoured (but never confirmed) that developer Aicom was a set up by ex-Jaleco and Irem staffers, so if you happen to feel that Pulstar feels a little bit too close to R-Type, it might not be a...
News Wasteland 2: Director's Cut Will Bring Post-Apocalyptic Turn-Based Strategy to Switch
A combination that always works
With the positive momentum around the Switch and the evident eagerness of its growing userbase to play a lot of games on the device, plenty of developers are jumping on board. Another with a project in the works is inXile Entertainment, which is working on Wasteland 2: Director's Cut for the system. The studio's...
News Switch Continues To Soar As It Sells Over 55K In South Korea In Just Three Days
Beats DS, 3DS and Wii opening month sales in the region
Hot off the heels of Switch's impressive global sales of 10 million units in its first nine months, the hybrid wonder continues to break records and sell like hot cakes the world over. Over in South Korea, it's been revealed Switch has sold over 55,000 units in just three days. The figure,...
News Splatoon 2’s Clam Blitz Update Is Now Live
Along with a slew of other changes
A few weeks ago, we received the news that Splatoon 2 would be receiving a fairly sizable expansion that would be adding in new cosmetic options, weapons, and a full game mode that would be added in to the competitive play cycle. The first half of this new content was added shortly after the announcement, and now...
Reminder Time is Running Out to Get the Pre-Purchase Discount on Mutant Mudds Collection
Three great games for $10
We've seen various developers and publishers make use of the option to pre-purchase eShop games on the Switch, and Atooi got creative in turning Mutant Mudds Collection pre-orders into 'early bird discounts'. In case you missed this little nugget of news last week, we thought a little reminder would be useful. If you...
Tuesday12th Dec 2017
DLC Review The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - The Champions' Ballad + Expansion Pass
On the new story content and whether the expansion pass is worth your money
Last week Nintendo got into the Hollywood spirit at The Game Awards and dropped the second DLC pack (and final part of the Expansion Pass) for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For many it's been the addition we've been waiting for, offering new story content and a...
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Moon Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from the Moon Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 38 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on the...
Review The End Is Nigh (Switch)
It's the end of the world as we know it
Balancing the difficulty in a platform game is a fine art. Even though the genre has pretty-much existed since the inception of modern video games, developers are still often guilty of not providing enough of a challenge or making levels almost impossible to complete. Even in recent times, only a select few...
Review 80's Overdrive (3DS eShop)
Hitting Top Gear to Out Run the competition
Franchises like Gran Turismo and Forza may rule the roost these day but whisper the name Out Run or Top Gear into the ear of a seasoned player and they'll gladly forget all of those hyper-real visuals and authentic physics engines and reminisce instead about the good old days when blue skies and...
News Nintendo Switch Reaches 10 Million Global Sales In Its First Nine Months
Nice going
We've all known the Switch is having a great launch year, simply due to the fact that demand has remained high and prompted Nintendo to significantly increase supply into the Holiday season. Now there's a nice round figure to show how quickly the system has caught on with the public. The company has confirmed that there have been around...
Review Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive (Switch eShop)
A modern brawler
As much of a blast as old school beat em’ up video games like Streets of Rage, Double Dragon and the River City Ransom series are to play, new titles under this same banner often fail to modernise the classic genre – instead choosing to rely purely on nostalgia to fuel the fun. Although this is very much a design choice, it...
Expanding the great adventure
Nintendo recently dropped the second DLC pack (and final part of the Expansion Pass) for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, one of the most beloved games. For many it's been the addition we've been waiting for, offering new story content and a fresh dungeon in addition to the now-standard add-ons in the forms of...
News SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition Storms onto Nintendo Switch This Year
A late Christmas present
With SteamWorld Dig 2 being a tremendous success on the Nintendo Switch, we at Nintendo Life Towers thought it would be only a matter of time before more titles from the excellent Image & Form would make their way to the hybrid system. And now we're very happy to confirm that SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition is...
Guide The Best Nintendo Christmas Gifts For 2017 - US Edition
'Tis the season to be jolly
It's that time of year when we look forward to the Holidays on the one hand, and suffer sweaty brows on the other as we fret over late gift purchases. What to get your Nintendo-obsessed loved one this festive season? What gift will be good enough? Well, don't fret, we've looked around the web to find a range of gifts...
Review Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (3DS eShop)
Quality sustained!
It's not entirely fair to say that the 3DS is on its last legs, but with the success of Switch and Nintendo's recent mobile push, it's no secret that the dedicated handheld is entering its twilight years. Rather than ignoring the 3DS and slowly pushing it out of the public eye and relevancy, Nintendo instead seems to be...
Guide The Best Nintendo Christmas Gifts For 2017 - UK Edition
Tis the season to be generous
It's that time of year when we look forward to the Holidays on the one hand, and suffer sweaty brows on the other as we fret over late gift purchases. What to get your Nintendo-obsessed loved one this festive season? What gift will be good enough? Well, don't panic, we've looked around the web to find a range of gifts...
News Playing Super Mario 64 Could Help Fight Off Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr Mario will see you now
Somehow, deep down, we knew all those years of playing the greatest 3D platformer ever made (no, we don't mean Super Mario Odyssey, but that little beauty certainly came close) would pay off because a new report suggests playing Super Mario 64 could help keep your brain fit and healthy (especially in your later years). No,...
News The Detective Pikachu Movie Has Received a Release Date
Let’s see how this works out
Last week, we received the news that Ryan Reynolds would be voicing the starring role of Detective Pikachu in the upcoming movie. Following on from previous news, it seems that the film has more or less filled out its cast and is nearing the production phase of development. To back this up, word has recently broken...
Review ACORN Tactics (Switch eShop)
Not a tough nut to crack
Thanks to Fire Emblem, strategy role-playing games have found themselves in a position far-removed from the niches they once resided in. With consoles and handhelds in particular, there’s been an emphasis in keeping the complexity and deep thinking that’s involved intact, but introducing them to players in a way that...
News Switch Developers Will Soon Be Able To Use IKinema Animation Tools To Make Better Games
Mighty middleware
British game technology company IKinema announced today that it has signed a deal with Nintendo which will allow game studios to use its RunTime animation middleware in game development. RunTime is already commonplace in PC, PS4 and Xbox One development, so this is a welcome addition. By using this middleware developers...
Out Today Pinball Galore and Edmund McMillen's Latest Arrive on the Switch eShop
Some enticing new titles to choose from
As is now our routine we have a mini Nintendo Download Update on a Tuesday, due to the crowded Switch eShop line-up now typically bringing us some goodies a little earlier in the week. This time around it's no different, with some rather tempting and even high profile arrivals on the store. Without further...
News Plan The Ultimate Portable Heist As Payday 2 Steals A February Release Date
It's drill maintenance, on the go
If you're a Switch owner and you haven't had the pleasure of planning out your very own virtual heists in Payday 2 then you're in for a treat as Strarbreeze Studios unique shooter is set to arrive on Switch in 2018. In fact, you won't have to wait long - that vague 'winter release' window we were given earlier in...
News Mom Hid My Game! Gets a Festive Release on the Switch eShop
But has Mom hidden your eShop credit?
In Nintendo's late August 'Nindies Showcase' it demonstrated some fascinating and intriguing games; then it rather jokingly introduced Mom Hid My Game!, which is coming to the Switch and 3DS eShop. Previously released on mobile, it's a light-hearted title in which you work through various rooms and solve puzzles...
Monday11th Dec 2017
Review Nine Parchments (Switch eShop)
Magic and monsters
Nine Parchments is the latest title from Frozenbyte, the developer of games such as the Trine series and, more recently on Switch, Has-Been Heroes. Just as the Trine series did before it, this game places a heavy focus on co-operative play with up to four players able to team up and enjoy the adventure together. You can play alone...
Debuts don’t come more botched than this
Disclaimer: At the time of writing, developer Blind Squirrel has yet to patch the significant performance problems hampering WWE 2K18 on Switch, so we've published our review - and a score that reflects its current state - in full below. However, we do know that a patch is being worked on, so in the...
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Bowser's Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from Bowser's Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 62 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on the...
News Final Fantasy And More Could One Day Arrive On Switch As Square Enix Considers Future Ports
Time to unlock the vault
We all know Switch is the hottest place to be right now, especially when it comes to giving classic titles a new lease of life - just look at the recently announced Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection - so you'll be pleased as punch to learn Japanese publishing giant Square Enix is keen to get some of its digital back...
News Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection Rumbles Onto Switch May 2018
Twelve games in the series anytime, anywhere.
Get your arcade sticks ready, because the Mega Man collections were just the beginning: Capcom will bring Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection onto the Nintendo Switch in May 2018! This compilation will contain no less that twelve arcade perfect ports of the series as follows: Street...
Review River City: Rival Showdown (3DS)
Come get some!
Following on from last year’s River City: Tokyo Rumble, Natsume is taking the rough ‘n’ tumble Kunio-Kun out for another spin in a follow up action game. River City: Rival Showdown largely follows the same beats as its predecessor, but refines many of its ideas down into a tighter and more enjoyable experience. Though it still...
Review Mutant Mudds Collection (Switch eShop)
Muddy brilliant
The Mutant Mudds series has seen its fair share of love from critics and players alike over the last few years; the wonderful Mutant Mudds won us all over when it originally released on 3DS (and then again in a deluxe version for Wii U), and then Mutant Mudds Super Challenge came along, taking everything we already knew and loved and...
News Capcom Could Be Bringing Even More Ports To Nintendo Switch
Ones that haven't already appeared on Nintendo consoles, that is
It was only a few hours ago we reported on Square Enix expressing renewed interest in opening up its digital back catalogue to Switch thanks to a very strong first nine months for the console, and now it looks like it's not the only Japanese publishing powerhouse potentially...
Review Kid Tripp (Switch eShop)
The Kid Is Alright
The 2D platformer has been a video game staple for decades, and remains popular to this very day. In fact it's been experiencing something of a renaissance lately, as mobile gaming boils the premise down to its most addictive, fast-paced essence for quickfire play sessions. Kid Tripp was one such hit that originally...
News Teaser For Next Year's Pokémon Movie Reveals New Art Style
Attack On Titan's Wit Studio helping out this time around
A teaser trailer for the next Pokémon movie has just gone live online, showing off a new art style and character design. Due for release on July 13th, 2018 in Japan, the movie will be overseen by animation firm OLM, as usual. However, this time around production will be handled...
Review Plantera Deluxe (Switch eShop)
Flex those green fingers
Gardening is said to be good for your health. It can relieve stress, help combat anxiety and depression, and improve your overall mental wellbeing. Studies conducted in the past have proven caring for a plant or garden is therapeutic and can better a person’s quality of life. So how does a video game about a virtual garden...
News Kirby And Friends Are Getting Some Super Cute Big Chinned-Gachapon Toys
Think Funko Pop Vinyls only with huge jawlines
Funko isn't the only company turning your most beloved characters into oversized caricatures. Over in Japan, gachapon maker Panda no Ana has been making a name for itself with Shakurel Planet - a range of toy-capsules that contain miniature animals with oversized jaws - and it's now turned its attention...
Gallery Checking Out 8Bitdo's New SNES Classic Edition Wireless Gamepad
New look, same quality
While the biggest news to come out of 8Bitdo recently is the launch of the excellent SN30 Pro controller, the company has also released another notable product: the SNES Classic Edition Wireless Gamepad. As the title suggests, this is a controller aimed at those who have purchased a SNES Classic Edition and are looking for a...
News Retro Alert! Mega Drive Is Getting A New Arcade-Style Shooter In 2018
No, we're serious - and you can fund it on Kickstarter now
A whole 30 years after its initial release, the humble Mega Drive/Sega Genesis is getting a new game. That's right, in 2018, British indie studio Bitmap Bureau will be bringing, Xeno Crisis, an arena-style shooter with procedural generated maps and rooms, to Sega's old school...
News Forthcoming Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Update Brings Gardening And Crafting
Green fingers ahoy
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has been something of a pleasant surprise, offering plenty of charm, character and engaging gameplay for mobile players. OK, so it's not quite the full Animal Crossing sequel that fans of New Leaf are waiting for, but it's nice all the same. A new announcement has gone live in the game which details a...
News 3DS Title Detective Pikachu Gets A European Rating From PEGI
Coming in time for the movie hype?
3DS eShop title Detective Pikachu has been rated by the PEGI for a Europe release, it has been revealed. The Pokémon spin-off - which is getting a Hollywood movie with Ryan Reynolds in the lead role - launched in Japan way back in February 2016. It plays like a classic point-an
Sunday10th Dec 2017
Review World Heroes (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Joan of Arc VS. Hulk Hogan. Round 1. Fight!
Many, many fighting games were released on the Neo Geo and these are slowly but surely filling up the Switch’s eShop. Compared to most of the options available World Heroes and its sequels offer a simpler experience with less depth, but the series can still entertain when its varied cast of fighters...
Saturday9th Dec 2017
Review Arcade Archives Traverse USA (Switch eShop)
A basic but fun highscore chaser
The Switch may still lack a Virtual Console, but HAMSTER is keen to fill that void. Having released many Neo Geo titles (with more appearing regularly), the company has now started to bring other retro delights to the system. It's already released one of Nintendo's own games and now here’s the first offering from...
News Enter The Gungeon Arrives on the Switch eShop Very Soon
Gungeon on the go
Ever since it was confirmed for the Switch eShop early this year there have been some keen fans waiting for Enter the Gungeon. It's a smartly designed roguelike in which you go into a run with the hope that a mix of skill, luck and perfect drops will see you make it all the way through. It has some smart twists to keep you...
Friday8th Dec 2017
News Bayonetta 1 And 2 Are Getting A Special Edition Bundle With All The Trimmings
A 'Non-Stop Climax Edition' of fun
Who knew The Game Awards would drop so much Nintendo love, eh? Not only are we getting Bayonetta 3 - a Switch exclusive, we might add - but the first two entries in the PlatinumGames series are getting the handheld treatment, too. Better yet, Nintendo even showcased a glitzy new Special Edition that's bound to...
Feature Five Reasons You Should Play Zelda: Breath of the Wild's DLC Pack 2
Not that you should need them, but just in case...
Well, it's here, the Champions' Ballad DLC / Pack 2 for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Wii U and Switch. It's an exciting release, especially as Nintendo went all Hollywood with an 'out tonight' announcement during The Game Awards - it was a great moment. If, for some reason,...
News Zelda: Breath of the Wild Champions' Ballad DLC Goes Live
And Link has a motorcycle
Update: The DLC is now live, enjoy! Original Article: During today's festivities for The Game Awards Eiji Aonuma showed off DLC Pack 2 for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Champions' Ballad. It looks fantastic, and it's out 'tonight', which means within hours of this post. The content seems to put you...
Review Plague Road (Switch eShop)
The Long and Winding Road
Plague Road is a game that defies the constrictions of definition. It amalgamates so many disparate elements that it feels both familiar and refreshing. Set in a world ravaged by an indelible scourge, you play as the Doctor, a beak-masked hero who left the disease-ridden city and is now trying to make their way back to...
News This Playtonic Art Could Be The Closest We'll Get To Seeing Banjo-Kazooie And Switch Together
Former Rare artists celebrate their Nintendo past
To celebrate the long-awaited release of Yooka-Laylee on Switch, Playtonic's artists have been paying tribute to their past connection with Nintendo. As you know, Playtonic's core team is made up of former Rare staffers who worked on some of the company's most famous NES, SNES and N64 era titles...
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Ruined Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from the Ruined Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 10 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on...
News Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 Are Arriving on Switch in February
Combined in a retail release
Reggie Fils-Aime appeared at The Game Awards to reveal Bayonetta 3 as a Switch exclusive, but another unveiling was for ports of Bayonetta and the previous Wii U-exclusive Bayonetta 2. They're confirmed for North America on 16th February, and we imagine it'll be a similar date for other regions too. [image.ori
News Bayonetta 3 Is In Development And Is A Switch Exclusive
Glorious news
We're big fans of PlatinumGames here at Nintendo Life, and loved the Wii U exclusive Bayonetta 2 and port of the original Bayonetta. Well, those are coming to Switch in February, but something even bigger was announced during The Game Awards — Bayonetta 3 is in development as a Switch exclusiv
News Square Enix Is Bringing Romancing SaGa 2 To Switch Next Week
The Super Famicom classic returns to a Nintendo console
Square Enix is releasing Romancing SaGa 2 on the Switch eShop next week, it has been revealed. The game was previously a Japanese Super Famicom exclusive, having originally seen release in Japan in 1993. Recently, Square Enix localised the game for smartphones and the Switch version is...
Will Nintendo be big winners?
The Game Awards are here, a rather enjoyable annual event in which lots of games are praised, we roll our eyes at some annoying commercials, and many jokes are made in the live chat. It's a tradition we wouldn't miss for the world, and Nintendo has a good chance of winning lots of awards; perhaps there'll be a reveal or...
News Smash Bros. Fans Should Take Note - Brawlout Arrives on Switch on 19th December
Hard to resist
A little while ago we shared news on Brawlout, a title by Angry Mob Games that isn't hesitant to affirm itself as an Indie take on the Smash Bros. style of brawling. Similar techniques are cited as key to gameplay, and you use assorted - in some cases familiar - indie characters to bash others off the screen. Back in...
News FIFA 18 Nets A Sizeable Update On Switch
Back of the net
Electronic Arts has just pushed out a large update for FIFA 18 which fixes a wide range of issues and bugs present in the title. Here's a comprehensive list of everything that's changed: Addressed the following issues in Gameplay: + The FIFA Trainer Shot Elevation arrow was resetting its extension after shooting the ball. + The...
Video Taking on the Final Boss with the Master Cycle Zero in Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Oh come on, you know who it is
If there's one thing we know here at NL Towers, it's that unpredictable vehicular inclusion in a fantasy game can only be a good thing. Or at the very least it is with Breath of the Wild. Naturally we were wondering where we might be able to use this technical beast, and with the word 'beast' on the brain we very...
News The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Wins Game of the Year at The Game Awards
Not much of a surprise there
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most critically acclaimed games ever, let alone this year, so it was a foregone conclusion that it’d be scooping up plenty Game of the Year awards at years’ end. Then Super Mario Odyssey came out and received similar acclaim, making it a tough pick between two of...
Review Caveman Warriors (Switch eShop)
Short but enjoyable stone-age adventure for four orsomething
When some children from a prehistoric tribe are abducted by aliens (as is prone to happen in video games), four brave warriors set out to get them back. In gameplay terms this translates into eight levels of (mostly) platforming action as you bash a variety of baddies and avoid the...
News Kellogg's Teases A Potential UK Release For Its Must-Have Super Mario Cereal
They'rrrrrrrrrrre... not out yet
Ever since cereal maker Kellogg's announced it was once again teaming up with Nintendo to release a Super Mario-themed breakfast line we've all been banging our empty bowls with anticipation. It's due to exclusively hit US stores on 11th December (you lucky people), but the Big K has dropped a delicious tease for a...
Review Tennis In The Face (Switch eShop)
What the deuce?!
Ever since the tennis in Wii Sports stole our hearts, entered our minds and (sometimes literally) TV screens, the virtual representation of the sport has taken on a new lease of life in the home. Sure, Top Spin and Virtua Tennis have scratched that realism itch on other systems (as well as Rockstar's Table Tennis on the Wii), but...
News Discord CEO Reiterates His Company Is Keen To Work With Nintendo On Switch Voice Chat
"If Nintendo wants us to power their voice chat, we’d be happy to talk"
We already know that the makers of the voice and text chat app Discord are keen to work with Nintendo on a Switch client, but the console maker has - as far as we know - kept quiet on the topic. Now Discord founder and CEO Jason Citron has added a little more pressure in an...
MU-NO
The Switch has been a bit of a sales sensation, leading to an inevitable glut of eShop releases ahead of Christmas. But while increased third-party support is never to be sniffed at, games like MUJO help no-one. If you've been following smartphone games over the past several years, MUJO may well feel familiar to you; it was released onto iOS...
Tis the season for giving
Once again an anonymous Nintendo Life reader wanted to help us spread some festive cheer at this very special time of year. Anyone fortunate enough to have played Super Mario Odyssey this year would no doubt testify to its capabilities as a joy-simulator. Therefore we all felt that the game (and a Nintendo Switch to play...
News The Legend of Dark Witch 3 Gets Closer to a Full Reveal, With Switch Ports Possible
M2 and INSIDE System have shared development duties
It's been a while since we heard anything about The Legend of Dark Witch 3 on the 3DS eShop, with our attention captured in 2016 when it was confirmed that SEGA 3D Classics dev M2 was involved in the project. The first two games offered run-and-gun action with various abilities to upgrade; we liked...
Gallery Let's Try The New Super Mario Cereal
Fortified with amiibo goodness
Remember that rumoured Super Mario cereal? It isn't often that we share what we're having for breakfast on these pages, but today we'll make a special exception. We got our hands on a box of Super Mario Cereal ahead of its release on American shelves, and we'll tell you all about it, of course! The cereal is similar...
News The Legendary N-Zap '89 Is Coming To Splatoon 2 Tomorrow
Zapper chapper
One of the most iconic peripherals in Nintendo history is coming to Splatoon 2 tomorrow. The N-Zap '89 - otherwise known as the NES Zapper - will arrive in the Switch title just in time for the weekend, alongside the Autobomb Sub Weapon and Tenta Missile Special. Just seeing that grey-and-red colour scheme gets us all nostalgic...
Thursday7th Dec 2017
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Luncheon Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from the Luncheon Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 68 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on...
Video Yooka Laylee Runs Surprisingly Well on Switch Compared to the Xbox One Version
Quite the looker, against the odds
Yooka-Laylee is finally making its way to Switch, but the big question on literally some people's minds is 'how does it look?' and 'how well does it run?'. Well thankfully we can say that on the whole the Switch version holds up surprisingly positively compared to the Xbox One version. There are some notable...
Hardware Review Retro-Bit Super Retro-Cade: A Treasure Trove Of Vintage Gaming Goodness
Finally, a legal way to play Boogie Wings in your home
It's fair to say they we weren't all that impressed by the Retro-Bit Generations, 2016's attempt to bring a selection of classic Data East, Capcom and Jaleco titles to the home. An odd library, terrible emulation and general sloppiness made it a product to avoid, despite the tantalising promise...
Nintendo Download 7th December (North America)
WWE 2K18! The End is Nigh! The Sexy Brutale! Dimension Drive! Many more!
It's one of the busiest weeks yet on the Switch eShop, which is saying something. We have two retail titles followed by a huge number of interesting download-only games. The 3DS and Wii U don't miss out entirely either, so there's a lot to choose from - let's get to it. Switch...
News We Can't Ignore The Switch, Says Sony's Head Of Corporate Planning
Nintendo's system has "captured consumers' attention"
To say that the Switch is selling incredibly well worldwide would be a massive understatement, but in Japan it is particularly dominant, regularly topping both the hardware and software charts. This isn't lost on Sony, which is Nintendo's only genuine rival in its home region. In an interview...
News Nintendo Switch Ends 2017 On A High With 2.5 Million Units Sold In Japan Alone
One handheld console to rule them all
Nintendo Switch hasn't even rounded off its first year and it's already hit another huge milestone, selling a staggering 2.5 million units in Japan so far. Now, that's a lot of people playing Switch on the way to work. The figures were released as part of the regular Media Create report, which shows the latest...
News Outlast I and II To Scare Their Way Onto Switch in Q1 2018
Jump scares in your pocket
On a day where the announcements and Nintendo news keeps coming, developer Red Barrels has only gone and dropped a terrifying bombshell with the reveal that Outlast and Outlast II are coming to Nintendo Switch in Q1 2018. The news came from Red Barrels official Facebook page, with the first Outlast shown running in...
Nintendo Download 7th December (Europe)
WWE 2K18! The Sexy Brutale! Dimension Drive! Nine Parchments! Many more!
The European Nintendo Download Update is here, and it's another busy week. That's especially the case on the Switch, of course, with the system having plenty of intriguing new options. The 3DS and Wii U also have a few new downloads to consider, so let's get to the details...
News Ryan Reynolds Will Provide the Voice of Detective Pikachu
Super effective?
Production on the upcoming live-action Detective Pikachu movie has been progressing at a slow and steady rate, but the actor behind the titular role has been kept tightly under wraps until now. The running joke on the internet was that Danny DeVito should be the one, but it would of course be fascinating to see who would be picked...
Random This Fan-Made Satoru Iwata amiibo Gives Us The Feels
"In my heart, I am a gamer"
Yesterday would have been Satoru Iwata's 58th birthday. The Nintendo president tragically passed away in 2015 and left behind a striking legacy within the games industry, having overseen some of the company's biggest commercial and critical successes. Since his passing, many within the industry have done their best...
News Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gets a Free 'Versus' Mode Update Tomorrow
Wahoo!
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is an excellent game that is slowly getting extra content through a season pass. As a festive treat, however, Ubisoft is rolling out a free update (on 8th December) that'll add a Versus Mode. Played locally, each player will choose three characters and pick between pre-set loadouts, ensuring things stay...
News Legrand Legacy Is Bringing Classic JRPG Action To Switch In Early 2019
That's right, the year after next year
We all love a good JRPG here at Nintendo Life and we have to say that Legrand Legacy is looking pretty damn brilliant, but you'll have to wait a long while until you get to play it. We just got word from publish Another Indie who told us the game would be released on the Switch in Q1 2019. Guess that...
Reminder Join Us for The Game Awards - Here's Hoping for Nintendo Wins and Reveals!
Get the coffee on if you're in Europe
The Game Awards are today / tomorrow depending on the region, and should bring some Nintendo goodness. The big N has been very active in the show over the last few years, and let's not forget it showed off The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild twice, most notably in its near final form last year. If Nintendo...
Video Digital Foundry Gives Its Full Tech Analysis of Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2 on Switch
Spookily good?
A little while ago Capcom released Resident Evil Revelations and Resident Evil Revelations 2 on the Switch, with some unique features such as amiibo support, HD Rumble (which is quite well done) and motion controls. We reckon they're pretty good experiences - the first is solid as expected, and the second is pretty...
News Lost Sphear Now Has a Demo on the European Switch eShop
It's been found
Lost Sphear, published by Square Enix and made by the team behind I am Setsuna, isn't too far away from its 23rd January Western release on the Switch. In this case the story revolves around attempting to return memories to the world, and in terms of smart mechanics it boasts of the ability to move your characters around between...
News Pixel-Heavy Fantasy Adventure Hammerwatch Is Storming The Switch eShop Next Week
With online co-op coming in the future
Blitworks has revealed that it is bringing Crackshell's Hammerwatch to the Nintendo Switch next week. The pixel-rich fantasy action title sees you taking down hundreds of enemies as you attempt to storm the castle of Hammerwatch. 6 character classes are available, as well as a new one - Sorcerer - which is...
Rumour Scribblenauts Showdown Spotted on Taiwanese Ratings Board
Hmmmm…
Scribblenauts is a franchise that has been popular on Nintendo systems since the days of the Nintendo DS, though it hasn’t gotten a new entry in a number of years after failing to meet sales expectations. After the development studio, 5th Cell, had significant layoffs and Warner Brothers cancelled it’s then-upcoming Scribblenauts game,...
News You'll Need To Buckle Up The Next Time You Use One Of Tokyo's Mario Kart Tours
Clunk click every trip
Back in 2014 we reported on a Tokyo-based group of tourist event organisers that set up a Mario Kart-themed tour of the city - in actual karts! Well, fast forward three years and the the city is awash with colourful convoys, so much so that the Japanese tourist ministry is bringing in new laws to ensure blue...
Wednesday6th Dec 2017
News The Switch is Getting its First Game Boy Advance Port Soon
Hopefully a sign of things to come?
As of yet, Nintendo has yet to announce any plans for the Virtual Console on the Switch, making the chances of it ever appearing narrower by the day. Given that the Classic microconsoles are still in production and there’s a Netflix-like NES game collection that’ll come out with the online service next year,...
Review Slain: Back From Hell (Switch eShop)
I'll be gone when the morning comes
Those of you old enough to have grown up during the "golden age" of heavy metal will no doubt feel a connection with Slain: Back from Hell the moment you boot it up. The moody, pixel-heavy visuals could have leapt straight from an Iron Maiden album cover, while the raucous, guitar-drenched soundtrack will have...
Review Cat Quest (Switch eShop)
Catastrophe in the lands of Felingard
Cats often get a bad rap when compared to dogs; yet furry felines continue to reign supreme thanks to the internet’s love of cat memes and viral videos. If you do worship your cat like a God and also happen to enjoy role-playing games, Cat Quest – published by PQube and developed by The Gentlebros – could...
Soapbox A Super Mario Odyssey Sequel or DLC is All But Guaranteed
Come on, we're all thinking it
Super Mario Odyssey is a hit, no one can deny that. Universal critical acclaim, a huge amount of social media presence thanks to the photo feature, and yet it feels like Nintendo has only scratched the surface of what could be done with this game's mechanics. In my view, a sequel or DLC is pretty much a given, and I...
News Yooka-Laylee's Nintendo Switch eShop Price Is Revealed
Same as the Steam version, but more expensive than PS4
Yooka-Laylee will cost £34.99 (likely converting to $39.99USD / €39.99) when it launches on the eShop next week. That's in-line with the Steam and Xbox One versions of the game, but is above what physical copies are changing hands for in stores and online. The price of the digital...
Editorial Wii Remote Pointer vs. Switch Gyro Controls - The Resident Evil Test
Revelations brings to mind the glorious Resi 4 Wii Edition
If you mention 'motion controls' to some gamers they'll instantly recoil - "good grief no, I want the immersion that only buttons and sticks can bring". Oh ok, I'm exaggerating a little, but there is a contingent of eager gamers that shun motion controls at every turn. In some cases they...
News Bridge Constructor Portal Is Coming To Switch In Early 2018
GLaDOS to see it
Headup Games has revealed that it is bringing ClockStone's Bridge Constructor Portal to the Nintendo Switch next year. An update of the smartphone title Bridge Constructor created in conjunction with Portal studio Valve, Bridge Constructor Portal features the "vehicle-based test chambers" of Aperture...
News Pokémon, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japanese Charts
Monolith Soft's title beats launch sales of predecessors
It's that time, once again, for the Japanese Media Create charts. They make for some interesting reading this week, with the release of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being of particular interest. Monolith Soft's title had a pretty decent launch on Switch, securing second place behind Pokémon Ultra...
News Get Those Vocal Cords Ready, Joysound Karaoke Is Coming To Switch
And it works with your Wii U microphone!
It's time to dust off those mics and get those vocal cords ready, because Nintendo has confirmed that Joysound is coming to the Switch as a free download on the Japanese eShop. Like the Wii U version, the game will grant access to 140,000 songs which can be played using timed tickets. ¥324 gets you 3 hours...
News Details Emerge on Mega Man 11 Difficulty Options, a Weapon Wheel and More
And yes, you can tackle all 8 Robot Masters from the start
This week brought some welcome news with a glut of Mega Man announcements, all of them including the Switch as a platform. Perhaps most exciting was confirmation of Mega Man 11, which is coming to all current-gen systems - and most importantly the Switch! - in late 2018. It's a while...
News The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gift is Nuts
Well, it is...
The weekly free gifts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Switch are a quirky routine here at Nintendo Life Towers. We've accepted the fact they'll always be unremarkable, but they lure us in every time. Checkmate for Nintendo. This week's gift is nuts. That's not an exaggerated claim, it actually is nuts. For you...
Soapbox No, HD Wii Games Coming to Nvidia Shield Doesn't Foretell a Switch Virtual Console
Sometimes the truth hurts. A lot
I think it's fairly safe to say most of the people reading this want a Virtual Console presence on the Switch, or at the very least wouldn't actively dislike the idea. And so mutterings are afoot saying that the recent reveal of Wii games coming to the Nvidia Shield in China could be pointing to just such a service...
News Metroid: Samus Returns Rolls In With A SR388 Data File Trailer
Because games that are already out deserve trailers, too
It's been three months since Samus Aran blasted her way back onto 3DS with the nostalgic romp that is Metroid: Samus Returns, so of course Nintendo has released a new trailer to, you know, remind you it exists. Entitled 'SR388 Data File', the video shows off some of the armoured bounty...
News WayForward Reveals a New Trailer for its Next Shantae Expansion
Assemble the team
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero was a remarkable game on release, though it did feel like it was a bit on the short side. Fortunately, WayForward addressed this with some plans to expand the game in new and interesting ways. A few months ago, the game received a DLC campaign starring Risky Boots, Shantae’s nemesis. Featuring remixed...
Out Today WWE 2K18 Spears Its Way Onto Nintendo Switch
Finally!
It's been a whole five years since a good ol 'rasslin game made an appearance on a Nintendo console (the last one being WWE '13 on Wii), so we're marking out like crazy for the full fat port of WWE 2K18 on Switch. As promised it is actually out today on the EU and US eShops, and will set you back a tidy £54.99 / €59.9
News The Next Penelope Races Onto The Nintendo Switch This Month
Soaring through all the galaxies
Originally pitched as a Wii U port a few years back, The Next Penelope is finally touching down on a Nintendo console - the Switch, to be precise. The top-down combat racer will launch on the Switch eShop on December 21st. Seaven Studio appears to be the team behind the port of Aurelien Regard's PC-based original -...
News Online Brawler Starflux Rivals Is Headed To Switch
Along with puzzle platformer Shiftlings
Indie studio Rock Pocket has confirmed that it is bringing its multiplayer competitive brawler Starflux Rivals to the Nintendo Switch. Inspired by Smash Bros. and Worms, the title boasts destructible terrain, gravity-based gameplay, three game modes and six playable characters. Throw in environmental...
Random Check Out This Japanese Guide to Classic LCD Games
Yes, that includes Game & Watch
There are lots of gamers out there who seem to love physical media. Whenever a digital-only game gets a sudden print run on card or disc, people go crazy! Also, plenty of gamers love books - especially books on games. There have been countless tomes released over the last few years; practically every topic has been...
News The Last Blade Is Your Next Neo Geo ACA Release On Switch
Japanese Bakumatsu era sensation slashing to eShop
If Samurai Showdown and Garou: Mark of the Wolves had a beautiful son, they would call it The Last Blade. A dream combination of the first armed combat and the animation of the second, The Last Blade brings along a unique feature that turns what might be just another button mashing contest int
News PolyGod Aims to Bring 'Hardcore' and Colourful FPS Action to Switch Next Year
Aiming for a 'classic gameplay vibe'
For those that like shooting things the Switch is, slowly and surely, offering some solid options. We already have DOOM and others, with Morphies Law also due relatively soon. Another game hoping to fill the gap in early 2018 is PolyGod by Krafted Games. Though in some ways it's sporting a basic look, it has a...
News Pokémon GO Gen 3 Confirmed, Along With Groundbreaking "Real-World" Weather Effects
50 monsters initially
Update: It's happening - but only 50 monsters from Gen 3 will initially be available. Here's some PR: Dozens of Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region are now available to discover, catch, and collect in Pokémon GO. Pokémon including Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip can now be discovered...
News Floor Kids Dances Onto Switch Very Soon
This week in North America, a little longer to wait for Europe
Since its big push in a Nindies Showcase broadcast as a Switch console exclusive, 'breakdance battle game' Floor Kids has had us intrigued. With a distinctive visual style and fresh music from Kid Koala it's hard to miss, and we'll find out imminently whether the end result lives up to...
Reminder Get Ready For The Massive Martial Arts ARMS Party Crash
It all kicks off on Friday
We recently brought you the news about the upcoming ARMS Party Clash, but we've got a few more details from Nintendo today so we thought we'd keep you up to date. In this ARMS online event players fight against each other in a rapidly rotating variety of different matches. The next Party Crash event brings Ninjara and Min...
Tuesday5th Dec 2017
Review Portal Knights (Switch)
To me, to you
It’s easy to instantly compare any sandbox-type game with crafting, combat and building elements to Minecraft; many games have tried – to varying degrees of success – to re-create what Mojang’s mammoth franchise has done so well over the last few years. Luckily, though, whilst Portal Knights does have a number of features that...
Random Mother Orders Nintendo Switch From Amazon, Gets Box Of Washing Powder Instead
A complete wash-out
When British mother-of-two Charlotte Moore ordered a Switch console during Amazon's Cyber Monday event she probably felt pretty pleased with herself - Nintendo's hybrid machine is going to be a hot ticket this Christmas, and she'd managed to secure one for a reasonable price for her kids to unwrap on the big day. However, when...
Guide Breathe Easy, You Can Disable Character Voices in Xenoblade Chronicles 2
"I'm really fee-"
Personally, if I have one major gripe about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 it's the fact that the characters all have verbal diarrhoea seemingly all of the time. A lot of the time it's not too big of a deal, but when you start going up against enemies clever enough to also spout their own vocal nonsense it rapidly starts to become a...
News Nintendo Switch System Update 4.1.0 Brings Even More Stability
And fixes motion controls, too
We love a good system update here at Nintendo Life and when we hear that it will offer even more stability we get really excited. Nintendo Switch system update v4.1.0 is now live and looks set to be another winner, making the Switch more stable than we could ever have imagined. This patch also improves on the motion...
Video Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Combat is More Straightforward Than You Might Think
No, we're serious
Xenoblade Chronicles as a series has a bit of a reputation for being a bit complex at times, especially in regards to its combat system. It's not as deep or inaccessible as say the Monster Hunter series, but it's still a daunting array of numbers and graphics for someone fresh to the series. Well, as explained in the video...
News Nintendo Is Bringing Classic Wii Games To The Nvidia Shield In China
Could we see these on Switch?
Earlier this year we brought you the rumour that Nintendo was planning to release New Super Mario Bros on the Nvidia Shield in China. Given how difficult it is to sell consoles in China, it would appear that Nintendo is using smart devices like the Nvidia Shield to crack the market and sell its games. Naturally...
News Resident Evil Nearly Got its Start on the SNES
Whaaa?
Resident Evil is arguably the most prominent horror franchise in existence, spanning several consoles over a few generations, starting on the PlayStation. Though the series has taken some very different directions with all its spin-offs and sequels, the original still stands as a classic that is revered by many, even if it hasn’t aged all...
Poll Capcom is Finally Bringing Mega Man Back - Are You Excited?
Mega Man 11! Legacy Collections! X Series!
Capcom is often the target of exasperation and mockery among video game followers. Its treatment of the Mega Man series is a case in point, with high profile instances of cancelled games and the disappointing disappearance of the franchise after Mega Man 10. Then the company confirmed projects for a cartoon...
Review Red Game Without a Great Name (Switch eShop)
Flying low
The influx of mobile games on the Nintendo Switch since its launch has been met with mixed reactions. On the one hand it provides some approachable experiences, complimenting the other games on the eShop and indeed on store shelves. At their best, these mobile titles introduce new audiences to hidden gems with complete content packages...
News GameFly Lists Titan Quest For Nintendo Switch Release
Could this 2006 cult classic be getting resurrected?
GameFly has listed Titan Quest: Anniversary Edition for release on the Nintendo Switch. The work of Age of Empires co-creator Brian Sullivan and Braveheart scribe Randall Wallace, Titan Quest is an action RPG which draws inspiration from the myths and legends of ancient Greece, Egypt and...
Review Transcripted (Switch eShop)
Fusing genres
Transcripted, developed by Alkemi, is a new take on two well established game types: the twin stick shooter and the match three puzzle game. Both have seen much popularity recently amongst indie game developers. However, Transcripted has managed to take these elements and blend them together into a thoroughly enjoyable experience...
News Fire Emblem Warriors' New DLC to Blaze In Before Xmas
New season pass content to hit Switch/New 3DS in Japan on 21 December
Fire Emblem Warriors' long anticipated first batch of DLC - evocatively titled 'DLC Pack #1 - Fire Emblem Fates' - will be hitting New 3DS and Switch 10 days earlier than planned on 21 December. Unfortunately, that date is only for those playing in Japan, but it does mean Fire...
Out Today A Couple of Intriguing Downloads Get the Switch eShop's Week Underway
Games to share with others
In recent weeks we've seen a glut of new Switch eShop titles arrive earlier than the standard download update. With the retail scene now backing off until next year the burden falls on download-only games - though there are less titles making their mark early this time around, those that do arrive today have plenty of...
Random Check Out Tobu Tobu Girl, a New Game Boy Release
There's even a physical edition
Above is a teaser trailer from last year for Tobu Tobu Girl by Tangram Games, a game in which you try to continually go higher by bouncing off enemies and flapping your arms. It's pretty darn charming, and it's out now. Yep, it's a freshly released Game Boy title, which can be downloaded for free via its official...
News WWE 2K18 Finally Arrives on Switch 'Starting December 6th'
Just make sure your SD card has plenty of space
We're not sure what's been going on with WWE 2K18 on Switch, with the publisher saying little of note as the weeks drifted by with no release. Pre-orders got pushed back, videos of the game appeared and then disappeared just as quickly, making it seem like the exact opposite of 'launching a video game...
Random Yoko Taro Shares Impressions on Tiny Metal After a 5 Minute Preview
"...THIS IS GOOD."
Tiny Metal may have been delayed, but it's still on track to become - potentially - a viable option for Advance Wars and Switch fans around the globe. The latest news regarding the Sony-published title has not been the best, but this week the director of the game invited famous Japanese video game director and scenario writer Yoko...
Video Here's How You Play Switch Drumming Game Gal Metal
Waggle to the beat
Gal Metal launches early next year, and DMM Games has released a new trailer which shows how the game's drumming mechanics work. As you can see, the aim is to shake the JoyCon controllers in time with the music - as you perform, a group of 3D characters jam out. Rawk. Gal Metal is scheduled for launch in Japan on February 8th,...
News Pokémon Duel Gets Another Hefty Update
A new UI and a lot of slightly confusing things
Pokémon Duel - originally released in Japan as Pokémon Co-master - is the strategic board-game fix that The Pokémon Company offers to mobile players. It's still getting major updates, and the latest overhaul is rolling out right now. It makes some notable changes to the UI, and also adds various...
News The Deer God Leaps Onto Switch Later This Month
Oh deer
The rate of games coming to the Switch eShop does not appear to be slowing any time soon. On 21st December for the reasonable price of $7.99 USD / €7.99 you'll also be able to pick up The Deer God from Blowfish Studios and Crescent Moon Games. The Deer God will challenge players' religious views - and platforming skills - in a...
News Poly Bridge Looks Set to Meet Up With the Switch eShop on 14th December
One for the engineers
Throughout this year Nintendo has used Direct and Nindie Showcase broadcasts to highlight Switch exclusives of various types, including those that will be 'console exclusive'. That was the title given to Poly Bridge, an intriguing engineering / puzzle game already out on PC and smart devices. It has a campaign of 105 levels in...
Music Secret of Mana Tribute Album "Resonance Of The Pure Land" Released
Overclocked Remix's 65th tribute album takes us back to 16-bit bliss
While Switch owners eagerly awaiting news of a possible Western release of the Seiken Desentsu Collection or even a change of heart regarding the Secret of Mana Remake being released on everything except Nintendo's flagship console, we bring you bit of good news and h
Monday4th Dec 2017
News Mega Man 11 Confirmed For Switch In 2018
Hell hath indeed frozen over
Capcom has just confirmed a new entry in the beloved Mega Man series during a special 30th anniversary livestream event. Mega Man 11 will launch on Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC late next year. Wowzer, eh? We'll update this story as we hear more. In the meantime, you might want to look out of your window to make...
Review Superbeat: Xonic (Switch)
Xcellent
From touchscreen jams like Deemo and VOEZ to the button-based beats of Thumper and Dark Witch Music Episode: Rudymical, the Switch has already assembled an impressive collection of music games in its first year, and that trend doesn’t look set to end anytime soon. Superbeat: Xonic is the latest début to hit the
Review Teslagrad (Switch eShop)
Shockingly good
There have been an increasing number of multi-platform titles coming to the Switch recently that almost feel like they were made specifically for the console. Games such as Rocket League and Stardew Valley have been available on other platforms for a while now but, when we booted them up for the first time on Switch, there was the...
News Rainway Team Says Talks With Nintendo Over Switch Version Are "Working Out Well"
When it rains, it pours
Video streaming app Rainway - which will allow you to beam games from your PC to a wide array of devices - is shaping up to be one of the more interesting pieces of software we've seen in recent years. Ever since the app was confirmed, Switch has figured quite prominently, with team citing it as one of the key versions. Of...
News Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 & 2 Coming To Switch With amiibo Support
Let the good times roll
Capcom is bringing both Mega Man Legacy Collections to Switch, it has been confirmed. The two collections contain many classic titles in the series and will also feature amiibo support. Between them they'll feature every numbered Mega Man game, including one never previously playable on Nintendo hardware. The news was...
News The Mega Man X Series Is Getting Its Own Collection On Switch
We wouldn't give a XXX for anything else
Phew! Not only has Capcom confirmed a new Mega Man game and the launch of two 8-bit Mega Man collections on Switch, it has also revealed that all of the entries in the popular Mega Man X sub-series are also coming to Nintendo's hybrid console. All eight 'X' games will be coming to the Switch in Summer 2018,...
Review Soccer Brawl (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
Super violent kicks
Playing SNK’s Soccer Brawl feels a lot like playing SNK’s Super Sidekicks (also available on the eShop). Both take the game of football (soccer, if you prefer) and tweak it into a simple quick pick-up-and-play arcade experience that ditches the likes of formations, squad selections, half time and injury time. Soccer Brawl...
News Monster Hunter Stories Has Launched on iOS and Android in Japan
Taking a bite out of the 3DS
Monster Hunter Stories may have only arrived in Europe and North America in September, but it's been available on the 3DS in Japan since October 2016. It's perhaps with that in mind that some surprising news out of Japan actually makes sense - the game is now available for iOS and Android in the country. Pocket Gamer...
News '90s Shmup Classic Gunbird Will Be Blasting Things To Pieces On Switch This Week
Zerodiv does the business again
Zerodiv is bringing Psikyo's classic shooter Gunbird to the Switch eShop this week, it has been revealed. Originally released in 1994, Gunbird was later ported to the Saturn and PlayStation and was followed by a 1998 sequel which saw release on the Dreamcast. More recently, the two titles were bundled together in a...
Review Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today (Switch eShop)
It's anything but dead
Point-and-click adventure games are something of a rarity nowadays, but they still have their fans and there’s certainly a gap in the Switch eShop library for that niche. Fictiorama Studios’ Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today aims to fill in that gap, providing players with a dark sci-fi story that depicts the fall...
Video Digital Foundry Gives Its Tech Analysis for Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Highlights the differences between docked and portable play
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 arrived recently, pretty much the last major retail release on the Switch for this year. It's another triumph for Monolith Soft and Nintendo, and is sure to keep fans busy into 2018. That said, one thing we said in our review was that, although it's a handsome game in...
Video We Get Confused By Shinobi Refle -Senran Kagura-
"Is this a boss fight?"
It's fair to say that the Senran Kagura series is something of an acquired taste thanks to its large-chested protagonists and their various states of undress, but plenty of people are "into it", as is evidenced by the rather swift manner in which the franchise has made its way to Switch. Shinobi Refle -Senran...
Video Street Fighter II Transformers Get An Awesome Promo Trailer
Just in case you didn't think the idea was cool enough already
A few days ago we reported on the news that Takara Tomy is set to release a special range of Street Fighter-themed Transformer toys, each one representing a character from Capcom's famous one-on-one series. The company has now released a special trailer for the line which, somehow,...
Review Star Ghost (Switch eShop)
Flappy Spaceships
We're always intrigued by the games that take a simple design concept and run with it. There’s never any middle ground with such an endeavour; either it’s strong enough to hold a player's attention for the entire span of play or its gimmick doesn’t hold up beyond the first few minutes of “that was neat” and promptly falls...
News First 4 Figures Is Working On Banjo-Kazooie And Conker Collectables
A Rare collaboration
First 4 Figures has revealed that it is collaborating with Rare to produce a series of figures based on Banjo-Kazooie and Conker. No shots of the actual figures have been shown so far, but the company has stated that it is an "honour" to be working with these two highly-esteemed gaming legends. There's no release date for...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Makes Top 20 Debut in the UK Charts
Modest by Switch standards, but a better launch than X
Last week's big release, from the perspective of many enthusiasts browsing Nintendo websites, was Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The UK chart results are now out, however, giving us a sense of this one's mainstream appeal - with the usual proviso that they don't account for eShop sales. The end...
News Mutant Mudds Collection is Out Soon With a Nice 'Early Birds' Discount
Lots of muddy goodness
We've seen a number of enticing ports come to the Switch eShop, and Mutant Mudds Collection is another to add to the list. It has Mutant Mudds Deluxe, Mutant Mudds Super Challenge and the all-new Mudd Blocks in one package, with online leaderboards, video capture and
Video Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp's Delays Reportedly Caused By Development Challenges
An original town building concept was rejected
Nintendo has, slowly and surely, released a small number of varied mobile titles utilising some of its biggest franchises. Progress hasn't been as rapid as initially expected, however, especially in the case of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, which was originally due in Fall / Autumn 2016. The arrival of...
Reminder Dimension Drive is a Tempting Shoot 'em Up Option on Switch This Week
Keep your eyes open
Each week brings a dizzying range of new titles on the Switch eShop, a number of which we've already covered in news posts in recent times - the likes of Slain: Back from Hell and The Sexy Brutale are right around the corner. Another title that deserves a nod to be on the radar, also out this week, is Dimension Drive. As you...
News Ninjara and Min Min Go Head-to-Head in the Next ARMS Party Clash
A 'martial arts mash-up'
ARMS has had frequent updates since its launch, and a recent initiative to get us playing again are Splatfest-style Party Clash events. The first one put Spring Man up against Ribbon Girl, and regardless of that the remix given to the Party mode was rather fun. Some were distinctly unimpressed that the first event fell...
Video Take To The Skies In This Trailer For Factor 5's Unreleased WeFly
Pilotwings on Wii, basically
Earlier this year we reported on Liam Robertson's excellent investigation into Factor 5's WeFly - basically Pilotwings for Wii - which went into detail about the game's development and its subsequent cancellation. Robertson is back with another neat exclusive - a hitherto unseen trailer for the game which was only...
Sunday3rd Dec 2017
Review Snow Moto Racing Freedom (Switch)
Snow joke
Without the spectre of Wave Race lurking over its shoulder (unlike label-mate Aqua Moto Racing Utopia), Snow Moto Racing Freedom would seem to be free to carve out its own arcade racing niche on Switch. In this case developer Zordix shifts its attention from jet-ski to snowmobile racing, and the result is a slightly rough arcade racer...
News Zelda: Breath of the Wild Broadcast Confirmed for Japan on 12th December
Will hopefully include a look at the Champions' Ballad DLC
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild could lift a number of Game of the Year awards over the coming weeks, a fitting reward for a wonderful adventure. It's not over, of course, with the Champions' Ballad DLC due in December; the question is when in December. Well, those of us hoping for...
Feature Nodding Heads Games and the Quest to Bring Ancient India to Consoles
"Our aim is to provide a fresh and unique universe"
Nodding Head Games is a console developer based in India, with a talented team that has experience with companies like Rockstar, Ubisoft, EA and Zynga. It's aiming to be one of the first studios out of India to release a high profile game on consoles, and to do so with a tale rooted in ancient...
News It's Film vs. Book in the Next European Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Time to pulp fiction?
The Splatoon 2 Splatfest events have been pretty darn quirky so far, with topics ranging from fun to outright bizarre. The next event in Europe is playing things relatively safe, though it's still a good showdown. Kicking off on 9th December at 3pm UK / 4pm CET, it's a battle of films against books. So, will you be Team...
Saturday2nd Dec 2017
Guide Super Mario Odyssey: Seaside Kingdom Power Moon Locations
Every Power Moon location revealed and explained
Welcome to our ultimate guide for collecting every Power Moon from the Seaside Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey! Below, you'll find maps detailing the exact location for all 71 of the Power Moons located in this Kingdom, as well as descriptions on how to get each and every one of them. The numbers on...
Friday1st Dec 2017
News Teacher Whose Son Has Leukaemia Fights Back Tears After His Students Buy Him A Switch
"You know I just walk by the Switches at Target every time I'm there?"
Make sure you've got some tissues handy for this one, because there wasn't a dry eye in the house when we watched this video at the Nintendo Life Towers. Nathan Neidigk, a teacher at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, lost his wife a few years ago...
News Nintendo Reveals the Ages of Pearl and Marina
Welp…
After Callie and Marie played the part of the hosts of Splatoon, they moved into a different role in Splatoon 2, leaving the space open for two new stars. Pearl and Marina, the two members of “Off the Hook”, were the ones to replace them, and have since picked up the roles of announcing stages and Splatfests. Naturally, internet fandom...
Review Xenoraid (Switch eShop)
Four's company
Another week, another indie shooter drops on the Nintendo eShop. While it would be rude to complain about the number of games coming to Nintendo's newest console, the roguelike shooter has been more than popular among developers and publishers on the machine. With that in mind, there is a balance to find between tapping into a beloved...
News You'll Be Able To Dress Miriam Up In Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Oh, and there are going to be some rats, too
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will give you the chance to indulge your sense of style via a series of costumes, weapons and even hairstyles, and a short video has been released which shows off some of these changes. Lead character Miriam is shown changing elements of her outfit and experimenting...
News They'll Sure See You Coming With These Super Mario Switch Quick Pouches
Mario or Luigi, you decide
While we don't make a habit of covering every single accessory released for Switch, we're perfectly happy to make an exception every now and then - and this is one of those times. The moment we saw these officially licensed Super Mario Quick Pouches for Switch we knew we had to own them. Produced by Keys Factory, each...
News 80’s Overdrive Comes to North America on 14th December
A little earlier for Europe
Some of you may remember 80’s Overdrive, an Out Run-esque racer set for release on the 3DS. Though it was announced over a year ago, the developers were suspiciously quiet for much of that time, leaving many fans to wonder whether the title would be seeing a release at all. Then in September, the silence was broken and...
News Final Fantasy Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi Is Interested In Working On Switch
"I do want to develop games on console again at some point"
Hironobu Sakaguchi is something of a legend in Japanese video game circles. He created Final Fantasy - arguably one of the most popular franchises to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun - and has also been involved with classics such as Super Mario RPG, Xenogears, Blue Dragon and The...
Talking Point What Games Are You Playing This Weekend - Countdown to the Holidays
Yep, it's December
Over the past couple of months we've brought back WGAYPTW™, in which a number of our team talk about the games they'll be playing over the weekend. With Switch and 3DS releases we haven't exactly been short of options, and as we head into December there's plenty to play. The big arrival this week is certainly Xenoblade...
News The Sexy Brutale Will Bring Mystery to the Switch Next Week
Relive the same day over and over again
The best download titles find a clever hook, and then naturally use a lot of solid design and skill to make it work. For The Sexy Brutale (developed by Cavalier Game Studios) it's all about repeating the same 12 hours over and over again, during which you need to solve and prevent the murders of multiple...
News Sega Lowers Full Year Forecast Amid Pachinko Performance Problems
Sales and profit predictions both take a dive
Sega has reduced its full year sales and profit forecasts for the current financial year amid struggles in the pachinko industry. Full-year net sales of $3.38bn and profits of $98.1m were originally predicted by the Japanese veteran, but it has now revised these totals to $2.94bn and $44.6m...
Random Of All the Games, Nintendo Uses Milking in 1-2-Switch to Promote Festive Gaming
They must know what they're doing...
Nintendo pays some very smart people a lot of money to promote its products, and it knows how to 'play' the internet and get our attention in the wrong ways. That must be the thinking behind this 1-2-Switch trailer, called "Fun for all the family this Christmas", released by Nintendo UK. It's suitably...
Weirdness Pikachu Is Now A Cultural Ambassador For The City Of Osaka
Don't worry, they've got some actual humans involved too
Pikachu - the world's most famous Pocket Monster - has been made a Cultural Ambassador for the City of Osaka. No, you're not dreaming. Foreign Minister of Japan Tarō Kōno presented Pikachu with the position at a ceremony recently. Hello Kitty (but of course!) was also given...
News The Symphony of the Goddesses Producer Hopes to Move On to Mario in the Future
"Hopefully it will stick"
The Symphony of the Goddesses concerts have been an ongoing success for quite a few years, combining iconic music from The Legend of Zelda franchise with orchestral arrangements and performances. It sets off around the world each year - though a hiatus seems likely in 2018 - and often shakes things up to keep fans...
News Tennis In The Face Will Open Service On Switch Next Week
New balls, please
Finnish studio 10tons has revealed that its "full contact tennis game" Tennis in the Face will launch on the Switch next Friday, priced $4.99. Described as a "physics based puzzle game with slapstick humour" and boasting 120 "increasingly challenging levels", Tennis in the Face places you in the plimsoles of former tennis star...
Random An In-Depth Look at Kato-chan & Ken-chan, Another Strange Classic Game From Japan
They’re still kicking
Time again for a look back at some retro gaming! There was a TurboGrafx-16 game that graced the Wii Virtual Console back in 2007 called J.J. & Jeff. That game was originally known as Kato-chan & Ken-chan, and was quite well-known back in Japan. The game was changed in a few key areas when brought to the West - namely...
Video Nintendo Releases More Footage of Splatoon 2 Soundtrack Performances
It's oh so serious
Splatoon and Splatoon 2 are fantastic games, establishing a new franchise that'll likely run on for many years to come. A big part of the games, apart from splatting things, is the music - from day one the IP has had its own distinct style that goes from strength to strength with each added track, while live performances are...
