Tag: Nintendo - Page 9
Feature How Nintendo, Pokémon And Japanese Culture Shaped Global Tastes Through Pure Invention
Author and translator Matt Alt discusses his recent book
The Back to the Future movies might be best known for their seat-of-your-pants time-hopping sense of adventure, whip-smart structure and American nostalgia, but they also serve as a socio-economic lens on the time in which they were made. Marty McFly, for example, might not return to exactly...
Feature The Best, And Worst, Nintendo Commercials Ever
Classic (and not-so-classic) Nintendo TV spots
The recent Japanese TV spots for Super Mario 3D All-Stars and news Nintendo has recruited Love Island's Laura Whitmore as a 'Ring Fit Ambassador' got us thinking back on Nintendo's long history of TV commercials and 30-second spots. Whether you're nostalgic f
Feature All Hail The Game Boy Micro, The Sexiest And Most Impractical Game Boy Ever
15 years of hand-cramps
Before we dive in, let's begin with a few words on the topic at hand when it was raised in the Nintendo Life office: "Such a neat little machine." "I've always wanted one." "Somehow I ended up with two." "The most enjoyable way to get carpal tunnel." We were, of course, discussing the lovely Game Boy Micro. The diminutive...
Feature The Best Nintendo Moments Of 2020
A few shining lights in a gloomy year
There's no getting around the fact that 2020 has been really quite pants on several fronts. Not a nice, fresh pair of the finest undergarments occupying your dresser drawer, either — quite the opposite, in fact (we'll spare you the metaphorical details, but you get the idea). It's during the darkest times,...
Feature So, What Happened To Super Mario Galaxy 2?
Mario (Galaxy 2) Is Missing
As many Mario fans noticed yesterday, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is missing from the long-rumoured (and otherwise tasty-looking) Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. Not only that, but it was also omitted the montage of significant Mario releases that appeared in the final few minutes of the Super Mario 35th Anniversary Direct...
News Groups Of Pikmin Have Been Spotted In The Wild At Super Nintendo World
Captain Toad and Princess Peach, too
Super Nintendo World at the moment appears to be all about Mario, but we might be seeing some other familiar faces. Visitors who were lucky enough to tour Japan's park ahead of its launch early next year have supposedly captured a group of Pikmin in the wild - located near Kinopio's Cafe. There's apparently...
News Take A Look At This Neat Visualisation Of Nintendo's Console Sales
We like statistics best when they're wiggly
Nintendo has had a lot of ups and downs as a company, from its 20th century beginnings in the console market to its 2017 release, the Nintendo Switch (which some of you may have heard of). It doesn't seem that long ago that we were writing sad news pieces on the Wii U, or reminiscing over the 3DS now that...
Random Everyone Loves Super Nintendo World's 'Chonky' Toad
What a unit
We could have sworn that Toad had a neck, but apparently, he doesn't, and never did. It's just huge mushroom head, and round mushroom body. Yet, somehow, Super Nintendo World's mascot version of everyone's favourite Mario Kart character is even rounder than the original, and we love him, and want to squish him on his big round head...
Feature 10 Of The Most Blatant Snack Sponsorships In Retro Gaming History
Don't read this on an empty stomach
Last month the Philippines arm of KFC grabbed the headlines (well, our headlines at least) when it created its own KFC restaurant in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and invited its Twitter followers to visit its island, with the hope of finding Colonel Sanders and getting a voucher code for free chicken in real...
News Nintendo Collabs With Starlight To Roll Out Hospital-Safe Consoles Across America
Shut up, YOU'RE crying
You may have thought the Nintendo Switch was the ultimate portable console, but you ain't seen nothin' yet. Nintendo's Starlight Gaming Station - not a new console, per se, but a special version of the Switch designed for hospitals and healthcare centres - comes equipped with 25 games, and can be rolled around to different...
Video Uncovering The WorkBoy - The Long Lost Nintendo Game Boy Add-On
"Found after 28 years"
Video game historian and Nintendo Life contributor Liam Robertson has uncovered the long-lost peripheral and unreleased device known as the WorkBoy. The WorkBoy - for those that don't know - was an add-on for the Game Boy that turned Nintendo's famous handheld device into a PDA - essentially a small personal computer...
Feature Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 10 Years Of Nintendo's Straightest, Greatest Sequel
So much more than Wii DLC
Nintendo doesn’t make straight sequels. That’s the received wisdom, anyway. Kyoto's premier game designers need a really good reason—a jump in technology, or a novel new control input, for example—to warrant revisiting a franchise. They're apparently not interested in churning out more of the same for mere profit...
Feature Zelda: Majora's Mask At 20 - The Enduring Appeal Of Nintendo's Strangest Game
No fate but what we make
There are many things The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is not. It is not the prettiest Legend of Zelda game. Exactly 20 years since its Japanese debut, the discernible polygons that make up the world and characters of Termina locate the game squarely in the fifth console generation. While we respect its Expansion...
Feature Nintendo Console Codenames And Product Codes
Do you know your DMGs from your DOLs?
If you happen to have any official Nintendo console or peripheral to hand, turn it over and hidden in the legalese and small print on the underside you'll find a code which typically begins with three letters. Flip over your Switch, for example, and you'll find the code HAC-001, with an extra (-01) if you've got...
Quiz Nintendo Winter Wonderlands - Can You Name All These Festive Levels?
Name that game
Merry Christmas, lovely people! We hope you're enjoying a little rest and relaxation over the festive period, or whenever you happen to be reading this (you're unlikely to stumble on a Nintendo-themed Christmas quiz in the middle of July, but if that is the case, greetings!). While you're busy fighting the urge to fall asleep on the...
News Your Animal Crossing Island Could Be In A Museum As Part Of A COVID-19 Exhibit
Blathers-ception
The National Videogame Museum, located in Sheffield, England, is a magical wonderland of retro and vintage gaming stuff saved from the basements of former children across the world. Unlike most museums, however, it lets you touch the stuff, as they explain in their mission statement: Videogames are meant to be played, and that is...
News What Are Your Most-Played Switch Games This Year? Find Out With Nintendo's Year In Review
Update: Emails begin distribution in Europe
Update: While Switch owners in Europe haven't been able to get in on the fun with Nintendo's Year In Review website, emails from Nintendo have now started to be sent out to fans with the same information included. If you happen to receive one of these emails, it'll be sent to the address that's linked to...
News Get Serious About Fun With A Nintendo Of America Internship
18 positions are up for grabs
Ever wanted to work at Nintendo? Nintendo of America is currently advertising a page of internships on its careers website. At the time of writing, there are a total of 18 job openings - with the majority located at Nintendo of America's headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Two other positions are located in Redwood...
Feature 10 Nintendo Games We'd Love To See Finally Come To The West
Nintendo games that never officially left Japan
These days there are very few first-party or Nintendo-published titles that don't get an international release, but back in the day it was common for games to remain in their Japanese homeland for months or even years, if they ever came overseas at all. No, we're not just talking about the countless...
Feature Star Trek On Nintendo Consoles - Where Are The Great Star Trek Games?
Live long, and prosper
Whether you're a final frontier fan or not, you've probably noticed the onslaught of advertising for the latest entry in CBS' ever-growing catalogue of Star Trek series. The impending return of Jean-Luc Picard to television screens this week is a massive media event and seeing the iconic captain once again going boldly in the...
Random Nintendo Extracts Customer's Missing Wedding Ring From Their Wii U
My precious
A Twitter user has shared a story about Nintendo repairing a Wii U that had a missing wedding ring lodged in it. User @sam_nama explains how their daughter put the ring in it - treating the system as if it was a piggy bank. Obviously, it didn't work out and the console had to be sent to Nintendo for repair. Upon return, it was...
News Miyamoto Reveals The New Toy Nintendo's Development Team Has Been Working On
Introducing Tokotoko Mario
Although Nintendo made it very clear "no game content would be featured" in its latest Direct presentation, there was some new stuff revealed on behalf of the "development team" by the creator of Super Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto. One of these items was a toy called Tokotoko Mario and it'll be exclusive to Super Nintendo...
News Nintendo Announces Super Nintendo World Direct Livestream
"No game content will be featured"
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's latest broadcast is now over, so what's there to look forward to? Later today (UK time), Nintendo will be hosting a special "Super Nintendo World Direct" livestream. We will of course be hosting the whole presentation live on Nintendo Life, so keep an eye on the homepage and be sure to...
News Bowser Tries To Explain Why Mario's Games Will Be Removed On 31st March 2021
"This is a celebration of Mario’s 35th anniversary"
Nintendo has come under fire in recent times for announcing a bunch of "limited-time" releases that will be pulled by 31st March next year. On this particular day, Super Mario 3D All-Stars will no longer be sold physically or digitally, Super Mario Bros. 35 is getting removed from the eShop and...
News Nintendo Of America's President Doug Bowser Talks About Switch Joy-Con Issues
"we’ve been working very closely with consumers"
The drift issues associated with Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers are still obviously a problem for many Switch users, so does the company have any hardware redesigns planned to combat this? In a recent interview with Polygon, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser was asked this exact question...
News Nintendo, PlayStation And Xbox Announce A Shared Commitment To Safer Gaming
"All players deserve to have fantastic social gaming experiences"
Gaming giants Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox have shared details on their united commitment to make gaming a safer place for all players. Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Operations, has shared a new post on the official Xbox website today, highlighting the basic...
Random Disgruntled Fans Spam Nintendo Tweet In Response To YouTube Soundtrack Takedowns
Here we go again
Nintendo fans have reportedly started to "troll" and spam the company's UK Twitter account after the Japanese branch blocked a bunch of soundtracks on YouTube earlier this week. It all kicked off on 8th December, when video game soundtrack archivist and YouTube Channel GilvaSunner revealed (via Twitter) how Nintendo Japan had...
News Nintendo Switch System Update 11.0.1 Is Now Live
Download it today
Nintendo has rolled out a new patch for the Nintendo Switch. This latest update corrects some problems that occurred following the major patch (11.0.0). Apparently, some games couldn't be played correctly, there were screen issues and also some control problems. Below are the full patch notes, courtesy of the official Nintendo...
News Banjo-Kazooie, Byleth And Terry Bogard Smash Bros. amiibo Launching In March 2021
Three DLC fighters join the line
Update: Nintendo of America has confirmed this trio of amiibo will also be arriving in the US on the same date. At the end of Masahiro Sakurai's Smash broadcast, fans got a first-look at the Banjo-Kazooie, Byleth (Fire Emblem: Three Houses) and Terry Bogard (
Random These Nintendo Box Art Wood Carvings Are Simply Sensational
And you can buy one for yourself
With its colourful cast of iconic characters, Nintendo has released some pretty incredible box art covers over the years that can instantly take you back to happier, nostalgic times. If you fancy showing off your love for one of these gorgeous covers, here's an equally incredible way of doing just that. Etsy seller...
Guide The Best Nintendo Christmas Jumpers And Ugly Sweaters
Garish gaming garments to keep you warm this Xmas
You hear that? That jingle bell-tinged drone is the sound of inevitability. In amongst the socks and the boxes of deodorant you'll be gifted this holiday season, you can be sure there'll be an ugly festive jumper in there somewhere. Yes, even though granny's turned the thermostat to maximum and Dad's...
News Nintendo Cancels Splatoon 2 NA Open Livestream, "Free Melee" Believed To Have Played A Part
"This is damage control and an outright spit in the face"
This weekend, Nintendo held its Splatoon 2 North American Open. Although a livestream was planned for the finals, it ended up getting cancelled due to "unexpected executional challenges". There were no further details, but some fans seem to think they might know what's going on... In a post...
Video Tennis Legend Serena Williams Stars In Nintendo's Latest Round Of Switch TV Spots
Jump up, superstar
Following in a long line of celebrities playing Nintendo games in wonderfully spacious, well-lit residences, tennis champ Serena Williams is the latest to feature in the company's series of lifestyle commercials advertising Switch and its software. The twenty-three time Grand Slam singles title winner is the star of two cute...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Character Designer Celebrates Third Anniversary With Some New Artwork
Three years and counting
One game that's been back in the spotlight in 2020 is Monolith Soft's stunning open-world RPG Xenoblade Chronicles. Earlier this year, the series celebrated its 10th anniversary and also got a Definition Edition release on the Nintendo Switch. That's not to say the d
PSA By Default, Nintendo Now Collects Data Through Google Analytics On Switch eShop (North America)
If you don't want to share, change your settings
It has come to light that, for at least some Switch users in North America, the Switch eShop now connects to Google Analytics by default. Introduced recently, and also appearing in the new Nintendo Switch Online 'app' that came with the latest firmware update, it seems that anybody with a US Nintendo...
News My Nintendo Europe Is Offering This Cute 2021 Calendar - Just Pay Shipping
Featuring fan-favourite characters
Europe's My Nintendo store is continuing its recent trend of giving away physical exclusives by offering up a cute little 2021 calendar featuring fan-favourite characters. There are 13 calendar sheets in total, and they come with a little stand to display them on your desk. All sheets measure 13.4 x 13.4cm and...
Guide Nintendo Christmas 2020 Gift Ideas - Art Prints And Posters
Brighten up your wall with these charming Nintendo posters
What gifts are you getting for your loved ones this Christmas? With so many gamer gifts and trinkets to choose from, it's a tricky question, for sure. If you're looking for something classy that's not going to clutter the place, perhaps one of these lovely Nintendo art prints or posters...
Guide Handmade Nintendo Christmas Gifts - 2020
A crafted world, indeed
Are you making an early start on your Christmas shopping this year? Probably a good idea given one thing and another. Fortunately, there are plenty of Nintendo-related gifts for your loved ones that are only a click away this holiday season. From Nintendo-branded ugly Christmas sweaters to all the games and accessories you...
News Nintendo Hacker Who Stole "Confidential Information" Sentenced To Three Years In Prison
Was also in possession of explicit videos and images of minors
A 21-year-old man named Ryan Hernandez has been sentenced to three years in prison for his "computer hacking scheme" and "possession of child pornography" found on his digital devices. In 2016, Hernandez used phishing techniques to steal the credentials of a Nintendo employee - allowing...
Deals Grab A Free 128GB Memory Card With Any Switch Lite Bundle From Nintendo's UK Store
Super Mushroom SD
Nintendo's official UK store is following up its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with new offer —they're throwing in a free 128GB Micro SD card with any Nintendo Switch Lite console or bundle. The Super Mushroom branded card retails for £34.99 separately, so that's not a bad deal at all, and with all the games available...
News Nintendo Switch System Update 11.0.0 Is Now Live
Download it today
Nintendo has released a major Switch update, bumping the system's firmware up to version 11.0.0. A Nintendo Switch Online icon has been added to the HOME Menu, you can now transfer screenshots to mobile devices and PC, there's the ability to choose which game to download first if you have multiple downloads pending, there's...
Video The Nintendo Life Holiday Gift Guide - 2020 Edition
Games, accessories, artwork and more
December is coming up and you know what that means...it's nearly the holiday season! The time of the year where we gift and receive presents. If you are having some difficulties with that first part - don't worry, our American-based video producer Zion has got you covered with this year's Nintendo Life Holiday...
News Nintendo Shares Tips On How To Keep Your Switch And Joy-Con Germ-Free
And here's what you also shouldn't do...
The Switch might be all about sharing the joy, but it's also important to keep your system clean to help prevent the spread of germs and ensure your device and controllers stay in the best condition possible. With this in mind, Nintendo suggests using alcohol-based products to disinfect its hybrid system and...
Random Smash Bros. Director Masahiro Sakurai Shares His Thoughts About The PlayStation 5
Highly recommends Astro's Playroom
Even the legendary video game director Masahiro Sakurai needs a break every once and a while, so what does he do when he's not working on new fighters and content for the Nintendo Switch title Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? He plays other games and systems on his insane gaming setup, of course. In his latest...
News It Looks Like Kadabra Can Finally Return To The Pokémon Trading Card Game
Spoon-bending magician lifts long-time ban
The magician Uri Geller has taken to social media to apologise for getting the pocket monster Kadabra banned from the official Pokémon Trading Card Game many years ago and has now given Nintendo permission to use it once again. "I am truly sorry for what I did 20 years ago. Kids and grownups I am...
Feature What's The Best Way To Play Super Mario Bros. In 2020?
Flag poll
As Nintendo has been reminding us this year, Super Mario Bros. is thirty-five years old. Shigeru Miyamoto's classic has seen more than its fair share of re-releases, remasters and re-jigs over the decades and these days we're really spoiled for choice when it comes to playing the quintessential 2D platformer. Seeing a whole bunch of World...
Quiz How Well Do You Know Zelda: Breath Of The Wild?
We live in a calamitous age
The release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has sent many of us back once more to a world we first discovered in March 2017. We've returned to the huge open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild many times in the months and years since it launched alongside the Switch itself, but a lot of games have...
Random March 31st 2021 Is Becoming An Increasingly Depressing Day For Mario Fans
Give the poor guy a break
Considering he serves as the company mascot and generates more revenue per year than we could ever picture in our tiny minds, Nintendo sure seems hell-bent on ruining poor old Mario's day next year. 31st March 2021 is shaping up to be a pretty memorable day in Mario's history, but for all the wrong reasons. On that day,...
Nintendo says it had "no choice but to step in"
Update: The #FreeMelee hashtag has evolved into #SaveSmash, and has, at the time of writing, picked up 21.7K tweets – enough for it to begin trending around the world on Twitter.
News Nintendo Switch Parental Controls Mobile App Gets Another Minor Update
Bug fixes and more
If you're still one of the Switch owners using the special parental controls mobile app, then it's time for an update. This latest version (1.14.0) adds support for iOS 14, Android 11 and also includes some bug fixes. This is the first update the app has received since July. While it's unknown what exact bugs have been resolved,...
