Tag: Talking Point - Page 2
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (17th May)
What's that coming over the hill?
Howdy partners! It's time for another good old natter about our weekend gaming plans. Before we dive into what we're all up to, however, let's look back on the week's highlights. There were a couple of big Switch 2 drops as Nintendo revealed the console's final tech specs, announced what we can expect from its free...
Talking Point Are You Ghosting Switch 1 To Save Yourself For Switch 2?
The best is yet to come
2nd April 2025 will go down as a big day in Nintendo history for a lot of reasons. For one, it was when Nintendo finally lifted the lid on Switch 2, showcasing the console, its games and the all-important price and release date. It was also when, for some of us, our Switch 1 playtime tanked. The new console may have ignited...
Talking Point How Can The Next Animal Crossing Improve Crafting?
Tools of the trade
If you happen to live in the UK, then you’ll know that the weather this week has been pretty glorious – mostly. So, as I was out on one of my evening walks with the dog, I gazed out toward the horizon as the sun was setting. Crepuscular rays pierced through the clouds and trees, butterflies erratically flip-flopped around my...
Talking Point Are You Excited At All For Switch 2 GameChat?
Student lounge around
It's been nearly six weeks since the Switch 2 Direct, and we're now only three-and-a-half more away from the system's launch. Overall, we were pretty impressed with the hour-long presentation Nintendo assembled to officially pull back the curtain at the start of April. Yes, some mixed messaging and unanswered questions could...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th May)
Break out the banjo
Say hello to the weekend folks, because it's here. Before we get into what we're playing, however, let's just recap the week so far. Nintendo released its latest financial data, confirming that it is forecasting a total of 15 million Switch 2 sales within the next fiscal year. It also reconfirmed its upcoming slate of games,...
Talking Point With Prices Rising, Are Your Gaming Habits Changing?
Feeling the squeeze
If there’s one thing we can all agree on in 2025, it’s that gaming is becoming a pretty expensive hobby. Not that it was ever ‘cheap’, of course, but recent price hikes have caused quite a stir within the community, perhaps most notably that of Mario Kart World on the upcoming Switch 2. With the physical edition set at...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (3rd May)
Invaders must die
We're another week closer to the Switch 2, folks! We can't almost taste the new cartridges... (bleugh!) Anyway, let's see what's been going on this week. First up, we had the big 20.0.0 update on Switch, which added both Virtual Game Cards and GameShare, along with a few other minor bits and bobs. On a similar topic, it seems more...
Talking Point Will You Be Buying Any Game-Key Card Switch 2 Games?
Oh boycott
The death of physical media has been looming for decades now, essentially since the internet made digital downloads a viable option for purchasing games - or purchasing your licences to play games. While Nintendo got involved relatively quickly (for Nintendo, at least) with WiiWare and Virtual Console digital downloads, there's still...
Talking Point Which Nintendo Series Are You Most Excited To See Return On Switch 2?
Playing favourites
We're on the cusp of a new console generation and naturally thoughts are turning to games we know are coming and games we know must be coming. News flash: Nintendo is making another one of those Mario games. They seem to go down well? So far, only Mario Kart and Donkey Kong have been confirmed for brand new, Switch 2-specific...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (26th April)
Zero dawn
Can you believe we're now less than 40 days away from the launch of the Switch 2? Gosh, it feels like yesterday we were sat peering at blurry photos of the motherboard, and now here we are. In the meantime, we have some games to play, but let's first recap some of the most interesting stories from this week. First up, it appears that the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th April)
Whatever will we Pik?
You wait six months for a Nintendo Direct and then three come along in a matter of weeks! There's no rest in the world of Nintendo at the moment, and we're excited about it. This week's showcase put Mario Kart World in the spotlight. The presentation didn't have all that much newness to show, but we got a better idea of
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th April)
Still reeling?
Well folks, another week has come and gone, and it was another doozy. We're still kind of reeling from the onslaught of Switch 2 news that followed Nintendo's recent Direct, and to kick the week off, we showcased our big interview with Nintendo's own Nate Bihldorff, in which he confirmed that the new Joy-Con 2 controllers don't...
Talking Point How Does Switch 2's Launch Price Compare To Past Nintendo Systems?
Launch sequence initiated
The big talking point out of last week's Switch 2 Direct hasn't been the system deep dive, the Donkey Kong reveal, or the weird little camera; it's mainly been about Nintendo's approach to pricing. The messaging was non-existent in the Direct itself, but in the minutes and hours after it ended, we learnt that games would...
Talking Point Does Switch 2 Have Nintendo's Best Launch Line-Up Ever?
Let's see how it matches up
I don't know about you, but I'm already giving my shelf space a worried look as I consider the number of Switch 2 launch titles I want to pick up. It's been just about a week since Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 and its 21 separate launch games (24 if you include those dropping on the NSO GameCube library), which, the...
Talking Point Zelda: Wind Waker Is On Switch 2 - Do You Still Want A WW:HD Port?
Can't always get what U want
Wind Waker is coming to Switch 2! With a whole load of classic GameCube games too! And a nice optional CRT filter! In a week with more official Nintendo announcements than we've had in the last year combined, this news could be seen as minor, but it ticks off yet
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
What a week, eh?
We have started the odd What Are You Playing post in the past with some comment about "gosh, that was a busy week!", but this week really has been the granddaddy of them all. Just in case you somehow missed it, Nintendo finally lifted the lid on Switch 2! In an hour-long extravaganza of a Direct, we got our first proper look at the...
Talking Point What We Expect From The Switch 2 Direct
The clock is ticking...
A few weeks back, we gathered our thoughts and put down in words what we on Team NL are expecting from the upcoming Switch 2 Direct. We're mere days away from the presentation now, so we're republishing this article, updated with our lovely video team's hopes and dreams above. Enjoy! In exactly four weeks, we're all going...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (29th March)
A storm is coming...
We're here, everyone. The last weekend before Nintendo's big Switch 2 Direct. Give yourselves a pat on the back - we made it. As for this week..? Well, it was super quiet, nothing happened, man. Heh, only kidding, we had another Nintendo Direct. It was quite the surprise, but it was certainly packed with interesting...
Talking Point Which Switch Game Needs A 'Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' The Most?
Time for an upgrade?
Ever since Sony's PS5 adopted it as one of its main release points, we have been quietly hoping for Switch 2 to offer up enhanced versions of 'Switch 1' games. For a long time, this was nothing more than a dream (albeit a pretty realistic one, given Nintendo's remaster rate these days), but in the last few weeks, it has started...
Talking Point Nintendo Direct Predictions - What Do You Want To See?
No, not THAT Direct, THIS Direct!
After some vague rumblings earlier in the week, Nintendo has only gone and announced another Direct presentation for this Thursday, 27th March 2025. While we await the big Switch 2 blowout next week, this one will focus on games for the original Switch, clocking in at roughly 30 minutes in length. Nintendo, as...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd March)
Look in the Mira
Well folks, the weekend is here once again! We're getting so close to that Switch 2 Direct, we can almost taste it... Anyway, this week in the land of Nintendo, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched, and crikey-mikey, it's an absolute cracker. Shock, we know. We gave it the ol' review treatment, of course, but we also...
Talking Point What's Your Dream Pokémon LEGO Set?
Wish upon a Starmie
It's the collaboration that we only thought possible in our dreams, but LEGO and The Pokémon Company are officially teaming up on a set (dare we say "sets"?) in 2026. The problem is, we have no idea what's in store yet — the brief teaser from LEGO showcased a bricky Pikachu tail and that's about it. It's safe to assume that...
Talking Point Will Metroid Prime 4 Get A Switch 2 Release?
Beyond the realm
It's been 84 years since Nintendo first announced that the next chapter in the Metroid Prime series was in development. Then, in 1957, an apology was issued as the platform holder took things back to the drawing board, restarting development and shifting production from partner dev Bandai Namco back to Prime series founders Retro...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (15th March)
Wahoo!
One minute, you're revelling in the celebrations of MAR10 Day, the next, it's the weekend. Where does the time go? While not quite as big as last year's affair, MAR10 Day 2025 brought us some eShop savings, a new Alarmo theme, and a first look at a sweet 18+ Mario
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (8th March)
No luck Hunting them Monsters then?
The weekend has rolled around once more so it's time for another edition of What Are You Playing! After last week's Poké-fest, it's been a slightly quieter one in Nintendo land over recent days. The Game Boy NSO library was treated to a duo of new titles, Nintendo started slashing some prices ahead of MAR10 Day...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st March)
Hello, Hello Kitty
Hello folks, and good job on making it through another week! It's been a big week for Pokémon, with Thursday unveiling the latest Pokémon Presents. We got our first good look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the reveal of Pokémon Champions, and a whole bunch of oth
Talking Point Can Nintendo Keep Up The One-Game-A-Month Release Pace On Switch 2?
Keepie uppies
With Switch entering its ninth year on 3rd March 2025, and with over 150 million units sold and more million-selling games than we've had hot dinners, it's hard to remember a time when Nintendo pooling its portable and home console software teams behind a single system felt like a risky move. As Wii U foundered, it was the...
Talking Point Our 2025 Pokémon Presents Predictions - What Are You Hoping For?
Nintendo Life used Detect!
Much like the Mad Titan Thanos, the arrival of a Pokémon Presents showcase on Pokémon Day was inevitable. With the date now official and our faux surprise subsided, it's time to start laying down some predictions. To address the Phanpy in the room: yes, Pokémon Presents showcases can be a little dry. But aside from the...
Poll Which Pokémon Game Really Deserves A Remake Next?
Kanto blight
With a Pokémon Presents on the way soon, our foolish hearts have begun hoping for something a bit special. While Nintendo fans twiddle their thumbs awaiting the full reveal of Switch 2, an entire year without a Pokémon game releasing on Switch has helped us regain our appetite for console-based catchin'. It was a much-needed break,...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd February)
Catching them ALL?? In this economy??
Howdy partners! Welcome back to another edition of What Are You Playing. Switch 2 may still feel like a long way away, but there have been some Nintendo rumblings this week to keep us busy, all the same. The annual Pokémon Presents showcase was announced for next week (surprising no one), we got some leaked...
Talking Point The 3DS Library Is Ripe For Switch 2, But Is NSO The Way To Go?
Mo' dimensions, mo' problems
The 3DS has one of those libraries where the more you think about it, the better it gets. Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask 3D, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Super Mario 3D Land, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Kirby: Planet Robobot, WarioWare Gold, Samus Returns
Talking Point Should We Actually Get Excited For Pokémon Day This Year?
Is it all Sleep Talk?
Next week, on 27th February 2025, Pokémon will be celebrating its 29th birthday. And you know what that means? It's time for some Pokémon Presents. After a relatively 'muted' 2024, there's a lot on people's minds. Inverted commas there because, come on, if muted means releasing a brand new mobile game which has taken the...
Opinion Scrapping Gold Points Makes Sense For Nintendo, But It's A Bitter Pill For Loyal Fans
Points taken
We're about six weeks away from Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct in April, and the company presumably preparing furiously for the full reveal of its upcoming hardware. Until then, we're left to analyse statements around its financial results and other little announcements for clues about the Switch successor beyond its form factor. The firm's...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (15th February)
Sleepy time
It's the weekend folks, so hopefully you're already putting your feet up, sipping on a nice cup of tea, and enjoying a bit of down time with some games. This week in the world of Nintendo, a new placeholder listing at a retailer may (or may not) hint towards a cheaper-than-expected price for the Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, a new...
Talking Point Why An LCD Screen Isn't The End Of The World For Switch 2
How Sony is helping us LCDeal with it
The reveal of Switch 2 back in January answered some burning questions but mainly it confirmed rumoured details and leaked info regarding the size, shape, and magnetic Joy-Con of Nintendo's next console. Annoyingly, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and the platform holder is keeping shtum until 2nd...
Talking Point Which 'Tales' Game Will Come To Switch Next?
It's Karma
Big, bold characters. Comfortable story beats that deal with multiple worlds, gods, and the power of friendship. Confusingly titled battle systems. And colourful anime openings featuring J-pop songs. The Tales series has made a name for itself over the last 30 years for many different reasons, and it's why many — myself included —...
Talking Point Where Should 'Luigi's Mansion 4' Take Place?
"M-M-M-Maaaaario?"
One of the best reasons to play the Luigi’s Mansion series is the simple joy that comes with exploring new, spooky environments. Truly, the locations are the star of the show. The first entry in 2001 was arguably too short and a bit too easy and repetitive, but its titular mansion was a compelling backdrop. Cobwebs adorned the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (8th February)
Fus-Ro-Dah!
Crikey, it only feels like yesterday when we all sat down to discuss our weekend plans, doesn't it? Don't worry folks, that April Direct will be here before you know it. Anyway, let's see what's been going on in the world of Nintendo this week. First up, the company revealed its latest financial data in which the Switch was confirmed to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st February)
Zero dawn
Well folks, another week is almost over (and one week closer to Nintendo's April Direct!), which means it's time to relax with some sweet gaming. First, let's recap some of this week's most interesting stories. First up, Nintendo reiterated Donkey Kong's new look with some fresh merch, while we explored what we might like to see in the...
Talking Point What Do We Actually Want From 'Mario Kart 9' On Switch 2?
Kart to kart
With the truly shocking confirmation that, alongside the new console, Nintendo is busy assembling a follow-up entry to the best-selling game on Switch, it's got us thinking about what we really want from a new Mario Kart. In all honesty, we've been thinking about this for years, arguably since before we knew that Mario Kart 8 would be...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (25th January)
Swing, king
This week might not have brought us the Switch 2 bonanza that dominated the last, but there was still plenty to talk about in the world of Nintendo. We got a teeny, tiny development update from the Silksong team (turns out, the game is still real) and chatted all things space with Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th January)
Wait, we have to play the Switch 1..?!
The weekend is here folks, which means it's time to get cracking with some gaming. Before we put our feet up, however, let's recap what's been going on in this very quiet, unevenful week in the world of Nintendo (chortle!). Yes, in actuality, it's been a ruddy busy one, with Nintendo finally officially...
Talking Point Did All The Switch 2 Leaks 'Damage' Nintendo Or The Console's Reveal?
Nintendo will be just fine
In the leak-filled weeks prior to the Switch 2 reveal, we saw increasing incredulity from die-hard Nintendo fans on social media. We won't link specific examples, but you don't have to scroll far before seeing takes along these lines: All these leaks are ruining the reveal! Why isn't Nintendo getting ahead of this?!...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th January)
Another week without 'Switch 2'
The weekend is here and it's time to play some games, but first, let's recap what went down in the world of Nintendo this week. The big news was 'Switch 2'. No, we still don't know anything about it officially, but accessory manufacturer Genki took to this year's CES with a "replica" model that appears to be the real...
Talking Point Is The Switch 2 Going To Be Too Big?
Size isn't everything, except sometimes
How are we coping, nine days into the year of the Switch 2? It's been an utter onslaught of leaks and rumours and noise as everyone clamours to find out about Nintendo's to-be-officially-announced console. C'mon Nintendo, it's really time to say something. Anyway, let's cut through the noise for a second...
Talking Point Everyone Else Is Busy Revealing Switch 2 - What Gives, Nintendo?
It's the notes you don't play
If you've been browsing social media for the past few days (heck, let's not kid ourselves, past few years) you'll have seen plenty of prognosticating about the arrival of the Switch successor. The latest whispers suggested that Wednesday 8th January was the first sensible day after the holidays for Nintendo to finally...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th January)
I have fury!
Hello folks, and welcome to the year 2025! It's cold, rainy, and there's still no sign of flying cars. Still, it's the year that Nintendo's new hardware will finally be revealed (and hopefully released), so we're inclined to believe that it's going to be a good one. It's been a bit quiet in terms of news, but there have been a couple...
Talking Point Our 2025 Nintendo Gaming Predictions
New hardware smell
This is it, people. This is the year. The smoke and stench from refried rumours is overwhelming but soon it will clear to reveal... new Nintendo hardware. No, not a grainy motherboard pic from a factory backroom or a render someone posted with 'OMG the latest Switch 2 trailer is 🥹🥹🥹!!!!11' slapped on. No, not a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (New Year Edition)
Looking forward '2' the new year
This is it, folks - our final WAYP feature for 2024. 2025 is going to be a pretty huge year for Nintendo fans, with the likes of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition all launching within the coming months. Oh, and...
Talking Point As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?
Oh boy
It’s Christmas morning, and amidst the thick haze of food already cooking for lunch and the soothing laughter of our children enjoying their new toys, my wife approaches me with a small, square package. I hadn’t seen this under the tree. “That’s your last one,” she says. I instinctively go to shake it – she knows me well enough to...
