Timeline
Monday26th Jan 2026
UK Charts Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Knocks Animal Crossing Down A Peg
Nook, don't touch
If you needed bonus proof that there's still an appetite for big ol' ports on Nintendo Switch 2, this week's UK charts show exactly that. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has burst onto the scene at number two this week as the only non-Nintendo title to make the top five. While it couldn't trouble Mario Kart World at the top...
News Super Mario Galaxy Movie's New Trailer Shares A "First Look" At Yoshi
New galaxies, new friends
Nintendo just aired a new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during a special Direct broadcast and it gave fans a "first" proper look at Mario's long-time pal
Sunday25th Jan 2026
Guide Best Final Fantasy Games, Ranked - Switch 2 And Nintendo Systems
Every single Final Fantasy game, mainline or spin-off, ranked by you
All updated with two of the best Final Fantasy games around, at least in our books — Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, both on Switch 2. Enjoy! As one of the biggest RPG franchises in the world, Final Fantasy has a boatload of titles under its belt...
Random Here's To Robert Burns And His Long-Standing Relationship With...Animal Crossing?
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley (especially if you don't own ACNH)
"Aloha!" as we say here in Scotland, and welcome to an impromptu Nintendo Life Burns Night celebration, with me, an Irish fella. Now, for those unaware, and to get things off in a high-brow sort of way through the illusion of learning, Robert Burns was a...
Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct - Live!
Galaxy quest
A Nintendo Direct on a Sunday? It has happened a couple of times before (not since 2015), and today we're getting another look at the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which will be hitting cinemas on 3rd April. Back in November, the last Galaxy Movie Direct showed us Rosalina and Bowser Jr. and other tidbits, and with
Mailbox Non-Standard Switch 2s, Joy-Con Colours, Zelda amiibo We Need - Nintendo Life Letters
Issue #32 - January 2026
Welcome back, lovely people, to the Nintendo Life Mailbox! We're still in the first weeks of a new year, and we can all now officially confirm that it's...another year. Hmm. Enough dwelling - there's more than enough of that to do when you click elsewhere on the web. Let's talk video games, shall we? Got something you want...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Duel - Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Mlem
We are back, back, back with another edition of Box Art Brawl! We went tactical last week, as we matched up a pair of covers for Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift on the DS, and it's got to be said, the results were the most one-sided we've seen in a long time. The bright European / Japanese version took home a staggering 90% of...
News Bandai Namco Announces New Dragon Ball Game Project "AGE 1000"
"Major" DLC also revealed for Sparking! ZERO
The Dragon Ball series is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, and as part of a special 'Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri' event this week, Bandai Namco has shared some video game announcements. First up, there's "breaking news" regarding the latest game in the works. It's the official announcement of...
Rumour MySims Could Be Getting A New Switch Game, According To EA Survey
One to watch
EA's MySims series, which started life during the Wii and DS generation, made a surprise comeback on the Switch in 2024. Following the release of the MySims Cozy Bundle, there's reportedly been a new EA survey sent out to select Sims players, and it's believed to be hinting at a new MySims game for the Switch and other platforms. It...
News Surprise! Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Has Been Rated
The party is just getting started
Ubisoft's Rayman series is currently celebrating 30 years, and it seems an announcement could be taking place soon. A new rating has appeared on the Australian Classification Board for Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition. The classification took place on 22nd January 2026. Additional details list Atari as the developer...
Saturday24th Jan 2026
Expect the unexpected, no?
"A message from the dev team:" Maybe in years past, such an intro would fill us with excitement and anticipation; after all, a peek behind the development curtain is always a welcome treat. But in 2026, the line is a signifier of bad news. Said opening almost always leads to the following: "We've got some news today...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade?
Tifa and claws
Switch 2 has been graced with a few 'impossible' ports in its first months on the market, and this week, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade joined the ranks. While playing Square Enix's acclaimed 2020 remake on Nintendo's old hybrid would have felt like a pipedream, FFVII looks, runs, and feels exceptionally good on Switch 2. Sure,...
Opinion I'll Never Truly RIP Until 'The Séance Of Blake Manor' Comes To Switch
Haunt me, mammy
Spooky Doorway is an Irish dev studio that's already brought us lucky Switch gamers some seriously good point-and-click fun times in the form of The Darkside Detective series. This is a studio with form, and one that's already proven it knows how to serve up clever puzzle adventures that just get what makes this particular genre...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th January)
On Cloud nine
Well folks, you made it! The weekend is here again, which means it's time to get some all-important gaming done. Before that though, let's quickly recap the week. Our big review was for Final Fantasy VII Remake on the Switch 2, and as expected, it's a bit of a banger. We also heard from director Naoki Hamag
News Sonic Racing Open To Including More 'Deep Cut' Characters From Extended Sonic Universe
Tangle and Whisper join the race next month
Last November, Sega announced three more characters for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. This included the Sonic the Hedgehog IDW duo, Tangle and Whisper. Now, in a recent interview with MCV Magazine, Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka has reiterated how the team realises there is "a lot of passion around the...
PSA Switch 2 Visual And Performance Improvements Included In New Rocket League Update
Update: Here's a side-by-side comparison
[Fri 23rd Jan, 2026 01:35 GMT]: Since the arrival of the Switch 2 last year, many third-party developers have been updating their existing Switch games for Nintendo's new hybrid system. With this in mind, Psyonix's latest update for its vehicular soccer game Rocket League has today added Switch 2 visual...
News Industry Veteran Hideki Konno Has Apparently Left Nintendo After Four Decades
Thanks for everything, Konno-san
Following the news of Kensuke Tanabe's retirement earlier this week, it's now being reported game designer, director, producer, and Nintendo veteran Hideki Konno has also called time on his career at the Japanese firm. According to an update on his Facebook page, Konno seemingly left the company in July 2025, but...
Friday23rd Jan 2026
Review Hit Box Ultra Arcade Controller - The Ultimate Partner For Fighting Fans
C-c-c-combo!!
I’ve reviewed several leverless arcade controllers for the Switch / Switch 2, but I’ve had my eye on the Hit Box Ultra for a little while now. For those unfamiliar, Hit Box is the original leverless arcade controller; if you want to contest that, then it’s at least the one that popularised the concept. The Ultra is the...
Every game we scored 9/10 or higher, plus a personal pick
Pssst, the Supercharge Sale ends this Sunday, so if you've been considering splashing on some sale goodies, this weekend is your last chance to grab up some excellent titles... If it feels like a mere matter of days since Nintendo wrapped up its last massive eShop sale, that's because it...
News The Fable Reboot Is Reportedly "Under Consideration" For Switch 2
Game hits PC, Xbox, and PS5 this year
Xbox Game Studios recently revealed Playground Games' upcoming Fable reboot properly, showcasing a bunch of gameplay that stays true to the classic series while throwing in a few intriguing evolutions for good measure. Launching this Autumn on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, we honestly weren't expecting to see...
News The Next 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Nintendo Direct Arrives Sunday, 25th January
Stellar stuff
The new Nintendo Direct for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has a date, and it's coming this Sunday, 25th January 2026. This will be the second direct for the upcoming Illumination sequel, which is due to arrive in cinemas on 3rd April 2026. Last time, we found out that Bowser Jr. and Rosalina would be part of the cast. You'll be able...
News Pokémon Legends Z-A Ranked Battle Season 6 Start Date And Rewards Revealed
Get out my Swamp
With Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Sceptile-focused season coming to an end, The Pokémon Company has shared some extra details on what's next for the Ranked Battle scene, including the all-important start date and rewards. Ranked Battle Season 6 kicks off on 29th January and will be sticking around until 19th February. In that time,...
Japanese Charts Animal Crossing: New Horizons Digs Up A Win On Switch 2
Striking gold in a quiet week
Famitsu has given us our latest look at the physical Japanese gaming charts, and despite a Nintendo newbie joining the ranks, it has been a very quiet week indeed. Unsurprisingly, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comes out on top this time, debuting with a meagre 31,372 copies sold — hey, we...
Reminder Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade 'Limited Early Purchase Edition' Offer Ends Next Week
Get a bonus copy of FFVII while you can
If you're planning on picking up Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade this week, and haven't already purchased it, here's your reminder that the 'Limited Early Purchase Edition' is still available. It's $39.99 / £39.99 and is available until 31st January 2026. You can also grab the Deluxe version, including a...
Poll So, Will You Be Getting The Switch 2 Upgrade For Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Meetup In Bellabel Park arrives this March
Yesterday, Nintendo surprised us with a new trailer for Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park. It detailed what to expect when it launches on 26th March 2026. At the very end of this video, Nintendo explains the two purchase options, which are similar to previous...
News Street Fighter 6's Next DLC Character Arrives This March, First-Look Gameplay Trailer Released
The "Big Apple brawler" enters the ring
Street Fighter 6's roster has continued to grow, and as we enter 2026, Capcom is now looking towards the return of Alex. We saw him in action in a teaser trailer earlier this month, and this week Capcom has now rolled out first-look gameplay of the "Big Apple brawler". No use holding back when faced with...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak To Reveal More About 'Beast Of Reincarnation' Later This Month
Update: Director responds to question about a Switch 2 release
[Sat 10th Jan, 2026 01:30 GMT]: The Pokémon developer Game Freak recently released the DLC Mega Dimension, so what's it up to beyond this? In case you missed it when it was revealed last year, the studio has a new action RPG Beast of Reincarnation
Thursday22nd Jan 2026
Random Mario Wonder's New Box Art Might Be The Ugliest 'Switch 2 Edition' Cover Yet
Wonder Wall (of text)
Nintendo has lifted the lid on a bunch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park info today. We got a new trailer packed with fresh playable characters and challenges, three new amiibo, a closer look at that darn
Nintendo Download 22nd January (North America)
Final Fantasy VII Remake! Escape from Ever After! Dynasty Warriors: Origins!
The latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy! Switch eShop - Highlights:...
News Lego Teases Another Adult Mario Kart Set, This Time Starring Luigi
Let's-a go, Bro
If this month's Pokémon and Ocarina of Time sets didn't break the bank for you, LEGO and Nintendo have today teased another entry in the 'Adult' Mario Kart line, and it looks like the brother in green is taking centre stage. The tease in question was shared to Nintendo of America and LEGO socials, and sees
Digital disrespect
As you'll doubtless be well aware if you're on this page, Nintendo chose not to add analogue triggers to Switch 2. Now, how much you really care about this is mostly going to come down to what kind of games you play. Indeed, it's in the likes of the racing genre that the omission of analogue triggers, which register the amount of...
News Pokémon TCG Pocket's Next Expansion Looks Truly Fantastical
It's the Obstagoon Parade!
The Pokémon Company is back with the first Trading Card Game Pocket expansion of 2026, and it's a fantastical one. The 'Fantastical Parade' set launches on 28th January at 5pm PST / 1am GMT (29th) / 2am CET (29th), featuring none other than Gardevoir on the cover. This one throws in a couple of new Mega ex cards for...
News Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
35% more than the PS4
The Switch 2 ended 2025 with a total of 4.4 million units sold in the US, according to Circana's Mat Piscatella. This means that after its seventh month on the market, Nintendo's new system is still the fastest-selling home console in US history. Piscatella noted afterwards that the Game Boy Advance is the overall winner in...
News Bubsy 4D Launches In May, Physical Release Confirmed For Switch & Switch 2
Save the date, bub
Atari has announced that Bubsy 4D will launch on the Switch and Switch 2 on 22nd May 2026. The new sequel, developed by Fabraz (Demon Turf) will also get a 'Pawsome Edition' physical release on both consoles, containing the game itself, a deluxe box, a poster, an artbook, and a manual. Atari is seemingly implying that, much like...
News 'The Witch's Bakery' Lets You Live Your Parisian Ghibli Dreams On Switch 2
Kiki's Bakery Service
Publisher Silver Lining Interactive and developer Sunny Lab are bringing The Witch's Bakery to Switch 2 in addition to Switch, with the cosy RPG arriving on both consoles in Q2 2026. Imagine opening a bakery in modern-day Paris — not easy, right? Well, as Lunne the witch, that's exactly what you're doing. But this...
News Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Getting A Trio Of New amiibo
Out alongside Meetup in Bellabel Park on Switch 2
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is coming out very soon — as just announced on Nintendo Today! — but that's not the only upgrade coming to the 2023 GOTY-nominated platformer. Three brand new
News Mario Wonder's 'Real' Talking Flower Sounds Both Charming And Irritating
Launches in March
Just ahead of the launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park (right, come on Nintendo, just chill with these titles), the 'real' Talking Flower accessory will release on 12th March, 2026. As for what it does, well, it's pretty much what you'd expect. It'll say random quotes on its own...
News Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park Arrives On Switch 2 In March
Rosalina Returns
After its rating earlier this month, Nintendo has today given us another look at Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park, accompanied by a release date of 26th March. The new trailer showcases a bunch of new features that will be arriving in the 2023
News Tetris 99 Has Been Updated, Here Are The Super Vague Patch Notes
Are you sitting comfortably?
Nintendo has released a veritable buffet of updates in the last 24 hours, serving up new versions for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Tetris 99 is the latest to join the crew, but don't expect the patch notes to be all that riveting to read. The ver. 2.6.0 update arrived late last night...
News Final Fantasy VII Remake's Sequels Will Have "Exactly The Same" Gameplay As Other Consoles
Rebirth and third entry are now in development for Switch 2
If you've been keeping up with Final Fantasy VII Remake on the Switch 2, then you'll probably already know that its direct sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, along with the untitled third entry, will also head to the hybrid console in the future. Rebirth represents quite a drastic...
News "The Delays Have Been Unacceptable" - The Wait Continues For Rock It Games' Croc Physical
Croc and roll
Poor old Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. The Argonaut Games remaster arrived on Switch on 2nd April, the very same day that we were all distracted by the monster Switch 2 reveal Direct, and those who pre-ordered the physical edition way back in Oct 2024 still have no idea when it's going to arrive. Talk about a Croc-y start. The game...
News A 'World Class' Pokémon Attraction Is Coming To Universal Studios
Japan first, then global
The Pokémon Company and Universal Studios have announced that a 'world class' Pokémon attraction will be coming to Universal Studios themes parks in Japan and global locations. Described as an 'interactive Pokémon experience' that will "stimulate all five senses", the attraction will debut at Universal Studios Japan in...
Rosalina, Bowser Jr. and..?
Similar to the Sonic movies, the Mario movies are expanding their big-screen universe by introducing and surprising audiences with more characters. Mario's companion Yoshi was teased at the end of the first movie, and since then, the official trailers for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie have introduced Bowser Jr. and...
News Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Scores A Switch 2 eShop Demo This Week
Update: It's now live on the eShop
Last week, the PlayStation Blog revealed a demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties would be released on PlayStation 5. It's now been officially confirmed for the Switch 2 and multiple other platforms. It should be live on the Switch 2 eShop very soon, and will give players access to both games. However, it's been...
News Donkey Kong Bananza's First Update Of 2026 Is Now Available, Here's What's Included
It's been a busy week for DK
Alongside an update to Mario Kart World today, Nintendo has also released its first patch of 2026 for Donkey Kong Bananza. It also adds Polish language support. According to the patch notes, "several other issues" have been addressed to improve the overall experience, but as usual, no additional information has been...
News Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.5.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Download this update on Switch 2 today
Nintendo has released the first update for Mario Kart World this year, and it bumps the latest racing entry up to Version 1.5.0. This update makes some general changes and also addresses multiple issues. This includes Team Races in Knockout Tour and the addition of Polish language support. Here's the full...
News Prince Of Persia Team Behind Cancelled Sands Of Time Remake Shares Final Message
"We know this is deeply disappointing"
Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake will no longer see the light of day after the company announced a major organisational restructure this week. Alongside this news, the team working on the game has issued a message explaining the reason behind this "difficult decision". Although the project had...
Wednesday21st Jan 2026
News Nintendo Producer Kensuke Tanabe Has Seemingly Confirmed His Retirement
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is his final game
Kensuke Tanabe, veteran producer at Nintendo who became known for his work on the Metroid Prime series, has reportedly announced his retirement. As covered by VGC, Tanabe's announcement comes via an interview with the Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream, which has been uploaded online by a user on Weibo
Opinion A Big Life Change Means I'm Happy To Wait For A Brand New Animal Crossing
My new horizon
Remember when Nintendo called Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ 2.0 update the final major free update to the game? It turns out, a lot can change in four years. And here I am again, back on my tropical island paradise, playing through another big free addition – and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of one of my favourite Switch games.
News Ubisoft Cancels 6 Games In Major Organisation Restructure
It's also investing heavily in "player-facing Generative AI"
Ubisoft has announced a major organisational restructure to refocus its initiatives and improve efficiency. In a press release, the company confirmed that it plans to "close several studios" and "continue restructuring throughout the Group" in order to achieve its goals. It reconfirmed...
