Timeline
Friday23rd Jan 2026
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 Pokémon Legends Z-A Version 2.0.1 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Including multiple fixes for Mega Dimension
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has received its first update of the year today for the Switch and Switch 2. When you download it, your copy will be updated to Version 2.0.1. It focuses on some adjustments for obtaining certain items (including an increase to the maximum number of Mega Shards) and also applies a...
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...
News Digital Foundry Delivers Its Tech Review Of Final Fantasy VII Remake On Switch 2
Is it Materi-awesome?
With the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2, Digital Foundry has once again delivered its technical review of the port, detailing how it stands up next to the PS4 and, perhaps more importantly, the PS5. The good news is that, as detailed in our review, FF7 Remake is a technical triumph on the Switch...
News Sonic Mania Dev Laments "Corporate Bureaucracy" Ahead Of Its Next Game
Rubato launches this March
Developer Headcannon, which perhaps most notably developed Sonic Mania alongside Christian Whitehead and PagodaWest Games, has announced the release date for its new game, Rubato. [Update: Headcannon is publishing the game, which was developed by dconn.] The experimental 2D title will hit the Switch eShop on 20th March...
Round Up The Reviews Are In For Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade On Switch 2
A true Fantasy, or pretty Mid(gar)?
After being announced for Switch 2 way back in the console's reveal Direct, we are now just days away from the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. We're so close, in fact, that the reviews have started rolling in, and it's a pretty positive picture. Here at Nintendo Life, we had a wonderful time with...
Random YouTuber Combines Switch 2, PS5, And Xbox Series S Into One Huge Machine
It's a beast
If you happen to be lucky enough to own a Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, then chances are you've had to do a little rearranging just to get them all to fit correctly underneath (or to the side of) your TV. Well, YouTuber Xiao Ningzi has come up with a rather novel – and surprisingly elegant – solution, by combining...
Everybody's living in a Materia world
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gawked at the opening sequence to Final Fantasy VII over the years. From a three-year-old, gazing up at the intro for the first time from the carpet of my living room, to watching the camera zoom out and pan across Midgar in Final Fantasy VII Remake back in 2020, I’ve...
Rumour Bethesda Is Reportedly Reviving Two More Fallout Games
Update: Just don't expect them any time soon
[Thu 8th Jan, 2026 06:30 GMT]: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition is on its way to the Switch 2 this year, and it might not be the only Fallout game returning in the future. This information comes from the same Windows Central report about "what to expect" from Xbox "this year, and beyond". According to the...
News EB Games Is Closing Some Stores In Australia This Month
Alongside GameStop's exit from the New Zealand market
Last week, we got an update about GameStop's EB Games business in New Zealand, which confirmed 38 stores in the country would be closing at the end of this month. At the time, no information was provided about the future of the 336 Australian stores, but we've now got some details. As reported...
News Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets A Free Switch 2 Update And Adds Dixie Kong
Download Version 1.1.0 for Switch and Switch 2 today!
Nintendo has announced a free update for the Switch title Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and it's available today! This update comes with multiple improvements when playing the game on Switch 2, including enhanced resolution, higher-definition graphics, and faster load times. There's also...
Research firm Niko Partners reveals what could drive an increase
Over the past year, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S have been hit with price increases. It's inevitably led to questions about the Switch 2 getting a price hike in the future. Although there has been no official announcement from Nintendo about a price increase at this...
Tuesday20th Jan 2026
Feature 40 Games We'd Love To See On Switch 2
We'd give our right Joy-Con 2 see 'em
This article originally went live back in August 2025. We've updated the list, removing some announced, incoming ports (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Resident Evils 7, 8, and 9), plus ones which have already come to Switch 2 (Assassin's Creed Shadows,
News Donkey Kong Bananza's First DLC In-Game Event Of 2026 Is Now Underway
A Tropical Freeze feast
Nintendo is showing no sign of slowing down on the in-game events for Donkey Kong Bananza's Emerald Rush DLC, as the latest challenge is now underway. The 'Freeze Break' event kicked off today (20th Jan) and will be sticking around until 27th Jan at 7:59am GMT / 8:59am CET / 11:59 PT (26th) — so there's plenty of time to...
News Sail Forth's Free 'Switch 2 Edition' Upgrade Is Bound To Float Your Boat
As easy as A, B, Sea
Sail Forth floated onto Switch back in 2022 with its adorable seafaring adventures reminding us of a beautiful blend of No Man's Sky and Wind Waker. A little over three years on, developer Festive Vector and publisher The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild have launched a new version to make the most of the Switch 2's fancy features...
Random Reggie Recalls Retailers "Upset" With Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Shortages
Just a week into the job
Even though we've just entered a new era of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aimé is still the name most people associate with the role. And, speaking at this weekend's New York Game Awards, the former NoA president shared a little tidbit about his time early on in his career at Nintendo (thanks,
News Cross-Progression Is Coming To Hitman: World Of Assassination Next Month
Kill with convenience
If you happen to own Hitman: World of Assassination on multiple systems, then good news, because cross-progression is officially being added on 3rd February 2026. Announced via a blog post, you'll be able to carry over key progression across all relevant platforms, provided of course you actually own the game on multiple...
News Former Nintendo Of America President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro's Board Of Directors
King of the Kenner
Following his retirement as President and COO of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser has now joined the board of directors for toy manufacturer Hasbro. This news come directly from Hasbro itself, with the firm confirming the appointment of Bowser alongside Carla Vernón, CEO of The Honest Company, a digital-first consumer goods...
News Lovely-Looking Cinematic Adventure Sequel 'Planet Of Lana II' Gets A 10-Minute Gameplay Vid
Coming to Switch consoles this year
Wishfully Studios' sublime debut, Planet of Lana, brought some top-notch puzzle/platforming action to Switch back in April 2024. Indeed, we went so far as to give this beautiful-looking cinematic adventure a rather splendid 8/10 back at launch. Now, its Swedish dev, alongside publisher Thunderful Games (now...
News Nintendo Boosts Its Reach With Another 'Nintendo Today!' Update
Here are the patch notes
Nintendo has updated its Nintendo Today! app for Android and iOS, boosting its reach with additional releases in four countries (thanks, Nintendo Everything). As detailed in the (very brief) patch notes, the app is now live in Argentina, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Nintendo Today! - Version 2.3.0...
News Pokémon's Game Boy Development Process Took A "Great Deal Of Trial And Error"
Realising the "simple concept" with limited resources wasn't easy
Although Pokémon has become a global powerhouse over the past 30 years, the series' beginnings didn't necessarily happen overnight. In a special video message during the New York Game Awards recently (where Pokémon received the prestigious 'Andrew Yoon Legend Award' for industry...
News Kirby Air Riders Is Getting Its First Update Of 2026 "Soon"
And it might be one of the last significant ones
Kirby Air Riders on the Switch 2 is content complete, but it's not done with game updates just yet. Although fans were informed the team would be disbanding soon, game director and video game legend Masahiro Sakurai mentioned in December how there might be one more round of adjustments. Nintendo's...
