DTFaux

@Ganon821 I believe CiBs are mostly for retail space purposes, first and foremost. For the people who might be quicker to see something "new" while walking around a store than they would be to load up a digital storefront periodically.

There's an argument to be made that it's also for the collectors, but that just feels like a convenient excuse (even if there is some truth to it).

I get these folk's frustration with the code-in-box nonsense from a company that can more than afford to print the necessary discs, but using that to praise GKCs is missing the forest for the trees.

There's pros and cons in choosing to go physical or digital with a game purchase, and the core frustration with GKCs is that they combine the biggest cons of both with the primary intent of saving publishers money at the expense of consumers being able to fully own their purchases.

You have to subsidize both storage space AND your cart slot to even access the game. And heaven forbid the eShop or servers are shut down for good, the ability to re-sell or lend those games ultimately become moot. And this is ignoring the theory that GKCs are inherently worth less than carts with the full game on them.

@KoopaTheGamer That's fair.

@jsty3105 I wasn't thinking about it being an either/or, but rather appeasing an audience with practically no risk on the publisher's part.

If there was ever a more perfect excuse for a "Collector's Edition", it'd be the core thing game collectors would care about more than the usual bits and bobs included these days. I'm also reminded that whatever they save by doing GKCs don't seem to be passed down to consumers either...

@KoopaTheGamer That's hardly a problem in my eyes. They're already selling the digital versions as 3 separate purchases (with the ability to bundle for a meaty discount).

Selling physical versions of the 3 separately would be a non-issue if they're all print to order.

@Axecon Square Enix and other companies continue to underestimate our willingness to pay a "tax" if it means having a non-GKC cart.

If only they could do something that ensures they only make as much as they need. Something like a Limited Run of some kind... But nah, that's crazy talk.

I'd say it was an overall solid Direct. Nothing that got me hopping out of my seat, but enough personal stuff to make me happy, and enough general stuff to instill confidence that Switch 2 support will remain pretty consistent.

I kinda hate that rumors about an OoT remake was leaked, though, because that reveal probably would've been a bit more exciting otherwise. Spoiler culture is so weird, because what can you really do with information you can't inherently take seriously?

Definitely interested, but my god, there's so many RPGs out there, and still coming!

So glad we live in a time where high quality/spectacle experiences are no longer mutually exclusive from portable gaming, otherwise I'd never get around to as many of these.

I dont think the series has had a "miss" so far, and this one is looking to keep up the trend.

Also, insane that this is the first console release in 15 years!

Putting my personal hangups to the side for a second, I gotta give props to the devs for how well the game plays so far. I had no doubt on that front (especially with Nintendo looking over their shoulders), but it doesnt hurt to give someone their flowers.

I even like some of the added context and dialogue I've heard so far.

Kinda wild we get this before 4. But IIRC, DMC5 does have a catch-up video, so you dont exactly have to play past games to get into this one.

As someone who didnt hide their disdain for the Cloud Ver. decision, I gotta give it to SE for FINALLY righting this wrong.

And not to be a choosy beggar, but I wonder if there'll be a physical release? According to the eShop, the individual collections seem to be small enough to fit on carts.

So glad I held off on starting X2 and 3 once I suspected those games were gonna get Sw2 upgrades! And I'm tempted to hop back into X1 to do some clean-up now.

Let it be known, girls and boys: Procrastination ALWAYS pays off. Truly a healthy mindset to maintain!

God, what a way to undercut what should've been a slam dunk in this current climate...

While the transparency about generative AI usage is a step in the right direction (if these companies really can't help themselves despite all red flags with the tech and industry), they need to start also clarifying the specifics. "Don't worry, it wasn't used on anything important!" is not for them to decide for us when it's our money they want.

Even more so if whatever costs they're saving aren't being passed on to consumers. I MIGHT start to be willing to look the other way if prominent retail releases' MSRPs were proportionate to however much time and energy this supposedly wondrous tech saved them.

My hype was starting to waver between the lack of a release date and concerns about performance, but if it really is cleaned up that much, I'm back in!

If there was ever a time to finally drop it, it would be near the one year anniversary of the Switch 2's launch.

Also, the car display and browser support are great updates! Kind of a wonder why they werent a thing much earlier. I'd have been using this app way more.

Honestly, I think this game would've been the perfect candidate for a remake. Especially seeing how much reverence Bananza had for DK64's contributions, specifically.

Regardless, great that it's finally here!

Not to be all "When's the next thing?" just as the current thing finally releases, but I do hope Atari continues to maintain momentum with Bubsy after this, unlike his previous rights holders.

Now that it's established that he IS capable of having a decent game, I'd love to see what can be done even further outside of the safety of parody, meta-aware self-deprecation, and extremely limited source material that's informed this "series" for the last 3 decades. And it doesn't even need to be a new game; comics and indie animations are more popular than they've ever been with plenty of artists who'd be more than happy to take on the challenge.

@Aquinas "Official trailer" would imply the product in question actually exists, is in development, and will be playable in some capacity eventually. There'd be something to actually look forward to.

And this isn't to say a fan created trailer isn't cool IN THEORY... But using genAI to do it more speaks to the pure cynicism of it all; especially when it comes to nostaliga. When you get past the technologically impressive aspect of it (and ignore the laundry list of ethical issues), it's basically JUST jingling keys: A quick and easy way to get undiscerning people to "go nuts".

I could see the Switch 2 surpassing the Switch 1's life span by pure circumstance.

The economy is in no position to even consider a next gen at the moment, and we're well past the point of diminishing returns anyways if the selling point of the latest GPUs is frame (and graphics) generation. Even the scope of AAA games and their dev cycles are starting to come into question.

If the industry pivots to optimization of the tech that currently exists, there wont be any need for a new console for a good while. Especially as the Switch 2 is flexible for similar experimental stuff like Labo and Ring Fit on Sw1.

Guess this was the inevitable trade-off for them backing down from $70-$80 games across the board. And in the grand scheme of things it could be worse.

...At the same time, it's crazy to think so many "market conditions" post-Covid really have been brought on by ignorance or hubris. Like, usually the pain points are a lot more intangible, but we really can draw a through-line between the 'Line Go Up' business culture, a tariff-happy administration (despite all warnings), the AI gold rush (overvalued, unsustainable, and not even really useful), and now a pointless war that has directly impacted fuel prices (which also affects shipping costs).

Surely, we're about due for the pendulum to finally start swinging back?

While I still vastly prefer the more humanoid, stylized/cartoony designs, seeing the renders leaves a far better impression than the in-game cutscenes did in the Direct yesterday. I see the vision much better and respect the choice more for it.

That said, I'm with @N00BiSH here regarding people trying to draw comparisons to the SNES box art. Feels like if taking inspiration from it was the intent, the designers would've leaned harder in that direction. Maybe the inevitable Nintendo Asks interviews will give better insight, but it feels like leaning into the realistic animal proportions really was the point this go around.

One last thought on this for now: Another reboot makes absolute sense when you consider Zero was almost a decade ago and went nowhere (for multiple reasons).

So I'm perfectly okay with a high-fidelity 64 remake that introduces new fans to the series if it means we FINALLY get new SF content after this. Ideally, sooner than 2036...

I hate being that guy, but I'm REALLY salty about the redesigns...

To be clear, I think everything else about the game looks great, and I'll even go so far to say the redesigns look competent and well done(!), but they aesthetically feel antithetical to what makes the SF characters' designs so appealing in the first place. It just feels like they took things to the extreme end so another 64 remake feels justified on the Switch 2.

I'm sure I'll tolerate them in the same way I put up with Command's and Assault's designs, but it felt like we were on the right track between Zero, Smash Ultimate, and the Galaxy Movie's design...

This would definitely give me an excuse to jump back in for the post-game... assuming there's an upgrade path. Can't say I'd be pressed to pay full price again.

Also, I'll take this as further hope and cope that mayyyyybe a non-Cloud Ver. release of the Kingdom Hearts Collections will be a reality!

Honestly, I really don't mind the idea, but the execution made it feel wholly unearned by just plopping it into a fast-paced movie like they did.

For as many questions as it raised and refused to answer, I think DK Bananza handled its retcon better by coming out the gate with shifting a 30-year old status quo, and THEN leaving breadcrumbs to help piece things together a bit better.

@idkmyname Can at least vouch for the Toree games. 3D (the first one) and Toree 2 are solid bite-sized platformers for 99 cents each if you get them on the eShop.

And not even "good for shovel ware" solid; like actually "They could've gotten away with charging a few more dollars" levels of solid, IMO.

@metaphysician Oh yeah, I'd never expect them to sell at a loss. And really, working with SOME profit wiggle room is the more sustainable move (even though selling at a loss feels more "pro-consumer").

My gripe really is just with how companies will lament the current economic climate, and then turn around and pop champagne over another record-breaking fiscal year. So if Nintendo does raise prices, I hope it really is out of necessity, rather than greed.

There's a 'NiGHTs into Dreams' joke in here somewhere, but I can't be bothered to find it...

On a slightly different note, though, I love Capcom's ability to find that balance between high fidelity visuals while not taking themselves too seriously in tone and aesthetics.

I feel like these price increases really arent that "inevitable" if companies were comfortable enough with modest success in the long term instead of maximizing profits by the next quarter.

Unless they're at risk to make pennies on sales, Nintendo's probably in the best position right now to stick the course and stay the most affordable modern console among their competitors.

Really hoping the Item Box adjustment is meant to address players "bagging".

I know you can't really nerf a comeback mechanic too hard for the sake of the casuals, but hopefully they found a way to make it more low-reward/high-risk for the sweats who abuse it.

It's funny, I'm so used to Fox's design being so angular that seeing his edges softened and rounded makes this feel like the work of a very skilled 3D furry artist (endearing).

It's also kinda frustrating because if this movie really will have a similar runtime to the first one, there's not gonna be any time for ANYTHING, man! It's also a wonder what they could possibly be holding back when they're giving so much away up front?

@cedarhyped Some people are definitely petty and hyperbolic about it, but I think this is a case where there is some truth to it when you look back at their history:

-The DS proved successful, so they tried to charge more for the 3DS. The 3DS's launch under-performed, so they dropped the price and did the Ambassador's Program for early adopters.

-The Wii was successful, so they leaned into the "Blue Ocean" strategy with Wii U. Wii U struggled HARD, so they introduced the Gold Coin system with the Switch's launch (and brought vouchers later).

-The Switch was wildly successful, so they ended the Gold Coins and Vouchers going into Switch 2.

It's hard to say what the true culprit is this time, BUT it does seem like it's at least a partial back-down from thinking they could sustain charging $70-$80 games.

I've been hearing the term "recession indicator" over the last year, and it feels like a company that isn't exactly struggling suddenly offering solid deals like this is a pretty dubious sign of that.

That said, I'm not gonna sneeze at things becoming a bit more affordable again if quality is sustained. Though as a physical collector, I'd love to see retailers try to price competitively with the eShop.

It's such a rough tear, because things like this are undeniably cute... but at the same time, I just can't imagine putting any entertainment IP at the center of such a major crossroad in life for me. And I say this as both a Pokemon and Nintendo fan.

At most, you'll probably get me playing "My Best Friends" or "Together Forever" from the '2.B.A. Master' soundtrack during the walk down the aisle? But the nerd stuff will otherwise be saved for the reception.

@tecniko Their existence is not the point of contention here; it's their implementation and justification that's being criticized.

Also, what do you mean "nothing changes"? There is a direct through-line that can be drawn between socioeconomic policies and our wallets. This doesn't get a pass.

@Thecure Nintendo (and other companies) are only suing now because the SC deemed the original batch of tariffs unlawful, so they're trying to recoup potential losses from the disruption.

They may not win, but they absolutely have grounds to go after theirs. As far as the consumer-side of things go... BOY, it sure would be nice if more folks understood the value of consumer protections, instead of voting for people who are antithetical to that! Maybe we'll figure it out one day~

@Smithicus That camp may not support them now, but you should check the comment sections of the first articles around when this tariff stuff was happening.

Assuming folks didnt delete their own posts/accounts by now, there were definitely a few buying into the "Short-term pain for long-term prosperity" talking point and other similar, because Dear Leader is never wrong. Heck, give them long enough, and a few might even show up here!

@Yosher My (absolutely biased) guess is that they took the criticism to heart with how they only ever seem to lock comment sections when Trump is mentioned, but not other articles when it came to general politics.

Now whether or not this is a fluke, or they commit this time is anyone's guess. But I'll also concede that this is their site, so they can technically be as arbitrary with their rules as they want (PR be darned).

@axelhander I dont think trying to be facetious about people's disdain for, specifically, the AI gold rush really holds when we continue to see tangible consequences of its implementation across the board.

Like, this late in the game, is being skeptical or wary really the unreasonable position here?

Oh geez, Handheld Mode Boost is gonna be causing me to test all my Sw1 games like it was the first few weeks of the Sw2's launch all over again!

Also being able to individually toggle stuff while in Airplane Mode is also a welcomed function! Feels like that'll buy a good few minutes on the less-than-ideal battery.

@Max_the_German On one hand, I understand their wariness, considering the moderation nightmare the comment section becomes whenever You-know-who's name pops up...

On the other hand, the inconsistency is rather frustrating when, arguably, You-know-who's policies have a more immediate and direct impact worth discussing, AND those of us who criticized and scrutinized were right all along.

"Nintendo suing the US government" was big news all over the internet, and the irony that we couldn't talk about it on one of the biggest Nintendo news sites around...

Seems I was right in assuming this was gonna be more of a Princess Peach Showtime affair than a conventionally challenging platformer. Which isn't a problem if the gameplay loop is fun enough.

But I'm not a fan of how they keep giving these Yoshi-focused games such a "Baby's first video game" vibe to them. Yoshi Story and Wooly World proved you can aim for a chill and whimsical energy without basically patronizing your audience. Hope there's some surprises in the main release.

I hate that the timing of this announcement feels like just trying to build hype and buy good will for the new head before even a prototype is made.

Because why wouldn't this be something the old guard announced anytime before they left? It feels like we're another year or two away from seeing anything (assuming they're not gonna just slap the brand on another pre-made device...).

I had to do a double-take with the theme park stuff, because I was wondering how in the world would you carve out a section of the park for something like RE??

But a collab makes more sense, as I'm sure that means just swapping out banners, themed merch/foods, and transforming attractions that already have the infrastructure for it.

Already hopping to a Kirby variant and Noir Dedede on two of the best machines in the game?? They're nice and I plan to get them, but I hope this isn't a sign that they're skipping the rest of the roster before ending production...

I can take or leave everyone else, but please let me get Rick before all this is over!

This is gonna be spiteful to say, but shout out to all the people who moaned, "They're never going to try to do better!" after Sw/Sh and Sc/Vi sold so well.

Regardless of what the final product will be, it goes to show that most devs and creatives don't set out to phone it in or make a substandard product on purpose, and that short development times from on high was the more likely problem.

Per tradition, I always pick a water starter no matter how I personally feel about them. So it's gonna be Gequa by default (and I feel better about them out the gate than I did Sobble).

But if not for my arbitrary rule, it absolutely would've been Pombon.

Thinking about it more... I like the idea from a toy perspective, but splitting an entire soundtrack among 45 proprietary carts feels like overkill in 2026. Not helped by the fact that the "storage case" doesn't really look like something you'd proudly display on a shelf.

And thinking about it even more... for $70, what a missed opportunity to not go all in and just make a functioning mini Gameboy that can actually play Pokemon R/B, along with having other functions. Especially when you remember the Pokemon Pikachu/2GS, Pokemon Mini, and Pokewalker are all right there!

@Bobb Given the themes, locale, and the player characters wearing wet suits, I wouldn't be surprised if that device had multiple functions.

My money's on being both a paraglider and a water scooter (though, a hover board would be really cool for ground traversal. Not to get my hopes up...).

I very much took the trailer as a sign that they took a lot of the criticisms towards Sc/Vi (and a lesser extent Sw/Sh) to heart. We'll have to wait and see how things fair as more is revealed, but a 2027 release also instills confidence that this entry is getting the development time it deserves.

I keep thinking that the Championship app will be offloading the burden of the VGC from the mainlines, so here's hoping these games can go all in on whatever they got cooking. Would love to see them build upon Sc/Vi's multiplayer with more stuff to do with friends!

@Lizuka Speaking of, there really was a lack of unique merch announcements for the big 3 0.

I dont doubt they have stuff waiting in the wings, but it would've been nice to see them between the annual parade of mobile game updates.