Honestly, I love the juxtaposition of how much effort Nintendo has put into changing DK's design from the one he's been rocking for almost 3 decades... only to give him two power-up forms that look so particularly cursed.
Not that it's a bad thing. I appreciate when any IP holder is willing to break conventional "marketability" in order to do funny/cool things with their characters.
I almost wish I didnt watch it, only because some of the surprises would've hit way harder organically. Still, I'm way more excited for it now than I was in April (as someone who got to try the demo).
And not to dwell on the pricing discourse, but the amount of stuff seen in this Direct really puts further scrutiny on MKW's $80 price of entry, when Bananza is looking like a more "complete" game at launch for $70.
I mentioned in another comment section that it's fine for what it is (I wouldn't be against more content, given its price of entry), but it seriously needs some Quality of Life updates if it's just gonna be "Find things around this giant map!"
At the moment, it feels parallel to MK8's base game on Wii U: A very solid starting point that's fine if left as-is. But hopefully it becomes more like MK8D with enough time.
I three-starred every cup and rally now, only because I knew I'd feel compelled to later. And by then, I might not be as much in the mood or have as much patience.
I'm also banking on this game having updates down the road, and I'd rather clear base game in case we get more challenges later on.
As is, I'd give it a solid 8 (maybe a soft 9). The GP and Knockout Tour modes are great, and the balance of chaos feels less frustrating compared to past MK games. It also helps that the online seems better compared to MK8D. Getting hit by stuff actually feels like my fault now!
The Free Roam mode (a major selling point) is also alright if you go into it with the right mindset... I dont mind the lack of a "real" campaign or substantial unlockables, but I find the lack of conventional QoL "open world" games are known for to be baffling; especially this far removed from Mario Odyssey, BotW/TotK, the Xenoblade series, Splatoon's single player campaigns, and I'm sure DK Bananaza next month.
I suspect we're gonna be seeing content and QoL updates during this game's lifetime, but the lack of the latter at launch is not helping to justify the $80 price of entry for anyone who bought the game on its own.
As someone who's unfortunately gotten more than his share of controllers with stick drift, I get the PTSD... but how prevalent has the issue been in recent years?
Could just be that I'm not looking in the right places, but stick drift seemed to be more isolated to controllers made between 2017 and 2018, and has cropped up substantially less after that. It's just hard to imagine Nintendo wouldn't have tried to fix the issue over the 8+ years, much less across generations.
I'll eat my own words if I'm wrong, of course, but I dont care for the supposed conflating of "Not being hall effect" means "Stick drift will be equally frequent."
This is kind of a big deal, as it shows Splatoon 3 still has some gas (ink?) in the tank.
Also, this now being the 13th Switch 1 game to get a free Switch 2 update feeds into the hopes that we'll see more updates roll out for other titles sooner than later. Would love Xenonlade 2 to be on the docket...
Honestly, even with the Switch 1, a portable battery felt like a necessity for extended handheld sessions.
Hopefully we get an approved list or licensed battery for the Switch 2. While I'm sure charging tech has gotten better and safer over the years, I'd still like to have battery options I can buy with full confidence.
Being unapologetically cynical about this... We've effectively just come full-circle to video game CPUs; which are about as old as gaming itself.
I get that the approach here is having tech learn as it plays, but that feels far less impressive in the current climate of the AI hype bubble, compared to the more innocent times of a decade ago when a lot of "AI" stuff either had more altruistic ambitions, or was just being [ethically] sourced/coded for funsies.
@BirdoDidNothingWrong I can definitely see where you're coming from. Especially when some comments over the same matters do start to become redundant. I think that's also the nature of so many people being in a single community: If something rubs a lot of folks in that community the wrong way, that sentiment is gonna be echoed. And the side effect of a lot of people overlapping is that they'll feel more inclined to keep complaining about the same things.
I guess in this specific case, we're also in a unique situation where we're all excitedly waiting for the release of a new console and looking for an outlet. Barring any controversies, I suspect the game-key card stuff will run its course and return to a more moderate level of discussion.
...Unless every other 3rd party dev jumps on the bandwagon, then this will be as generation-defining as Joy-Con Drift for the Switch 1 (though, we don't hear much about it these days).
As someone who was fussing over the initial LRG/Raidou game-key card situation, I'd be remised if I didn't give props to LRG for being clear that they're committed to releasing internally published games fully on the cart.
We'll have to ultimately see if that sticks in the long run, but here's hoping!
@BirdoDidNothingWrong I mean, it's kind of a Chicken-Egg situation, isn't it? Topical, pressing matters - be it a sitting president's unprecedented nonsense or the fast-approaching launch of a new console - are gonna get a lot of coverage because it's on a lot of minds. If it was inconsequential, it wouldn't be covered nearly as much.
There is an argument to be made about if so much coverage is being done for cynical reasons, but is this really one of those cases when so many do intend to plan their purchases around whether or not a game's all on-cart?
It's kinda funny seeing how antagonistic some people want to be in light of someone trying to carve a space for good vibes over what's supposed to be a hobby.
Like, I'll be the first to say that criticism and complaints can be valid a lot of the time, but similar to "toxic positivity", it's also incredibly easy to fall down a rabbit hole of cynicism to the point where it's just a ritual, rather than a means of catharsis or productivity.
@Gorlock While noting those issues, they kinda make my point. The industry is waiting with bated breath over how much GTA6 will cost at retail. But if Rockstar knows they'll make hand over fist via subscriptions and digital currency purchases in the long run, they could surprise everyone and NOT charge $80+ for price of entry; completely kneecapping industry hopes of a new normal.
Of course, I'd be a fool to be so optimistic. So I'm really just making the point that plenty of publishers who are eyeing $80 forget they're not Rockstar or Nintendo.
@nuke13 Respectfully, the math is still only being done in isolation and consideration to the cost of the game.
In theory, it might only take 4 hours to be able to afford an $80 game. But in practice, how much longer will that take when lumped in with other necessities (not even luxuries) that have also gotten more expensive since 1991?
Of course, video games are a luxury (even thought their core appeal was being a relatively affordable and accessible hobby), so it's kinda whatever at the end of the day... But I suspect some publishers will be in for a rude awakening in thinking $80 is the new standard based off a sample size of 1.5; and Rockstar could very well undermine the entire scheme.
You'd think someone who would have a finger on the pulse with gamers would avoid such a predictable PR blunder.
He has every right to try and justify the potential cost if he sincerely believes in its value, but minimum wage went a lot farther in 1991 when adjusting cost of living to inflation Vs. how little wages have kept up.
The dubiousness of the argument that "James Earl Jones gave permission" is that he isn't around to have to deal with the systemic ramifications of letting this Pandora's Box open a bit more. It's not like there isn't a history of the entertainment industry being plagued with predatory practices or anything...
And given how poorly non-union workers have been treated as of late - especially in light of AI being crammed into everything at everyone's expense - it's hard not to want to take the side of SAG-AFTRA here. I just hope they're 1) Approaching this in good faith, and 2) Have all their ducks in a row. They're tangentially scuffling with the same company that just won a lawsuit against Apple.
It just occured to me: Between the attempt to breathe a bit more life into Gen 9, Z-A being around the corner, and Champions looking to lift some of the logistical burden from the mainline games, I wonder if Gen 10 is still a bit further away than we think?
I know people love to rag on TPC and Game Freak for their missteps (some deserved, some overblown...), but I'm not getting a sense that they're phoning things in just because Sc/Vi were so successful.
@-wc- 1) "Caliber" can ALSO mean character (and integrity). You can be the most mediocre artist in the world, and still have certain scruples.
2) By all means, I'm not trying to stop you from voicing your opinions on a matter of subjectivity, but that's not the hill I was looking to die on in my original comment. No harm, no foul, but please be careful how (and who) you try to pull into your own crusades.
There's absolutely a conversation to be had about how the prevalence of gen-AI is making people hyper-scrutinous. There's also a conversation to be had about Nintendo's quality as of late... But this "catch-22" you're trying to force is an arbitrary dichotomy. Any artist/creative with experience will tell you that even "the best and brightest" aren't always gonna make things to your own personal satisfaction. And a failure to do so isn't inherently a reflection of their "laziness."
@-wc- 1) In your rush to be snarky, I think you missed I said "of their caliber" not "hi caliber". So me thinks the the user doth protest too much, now.
2) A couple of assets you aren't personally feeling does not represent a studio/company's larger portfolio and development philosophy.
As an artist myself, I'll be first in line to actually boo them if it turns out they are leaning on gen-AI for assets. But I'd rather go off of more than just a hunch and hearsay [from people who may or may not have an axe to grind] when it comes to this subject matter.
Given the artists and devs of their caliber working under them, I feel like Nintendo would be one of the last companies I'd expect to jump on this whole gen-AI trend.
Especially this late in the game when the cracks are starting to show, the bubble is looking more likely to burst by the day, the copyright protections are spotty, AND the PR backlash just isn't worth the small bump in stock value.
The amount of people who've misremembered MKWorld's USD pricing (myself, included for a moment) is a fascinating case that needs to either be studied or recorded for posterity. We're equidistant from the Switch 2 Direct and launch day, and the misinformation remains prevalent.
Also, gotta be careful puffing one's chest (especially if you don't have much tangible stake in this). The price of entry being "worth it" is moot if it's too high for enough people to even take the ride. Not like we haven't been talking about the unsustainable state of the video game industry for a good while now...
@Zufolobelisk Honestly, I've been hoping for this IP to have its revival redemption arc for YEARS now. Partially for the comeback story, but also because it often feels like some "failed" IPs actually have potential.
Which is why it sucks that he only keeps getting brought back for nostalgia bait at best, and irony poison at worst. With a slight shift in character personality, the right artists who understand appealing character design, and experienced devs with more than a shoestring budget, Bubsy could actually be something!
@Jester676 I suspect it's less to do with short-term financial damages (or pettiness), and more to do with protecting against long-term damages, both financial and PR-wise.
If a major leak from a sizeable 3rd party company is excused, others might start to be emboldened, and it'll be much harder to clamp down on later. Additionally, if they aren't authorized accessory makers, this is probably Nintendo's way to rebuke potential association, should those products run the risk of damaging official hardware, if not worse.
Basically, for as much as we rag on Nintendo for being lawsuit-happy, this is one of those cases that's gonna be REALLY hard to side with the defendant on if trademarks are to be respected and protected across the board.
@Alaninho I mean, turnabout is fair play, isn't it? If he feels so inclined to give his reasons, then people are in their right to challenge those reasons, aren't they?
To the bigger point: The surface-level, cop-out complaint about "inserting politics" as a point of failure is only exacerbating the issue. People keep alluding to wanting their precious escapism, only to be befuddled when reality keeps finding them.
Between the tariff situation and game prices only getting more expensive (not even getting into sociopolitics that's affecting many in this community and shared hobby), we're kind of out of places to "escape" to. And our inability to actually reconcile with our reality (and IMO, care about the most vulnerable) is only going to see things get way worse for everyone before things get better.
The Cons just outweigh the Pros too much to be fully on board.
You're not only STILL subsidizing hard drive space, but cartridge space as well now. And if you lose that cart, you lose access to the game that's sitting on your hard drive.
This concept seems like it'd be a boon if game rentals were still a big thing, or if the savings were being passed to the consumer with this stuff... But as it is, it seems more to the benefit of publishers and retailers above all else.
@Dazman While your intentions are good, the advice is a bit tone deaf...
I'm sure most folks on this site are already trying to budget responsibly. And the suggestion to just "jump into a better paying profession" is always easier said than done in both the time (and money!) it takes to get a certification + however chaotic an industry is to apply for that isnt also gonna be downsizing due to all this economic turmoil.
It'd be one thing if it was JUST hobbies getting more expensive, but it's a smaller part of a much bigger issue.
@Aurumonado I think we need to be careful conflating the two things. For one, it gives companies still making profits something to hide behind, while the top ranks and investors continue to sit pretty.
Secondly, it speaks to a level of systemic unsustainability if literally hundreds of devs are suddenly without a job just to "keep game prices low".
This might be the biggest testament of LRG becoming too big for its own good.
One can kinda look the other way with them effectively becoming 2nd party publishers for companies that can more than afford to do it themselves, and even the sheer bloat of merchandise bundles that delays orders way longer than it should... but I feel like them specifically getting in on this game-key card stuff just has me asking, "What are we even doing here anymore?..."
One of the few 3rd party games I'm gonna double dip on.
Even jumped the gun selling off my cleared PS4 version early because I'm pretty certain I'm never gonna see a need to load it back up if the Switch 2 version is even a halfway decent port. (But please make it available all on cart...)
I've made a similar comment, but it's ironic that among the entire trend of game prices increasing for every little reason, paying a "Cartridge Tax" that assures the entire game is on a physical cartridge would be one of the more reasonable cases.
Especially in an era where there's multiple Editions and SKUs for the same games, I don't see why we can't do both game key cards for the casuals AND proper carts for the collectors.
It turned out that I actually DIDN'T need to show up 5 hours before my local GS's opening. One hour would've sufficed for a comfortable position to get the MKW bundle.
Still, a 5-hour wait was a small price to pay to not have to do any hunting post-launch.
I suspect we're gonna see some type of crowdfunding service where folks pool money together to subsidize putting full [base] games on carts in the near future.
Something that straddles the lines between LRG and Makeship... Ideally without all the Limited Edition fluff so people arent waiting 50 years for their orders...
@Not_Soos I mean, the topic is "political" in and of itself (literally the cause and effect of economic policies). There shouldnt be any concerns of closing the comment section, so long as comments stay on topic and [relatively] respectful.
That said, it's getting increasingly hard to maintain the latter part amid the unecessary headache-induced chaos. And it's getting kind of annoying (putting it lightly) seeing some people trip over themselves to not be frustrated about a man constantly throwing a grenade at everyone's feet despite ample warnings from countless people and professionals... including the man himself.
Some of you guys (generally speaking) would be absolutely livid if this exact scenario happened under a president you didnt like anywhere near as much. But because it's him, he only gets a shoulder shrug at worst.
In this current era of tech where designs are blurring together, and everything is trying to be sleek and "efficient" to an almost arbitrary degree (AI this, and AI that...), I welcome more attempts at making consumer tech fun and interesting like it used to be.
That said, the button setup looks like a nightmare. Feels like analogue sliders + a concave button setup would accomplish the same thing.
Also, kudos to the NL team for keeping this comment section open so far, despite the predictable outcome of some of the comments. I feel like it's more important than ever for people to be able to engage in [socio]political discourse; especially when it pertains to the hobbies and interests that we collectively enjoy.
That said, I can't blame any mod for hitting the Eject button if things start to go a bit too off the rails.
@batmanbud2 I really don't want this thread on a video game site to go more off the rails than it already has, but for a nation to re-elect a convicted fraudster and known con man (among so much else) in the hopes of economic prosperity is the worst indictment of the electorate. And to justify it with the hypothetical and intellectually lazy "As if the other guys would've been better!" argument is either grossly misinformed or huffing the purest, distilled copium.
I've heard and seen all kinds of perspectives and opinions in my near-18 years of being politically conscious. And in all that time, I've NEVER seen so many individuals bend over backwards and turn on a dime to defend ONE MAN (who's so transparently self-serving) over actions, rhetoric, and policies no other living politician, much less person, could ever get away with.
It's such an insane chapter in history, and terrifying that so many cant (or refuse to) see it...
@batmanbud2 "In order to heal, our nation needs to suffer."
1) Man, that's not helping beat the "cult" allegations... 2) No one who was foolish enough to vote for the man was signing on to take on MORE economic burden for an undisclosed period of time and no tangible goal. This reeks of trying to move the goal post.
@Uncle_Franklin That's the neat thing: Arguing in ambiguity means you can never be proven wrong! Ignore the warnings from economists, historians, and even the companies themselves, and just have faith that it'll all work out for the greater good eventually!
@-wc- I assume a small part of that is because some 3rd parties that were approached by Nintendo in 2006 have since realized that they could probably take a larger piece of the pie by releasing classic games themselves, on multiple platforms to boot.
There's also the added benefit that when they put in the footwork, classic collections have more QoL improvements and content compared to just dropping old games on VC (Capcom, Konami, and Namco have been doing pretty good on this front in recent times).
Outside the moral argument about "owning games", I just don't see rebooting VC as the better option or value compared to an NSO subscription service where you're incentivized to play games you'd otherwise would never buy at old VC prices.
It was a cool concept for its time, but in an era where licenses run out and digital storefronts close, I'd rather there be more pressure for the option to own classics physically. Otherwise, taking to the high seas has never been more accessible than ever, if one is really so inclined to "own" retro digital games.
It's funny, because the original plan was for a few friends to apply for different sessions to increase our chances, but Nintendo's guest rules seemed to discourage that. Fortunately, the RNG fates have shined on the few eggs in this one basket!
Incidentally, if I had a nickle for everytime I won a chance to go to NY for an official Nintendo event, I'd have three nickles. Which isnt a lot, but...
I think the trailer did the job it needed to show "This exists, is a successor, here's some new features to speculate, is backwards compatible; see y'all in April!" It probably would've been more exiting if the leaks didnt take the wind out of its sails, but such is the curse of people anticipating the follow-up of a highly successful console.
Aside from that, I hope folks dont get too caught up on the Mario Kart clip. To me, it looks more like a placeholder than any definitive first look at a 'Mario Kart 9'.
(Also, double-checking the trailer, the video length is 2:22, and you cant convince me that wasnt on purpose)
@EarthboundBenjy I was speculating with a relative, but the more obvious games might be accessory-focused ones like Ring Fit and Labo, as the console/controllers likely wont fit without workarounds.
It's also hard to tell from the video, but if they removed the IR sensor as well, that might shave off a few games too.
The fact that it's officially called "Switch 2" shows they're not risking any Wii U or New 3DS confusion this time around.
Also the fact that the Direct is so early in April makes it so transparent that they're gonna squeeze every last penny out of the fiscal year/quarter. But hopefully this also means an official release date isnt too far behind?...
Comments 992
Re: Random: Hideo Kojima Remembers That Time He Used Unwanted Teddy Bear Tech To Make A GBA Vampire Game
Man, I wasnt obsessed with the series, but was definitely locked in enough to get every NA release as they came out (1, 2, and Lunar Knights).
It always felt like such a niche series, because I sure as heck didnt know anyone else around me who cared about it.
Re: Capcom Spotlight Announced For Next Week, Here's A Teaser Trailer
It's a long shot, but it'd be really cool if MHWilds did get a port to Switch 2.
If not that, I'd be more than happy with a Switch 2 update for Rise, seeing as it got raised frame caps and resolutions on other platforms.
Re: Gallery: We're Going Bananas For This Fresh Batch Of Donkey Kong Bananza Screenshots
Honestly, I love the juxtaposition of how much effort Nintendo has put into changing DK's design from the one he's been rocking for almost 3 decades... only to give him two power-up forms that look so particularly cursed.
Not that it's a bad thing. I appreciate when any IP holder is willing to break conventional "marketability" in order to do funny/cool things with their characters.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Direct: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate It?
I almost wish I didnt watch it, only because some of the surprises would've hit way harder organically. Still, I'm way more excited for it now than I was in April (as someone who got to try the demo).
And not to dwell on the pricing discourse, but the amount of stuff seen in this Direct really puts further scrutiny on MKW's $80 price of entry, when Bananza is looking like a more "complete" game at launch for $70.
Re: Talking Point: How Are You Finding Mario Kart's Open World?
I mentioned in another comment section that it's fine for what it is (I wouldn't be against more content, given its price of entry), but it seriously needs some Quality of Life updates if it's just gonna be "Find things around this giant map!"
At the moment, it feels parallel to MK8's base game on Wii U: A very solid starting point that's fine if left as-is. But hopefully it becomes more like MK8D with enough time.
Re: Poll: Do You Three-Star-Gold Every Mario World Grand Prix Before Moving On To The Next?
I three-starred every cup and rally now, only because I knew I'd feel compelled to later. And by then, I might not be as much in the mood or have as much patience.
I'm also banking on this game having updates down the road, and I'd rather clear base game in case we get more challenges later on.
Re: What Review Score Would You Give Mario Kart World?
As is, I'd give it a solid 8 (maybe a soft 9). The GP and Knockout Tour modes are great, and the balance of chaos feels less frustrating compared to past MK games. It also helps that the online seems better compared to MK8D. Getting hit by stuff actually feels like my fault now!
The Free Roam mode (a major selling point) is also alright if you go into it with the right mindset... I dont mind the lack of a "real" campaign or substantial unlockables, but I find the lack of conventional QoL "open world" games are known for to be baffling; especially this far removed from Mario Odyssey, BotW/TotK, the Xenoblade series, Splatoon's single player campaigns, and I'm sure DK Bananaza next month.
I suspect we're gonna be seeing content and QoL updates during this game's lifetime, but the lack of the latter at launch is not helping to justify the $80 price of entry for anyone who bought the game on its own.
Re: Magnetic Joy-Con Sticks Already In The Works For Switch 2 Amid Fears Of Drift
As someone who's unfortunately gotten more than his share of controllers with stick drift, I get the PTSD... but how prevalent has the issue been in recent years?
Could just be that I'm not looking in the right places, but stick drift seemed to be more isolated to controllers made between 2017 and 2018, and has cropped up substantially less after that. It's just hard to imagine Nintendo wouldn't have tried to fix the issue over the 8+ years, much less across generations.
I'll eat my own words if I'm wrong, of course, but I dont care for the supposed conflating of "Not being hall effect" means "Stick drift will be equally frequent."
Re: Splatoon 3 To Get Free Switch 2 Update Later This Week
This is kind of a big deal, as it shows Splatoon 3 still has some gas (ink?) in the tank.
Also, this now being the 13th Switch 1 game to get a free Switch 2 update feeds into the hopes that we'll see more updates roll out for other titles sooner than later. Would love Xenonlade 2 to be on the docket...
Re: Poll: Switch 2 Battery Reportedly Lasting Under Two Hours With Mario Kart - How Is Yours Holding Up?
Honestly, even with the Switch 1, a portable battery felt like a necessity for extended handheld sessions.
Hopefully we get an approved list or licensed battery for the Switch 2. While I'm sure charging tech has gotten better and safer over the years, I'd still like to have battery options I can buy with full confidence.
Re: Video: Do You Even Need A Pro Controller For The Switch 2?
As tempting as it is to get a Pro 2 at launch, I have too many Pro 1s to justify an $85 expense on top of a new console and a couple of games.
I'd sooner get the wireless GCN controller, and hold out for either a good discount offer or a Limited Edition with a nice design.
Re: Random: It Turns Out That AI Isn't Very Good At Pokémon Red
Being unapologetically cynical about this... We've effectively just come full-circle to video game CPUs; which are about as old as gaming itself.
I get that the approach here is having tech learn as it plays, but that feels far less impressive in the current climate of the AI hype bubble, compared to the more innocent times of a decade ago when a lot of "AI" stuff either had more altruistic ambitions, or was just being [ethically] sourced/coded for funsies.
Re: Feature: Limited Run Talks Switch 2 Game-Key Cards, Huge Carts & Difficult Pitches
@BirdoDidNothingWrong I can definitely see where you're coming from. Especially when some comments over the same matters do start to become redundant. I think that's also the nature of so many people being in a single community: If something rubs a lot of folks in that community the wrong way, that sentiment is gonna be echoed. And the side effect of a lot of people overlapping is that they'll feel more inclined to keep complaining about the same things.
I guess in this specific case, we're also in a unique situation where we're all excitedly waiting for the release of a new console and looking for an outlet. Barring any controversies, I suspect the game-key card stuff will run its course and return to a more moderate level of discussion.
...Unless every other 3rd party dev jumps on the bandwagon, then this will be as generation-defining as Joy-Con Drift for the Switch 1 (though, we don't hear much about it these days).
Re: Feature: Limited Run Talks Switch 2 Game-Key Cards, Huge Carts & Difficult Pitches
As someone who was fussing over the initial LRG/Raidou game-key card situation, I'd be remised if I didn't give props to LRG for being clear that they're committed to releasing internally published games fully on the cart.
We'll have to ultimately see if that sticks in the long run, but here's hoping!
Re: Feature: Limited Run Talks Switch 2 Game-Key Cards, Huge Carts & Difficult Pitches
@BirdoDidNothingWrong I mean, it's kind of a Chicken-Egg situation, isn't it? Topical, pressing matters - be it a sitting president's unprecedented nonsense or the fast-approaching launch of a new console - are gonna get a lot of coverage because it's on a lot of minds. If it was inconsequential, it wouldn't be covered nearly as much.
There is an argument to be made about if so much coverage is being done for cynical reasons, but is this really one of those cases when so many do intend to plan their purchases around whether or not a game's all on-cart?
Re: Check Out This New YouTube Channel For Negativity-Free Pokémon Chat
It's kinda funny seeing how antagonistic some people want to be in light of someone trying to carve a space for good vibes over what's supposed to be a hobby.
Like, I'll be the first to say that criticism and complaints can be valid a lot of the time, but similar to "toxic positivity", it's also incredibly easy to fall down a rabbit hole of cynicism to the point where it's just a ritual, rather than a means of catharsis or productivity.
Re: "If You're A Real Fan, You'll Find A Way" - Borderlands 4 Dev Gives Tone Deaf Response To Price Concerns
@Gorlock While noting those issues, they kinda make my point. The industry is waiting with bated breath over how much GTA6 will cost at retail. But if Rockstar knows they'll make hand over fist via subscriptions and digital currency purchases in the long run, they could surprise everyone and NOT charge $80+ for price of entry; completely kneecapping industry hopes of a new normal.
Of course, I'd be a fool to be so optimistic. So I'm really just making the point that plenty of publishers who are eyeing $80 forget they're not Rockstar or Nintendo.
Re: "If You're A Real Fan, You'll Find A Way" - Borderlands 4 Dev Gives Tone Deaf Response To Price Concerns
@nuke13 Respectfully, the math is still only being done in isolation and consideration to the cost of the game.
In theory, it might only take 4 hours to be able to afford an $80 game. But in practice, how much longer will that take when lumped in with other necessities (not even luxuries) that have also gotten more expensive since 1991?
Of course, video games are a luxury (even thought their core appeal was being a relatively affordable and accessible hobby), so it's kinda whatever at the end of the day... But I suspect some publishers will be in for a rude awakening in thinking $80 is the new standard based off a sample size of 1.5; and Rockstar could very well undermine the entire scheme.
Re: "If You're A Real Fan, You'll Find A Way" - Borderlands 4 Dev Gives Tone Deaf Response To Price Concerns
You'd think someone who would have a finger on the pulse with gamers would avoid such a predictable PR blunder.
He has every right to try and justify the potential cost if he sincerely believes in its value, but minimum wage went a lot farther in 1991 when adjusting cost of living to inflation Vs. how little wages have kept up.
Re: Fortnite Devs Hit With Unfair Labour Practice Filing Following AI Darth Vader Fiasco
The dubiousness of the argument that "James Earl Jones gave permission" is that he isn't around to have to deal with the systemic ramifications of letting this Pandora's Box open a bit more. It's not like there isn't a history of the entertainment industry being plagued with predatory practices or anything...
And given how poorly non-union workers have been treated as of late - especially in light of AI being crammed into everything at everyone's expense - it's hard not to want to take the side of SAG-AFTRA here. I just hope they're 1) Approaching this in good faith, and 2) Have all their ducks in a row. They're tangentially scuffling with the same company that just won a lawsuit against Apple.
Re: Here's Your First Look At Pokémon Scarlet And Violet On Switch 2
It just occured to me: Between the attempt to breathe a bit more life into Gen 9, Z-A being around the corner, and Champions looking to lift some of the logistical burden from the mainline games, I wonder if Gen 10 is still a bit further away than we think?
I know people love to rag on TPC and Game Freak for their missteps (some deserved, some overblown...), but I'm not getting a sense that they're phoning things in just because Sc/Vi were so successful.
Re: Nintendo Says AI-Generated Images "Were Not Used" In Mario Kart World
@-wc- 1) "Caliber" can ALSO mean character (and integrity). You can be the most mediocre artist in the world, and still have certain scruples.
2) By all means, I'm not trying to stop you from voicing your opinions on a matter of subjectivity, but that's not the hill I was looking to die on in my original comment. No harm, no foul, but please be careful how (and who) you try to pull into your own crusades.
There's absolutely a conversation to be had about how the prevalence of gen-AI is making people hyper-scrutinous. There's also a conversation to be had about Nintendo's quality as of late... But this "catch-22" you're trying to force is an arbitrary dichotomy. Any artist/creative with experience will tell you that even "the best and brightest" aren't always gonna make things to your own personal satisfaction. And a failure to do so isn't inherently a reflection of their "laziness."
Re: Nintendo Says AI-Generated Images "Were Not Used" In Mario Kart World
@-wc- 1) In your rush to be snarky, I think you missed I said "of their caliber" not "hi caliber". So me thinks the the user doth protest too much, now.
2) A couple of assets you aren't personally feeling does not represent a studio/company's larger portfolio and development philosophy.
As an artist myself, I'll be first in line to actually boo them if it turns out they are leaning on gen-AI for assets. But I'd rather go off of more than just a hunch and hearsay [from people who may or may not have an axe to grind] when it comes to this subject matter.
Re: Nintendo Says AI-Generated Images "Were Not Used" In Mario Kart World
Given the artists and devs of their caliber working under them, I feel like Nintendo would be one of the last companies I'd expect to jump on this whole gen-AI trend.
Especially this late in the game when the cracks are starting to show, the bubble is looking more likely to burst by the day, the copyright protections are spotty, AND the PR backlash just isn't worth the small bump in stock value.
Re: Former Rockstar Dev Throws Shade At Mario Kart World, Says New GTA Will Be Worth The Price
The amount of people who've misremembered MKWorld's USD pricing (myself, included for a moment) is a fascinating case that needs to either be studied or recorded for posterity. We're equidistant from the Switch 2 Direct and launch day, and the misinformation remains prevalent.
Also, gotta be careful puffing one's chest (especially if you don't have much tangible stake in this). The price of entry being "worth it" is moot if it's too high for enough people to even take the ride. Not like we haven't been talking about the unsustainable state of the video game industry for a good while now...
Re: Full Game List Revealed For Atari's Upcoming Bubsy Collection
@Zufolobelisk Honestly, I've been hoping for this IP to have its revival redemption arc for YEARS now. Partially for the comeback story, but also because it often feels like some "failed" IPs actually have potential.
Which is why it sucks that he only keeps getting brought back for nostalgia bait at best, and irony poison at worst. With a slight shift in character personality, the right artists who understand appealing character design, and experienced devs with more than a shoestring budget, Bubsy could actually be something!
Re: The Company That "Leaked" Switch 2 Is Being Sued By Nintendo
@Jester676 I suspect it's less to do with short-term financial damages (or pettiness), and more to do with protecting against long-term damages, both financial and PR-wise.
If a major leak from a sizeable 3rd party company is excused, others might start to be emboldened, and it'll be much harder to clamp down on later. Additionally, if they aren't authorized accessory makers, this is probably Nintendo's way to rebuke potential association, should those products run the risk of damaging official hardware, if not worse.
Basically, for as much as we rag on Nintendo for being lawsuit-happy, this is one of those cases that's gonna be REALLY hard to side with the defendant on if trademarks are to be respected and protected across the board.
Re: Editorial: Gamers, Support The People And Sites You Love, Before It's Too Late
@Alaninho I mean, turnabout is fair play, isn't it? If he feels so inclined to give his reasons, then people are in their right to challenge those reasons, aren't they?
To the bigger point: The surface-level, cop-out complaint about "inserting politics" as a point of failure is only exacerbating the issue. People keep alluding to wanting their precious escapism, only to be befuddled when reality keeps finding them.
Between the tariff situation and game prices only getting more expensive (not even getting into sociopolitics that's affecting many in this community and shared hobby), we're kind of out of places to "escape" to. And our inability to actually reconcile with our reality (and IMO, care about the most vulnerable) is only going to see things get way worse for everyone before things get better.
Re: Talking Point: Will You Be Buying Any Game-Key Card Switch 2 Games?
The Cons just outweigh the Pros too much to be fully on board.
You're not only STILL subsidizing hard drive space, but cartridge space as well now. And if you lose that cart, you lose access to the game that's sitting on your hard drive.
This concept seems like it'd be a boon if game rentals were still a big thing, or if the savings were being passed to the consumer with this stuff... But as it is, it seems more to the benefit of publishers and retailers above all else.
Re: Xbox Is Raising The Price Of Consoles, Accessories, And Games Worldwide
@Dazman While your intentions are good, the advice is a bit tone deaf...
I'm sure most folks on this site are already trying to budget responsibly. And the suggestion to just "jump into a better paying profession" is always easier said than done in both the time (and money!) it takes to get a certification + however chaotic an industry is to apply for that isnt also gonna be downsizing due to all this economic turmoil.
It'd be one thing if it was JUST hobbies getting more expensive, but it's a smaller part of a much bigger issue.
Re: EA And Respawn Hit By Hundreds Of Layoffs As New Project Cancelled
@Aurumonado I think we need to be careful conflating the two things. For one, it gives companies still making profits something to hide behind, while the top ranks and investors continue to sit pretty.
Secondly, it speaks to a level of systemic unsustainability if literally hundreds of devs are suddenly without a job just to "keep game prices low".
Re: Limited Run's Atlus Switch 2 Collector's Edition Is A 'Game-Key Card' Release
This might be the biggest testament of LRG becoming too big for its own good.
One can kinda look the other way with them effectively becoming 2nd party publishers for companies that can more than afford to do it themselves, and even the sheer bloat of merchandise bundles that delays orders way longer than it should... but I feel like them specifically getting in on this game-key card stuff just has me asking, "What are we even doing here anymore?..."
Re: Elden Ring Has Now Shipped Over 30 Million Copies Ahead Of Switch 2 Launch
One of the few 3rd party games I'm gonna double dip on.
Even jumped the gun selling off my cleared PS4 version early because I'm pretty certain I'm never gonna see a need to load it back up if the Switch 2 version is even a halfway decent port. (But please make it available all on cart...)
Re: Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release
I've made a similar comment, but it's ironic that among the entire trend of game prices increasing for every little reason, paying a "Cartridge Tax" that assures the entire game is on a physical cartridge would be one of the more reasonable cases.
Especially in an era where there's multiple Editions and SKUs for the same games, I don't see why we can't do both game key cards for the casuals AND proper carts for the collectors.
Re: Poll: So, Did You Manage To Get A Switch 2 Pre-Order In? (North America)
It turned out that I actually DIDN'T need to show up 5 hours before my local GS's opening. One hour would've sufficed for a comfortable position to get the MKW bundle.
Still, a 5-hour wait was a small price to pay to not have to do any hunting post-launch.
Re: Elden Ring's Switch 2 Physical Version Seemingly Tarnished By 'Game-Key Card' Release
I suspect we're gonna see some type of crowdfunding service where folks pool money together to subsidize putting full [base] games on carts in the near future.
Something that straddles the lines between LRG and Makeship... Ideally without all the Limited Edition fluff so people arent waiting 50 years for their orders...
Re: Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Pre-Orders In The US Amidst New Trump Tariffs
@Not_Soos I mean, the topic is "political" in and of itself (literally the cause and effect of economic policies). There shouldnt be any concerns of closing the comment section, so long as comments stay on topic and [relatively] respectful.
That said, it's getting increasingly hard to maintain the latter part amid the unecessary headache-induced chaos. And it's getting kind of annoying (putting it lightly) seeing some people trip over themselves to not be frustrated about a man constantly throwing a grenade at everyone's feet despite ample warnings from countless people and professionals... including the man himself.
Some of you guys (generally speaking) would be absolutely livid if this exact scenario happened under a president you didnt like anywhere near as much. But because it's him, he only gets a shoulder shrug at worst.
Re: Samsung Shows Off Its Switch-Inspired Foldable Handheld
In this current era of tech where designs are blurring together, and everything is trying to be sleek and "efficient" to an almost arbitrary degree (AI this, and AI that...), I welcome more attempts at making consumer tech fun and interesting like it used to be.
That said, the button setup looks like a nightmare. Feels like analogue sliders + a concave button setup would accomplish the same thing.
Re: Video: Nintendo Hypes Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition With New Batch Of Commercials
Wow, that English ad has some real 2000s energy. And I mean that positively!
Re: Analyst Fears U.S. Tariffs Could Spell Disaster For Physical Games
Also, kudos to the NL team for keeping this comment section open so far, despite the predictable outcome of some of the comments. I feel like it's more important than ever for people to be able to engage in [socio]political discourse; especially when it pertains to the hobbies and interests that we collectively enjoy.
That said, I can't blame any mod for hitting the Eject button if things start to go a bit too off the rails.
Re: Analyst Fears U.S. Tariffs Could Spell Disaster For Physical Games
@batmanbud2 I really don't want this thread on a video game site to go more off the rails than it already has, but for a nation to re-elect a convicted fraudster and known con man (among so much else) in the hopes of economic prosperity is the worst indictment of the electorate. And to justify it with the hypothetical and intellectually lazy "As if the other guys would've been better!" argument is either grossly misinformed or huffing the purest, distilled copium.
I've heard and seen all kinds of perspectives and opinions in my near-18 years of being politically conscious. And in all that time, I've NEVER seen so many individuals bend over backwards and turn on a dime to defend ONE MAN (who's so transparently self-serving) over actions, rhetoric, and policies no other living politician, much less person, could ever get away with.
It's such an insane chapter in history, and terrifying that so many cant (or refuse to) see it...
Re: Analyst Fears U.S. Tariffs Could Spell Disaster For Physical Games
@batmanbud2 "In order to heal, our nation needs to suffer."
1) Man, that's not helping beat the "cult" allegations...
2) No one who was foolish enough to vote for the man was signing on to take on MORE economic burden for an undisclosed period of time and no tangible goal. This reeks of trying to move the goal post.
Re: Nintendo "Establishing Ways To Respond" To U.S. Tariffs, Says Furukawa
@Uncle_Franklin That's the neat thing: Arguing in ambiguity means you can never be proven wrong! Ignore the warnings from economists, historians, and even the companies themselves, and just have faith that it'll all work out for the greater good eventually!
Re: Hideki Kamiya Wants Nintendo To Reboot Virtual Console For Switch 2
@-wc- I assume a small part of that is because some 3rd parties that were approached by Nintendo in 2006 have since realized that they could probably take a larger piece of the pie by releasing classic games themselves, on multiple platforms to boot.
There's also the added benefit that when they put in the footwork, classic collections have more QoL improvements and content compared to just dropping old games on VC (Capcom, Konami, and Namco have been doing pretty good on this front in recent times).
Re: Hideki Kamiya Wants Nintendo To Reboot Virtual Console For Switch 2
Outside the moral argument about "owning games", I just don't see rebooting VC as the better option or value compared to an NSO subscription service where you're incentivized to play games you'd otherwise would never buy at old VC prices.
It was a cool concept for its time, but in an era where licenses run out and digital storefronts close, I'd rather there be more pressure for the option to own classics physically. Otherwise, taking to the high seas has never been more accessible than ever, if one is really so inclined to "own" retro digital games.
Re: PSA: 'Nintendo Switch 2 Experience' Invites Are Now Being Sent Out
Got accepted for NYC!
It's funny, because the original plan was for a few friends to apply for different sessions to increase our chances, but Nintendo's guest rules seemed to discourage that. Fortunately, the RNG fates have shined on the few eggs in this one basket!
Incidentally, if I had a nickle for everytime I won a chance to go to NY for an official Nintendo event, I'd have three nickles. Which isnt a lot, but...
Re: Poll: So, What Did You Think Of The Switch 2 Reveal?
I think the trailer did the job it needed to show "This exists, is a successor, here's some new features to speculate, is backwards compatible; see y'all in April!" It probably would've been more exiting if the leaks didnt take the wind out of its sails, but such is the curse of people anticipating the follow-up of a highly successful console.
Aside from that, I hope folks dont get too caught up on the Mario Kart clip. To me, it looks more like a placeholder than any definitive first look at a 'Mario Kart 9'.
(Also, double-checking the trailer, the video length is 2:22, and you cant convince me that wasnt on purpose)
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console
@MegaVel91 I would almost bet money it'll be released no later than the Summer.
It'll definitely be early enough to fulfill early adopter demand to build hype and excitement (and stock) for the Holiday season.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console
@EarthboundBenjy I was speculating with a relative, but the more obvious games might be accessory-focused ones like Ring Fit and Labo, as the console/controllers likely wont fit without workarounds.
It's also hard to tell from the video, but if they removed the IR sensor as well, that might shave off a few games too.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console
The fact that it's officially called "Switch 2" shows they're not risking any Wii U or New 3DS confusion this time around.
Also the fact that the Direct is so early in April makes it so transparent that they're gonna squeeze every last penny out of the fiscal year/quarter. But hopefully this also means an official release date isnt too far behind?...