Playable Rosalina and enhanced visuals are enough for me even as a mostly single-player person. I want to give Wonder another chance anyway after feeling somewhat meh about the original. I should better appreciate it now!
As for the amiibo, I’ll just get Poplin and Prince Florian for now. Captain Toad and Talking Flower might be possible if I ever see a sale at some point.
I’m also happy the Switch 2 Pro Controller is the best-selling accessory of 2025. Well-deserved. That thing is quite possibly my favorite controller ever. It’s absolutely smooth and comfortable in every way. I can play any game with it, new or old.
Nintendo is getting more doomed by the minute. And yet plenty of people (outside Japan because they already love it, I might add) can afford a Switch 2, its games, and its accessories than expected. Even in this economy, people will always find a way to buy stuff they really want. Only enthusiasts care about game key cards.
I’m here for playable Rosalina and improved visuals. Too bad the Koopalings aren’t more bosses in a game that really needed them, but I guess stronger enemies in a special level area is the next best thing.
I’m interested in the Prince Florian and Poplin amiibo, and it’s not far from my birthday in early April, too! I knew March was perfect for Mario Wonder. This had to come before the Mario Galaxy Movie, and this is just a little over a week before the movie comes out in North America. That’s some great Rosalina promotion right there.
I’m still holding out for Wario even though he has noting to do with Super Mario Galaxy. The Kongs don’t have anything to do with Super Mario Bros. yet they got to be major characters in the first movie.
Kind of surprising they’ve shown little of this movie so far. I remember last time when there was the trailer revealing Donkey Kong on the 29th.
That's a cool, little surprise! I already thought about it, but this convinced me to transfer Returns HD to my Switch 2. Now if they can update Tropical Freeze's Switch port as well despite being much older, even if it's just the visuals. I'd love to make my Switch 2 a DK hub.
It feels odd getting used to seeing DK's older look again now that he's been redesigned for a solid year.
@KayFiOS I hate the hate that Mario Kart World gets too. I feel like one of the few people here who loves BOTH Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders. They each have their own set of haters. It's tiring.
And others complaining about the perceived lack of new games... come on. The year's just started. A February Nintendo Direct is likely. I know this is the Internet but no one seems to have patience anymore. People get crankiest about Directs at the start of the year.
I’ve tried practicing at Freezer to be better prepared. It’s hard to remember where many of the fossils are at. I tend to get lost in the Coolstripe Cavern area for some reason.
I still don’t expect this to be as hard as Hilltop was. An event at Resort will be the next really hard one…
Getting a surprise notification for a major announcement and first seeing it on an official app makes it more special than just checking a news site, no offense. I mostly don’t care for the “fluff” articles, but I do like seeing what games released today even though it’s based on the Japanese date.
I need Splatoon Raiders news ASAP. It’ll probably reappear in the next big Direct, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it got a sudden update on Today as suddenly as its announcement!
I fully respect having a complete game at launch, but this is exactly the kind of game that could’ve benefited from just a little extra content. Already struggling with lengthy waits and too many bots. Maybe I should play later in the day or at night when there’s more Japanese players? I still really like Air Riders.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is just routine for me, so besides that I’ve started my playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2 a couple of days ago. If I have any gaming resolution this year, it’s to finally beat that game after almost three years, just as I did with Breath of the Wild three years later in 2020. I found myself not wanting to give up making custom machines in Kirby Air Riders, so I’ll try to creatively dabble in that again.
One other thing I want to do is practice in Donkey Kong Bananza's Emerald Rush at the Freezer Layer for the next event on Tuesday. Remembering as many fossils to find as possible really helps!
Too soon for a Lite or an OLED. Probably not even a revision with better battery like the 2019 Switch. I got that with no regrets, but with the pricey 2, only a custom model like for Splatoon 4 might really interest me down the road.
6 for Not Bad. I’d like to have more, but for something that costs less than a drive-thru meal, it is what it is. I like that it’s no longer fuzzy.
However, my new island is still young. I don’t even have Kapp’n nor Resetti since the island needs a three star rating first. It remains to be seen how consistent the frames will be once my island is full-grown and heavily decorated. If the game doesn’t stutter so much if at all when I’m running around a lot of stuff, I could bump my score up to a 7.
Getting something early that would otherwise have to be unlocked very late in the game might be the right balance to me. That's why I'm good with the DK & Pauline amiibo unlocking the Diva Dress very early instead of clearing 100%, even before the story climax.
I definitely see amiibo as more collectible figures nowadays. I'm PRETTY sure Splatoon Raiders will get amiibo of Deep Cut in their new outfits as well as the Mechanic, in which case I'll be back to shelling out...
No surprise that the update itself that’s for ALL players is the main attraction. I guess Nintendo was too reluctant to do more for the Switch 2 Edition when this was the second highest-selling game on the original Switch and many players might be stuck with or content with that version, but more incentive is always nice. I can’t complain though.
The visuals aren’t mind-blowing by any means, but it does look noticeably better with little to no fuzziness anymore. It’s nice to see things in the distance more clearly. I don’t care about the frame rate as long as the game doesn’t stutter when I’m running around a heavily-decorated island, but it’s still early on my new island, so it remains to be seen how things really go when I do much more decorating.
Japan loves Kirby, so of course they'll keep Air Riders relevant if nowhere else will. Whether people can play it or not, it's an excellent game. Nice to see DK selling respectably too.
I met Charles at a pop con back in 2016. I can see how he was able to practice talking like Mario for hours in New York City. He’s full of genuine, positive energy!
Who wouldn't be nervous about taking over for him? Big shoes usually can't be filled completely, but Kevin does just fine. I’d say his Luigi voice is my favorite.
Using materials directly from my storage instead of needing them in my pockets is a game-changer. Multiple crafting is also huge for making fish bait.
Buying custom kits from Nook's Cranny in bulk sounds good. I've finally learned to renew my tool durability with those kits. A guaranteed pearl from Pascal also sounds good and makes me more interested in crafting Mermaid furniture instead of selling pearls for money so much.
There's always still a raft of QOL updates they could've done like ordering things from the Nook Stop in bulk and speeding up dialogue, but I appreciate what we can get!
Mario Kart World is my most-played Switch 2 game and likely will be for a while. Still find it funny how it’s already tied with 8 Deluxe at 169 hours! Really goes to show how bored I was playing 8 since Wii U and how World has been the most fun I’ve had with Mario Kart since Wii.
DK Bananza is second with 121 hours, but Kirby Air Riders will probably overtake it with 100. I’ll keep playing Bananza through Emerald Rush events and an occasional story playthrough. Playing through it again will make me appreciate it even more, not less!
Splatoon 3 still dominates my gaming with 309 hours, even though I only play for Salmon Run, single-player, and events like Splatfest anymore. I started over with a new island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons back in October with 218 hours. Before that, I was playing Dreamlight Valley for 262 hours in the first-half of 2025, but stopped when the Switch 2 version was announced, so I’m waiting to start over fresh on that.
Between those two and Tomodachi Life, 2026 will be the Year of the Life Sim for me. Hope that doesn’t hold up my backlog yet again…
Ugh, I remember being bummed about this snubbing the Switch back then. These games belong on a Nintendo system.
So glad to see this rectified now. Better late than never. I’d just rather play these on the 2 though, along with the other classic Disney games like Aladdin, Lion King, and Jungle Book.
So for playing the game on Switch 2, this is just the free update with the new content, not the paid upgrade that touches up the visuals? So confusing…
Whatever, looks like I can start inviting my new villagers to the campsite after work today, starting with Cece. It’ll be funny to see her look like Shiver but not act like her at all, but it’ll still be totes fantastic!
For my Switch 2, Mario Kart World is already tied with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at 169 hours!
Donkey Kong Bananza is my 10th most-played game overall at 121 hours, though Kirby Air Riders at 100 should eventually overtake it. However, I know I'll occasionally play Bananza for Emerald Rush events or a story playthrough once or twice a year.
My Top Five Most Played Games 1. Splatoon 3- 1,919 hours 2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons- 1,626 hours 3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate- 1,624 hours 4. Splatoon 2- 1,363 hours 5. Disney Dreamlight Valley- 513 hours
I liked Splatoon 1, but 2 was what made me a fan, and for the most part 3 has been that much better to become my most-played game ever. I had a complete first island in ACNH but sadly had to start all over and struggled with coming up with another one until I finally got the island I wanted last October. Smash Ultimate's amazing Stage Builder was a complete game-changer for me. I wouldn't have played that game nearly as much without it. I've made and downloaded up to a full 99 custom stages, and love every single one! I still can't believe I put up with Dreamlight Valley's jankiness on Switch, but I stopped as soon as it was announced to be coming to Switch 2. I'm eagerly awaiting news on that Switch 2 version anytime now! Life sims will definitely be coming back to me with a vengeance in 2026...
I really want to see Nintendo release more games this year too, but that’s what Directs are for! A little patience goes a long way, but I know patience is a lot to ask of these guys. At this rate, I’d rather just wait for Nintendo themselves to report what’s actually going on at the start of February.
They just had to bring the latest Mario & Luigi soundtrack rather than any of the previous ones that are so much better. This reminds me of how Nintendo and Acquire shunned Yoko Shiomura just because they wanted a different composer for their different developer. Unbelievable.
Brothership was deeply disappointing to me in other ways, but that along with Yoshi's Crafted World have taught me how much good music matters when making a good game. It elevates everything. When you lose that special composer, you feel the loss. Now excuse me while I keep waiting for Superstar Saga.
I mainly play Splatoon 3 just for Salmon Run and single-player anymore. Even though my latest team won, I’m not sure if I’m interested in playing more repeat Splatfests.
I’m ready for Raiders. I’m also ready for the next Direct to spectacularly debunk people’s silly speculation that Raiders has just become more DLC for 3!
Wow, I thought Friends would narrowly beat Solo, not the other way around. I thought they would win by racking up points in second place, but not even that was enough without Tricolor Battle, which pushed us over the edge along with taking second in Open and Pro. I thought poor Team Family was doing much better. Yeah, the white ink team wins yet again, but they clearly had to earn it this time.
I REALLY need to stop conflating a whole Splatfest with personal experience. I reached Champion rank, but quit early because I got discouraged and fed up with huge losing streaks and didn't even play Tricolor. I'm rarely any good at that mode and just let better players handle it. Thanks, team!
I really wanted to give Wonder another chance with a Switch 2 edition after I was a bit too harsh with the original. I'm hoping Rosalina is playable and the Koopalings might imply that there's more bosses. The lack of bosses was my biggest complaint.
March seems to me like the perfect month to release this. This should be out before the Mario Galaxy Movie.
The visual bump won’t be mind-blowing but it’ll still be very nice after putting up with the pre-upgrade fuzziness on Switch 2 for months. And for frames, I just don’t want stuttering when I’m running around a heavily-decorated island.
I think an uncle of mine (who doesn't work at Nintendo, unfortunately) might've had one, but I've never tried it. I was always intrigued by the microgame in WarioWare, Inc. based on Mario Clash.
I preordered the plastic version earlier this month. It'll be an interesting time, if nothing else!
Frosty Fest is going on in Splatoon 3 this weekend, but despite how I currently look, I've had enough and quit it already. I love the event itself, but I just can't bring myself to have fun actually playing Splatfest. I always get discouraged into thinking my team's doomed when I suffer huge losing streaks. If I'm not having fun, that defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Good luck, Team Solo. I think I'll just enjoy the hub like Murch...
Anyway, I'll keep prepping my island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for next week's big update and Switch 2 edition. I've already paid and downloaded the upgrade, which gets me a little hyped alone!
I might even wrap up my Switch 2 playthrough of Super Mario Odyssey. I'm impressed with how well that game looks and plays on Switch 2. It makes me a little more excited for a brand-new 3D Mario, not that I personally need it anytime soon. Nintendo should.
Maybe I’m spoiled by replaying both Mario Galaxy games and Mario Odyssey on Switch 2, but I personally don’t NEED a new 3D Mario right now, yet Nintendo does need it sooner rather than later. It’s a shame people can’t branch out to play a truly great game like Donkey Kong Bananza just because it’s not Mario. It’s just as good if not better!
Pokemon will help, but I’m slightly concerned about 2026 feeling like a quiet year. One thing’s for sure, Switch 2 is not selling terribly at all. Just not as much as Nintendo’s highest-selling game system ever. Even if it struggles in the U.S., Nintendo's biggest market, it's doing quite well in other nations as varied as Japan and Spain. It only needs more games and Nintendo games in particular to keep up the momentum.
Looks pretty solid to me. The Adventure mode might be standard, but the matches themselves look great. The courts look fun and interesting, especially the Forest and Wonder ones. Not a bad character roster.
It would be funny if Pauline is in the story mode, but instead of being turned into a baby like the others, she's not affected by the spell as much and goes back to being a kid again instead. Maybe Kid Pauline could be playable?
Other than her, I'm not sure who else might make it. Prince Florian is already a referee.
I'm playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons more to gear up for the Switch 2 edition. I'm also starting a playthrough of Super Mario Odyssey on Switch 2 for the first time. Now that it's Sneak Peek in Splatoon 3 for Frosty Fest, I've been back to playing that and I'll play Salmon Run that has all random weapons with the Triumvirate this weekend.
I'm cutting back on Kirby Air Riders due to my realization that I'm no good at making custom machines in that game. The controls are way too finnicky and the camera is always awkward, and using only up to 20 decals is way too restrictive. I admire other people's talent at making so many good ones in spite of that. On the bright side, this frees me up to do other things and play more games.
Nintendo themselves better step it up this year. If you’re not into Pokemon or Fire Emblem and don’t play much third party, it looks pretty bare.
Good thing I’m interested in Mario Tennis and Yoshi along with Splatoon Raiders when it comes to new games. Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven are Switch 1 games, but I’d actually play them on Switch 2 whether they get editions or not. No longer is there that one problem from the end of the 3DS era when there were games releasing on that I wished were on Switch.
I highly doubt this is Splatoon 3: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Splatoon Raiders. That makes no sense to me. A Switch 2 Edition is unnecessary and Raiders can sell on its own.
Raiders was announced as Splatoon's first spin-off game from the beginning. It probably won't be a great-big game, but Raiders will hopefully be a bit grander than your typical Splatoon story mode. I don't see the game hitting such a big development snag that they would downgrade it to just being more DLC for 3. That update already bumped up 3's visuals quite a bit, and they could just keep adding more free content to 3 if they choose to do so.
I’ve got my new island well-underway for these newer horizons. Looking forward to settling Cece, Viche and Mineru! All the new furniture between the collabs and the Hotel should be fun, too.
I’m putting eShop credit from Christmas toward Mario Tennis Fever. I hope it defies the mediocre stigma of Switch 1 era Mario sports games and that the baby-themed story mode and having the biggest character roster yet really delivers. At the very least, Baby Waluigi should be hilarious.
This is the Year of Deep Cut. Whether there’s a storm looming on the horizon or sunny skies you can admire from a pier, there will still be more good games and more good surprises till depth do us part. Catch ya later in 2026!
Never had an issue with Mr. Bowser. Of course it was always fun to have a Nintendo leader with that surname! I wish him and Devon (nice name) a good time. Having Europe’s Satoru Shibata might be interesting. I wonder if that Goomba is still stalking him?
I feel like I’m one of the few who loves both Mario Kart World AND Kirby Air Riders. I’ve played both a ridiculous amount.
But Air Riders is truly special. Love playing Daroach on a Shiver Rex Wheelie. From one bandit leader to another!
My favorite memory so far is riding Gigantes in an online City Trial for the first time while playing Rick wearing a Samurai kabuto. I had it for quite a while in the trial itself and knocked out all the riders in the battle afterward. I don’t care if half the players were bots, it was delicious stuff. I wanted to smirk the whole time!
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be another big $1 billion success. It’ll even get a slightly better critical reception than the first movie. It won’t beat Toy Story 5 at the box office though.
A Donkey Kong movie will be announced later in the year.
Luigi’s Mansion 4 releases in October.
Splatoon Raiders releases in Summer. It’s not just filler to keep us busy until Splatoon 4. It’s an epic $70 Deep Cut adventure! It’ll be my GOTY. It’ll have amiibo of Deep Cut in their new outfits as well as Mechanic. Raiders’ music and Deep Cut’s new songs will even get special releases on Nintendo Music.
Splatoon 4 will be announced for release in 2027.
Nintendo DS games are coming to Nintendo Classics.
Kirby: Planet Robobot Deluxe is 2026’s Kirby game.
The annual Zelda game will be a remake or remaster of some kind as well as for the anniversary.
Generation 10 Pokémon announced and released for Pokémon’s anniversary.
Mario Kart World will get more big updates for a music player, modes like 200cc, and character costumes, but it’ll be another year before there’s a paid expansion with new characters and courses.
3D Mario can go either way. Of course I’d love to see it even though I’m not exactly clamoring for more 3D Mario right now, but it depends on how much effort DK took. I won’t be shocked if it doesn’t come next year. I’m not confident enough about Super Mario Maker 3 either. I actually want that more and it might be slightly more likely, but still. I’m not expecting 2026 to be huge from a first-party perspective. 2027 will be the greater year.
I still have to clear the true ending of the “story” of Donkey Kong Bananza’s Emerald Rush, so I’ll be grinding for that by the end of the year. Should be a perfect way to end the year with my GOTY! It’s also good practice for the Freezer Layer, which be in the next event in January.
There’s still more custom machines I want to get in Kirby Air Riders. Once I get all of those, I’ll try to make some of my own again that will be way better than my mediocre first ones that I’ve since deleted.
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Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting The Switch 2 Upgrade For Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Playable Rosalina and enhanced visuals are enough for me even as a mostly single-player person. I want to give Wonder another chance anyway after feeling somewhat meh about the original. I should better appreciate it now!
As for the amiibo, I’ll just get Poplin and Prince Florian for now. Captain Toad and Talking Flower might be possible if I ever see a sale at some point.
Re: Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
I’m also happy the Switch 2 Pro Controller is the best-selling accessory of 2025. Well-deserved. That thing is quite possibly my favorite controller ever. It’s absolutely smooth and comfortable in every way. I can play any game with it, new or old.
Re: Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
Nintendo is getting more doomed by the minute. And yet plenty of people (outside Japan because they already love it, I might add) can afford a Switch 2, its games, and its accessories than expected. Even in this economy, people will always find a way to buy stuff they really want. Only enthusiasts care about game key cards.
Keep the games coming. Switch 2 will be fine.
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Getting A Trio Of New amiibo
If I can only get one, it’ll be Poplin and Prince Florian. Maybe I’d consider Captain Toad and Talking Flower in a cheaper world…
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park Arrives On Switch 2 In March
I’m here for playable Rosalina and improved visuals. Too bad the Koopalings aren’t more bosses in a game that really needed them, but I guess stronger enemies in a special level area is the next best thing.
I’m interested in the Prince Florian and Poplin amiibo, and it’s not far from my birthday in early April, too! I knew March was perfect for Mario Wonder. This had to come before the Mario Galaxy Movie, and this is just a little over a week before the movie comes out in North America. That’s some great Rosalina promotion right there.
Re: Chris Pratt Supposedly Hints At "A Couple More" Character Surprises In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
I’m still holding out for Wario even though he has noting to do with Super Mario Galaxy. The Kongs don’t have anything to do with Super Mario Bros. yet they got to be major characters in the first movie.
Kind of surprising they’ve shown little of this movie so far. I remember last time when there was the trailer revealing Donkey Kong on the 29th.
Re: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets A Free Switch 2 Update And Adds Dixie Kong
That's a cool, little surprise! I already thought about it, but this convinced me to transfer Returns HD to my Switch 2. Now if they can update Tropical Freeze's Switch port as well despite being much older, even if it's just the visuals. I'd love to make my Switch 2 a DK hub.
It feels odd getting used to seeing DK's older look again now that he's been redesigned for a solid year.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Is Getting Its First Update Of 2026 "Soon"
@KayFiOS I hate the hate that Mario Kart World gets too. I feel like one of the few people here who loves BOTH Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders. They each have their own set of haters. It's tiring.
And others complaining about the perceived lack of new games... come on. The year's just started. A February Nintendo Direct is likely. I know this is the Internet but no one seems to have patience anymore. People get crankiest about Directs at the start of the year.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza's First DLC In-Game Event Of 2026 Is Now Underway
I’ve tried practicing at Freezer to be better prepared. It’s hard to remember where many of the fossils are at. I tend to get lost in the Coolstripe Cavern area for some reason.
I still don’t expect this to be as hard as Hilltop was. An event at Resort will be the next really hard one…
Re: Nintendo Boosts Its Reach With Another 'Nintendo Today!' Update
Getting a surprise notification for a major announcement and first seeing it on an official app makes it more special than just checking a news site, no offense. I mostly don’t care for the “fluff” articles, but I do like seeing what games released today even though it’s based on the Japanese date.
I need Splatoon Raiders news ASAP. It’ll probably reappear in the next big Direct, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it got a sudden update on Today as suddenly as its announcement!
Re: Kirby Air Riders Is Getting Its First Update Of 2026 "Soon"
I fully respect having a complete game at launch, but this is exactly the kind of game that could’ve benefited from just a little extra content. Already struggling with lengthy waits and too many bots. Maybe I should play later in the day or at night when there’s more Japanese players? I still really like Air Riders.
Re: Nintendo Music Adds Another Legendary Zelda Soundtrack, Here's Every Song Included
Now, how about Majora’s Mask? Still one of the most glaring omissions on Nintendo Music.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (17th January)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is just routine for me, so besides that I’ve started my playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2 a couple of days ago. If I have any gaming resolution this year, it’s to finally beat that game after almost three years, just as I did with Breath of the Wild three years later in 2020. I found myself not wanting to give up making custom machines in Kirby Air Riders, so I’ll try to creatively dabble in that again.
One other thing I want to do is practice in Donkey Kong Bananza's Emerald Rush at the Freezer Layer for the next event on Tuesday. Remembering as many fossils to find as possible really helps!
Re: Mystery Product Code Sparks Rumours Of A New Switch 2 Model
Too soon for a Lite or an OLED. Probably not even a revision with better battery like the 2019 Switch. I got that with no regrets, but with the pricey 2, only a custom model like for Splatoon 4 might really interest me down the road.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
6 for Not Bad. I’d like to have more, but for something that costs less than a drive-thru meal, it is what it is. I like that it’s no longer fuzzy.
However, my new island is still young. I don’t even have Kapp’n nor Resetti since the island needs a three star rating first. It remains to be seen how consistent the frames will be once my island is full-grown and heavily decorated. If the game doesn’t stutter so much if at all when I’m running around a lot of stuff, I could bump my score up to a 7.
Re: Opinion: I'm Happy amiibo Survived The Console Jump, But These Unlocks Are Getting Silly
Getting something early that would otherwise have to be unlocked very late in the game might be the right balance to me. That's why I'm good with the DK & Pauline amiibo unlocking the Diva Dress very early instead of clearing 100%, even before the story climax.
I definitely see amiibo as more collectible figures nowadays. I'm PRETTY sure Splatoon Raiders will get amiibo of Deep Cut in their new outfits as well as the Mechanic, in which case I'll be back to shelling out...
Re: Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - A Cheap Upgrade, But Lacking Substance
No surprise that the update itself that’s for ALL players is the main attraction. I guess Nintendo was too reluctant to do more for the Switch 2 Edition when this was the second highest-selling game on the original Switch and many players might be stuck with or content with that version, but more incentive is always nice. I can’t complain though.
The visuals aren’t mind-blowing by any means, but it does look noticeably better with little to no fuzziness anymore. It’s nice to see things in the distance more clearly. I don’t care about the frame rate as long as the game doesn’t stutter when I’m running around a heavily-decorated island, but it’s still early on my new island, so it remains to be seen how things really go when I do much more decorating.
Re: Japanese Charts: Nintendo's Dominance Continues As Switch 2 Flies Past 4 Million Units Sold
Japan loves Kirby, so of course they'll keep Air Riders relevant if nowhere else will. Whether people can play it or not, it's an excellent game. Nice to see DK selling respectably too.
Re: "He Is Amazing" - Mario Voice Actor Kevin Afghani Heaps Praise On Charles Martinet
I met Charles at a pop con back in 2016. I can see how he was able to practice talking like Mario for hours in New York City. He’s full of genuine, positive energy!
Who wouldn't be nervous about taking over for him? Big shoes usually can't be filled completely, but Kevin does just fine. I’d say his Luigi voice is my favorite.
Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0.0 Patch Notes - Switch 2 And Switch New Content, Features And More
@Gatorclops I know that. It'd just give my finger a break from constantly holding down the L button, but after so long it's become instinctive.
There's HD rumble for pole-vaulting now. I either never noticed that before or it wasn't as deep. WAY more rumble when diving too.
Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0.0 Patch Notes - Switch 2 And Switch New Content, Features And More
Using materials directly from my storage instead of needing them in my pockets is a game-changer. Multiple crafting is also huge for making fish bait.
Buying custom kits from Nook's Cranny in bulk sounds good. I've finally learned to renew my tool durability with those kits. A guaranteed pearl from Pascal also sounds good and makes me more interested in crafting Mermaid furniture instead of selling pearls for money so much.
There's always still a raft of QOL updates they could've done like ordering things from the Nook Stop in bulk and speeding up dialogue, but I appreciate what we can get!
Re: Feature: Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2025 - Our Most Played Games
Mario Kart World is my most-played Switch 2 game and likely will be for a while. Still find it funny how it’s already tied with 8 Deluxe at 169 hours! Really goes to show how bored I was playing 8 since Wii U and how World has been the most fun I’ve had with Mario Kart since Wii.
DK Bananza is second with 121 hours, but Kirby Air Riders will probably overtake it with 100. I’ll keep playing Bananza through Emerald Rush events and an occasional story playthrough. Playing through it again will make me appreciate it even more, not less!
Re: Feature: Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2025 - Our Most Played Games
Splatoon 3 still dominates my gaming with 309 hours, even though I only play for Salmon Run, single-player, and events like Splatfest anymore. I started over with a new island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons back in October with 218 hours. Before that, I was playing Dreamlight Valley for 262 hours in the first-half of 2025, but stopped when the Switch 2 version was announced, so I’m waiting to start over fresh on that.
Between those two and Tomodachi Life, 2026 will be the Year of the Life Sim for me. Hope that doesn’t hold up my backlog yet again…
Re: An Overlooked Disney Collection From Digital Eclipse Has Been Rated For Switch
Ugh, I remember being bummed about this snubbing the Switch back then. These games belong on a Nintendo system.
So glad to see this rectified now. Better late than never. I’d just rather play these on the 2 though, along with the other classic Disney games like Aladdin, Lion King, and Jungle Book.
Re: Boom! The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Update Is Now Available
So for playing the game on Switch 2, this is just the free update with the new content, not the paid upgrade that touches up the visuals? So confusing…
Whatever, looks like I can start inviting my new villagers to the campsite after work today, starting with Cece. It’ll be funny to see her look like Shiver but not act like her at all, but it’ll still be totes fantastic!
Re: Nintendo Switch 2025 'Year In Review' Is Available Now
For my Switch 2, Mario Kart World is already tied with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at 169 hours!
Donkey Kong Bananza is my 10th most-played game overall at 121 hours, though Kirby Air Riders at 100 should eventually overtake it. However, I know I'll occasionally play Bananza for Emerald Rush events or a story playthrough once or twice a year.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2025 'Year In Review' Is Available Now
My Top Five Most Played Games
1. Splatoon 3- 1,919 hours
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons- 1,626 hours
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate- 1,624 hours
4. Splatoon 2- 1,363 hours
5. Disney Dreamlight Valley- 513 hours
I liked Splatoon 1, but 2 was what made me a fan, and for the most part 3 has been that much better to become my most-played game ever.
I had a complete first island in ACNH but sadly had to start all over and struggled with coming up with another one until I finally got the island I wanted last October.
Smash Ultimate's amazing Stage Builder was a complete game-changer for me. I wouldn't have played that game nearly as much without it. I've made and downloaded up to a full 99 custom stages, and love every single one!
I still can't believe I put up with Dreamlight Valley's jankiness on Switch, but I stopped as soon as it was announced to be coming to Switch 2. I'm eagerly awaiting news on that Switch 2 version anytime now! Life sims will definitely be coming back to me with a vengeance in 2026...
Re: Nintendo's Investors Are Reportedly "Spooked" As Stock Slides
I really want to see Nintendo release more games this year too, but that’s what Directs are for! A little patience goes a long way, but I know patience is a lot to ask of these guys. At this rate, I’d rather just wait for Nintendo themselves to report what’s actually going on at the start of February.
Re: Nintendo Music's Latest Update Adds Mario & Luigi Switch Soundtrack, Includes 94 Songs
They just had to bring the latest Mario & Luigi soundtrack rather than any of the previous ones that are so much better. This reminds me of how Nintendo and Acquire shunned Yoko Shiomura just because they wanted a different composer for their different developer. Unbelievable.
Brothership was deeply disappointing to me in other ways, but that along with Yoshi's Crafted World have taught me how much good music matters when making a good game. It elevates everything. When you lose that special composer, you feel the loss. Now excuse me while I keep waiting for Superstar Saga.
Re: Splatoon 3 Ver. 11.0.0 Update Launches Later This Month
I mainly play Splatoon 3 just for Salmon Run and single-player anymore. Even though my latest team won, I’m not sure if I’m interested in playing more repeat Splatfests.
I’m ready for Raiders. I’m also ready for the next Direct to spectacularly debunk people’s silly speculation that Raiders has just become more DLC for 3!
Re: 'Team Solo' Takes Gold In Splatoon 3's 'Frosty Fest' Splatfest
Wow, I thought Friends would narrowly beat Solo, not the other way around. I thought they would win by racking up points in second place, but not even that was enough without Tricolor Battle, which pushed us over the edge along with taking second in Open and Pro. I thought poor Team Family was doing much better. Yeah, the white ink team wins yet again, but they clearly had to earn it this time.
I REALLY need to stop conflating a whole Splatfest with personal experience. I reached Champion rank, but quit early because I got discouraged and fed up with huge losing streaks and didn't even play Tricolor. I'm rarely any good at that mode and just let better players handle it. Thanks, team!
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park Has Been Rated
@ParrakerriRush …No Poochy?
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park Has Been Rated
I really wanted to give Wonder another chance with a Switch 2 edition after I was a bit too harsh with the original. I'm hoping Rosalina is playable and the Koopalings might imply that there's more bosses. The lack of bosses was my biggest complaint.
March seems to me like the perfect month to release this. This should be out before the Mario Galaxy Movie.
Re: ICYMI: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch Gets A Free Switch 2 Update Next Week
The visual bump won’t be mind-blowing but it’ll still be very nice after putting up with the pre-upgrade fuzziness on Switch 2 for months. And for frames, I just don’t want stuttering when I’m running around a heavily-decorated island.
Re: Opinion: The Nintendo Console Nobody Wanted To Review Returns Soon, And I'm Here For It, Again
I think an uncle of mine (who doesn't work at Nintendo, unfortunately) might've had one, but I've never tried it. I was always intrigued by the microgame in WarioWare, Inc. based on Mario Clash.
I preordered the plastic version earlier this month. It'll be an interesting time, if nothing else!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th January)
Frosty Fest is going on in Splatoon 3 this weekend, but despite how I currently look, I've had enough and quit it already. I love the event itself, but I just can't bring myself to have fun actually playing Splatfest. I always get discouraged into thinking my team's doomed when I suffer huge losing streaks. If I'm not having fun, that defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Good luck, Team Solo. I think I'll just enjoy the hub like Murch...
Anyway, I'll keep prepping my island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for next week's big update and Switch 2 edition. I've already paid and downloaded the upgrade, which gets me a little hyped alone!
I might even wrap up my Switch 2 playthrough of Super Mario Odyssey. I'm impressed with how well that game looks and plays on Switch 2. It makes me a little more excited for a brand-new 3D Mario, not that I personally need it anytime soon. Nintendo should.
Re: Nintendo Denies Using AI Images In New 'My Mario' Marketing
People are bored.
Re: Switch 2 Sales Reportedly Struggled Over The Christmas Period
Maybe I’m spoiled by replaying both Mario Galaxy games and Mario Odyssey on Switch 2, but I personally don’t NEED a new 3D Mario right now, yet Nintendo does need it sooner rather than later. It’s a shame people can’t branch out to play a truly great game like Donkey Kong Bananza just because it’s not Mario. It’s just as good if not better!
Pokemon will help, but I’m slightly concerned about 2026 feeling like a quiet year. One thing’s for sure, Switch 2 is not selling terribly at all. Just not as much as Nintendo’s highest-selling game system ever. Even if it struggles in the U.S., Nintendo's biggest market, it's doing quite well in other nations as varied as Japan and Spain. It only needs more games and Nintendo games in particular to keep up the momentum.
Re: Mario Tennis Fever Overview Trailer Serves Up A Host Of Fresh Features
Looks pretty solid to me. The Adventure mode might be standard, but the matches themselves look great. The courts look fun and interesting, especially the Forest and Wonder ones. Not a bad character roster.
Re: Mario Tennis On Switch 2 Has 38 Playable Characters – "The Most In Series History"
It would be funny if Pauline is in the story mode, but instead of being turned into a baby like the others, she's not affected by the spell as much and goes back to being a kid again instead. Maybe Kid Pauline could be playable?
Other than her, I'm not sure who else might make it. Prince Florian is already a referee.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (3rd January)
I'm playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons more to gear up for the Switch 2 edition. I'm also starting a playthrough of Super Mario Odyssey on Switch 2 for the first time. Now that it's Sneak Peek in Splatoon 3 for Frosty Fest, I've been back to playing that and I'll play Salmon Run that has all random weapons with the Triumvirate this weekend.
I'm cutting back on Kirby Air Riders due to my realization that I'm no good at making custom machines in that game. The controls are way too finnicky and the camera is always awkward, and using only up to 20 decals is way too restrictive. I admire other people's talent at making so many good ones in spite of that. On the bright side, this frees me up to do other things and play more games.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2: All Confirmed Games & Release Dates
Nintendo themselves better step it up this year. If you’re not into Pokemon or Fire Emblem and don’t play much third party, it looks pretty bare.
Good thing I’m interested in Mario Tennis and Yoshi along with Splatoon Raiders when it comes to new games. Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven are Switch 1 games, but I’d actually play them on Switch 2 whether they get editions or not. No longer is there that one problem from the end of the 3DS era when there were games releasing on that I wished were on Switch.
Re: Splatoon 3 Has Now Been Rated For The Switch 2
I highly doubt this is Splatoon 3: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Splatoon Raiders. That makes no sense to me. A Switch 2 Edition is unnecessary and Raiders can sell on its own.
Raiders was announced as Splatoon's first spin-off game from the beginning. It probably won't be a great-big game, but Raiders will hopefully be a bit grander than your typical Splatoon story mode. I don't see the game hitting such a big development snag that they would downgrade it to just being more DLC for 3. That update already bumped up 3's visuals quite a bit, and they could just keep adding more free content to 3 if they choose to do so.
Re: Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Games & Accessories For January & February 2026
I’ve got my new island well-underway for these newer horizons. Looking forward to settling Cece, Viche and Mineru! All the new furniture between the collabs and the Hotel should be fun, too.
I’m putting eShop credit from Christmas toward Mario Tennis Fever. I hope it defies the mediocre stigma of Switch 1 era Mario sports games and that the baby-themed story mode and having the biggest character roster yet really delivers. At the very least, Baby Waluigi should be hilarious.
Re: Editorial: Happy New Year From Nintendo Life
This is the Year of Deep Cut. Whether there’s a storm looming on the horizon or sunny skies you can admire from a pier, there will still be more good games and more good surprises till depth do us part. Catch ya later in 2026!
Re: Today Is Doug Bowser's Final Day As Nintendo Of America President
Never had an issue with Mr. Bowser. Of course it was always fun to have a Nintendo leader with that surname! I wish him and Devon (nice name) a good time. Having Europe’s Satoru Shibata might be interesting. I wonder if that Goomba is still stalking him?
Re: Opinion: I Reviewed 25 Switch 2 Games In 2025, And These Are My Top 3 Picks
I feel like I’m one of the few who loves both Mario Kart World AND Kirby Air Riders. I’ve played both a ridiculous amount.
But Air Riders is truly special. Love playing Daroach on a Shiver Rex Wheelie. From one bandit leader to another!
My favorite memory so far is riding Gigantes in an online City Trial for the first time while playing Rick wearing a Samurai kabuto. I had it for quite a while in the trial itself and knocked out all the riders in the battle afterward. I don’t care if half the players were bots, it was delicious stuff. I wanted to smirk the whole time!
Re: Back Page: Every Game Should Have A Cow
It’s such a shame that Cow has been usurped by Swoop in Mario Kart World.
On a lighter note, characters look hilarious wearing the oblong cow ears in Kirby Air Riders, especially King Dedede!
Re: Talking Point: Our 2026 Nintendo And Switch 2 Predictions
3D Mario can go either way. Of course I’d love to see it even though I’m not exactly clamoring for more 3D Mario right now, but it depends on how much effort DK took. I won’t be shocked if it doesn’t come next year. I’m not confident enough about Super Mario Maker 3 either. I actually want that more and it might be slightly more likely, but still. I’m not expecting 2026 to be huge from a first-party perspective. 2027 will be the greater year.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th December)
I still have to clear the true ending of the “story” of Donkey Kong Bananza’s Emerald Rush, so I’ll be grinding for that by the end of the year. Should be a perfect way to end the year with my GOTY! It’s also good practice for the Freezer Layer, which be in the next event in January.
There’s still more custom machines I want to get in Kirby Air Riders. Once I get all of those, I’ll try to make some of my own again that will be way better than my mediocre first ones that I’ve since deleted.