Am I the only one who thinks Nintendo dropped the ball with NSO Virtual Boy? Who really (and I mean REALLY) wants to play these ugly red and black games with the Switch 2 strapped into an expensive prop or even into a cardboard option that you hold against your face? Nintendo should have offered some sort of basic conversion to play regularly (without any 3D effect) on TV. It could be as simple as showing only one of the two images (centred and expanded) and with some colour options, like a black and white option. As it stands, NSO Virtual Boy is just Nintendo being weird and dumb.
It looks like a whoopsie by Nintendo. As much as I hoped, I don't see the rest of the Metroid Prime series remastered. Pikmin 2, yes it's available on Switch. The distinction is it's free in the GC app if already subscribed, and aimed at those not interested in buying it or they merely want to try it.
As we now learned, these "leakers" are generally accurate about finding a date. As to its purpose, often they guess it and are wrong. The last two such "leaks" were the Switch 2 revealed in January 2025 (it was only a basic announcement with the reveal actually in April) and the Switch 2 revealed in late 2024. That proved to be Alarmo! Let's not forget the "Switch Pro" debacle, which proved to be the red box and OLED updates.
As so many comments have noted, there's historically a Nintendo Direct early in the year, so the "sources" are likely speculating or, again, found a date and ascribing a purpose. With Mario Tennis Fever due on 12 February, that automatically portends some sort of Direct the week before.
The d-pad looks ridiculous and the price is insane. I'll wait for a Hori Split Pad Pro 2! I'm still rocking the original one on my Switch. It's so good and superior to the Pro Controller that it made me play almost exclusively in handheld mode since the day I got it. That it's still performing well after 8 or so years is further testament to it.
@The_Nintendo_Expat DK Bonanza could be considered as something scrappy or, at least, a little adventurous. When games media lamented there wasn't a Mario Odyssey 2, that mentality keeps Nintendo in their box. Even Mario Kart World, which added Knockout Mode (the first new racing mode ever in the series), tried a world environment with connected sections, and added Free Roam, they got trashed because it's still Mario Kart. What do people want - skydiving? In the current environment, there's no room for experimentation. Nintendo could have been lazy and delivered Mario Kart 9 with just the core 32 tracks from MKW and the usual races modes, and probably got better reception. They try a world option (that many media hoped would be the foundation of the next MK), and get trashed because people didn't want sections and Free Roam could be better. Give me a break! I'm glad they tried some variation, even if some parts didn't completely hit.
Anyway, Nintendo will probably deliver surprises over time. Then I might see you as the Repat! 🤣🤗
I'll probably get the Bellabel Park upgrade in the future. I still need to finish the main game of Super Mario Wonder first.
No more amiibo for me unless it's for a game series I truly love. I bought all those for Metroid Prime 4, and, previously Metroid Dread. Castlevania was the only other series in which I recently bought amiibo.
Edit:
Where's the article about Talking Flower on this site? Nintendo posted a video over a day ago.
@The_Nintendo_Expat Hey, Costanza, I prefer you as the Pendant than the Expat! 🤗
I think us gamers or enthusiasts (whatever we want to call ourselves) are trapped in our little bubble and constantly misread the market. In contrast, Nintendo don't. They fully know their market. Did I think something like a Zelda BOTW Switch 2 Edition was a daft idea and would only get niche support? Yes. Am I surprised that such games actually sell so well? No. The central appeal for Nintendo consoles will always be Nintendo games. Even old ones, recycled ones, or rejuvenated ones. As a collective, we are suckers! 😁
These sales further show that Nintendo delivered so much early supply that they fully met early demand for the Switch 2, which obviously meant the sales rate would slow later in the year. They could never sustain 3 million sales a month for long. To be double the Switch and 35% more than the PS4 after 7 months is amazing. Of course, the Switch was released 3 months earlier in its year, so we will likely see a surge for the Switch in the 9 months sales comparison. Nintendo still project 19 million Switch 2 sold at the completion of the fiscal year, which compares to 17.8 for the Switch with 3 extra months of sale time.
Not sure why media still talk about tariffs and supposedly "grappling" with them, unless it's just something to throw into an article for the sake of saying something. These were settled 6 months ago and the Nintendo president recently said tariff absorption was dispersed into the global market and via small price increases for accessories. In that same speech, he allayed concerns about price increases in 2026 due to memory prices. Nintendo would have their production schedule and component purchases set well in advance. They are also not a company that fiddles with prices based on cost fluctuations. They'll assess the memory situation later in the year before thinking about the price. Right now, they want to sell as many Switch 2's as possible at the current price.
Yes, very low imagination art. On the other hand, it nails its purpose if you think about it. First, it's a wavy line, not straight line, separating the respective content, so the delineation looks fine. Second, and most important, especially when adding the incredibly long title into the equation, Nintendo want you to clearly know there's ostensibly a second game in the Switch 2 Edition. For those considering a Switch 2 purchase or those still on the Switch and never bought Wonder, Nintendo are saying that here's more reason to buy or upgrade to the Switch 2.
The upgrade is good. The price is bad. Of course, I understand it. $5 to us is nothing. If one million people buy it, $5 million to Nintendo is something. These little bits here and there help maintain profitability and keep the console at $450. Also, as a free update, I probably would not bother trying the update and playing Animal Crossing. For $5, heck, I want my money's worth!
Amazing to think Mario Kart World has sold via download, just in 2025, about 40% of MK8 Deluxe's sales (obviously MK8D sold many more physical copies) and selling at about 80% of Switch 2 sales. Even though MKW was offered in a bundle, who's to say it wouldn't sell as well if sold separately? Also curious, Switch 2 sales are at about 11% of Switch lifetime sales and already over 50% of PS5.
Amazingly, I have never played a Resident Evil game. I'm not a fan of horror and early games looked really clunky. Now, I would try one via a demo or a free one. I'm always interested to read about the success of this series. For the record, I scored RE Deadly Silence an 8. 🤣 That's the range for most people anyway. 🥳
From the response of "48cylemmulo" to me: "I'd argue lite is more needed this time around. Switch 2 is much larger and kids still got tiny hands." Perhaps so! I just don't see a Switch 2 Lite happening so soon (within a year compared to 2.5 years of the Switch). At this stage, Nintendo probably says a Switch option is the choice for kids, especially with the vast games library, and games like Pokemon ZA are available on it. The current Switch 2 is the model for the immediate future and meant for adults, teenagers or as the family console. The Lite is seen as a secondary purchase for household. That won't be an appealing option until the Switch 2 library builds, all Switch development ceases, and Nintendo want to inject a boost into its hardware sales. Note that 1 in 6 Switch sales in Japan were the Lite, so it's not a significant market to attract. At least not yet!
From some of the newer comments, a dedicated home console sounds interesting! I still say it's way too early. Nintendo want us buying the current, full, hybrid model. They could, instead, be thinking longer term and preparing for something cheaper (current price) if forced to raise prices. Remember our epic failures with the Switch Pro rumours! One proved to be the red box update (mostly a better battery) and the other the OLED. The red box Switch still took over 2 years to emerge. It's simply not feasible to quickly modify factories for new models, especially concurrent ones. That's when we get the strongest rumours too. New hardware models are not like dying your hair and done on a whim. Production runs are probably already set for the next year!
So ends the doom and gloom following the alleged stock price crash (it was actually a correction following a mid year surge). Amazingly, the Switch 2, in 7 months, has already sold about 60% of all PS5 models in that console's entire life. Around 3 in 4 Switch 2 owners bought Mario Kart World. Obviously the bundle helped!
To those saying the Switch 2 is cheap in Japan. Yes it is compared to elsewhere. In the Japanese context, Nintendo consoles are always cheap, as are electronics in general. The Switch launched at 30k yen. Switch 2 is 50k. That's a greater price jump than Americans received ($300 to $450). Likely, the weak yen caused that. The multi language version at 70k only exists to stop the existing practice of foreign purchases. The local Japanese market are not getting a cheaper option. They are getting their usual option.
If you look at the American price, it's around $120 more on direct exchange rate. When you consider shipping, import duties, distribution costs, possibly higher retail markup, and even the expectation of a tariff, Americans are getting a fair deal. Not sure about Europe!
Edit:
I concur with those saying the Switch 2 had an epic first 7 months. Admittedly I'm biased as a Metroid fanatic and not the greatest Zelda fan. Mario Kart World, DK Bonanza and Metroid Prime 4 steamrolls the Switch (Zelda BOTW, MK8D and Mario Odyssey), especially if also considering Kirby Air Riders and stellar third party support (Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, to name two). I understand that there's an obvious lull now for some people, so can only say to look ahead! Nintendo are likely preparing something huge. A Nintendo Direct can only be weeks away.
Remember people, the Switch Lite arrived after 2.5 years and the Switch OLED arrived after 4.5. Let's use our brains for these things. Nintendo want to sell as many of the current Switch 2 units as possible. Then they will release a cheaper option for those on a budget or for children. Then release an iterative upgrade like the OLED to try get us to buy another unit. They are a slow and methodical company and very predictable. Even hinting at a new model this early will slow sales. At most, the product code is a colour or themed variant. More likely, it's nothing.
Remember, that "short Metroid jingle" caused the internet rage machine to froth into another epic meltdown! While most of it was ragers raging for attention, it did create an interesting discussion as to what should be unlocked by an amiibo. I'm perfectly fine for new skins and other cosmetic effects because they don't affect the game and are somewhat meaningful for the money spent on the amiibo. I draw the line if the feature is integral to the game or harms the game without it in some way. The short jingle certainly doesn't qualify. It adds nothing to the experience. As for a story scene, that would be nice for everyone to see. Even as a reward for completing the game, I don't like that if the feature is important. If trivial, sure, lock it behind game completion or unlocked by an amiibo.
I played 33 games in total and played for 437 hours.
My most played games:
1) World of Tanks Blitz at 359 hours
2) F-Zero 99 at 43 hours
3) Mario Kart World at 17 hours
WOTB is close to 3755 hours in total and F-Zero 99 is 210 hours in total. Tetris 99, which had a quiet year (I typically only play the Maximus Cups these days), is still my second most played overall at 590 hours.
Generally, I played for 50 hours a month unless on holidays or something (just 13 hours in September). WOTB was the most played game in every month. In July, 47 of the 50 hours played was WOTB. In June, when the Switch 2 launched, 24 of the 38 hours were WOTB. December was also a noticeable difference with only 20 of the 36 hours taken by WOTB. The other 16 hours would be Metroid Prime 4, some Mario Kart World, and dabbling in a few other titles.
Edit:
I would have played a lot of WOTB on my tablet and some on PC. When in Hong Kong and Japan in September, I used the tablet then (I don't take the Switch on holidays). I have 2213 hours logged there over 2.5 years. PC is probably near 2000 hours too (since April 2021). Probably nearing 8000 hours on one game since October 2020. 🤭
As long as I can eject Neelix through a plasma vent and Seven can explore her humanity with me, I'm all in.
Seriously, I'm not sure how to react to Voyager: Across The Unknown. Managing energy and other systems doesn't seem too exciting. I'll definitely try the demo.
A ridiculous abundance of supply meant everyone could buy a Switch 2 during the launch period. Total sales, as the article said, are astronomical and it wasn't so long ago that Nintendo increased first fiscal year projections by 3 million.
A second explanation is no major holiday game. While Nintendo perhaps hoped Metroid Prime 4 would be it, the reaction to the preview destroyed any chance of that, and Metroid is never a mega seller anyway. In contrast, the Switch went into the holiday period with Mario Odyssey after launching with Zelda BOTW and MK8D in its first six weeks. Switch 2 went in with nothing of that calibre. This situation could even be planned, especially with 3 fewer months of operation for the Switch 2 compared to the Switch, and Nintendo hoped the Switch 2 would steamroll ahead regardless. With some introspection and the knowledge of a huge tease or announcement in the probable February Direct, Nintendo are likely content with the situation.
A complete beat up. The peak in August 2025 was obviously caused by the rabid sales success of the Switch 2. Now there's an adjustment back to reality, and that reality is the stock price is currently almost DOUBLE the long term 6000 average into May 2023 and 20% higher than 2 years ago. Looking at the stock price fluctuation over just 6 months as some sort of futures prediction is ludicrous. If you started the 6 months' chart from February 2025, you see a 50% increase. Now we have a flood of comments thinking there's doom and gloom and trying to explain it.
I'm amazed that so many people don't understand Nintendo. They live on long term planning and pacing their hits to ensure periodic surges of high interest and excitement while lesser titles fill the void in between. The Switch 2 itself and Mario Kart World were strike one. DK Bonanza was a booster to keep the Switch 2 hype going. Titles like Kirby Air Riders and third party games kept players engaged. Nintendo probably hoped Metroid Prime would be strike 2. Alas, the reaction to the preview destroyed it, and December 2025 was the wrong time to launch it anyway. MP4 should have been the swansong game for the Switch in early 2025, and then get boosted with the 4K upgrade in December.
Given their history, a Nintendo Direct is coming soon, so prepare for some big announcements and teasers, and probably a stock price surge. Nintendo are almost deliberately in a lull now and calculating their future, which, to me, spells danger to the doubters. Never underestimate Nintendo. They know their business, and they know their fans.
A mega company like Nintendo would have their ducks lined up 6 months to a year in advance. Fluctuations in certain costs would have zero impact. These would need to be permanent, and could still take 6 months to ripple through. If we know one thing about Nintendo is that they are stubborn with pricing. They like to set it once and leave it. That component costs (at least, historically) get cheaper over the years is how they reap in most profits. If there is a pice increase, often that's seen in an updated model like the New 3DS or Switch OLED. I can imagine the Switch 2 OLED might be $550, rather than $500, to deal with any higher input costs.
Any American tariff effect would already be felt by now. In that article, Nintendo said it was mitigated through its entire international market. That was via a modest price increases on accessories and even on the Switch, and simply absorbing anything left. They really want the Switch 2 console itself to stay affordable.
Please note, I said "historically" about cheaper component costs. Obviously now we live in weird times.
I hope, eventually, you become powerful and strong enough to end this site's policy of background music in conversation videos. It drives me crazy, and I boycott such videos anywhere. Therefore, and unfortunately, I doubt I will hear or see much from you beyond the one minute I just saw.
I write "if you are on the younger side.... Classic controls will feel weird. Modern controls are a necessity and a rightful default". Yet, someone (who somehow is even whinging about the graphics in Metroid Prime 4) interprets that as "Classic controls were bad for this game [Metroid Prime Remastered]". No, I said the exact opposite! If modern controls were "a necessity and a rightful default", that clearly states that classic controls, even as a default option, would be bad. That acknowledges they are archaic and would not sit well with most people. I only lament that the OPTION to use classic controls was not part of Metroid Prime 4 to relive the "classic" feel as I could in Metroid Prime Remastered (modern controls immediately felt wrong there). This entire article is about controller options and mapping, so classic controls is a fair discussion point. To try shut it down with a false representation of a prior comment is incredibly rude. It seems some people just don't want to hear anything nice said about Metroid Prime 4.
Regarding 78% on Metacritic as mentioned above. Considering the hit job by the internet rage machine and some media on Metroid Prime 4, 78% sounds phenomenal! I assumed a 60% score. IGN scored MP4 an 8, which, according to them is "great", so 78% approximates that. Perhaps I'm interpreting the "Yikes!" wrong? I'm not sure anyone thinks criticism of the game is "unwarranted" (re "mctrials" above); only that much of it was excessively exaggerated to almost deranged levels. Scores like 8 or 78% acknowledge there are some fair points of criticism.
The real question is if the controls can be mapped to recreate classic controls from the original Prime on Game Cube! For all the talk that Metroid Prime 4 doesn't feel like classic Prime because of a chatty computer character and a desert section (sorry, they are not "the focus" of MP4 either), the real villain for me is the game uses generic twin stick first person shooter controls. Boring! I changed to classic controls in Metroid Prime Remastered to relive the classic game as I remembered, and it's a shame that option isn't available in MP4.
The actual focus of MP4 is classic MP game play. The exploring, the discovery, the scanning, and, yes, the back tracking. It's all there. Some of the new ideas, at most, could be deemed as annoying or unnecessary. In terms of breaking the Metroid Prime feel and totally wrecking the game as the "loud people on the internet" suggest, not even close. If Metroid Prime 4 feels anything like your generic FPS or a non-faithful Prime experience, it's due to modern controls.
Please note, if you are on the younger side, then this comment does NOT apply to you. Classic controls will feel weird. Modern controls are a necessity and a rightful default. I merely lament that there's no option for classic controls and that hurts the classic Metroid Prime than anything else.
For those unaware, with classic controls, the left stick moves Samus in a 360 direction. If you tilt Left, she turns and moves left. She does not strafe. Strafing occurs upon locking onto an enemy by pressing L. The right stick selects weapons by default. If pressing R, then it's used to look around or for manual aim. There's actually an elegance to its apparent clumsiness!
Comments suggest Japanese one is better. The actual poll shows USA/NA as 70% preferred. That further proves the notion of the silent majority and to never trust internet comments as a metric for broader society. Human nature loves notoriety, and that typically drives us to comment. Voting for the obviously superior box art is non controversial!
The Fever racquets that we saw in the Nintendo Direct last year look interesting. I'm looking forward to the game. The main problem with Aces was the new mechanics (trick shots, zone plays, special shots and gauge management) made it difficult for casual players to pick up. We would play on simple rules, as a consequence. Otherwise, I personally loved Aces. If the new Fever skills are easy to learn and they provide an addictive new quality to Mario Tennis, the game should be excellent.
Replying to "hcfwesker", yes, minor assistance. As I said, that's a staple of the series. I recall the original Metroid Prime highlighting a specific part of the map to next visit. That's much more egregious than anything in MP4 and such help was on by default. There's nothing in Metroid Prime 4 that's bothersome to ME. In fact, I appreciate some of it because it fits the character of the game and typically isn't something I care to work out myself. There's so much exploration and discovery in the game to satisfy me anyway. The one assistance I especially like are the reminders of controls. I believe that's a tutorial setting to switch that off anyway.
I'm pleased to read more people loving the game. I'm really done with the petty criticism. I'm not even taking it seriously anymore. Most of it is the usual internet rage machine doing its thing.
Thanks to InfamousOrange recommending Prime 3. One day I hope to play it. Nintendo will need to bring it to the Switch or Switch 2, of course.
I guess the haters got their wish! The epic tantrums from the preview over a computer character manifested into some ridiculous reviews of the full game and overall negative publicity. Metroid Prime 4 could never get a fair critique from people with grudges and, especially in this era, people too stubborn to moderate an initial opinion, much less admit that they were wrong and behaved like turnips. Criticism of back tracking, scanning, and even minor assistance, which are staple of the Prime series, showed an unhinged, if not deranged, mentality in approaching the game. For this site's credit, they got someone else to do the review while Digital Foundary approached it completely fresh. Both gave fair reviews as a consequence, even if I disagree with some aspects of their commentary.
I concur with so many comments that MP4 is an excellent game. I'm loving every bit of it and it is exactly the game I wanted. My last experience was Prime 2 on the Game Cube (I boycotted the Wii and WU era), so I was craving the same formula with a few little additions, of course! I didn't want some open world monstrosity or a weird experiment. Save that for the next game or even a new line in the series.
Edit:
Oh, yeah. People whinging about music locked behind an amiibo or completing the game is more lunacy. We're talking music in the desert area, not entire sections of the game missing! I own the amiibo and haven't scanned it. There's actually a blissful wisp of eeriness to the desert area that I really like. Reactions like this are endemic of people never interested in the game. I refuse to accept any legitimate Metroid fan, who waited 8 years for MP4, really says, "Damn it. I'm boycotting it because an eerie desert environment is the end of the world in video game history. If I can't get music there, F the 99% remainder of the game!"
Yes, Nintendo's lack of promotion hasn't helped. Everything about MP4's release seems like an afterthought. Perhaps they saw all the negativity and saw general interest was low, so gave up. I maintain the release timing was wrong. As a Switch game at heart, MP4 should have been released in early 2025 where there was a dearth of games about and be the Switch's major swansong title. December 2025, with so much more competition around and higher expectations for Switch 2 games, it's all a bit lost. Sad.
@OnlyManWhoCan I love your comment! Especially this: "Genuinely feel that all the journalists who threw their toys out of the pram about Miles should feel ashamed of themselves." 🤣🤣🤣
The problem these days is people are stuck in binary thought and completely intransigent. That includes the media. They could never give the full game an honest and fair critique and conclude they were wrong. I even take umbrage that even if the preview felt terrible, to at least consider it as potentially a minor part of the game, not symbolic or the entire game, and moderate your reaction. At least this site used a separate person for the review from that who did the hyper ridiculous preview. IGN used the same degenerate, and while they scored it 8 (allegedly meaning "great"), it was littered with petty complaints that were clearly residual bad taste from the preview. Digital Foundary did the fairest review after approaching it with no preconceptions.
Definitely, Myles is fine. The meltdowns from the preview were absurd. Unfortunately, they tarnished any chance of Metroid Prime 4 getting a fair review at most places. People were bitter and held grudges, and for what? A bit of annoying chatter to begin with, a very short game section of fighting aliens with him, and then he does the job of the odd helpful hint that previous Prime games did. In fact, I recall their radio alerts pointing you to specific points on the map. The assistance in MP4 seems less. Once I even asked Myles for help and he had nothing. As to the open world, hell no. I wanted a traditional Metroid Prime with a few novel additions. Nintendo delivered. The open world experiment can wait for the next game.
Edit:
Learning about the Federation Force, as per the comment above, has been fascinating. Do you want to know more? I do! We live in this delusion that Samus is some autonomous being constantly on personal missions. No, she's part of something bigger and I want to know more about her context in the Metroid universe, especially in the Federation Force.
I enjoy viewing my wish list during sales and see the games I added as far back as 2017 and admiring my resilience in waiting for that damn, hefty discount! One such game was Double Dragon 4. After 5 years, finally it was 50% off. I jumped and played it to the end over and over. A game that was easily worth the wait and an excellent addition to the series.
Just over the Christmas period, I finally got Horizon Chase 2 for 50% off. Apparently I missed a couple of prior times it was on sale, so I was rapt to finally get it. The original (Horizon Chase Turbo) is one of my favourite racers ever.
I'm not familiar with any Metroid time line. There's no real obvious distinction within the games, and I simply presumed the Prime series was wholly contained either before or after the main series. Anyway, back to the game! I'm loving every bit of it.
Mario Kart World still is the pinnacle of fun and chaos for me. No other game puts you through insane levels of excitement and humiliation, and often multiple times through one race. The Knockout Mode takes that formula to a new level. Kirby Air Riders is fun. It's just a different sort of fun. Sonic Cross Worlds is best of the three for single player racing. Multi player falls short.
I remain perplexed about some of the reaction towards MKW. At its base, it delivers everything from previous games, notably 32 circuits and the usual race modes. Some of these tracks are the best ever. Then it adds a brand new racing mode for the first time ever (Knockout Mode), 24 racers, the new railing mechanic, the connected sections (even if they are too long, at least they tried something new), and Free Roam as a bonus. Perhaps the simple answer is people are bored of Mario Kart! I was actually bored of the series many years ago due to the paltry challenge and limited options for single players. For multi player shenanigans, it's the first port of call.
I put MKW as my second favourite Nintendo game of the year. Metroid Prime 4 is my favourite. Before I cop "hate", for me, it's authentic Metroid Prime. The meltdown over the computer characters I don't see as rational. There's so much in MP4 to love, that if you don't, perhaps you're bored of that formula too. I'm not. I'm lapping it up. For third place, pobably DK Bonanza, just ahead of Kirby Air Riders.
Kirby Air Riders beat DK Bonanza? That's a huge shock given the fawning publicity, including 10/10 reviews from some sites, by so much of the media. Perhaps Japan was a little different anyway. Not to suck up, the NL review got the balance right with a 9, while I found it somewhat repetitive and would score it 8. Kirby got 8, which would be my score too.
As to comments about no Metroid Prime 4 anywhere near the top, Japan has never been strong for Metroid. Beyond Japan, the media hit job on MP4 about the computer characters won't see strong sales anywhere. The bias and animosity built from the preview could never see MP4 get a fair review. Again, NL was an exception, especially by choosing someone different to do the review. Others, notably IGN, used the same prat that had the initial meltdown, which manifested as you'd expect. IGN a petty 8; NL a fair 9.
Further problematic for MP4 was the horrible release timing. As a Switch game at heart, it should have been the swansong game for the Switch and released early this year, especially when there was nothing else around. For the Switch 2, in December, with higher expectations, and so many other games available, MP4 got lost. As a devotee of the Metroid series, I really hoped to see MP4 get a huge push in almost complete isolation, not released almost as an afterthought. So disappointing.
I would add two caveats. If you plan to keep and use your Switch, especially to continuing playing the dozens of downloaded games installed there, or want your Switch 2 solely for Switch 2 games, do NOT do a system transfer. Just sign in on your Switch 2 with your Nintendo ID and start fresh. Otherwise, the transfer will transfer all your games as virtual cards and begin downloading all the game data as well. Given the limited 256gb storage on the Switch 2, a huge proportion of it could be taken up with Switch games. While you can cancel the downloading, that requires each title to be cancelled, which is a pain if you own dozens.
If you own limited games, feel free to do the system transfer. You can always transfer games back to your Switch at any time with the new virtual card system. That update really makes life much easier. If starting fresh, you can easily transfer select titles to your Switch 2. Just make sure the Switch 2 account is the one used on Switch.
I was in a hybrid situation where I wanted my physical titles on the Switch 2 and downloaded ones on the Switch. The system transfer will copy all game saves, so that's handy. Note: Animal Crossing gets entirely moved.
Of course, worst case scenario, if the transfer fills up your Switch 2 storage, it can be reclaimed by archiving games.
As to an Express SD card, don't waste your money! These are expensive, and while the Switch 2 storage could be more (especially in this key card era), if you're a light to moderate user, or buy physical copies, the 256gb is more than adequate. I have two friends that never bought a SD card for their 32gb Switch, so beware of taking advice from people based on their own situation and with money to burn. Base extra storage on YOUR needs, which is likely when you actually need it and managing it by archiving games isn't possible anymore.
For me it's Metroid Prime 4, Mario Kart World and DK Bonanza.
MP4 is classic Metroid Prime and I'm loving everything about it so far. The meltdown over computer characters is beyond unhinged. To think so many people hold a grudge against the game and won't play it, or even admit to liking it, is bizarre beyond imagination.
Where I was expecting the next MK to be another set of 32 tracks and eight Cups to race and the usual online experience, to get the fabulous Knockout Mode was a massive surprise. Plus, there's 24 racers, connected sections and the new railing mechanic. The Free Roam, like Battle Mode, I see as a bonus mode. Who cares. To hear people say there's nothing new or it doesn't evolve the series is preposterous. What would evolve the series? No one ever says anything. Again, much like with computer characters in MP4, MKW got judged on a minor aspect (Free Roam) and now these people can't look past that to see there's a stellar MK experience here. MKW is up there with the best MK games ever for me. Anyway, it's selling by the ship load. The public is speaking and Nintendo is happy.
DK Bonanza in third due to its novel game characteristics. While it can get a bit repetitive and banal at times, mostly it's a lot of fun. Star Wars Outlaws was next in line.
I deliberately excluded multi platform games because we're talking best "Nintendo" games of the year here. If it's not by Nintendo or exclusive for Nintendo, it doesn't count. While Star Wars Outlaws is on other platforms, those releases were a year ago and I view the version on Switch 2 as a specific Nintendo one. Even then, I would still lean more to actual Nintendo games when judging a best Nintendo award.
@topsekret Aligned prices is not a theory, it's a reality and a requirement. Retailers do not get to decide prices (I never said they did, so your entire rant is built on a false premise). Nintendo and the publishers decide prices, even for sales. This is actually standard almost universally in the entire retail world. The reason is so all retailers operate on a level field and the product is made as widely available as possible at the same price point. In Nintendo's case, if the eshop undercut the physical price, that's the end of physical sales, the stores lose revenue, and they would demand a higher profit margin on hardware and accessories or not sell it at all. While Nintendo still require stores to sell hardware, these arrangements will stay.
For all the very few examples you cite, I can respond and say every single other game in the Switch and Switch libraries are sold at an identical RRP. An exception and likely dispensation for a few small or indie games doesn't absolve the reality that the policy is for an aligned price. Look at major games like Mario Kart World or anything from Nintendo, and third party games like Cyberpunk and Star Wars Outlaws. RRP is the same. If anything, the overwhelming pattern is physical games are available cheaper due to deals made with major retail partners while the eshop relies on periodic sales. The fact remains that if you lower the physical price of a game (by using a key card), you correspondingly lower the eshop price.
Let's also note, in worlds like PC gaming where physical sales have almost entirely disappeared, are eshop prices lower? No! Why? Controlled by the publishers, while the retailer (like Steam), still has operational expenses and takes royalties from sales.
Edit:
Checking on Hades 2, NOT on key card. Likely they got a special dispensation from Nintendo to sell at a HIGHER price than the eshop, especially as an indie game and one that the vast majority will download. Nintendo could be experimenting with a new policy for such games. Personally, I endorse that! Let's see how many people are willing to pay more.
It's not a "running theory" that key cards are cheaper, it's a fact. Look at games like Star Wars Outlaws vs Cyberpunk 2077 in your store and we're talking $20 cheaper. Street Fighter 6 is actually a large game at over 50 gb, so it's not just developers of smaller games looking to key cards. As an older game, SF6 needs an extra competitive edge even over other Switch 2 games, not simply to be cheaper overall. Smaller card sizes and their cost dropping was always the hopeful outcome.
Remember, if you only download games, you should thank key cards because the requirement of a standardised price means a lower eshop price. As a buyer of physical games, I prefer the cost saving too. My real issue is the storage in the Switch 2 itself. 256 gb isn't enough in the key card era. With 512 gb and an explanation in advance from Nintendo, key cards would be far more manageable and the criticism towards Nintendo would not be so severe. Springing key cards onto us was an appalling without such warning or explanation.
Drop the price!
Mario Kart World is average and offers nothing new!
DK Bonanza should have been the release game!
The Switch 2 is an underwhelming upgrade and is really a Switch Pro!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
The public, via their wallets, continue to defy the experts, haters and never buyers with their enthusiastic support and endorsement of the Switch 2 and Nintendo's release strategy.
Interesting that the PS5 has sold just over 7 million units in all its forms. The Switch 2, in just 6 months, is nearly half of that. The Switch Lite, just by itself, is only just behind all PS5 sales.
Too many of us seem to forget that the heart and soul of Nintendo is Japan. That market still drives most of Nintendo's decisions and where its success is the most crucial.
Edit:
Regarding comments about Metroid Prime 4 (like from "Axecon" above), yes, sales are embarrassing, and I say that as someone who loves the game. While we can blame the unhinged hysteria over computer characters that undermined interest and created a vortex of bigoted negativity towards the finished product, Nintendo must be blamed for the botched release date. As a Switch game at heart, MP4 should have been released early in the year or even late 2024 when there was a dearth of Switch games. It would get undivided attention and be the ideal swansong game for the Switch. Now, among the ruck of so many Switch 2 games and with expectations higher for it, MP4 is lost. Even Nintendo has given it scant attention and promotion. Sad, and a joke!
I own Star Wars Outlaws and Street Fighter 6, and both are stunning. Cyberpunk 2077 is obviously the other outstanding port on the Switch 2.
Yes, I agree that a port is game brought to a new system and it can be a minor downgrade or upgrade depending on its original source. We even use expressions like "HD port" to denote the type of upgrade. Then there's a Remaster, which is the same game rebuilt for new hardware and perhaps with some modern enhancements (Metroid Prime Remastered is a prime example). A Remake changes fundamental elements, whether it's game design or a graphical transformation. Metroid Samus Returns does both. Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake is self explanatory.
I guess the broad media's campaign to destroy Metroid Prime 4 with their deranged hysteria over a dorky computer character worked. I also fault Nintendo for not releasing it early in the year, or even late 2024. It could have enjoyed almost undivided attention due to little else of consequence released on Switch at the time. Now, with all the distractions of other games and higher expectations for Switch 2 games (even if technically it's a Switch game), Metroid Prime 4 is lost. The sales results are simpler appalling for a stellar title like this. Whatever! I'm loving it to pieces.
Mario Tennis Fever is of most interest to me and then Fire Emblem. I predict Pokemon Poktopia will be huge and might even be on my radar.
Edit:
Regarding the comment below, when did Nintendo ever promise big AAA physical releases at launch? We got Cyberpunk 2077, complete on a data card, and since when do Nintendo ever swamp us with major games at launch? Never! Typically it's one of their own and a third party offering. This is to maximise sales of those while the installation base is small. I feel people are whinging for the sake of whinging now. As for key cards, these were requested from developers to save on costs. Not only has this materialised with such games around $20 cheaper, that price is reflected in the eshop due to the requirement for standardised pricing. Anyone who only downloads games should be praising key cards. If Nintendo deserves real criticism, it's the Switch 2's storage should be double at 512 gb due to the key card situation. In the meantime, archive any games not in use or finished. For most of us, there's no need to buy a SD card yet.
2027? I'm hibernating. I don't care about games with release dates, much less release windows, greater than 12 months. 2027 can be December of that year, so 2 full years away and presuming no delays. I much prefer Nintendo's policy of short time lines and even surprise, immediate releases. Before anyone mentions Metroid Prime 4, no, "2025", announced in mid 2024, was the only indication given prior to the actual release date.
Curious solution to defeat Carvex. I never even considered the Control Beam to hit the tentacles. I waited for the beast to sweep at me with his tentacles on the ground and then shot each one with a missile as it arrived. Bang... bang... bang! Locking on makes it super easy and standing on the edge of the arena gives you the best angle. Use one of the available nooks for added benefit.
Of course, I forgot to scan the item reward before collecting it, so quit the game and did the whole section again. Naturally, using the knowledge I gained, I obliterated Carvex in super fast this time. The beauty of Metroid!
@FeRDNYC I've never heard "sexed" used that way. I'm thinking more like our use slang terms like "I shagged her" or "I'd bonk her", and obviously the F word (Let’s f*ck). 🤭 We've never made "sex" a verb in this context. Interesting discussion! 🤣🤗
Regarding "Dang69" above, if I'm entitled to my opinion, why bother reply to two people and dispute their opinions with the same banal and irrelevant stuff we already heard from others? It's not like you're adding a novel or interesting or different perspective. Obviously, our opinions hurt in some way, which compelled you to respond. You're not anyone important, so as if I'd care about your lame and inconsequential opinion anyway.
Comments 1,769
Re: Two Cancelled Virtual Boy Games Coming To NSO In 2026, Including F-Zero Spin-Off
Am I the only one who thinks Nintendo dropped the ball with NSO Virtual Boy? Who really (and I mean REALLY) wants to play these ugly red and black games with the Switch 2 strapped into an expensive prop or even into a cardboard option that you hold against your face? Nintendo should have offered some sort of basic conversion to play regularly (without any 3D effect) on TV. It could be as simple as showing only one of the two images (centred and expanded) and with some colour options, like a black and white option. As it stands, NSO Virtual Boy is just Nintendo being weird and dumb.
Re: Rumour: Switch Online GameCube Releases Might Have Been Leaked
It looks like a whoopsie by Nintendo. As much as I hoped, I don't see the rest of the Metroid Prime series remastered. Pikmin 2, yes it's available on Switch. The distinction is it's free in the GC app if already subscribed, and aimed at those not interested in buying it or they merely want to try it.
Re: Rumour: A Nintendo Direct May Be Coming As Soon As Next Week
As we now learned, these "leakers" are generally accurate about finding a date. As to its purpose, often they guess it and are wrong. The last two such "leaks" were the Switch 2 revealed in January 2025 (it was only a basic announcement with the reveal actually in April) and the Switch 2 revealed in late 2024. That proved to be Alarmo! Let's not forget the "Switch Pro" debacle, which proved to be the red box and OLED updates.
As so many comments have noted, there's historically a Nintendo Direct early in the year, so the "sources" are likely speculating or, again, found a date and ascribing a purpose. With Mario Tennis Fever due on 12 February, that automatically portends some sort of Direct the week before.
Re: NYXI's Hyperion 3 Is, On Paper, The Perfect Joy-Con 2 Alternative
The d-pad looks ridiculous and the price is insane. I'll wait for a Hori Split Pad Pro 2! I'm still rocking the original one on my Switch. It's so good and superior to the Pro Controller that it made me play almost exclusively in handheld mode since the day I got it. That it's still performing well after 8 or so years is further testament to it.
Re: Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
@The_Nintendo_Expat DK Bonanza could be considered as something scrappy or, at least, a little adventurous. When games media lamented there wasn't a Mario Odyssey 2, that mentality keeps Nintendo in their box. Even Mario Kart World, which added Knockout Mode (the first new racing mode ever in the series), tried a world environment with connected sections, and added Free Roam, they got trashed because it's still Mario Kart. What do people want - skydiving? In the current environment, there's no room for experimentation. Nintendo could have been lazy and delivered Mario Kart 9 with just the core 32 tracks from MKW and the usual races modes, and probably got better reception. They try a world option (that many media hoped would be the foundation of the next MK), and get trashed because people didn't want sections and Free Roam could be better. Give me a break! I'm glad they tried some variation, even if some parts didn't completely hit.
Anyway, Nintendo will probably deliver surprises over time. Then I might see you as the Repat! 🤣🤗
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting The Switch 2 Upgrade For Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
I'll probably get the Bellabel Park upgrade in the future. I still need to finish the main game of Super Mario Wonder first.
No more amiibo for me unless it's for a game series I truly love. I bought all those for Metroid Prime 4, and, previously Metroid Dread. Castlevania was the only other series in which I recently bought amiibo.
Edit:
Where's the article about Talking Flower on this site? Nintendo posted a video over a day ago.
Re: Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
@The_Nintendo_Expat Hey, Costanza, I prefer you as the Pendant than the Expat! 🤗
I think us gamers or enthusiasts (whatever we want to call ourselves) are trapped in our little bubble and constantly misread the market. In contrast, Nintendo don't. They fully know their market. Did I think something like a Zelda BOTW Switch 2 Edition was a daft idea and would only get niche support? Yes. Am I surprised that such games actually sell so well? No. The central appeal for Nintendo consoles will always be Nintendo games. Even old ones, recycled ones, or rejuvenated ones. As a collective, we are suckers! 😁
Re: Switch 2 Remains The Fastest-Selling Console In The US At 4.4 Million Units
These sales further show that Nintendo delivered so much early supply that they fully met early demand for the Switch 2, which obviously meant the sales rate would slow later in the year. They could never sustain 3 million sales a month for long. To be double the Switch and 35% more than the PS4 after 7 months is amazing. Of course, the Switch was released 3 months earlier in its year, so we will likely see a surge for the Switch in the 9 months sales comparison. Nintendo still project 19 million Switch 2 sold at the completion of the fiscal year, which compares to 17.8 for the Switch with 3 extra months of sale time.
Not sure why media still talk about tariffs and supposedly "grappling" with them, unless it's just something to throw into an article for the sake of saying something. These were settled 6 months ago and the Nintendo president recently said tariff absorption was dispersed into the global market and via small price increases for accessories. In that same speech, he allayed concerns about price increases in 2026 due to memory prices. Nintendo would have their production schedule and component purchases set well in advance. They are also not a company that fiddles with prices based on cost fluctuations. They'll assess the memory situation later in the year before thinking about the price. Right now, they want to sell as many Switch 2's as possible at the current price.
Re: Random: Mario Wonder's New Box Art Might Be The Ugliest 'Switch 2 Edition' Cover Yet
Yes, very low imagination art. On the other hand, it nails its purpose if you think about it. First, it's a wavy line, not straight line, separating the respective content, so the delineation looks fine. Second, and most important, especially when adding the incredibly long title into the equation, Nintendo want you to clearly know there's ostensibly a second game in the Switch 2 Edition. For those considering a Switch 2 purchase or those still on the Switch and never bought Wonder, Nintendo are saying that here's more reason to buy or upgrade to the Switch 2.
Re: Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - A Cheap Upgrade, But Lacking Substance
The upgrade is good. The price is bad. Of course, I understand it. $5 to us is nothing. If one million people buy it, $5 million to Nintendo is something. These little bits here and there help maintain profitability and keep the console at $450. Also, as a free update, I probably would not bother trying the update and playing Animal Crossing. For $5, heck, I want my money's worth!
Re: Switch 1 & 2 Dominate Famitsu's Best-Selling Games Of 2025 List
Amazing to think Mario Kart World has sold via download, just in 2025, about 40% of MK8 Deluxe's sales (obviously MK8D sold many more physical copies) and selling at about 80% of Switch 2 sales. Even though MKW was offered in a bundle, who's to say it wouldn't sell as well if sold separately? Also curious, Switch 2 sales are at about 11% of Switch lifetime sales and already over 50% of PS5.
Re: Anniversary: Resident Evil: Deadly Silence Is 20 Years Old Today - Were You A Fan?
Amazingly, I have never played a Resident Evil game. I'm not a fan of horror and early games looked really clunky. Now, I would try one via a demo or a free one. I'm always interested to read about the success of this series. For the record, I scored RE Deadly Silence an 8. 🤣 That's the range for most people anyway. 🥳
Re: Mystery Product Code Sparks Rumours Of A New Switch 2 Model
From the response of "48cylemmulo" to me:
"I'd argue lite is more needed this time around. Switch 2 is much larger and kids still got tiny hands."
Perhaps so! I just don't see a Switch 2 Lite happening so soon (within a year compared to 2.5 years of the Switch). At this stage, Nintendo probably says a Switch option is the choice for kids, especially with the vast games library, and games like Pokemon ZA are available on it. The current Switch 2 is the model for the immediate future and meant for adults, teenagers or as the family console. The Lite is seen as a secondary purchase for household. That won't be an appealing option until the Switch 2 library builds, all Switch development ceases, and Nintendo want to inject a boost into its hardware sales. Note that 1 in 6 Switch sales in Japan were the Lite, so it's not a significant market to attract. At least not yet!
From some of the newer comments, a dedicated home console sounds interesting! I still say it's way too early. Nintendo want us buying the current, full, hybrid model. They could, instead, be thinking longer term and preparing for something cheaper (current price) if forced to raise prices. Remember our epic failures with the Switch Pro rumours! One proved to be the red box update (mostly a better battery) and the other the OLED. The red box Switch still took over 2 years to emerge. It's simply not feasible to quickly modify factories for new models, especially concurrent ones. That's when we get the strongest rumours too. New hardware models are not like dying your hair and done on a whim. Production runs are probably already set for the next year!
Re: Japanese Charts: Nintendo's Dominance Continues As Switch 2 Flies Past 4 Million Units Sold
So ends the doom and gloom following the alleged stock price crash (it was actually a correction following a mid year surge). Amazingly, the Switch 2, in 7 months, has already sold about 60% of all PS5 models in that console's entire life. Around 3 in 4 Switch 2 owners bought Mario Kart World. Obviously the bundle helped!
To those saying the Switch 2 is cheap in Japan. Yes it is compared to elsewhere. In the Japanese context, Nintendo consoles are always cheap, as are electronics in general. The Switch launched at 30k yen. Switch 2 is 50k. That's a greater price jump than Americans received ($300 to $450). Likely, the weak yen caused that. The multi language version at 70k only exists to stop the existing practice of foreign purchases. The local Japanese market are not getting a cheaper option. They are getting their usual option.
If you look at the American price, it's around $120 more on direct exchange rate. When you consider shipping, import duties, distribution costs, possibly higher retail markup, and even the expectation of a tariff, Americans are getting a fair deal. Not sure about Europe!
Edit:
I concur with those saying the Switch 2 had an epic first 7 months. Admittedly I'm biased as a Metroid fanatic and not the greatest Zelda fan. Mario Kart World, DK Bonanza and Metroid Prime 4 steamrolls the Switch (Zelda BOTW, MK8D and Mario Odyssey), especially if also considering Kirby Air Riders and stellar third party support (Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, to name two). I understand that there's an obvious lull now for some people, so can only say to look ahead! Nintendo are likely preparing something huge. A Nintendo Direct can only be weeks away.
Re: Mystery Product Code Sparks Rumours Of A New Switch 2 Model
Remember people, the Switch Lite arrived after 2.5 years and the Switch OLED arrived after 4.5. Let's use our brains for these things. Nintendo want to sell as many of the current Switch 2 units as possible. Then they will release a cheaper option for those on a budget or for children. Then release an iterative upgrade like the OLED to try get us to buy another unit. They are a slow and methodical company and very predictable. Even hinting at a new model this early will slow sales. At most, the product code is a colour or themed variant. More likely, it's nothing.
Re: Opinion: I'm Happy amiibo Survived The Console Jump, But These Unlocks Are Getting Silly
Remember, that "short Metroid jingle" caused the internet rage machine to froth into another epic meltdown! While most of it was ragers raging for attention, it did create an interesting discussion as to what should be unlocked by an amiibo. I'm perfectly fine for new skins and other cosmetic effects because they don't affect the game and are somewhat meaningful for the money spent on the amiibo. I draw the line if the feature is integral to the game or harms the game without it in some way. The short jingle certainly doesn't qualify. It adds nothing to the experience. As for a story scene, that would be nice for everyone to see. Even as a reward for completing the game, I don't like that if the feature is important. If trivial, sure, lock it behind game completion or unlocked by an amiibo.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2025 'Year In Review' Is Available Now
I played 33 games in total and played for 437 hours.
My most played games:
1) World of Tanks Blitz at 359 hours
2) F-Zero 99 at 43 hours
3) Mario Kart World at 17 hours
WOTB is close to 3755 hours in total and F-Zero 99 is 210 hours in total. Tetris 99, which had a quiet year (I typically only play the Maximus Cups these days), is still my second most played overall at 590 hours.
Generally, I played for 50 hours a month unless on holidays or something (just 13 hours in September). WOTB was the most played game in every month. In July, 47 of the 50 hours played was WOTB. In June, when the Switch 2 launched, 24 of the 38 hours were WOTB. December was also a noticeable difference with only 20 of the 36 hours taken by WOTB. The other 16 hours would be Metroid Prime 4, some Mario Kart World, and dabbling in a few other titles.
Edit:
I would have played a lot of WOTB on my tablet and some on PC. When in Hong Kong and Japan in September, I used the tablet then (I don't take the Switch on holidays). I have 2213 hours logged there over 2.5 years. PC is probably near 2000 hours too (since April 2021). Probably nearing 8000 hours on one game since October 2020. 🤭
Re: Star Trek: Voyager - Across The Unknown Beams Onto Switch 2 Next Month
As long as I can eject Neelix through a plasma vent and Seven can explore her humanity with me, I'm all in.
Seriously, I'm not sure how to react to Voyager: Across The Unknown. Managing energy and other systems doesn't seem too exciting. I'll definitely try the demo.
Re: Switch 2 Sales Reportedly Struggled Over The Christmas Period
A ridiculous abundance of supply meant everyone could buy a Switch 2 during the launch period. Total sales, as the article said, are astronomical and it wasn't so long ago that Nintendo increased first fiscal year projections by 3 million.
A second explanation is no major holiday game. While Nintendo perhaps hoped Metroid Prime 4 would be it, the reaction to the preview destroyed any chance of that, and Metroid is never a mega seller anyway. In contrast, the Switch went into the holiday period with Mario Odyssey after launching with Zelda BOTW and MK8D in its first six weeks. Switch 2 went in with nothing of that calibre. This situation could even be planned, especially with 3 fewer months of operation for the Switch 2 compared to the Switch, and Nintendo hoped the Switch 2 would steamroll ahead regardless. With some introspection and the knowledge of a huge tease or announcement in the probable February Direct, Nintendo are likely content with the situation.
Re: Nintendo's Investors Are Reportedly "Spooked" As Stock Slides
A complete beat up. The peak in August 2025 was obviously caused by the rabid sales success of the Switch 2. Now there's an adjustment back to reality, and that reality is the stock price is currently almost DOUBLE the long term 6000 average into May 2023 and 20% higher than 2 years ago. Looking at the stock price fluctuation over just 6 months as some sort of futures prediction is ludicrous. If you started the 6 months' chart from February 2025, you see a 50% increase. Now we have a flood of comments thinking there's doom and gloom and trying to explain it.
I'm amazed that so many people don't understand Nintendo. They live on long term planning and pacing their hits to ensure periodic surges of high interest and excitement while lesser titles fill the void in between. The Switch 2 itself and Mario Kart World were strike one. DK Bonanza was a booster to keep the Switch 2 hype going. Titles like Kirby Air Riders and third party games kept players engaged. Nintendo probably hoped Metroid Prime would be strike 2. Alas, the reaction to the preview destroyed it, and December 2025 was the wrong time to launch it anyway. MP4 should have been the swansong game for the Switch in early 2025, and then get boosted with the 4K upgrade in December.
Given their history, a Nintendo Direct is coming soon, so prepare for some big announcements and teasers, and probably a stock price surge. Nintendo are almost deliberately in a lull now and calculating their future, which, to me, spells danger to the doubters. Never underestimate Nintendo. They know their business, and they know their fans.
Re: Nintendo's President Remains Coy On Potential Price Increases
A mega company like Nintendo would have their ducks lined up 6 months to a year in advance. Fluctuations in certain costs would have zero impact. These would need to be permanent, and could still take 6 months to ripple through. If we know one thing about Nintendo is that they are stubborn with pricing. They like to set it once and leave it. That component costs (at least, historically) get cheaper over the years is how they reap in most profits. If there is a pice increase, often that's seen in an updated model like the New 3DS or Switch OLED. I can imagine the Switch 2 OLED might be $550, rather than $500, to deal with any higher input costs.
Any American tariff effect would already be felt by now. In that article, Nintendo said it was mitigated through its entire international market. That was via a modest price increases on accessories and even on the Switch, and simply absorbing anything left. They really want the Switch 2 console itself to stay affordable.
Please note, I said "historically" about cheaper component costs. Obviously now we live in weird times.
Re: Site News: Please Welcome Mai, The Newest Member Of Our YouTube Team
Welcome! Mai the Force be with you! 🤣🤗
I hope, eventually, you become powerful and strong enough to end this site's policy of background music in conversation videos. It drives me crazy, and I boycott such videos anywhere. Therefore, and unfortunately, I doubt I will hear or see much from you beyond the one minute I just saw.
Re: Opinion: Metroid Prime 4 Does This One Thing Better Than Any Other Nintendo Game
I write "if you are on the younger side.... Classic controls will feel weird. Modern controls are a necessity and a rightful default". Yet, someone (who somehow is even whinging about the graphics in Metroid Prime 4) interprets that as "Classic controls were bad for this game [Metroid Prime Remastered]". No, I said the exact opposite! If modern controls were "a necessity and a rightful default", that clearly states that classic controls, even as a default option, would be bad. That acknowledges they are archaic and would not sit well with most people. I only lament that the OPTION to use classic controls was not part of Metroid Prime 4 to relive the "classic" feel as I could in Metroid Prime Remastered (modern controls immediately felt wrong there). This entire article is about controller options and mapping, so classic controls is a fair discussion point. To try shut it down with a false representation of a prior comment is incredibly rude. It seems some people just don't want to hear anything nice said about Metroid Prime 4.
Re: UK Charts: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Clings To The Top 40
Regarding 78% on Metacritic as mentioned above. Considering the hit job by the internet rage machine and some media on Metroid Prime 4, 78% sounds phenomenal! I assumed a 60% score. IGN scored MP4 an 8, which, according to them is "great", so 78% approximates that. Perhaps I'm interpreting the "Yikes!" wrong? I'm not sure anyone thinks criticism of the game is "unwarranted" (re "mctrials" above); only that much of it was excessively exaggerated to almost deranged levels. Scores like 8 or 78% acknowledge there are some fair points of criticism.
Re: Opinion: Metroid Prime 4 Does This One Thing Better Than Any Other Nintendo Game
The real question is if the controls can be mapped to recreate classic controls from the original Prime on Game Cube! For all the talk that Metroid Prime 4 doesn't feel like classic Prime because of a chatty computer character and a desert section (sorry, they are not "the focus" of MP4 either), the real villain for me is the game uses generic twin stick first person shooter controls. Boring! I changed to classic controls in Metroid Prime Remastered to relive the classic game as I remembered, and it's a shame that option isn't available in MP4.
The actual focus of MP4 is classic MP game play. The exploring, the discovery, the scanning, and, yes, the back tracking. It's all there. Some of the new ideas, at most, could be deemed as annoying or unnecessary. In terms of breaking the Metroid Prime feel and totally wrecking the game as the "loud people on the internet" suggest, not even close. If Metroid Prime 4 feels anything like your generic FPS or a non-faithful Prime experience, it's due to modern controls.
Please note, if you are on the younger side, then this comment does NOT apply to you. Classic controls will feel weird. Modern controls are a necessity and a rightful default. I merely lament that there's no option for classic controls and that hurts the classic Metroid Prime than anything else.
For those unaware, with classic controls, the left stick moves Samus in a 360 direction. If you tilt Left, she turns and moves left. She does not strafe. Strafing occurs upon locking onto an enemy by pressing L. The right stick selects weapons by default. If pressing R, then it's used to look around or for manual aim. There's actually an elegance to its apparent clumsiness!
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl: Duel - Mario Power Tennis (GameCube)
Comments suggest Japanese one is better. The actual poll shows USA/NA as 70% preferred. That further proves the notion of the silent majority and to never trust internet comments as a metric for broader society. Human nature loves notoriety, and that typically drives us to comment. Voting for the obviously superior box art is non controversial!
Re: Mario Tennis On Switch 2 Has 38 Playable Characters – "The Most In Series History"
The Fever racquets that we saw in the Nintendo Direct last year look interesting. I'm looking forward to the game. The main problem with Aces was the new mechanics (trick shots, zone plays, special shots and gauge management) made it difficult for casual players to pick up. We would play on simple rules, as a consequence. Otherwise, I personally loved Aces. If the new Fever skills are easy to learn and they provide an addictive new quality to Mario Tennis, the game should be excellent.
Re: UK Charts: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Clings To The Top 40
Replying to "hcfwesker", yes, minor assistance. As I said, that's a staple of the series. I recall the original Metroid Prime highlighting a specific part of the map to next visit. That's much more egregious than anything in MP4 and such help was on by default. There's nothing in Metroid Prime 4 that's bothersome to ME. In fact, I appreciate some of it because it fits the character of the game and typically isn't something I care to work out myself. There's so much exploration and discovery in the game to satisfy me anyway. The one assistance I especially like are the reminders of controls. I believe that's a tutorial setting to switch that off anyway.
I'm pleased to read more people loving the game. I'm really done with the petty criticism. I'm not even taking it seriously anymore. Most of it is the usual internet rage machine doing its thing.
Thanks to InfamousOrange recommending Prime 3. One day I hope to play it. Nintendo will need to bring it to the Switch or Switch 2, of course.
Re: UK Charts: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Clings To The Top 40
I guess the haters got their wish! The epic tantrums from the preview over a computer character manifested into some ridiculous reviews of the full game and overall negative publicity. Metroid Prime 4 could never get a fair critique from people with grudges and, especially in this era, people too stubborn to moderate an initial opinion, much less admit that they were wrong and behaved like turnips. Criticism of back tracking, scanning, and even minor assistance, which are staple of the Prime series, showed an unhinged, if not deranged, mentality in approaching the game. For this site's credit, they got someone else to do the review while Digital Foundary approached it completely fresh. Both gave fair reviews as a consequence, even if I disagree with some aspects of their commentary.
I concur with so many comments that MP4 is an excellent game. I'm loving every bit of it and it is exactly the game I wanted. My last experience was Prime 2 on the Game Cube (I boycotted the Wii and WU era), so I was craving the same formula with a few little additions, of course! I didn't want some open world monstrosity or a weird experiment. Save that for the next game or even a new line in the series.
Edit:
Oh, yeah. People whinging about music locked behind an amiibo or completing the game is more lunacy. We're talking music in the desert area, not entire sections of the game missing! I own the amiibo and haven't scanned it. There's actually a blissful wisp of eeriness to the desert area that I really like. Reactions like this are endemic of people never interested in the game. I refuse to accept any legitimate Metroid fan, who waited 8 years for MP4, really says, "Damn it. I'm boycotting it because an eerie desert environment is the end of the world in video game history. If I can't get music there, F the 99% remainder of the game!"
Yes, Nintendo's lack of promotion hasn't helped. Everything about MP4's release seems like an afterthought. Perhaps they saw all the negativity and saw general interest was low, so gave up. I maintain the release timing was wrong. As a Switch game at heart, MP4 should have been released in early 2025 where there was a dearth of games about and be the Switch's major swansong title. December 2025, with so much more competition around and higher expectations for Switch 2 games, it's all a bit lost. Sad.
Re: Poll: So, Now The Dust Has Settled, How Did You Find Myles MacKenzie?
@OnlyManWhoCan I love your comment!
Especially this: "Genuinely feel that all the journalists who threw their toys out of the pram about Miles should feel ashamed of themselves."
🤣🤣🤣
The problem these days is people are stuck in binary thought and completely intransigent. That includes the media. They could never give the full game an honest and fair critique and conclude they were wrong. I even take umbrage that even if the preview felt terrible, to at least consider it as potentially a minor part of the game, not symbolic or the entire game, and moderate your reaction. At least this site used a separate person for the review from that who did the hyper ridiculous preview. IGN used the same degenerate, and while they scored it 8 (allegedly meaning "great"), it was littered with petty complaints that were clearly residual bad taste from the preview. Digital Foundary did the fairest review after approaching it with no preconceptions.
Re: Poll: So, Now The Dust Has Settled, How Did You Find Myles MacKenzie?
Definitely, Myles is fine. The meltdowns from the preview were absurd. Unfortunately, they tarnished any chance of Metroid Prime 4 getting a fair review at most places. People were bitter and held grudges, and for what? A bit of annoying chatter to begin with, a very short game section of fighting aliens with him, and then he does the job of the odd helpful hint that previous Prime games did. In fact, I recall their radio alerts pointing you to specific points on the map. The assistance in MP4 seems less. Once I even asked Myles for help and he had nothing. As to the open world, hell no. I wanted a traditional Metroid Prime with a few novel additions. Nintendo delivered. The open world experiment can wait for the next game.
Edit:
Learning about the Federation Force, as per the comment above, has been fascinating. Do you want to know more? I do! We live in this delusion that Samus is some autonomous being constantly on personal missions. No, she's part of something bigger and I want to know more about her context in the Metroid universe, especially in the Federation Force.
Re: PSA: Make Sure You've Enabled These Opt-In Settings If You Want Your Nintendo 2025 'Year In Review'
Much better to cover the full year! Looking forward to seeing mine again.
Re: Opinion: Wishlisting Games On Switch eShop Is A Game In Itself
I enjoy viewing my wish list during sales and see the games I added as far back as 2017 and admiring my resilience in waiting for that damn, hefty discount! One such game was Double Dragon 4. After 5 years, finally it was 50% off. I jumped and played it to the end over and over. A game that was easily worth the wait and an excellent addition to the series.
Just over the Christmas period, I finally got Horizon Chase 2 for 50% off. Apparently I missed a couple of prior times it was on sale, so I was rapt to finally get it. The original (Horizon Chase Turbo) is one of my favourite racers ever.
Re: Nintendo Comments On Metroid Prime 4's Placement In The Metroid Timeline
I'm not familiar with any Metroid time line. There's no real obvious distinction within the games, and I simply presumed the Prime series was wholly contained either before or after the main series. Anyway, back to the game! I'm loving every bit of it.
Re: Opinion: I Reviewed 25 Switch 2 Games In 2025, And These Are My Top 3 Picks
Mario Kart World still is the pinnacle of fun and chaos for me. No other game puts you through insane levels of excitement and humiliation, and often multiple times through one race. The Knockout Mode takes that formula to a new level. Kirby Air Riders is fun. It's just a different sort of fun. Sonic Cross Worlds is best of the three for single player racing. Multi player falls short.
I remain perplexed about some of the reaction towards MKW. At its base, it delivers everything from previous games, notably 32 circuits and the usual race modes. Some of these tracks are the best ever. Then it adds a brand new racing mode for the first time ever (Knockout Mode), 24 racers, the new railing mechanic, the connected sections (even if they are too long, at least they tried something new), and Free Roam as a bonus. Perhaps the simple answer is people are bored of Mario Kart! I was actually bored of the series many years ago due to the paltry challenge and limited options for single players. For multi player shenanigans, it's the first port of call.
I put MKW as my second favourite Nintendo game of the year. Metroid Prime 4 is my favourite. Before I cop "hate", for me, it's authentic Metroid Prime. The meltdown over the computer characters I don't see as rational. There's so much in MP4 to love, that if you don't, perhaps you're bored of that formula too. I'm not. I'm lapping it up. For third place, pobably DK Bonanza, just ahead of Kirby Air Riders.
Re: Here Are Japan's Best-Selling Switch and Switch 2 eShop Games For 2025
Kirby Air Riders beat DK Bonanza? That's a huge shock given the fawning publicity, including 10/10 reviews from some sites, by so much of the media. Perhaps Japan was a little different anyway. Not to suck up, the NL review got the balance right with a 9, while I found it somewhat repetitive and would score it 8. Kirby got 8, which would be my score too.
As to comments about no Metroid Prime 4 anywhere near the top, Japan has never been strong for Metroid. Beyond Japan, the media hit job on MP4 about the computer characters won't see strong sales anywhere. The bias and animosity built from the preview could never see MP4 get a fair review. Again, NL was an exception, especially by choosing someone different to do the review. Others, notably IGN, used the same prat that had the initial meltdown, which manifested as you'd expect. IGN a petty 8; NL a fair 9.
Further problematic for MP4 was the horrible release timing. As a Switch game at heart, it should have been the swansong game for the Switch and released early this year, especially when there was nothing else around. For the Switch 2, in December, with higher expectations, and so many other games available, MP4 got lost. As a devotee of the Metroid series, I really hoped to see MP4 get a huge push in almost complete isolation, not released almost as an afterthought. So disappointing.
Re: Got Yourself A New Nintendo Switch 2? Here's What To Do First
I would add two caveats. If you plan to keep and use your Switch, especially to continuing playing the dozens of downloaded games installed there, or want your Switch 2 solely for Switch 2 games, do NOT do a system transfer. Just sign in on your Switch 2 with your Nintendo ID and start fresh. Otherwise, the transfer will transfer all your games as virtual cards and begin downloading all the game data as well. Given the limited 256gb storage on the Switch 2, a huge proportion of it could be taken up with Switch games. While you can cancel the downloading, that requires each title to be cancelled, which is a pain if you own dozens.
If you own limited games, feel free to do the system transfer. You can always transfer games back to your Switch at any time with the new virtual card system. That update really makes life much easier. If starting fresh, you can easily transfer select titles to your Switch 2. Just make sure the Switch 2 account is the one used on Switch.
I was in a hybrid situation where I wanted my physical titles on the Switch 2 and downloaded ones on the Switch. The system transfer will copy all game saves, so that's handy. Note: Animal Crossing gets entirely moved.
Of course, worst case scenario, if the transfer fills up your Switch 2 storage, it can be reclaimed by archiving games.
As to an Express SD card, don't waste your money! These are expensive, and while the Switch 2 storage could be more (especially in this key card era), if you're a light to moderate user, or buy physical copies, the 256gb is more than adequate. I have two friends that never bought a SD card for their 32gb Switch, so beware of taking advice from people based on their own situation and with money to burn. Base extra storage on YOUR needs, which is likely when you actually need it and managing it by archiving games isn't possible anymore.
Re: Feature: Games Of The Year 2025 - Nintendo Life Staff Picks
For me it's Metroid Prime 4, Mario Kart World and DK Bonanza.
MP4 is classic Metroid Prime and I'm loving everything about it so far. The meltdown over computer characters is beyond unhinged. To think so many people hold a grudge against the game and won't play it, or even admit to liking it, is bizarre beyond imagination.
Where I was expecting the next MK to be another set of 32 tracks and eight Cups to race and the usual online experience, to get the fabulous Knockout Mode was a massive surprise. Plus, there's 24 racers, connected sections and the new railing mechanic. The Free Roam, like Battle Mode, I see as a bonus mode. Who cares. To hear people say there's nothing new or it doesn't evolve the series is preposterous. What would evolve the series? No one ever says anything. Again, much like with computer characters in MP4, MKW got judged on a minor aspect (Free Roam) and now these people can't look past that to see there's a stellar MK experience here. MKW is up there with the best MK games ever for me. Anyway, it's selling by the ship load. The public is speaking and Nintendo is happy.
DK Bonanza in third due to its novel game characteristics. While it can get a bit repetitive and banal at times, mostly it's a lot of fun. Star Wars Outlaws was next in line.
I deliberately excluded multi platform games because we're talking best "Nintendo" games of the year here. If it's not by Nintendo or exclusive for Nintendo, it doesn't count. While Star Wars Outlaws is on other platforms, those releases were a year ago and I view the version on Switch 2 as a specific Nintendo one. Even then, I would still lean more to actual Nintendo games when judging a best Nintendo award.
Re: Nintendo Has A Game-Key Card Alternative In The Works With Smaller Switch 2 Carts
Removed
Re: Nintendo Has A Game-Key Card Alternative In The Works With Smaller Switch 2 Carts
@topsekret Aligned prices is not a theory, it's a reality and a requirement. Retailers do not get to decide prices (I never said they did, so your entire rant is built on a false premise). Nintendo and the publishers decide prices, even for sales. This is actually standard almost universally in the entire retail world. The reason is so all retailers operate on a level field and the product is made as widely available as possible at the same price point. In Nintendo's case, if the eshop undercut the physical price, that's the end of physical sales, the stores lose revenue, and they would demand a higher profit margin on hardware and accessories or not sell it at all. While Nintendo still require stores to sell hardware, these arrangements will stay.
For all the very few examples you cite, I can respond and say every single other game in the Switch and Switch libraries are sold at an identical RRP. An exception and likely dispensation for a few small or indie games doesn't absolve the reality that the policy is for an aligned price. Look at major games like Mario Kart World or anything from Nintendo, and third party games like Cyberpunk and Star Wars Outlaws. RRP is the same. If anything, the overwhelming pattern is physical games are available cheaper due to deals made with major retail partners while the eshop relies on periodic sales. The fact remains that if you lower the physical price of a game (by using a key card), you correspondingly lower the eshop price.
Let's also note, in worlds like PC gaming where physical sales have almost entirely disappeared, are eshop prices lower? No! Why? Controlled by the publishers, while the retailer (like Steam), still has operational expenses and takes royalties from sales.
Edit:
Checking on Hades 2, NOT on key card. Likely they got a special dispensation from Nintendo to sell at a HIGHER price than the eshop, especially as an indie game and one that the vast majority will download. Nintendo could be experimenting with a new policy for such games. Personally, I endorse that! Let's see how many people are willing to pay more.
Re: Nintendo Has A Game-Key Card Alternative In The Works With Smaller Switch 2 Carts
It's not a "running theory" that key cards are cheaper, it's a fact. Look at games like Star Wars Outlaws vs Cyberpunk 2077 in your store and we're talking $20 cheaper. Street Fighter 6 is actually a large game at over 50 gb, so it's not just developers of smaller games looking to key cards. As an older game, SF6 needs an extra competitive edge even over other Switch 2 games, not simply to be cheaper overall. Smaller card sizes and their cost dropping was always the hopeful outcome.
Remember, if you only download games, you should thank key cards because the requirement of a standardised price means a lower eshop price. As a buyer of physical games, I prefer the cost saving too. My real issue is the storage in the Switch 2 itself. 256 gb isn't enough in the key card era. With 512 gb and an explanation in advance from Nintendo, key cards would be far more manageable and the criticism towards Nintendo would not be so severe. Springing key cards onto us was an appalling without such warning or explanation.
Re: Japanese Charts: Switch 2 And Mario Kart World Continue To Obliterate The Competition
Drop the price!
Mario Kart World is average and offers nothing new!
DK Bonanza should have been the release game!
The Switch 2 is an underwhelming upgrade and is really a Switch Pro!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
The public, via their wallets, continue to defy the experts, haters and never buyers with their enthusiastic support and endorsement of the Switch 2 and Nintendo's release strategy.
Interesting that the PS5 has sold just over 7 million units in all its forms. The Switch 2, in just 6 months, is nearly half of that. The Switch Lite, just by itself, is only just behind all PS5 sales.
Too many of us seem to forget that the heart and soul of Nintendo is Japan. That market still drives most of Nintendo's decisions and where its success is the most crucial.
Edit:
Regarding comments about Metroid Prime 4 (like from "Axecon" above), yes, sales are embarrassing, and I say that as someone who loves the game. While we can blame the unhinged hysteria over computer characters that undermined interest and created a vortex of bigoted negativity towards the finished product, Nintendo must be blamed for the botched release date. As a Switch game at heart, MP4 should have been released early in the year or even late 2024 when there was a dearth of Switch games. It would get undivided attention and be the ideal swansong game for the Switch. Now, among the ruck of so many Switch 2 games and with expectations higher for it, MP4 is lost. Even Nintendo has given it scant attention and promotion. Sad, and a joke!
Re: Best Switch 2 Ports - The Most Impressive Third-Party Games On Nintendo Switch 2
I own Star Wars Outlaws and Street Fighter 6, and both are stunning. Cyberpunk 2077 is obviously the other outstanding port on the Switch 2.
Yes, I agree that a port is game brought to a new system and it can be a minor downgrade or upgrade depending on its original source. We even use expressions like "HD port" to denote the type of upgrade. Then there's a Remaster, which is the same game rebuilt for new hardware and perhaps with some modern enhancements (Metroid Prime Remastered is a prime example). A Remake changes fundamental elements, whether it's game design or a graphical transformation. Metroid Samus Returns does both. Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake is self explanatory.
Re: UK Charts: Metroid Prime 4 Falls From The Top Ten
I guess the broad media's campaign to destroy Metroid Prime 4 with their deranged hysteria over a dorky computer character worked. I also fault Nintendo for not releasing it early in the year, or even late 2024. It could have enjoyed almost undivided attention due to little else of consequence released on Switch at the time. Now, with all the distractions of other games and higher expectations for Switch 2 games (even if technically it's a Switch game), Metroid Prime 4 is lost. The sales results are simpler appalling for a stellar title like this. Whatever! I'm loving it to pieces.
Re: 35 Upcoming Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Games To Look Forward To In 2026
Mario Tennis Fever is of most interest to me and then Fire Emblem. I predict Pokemon Poktopia will be huge and might even be on my radar.
Edit:
Regarding the comment below, when did Nintendo ever promise big AAA physical releases at launch? We got Cyberpunk 2077, complete on a data card, and since when do Nintendo ever swamp us with major games at launch? Never! Typically it's one of their own and a third party offering. This is to maximise sales of those while the installation base is small. I feel people are whinging for the sake of whinging now. As for key cards, these were requested from developers to save on costs. Not only has this materialised with such games around $20 cheaper, that price is reflected in the eshop due to the requirement for standardised pricing. Anyone who only downloads games should be praising key cards. If Nintendo deserves real criticism, it's the Switch 2's storage should be double at 512 gb due to the key card situation. In the meantime, archive any games not in use or finished. For most of us, there's no need to buy a SD card yet.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th December)
Metroid Prime 4, of course! Along with my usual bouts of World of Tanks Blitz.
Re: Mega Man Returns In 2027 With A "Brand-New Entry" For Switch And Switch 2
2027? I'm hibernating. I don't care about games with release dates, much less release windows, greater than 12 months. 2027 can be December of that year, so 2 full years away and presuming no delays. I much prefer Nintendo's policy of short time lines and even surprise, immediate releases. Before anyone mentions Metroid Prime 4, no, "2025", announced in mid 2024, was the only indication given prior to the actual release date.
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Walkthrough, All Collectibles, Tips & Tricks
Curious solution to defeat Carvex. I never even considered the Control Beam to hit the tentacles. I waited for the beast to sweep at me with his tentacles on the ground and then shot each one with a missile as it arrived. Bang... bang... bang! Locking on makes it super easy and standing on the edge of the arena gives you the best angle. Use one of the available nooks for added benefit.
Of course, I forgot to scan the item reward before collecting it, so quit the game and did the whole section again. Naturally, using the knowledge I gained, I obliterated Carvex in super fast this time. The beauty of Metroid!
Re: Review: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush (Switch 2) - DLC That's Ripe With Fun, But Could've Been More
@FeRDNYC I've never heard "sexed" used that way. I'm thinking more like our use slang terms like "I shagged her" or "I'd bonk her", and obviously the F word (Let’s f*ck). 🤭 We've never made "sex" a verb in this context. Interesting discussion! 🤣🤗
Re: Best Metroid Games Of All Time
Regarding "Dang69" above, if I'm entitled to my opinion, why bother reply to two people and dispute their opinions with the same banal and irrelevant stuff we already heard from others? It's not like you're adding a novel or interesting or different perspective. Obviously, our opinions hurt in some way, which compelled you to respond. You're not anyone important, so as if I'd care about your lame and inconsequential opinion anyway.