Comments 13,174

Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Difficulty Settings Revealed By Nintendo

JaxonH

I typically play on Normal- I find Easy not challenging enough and Hard a bit too brutal. But I'm glad the options are there for others. I'm a STRONG believer in difficulty settings unless a game has an online component like Monster Hunter. I never agreed with Souls games not offering difficulty settings (or even the ability to pause) during the single player campaign.

Re: Nintendo Download: 27th November (North America)

JaxonH

This week is insane! It goes far beyond the listed games.

NSW2 is hitting the slaughterhouse...

  • Marvel Cosmic Invasion
  • Red Dead Redemption Remastered
  • Sonic Racing Crossworlds
  • Octopath Traveler 0
  • Assassin's Creed Shadows
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Re: Reminder: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Available With A Switch Game Voucher

JaxonH

I did this a while back. Bought eShop credit for 10% off at gcx.raise website, so $120 worth credit for $108.

Then I bought 2 vouchers with that credit and used on Metroid Prime 4 and one other game. Then used remaining credit to purchase the upgrades separately for $10/ea.

Meaning I paid $54 for Metroid Prime 4 NSW2 Edition.

Re: Reminder: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Available With A Switch Game Voucher

JaxonH

@Shmicko
Hey my friend. For over 10 years I was physical only, and a collector. I bought 600 physical NSW1 games from 2017 - 2025. I ultimately sold them all, and am now 100% digital only for NSW2.

What converted me was getting my NSW modchipped (not for piracy, but to output the docked image on the handheld screen to ensure 720p minimim portably, and to overclock and ensure locked framerates). I dumped my entire collection and installed digitally (though many I had bought digitally also), and the convenience is wild.

Since having my entire library digitally, I feel unburdened... free, if you will. You know how many times I allowed myself to get upset because a game wasn't fully on cartridge and required a download? All of that is gone now. No more getting upset constantly, just pure excitement. I can't even imagine what these key cart fanatics are going through right now. I'm glad that's not me cause I would get miserable over that kind of crap, and once you go digital you realize how many games were ruined for you because of some outdated notion of "keeping games forever" as if you're immortal and will never die. Or are gonna somehow "lose" all your digital games, even though having a game on a plastic micro SD and having a game on a plastic proprietary cartridge are no different whatsoever.

And at least digitally you can copy the micro SD to PC and backup, AND you're guaranteed at least 3 decades of backup on Nintendo's servers if you lose it and want to redownload. Can't do that with physical. Yet somehow ppl spin having 3 decades (maybe more, could be 50 years, long past your death bed) as a negative, like the games will magically evaporate off your system if the "servers go down". Nah, don't let anyone gaslight you with ridiculous arguments like that. The server is an extra, a bonus. Once you buy a cart, that's it. Once you buy digitally and download to micro SD, that's it. Keep the cart, keep the micro SD. No difference. Backing it up is an additional measure of insurance physical doesnt have. Redownloading at will for anothet 30, 40, 50 years in the future is an additional insurance physical doesnt have. And tbh, I dont think redownloads will ever be shut down. They may stop new purchases, but for the new permanent eShop, I don't think they'll shut off redownloads in our lifetime. Heck, even the Wii still allows redownloads and that was on a 3rd party rented shop from 20 years ago.

Digital is just so convenient. I keep Cyberpunk 2077 cartridge permanently inserted as a way to save another 60GB space, and a 1 TB micro SD express (and another 1 TB micro SD express for NSW1 games that get massive benefits running on NSW2 like MH Stories 2, DQ Builders 2, Ni No Kuni 2, etc which are all 60fps now).

So unless you plan to strictly stick with 1st party and even then don't buy many games, I advise a micro SD express, as big as you can afford. There's a 512 GB that was just on sale for $74.99 on Amazon and a 1 TB for $185 I think.

Re: Digital Foundry Dives Into Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's "Big Downgrades" On Switch 2

JaxonH

No doubt it's not as visually impressive as the PS4 version, because it's a NSW2 Edition of the Switch port.

But it looks good enough. And it's a locked 60fps. And the precision mouse aiming that seamlessly activates when setting on a pad, in addition to being hybrid handheld, makes this my new favorite version of the game. Visuals are something you really don't notice when you're playing, because it's a nice crisp resolution with smooth animations. And ya, that locked 60fps is the ultimate prize.

It also looks really nice on my Switch Lite OLED, overclocking for rock solid 30fps. Great for a pocketable version.

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Re: Review: Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (Switch 2) - A Serviceable Port Of One Of Lara's Very Best

JaxonH

Game is straight 🔥 🔥 🔥

This was my launch game I picked up with PS4 12 years ago, and played nonstop til I beat it.

Having a locked 60fps (finally!) with mouse aiming and 4k is peak. I've already sunk 20 hrs in and can't get enough. Been wanting this hybrid for years.

And the game looks fantastic on my custom Switch Lite OLED, outputting the docked image on the 6" OLED screen and overclocking to ensure stable 30fps. A pocketable version in the magnetic flip case.

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Re: NieR:Automata Finally Lands Switch 2 Compatibility Update

JaxonH

@KevynOnVideo
Allow me to help you with that. I have a TON of NSW1 games Ive tried on NSW2.

  • Crysis Remastered Trilogy all run stable on NSW2, whereas they had major framerate drops on NSW1
  • Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle is now 60fps instead of 30fps
  • Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter (free NSW2 upgrade) is 60fps, whereas on NSW1 it can't hold 30fps
  • Red Dead Redemption is 4k 60fps on NSW2 as of next week
  • Batman Arkham Knight holds stable 30fps on NSW2 (with rare drops in Batmobile)
  • DQ Builders 2 holds 60fps on NSW2 instead of sub-30
  • Fire Emblem Warriors runs 60fps on NSW2 instead of all over the place
  • Ghostrunner resolution isn't all blurry and muddy on NSW2
  • Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity holds stable 30fps on NSW2
  • Monster Hunter Stories 1/2 holds stable 60fps on NSW2 instead of all over the place
  • Ni No Kuni 2 runs stable 60fps on NSW2
  • Tales of Vesperia runs 60fps on NSW2
  • Resident Evil Revelations 1/2 run stable 60fps on NSW2
  • Resident Evil 5 holds stable 60fps on NSW2
  • Trials Rising holds stable 30fps on NSW2 and resolution doesn't get super blurry from dynamic resolution drops- NSW2 is officially the only handheld that can run this game and without performance issues
  • Trails of Cold Steel 3/4 holds stable 30fps on NSW2
  • Trails Into Reverie holds stable 30fps on NSW2
  • Trails Through Daybreak 1/2 holds stable 30fps on NSW2
  • Ys VIII, IX and X all hold stable framerates on NSW2
  • Wonderful 101 holds stable 60fps on NSW2

Re: Surprise! Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Is Available Now On Switch & Switch 2

JaxonH

@Olliemar28
Can you reach out to Aspyr and inquire about the gyroscope aiming not working in-game please?

Mouse aiming works fine (best to turn sensitivity down to 1 for both mouse sensitivity and mouse aiming sensitivity when Switch 2 system level sensitivity is set to High), but gyro aiming simply doesn't work.

I'm not the only one reporting this issue. And I've tried with Pro Controller, split Joycon 2, and in handheld mode.

Re: Review: Yooka-Replaylee (Switch 2) - Feels Like The Game It Was Meant To Be, Finally

JaxonH

A certain subset of Nintendo fans have become the very 60fps elitists they used to rail against.

Im all for it, but we're still dealing with a 10W tablet. A LOT of games are going to have to compromise at 30fps. If that's a deal breaker for you, so be it. Go play it elsewhere. Im just glad my experience isnt even remotely affected by such things. As long as it runs STABLE, Im happy. I want my hybrid handheld version, and that's exactly what I'm getting. Thank God every day I never let myself devolve into such elitism.

Re: Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Gets A Seven-Minute Overview Trailer

JaxonH

@X68000
Hey, Switch has nearly 9 years of the finest games so it only makes sense that with BC you'd spend so much time with them, especially with it improving performance and maxing dynamic resolution

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a stable 1080p 60fps locked now. Amazing experience. Even Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle, 30fps on Switch, hits a locked 60fps on NSW2. Guess it used a double buffer like Link's Awakening and never hit the threshold on Switch so it stayed at 30, but on NSW2 it does so it stays at 60. Ni No Kuni 2 is rock solid 60fps, Resident Evil Revelations 1/2 and RE5/6 all 1080p 60fps now. And with gyro aiming and hybrid advantage, definitely the definitive versions. It Takes Two is awesome with Gamechat BTW

But I've been playing Trails In The Sky 1st Remake demo (gets a NSW2 Ed for $1), Persona 3 Reload demo, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy and Star Wars Outlaws. All with gyro aiming (not JRPGs obviously), and Cyberpunk and Hogwarts have mouse aiming. Get a $10 8" x 10" firm mouse pad from Amazon and a mouse peripheral and its an insanely awesome experience. Mouse is a game changer.

But ya I'll be playing Mario Galaxy 1/2. Never played them myself despite owning on Wii, Wii U VC and Dolphin. But Dolphin is a pain in the rear for games requiring the pointer. Switch will let us control the camera simultaneously, and a screenshot that couldn't have it's perspective replicated indicates we're getting full camera control this time (or at least, a lot more control).

4k on NSW2 with new ground textures, all other assets being rendered in HD, Assist Mode, new storybook content and... dun dun dun... MOUSE CONTROLS!!! In addition to gyro of course (and touchscreen for handheld). Playing with mouse is gonna be so interesting, especially remapping buttons in a manner that makes the most sense on a user by user basis.

Re: Opinion: NSO Subscribers Outside Key Markets Get Less, And Nintendo Should Fix That

JaxonH

Respectfully good sir, be grateful for what you do have. The console could have been region locked like prior generations. The fact youre in a country like Singapore yet can still enjoy all the benefits of NSO Online access and cloud saves and retro catalog despite no support in your country is a blessing

One can always find something to complain about if they're deliberately looking.

Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong's Upcoming Patch Will Nerf The Difficulty In Certain Areas

JaxonH

I despise how elitism has crept into the gamership to the extent popular games get put on a pedestal above certain criticism. You can critique length, or backtracking, but God forbid you say anything about difficulty and the mobs of mindless footsoldiers crawl out of the woodworks to mock and ridicule you with "git gud" platitudes.

Difficulty is NOT above criticism. And offering an Easy Mode that does not affect your experience in any capacity. whatsoever is only a good thing. Those who argue against such options are gatekeepers and egocentric narcissists.

Re: "Everyone Is A Director" At Nintendo, Says Former Dev, But Don't Make Excuses

JaxonH

Rings true as wisdom.

There are many game mechanics which may not sound good on paper but in practice they are fantastic.

The only way to know for sure is to try it out and see how it works. It's not like you have to develop it all the way through. You can make a rudimentary construct that conveys the gameplay mechanic to get an idea as to whether it's a direction you want to pursue or not.

Re: The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games

JaxonH

My top 20, disregarding NSW1 games that run via BC.

1. DK Bonanza
2. Mario Kart World
3. Cyberpunk 2077 (gyro/mouse/touch)
4. Hogwarts Legacy (gyro/mouse)
5. Zelda BotW NSW2 Ed.
6. Zelda TotK NSW2 Ed.
7. Star Wars Outlaws (gyro/touch)
8. Street Fighter 6
9. Wild Hearts S
10. Rune Factory
11. Fantasy Life i
12. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3/4
13. Kirby Forgotten Land NSW2 Ed.
14. Civilization VII (mouse)
15. Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
16. Split Fiction
17. WWE 2k25
18. Romancing Saga 2 Remake
19. Bravely Default Remake
20. Fast Fusion

We'll soon have Metroid Prime 4, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment, Persona 3 Reloaded, 007 First Light, Pokémon Legends Z-A, Adventures of Elliot, Octopath Traveler 0 and Resident Evil Requiem alongside a bunch of other stuff (hopefully Splatoon Raiders isn't too far out!). We're about due for a Fire Emblem and Xenoblade as well. Maybe the upcoming Direct will share more info?

Note
I omitted Silksong because personally I find it overly difficult. I understand the majority may feel differently, but everyone has their own opinions for each game and personally, it just didn't resonate with me despite being an original 2014 backer for Hollow Knight and Silksong.

Re: Review: Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2) - An Underrated Adventure, A Super-Solid Port

JaxonH

OK, that is easily the best subtitle I've read in years

Well played NintendoLife.

Bought the game this morning and it's blown me away. Looks incredible, runs fantastic, it has gyro aiming, and only takes up 20 GB which is barely larger than Kirby. Idk which studio ported this game but whoever they are, Ubisoft better hang onto them.

And the game is actually really fun. It's nice to play a Star Wars game that doesn't center around jedi and lightsabers.

@Elitepatriot
Its only 20 GB!!! Absolute wizardry.

And it has extensive gyro aiming options.

Re: Former PlayStation Head Praises Nintendo For Being "In Touch With Their Fan Base"

JaxonH

People always regurgitate how Nintendo is so out of touch but these people just repeat what they hear others say or form that conclusion because Nintendo hasn't done one or two specific things they want.

But they are quite in touch. Almost all their games utilize gyro, knowing the fanbase values gyro. All their games are on cart- they know fans value that. They implemented voice and video chat knowing fans had been clamoring for it. They introduced NSO for retro games after the outcry for a Netflix like system in the Wii U era. Speaking of which they gave us a Star Fox and Metroid Prime 4 and Metroid Dread and Samus Returns after the outcry for those franchises. They gave us F-Zero 64 and F-Zero GX.

They gave us Splatoon knowing the outcry for a Nintendo 1st party shooter. They are far more in touch than people realize. Look how quickly they put out a survey for game carts after the backlash. Just 2 months after launch.

They do keep their finger on the pulse of the community. Just because they don't always make the immediate decision you want doesnt mean they're out of touch. Lots of times its ignorant children on the internet that are out of touch far more.

Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong "Special Announcement" Is Coming This Thursday

JaxonH

@Ks123
I kickstarted Hollow Knight for Wii U about 10 years ago. The game shifted to Switch, and stretch goals reached meant getting an expansion.

But as they worked on the expansion it kept growing until they eventually decided to just make it a full sequel. Those who kickstarted Hollow Knight get the sequel for free still which is awesome. But ya, because Hollow Knight was so beloved the hype for its long awaited sequel is off the charts.

Re: Best Virtual Boy Games

JaxonH

Played on 3DS using Red Viper emulator allows glasses free 3D and you kim change the color from red to any color on the spectrum.

I have every game released for the system and it's a true joy playing the 3DS

Re: Nintendo Switch 2: Backwards Compatible Guide - What Switch Games Can't Be Played?

JaxonH

I'd like to point out Trials Rising is just fine on Switch 2. It occasionally hangs on the loading screen an extra 10-15 seconds, and I do mean occasionally, but it also does this on NSW1 too. It's crap that has to do with Ubisoft connecting to their servers- I always turn airplane mode on when launching otherwise the loading bar hangs at 100% far too long. With no connection it jumps right in.

So no- Trials Rising doesn't have problems on Switch 2. If anything it's superior across the board. Stable 720p without dynamic drops, stable 30fps (I'll remind you the game will not play on Steamdeck thanks to all of Ubisoft's online hogwash, anti cheat stuff and requirement to open through their launcher. So this really is THE only proper portable version. And with NSW2 keeping framerate stable and crisp 720p in handheld, it's a dang fine version to play.

And thanks to the devs allowing GameCube controllers with the USB connector on Switch so ppl had an option for analog triggers, the new wireless GC controller works for that. Since it's actually detected as a real GC controller and not a generic Pro Controller.

ABSOLUTE MUST BUY.

Re: Third-Party Launch Games On Switch 2 Reportedly Sold "Very Low Numbers"

JaxonH

This system had a lot more competition than the last time. And with a $500 bundle, there's only so many games people can buy.

Then messaging, like Harry Potter rep saying no upgrade, but as it turns out, not only was there a $10 upgrade. The original game was on sale for $17, meaning you could get the next-gen. version for $27. But it's much harder to correct misinformation once it's spread.

Note that Cyberpunk 2077 outsold Witcher 3 launch week sales despite Witcher 3 having a 50 million player base to sell to and Cyberpunk only having 3.5 million. Let's even call it 40m vs 4m. That's 10x less the install base yet still outperformed it.

That's positive 3rd party news. And only one company reported sales lower than their lowest expectations. Most others were "only slightly under", probably due to lost sales from key cards, less disposable income from a more expensive system, and at least a dozen high quality 3rd party titles all releasing the same day competing for whatever dollars remain after that $500 bundle. And, on the same day Nintendo's most popular game debuted.

So ya. Do the math. People buy a $500 bundle, $85 pro controller, $50-200 microSD express, that's $665-820 after tax... and now people start shopping 3rd party games.

There's some easy gimme's for upgrades- Fantasy Life i is just $2.50 to upgrade. Hogwarts Legacy is $10 to upgrade. Zelda BotW and TotK are each $10 to upgrade. Then you've got bangers like Cyberpunk 2077 and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma which are excellent releases and come all on cart, and let's not forget Yakuza 0 and Street Fighter 6 and Split Fiction. Oh, and a new free version of Fortnite which I'm sure will be quite popular with a certain demographic.

So stuff like Hitman, with framerate issues and no gyro aiming and no mouse aiming... it's gonna be back of the pile. Stuff like Bravely Default, a good game but it's a 3DS remaster going up against some titans of the 8th and 9th gen. Puyo Puyo with no upgrade, Sonic Generations x Shadow with no upgrade (the Sonic fans likely carried Sega who was happy with their sales)...

But ya. The more games launch the same day the more competition there will be, which means limited dollars being spread across a larger pie. Probably why some companies brought games like Nobonuga's Ambition- wait for larger install base to port the big sellers, and despite all the competition it's the least the game will ever have, so...