I thought it was pretty obvious what this was, so I didn't make a huge deal out of it. Still, I thought it was well animated and if I'm not mistaken, this is the first time in the franchise's history where Pikmin have interacted with humans, and I thought that was kind of neat.
Oh no! Now I'm on the fence with this one... I really want to play co-op with my wife via the included friend pass since we each have our own Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Purchasing on PlayStation 5 instead would mean a single-player only experience for both of us...
Might just end up skipping this one entirely now if it doesn't get patched soon.
I'm with some of the other comments on this one. As a year one release title on the Nintendo Switch 2, this should have targeted 60 FPS on launch.
I'm in no shortage of platformers on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, so I feel this is better played on my PlayStation 5. Still, happy to know this is a better version of a game I already enjoyed and if a 60 FPS patch comes out later, I'd reconsider the platform I purchase this for!
I'm assuming this means purchasing a video game within the year it comes out at full MSRP.
If so, I'd say around 5 to 8 new releases a year.
My 2025 Pickups are: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Silent Hill f Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (x2) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
@Dom_31 I don't like the notion that just because they've been doing it in the past, simply means they can't change it now. I mean, it's literally causing problems for everyone involved and the only people making any money off of it are people selling the codes at $20 a piece on eBay right now.
Also, I've been to that Mew event in person in 1999. I earned my Mew with a 4 Win - 2 Loss competition at a Toys R Us Pokémon League. There's a big difference here too. Its no longer an event. There is no participation requirement. It's just "walk up to cashier, ask for code, leave."
A code distribution would be acceptable if there was an actual event to attend. Or heck, even a release to attend related to the video game series. If they held on to these codes and distributed them for pre-orders of Legends Z-A, this article wouldn't even exist right now.
It's a digital release of a Pokémon design that was in the code of the base game since 2022. All they had to do was make it a Tera Raid event and it would have been fine and kept players engaged with the game as intended and still achieved this FOMO event that they love so much.
Why has everything surrounding the Pokémon franchise been a complete dumpster fire the last 3 years???
I haven't tried Sonic Racing Crosswords, but I'm confident in saying F-Zero 99 is the best racing game on offer for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 by a long shot.
My wife really liked the demo (Game Trial?) of the Switch version but performance was the reason she waited. I'm sure she'll love this on her Nintendo Switch 2 now! She's about finished with Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, so she'll probably want this next!
Eh, I enjoy playing it on my lunch breaks or waiting on appointments, which is the only reason why I ever play mobile games. I've spent $0 and have won most of my match-ups with the paid character(s). It's a bite-sized time waster and it's a pretty fun and interesting one.
It is leagues better than apps like Mario Kart Tour or Pokémon TCG Pocket, but not quite as good as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete or Pokémon GO.
I won't be picking this up on Switch 2 since I already own it on PS5, but I'm really happy more people are going to have access to such a great game.
Without spoiling anything, please play this game until the very end to really understand how this remake chose to co-exist with the original rather than be the definitive way to play it.
Not grabbing this collection day one because I have too much to play already, but definitely looking forward to revisiting these classics games sometime next year for sure!
My wife had a really fun time with this game. I still haven't played it yet since it it came out at an incredibly saturated time for content in the Super Mario franchise. I'll get around to it soon enough though!
A lot of games I'm interested in that showed up at TGS this year!
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
These four games look so good and definitely excited to play them... Just have to fit them into a time slot. Lol
@Skunkfish Oh, I agree with you 100%. The value is in the experience for me as well.
I don't actually mind how I access video games, be it physical, digital or anything in-between, I just go for the best deal at the time I want to play it. I also would have been fine with an all digital Nintendo Switch 2 console, but happy to have the option to shop around more than just the eShop for sure.
Zion might be leaving NintendoLife professionally, but he's always going to be one of the biggest parts of the NintendoLife family.
We love you Zion, and the content you shared with us has been truly wonderful, one-of-a-kind projects that I really believe no one else could have made. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future, and REALLY looking forward to that Mario Paint follow-up.
You stay safe out there Zion, and we'll see you around. Going to miss you!
@Skunkfish I think its simply the importance of owning the physical thing they are paying for. For a lot of people in this space, the sense of ownership is worth more than the experience itself.
Of course in this case, I believe this user has a superior alternative all-around as long as they are willing to forego portable functionality.
I really didn't mind Doug Bowser all that much as far as him filling the role after Reggie. I do think his leadership and public appearances didn't really fit the whole Nintendo vibe though, but that may just be because Reggie made such a lasting impression.
Maybe Devon Pritchard will bring more life to the US presentations and public appearances. I also hope Doug is able to make a final send-off message at The Game Awards before he leaves, or maybe a short presentation introducing Devon on the YouTube channel.
My Dragon Quest experience is very limited, as I've only finished Dragon Warrior on NES and Dragon Warrior Monsters on Game Boy Color and never explored the series much since. I really need to jump back in!
I don't know what the vision was here, but I don't think they reached it. I know it's claiming it is "early" footage... but it just has that presence of Wii shovelware to me.
I do think that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade also falls in all columns (at least at launch) since the game is launching at $39.99 both as a GKC and Digitally. At least, pre-orders on the Physical Edition are marked $39.99 on Square Enix's Online Store right now. I have been seeing conflicting information from retailers though. Nintendo Life also has it marked as a $59.99 game.
I actually do believe Hamaguchi on his individual viewpoint and stance.
However the argument of this being a "AAA" problem is quickly debunked by games like Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and Bravely Default HD Remaster, with the former being fully on the cartridge on Switch 1 with a free Switch 2 upgrade, yet the Switch 2 physical is a GKC.
This is clearly a cost mitigation tactic any way you slice it. Switch 2 carts HAVE to be significantly more expensive to print on. All of Square Enix's games on Nintendo Switch 2 are $40 - $50 at launch and this is their way of keeping that manufacturing cost down. I'm pretty indifferent on this subject, but this reeked of misinformation from the company and felt compelled to clarify the facts of what the entire company is implementing. It doesn't take much critical thinking to surmise the company is only seeing dollar signs right now.
I really wish I had time to jump into this one, but I just can't until sometime later next year. Maybe by then all of the major problems will be fixed and I'll be playing the best it can be on Nintendo Switch 2!
I've enjoyed it briefly tonight. Will definitely play more during downtime at work. Although I mostly play Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes for the Platinum Coins. 😅
I think movies are a great introduction to franchises when done right, and I think the Super Mario Bros. movie does this really well as the article suggests.
It's the perfect gateway for kids to feel like they naturally discovered these forms of entertainment for themselves, and that's exactly what these movies need to be. Nothing more, nothing less.
Having only played through Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on the Game Boy Advance during it's release month, I've been really looking forward to adding this to the playlist in the future. So many games to look forward to!
Happy to see fans of the original are really happy with this one. Thank you PJ and Zion for the review!
I haven't picked this up just yet, but its at the top of my list after spooktober is over! Glad to see some of the issues are getting resolved before I purchase it, as I always aim for 100% completion!
Both of these games look great and seem to be adding elements to keep the player engaged.
I am really, really excited to play more of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. That demo completely sold me on it and it just looks better and better with every trailer!
I may not be there day one, but yeah, I'm getting the replica and playing Teleroboxer. I wanted this game since I saw it in the 90s and never got to play it. HUGE gaming bucket list item for me.
Really going to have to reserve a date in the distant future to go to this Museum and Universal Studios Japan. Just two things I really want to experience in my life.
Comments 442
Re: Random: This Upcoming PS5 'Cozy Life Sim' Certainly Rings A Bell
I don't think a more clear form of copyright infringement has ever been showcased, lol.
I'm kind of surprised it hasn't already been C&D'd yet. The promotional material alone is enough to merit it.
Re: Sorry, Nintendo's Recent Pikmin Videos Aren't Hinting At Something More
I thought it was pretty obvious what this was, so I didn't make a huge deal out of it. Still, I thought it was well animated and if I'm not mistaken, this is the first time in the franchise's history where Pikmin have interacted with humans, and I thought that was kind of neat.
Re: Review: Little Nightmares III (Switch 2) - A Missed Opportunity For Couch Co-op That Plays It A Little Too Safe
Oh no! Now I'm on the fence with this one... I really want to play co-op with my wife via the included friend pass since we each have our own Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Purchasing on PlayStation 5 instead would mean a single-player only experience for both of us...
Might just end up skipping this one entirely now if it doesn't get patched soon.
Re: Nintendo Updates Animated Short Film 'Close To You' With Some Familiar Faces
I thought I heard the echoes of Arlo screaming in excitement earlier. Now I know why!
Re: Review: Yooka-Replaylee (Switch 2) - Feels Like The Game It Was Meant To Be, Finally
I'm with some of the other comments on this one. As a year one release title on the Nintendo Switch 2, this should have targeted 60 FPS on launch.
I'm in no shortage of platformers on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, so I feel this is better played on my PlayStation 5. Still, happy to know this is a better version of a game I already enjoyed and if a 60 FPS patch comes out later, I'd reconsider the platform I purchase this for!
Re: Poll: How Many New Games Do You Buy In A Year?
I'm assuming this means purchasing a video game within the year it comes out at full MSRP.
If so, I'd say around 5 to 8 new releases a year.
My 2025 Pickups are:
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Silent Hill f
Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (x2)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2?
Simply just two of the best video games ever made, finally available on more modern hardware. It's 10 out of 10 from me.
Re: PSA: Pokémon Scarlet And Violet - Free Shiny Koraidon & Miraidon Codes Restocked (North America)
@Dom_31 I don't like the notion that just because they've been doing it in the past, simply means they can't change it now. I mean, it's literally causing problems for everyone involved and the only people making any money off of it are people selling the codes at $20 a piece on eBay right now.
Also, I've been to that Mew event in person in 1999. I earned my Mew with a 4 Win - 2 Loss competition at a Toys R Us Pokémon League. There's a big difference here too. Its no longer an event. There is no participation requirement. It's just "walk up to cashier, ask for code, leave."
A code distribution would be acceptable if there was an actual event to attend. Or heck, even a release to attend related to the video game series. If they held on to these codes and distributed them for pre-orders of Legends Z-A, this article wouldn't even exist right now.
Re: PSA: Pokémon Scarlet And Violet - Free Shiny Koraidon & Miraidon Codes Restocked (North America)
It's a digital release of a Pokémon design that was in the code of the base game since 2022. All they had to do was make it a Tera Raid event and it would have been fine and kept players engaged with the game as intended and still achieved this FOMO event that they love so much.
Why has everything surrounding the Pokémon franchise been a complete dumpster fire the last 3 years???
Re: Poll: So, Did You Get Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 For Switch?
October is a very crowded month of releases so I opted for new games over these for now. Will definitely get to them sooner rather than later though!
Silent Hill f, Little Nightmares III & Pokémon Legends: Z-A are my October pickups!
Re: Video: Let's Have One Last Chat With Zion Before He Leaves Us Forever And Ever
We appreciate everything you did for the channel Zion, and we'll miss you!
Re: Rumour: Silent Hill 2 May Be Coming To Switch 2 As Its Exclusivity Window Ends
This game was excellent on PlayStation 5. I'm just happy that even more people may potentially get to play it!
Re: Opinion: Sonic Racing Crossworlds > Mario Kart World, And It's Not Even Close For Me
I haven't tried Sonic Racing Crosswords, but I'm confident in saying F-Zero 99 is the best racing game on offer for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 by a long shot.
Re: Talking Point: Can Metroid Prime 4's Title Screen Go As Hard As The Others?
@gwyntendo I did too, haha. I loved that game.
Re: Review: Disgaea 7 Complete (Switch 2) - A Definitive Return For This Tactical RPG Giant
My wife really liked the demo (Game Trial?) of the Switch version but performance was the reason she waited. I'm sure she'll love this on her Nintendo Switch 2 now! She's about finished with Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, so she'll probably want this next!
Re: Pokémon GO Celebrates Pokémon Legends: Z-A Release In Next Event
It's been awhile since I've booted up Pokémon GO, and the increased chance of finding a shiny Chikorita is pretty tempting!
Re: Nintendo Download: 2nd October (North America)
Nothing this week. I've picked up my 3DS again and started my first ever playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask!
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Gets A 6-Minute Overview Trailer For Switch 2
Looking forward to it! It's been nearly 3 years since Scarlet & Violet so I'm definitely ready to jump back into a new game.
Re: Review: Fire Emblem Shadows (Mobile) - Flat F2P Folly With Simplistic Strategy & Social Deduction
Eh, I enjoy playing it on my lunch breaks or waiting on appointments, which is the only reason why I ever play mobile games. I've spent $0 and have won most of my match-ups with the paid character(s). It's a bite-sized time waster and it's a pretty fun and interesting one.
It is leagues better than apps like Mario Kart Tour or Pokémon TCG Pocket, but not quite as good as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete or Pokémon GO.
Re: Feature: Get A Job - 30 Years On, Seiken Densetsu 3's Class System Is Still One Of The Best
Heck yes it is! I really love this game so much. Easily one of my all time favorites and I will ALWAYS appreciate a shout out to the Mana series.
Great article Alana!
Re: "I Feel A Great Responsibility To Get It Right" - Naoki Hamaguchi On The Pressure Of Remaking Final Fantasy VII
I won't be picking this up on Switch 2 since I already own it on PS5, but I'm really happy more people are going to have access to such a great game.
Without spoiling anything, please play this game until the very end to really understand how this remake chose to co-exist with the original rather than be the definitive way to play it.
Re: Review: Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch) - Still Out Of This World
Not grabbing this collection day one because I have too much to play already, but definitely looking forward to revisiting these classics games sometime next year for sure!
Re: Final Fantasy Tactics Launch Day Artwork Features A Special Triangle Strategy Crossover
Love to see it! Really looking forward to playing this!
Re: Nintendo Music App Adds Princess Peach Album In Latest Update
My wife had a really fun time with this game. I still haven't played it yet since it it came out at an incredibly saturated time for content in the Super Mario franchise. I'll get around to it soon enough though!
Re: Feature: Zelda, Layton, Mega Man - 10 Games We Played At TGS 2025 Coming To Switch 1 & 2
A lot of games I'm interested in that showed up at TGS this year!
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
These four games look so good and definitely excited to play them... Just have to fit them into a time slot. Lol
Re: Video: Square Enix Showcases 17 Minutes Of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined Gameplay
@Skunkfish Oh, I agree with you 100%. The value is in the experience for me as well.
I don't actually mind how I access video games, be it physical, digital or anything in-between, I just go for the best deal at the time I want to play it. I also would have been fine with an all digital Nintendo Switch 2 console, but happy to have the option to shop around more than just the eShop for sure.
Re: Video: After Six Wonderful Years, Zion Is Leaving Nintendo Life
Zion might be leaving NintendoLife professionally, but he's always going to be one of the biggest parts of the NintendoLife family.
We love you Zion, and the content you shared with us has been truly wonderful, one-of-a-kind projects that I really believe no one else could have made. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future, and REALLY looking forward to that Mario Paint follow-up.
You stay safe out there Zion, and we'll see you around. Going to miss you!
Re: Video: Square Enix Showcases 17 Minutes Of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined Gameplay
@Skunkfish I think its simply the importance of owning the physical thing they are paying for. For a lot of people in this space, the sense of ownership is worth more than the experience itself.
Of course in this case, I believe this user has a superior alternative all-around as long as they are willing to forego portable functionality.
Re: Video: Square Enix Shares 37 Minutes Of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake 'Seabed' Gameplay
Really excited to give this a shot in the future!
Re: Nintendo Of America President Doug Bowser Announces Retirement
I really didn't mind Doug Bowser all that much as far as him filling the role after Reggie. I do think his leadership and public appearances didn't really fit the whole Nintendo vibe though, but that may just be because Reggie made such a lasting impression.
Maybe Devon Pritchard will bring more life to the US presentations and public appearances. I also hope Doug is able to make a final send-off message at The Game Awards before he leaves, or maybe a short presentation introducing Devon on the YouTube channel.
Re: Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake's Brand New Underwater Region Is Beautiful
Looking forward to exploring it one day!
My Dragon Quest experience is very limited, as I've only finished Dragon Warrior on NES and Dragon Warrior Monsters on Game Boy Color and never explored the series much since. I really need to jump back in!
Re: Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake Finally Shows Off Gameplay, Seven Years After Reveal
I don't know what the vision was here, but I don't think they reached it. I know it's claiming it is "early" footage... but it just has that presence of Wii shovelware to me.
Re: Pokémon TCG Pocket's Next Expansion Guarantees Rare Pulls In Every Pack
I'm like... 1 card shy of completing the last set. I just need a regular Raikou ex!!!! That's all I need!
Re: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Director Highlights The Speed Problem With Switch 2 Game Cards
@Indielink Yep, I think this is 100% correct!
I do think that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade also falls in all columns (at least at launch) since the game is launching at $39.99 both as a GKC and Digitally. At least, pre-orders on the Physical Edition are marked $39.99 on Square Enix's Online Store right now. I have been seeing conflicting information from retailers though. Nintendo Life also has it marked as a $59.99 game.
Re: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Director Highlights The Speed Problem With Switch 2 Game Cards
I actually do believe Hamaguchi on his individual viewpoint and stance.
However the argument of this being a "AAA" problem is quickly debunked by games like Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and Bravely Default HD Remaster, with the former being fully on the cartridge on Switch 1 with a free Switch 2 upgrade, yet the Switch 2 physical is a GKC.
This is clearly a cost mitigation tactic any way you slice it. Switch 2 carts HAVE to be significantly more expensive to print on. All of Square Enix's games on Nintendo Switch 2 are $40 - $50 at launch and this is their way of keeping that manufacturing cost down. I'm pretty indifferent on this subject, but this reeked of misinformation from the company and felt compelled to clarify the facts of what the entire company is implementing. It doesn't take much critical thinking to surmise the company is only seeing dollar signs right now.
Re: Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Scores New Switch 2 Update, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
I really wish I had time to jump into this one, but I just can't until sometime later next year. Maybe by then all of the major problems will be fixed and I'll be playing the best it can be on Nintendo Switch 2!
Re: Surprise! A New "Free-To-Start" Fire Emblem Game Is Out On Mobile Devices Today
I've enjoyed it briefly tonight. Will definitely play more during downtime at work. Although I mostly play Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes for the Platinum Coins. 😅
Re: Opinion: The Mario Movie Was Okay At Best, But I Can't Wait For The Sequel
I think movies are a great introduction to franchises when done right, and I think the Super Mario Bros. movie does this really well as the article suggests.
It's the perfect gateway for kids to feel like they naturally discovered these forms of entertainment for themselves, and that's exactly what these movies need to be. Nothing more, nothing less.
Re: We're Not Getting A New Game, But 'Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy' Gets A Free Update
Always love seeing anything Ace Attorney pop-up on the Nintendo Life News Feed!
I've been using the in-game soundtracks to various games while I do chores and whatnot so that is always an appreciated freebie!
Re: Review: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - An Excellent Port Of A Timeless Classic
Having only played through Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on the Game Boy Advance during it's release month, I've been really looking forward to adding this to the playlist in the future. So many games to look forward to!
Happy to see fans of the original are really happy with this one. Thank you PJ and Zion for the review!
Re: Preview: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Combat Shines Brightly, But Its Visuals Are Still Dull
I'm still getting this Day One (as an early birthday present) so I'm glad to hear the new combat system is fun and the performance is great!
I'll judge for myself about the story and setting when I play it in a few weeks. Thanks for the video and article Alex!
Re: Animal Crossing-Inspired Life Sim For Switch 2 Looks Pretty Amazing
Uh oh, if my wife discovers this one, she may disappear for a few months like she did with Disney Dreamlight Valley...
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Version 2.0.1 Is Now Live On Switch 2, Here's What's Included
I haven't picked this up just yet, but its at the top of my list after spooktober is over! Glad to see some of the issues are getting resolved before I purchase it, as I always aim for 100% completion!
Re: Videos: Square Enix Releases New Trailers For 'Octopath Traveler 0' And 'The Adventures Of Elliot'
Both of these games look great and seem to be adding elements to keep the player engaged.
I am really, really excited to play more of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. That demo completely sold me on it and it just looks better and better with every trailer!
Re: HORI's New Licensed Switch 2 Pad Brings A Pop Of Colour, But It's Missing Some Key Features
Sounds like these are the perfect Player 2 - 4 controllers right here!
Re: Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.3.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Oh heck yes!!! I can't wait to jump into this update tomorrow!!!
Re: New Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Trailer Showcases The Remakes' Fresh Features
Looks phenomenal and excited to play it!
Re: Daft Punk Is Bringing The Digital Love To Fortnite Later This Week
I'm waiting for the day the Fortnite dev team manages to convince Nintendo to collaborate. I wonder if it'll ever happen...
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Checking Out Switch Online's Virtual Boy Service?
I may not be there day one, but yeah, I'm getting the replica and playing Teleroboxer. I wanted this game since I saw it in the 90s and never got to play it. HUGE gaming bucket list item for me.
Re: Nintendo Museum Introduces "Limited-Time" Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary Ticket
Really going to have to reserve a date in the distant future to go to this Museum and Universal Studios Japan. Just two things I really want to experience in my life.