Naktarra

Still not convinced on the Switch 2 just because of the crazy pricetags here in Canada. Really missing the Gamecube online but it's at the point it's cheaper for me to buy games on the original hardware. Hope that Gen10 is fantastic. Have been around since blue. Really hope we see another 2D Pokemon some day.

Clint looks like my husband irl so I'm thrilled. Exactly who I was hoping for.

This is truly the era of stability updates for all. 3DS system updates electric boogaloo. I feel so...stable!!!

We can hope that they will conti he to make tweaks. Skyrim did improve a lot since Switch launch. I remember I was struggling with frequent audio glitches and crashed pre Anniversary release. I am out of my Skyrim phase at the moment, but I'm sure the annual itch will return soon. Nice to see more Elder Scrolls conversation popping up again. Especially in the department of the BG3 dev defending a Morrowind remake.

Grand Bazaar is such a good example of a remake that has been modernized within reason. I have loved the other remakes, but it's clear with each one that the teams are getting even better at retaining the original feeling while making the content more accessible to the player. A Wonderful Life did a really good job with quality of life mechanic changes, especially around selling and the overall pace of the game.

I am so happy to see this again because I still have the PS1 Greatest Hits but also for the art style. That being said, I don't think I could get very far as a kid because the guys with hats and eyeballs were just far to terrifying for me. Run at the console and hit reset scary when they touched Rayman.

First long weekend in a while for me. I'm hoping for some Grand Bazaar and also to try a few of the DS/3DS games I've picked up in recent month. This year (shocking, I know), I have been on a real Lego replay kick. Lego LOTR on 3DS is so worth the cheap cost at my local game store. And obviously...so is Star Wars.

There are just so many - what a choice to make. I remember flip-flopping my favourite based on what was in my team (or what I had a good score on in Snap) back in time. Crazy to think the dex goes to 3.76 million now.

This might actually be a decent way to play Oblivion given the specs needed on Steam. Although I was so surprised to see how much more affordable a decent gaming laptop is now over five years ago. I'm really on the fence with the Switch 2 as it's about $740 before tax where I live and frankly I feel it may be a better investment to just leave it be for a few more years. I'm really interested in the GameCube online, but at that price I would be more likely to fill the current gaps in my physical GC collection first.

I mean we had Mario 64 on NSO and in that pack so it's not an unfounded idea. But with TP not being showcased in that Direct I do wonder if a Zelda pack is coming eventually. If it's locked to Switch 2 I'll definitely be bummed.

@Chibi Looking forward to RF as well. Might wait to see the price drop for that one because I'm replaying RF3 Special and there's so much content to keep my busy. Switch seems to be a holy grail at this point for the RF fans, haha.

I was so turned off by the direct. I would have been so excited to see GameCube games if it wasn't for this $630CAD price tag. On top of paying $100 for the subscription. On top of paying for 'enhancement' for games I already own. It just seems like a huge rip off for those not that interested in this upgraded model. I feel like this is like the 'New' 3DS all over again with it's locked exclusives. Almost all of my friends own a Switch and not one of them is interested in Switch 2 at this point. Maybe I just am not the market for it, but for a family console it seems kind of silly to buy.

I mean the solution for me is to stop supporting Nintendo games at launch and waiting for them to come to my local used game store. There's so much out there that I'm never really hurting to get a game at launch these days anyways.

Some of these games are like five seconds old. Why do I want an upgrade? The benefit of this is maybe with some people 'holding off' for Switch 2 releases there may be a small drop in cartridge prices of these existing titles.

Was a bummer for me. No titles in really excited for and the GameCube being a Switch 2 only thing was a bit of a buzz kill. Don't love that on top of buying the system you need this 'enhancement dlc' for some titles. Then what's the point of the new system if I'm paying above the cost of the new system to use the 'improved hardware'? Just kind of a goofy piece of hardware. I've been with Nintendo in ever generation but I don't think I'll consider the Switch 2 unless my 2018 Switch either does or there's a big holiday price drop in a few years.

I'm happy to see that GameCube is coming to the new switch, but that's still not enough for me to fork over for a new console when I have the original hardware still. Also happy to see Tony Hawks - does this mean it's a S2 exclusive? The pricing of the games does not shock me. In Canada we've already had $80 games for a while, which TOTK being more. I just hope this doesn't inspire third party to take up that $80 spot. I haven't found a game really 'worth' that full price in a long time. Mario, Zelda and Pokemon games usually are.

Really hoping this console shapes up well.

When ACNH hit the market I had just been laid off by the Backstreet Boys Reunion Tour and finished my diploma. Spent literally 5-6 months at home just playing Animal Crossing with my mom waiting to hear back from my transfer university, which ended up also being online due to the Backstreet Boys for another year. A lot of really obnoxious Zoom classes were saved by shaking trees and digging for fossils. I remember I accidentally had the console on camera once and a girl complained to my colleagues that there was no was I was going anywhere playing 'silly games at school'. Ended up graduating with honour and two achievement awards two years later. Take that random mean girl!!

Justice for Knuckles the Enchilada

@Dunkin I have never heard of these ones before. Can you describe what they're like to me? I have limited turn-based RPG experience. Would they be accessible to a newbie-ish?

We love game accessibility. I was playing some PS1 titles again and totally forgot how great it is that almost all modern games offer some kind of subtitle mode. Really makes it easier for me to understand what NPCs are saying. I am wondering if AI assistance in creating more accessible video and audio options will be the future in freeing developers to make the most of every project while ensuring more can enjoy.

I'm kind of mixed on this one because I don't know what to expect. How much of it will be recognisable Rune Factory? At the same time, I'm happy to see this series experimenting and building on previous mechanics. I pre-ordered it to show the developer support - please be a great installment! Been replaying and loving Rune Factory 3 Special lately. Really happy to see that RF has had so many wonderful appearances on the Switch. Would love an RF1/RF2 port one day...but the newer games have so much more to offer too. Been around since the beginning; can't wait to see what GoA does for the lore and gameplay!

I don't really understand this remaster. The original doesn't look at dated, and it seems really strange to pay for this title again. I'm sure a small hardcore fan base is thrilled, but it's not that old. I would rather see Playtonic use their resources to make a DLC or all together new BK/DK franchise type.

@Daniel36 I can see this. I like enjoying Daggerfall through people more familiar with the gameplay. It's not unplayable - just a different format and identity as TES goes. But people say the same when I introduce them to Morrowind now, especially the seniors I teach who are just discovering the legacy of high fantasy games!

Just returned from weekend chaperoning a band trip, so I think it's a lot of cozy gaming. Rune Factory 3 has been my go to. Loving the Switch port.

I totally understand this. I started to get into the TCG recently as a national dex collector. None of the big box local stores have Pokemon cards in stock. I'd say if you're able and have one nearby, support a local game store. They're usually very appreciative of support. Because I'm doing the ND, the local guy very generously let me go through his commons this weekend to fill some of my deck.

So the developer is aware: I see a cute craft themed game, I buy.

This is surprising and very welcome news. I adored these games when I was little. I hope that the cheat code system for TH3 remains - playing as Darth Maul in a mini mall and cruise liner has to be some peek 2000s experience.

I hope it is not too large, or at the very least there is a lite version. This is in particular for gamers like my mom, who have nerve disabilities or muscle weakness and find the bigger controllers painful to use. My mom loves ACNH, and finds the Switch Lite causes much less numbness than the original 3DS and regular Switch models.

What sucks is knowing that these games eventually will disappear as the online service moves on. I'm fortunate enough that I own most of the original games which I am interested in. However, the portable version is infinitely convenient over beating old hardware into submission on modern TVs. I personally love the expansion pack, as I share it with friends so it's very inexpensive.

Pokemon, Rune Factory, Sonic Racing and perhaps Ys for me. However, I'm a sucker for cozy games and the Switch has so many that I still will never feel caught up with my existing library.

I am so down for Roller Coaster Tycoon and Croc. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the ports for Switch. What a killer library.

Trying to decide if it is worth restarting my console farm for this...that first year is bRutAl.

I adored Generations when it was released. I would love to pick this up at launch but this holiday season is going to be so good for books and games I'm a little overwhelmed by choice! Might pick it up closer to the new year...or maybe an impulse buy is inbound!

This was one I was really hoping we would see before the end of the Switch cycle. On my dream list but I was uncertain if we would ever see it! I'm amazed at how much on Switch was on my 'distant dream's game list. Including RF3, Sonic 3D Blast (I know ...), etc. Just a phenomenal console and I'm happy to see BT as I introduced a friend to BK and she loved it.

The family plan is super worth it if you split it with a few friends. Honestly, as someone who owns the original hardware, I still find NSO to be the more convenient option. No issues with the service.

Perfect Dark...another great soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope!

One of the best directs I've seen since they announced Banjo Kazooie coming to NSO!

This is fantastic news! I held off on the OLED because I was hoping to go for the next-next model. I've had my Switch since 2018 and with 3rd party joycons it's been great.

I wonder if there will be an upgrade for the Switch Lite announced. My mom has thousands of hours in Animal Crossing, and I can see her console physically wearing out. It would be fantastic to get her something little (big switch is too heavy) that reflects the current hardware standards of S2.

The amount of units sold is going to make it great for collectors in the future!

@Grail_Quest Agreed - I think there's some life left in the Switch yet. It's just hard to imagine where they can go after this console with how exceptional the library is.

...love the icon, btw!

@Pillowpants These are all really good predictions! I haven't considered a 2D Zelda. It seems like a very long time since the last one. A new Yoshi game? I'll always take Yoshi - I feel like this year I've just been bouncing between SNES, N64 and Switch Yoshi games. Super lighthearted and never too difficult.

I'm wondering what we will see in the 3rd party world. It feels like SEGA has been awful quiet for a while. Honestly, I would be happy with a few more NSO N64 titles, WW/TP or some (big reach) announcement for Oblivion from Bethesda.

@MaisonRidley7000 The hope is always for Mario, haha. We're all Mario addicts here

@adrianfrg Yes! WW/TP would be fantastic. The Switch is kind of one of those consoles for me that I don't think I'll ever be 'done' with. Literally everything is out for that console, new and old. Ports like TP would just be the cherry on top!

@WiltonRoots I feel this way too. There's a few NSO titles I'd love to see (Mischief Makers, DK64, Banjo Tooie, etc), but I don't know if we will be seeing those.

@HandheldHaunter I had no knowledge going into this one other than 'open world'. Such a pleasant refresher to the series. I do wish that the towns and NPCs had a little more detail. The city and people side of the game does not feel nearly as alive as in the previous versions. Although this one was a huge leap, so maybe the next Pokemon games will scale beyond!

I keep seeing these articles and then forgetting to log in to get the addition. Thank god for random trades - that's how I get back up to speed, especially without the DLC.

I really like this idea. The last one for Yoshi's Island was a welcome excuse to pick that one up again. I love the Yoshi series - simply but cute and fun gameplay.

I have not picked up Tears of the Kingdom yet. I never finished Breath of the Wild so I feel like I can't justify the purchase. Maybe one day, second hand...on sale.

The Switch has been the harbinger of great new titles, and holder of a fantastic library of classics. I get too distracted by NSO to play the new games most of the time.

Surprised to see ring fit so high on the list. Must be fun!

There have been some great releases this year, but I feel like overall the game industry has been very quiet. Perhaps we are verging on the next gaming announce-a-thon? I'm still holding out for that Oblivion rumour from Bethesda. Imagine if that made it on to Switch...I would be dead to society upon release. So long world!