Tyranexx

@koopababble That looks pretty close to what I was imagining, though on a smaller scale. I'd take it!

I enjoyed the original short, but I'm not gonna complain about watching it again now that I have another excuse to do so!

Arcanine is a good one. I'm surprised they haven't dropped a LEGO Porygon set yet. With its blocky shape, it makes perfect sense to me.

I got major WarioWare x Face Raider vibes from the trailer. XD This isn't really my thing - I don't often take pictures of other people - but I can see this being a short-term riot for some.

@the_beaver I agree this is a good game for the Switch; unfortunately, it's not releasing on a unit I currently own and don't plan on buying for at least a few months. Now if this was coming to the Switch 1 family, on the other hand, it'd be a no-brainer.

These are some great impressions for sure. This one will likely help scratch my classic Zelda itch. This is a game I can see myself picking up in the future, though I'm undecided on platform at this time.

Nintendo Switch:

I bought the LEGO Piranha Plant on discount a couple holiday seasons ago. It lives on my work desk and randomly goes into different poses now and then lol. The best part is, it's a desk plant I can't kill!

Very busy weekend, very little gaming. I'm currently en route to a Scottish heritage festival with two friends, so the only thing guaranteed today is a little Pokemon Go. It should be a good time as long as the weather isn't too weepy. Tomorrow is full too. Any traditional gaming will be continuing my SteamWorld Heist campaign (partway through the final map) and delving into the Cindered Shadows side story in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Happy gaming!

I picked up New Super Mario Bros. sometime during the DS to 3DS transition era I think. Scratch this, I remember: I received it for Christmas! I'd actually asked for New Super Mario Bros. 2, but the gifter mistakenly bought the first game instead! One of the best "oops" moments to ever happen to me. I was at a point in my life (Out of high school/early college) where I decided that, yes, I still liked those Mario games. They weren't just for kids; they can be enjoyed by anyone. I'd only played them on consoles before that other than a touch of the Wario Land spinoff series on the bus one time (It belonged to another kid; I think it might've been Wario Land II). I didn't know about the Super Mario Land games until later. I really enjoyed my time with NSMB and enjoyed the new power ups, mechanics, and some of the mini games. The only downside was I also tried Super Mario 64 DS not long after finishing NSMB. I bounced off SM64 DS hard, and one of the reasons is a tad unfair. Both games share some of their mini games, but SM64 DS came first.

I've since played NSMB U on the Wii U and may pick it up again for Switch someday. I haven't played NSMB Wii or NSMB 2, but I wouldn't mind trying them sometime.

Wonderfully written Alana! Those are some great New Pokemon Snap photos too. I particularly like the Liepard one mentioned in the article as well as the ticked off looking Psyduck lol. I'm definitely not what I'd call a photographer, but I try to catch most occurrences in the moment and try not to think about placement too much.

I have this game backlogged but have yet to get to it. I enjoyed my time with the original Pokemon Snap when I played it on the Wii U VC for the first time a few years ago.

I'd personally be satisfied with something akin to Mega Man Legends Legacy Collection and more Ace Attorney! On that note....I'd love for Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright to receive the list and/or remaster treatment! Though that also depends on Level-5.

I'm also glad the Okami franchise is receiving some love. And Monster Hunter is such a cash cow that I don't see Capcom dumping it anytime soon. Though I'm admittedly way more into the Monster Hunter Stories spinoffs.

I'm still cautiously optimistic about this movie. I still would prefer it to be animated, but it may surprise me. I'm trying to keep an open mind about it.

This is such a Nintendo move that I don't even know whether to laugh or sigh.

First, I'm in agreement that the polls need more middle-of-the-road options, and the first one needs an "I don't have a Switch 2 yet" option.

There are perks to both formats, all highlighted in the comments above. No Switch 2, but I don't expect my buying habits to change much when I do get one. Especially with how pricey SD express cards are. I prefer physical most of the time but will go the digital route when one or several of the following exceptions occur:

• The game is digital only
• It doesn't take up a ton of storage
• I scored a REALLY good sale or discount
• It's a game I intend to come back to somewhat frequently, don't intend to sell, and/or don't want to constantly switch cartridges

I'm pickier about which games I do grab these days and often have a good idea of what I will like. However, I do occasionally take chances. The nice thing about physical is if I decide I don't care for a game or, alternatively, did like it but don't expect to play it again, I can then sell or trade it in so someone else can enjoy it. This is something I can't do with digital games. Heck, some platforms don't even allow for refunds once the transaction goes through.

I'm not against digital and certainly recognize its perks. Especially when it comes to ease of access and not taking up physical space. However, consumer protections will need to be way more robust before I willingly hop on this train. That goes for other formats outside of gaming as well.

Dang, those DO look like candy. This isn't anything new, but it makes my gut clench just thinking about it.

And THIS is a stellar example of why I like orchestrated video game music. I like a touch of classical as well, but I prefer it merged with this hobby I love.

While I'm glad this guy was full of hot air and that nothing came of it, a threat is a threat. Regardless of motive, I'm glad authorities arrested him and that, if this is mental health related, he receives the help he needs.

Also, friendly reminder that both great individuals and not-so-great ones like this guy can be found everywhere, not just within certain groups or countries. Stereotypes are unhelpful.

I'd like to pick up this game next time it's on sale. Glad that it's still receiving updates!

I'm glad this is an amazing port! Definitely one for me to pick up on Switch 2 when I grab one in the future. Though I should probably watch Raiders of the Lost Ark first lol.

Kinda tempting since I for sure want two out of three games (I'd likely opt for Pokemon Pokopia since it's one of the few games I do want digitally due to its nature) and may eventually pick up the third, but....If certain rumors for later this year are true, this Zelda fan may be better off waiting even with the impending $50 increase.

@Pillowpants I read your comment in Morgan Freeman's voice. XD

Nothing else to add that hasn't already been said (I agree with the top voted comments towards the beginning of this section), except....Start buying folks!

Surely they don't want to replace the "My" with "The"? So everyone knows it's THE official Nintendo Store!

...On a serious note, I'm fine with this change. It goes back to Nintendo's funky past naming conventions.

@JohnnyMind I agree with your mindset. I don't really understand the "no games" complaints and prefer game announcements to be when they release within the next year or so. There are more games out there than ever before, plenty of quality ones along with the garbage ones too. Besides, I have enough backlogged games to keep me busy for at least a couple years. Not as many as some, but since RPGs are one of my favorite genres...Well, you can probably imagine how long it takes me to finish games when trying to balance this hobby with all else in my life.

@Mgalens Five years ago all they gave us was a logo. Which was a good tease, but we've heard and seen almost nothing since other than "It's coming along" rumblings. I wish they'd held off announcing it longer.

I'd love a modern shot at Dragon Quest VI. I could easily and officially buy it on mobile, but I have two other unplayed mainline titles (three if we ever get some offline form of X in the West) and a couple spinoffs to keep me busy in the meantime. I'm fine with waiting for now.

None of these are great IMO, but I went with Japan. There's a certain charm to that Bubsy illustration.

I'd like to hear more about Dragon Quest XII. Apparently it was announced VERY early in development. I'd totally be on board for Zenithian Trilogy remakes too. Especially for Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation since it's the only one I haven't played in that group. I own the other two on DS but would buy cleaned up versions too lol.

I'd call this a reasonably healthy third-party slate, especially since we currently don't know much about what Nintendo's release plans are past July. The Star Fox shadow Direct was a pleasant surprise, but I'd still like a full Direct from the Big N soon.

Playing:

• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - Link is currently gathering all Song of the Hero pieces. Just netted the first piece after a long swim. I completely forgot there's a Silent Realm in Skyloft, so I'm not quite through with that "fun" yet.
• SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition (Switch) - I last played this game on the Wii U a few years ago. Last session I took down Chop Sue and recruited Fen. It has been a fun revisit so far. The tactical gameplay felt truly unique at the time and still has a satisfying feel to it.
• Pokemon Go - Lechonk Community Day is today. I don't plan to catch many since I already have one shiny of each gender, but I may as well get out in this nice weather and send a couple to Pokemon Home while I'm at it.

Happy gaming, and happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Too many great games (in general, not just these), so little time.

I put "Not Sure". Consoles are a significant purchase, something I like to sit on a little while before pulling the trigger. I also don't necessarily NEED a Switch 2 right now since my current systems keep me busy enough. I'd like to wait for a slight console revision or special edition, but at this point I'm not sure one will materialize before the increase takes effect.

Definitely a lot to ponder regarding my situation. Thankfully, unlike the other manufacturer announcements, there's time to do so.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Tezuka-san.

Cruddy news to wake up to. Thought I'd only have to put up with Nintendo's financials as "big news" today.

Did I figure this would happen at some point? Yes. Admittedly it's a lower increase than I thought in light of what other manufacturers have done, but it's still an increase. I admittedly didn't expect it to happen this soon either. At least I have some time to decide if I wanna hop on the price FOMO wagon or not. I REALLY don't need a Switch 2 this soon....

I am happy for fans. Remakes can be amazing if they have a lot of time and care put into them. Which, from what I've seen of this game so far, checks those boxes. Yes, it's another remake of Star Fox 64, but keep in mind many younger gamers have had very limited exposure to the series. Now is a good time to put it back in the spotlight thanks to the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Hopefully this will lead to much renewed interest and new games.

Me, personally? I'll likely give this a miss. I've tried to get into the Star Fox series a few times and have finished a couple games (Star Fox and Star Fox 2 on the SNES Classic, and Star Fox 64 3D on 3DS). While I didn't dislike them and did enjoy my time with the latter, I think on-rails shooters without a camera as the "shooting device" (AKA Pokemon Snap) aren't really my thing. I did try the Star Fox Zero demo on Wii U and didn't click with the controls.

Quite foxy of Nintendo, dropping this out of a Galaxy far, far away on a Wednesday evening.

(Happy Star Wars week!)

@G_and_Thomas It's primarily some of the postgame content in the older PMD titles I've played (Red/Blue Rescue Team) that I have issues with due to how punishing they can be (There are a couple other things, but these played a big part). Not to mention very grind-y for little reward. I noped out of it back in the day when I 1. Tackled one of the huge dungeons and got to the end with nothing to show for my efforts despite using a Friend Bow and raising my odds as much as possible, and 2. Wiping in another attempt and losing said Friend Bow. Really wish the save system in dungeons had been more forgiving. I've heard more recent entries fixed some of that and the other issues I had. I recently found Explorers of Time secondhand for a good price and wanna try the series again. I recall liking the story, perspective playing as a Pokemon, the visuals, and tackling missions. If that goes well, I'll likely pick up the Switch remake.

Pokopia can definitely fill the PMD void. And I wouldn't be against new PMD entries either. Or maybe even a Pokemon Conquest-like title where we can play as the Pokemon.

@G_and_Thomas I generally agree. For me, it depends on the game and how such mechanics are implemented. I'm sure I'll like Pokopia due to the aspects you describe and the fact that the Dragon Quest Builders team worked on the game. And for the most part I've really enjoyed what I played of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon titles where the player is a Pokemon and can interact with others. Any issues I have with the Mystery Dungeon games are related to some of the mechanics in older titles.

Really hoping they go the upgrade route for those of us who own these on Switch 1 already. If not, it sounds like the Boost Mode once I get a Switch 2 will be sufficient. I am not repurchasing these for visual and speed updates only (no interest in mouse mode).

NB4 "When's the next Nintendo Direct?!"

I definitely prefer the big Directs for new reveals and announcements, though I'm not against Nintendo Today drops for smaller announcements and new details about games and features we know are on the way. So I went with the "healthy balance" option.

This was a good read and, thankfully, contained nothing that I consider a spoiler since I still have yet to play Pokopia (No Switch 2 yet). As much as I enjoy the main Pokemon series, many of the spinoffs I've played also give us a look at other aspects of the Poké-verse and show that there's more to it than battling.

Gaming - my main hobby - has definitely helped me stay sane during my mental health struggles, though I have to take care not to neglect my physical needs or use it to isolate. Making time for hobbies is only one of several tools I employ. I'm genuinely trying to improve my self-care, self-talk, and trying to get more into mindfulness and being in the present moment. I turned around my physical habits starting almost a decade ago, but there's definitely room for improvement when it comes to my mental health and how I perceive and interact with the world.

Too much to hope for Ditto themed joy-cons, I see. Since they still refuse to release an actual themed Switch 2.

...And this is a top contender for my "Humanity Does Some Crazy Things" moment of the day. Why? Some of the exclusive merch I (unfortunately) get, but pop-tarts? Those things haven't even tasted great for years. Even before I tuned up my eating habits, they tasted meh. Not to mention...what's the point in collecting something that has an expiration date?

(Also, FYI for non-Americans: many of us do NOT subsist on sugary breakfast foods and cloying espresso.)

Edit: Okay, the s'mores ones aren't terrible, at least in the toaster as a dessert. But the real thing is much better.

EBay is also an amazing Weird Al parody, based on I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys.

On a serious note, I hope this doesn't go through. I don't think this will fix the slowly sinking ship that is GameStop. Throwing more money at something isn't always the best strategy.

North America. Less is not more this time IMO. It showcases more about the game and would definitely have been more convincing to me back in the day than a random face. That said, JP/EU has a cute, simplistic charm. Just a bit too basic for my liking.

Nothing new from last week. I'm still playing both Pokemon Yellow on the 3DS VC (Gonna tackle the Elite Four after I grind my team up a few levels) and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Just cleared the Sandship dungeon and am about to enter my last Silent Realm). Two great games from two amazing series, though the former hasn't aged as well as I'd hoped. Makes me appreciate the modern games more, especially post Special split.

Happy gaming!

@link3710 You do make Temple of Doom sound like a weird film outside of the starting and ending scenes. One I think I'd still like to watch and judge for myself, but I'll keep those factors in mind. Crystal Skull sounds...well, fine. I'd like to at least see all five films I think. IIRC, there's also a prequel TV series and some books out there, but I don't think I'm willing to go that far unless I fall head over heels for Indy lol.

I appreciate the feedback! If anything, I'm more curious now.

@link3710 I've heard Temple of Doom is generally considered the low point of the OG trilogy, but I find it interesting that you rank it below Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's that much of a mess? I think I'd like to watch the original movie trilogy at least. I saw a little of Raiders of the Lost Ark when I was a kid, but it's been so long I don't recall anything other than the climax.

I definitely want to support this game on Switch 2. Not only because it looks like a great time and reads like it's a decent port, but also because it appears to be a fully serviceable physical release!

...(what a relief that they stopped after three and never made another Indy film again),...

I realize this is likely tongue-in-cheek. However, I'm curious. As someone who is interested in the Indiana Jones films thanks to this upcoming release, are the later films really that bad? I've seen Kingdom of the Crystal Skull generally disliked, but I thought Dial of Destiny was better received?

Happy birthday Koizumi-san! Your work and dedication towards some of my favorite games is much appreciated.

I genuinely want to play this trilogy at some point - undecided on platform - though I'm concerned about Rebirth being too open world for my liking from impressions I've read. Before these, I hope to play the OG Final Fantasy VII. I have it on Switch and hope to get to it sometime this year.