@Poodlestargenerica The Joy-Con have an accelerometer and a gyroscope, so they can do everything Wiimotes can, minus IR pointing — although the right Joy-Con has an IR sensor in the bottom. There wouldn’t be any issues replicating the Excite motion controls on Switch.
@Poodlestargenerica Impossible to emulate? Joy-Con can do everything Wiimotes can and more (minus infrared pointing). Excitetruck/bots ports would be relatively simple on Switch.
And ESSENTIAL. Oof, now I want to play them. That's the weekend sorted.
This is a big talking point for Pokémon fans and a hugely popular game with a VERY obvious link to Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, so yes, we'll be covering developments on the site. If a game called Mariworld starring a platforming, gun-toting plumber came out on Xbox, we'd be looking at that and any associated controversy too!
Things are developing quickly at the moment, hence the articles today, and I certainly don't want to flood the site with posts about a game Switch owners can't play. That said, it's absolutely of interest to Nintendo fans and we will continue covering the story. All the posts are easily identifiable, so if you're not interested in the game — which is totally understandable — there are plenty of other articles to enjoy.
@Spider-Kev You're suggesting that a Nintendo-focused site doesn't report on Switch 2 news and rumours until it's officially announced...?
I get that a constant barrage of whispers is tiring — we feel it and, believe me, every week there are dozens we don't touch! — but this story's wide reporting coupled with its sus-ness (which we wanted to highlight) made this one worth covering. The article is labelled 'Random' and sets up the dubious nature of the claim in the headline itself — we're not shouting SWITCH 2 RELEASE DATE LEAK!!! and then keeping the "Well, actually..." for the click.
We'll continue doing our very best to avoid the pap, but we'll also continue covering 'Switch 2' news and rumours that arise before any official announcement. We're Nintendo Life!
@Lofoten We could add a mention in the intro, but as a monthly community-focused article, we'd rather keep the explanatory stuff down the bottom so people can get into the meat of the article quicker.
And I think with the review-score shortlist, and the top 3, and the reader poll and stats, including the total points as well is probably overkill! We'll discuss it, though — we're looking to tweak this article series a little, so watch this space.
@Spider-Kev It's a little confusing due to how LR has listed it, but Kyukyoku Tiger and Twin Cobra are the regional versions of the same game (Famicom and NES respectively). Then Tiger-Heli has the Famicom and NES versions listed separately.
And as with every game released on Switch this year whether we reviewed it or not, Hogwarts absolutely qualifies. If you want to rate it, you can do so via its game page.
Just a note to any would-be new commenters on this one — as per the new intro, we've updated the order in this list according to each game's User Rating in our database, so it's now reader-ranked.
Just something to bear in mind before responding to pre-update comments above, many of which are several years old.
@GrailUK Ha, yeah you can definitely tell we're deep into the console cycle when a sale throws up this many amazing games. Most people will likely own a fair number of these already, but as @FishyS says, add in all the 8/10s and this would destroy us all.
And let's not forget that 7/10 is a respectable score, too! Just so much quality on this console.
@AmplifyMJ It being a known quantity is just one of several factors we took into consideration when deciding whether or not to review. As you say, we cover Switch ports of games released on other platforms all the time and will continue to do so.
Staff wellbeing is another significant factor. Reviewing Persona 5 or Super Mario RPG is unlikely to attract the kind of insinuation and abuse we receive across all channels from people who, unlike yourself, aren't able to express an opinion in a polite manner.
Ultimately, like it or not, the complex issues this game and property now inevitably raise affect members of the gaming community, here and elsewhere, negatively. We understand the disappointment, but in this case we've decided not to review.
@AmplifyMJ Hi there. I addressed this on the forums last week, but I'll paste it here too:
We’re not going to be reviewing Hogwarts on NL. We’ve spoken as a team several times over the last few months and have decided not to cover this particular game with a review.
I understand that might disappoint some readers waiting to hear our verdict on what is undoubtedly a big release, but at this point it’s a known quantity from a gameplay perspective and information on the quality of the Switch port won’t be difficult to find. We’ve been averaging over a review a day since September — there’s a huge number of games launching in this period and this one is certainly not in need of our championing to find an audience!
To be 100% clear, our decision not to review shouldn’t be taken as passing judgement on other outlets or anyone who buys and plays and enjoys the game — several of us on Team NL will be doing so! However, we’re in a fortunate position where our higher-ups don’t dictate which games we shall and shall not give coverage to; in this instance, we decided that we would rather divert resources to other games at this busy time of the year. To those who wish to manage their mischief, crack on and let us know how you get on.
@FlyingDunsparce Affecting the score? Ruining the game? It's a minor personal point brought up in the text with a tongue-in-cheek callback in the cons — this wouldn't suddenly be an 8 if Funky Kong was silent!
The Joys and Cons are an overall roundup reflecting the sentiments of the reviewer, they don't represent scales with the balance going one way or another depending on the number of positives/negatives. A 10/10 could easily have two or three cons.
@Spider-Kev I believe there's a limit to the number of entries we can display on a single page in this case. If you change to the 'Table' view, you can see nearly all of them on one page. But it still hits a limit and goes onto a second. Too many amiibo!
As Tom said, it's a journalistic convention that's been a part of NL for years now. You'll find it in all our news and review articles and most of our features, too — although Soapboxes and some Talking Points switch to singular. There are pros and cons to the plural, but it generally helps maintain a more cohesive reading experience across the site.
@Lofoten 'Genre-defining' is in the rubric on our Scoring Policy. It's all subjective, of course, but generally, that's what pushes something into 10 territory.
@Diowine Disappointed with a 9? It's an excellent score! And "We know that NintendoLife tends to score main Nintendo games higher than other critics..." <<< Do we really know this?
@The_Pixel_King When did you send it? It may have gotten lost — if you can resend, I'll mark it down for the next one.
Edit. Scratch that, I've just found it in the inbox from last September! I must have forgotten to tag after reading, but it's in the right folder now and will be in Part 8.
@BodkinDQ @FishyS Nope, that's my fault, I missed that we'd covered it previously! In order not to duplicate, I've moved Bodkin's recommendation to the BotM entry in the other article and subbed in another recommendation here that arrived late on Friday eve after I'd scheduled this.
@steve_mcsteve I think the group's FAQ outlines the understanding and use of the term comprehensively — I don't read it as hostile in tone, but given the passionate responses from people who disagree, I'm not certain there's any other source that would be universally satisfactory, unfortunately.
We'll be closing comments for now — thank you to everyone who contributed constructively. For anyone who had their contributions removed, I'd once again invite you to read our Community Rules.
Comments 885
Re: Feature: "We’ve Tried To Do Something Very Different" - Rivalry & Drama In Arcade Racer 'New Star GP'
@Poodlestargenerica The Joy-Con have an accelerometer and a gyroscope, so they can do everything Wiimotes can, minus IR pointing — although the right Joy-Con has an IR sensor in the bottom. There wouldn’t be any issues replicating the Excite motion controls on Switch.
Re: Feature: "We’ve Tried To Do Something Very Different" - Rivalry & Drama In Arcade Racer 'New Star GP'
@Poodlestargenerica Impossible to emulate? Joy-Con can do everything Wiimotes can and more (minus infrared pointing). Excitetruck/bots ports would be relatively simple on Switch.
And ESSENTIAL. Oof, now I want to play them. That's the weekend sorted.
Re: "Spiritual Successor" To The CD-i Zelda Games, Arzette, Comes To Switch Next Month
For some ungodly reason, those CD-i controllers excite me. $35, plus shipping, plus a crapload of import fees, probably...
Somebody stop me.
Re: Palworld Has A Pokémon Mod, Though Video Takedowns Are Already Being Dished Out
This is a big talking point for Pokémon fans and a hugely popular game with a VERY obvious link to Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, so yes, we'll be covering developments on the site. If a game called Mariworld starring a platforming, gun-toting plumber came out on Xbox, we'd be looking at that and any associated controversy too!
Things are developing quickly at the moment, hence the articles today, and I certainly don't want to flood the site with posts about a game Switch owners can't play. That said, it's absolutely of interest to Nintendo fans and we will continue covering the story. All the posts are easily identifiable, so if you're not interested in the game — which is totally understandable — there are plenty of other articles to enjoy.
Re: Feature: The Stunning Visual Delights Of 'El Shaddai', Inspired By Apple iPod Commercials
Hi all. Just seen this, and yes, that was a typo. Thanks to everyone for highlighting. Carry on!
Re: Every Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advance (GBA) Game Ranked
@Thomystic You mean the 8.8s? It's always displayed to one decimal place, hasn't it? I don't think there's been any change.
Re: Review: Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown (Switch) - Slick, Stylish, And 2024's First Must-Play
It'll almost certainly be going on more than one list.
Re: Random: AI GameShark Successor Claims To Know Switch 2 Release Date, Then Backtracks
@Spider-Kev You're suggesting that a Nintendo-focused site doesn't report on Switch 2 news and rumours until it's officially announced...?
I get that a constant barrage of whispers is tiring — we feel it and, believe me, every week there are dozens we don't touch! — but this story's wide reporting coupled with its sus-ness (which we wanted to highlight) made this one worth covering. The article is labelled 'Random' and sets up the dubious nature of the claim in the headline itself — we're not shouting SWITCH 2 RELEASE DATE LEAK!!! and then keeping the "Well, actually..." for the click.
We'll continue doing our very best to avoid the pap, but we'll also continue covering 'Switch 2' news and rumours that arise before any official announcement. We're Nintendo Life!
@mctony Zapped, thanks.
Re: M2's 'Kyukyoku Tiger-Heli Collection' For Switch Has Been Rated By The ESRB
@Spider-Kev I reached out to LR and got confirmation on the full list. I've added it to the article above, too:
1. KYUKYOKU TIGER (Japan Arcade Single Player Version)
2. KYUKYOKU TIGER (Japan Arcade Two Player Version)
3. TWIN COBRA (US Arcade Version)
4. TIGER-HELI (Japan Arcade Version)
5. KYUKYOKU TIGER (8-Bit Version)
6. KYUKYOKU TIGER (PC Engine Version)
7. KYUKYOKU TIGER (Japan Mega Drive Veronica)
8. TWIN COBRA (US 8-Bit Version)
9. TWIN COBRA (US Genesis Version)
10. TIGER-HELI (Japan 8-Bit Version)
11. TIGER-HELI (US 8-Bit Version)
12. GET STAR (Japan Arcade Version)
13. Guardian (US Arcade Version)
14. BRAINWASHING GAME TEKI-PAKI (Japan Arcade Version)
Re: Feature: Nintendo eShop Selects - December 2023
@Lofoten We could add a mention in the intro, but as a monthly community-focused article, we'd rather keep the explanatory stuff down the bottom so people can get into the meat of the article quicker.
And I think with the review-score shortlist, and the top 3, and the reader poll and stats, including the total points as well is probably overkill! We'll discuss it, though — we're looking to tweak this article series a little, so watch this space.
Re: M2's 'Kyukyoku Tiger-Heli Collection' For Switch Has Been Rated By The ESRB
@Spider-Kev It's a little confusing due to how LR has listed it, but Kyukyoku Tiger and Twin Cobra are the regional versions of the same game (Famicom and NES respectively). Then Tiger-Heli has the Famicom and NES versions listed separately.
Re: Feature: Nintendo eShop Selects - December 2023
@OorWullie We reviewed the bundle with all six, and with them being available separately, we decided to include them in the vote.
Re: Mini Review: Chico And The Magic Orchards DX (Switch) - A Cracking Callback To GB Zeldas
@RetroBox Seems to be available now. It probably just didn't go live on the eShop until 7am PST / 10am EST.
Still missing on the UK eShop, though.
Re: Reminder: Rate Your Favourite Switch Games Of The Year 2023
@nukatha Ha, that would be a very small list!
Re: Soapbox: Chants Of Sennaar Is The GOTY Candidate That Nobody Is Talking About
@PessitheMystic Yep, we're one big hive mind over here.

Re: Feature: Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown Director Explains Anime Inspirations And The Warrior's Journey
@JohnnyMind Zapped, thanks.
Re: Poll: Rate Your Favourite Switch Games Of The Year 2023
@HeftyLaces I've addressed this a couple of times before, you can read my previous comments here.
And as with every game released on Switch this year whether we reviewed it or not, Hogwarts absolutely qualifies. If you want to rate it, you can do so via its game page.
Re: Feature: Zelda, "Linguistic Chaos", And The Challenges Of Bringing 'Outer Wilds' To Switch
@Takoda “Keep an eye out for our review of this critically acclaimed adventure…”
Re: We’ve Played Batman: Arkham Knight On Switch - Here’s 17 Minutes Of Gameplay
@Jimgamer8 We didn't get code for this one.
Re: Best Castlevania Games On Nintendo Consoles
Just a note to any would-be new commenters on this one — as per the new intro, we've updated the order in this list according to each game's User Rating in our database, so it's now reader-ranked.
Just something to bear in mind before responding to pre-update comments above, many of which are several years old.
Re: Best Nintendo Pinball Games
@JohnnyMind Technically, yes! I gave it a shoutout in the outro, but it's not part of our database right now. Watch this space, though.
Re: 129 Switch Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's Cyber Deals Sale (North America)
@awp69 Thanks for the spot, I've zapped that.
@GrailUK Ha, yeah you can definitely tell we're deep into the console cycle when a sale throws up this many amazing games. Most people will likely own a fair number of these already, but as @FishyS says, add in all the 8/10s and this would destroy us all.
And let's not forget that 7/10 is a respectable score, too! Just so much quality on this console.
Re: Talking Point: Does Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Need A Full Remake?
@Gaviin It IS "jibe with" — thanks. Zapped. I'm going to blame that one on Ian Querty.
Re: UK Charts: Super Mario RPG Can't Jump To The Top Five In Its Debut Week On Switch
@AmplifyMJ No problem.
Re: UK Charts: Super Mario RPG Can't Jump To The Top Five In Its Debut Week On Switch
@AmplifyMJ It being a known quantity is just one of several factors we took into consideration when deciding whether or not to review. As you say, we cover Switch ports of games released on other platforms all the time and will continue to do so.
Staff wellbeing is another significant factor. Reviewing Persona 5 or Super Mario RPG is unlikely to attract the kind of insinuation and abuse we receive across all channels from people who, unlike yourself, aren't able to express an opinion in a polite manner.
Ultimately, like it or not, the complex issues this game and property now inevitably raise affect members of the gaming community, here and elsewhere, negatively. We understand the disappointment, but in this case we've decided not to review.
Re: UK Charts: Super Mario RPG Can't Jump To The Top Five In Its Debut Week On Switch
@AmplifyMJ Hi there. I addressed this on the forums last week, but I'll paste it here too:
We’re not going to be reviewing Hogwarts on NL. We’ve spoken as a team several times over the last few months and have decided not to cover this particular game with a review.
I understand that might disappoint some readers waiting to hear our verdict on what is undoubtedly a big release, but at this point it’s a known quantity from a gameplay perspective and information on the quality of the Switch port won’t be difficult to find. We’ve been averaging over a review a day since September — there’s a huge number of games launching in this period and this one is certainly not in need of our championing to find an audience!
To be 100% clear, our decision not to review shouldn’t be taken as passing judgement on other outlets or anyone who buys and plays and enjoys the game — several of us on Team NL will be doing so! However, we’re in a fortunate position where our higher-ups don’t dictate which games we shall and shall not give coverage to; in this instance, we decided that we would rather divert resources to other games at this busy time of the year. To those who wish to manage their mischief, crack on and let us know how you get on.
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Takes The Chequered Flag With A Safe Final Lap
@FlyingDunsparce Affecting the score? Ruining the game? It's a minor personal point brought up in the text with a tongue-in-cheek callback in the cons — this wouldn't suddenly be an 8 if Funky Kong was silent!
The Joys and Cons are an overall roundup reflecting the sentiments of the reviewer, they don't represent scales with the balance going one way or another depending on the number of positives/negatives. A 10/10 could easily have two or three cons.
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Takes The Chequered Flag With A Safe Final Lap
@FishyS Ha, watch this space.
Re: Best 18+ Switch Games For Adults
@Max_the_German That is a shout, and I've added it.
Re: Site News: Nintendo Life Turns 18 Today
Eyyyy, cheers everyone!
Re: All amiibo List - Every Animal Crossing, Zelda, Smash Bros., Metroid, Mario amiibo
@Spider-Kev I believe there's a limit to the number of entries we can display on a single page in this case. If you change to the 'Table' view, you can see nearly all of them on one page. But it still hits a limit and goes onto a second. Too many amiibo!
Re: Mini Review: Alien Hominid Invasion - An Explosive, Superior Sequel
@JackieCMarlow @ButterCashier
As Tom said, it's a journalistic convention that's been a part of NL for years now. You'll find it in all our news and review articles and most of our features, too — although Soapboxes and some Talking Points switch to singular. There are pros and cons to the plural, but it generally helps maintain a more cohesive reading experience across the site.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Still Making Them, So What amiibo Do You Still Want To See?
@GrailUK To an addict, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, why would you say such things?
Re: Review: Ebenezer And The Invisible World - A Good Metroidvania Launched In A Ghastly State
@JohnnyMind Found it.
Re: Mini Review: Suika Game - Viral Sensation 'Watermelon Game' Is A Ripe Little Puzzler
@Impossibilium I’ve added a note. 👍
Re: Mini Review: Suika Game - Viral Sensation 'Watermelon Game' Is A Ripe Little Puzzler
@Teksetter I missed that — thanks for the spot.
Re: Review: Super Mario Bros. Wonder - The Best 2D Mario Since The Super NES
@Lofoten 'Genre-defining' is in the rubric on our Scoring Policy. It's all subjective, of course, but generally, that's what pushes something into 10 territory.
@Diowine Disappointed with a 9? It's an excellent score! And "We know that NintendoLife tends to score main Nintendo games higher than other critics..." <<< Do we really know this?
Re: Review: Super Mario Bros. Wonder - The Best 2D Mario Since The Super NES
Dang, there goes a Game Voucher.
Re: Community: 28 Switch Games We Missed, As Recommended By You
@The_Pixel_King When did you send it? It may have gotten lost — if you can resend, I'll mark it down for the next one.
Edit. Scratch that, I've just found it in the inbox from last September! I must have forgotten to tag after reading, but it's in the right folder now and will be in Part 8.
Re: Community: 28 Switch Games We Missed, As Recommended By You
@BodkinDQ @FishyS Nope, that's my fault, I missed that we'd covered it previously!
In order not to duplicate, I've moved Bodkin's recommendation to the BotM entry in the other article and subbed in another recommendation here that arrived late on Friday eve after I'd scheduled this.
@Uncle_Franklin Nope, it'll be back next weekend.
Re: Random: Nintendo Gives Princess Peach Some Facial Tweaks In 'Showtime!' Key Art
@MeloMan Ha, a cheeky Thursday bonus.
Re: Community: Played A Great Switch Game We Missed? We Want To Know!
@somnambulance That’s cool. 👍
Re: Community: Played A Great Switch Game We Missed? We Want To Know!
@GalaxicGlobe Ha, I hope not, but each to their own!
Re: Community: Played A Great Switch Game We Missed? We Want To Know!
@GalaxicGlobe Oof, we’ve looked at those before. Rest assured that any recommendations for those will get filed where they belong. 🚽
Re: LEGO Animal Crossing Launches March 2024, Five Sets Announced
I'm gobsmacked they're just standard little sets.
Re: Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island Is Coming To The West
@Bobb SMNJIUHUOBUBU *cries
Zapped, thanks
Re: Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island Is Coming To The West
@BenoitRen This is a slip where I wrote 'PSP' instead of 'PS Vita'. I've corrected that now.
Re: Pokémon Collab Apparently Draws Crowds Of Scalpers To Van Gogh Museum
@Not_Soos
Re: Feature: From Piston Hurricane To Today: Why Latinx In Gaming Exists
@steve_mcsteve I think the group's FAQ outlines the understanding and use of the term comprehensively — I don't read it as hostile in tone, but given the passionate responses from people who disagree, I'm not certain there's any other source that would be universally satisfactory, unfortunately.
We'll be closing comments for now — thank you to everyone who contributed constructively. For anyone who had their contributions removed, I'd once again invite you to read our Community Rules.
Re: Feature: From Piston Hurricane To Today: Why Latinx In Gaming Exists
@Yomerodes Ha, well I'll blame the 'ii' on my monitor blurring my lowercase 'i' and 'l'. And a gremlin ran off with the second 'e', probably. 👀
Thanks for the spot.