It’s good to see improvements like this. However, that charge time for the Switch 1 model can’t be right. Mine has only ever taken 4 hours to charge to the max which is the case for some other 3rd party wireless controllers. Still, even half hour shorter is a welcome improvement.
For me it depends on the file size and storage space. With large games of around 15 GB and up, I tend to go for the physical version. It balances things well in terms of not having too many carts to store and making my SD cards last. I may lean more towards digital with Switch 2 with more space on the console.
I think it’s going too far to say Nintendo is losing their identity.
When you look at the previous home console hardware; Wii (motion controls), Wii U (Dual screen gaming) then the Switch.
With Switch being such a jack of all trades, it makes the most sense to go for Switch 2 for the next generation. The handheld / home console hybrid has proven too valuable.
There are also new rival handheld consoles coming to the market.
I’ve pre-ordered the physical year 1 + 2 edition. It was £50 which I think is a good price with all dlc included. I don’t mind the game key card aspect.
It really is an amazing world. Where an hour session of exploring and covering new ground is time well spent. That that alone can be so intriguing. There are many I haven’t played but it’s easy to imagine Xenoblade X being one of the best in the genre.
In-keeping with next generation consoles, the Switch 2 is substantially more powerful. It can run far superior software that its predecessor can not. It can run games like the FF7 remake. Given price of the first Switch, I think the console price for Switch 2 is reasonable.
@Antraxx777 I was thinking about the repetition of going through all the tracks on the different speeds, and with this new game bringing a welcome overhaul to the gameplay. You’re right. As ever, they need to accommodate for different skills and ages so they might include the different speeds, or they might tackle it with different functionality.
I got my invite yesterday. Got my pre-order for the Mario Kart bundle. I’ve seen some mention Argos in the UK. They’re a solid retailer. I only had good experiences with them. If anyone’s looking for another retailer, HMV still says coming soon. I think you can register your interest for a notification
In MK 8 Deluxe, having played the Wii U game, the 50 / 100cc speeds were redundant. I wanted to dive in with the 150cc. Given the nature of MK World it doesn’t seem like it will have a need for the slower speeds. It should just be one fast exhilarating speed. I hope the races have that feeling. It’s part of the chaos of it, along with the prizes.
I’d like more info about the operating system, or the consoles base functionality. Will we be able to create folders, view more / less game icons per page? Will there be themes? Different colours or game related.
I’ll be giving Soul Calibur 2 a go first. Not sure about the NSO controller. I’ve read on Nintendo’s site that the N64 games will also get a CRT filter, button remapping and rewind feature
I put a lot of hours into the Wii U release and made it to the end. It’s definitely worth a second play-through with the updates and new story content. I rate it 10.
I was a fan of the movie at that around that age. I think the context needs to be taken into account. Machines killing humans because they’re programmed to. The T-1000 being completely void of emotion.
I have the GameBoy game and rented the NES game. Both were difficult. Really looking forward to the new game. With all the similar games that have come before, I think this will be a hit.
The Forgotten Land was a great 3D entry with Mouthful Mode. I’m looking forward to what they’ll do with the next 3D game. Like with Mario, there’s lots of possibilities for new ideas. I completed Earthbound on the Wii U. It’s an amazing game. I’d love a new entry in that series. And or an Earthbound remake with the same visuals as the Resident Evil remakes.
If the consumer-affordable tech was too slow to read from CDs then they were better off with cartridges. The games were more demanding with large 3D polygon environments. Games like Super Mario 64 needed to be fast and fluid.
If I remember correctly the manual said flipping the screen display was for left handed gamers where the d-pad would be on the right and face buttons on the left.
As someone who’s left handed I didn’t find this function necessary but maybe they had other accessibility issues in mind.
With the Switch 2, playing arcade games in Tate mode would be nice without the need for a 3rd party accessory.
There have been a lot of 2D games (Castlevania and otherwise) in the medtroidvania genre. There would have to be some very different gameplay mechanics in place for a new 2D entry to be interesting and fresh. I’d prefer to see a 3D action game. There are plenty out there that have worked really well such as Darksiders 2. There would be more possibilities for varied gameplay mechanics.
I’ve had a good time with the demo but nice to have a review of the full experience. I’ll buy the full game.
I found a minor issue. I died unexpectedly and the screen with the ‘back to title screen’ or ‘retry’ prompt appears instantly and there is no ‘are you sure’ follow-up. This led to me going back to the title screen accidentally and loosing my progress. I haven’t tried the game since. Are checkpoint saves kept if you exit the level?
Secret of Mana’s co-op play wowed me as well, when I first encountered it. I prefer real-time combat like in that game and Namco Bandai’s Tales Of series. Co-op play is definitely something I’d like to see more of.
An added bonus in the above games is that it’s optional. A second player can drop in and out any time.
There could be a direct with some surprises for February - April / May as the Switch 1 games are playable on the new hardware. I would like to see that.
It depends on how much Nintendo feels the need to keep the new game momentum going before the new console launch. Could be that winding down is necessary before launching new hardware.
@lovecraftINkafka I’ve just played through the first level on Regular Jo difficulty.
There’s a Doom Eternal air dash and a Borderlands 3 ground slide so traversal / level design is interesting. Combat is satisfying in the usual way of gun / enemy sounds and animations.
This is just from the first level so not sure if I’ll be buying it yet.
I wonder if there will be something more substantial brought to the table on the hardware front.
Like a second screen to connect to the top of the of console.
Maybe too much for a handheld-only use but playing in table-top mode means weight wouldn’t be an issue for longer play sessions.
If the second screen had a frame attached that clipped to the console, it could fold over making the clam shell design.
The USB-c port on top could be for various kinds of new peripherals or could just make it easier to charge when playing using the kick-stand.
Secret of Mana has long been one of my favourites for its real-time combat, soundtrack and the scope of the world. It easily stands out amongst others of the time.
I browsed the mobile version on my phone. Very fast and fluid as is needed for such a vast library. I like dark mode and the music. I hope this will resemble the eshop experience on the next console.
I played this several times over, first on easy and then on normal which gave extra parts of the map in certain places. It was that good an action game with amazing set pieces. I haven’t played it on Switch, with the backlog of games, I experienced more than enough of this game on the GameCube.
I think the new hardware could be revealed this month, as a Direct with launch lineup or simply a reveal video showcasing the hardware. The hardware could launch in March. Like the Switch, which had the direct in January and release in March. If the console launches after March then it could be June at the latest, if not before.
Some amazing titles there. When the Switch successor launches I think there’s a good chance we’ll get that RE 4 remake, if not at launch then within the first year of release.
Last month marked the beginning of my own 40th anniversary. Nintendo will have something planned for Super Mario Bros. Looking forward to see how they celebrate. We already have 2 Mario Makers and a Game & Watch.
I’m not sure a Dreamcast mini would have been feasible given the hardware required. By that, I don’t mean not possible but too expensive.
Would the controller VMU be incorporated or abandoned if the features could go without?
The final mini I would have liked would be the Saturn. The Saturn and 32X libraries combined would have enough hits for a reasonable number of games. Especially with the usual 3rd party support, which was impressive on the 2 Mega Drive minis.
The next best thing would be such a collection released on home consoles so maybe they’ll take that route instead. The demand is there for these past games that are otherwise hard to come by.
I recently picked up Dragon Quest XI S as it was heavily discounted. Stitch is still my favourite puzzle game with plenty of content left. I’ll continue Ys X as well.
I reached one of the endings on Doki Doki Literature Club Plus. I’ll take a break from this over Christmas.
My most played game was Persona 5 Royal. Close to 150 hours. I finally got round to starting it last December. It was also my favourite game of the year.
With events like this I don’t want to be too quick to pass judgement on either side. It’s one of those things, unless you hear the truth from all the people involved, both sides, all you can do is speculate. Maybe Nintendo did have a good reason going with a different company. It’s interesting to look back and discuss but I think all that matters at the end of the day is Nintendo are still going regardless.
I think it’s possible there’s a Direct this month. It could by why it’s been quiet for longer than usual. Possibly a new console reveal or just surprise game announcements for Jan/Feb/March.
I’ve had the physical copy of doki doki Literature Club plus on the backlog for a while. Finally started playing that. Then there’s continuing the latest Zelda and Ys releases.
Last week I completed Castlevania Portrait of Ruin from the Switch collection. I loved the dual character gameplay. I’ll take a break from this set before starting one of the other games.
Will be playing Ys X and Echoes of Wisdom this weekend.
I think the new console could be revealed this year if the new console is backwards compatible. It shouldn’t hurt holiday software sales if upcoming releases can be played on the current or new hardware.
A difficult choice this week. Given the games story, I chose NA / Europe as it shows classic Sonic. I do prefer the colour divide on the Japanese cover. They could of had classic Sonic in the bottom left corner.
Comments 688
Re: Video: Check Out New Direct-Feed Gameplay Of Cyberpunk 2077 On Switch 2
It looks amazing. I’ve got a copy pre-ordered. Looking forward to enjoying experiences of this calibre on new hardware.
Re: Poll: Orange Or Red Switch eShop - Make Your Choice
Red’s ok but the orange is a softer colour.
Re: Tired Of Pro Controller Charge Times? The Switch 2 Model Is A Huge Step Up
It’s good to see improvements like this. However, that charge time for the Switch 1 model can’t be right. Mine has only ever taken 4 hours to charge to the max which is the case for some other 3rd party wireless controllers.
Still, even half hour shorter is a welcome improvement.
Re: Nintendo's Quiet 2024 Led To 26% Drop In Physical Game Sales (UK)
For me it depends on the file size and storage space. With large games of around 15 GB and up, I tend to go for the physical version. It balances things well in terms of not having too many carts to store and making my SD cards last. I may lean more towards digital with Switch 2 with more space on the console.
Re: Sony Vet Shuhei Yoshida Says Nintendo Is "Losing Their Identity" With Switch 2
I think it’s going too far to say Nintendo is losing their identity.
When you look at the previous home console hardware; Wii (motion controls), Wii U (Dual screen gaming) then the Switch.
With Switch being such a jack of all trades, it makes the most sense to go for Switch 2 for the next generation. The handheld / home console hybrid has proven too valuable.
There are also new rival handheld consoles coming to the market.
Re: ICYMI: Street Fighter 6 Is Also Getting A 'Standard' Release On Switch 2
I’ve pre-ordered the physical year 1 + 2 edition. It was £50 which I think is a good price with all dlc included. I don’t mind the game key card aspect.
Re: Opinion: In A Post BOTW And Elden Ring World, Xenoblade Chronicles X Is Still Daunting
It really is an amazing world. Where an hour session of exploring and covering new ground is time well spent. That that alone can be so intriguing. There are many I haven’t played but it’s easy to imagine Xenoblade X being one of the best in the genre.
Re: Opinion: The Switch 2 Is A Powerhouse For The Price
In-keeping with next generation consoles, the Switch 2 is substantially more powerful. It can run far superior software that its predecessor can not. It can run games like the FF7 remake.
Given price of the first Switch, I think the console price for Switch 2 is reasonable.
Re: Nintendo Direct: Mario Kart World: Time, Date, Where To Watch, What To Expect
@Antraxx777 I was thinking about the repetition of going through all the tracks on the different speeds, and with this new game bringing a welcome overhaul to the gameplay.
You’re right. As ever, they need to accommodate for different skills and ages so they might include the different speeds, or they might tackle it with different functionality.
Re: Poll: Did You Get A Switch 2 Purchase Invite From Nintendo Yet? (Europe)
I got my invite yesterday. Got my pre-order for the Mario Kart bundle. I’ve seen some mention Argos in the UK. They’re a solid retailer. I only had good experiences with them. If anyone’s looking for another retailer, HMV still says coming soon. I think you can register your interest for a notification
Re: Nintendo Direct: Mario Kart World: Time, Date, Where To Watch, What To Expect
In MK 8 Deluxe, having played the Wii U game, the 50 / 100cc speeds were redundant. I wanted to dive in with the 150cc.
Given the nature of MK World it doesn’t seem like it will have a need for the slower speeds. It should just be one fast exhilarating speed. I hope the races have that feeling. It’s part of the chaos of it, along with the prizes.
Re: Community: What Questions About Switch 2 Do You Still Have For Nintendo?
I’d like more info about the operating system, or the consoles base functionality. Will we be able to create folders, view more / less game icons per page?
Will there be themes? Different colours or game related.
Re: GameCube Games On Switch 2 Will Support An Optional CRT Filter
I’ll be giving Soul Calibur 2 a go first. Not sure about the NSO controller. I’ve read on Nintendo’s site that the N64 games will also get a CRT filter, button remapping and rewind feature
Re: Gallery: Here's A Closer Look At The Switch 2 Console And Accessories
@Olliemar28 the Nintendo Today app has a 3D viewing of the console. You can rotate horizontally / vertically.
I’ll be pre-ordering for day 1 purchase. I’ll go with the Mario Kart bundle.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition?
I put a lot of hours into the Wii U release and made it to the end. It’s definitely worth a second play-through with the updates and new story content. I rate it 10.
Re: Where To Pre-Order Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition On Switch
While UK retailer HMV specialise in music and film, they have recently started stocking games and have a wide selection.
The pre-order there is £44.99
Re: Poll: What Switch Game Could You Not Live Without?
I voted for Zelda Breath of The Wild. The first Switch game I played was just that good. One of the best adventure games I’ve ever played.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom (NES)
I like the protagonist on the JP cover but I voted NA / EUR for the city backdrop, the colours of the sky and the silver 3 in the logo.
Re: Opinion: It's Taken 30 Years, But 'Terminator 2D' Could Right A Childhood Wrong
I was a fan of the movie at that around that age. I think the context needs to be taken into account. Machines killing humans because they’re programmed to. The T-1000 being completely void of emotion.
I have the GameBoy game and rented the NES game. Both were difficult.
Really looking forward to the new game. With all the similar games that have come before, I think this will be a hit.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Pokémon Trading Card Game
I voted Japan as the energy symbols are more within the frame rather than halfway on the edge. That aside, I prefer the rest of the artwork.
Re: Anniversary: HAL Laboratory Is 45 Years Old Today
@Chlocean maybe they wouldn’t need to take quite that route with the visuals. That Mani Mani statue would be well served with those graphics.
As we’ve seen before, there are other nice graphical styles that work well.
Re: Anniversary: HAL Laboratory Is 45 Years Old Today
The Forgotten Land was a great 3D entry with Mouthful Mode. I’m looking forward to what they’ll do with the next 3D game. Like with Mario, there’s lots of possibilities for new ideas.
I completed Earthbound on the Wii U. It’s an amazing game. I’d love a new entry in that series. And or an Earthbound remake with the same visuals as the Resident Evil remakes.
Re: Not Even Squaresoft Could Convince Nintendo To Use Discs For The N64
If the consumer-affordable tech was too slow to read from CDs then they were better off with cartridges. The games were more demanding with large 3D polygon environments. Games like Super Mario 64 needed to be fast and fluid.
Re: Switch 2 Patent Suggests You Can Flip The Console Upside Down
@Chocobo_Shepherd I had an Atari Lynx 2.
If I remember correctly the manual said flipping the screen display was for left handed gamers where the d-pad would be on the right and face buttons on the left.
As someone who’s left handed I didn’t find this function necessary but maybe they had other accessibility issues in mind.
With the Switch 2, playing arcade games in Tate mode would be nice without the need for a 3rd party accessory.
Re: Poll: Is It Finally Time For Castlevania To Rise Again?
There have been a lot of 2D games (Castlevania and otherwise) in the medtroidvania genre. There would have to be some very different gameplay mechanics in place for a new 2D entry to be interesting and fresh.
I’d prefer to see a 3D action game. There are plenty out there that have worked really well such as Darksiders 2. There would be more possibilities for varied gameplay mechanics.
Re: Review: Turbo Overkill (Switch) - Ridiculous, Relentless Boomer Shooter Gets A Solid Port
I’ve had a good time with the demo but nice to have a review of the full experience. I’ll buy the full game.
I found a minor issue. I died unexpectedly and the screen with the ‘back to title screen’ or ‘retry’ prompt appears instantly and there is no ‘are you sure’ follow-up. This led to me going back to the title screen accidentally and loosing my progress.
I haven’t tried the game since. Are checkpoint saves kept if you exit the level?
Re: Opinion: We Need More Couch Co-op RPGs
Secret of Mana’s co-op play wowed me as well, when I first encountered it. I prefer real-time combat like in that game and Namco Bandai’s Tales Of series. Co-op play is definitely something I’d like to see more of.
An added bonus in the above games is that it’s optional. A second player can drop in and out any time.
Re: Poll: With No Switch 2 News Until April, Is A February Nintendo Direct On The Cards?
There could be a direct with some surprises for February - April / May as the Switch 1 games are playable on the new hardware.
I would like to see that.
It depends on how much Nintendo feels the need to keep the new game momentum going before the new console launch.
Could be that winding down is necessary before launching new hardware.
Re: Absurd Boomer Shooter 'Turbo Overkill' Shadow Drops On Switch
@lovecraftINkafka I’ve just played through the first level on Regular Jo difficulty.
There’s a Doom Eternal air dash and a Borderlands 3 ground slide so traversal / level design is interesting.
Combat is satisfying in the usual way of gun / enemy sounds and animations.
This is just from the first level so not sure if I’ll be buying it yet.
Re: Absurd Boomer Shooter 'Turbo Overkill' Shadow Drops On Switch
I’ve just seen there is a demo for this if anyone’s interested. I’m gonna give it a go.
Re: Reaction: Nintendo Pins Hopes On Familiar Fun With Switch 2
I wonder if there will be something more substantial brought to the table on the hardware front.
Like a second screen to connect to the top of the of console.
Maybe too much for a handheld-only use but playing in table-top mode means weight wouldn’t be an issue for longer play sessions.
If the second screen had a frame attached that clipped to the console, it could fold over making the clam shell design.
The USB-c port on top could be for various kinds of new peripherals or could just make it easier to charge when playing using the kick-stand.
Re: DOOM Creator Calls Legendary Final Fantasy Programmer An "Inspiration"
Secret of Mana has long been one of my favourites for its real-time combat, soundtrack and the scope of the world.
It easily stands out amongst others of the time.
Re: The Switch eShop Is A Nightmare, So We've Made Our Own "Better eShop"
I browsed the mobile version on my phone. Very fast and fluid as is needed for such a vast library. I like dark mode and the music.
I hope this will resemble the eshop experience on the next console.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
I completed the Wii version and didn’t get the 3DS version for the same reasons some are skipping this release.
I used one of the NSO game vouchers for the digital Switch version. It’s been 15 years, so I’m looking forward to play through it for a second time.
Re: Anniversary: Resident Evil 4, One Of The Greatest Games Ever Made, Turns 20
I played this several times over, first on easy and then on normal which gave extra parts of the map in certain places.
It was that good an action game with amazing set pieces. I haven’t played it on Switch, with the backlog of games, I experienced more than enough of this game on the GameCube.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th January)
I’ve recently completed Zelda Echoes of Wisdom. I’ll be continuing with Ys X and Dragon Quest XI.
Re: Talking Point: Everyone Else Is Busy Revealing Switch 2 - What Gives, Nintendo?
I agree there’s no rush, but we could see a Direct this month, maybe as soon as next week.
@8bit-Man
The launch line-up is indeed a big source of the excitement beyond the hardware.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th January)
Epic Mickey is on sale 50% off until the 12th so I downloaded the demo. Like what I’ve played so far.
Re: Talking Point: Our 2025 Nintendo Gaming Predictions
I think the new hardware could be revealed this month, as a Direct with launch lineup or simply a reveal video showcasing the hardware.
The hardware could launch in March. Like the Switch, which had the direct in January and release in March.
If the console launches after March then it could be June at the latest, if not before.
Re: Feature: Biggest Nintendo Gaming Anniversaries Of 2025
Some amazing titles there. When the Switch successor launches I think there’s a good chance we’ll get that RE 4 remake, if not at launch then within the first year of release.
Last month marked the beginning of my own 40th anniversary. Nintendo will have something planned for Super Mario Bros.
Looking forward to see how they celebrate.
We already have 2 Mario Makers and a Game & Watch.
Re: Editorial: Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From All Of Us At Nintendo Life
Merry Christmas. I hope everyone enjoys the holiday period.
I’ll be spending my Christmas Day eshop card on Dragon Quest 3.
Re: Don't Expect Any More Miniature Consoles From Sega
I’m not sure a Dreamcast mini would have been feasible given the hardware required. By that, I don’t mean not possible but too expensive.
Would the controller VMU be incorporated or abandoned if the features could go without?
The final mini I would have liked would be the Saturn. The Saturn and 32X libraries combined would have enough hits for a reasonable number of games. Especially with the usual 3rd party support, which was impressive on the 2 Mega Drive minis.
The next best thing would be such a collection released on home consoles so maybe they’ll take that route instead. The demand is there for these past games that are otherwise hard to come by.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2024 Edition)
I recently picked up Dragon Quest XI S as it was heavily discounted. Stitch is still my favourite puzzle game with plenty of content left.
I’ll continue Ys X as well.
I reached one of the endings on Doki Doki Literature Club Plus. I’ll take a break from this over Christmas.
Re: Feature: Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2024 - Our Most Played Games
My most played game was Persona 5 Royal. Close to 150 hours. I finally got round to starting it last December. It was also my favourite game of the year.
Re: Nintendo Left Sony "Standing At The Altar" With SNES Disk Add-On, Says Former PlayStation Exec
With events like this I don’t want to be too quick to pass judgement on either side. It’s one of those things, unless you hear the truth from all the people involved, both sides, all you can do is speculate.
Maybe Nintendo did have a good reason going with a different company.
It’s interesting to look back and discuss but I think all that matters at the end of the day is Nintendo are still going regardless.
Re: Poll: After Three Quiet Months, Will We Finally Get A Nintendo Direct In December?
I think it’s possible there’s a Direct this month. It could by why it’s been quiet for longer than usual. Possibly a new console reveal or just surprise game announcements for Jan/Feb/March.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (23rd November)
I’ve had the physical copy of doki doki Literature Club plus on the backlog for a while. Finally started playing that. Then there’s continuing the latest Zelda and Ys releases.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th November)
Last week I completed Castlevania Portrait of Ruin from the Switch collection. I loved the dual character gameplay. I’ll take a break from this set before starting one of the other games.
Will be playing Ys X and Echoes of Wisdom this weekend.
Re: Plans To Announce The 'Switch 2' Have Not Changed, Says Nintendo's President
I think the new console could be revealed this year if the new console is backwards compatible. It shouldn’t hurt holiday software sales if upcoming releases can be played on the current or new hardware.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Sonic X Shadow Generations
A difficult choice this week. Given the games story, I chose NA / Europe as it shows classic Sonic. I do prefer the colour divide on the Japanese cover. They could of had classic Sonic in the bottom left corner.