kalosn

kalosn

Switch 2 - The Future is Here

Comments 1,603

Re: Digital Foundry Dives Into Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's "Big Downgrades" On Switch 2

kalosn

This sounds kinda amnesiac, these aren't downgrades to get the game running at 60fps on Switch 2, that is outright a result of the new console running by max bruteforce the work they did on Switch 1.
Considering the definitive edition runs at 1080p on PS4 at an unlocked framerate that at least keeps the illusion of 60fps, there must be a huge amount of overhead left with some sub-PS3 settings. To be frank even on Switch 1 it must haven't been a solid port because of those cutbacks, though at least they decided to base it on the definitive edition and not a last-last gen port.

A 30fps quality mode on Switch 2? How about if they reinstate all those missing effects while running the game unlocked, just to see how much it can reach 60fps huh? Maybe even offer a 1440p mode with some of these cutbacks at least, but for the meantime it's not a true Switch 2 conversion...

Re: Nintendo States Its Intention To Acquire More Development Teams

kalosn

When you remember how much AAA games take and cost to develop these days, it actually makes sense for them to expand, as they would need all the help needed to accelerate game development without compromising quality, as long as they don't overdo it of course.

I can imagine them acquiring MercurySteam one day for example, there was a time back during the mid-90s to early 2000s where Nintendo really wanted to expand its western subsidiaries, but that's a retrospective for another day.

Re: Nintendo To Acquire Bandai Namco Studios Singapore As A Subsidiary

kalosn

Wait, isn't this the studio that was developing Metroid Prime 4 before being restarted, as well as the cancelled Ridge Racer game for Switch?

Well, this is very interesting.. especially after the mysterious Bandai Namco-developed Nintendo game that was apparently cancelled in October last year... I can expect this will mean Nintendo will have more development partners to assist on its first-party games, and of course this studio would also be able to develop games of their own, just like Monolith Soft.

Exciting times maybe, as long as they don't overbuy stuff to ridiculous levels like well, you know... the Team in Green that bought the Storm.

Re: Animated Tomb Raider Series Returns To Netflix For A Second Season Next Month

kalosn

More Tomb Raider news it seems!

I don't know why it would be mixed recieved.The first season nailed the episodic aspect perfectly, it just needed a more interesting antagonist. And that seems to be addressed here with what I am seeing here. And the animation looks spectacular for sure.
But, final season? Where does it say that..? It would be sad to not see even more episodes, can see 4 seasons of animation at least.
I think it's possible for this to coexist with Amazon's series if it focuses more on the otherwordly elements. The thing is, if Amazon makes the best live-action video game adaptations, Netflix does the best animated ones.

Re: Surprise! Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Is Available Now On Switch & Switch 2

kalosn

Okay, nice. Very nice in fact. But AAA releases can't be suddenly shadow dropped out of nowhere. Even if they feel quite old already, they still need weeks or at least days of promotion.
I imagine this release is part of a plan to release the entire Reboot Trilogy on Switch, or at least Switch 2 (unless they remember that Xbox 360 version of RotTR)

Me? I have long waited for this moment for years already!

Re: Pokémon Pokopia Reveals "Peculiar" New Forms In Extended 10-Minute Trailer

kalosn

Wait, was that a Gen 1 Pokédex at the intro?
LOL can already imagine the theories about the game's context and lore, Game Freak is co-developing it after all...

The entire gameplay concept looks like an ultimate evolution of sorts of the Johto Safari Zone concept from HGSS, and that is exciting at least. I just hope it's not too quick or short, because Ditto's actions look instantanous, and seem to lack the typical level and day-to-day progression process seen in both RPGs and farm sims.

And at least the game looks much sharper and better than the Direct Trailer, it previously looked like it was running on Switch 1, no surprises if it had origins there...

Re: Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Reveals Rosalina, Bowser Jr., And More

kalosn

Interesting... Rosalina was undoubtely the star of the trailer, and while Bowser Jr wasn't unexpected, it seems I'll have to be used to a more... puberted? voice than the usual cute one.

What I'm interesting is in how much runtime it'll have to tell a three-arc story with a big, well.. universe. It seems it really wants to expand the worldbuilding and characters, just would too many be a good thing? usually not, but sometimes, it can work.

Re: Pokémon Pokopia Gets March 2026 Release Date, Brand New Trailer Coming This Week

kalosn

Let me get this straight, this game is being developed by both Game Freak (who likely just came with the concept, designs and the artworks) and Omega Force (who likely is in charge of everything technical), and even if it looks like the Pokémon life-simulation of many's dreams (mine including), there must be something about this game if it's going to cost that much, and besides, it still feels we're just scratching the surface.

But what's concerning me more is just how much games Game Freak can make at the moment. This was likely being developed at the same time Z-A's story development was ending, while they were working on fixing bugs and the DLC, and of course, the Gen X game, which is another thing.

Well, Omega Force can also work on a lot of titles simultaneously, and while I hope this one has a lot of content inside, it doesn't look that demanding enough to grant so much development resources. Who knows, one day they could make a Pokémon Warriors game.

Plot twist: You will be able to battle other Pokemon as you can build Pokémon centers

Re: After Years Of Delays, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Finally Has A 'Final' Trailer

kalosn

Yeah, so much effort in bringing on these final trailers, I mean the "spec" part at the end is just ridiculously ambitious
Believe it or not, this game was actually first announced back in 2016 as Inazuma Eleven Ares, which means it has actually been long in development even before Metroid Prime 4! It's amazing to think both games are finally going to be released soon, this one seems to have an interesting story mode

Still, no delay can't still quite compare to Beyond Good and Evil 2, that's a topic for another day...

Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date

kalosn

Nice but, so soon?
I wonder if I'm the only one who have thought of this, but I have the feeling TPC has been treating Pokémon games like films of a Cinematic Universe, where every new entry a new piece of info relating to the lore, history and worldbuilding of the world is presented to the player... Well, at least it gives indication of when Gen X will arrive, at least not for a year!

However, games aren't movies as they're suppossed to be full-on interactive experiences worthy of their price and not movie tickets. Iterating between every entry would be acceptable if they had lower prices equivalent of AA games, but also being accompanied by a huge AAA game that is played and talked about for many years. If that leaked Pokémon MMO is still being developed/planned, maybe that would be the huge change it needs.

Oh well, If it wasn't for the fact I'm excited for more megas and more story after the impressive one of the base game, maybe it would've been tougher to swallow, not for me a least, but still feels intersting to compare to most EA games..

Re: Poll: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Getting A Huge Update In Early 2026, What Are You Most Excited For?

kalosn

Probably the Slumber Island update, and the fact this update seems to imply the game could still recieve content, even if they're developing the next entry in the series (which would be something quite different)

Oh and yeah, the increased resolution helps bringing the slick visuals to life even better than before, even if it could've done a little bit more, it's 4K apparently.

Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Nintendo's Cheapest Switch 2 Edition Yet

kalosn

Also, does this means a 60fps upgrade automatically deserves to cost higher? On first-party terms, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the only exception to that "rule" right now, who knows what their verdict could be on the eventual Pikmin 4 Switch 2 upgrade.

The Xenoblade trilogy on the other hand, now that would be on another level of value

Re: Everything Included In The Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition & Free 3.0 Update

kalosn

The Dream Island part is the closest thing to my dream of one day increasing my island's size, so it's probably my favourite part of the new update yet

If there was a missing opportunity for new features though, is an app or something that allows you to give or trade items and objects with other players, similar to what you can do on the Switch 2 Zelda editions. This feels like an underrated social aspect that maybe only I appreciate

Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Getting Collabs With Lego, Splatoon, And Zelda

kalosn

Yeah, it's free, but the amiibo aren't :,)

Apart from that, FINALLY! So much time for these collaborations to happen. It's even better now than in New Leaf because you can decorate the outsides, which only makes it more exciting!

Now, I wonder if we will see more Nintendo collabs, the Metroid, the Arwing... Making them amiibo locked wouldn't be the smartest decision unless they really bring furniture sets for all these franchises. The amiibo locking on the 3DS was smart, but still not the best use of it.

Also, the Lego collabs looks fun, even if it would've been funner to build them yourself. But that's not the point of the franchise

Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Nintendo's Cheapest Switch 2 Edition Yet

kalosn

@burndive I know it doesn't need 60fps, but at least it would bring back the feeling City Folk and Gamecube had, because they did run at that framerate.
With so many objects lying around, maybe it would drop on moments where you would visit an ultra-decorated Dream Island, but that's also optimizable.
It could look like a hardware limitation, but when the upgrade arrives and not even the interiors run at 60fps, the cap was definitely on purpose, simply as an assurance from the devs that it doesn't need to run higher just for the sake of it... they're not PC players

Re: Surprise! Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Arrives Next Year

kalosn

So this is "Beyond Horizons" huh?
I always thought the game was a prime candidate for a Switch 2 Edition upgrade, no matter how much it could cost. Ironically, this is the cheapest one yet, and clearly for a reason... but no, 60fps doesn't justify a higher price tag I mean, who would think that?

I guess this means the rumours and guesses about the next Animal Crossing game being something very different could be true, they'll need something that contrasts the island life and classic gameplay this game offers, something... citier?

I personally hope that also means we will see more updates for this game, because even with all the contet it has it still feels it could have more... new fruits, a bigger island, Pocket Camp-exclusive objects, less loading screens, and even some kind of tech that allows villagers' dialogue to be more varied.. (hmm maybe that one could be too much but it's possible for another time)

The upgrade itself looks decent, but not quite a marvelous leap that could have been... the new content does look nice though, but we'll have to wait how players themselves will use these new features to the max to see the substance.

Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Nintendo's Cheapest Switch 2 Edition Yet

kalosn

Why is the frame-rate still 30fps?
The resolution upgrade alone isn't enough to justify that. You might think there was not a necessity to upgrade the visuals since the art direction already looked pretty filmic on the original Switch. But indirect lighting/global illumination was clearly not present at all on the game. It was clearly a compromise since the game features so much dynamic objects, and finally adding it to this version would've completely justified the 30fps cap. Heh, maybe even ray-traced GI... but that doesn't seem to be compatible with the engine.

Frame-rate could definitely run at 60fps, even on busy moments, and even if that means keeping similar resolution numbers. Nintendo should really consider adding visual modes to their games.

Re: Rumour: Sonic Prime Studio Reportedly Working On Crash Bandicoot Animation For Netflix

kalosn

Netflix has been truly delivering on video game adaptations lately, especially with the honestly impressive Splinter Cell Deathwatch. This would be something for all-ages though, but still interesting.
Series based on Xbox IPs is not something new, but based on Activision-Blizzard IPs? There were some precedents for this, even after Skylanders Academy.
I remember back in 2020 there were supposedly a Diablo and Overwatch series being worked on, I don't know what happened, but maybe the Microsoft adquisition had something to do with them being shelved or something. Hopefully not because both sounded promising really...
Then on 2021, there was a rumour that Apple TV+ was working on both a Spyro and Crash series, maybe the deal felt apart, this one was better, or it was simply fabricated if this is to be believed...

Anyway if this is true, it would mean a lot for the company I mean, Crash was already perfect for a cartoon series since the 90s. They just need to have good CGI animation, one that allows the same level of slapstickness and quick movements of the games... now that will be a challenge I can only hope they can top.

Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct #2: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate it?

kalosn

The presentation was very exciting! This game is feeling like a celebration of the Kirby franchise, similar to Smash being a celebration of Nintendo. The music, the visuals, the characters, the charm... I honestly can't wait to get my hands on this game.

The true verdict will be the players and reviewers who will get their hands on this game in general, and how it would stand out.

Re: Sakurai Has No Plans For Kirby Air Riders DLC: "Everything Is Here"

kalosn

Well... the game already looks loaded with content, so it's not necessary to think about that. But games like these, it's just hard to resist the urge to add new content, either free or paid. I mean, Star Allies added new content freely...
Maybe not now, but who knows eventually. Unless Sakurai moves into a new project or confirms he is actually not working on something right now, this seems to be a high candidate for new content... the Kirby franchise has tons of content.

Mario Kart World on the other hand, that one truly deserves more content like an ongoing series.

Re: It's Official, Assassin's Creed Shadows Comes To Switch 2 In December With Cross-Progression

kalosn

Wow, the port is seriously looking tremendous, even beyond the visuals. Cross-progression and touch-screen support? Many kudos for that!
The prospect of shadow-dropping AAA ports announcements for the Switch 2 aliviates the need for Directs. I hope it performs well enough to port more AC games to the console, the ones that couldn't make it on Switch 1.

Already at this point and the game looks very solid on the console. Though it's not really as demanding as it seems, as even on the Steam Deck it offered well-optimized support flexibility.
What would be another tremendous achievement was if they ported Avatar Frontiers of Pandora, since it runs on the same engine as Outlaws. Maybe one day...

Re: Three More Kirby Air Riders amiibo Have Been Announced

kalosn

To be honest, these amiibo are the new closest thing to toys-to-life figures that aren't just statues, so making them cost higher wasn't that unexpected. This high, though...?

On the other hand, at least this game continues the Smash Bros series in making the best use of them.

Re: Surprise! Pikmin 4 Is Getting A Free Content Update On Switch Next Month

kalosn

Nice, but a Photo Mode sounds like the perfect mode for a Switch 2 edition, making all that Unreal Engine detail shine even further... It's a serious surprise they haven't talked about it yet. It sounds like it could be free without the need to add new content..
The rest of it is nice too, I always knew there was tons of content potential for the Pikmin franchise besides levels

Re: Sorry, Nintendo's Recent Pikmin Videos Aren't Hinting At Something More

kalosn

Oh... ah...!
Yeah I also knew this would be the first creation from Nintendo Pictures, but the strange concept still made it mysterious. I really hope they expand their art style focus though. I know many compared this to a Pixar film, but for me it felt along something more generic like Cocomelon, and that definitely wasn't so enticing to me. Still, the message was good, and the effort of the animation team is also felt through the visuals. Just be sure to credit them next time, Nintendo! It's a short film after all.

As for Pikmin, I also hope they make a Switch 2 Edition, but if they wanna make something film-related, I think I would prefer stop-motion...

Re: Video: Here's Your First Look At Warframe Running On Switch 2

kalosn

But wasn't it able to run at 60fps even on the base last-gen consoles? Or at least that was the case back when the original Switch port released, which means it should be able to reach it even on handheld.

Anyway, this port has a lot to speak of. I don't know if Panic Button is still working on it, but the original Switch port was a technical marvel on its day..
Here there are sights of an excellent port, just like the Apex Legends one, what they could do on Switch 2 is nothing short of exciting

Re: Borderlands 4 Has Been Delayed For Switch 2, Digital Pre-Orders Cancelled

kalosn

Oh dear, I just saw the Digital Foundry analysis and turns out! This is indeed a very demanding, CPU-heavy Unreal Engine 5 game with Lumen and Nanite, that pushes current-gen consoles hard. What surprised me most is how low the resolution numbers were, and the fact Xbox Series S runs it on a common 720p at 30fps, all without apparent upscaling.
What's more, a Steam Deck gameplay (without frame gen) shows the game struggling to run even at 20fps on the lowest preset with FSR, indeed too big for a 15W handheld on its current form...

And that likely explains the delay here. I've seen docked gameplay from Fan Expo and it shows a mostly stable 30fps, just like Series S. However, what I'm not sure is if it keeps the ray-tracing features, as it was off-screen and there was no comparison point for that part. Besides, if it runs well docked, then what about handheld? That was probably the most critical factor for this decision, making it run at a stable 30fps on a 15W handheld. Maybe it could deliver bigger visual changes compared to docked for example.

Well overall, go on! Please, I hope they make this the best they can, just like Star Wars Outlaws. Add DLSS, make Lumen exclusive to docked (if they can), heck, even lower the resolutions, but whatever, I wish them the best luck. And in general for the game itself too, as it also needed some patches since launch.

Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

kalosn

Even with another beast in customisation, less content than its 'primary contemporary'? I wonder which one is talking about, the one with the open-world but very simple kart selection, or the one with the biggest track roster (DLC included)..

I'm still hoping and waiting for free DLC for Mario Kart World, because that one still costs $10 more than this one, and we haven't even seen the full roster of playable characters!

Re: It's Official, The Mario Movie Sequel Is Based On Mario Galaxy

kalosn

There's also something quite suspicious here... we first hear Super Mario World music but then Mario Galaxy's theme starts rolling after we go upwards. Something tells me they want to tackle both a Mario World and Mario Galaxy story in one movie.
But that could be a mistake if it's still going to be a 90-minute movie, as it simply wouldn't allow enough runtime for them to put everything together in a cohesive and satisfactory way. A two-part Mario World/Mario Galaxy duo movie would've been much more preferred if that's the case.
We still don't know much, but with this in mind, I can only hope they deliver a solid sequel, or who knows what this could mean.

Re: Nintendo Direct September 2025: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer

kalosn

I just can't rate it with any of the options in offer. "Unpredictable" is the best word to describe this direct, as Nintendo really went out and announced so many games, but few of them were spoken about before..
I still wonder if some games previously rumoured will be coming soon, like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Tekken 8, and what about Microsoft Studios' games?
Besides, there's still the noticeable absence of a Game Pass-like service on the system, which gives it a major practical disadvantage over basically any Windows-based handheld, or even Steam Deck. I could argue there just aren't enough games for Switch 2 yet, but on Switch 1? It's the other way around!

Maybe Xbox will held specific announcements here some other day, but I hoped to at least see RDR2, Tekken 8 or even Metal Gear Solid Delta. It's nice to see the modern Resident Evil games coming, and Monster Hunter Stories 3 is currently the closest thing to Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2, but still...

And what about Mario Kart World's absence? Is that everything the game has? I truly hope not.

Overall I think Nintendo has a different strategy now. Maybe they could still hold a Partner Showcase, either before the year ends or the first general Direct of 2026, anything can come to Switch 2 really. At least they did show the first-party game we wanted, so no need for further presentations on that for this year. Except for Mario Kart World news of course :/

Re: A Brand New Yoshi Adventure Is Heading To The Switch 2

kalosn

Really loving the art style! Who could be making it, Good-Feel?
Just like animated films, as games become more and more detailed and photo-realistic, I think we're reaching the point where the only trend upwards would be different artistic styles. Games like Sea of Remnants, Hi-Fi Rush and Bayonetta Origins are just examples of this potential trend, one that Nintendo could follow with F-Zero for example, all while still making CGI-like games.

I hope there's also a bit of Yoshi's Island difficulty there, even it it's the hard mode or something.

Re: Round Up: Everything Announced For Super Mario's 40th Anniversary

kalosn

It seems these won't be the only announcements and more are coming for the next year while the celebration is still happening, so that would be nice.
Anyway a new 3D Mario wasn't announced, but after DK Bananza there's not much need for a new one for now. I think they could announce a new one at any time beginning July 2026.

As for these announcements, probably my favourite one was Yoshi's new game. Not the biggest, but artistically it looks impressive

Re: Mario Tennis Fever Hits Switch 2 Next February

kalosn

The lighting is even better than the previous game, but I guess that's it... Not the most exciting announcement, but nice I guess.
I actually hope this one costs less than $70. As a spin-off it doesn't look like it got that much in development to have the bigger price tag.

Re: Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Prices Are Live, And It's Sticker Shock Time

kalosn

Yeah... still makes no sense. Why would they upend the price by 20.00 numbers? Even if they're adding new content, it would guarantee just 5-10.00 more numbers, but this?
And even more, back when they announced the re-releases for the Wii U, they indeed offered a discount for a limited time! Yet here there is none of that, even when 3D All-Stars was limited time in existence

Nintendo suddenly feels more generous back during those Wii U days, oh the irony... Why not iron this out?

Re: It's Official, The Mario Movie Sequel Is Based On Mario Galaxy

kalosn

Or the HE MR GY movie if you only look at the sparkles
I hope for an actual teaser with new footage soon, we know Yoshi will appear and that made everyone thought we we're gonna see Mario World, but then they surprise us with this! They love to be unpredictable, which is necessary for film.