Posts Tagged: Nintendo

Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct will focus on upcoming third-party releases

The next Nintendo Direct is scheduled for this Wednesday, the company just announced. It’s being billed as a “partner showcase,” with Nintendo saying it’ll show off Switch games coming in the first half of this year from “our publishing and development partners.” It’ll kick off on February 21, bright and early at 9AM ET. 

While Nintendo holds these showcases on a regular basis, this one is potentially more significant than usual. Last week, Microsoft made an expected but still surprising announcement that it would begin bringing some of its titles to “other consoles,” a phrase that’s hard not to interpret as games coming to the Switch (and Sony’s PlayStation 5 as well). 

Nintendo says it’ll be a 25-minute presentation, so there’s a chance we’ll hear about some games from other developers, as well. But we’re all expecting to see some news about what games Microsoft is going to bring over to the Switch. Microsoft only said that it would be bringing four games to other platforms but didn’t name them; the latest rumors cite Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Halo and Gears of War as likely options to make the move.

This comes at a time when Nintendo doesn’t have a lot of its own first-party games scheduled for the platform (that we know of, anyway). There’s also the looming specter of a Switch 2 console; reports just said that the hardware is getting pushed back to 2025 after an expected launch at some point this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wednesdays-nintendo-direct-will-focus-on-upcoming-third-party-releases-221910223.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

The best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2024

If you’re looking to add a bit of oomph to your Nintendo Switch experience without completely upgrading the console, the first thing you should do is consider the controllers you’re using. Maybe you’ve just been using the Joy-Cons that came with the system; while they are perfectly serviceable, there are more ergonomic and more customizable options out there that will suit every play style. Whether you want a better grip when you’re battling armies of Bokoblins in Tears of the Kingdom, or you want affordable and comfortable spares for impromptu Mario Kart competitions with friends, you have plenty of options. We’ve tested a bunch of Nintendo Switch controllers over the years and these are our favorites.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

8BitDo Pro 2

8BitDo SN30 Pro

8BitDo Lite SE

GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition

PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller

HORI D-pad

HORI Split Pad Pro

HORI Split Pad Compact

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-nintendo-switch-controllers-160034389.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Nintendo Switch Cyber Monday deals you can still get on consoles and games

Gaming deals are always abundant during the holiday shopping period, and there are a few good ones left on the Nintendo Switch that you can grab as leftovers from Cyber Monday. It’s next to impossible to find true discounts on Switch consoles, but Nintendo will often toss in some freebies when you buy one during this time of year. The OLED model is the one to get if you’re more likely to play the Switch in handheld mode, but if you plan to mostly use the console in docked mode, there’s no harm in opting for the standard Switch and saving $ 50.

There’s a bundle that includes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and three months of Switch Online access at no extra cost. You’ll get a Switch, the game and a Switch Online membership for $ 300. That’s handy for newcomers to the Nintendo ecosystem or those who want to race against a family member in Mario Kart. It’s worth noting that you won’t see the price of the bundle until you check out at Amazon.

It’s hard to argue that this is a great deal, given that the console has been around for nearly seven years and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a port of an even older Wii U game. But it’s among the best deals you’ll find on a Switch right now, at least until Nintendo releases the console’s successor (which is widely expected to happen in 2024). In addition, upgrading to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan or buying the Booster Course Pass for $ 25 will give you access to dozens of extra tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Those who don’t mind spending a little more cash may prefer to pick up a Switch OLED instead. A bundle at Walmart and GameStop includes Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and three months of Switch Online access. This bundle costs $ 350. So, if you’re hankering for some fighting game action on a larger, better display than you’ll find on the regular Switch, this is the way to go.

As for Nintendo Switch game deals, the company’s own e-shop has a sale running through December 3 that includes games like Super Mario Odyssey, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land for $ 40. There are also much cheaper games included, too, like Portal Companion Collection for just under $ 7.

Your Cyber Monday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Cyber Monday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Cyber Monday tech deals. Learn about Cyber Monday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Cyber Monday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Cyber Monday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-switch-cyber-monday-deals-you-can-still-get-on-consoles-and-games-173014282.html?src=rss

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Nintendo officially halts all eShop sales in Russia

Last year, Nintendo put its eShop in "maintenance mode" in Russia, which prevented access to the eShop for customers in the country. Now, the company is making it official: Nintendo is halting all sales in Russia.

Nintendo of Europe announced that as of May 31st, 2023, the company will halt all new eShop sales in Russia. This means that you won’t be able to make any new purchases from the store or redeem digital codes. Nintendo says all credit card information and PayPal details will be deleted for security reasons and that you won’t be able to create new Nintendo Accounts as long as Russia is set as the country.

The good news is users with a Russian eShop account will still be able to download previously-purchased games and DLC "for the foreseeable future." It’s unclear at this time how long Nintendo plans on keeping the eShop available for these users.

"As of May 31, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, Russian customers with an existing Nintendo Account will be able to redownload digital content that they have previously purchased. It will not be possible to make any new purchases or use download codes within [the] Nintendo eShop in Russia."

We’ve reached out to Nintendo for additional comment and will update this story when we’ve heard back.

Both Microsoft and Sony halted all sales from Russia over a year ago as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Game studios such as Epic, Activision Blizzard and EA made similar moves and halted sales in the country at around the same time. Nintendo joining the mix means that no major console makers currently allow its Russian users to purchase new games in the country.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-officially-halts-all-eshop-sales-in-russia-204548768.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Nintendo confirms it won’t be at E3 2023

Nintendo has decided not to take part in this year's E3. "We approach our involvement in any event on a case-by-case basis and are always considering various ways to engage with our fans," Nintendo told Engadget in a statement. "Since this year’s E3 show didn’t fit into our plans, we have made the decision to not participate. However, we have been and continue to be a strong supporter of the ESA [Entertainment Software Association] and E3.”

Nintendo typically has a presence on the E3 showfloor and it has often run Treehouse broadcasts throughout the event in addition to a Direct. The company took part in the last proper edition of E3 in 2019, as well as the all-digital affair in 2021. There was no E3 in 2020 or 2022.

Earlier this month, IGN reported that Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony have all bowed out of E3 this year. Sony hasn't had a presence at the event since 2018, but neither it nor Microsoft have publicly confirmed plans for this year's edition. Regardless, Microsoft will host its big annual showcase in Los Angeles this summer. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently hinted it will take place around the same time as E3, which will run between June 13th and 16th.

There could always be a Nintendo Direct in mid-June as well, even if it's not officially connected to the expo. Meanwhile, word on the street is that PlayStation is planning a major showcase ahead of E3 after this week's so-so State of Play stream.

The absence of just one of the big three console manufacturers from E3 is a blow for the ESA, let alone all of them. Summer Game Fest is threatening to steal more of the stalwart event's thunder too. But hey, at least Ubisoft will be at E3.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

The best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories for 2023

It’s been a year and change since the release of the enhanced Nintendo Switch OLED model, with its larger 7-inch screen, longer battery life and some much-needed design tweaks. While it’s not a must-have upgrade from the original, it is the best choice for first-time Switch buyers. But whether you’re a newcomer to the system or upgrading from the five-year old first-gen model, you’ll want to make the most of your $ 350 investment with a few well-chosen Switch OLED accessories. We’ve outlined our favorites below.

SanDisk microSD card

With only 64GB of on-board storage, you’re going to want to get a microSD for your Switch OLED to store downloaded games, save files and screenshots. And with the redesigned slot it’s easier than ever to put it in or take it out of the system, too. You can use pretty much any microSD card with your Nintendo Switch, but the Nintendo-branded ones from SanDisk are solid, and you can get a 256GB model at a pretty affordable rate right now. They’ve been specifically tested with the system so you know they’ll work seamlessly.

8Bitdo Pro 2

With the improved stand on the back of the OLED Switch it’s now a lot easier to play in tabletop mode. But you’re still dealing with the same old Joy-Cons, which might be a bit too small for players with larger hands. In that case you’ll want to upgrade to a more pro-level gamepad. And yes, there is Nintendo’s Pro Controller, which is still the best choice for your Switch overall if you can get one, but 8Bitdo’s Pro 2 is also great, not to mention incredibly flexible; you can use it with your Android device, as well as a PC or Mac desktop. And it’s $ 20 cheaper than the Nintendo-made option.

8Bitdo Lite 2

While the official Pro Controller and the Pro 2 are full-featured gamepads, one thing they aren’t is small. That makes a big difference on the go when you don’t have a lot of space in your bag but need something just a bit larger than the Joy-Cons to play with. In that case I recommend the 8Bitdo Lite 2, which offers up an actual d-pad, as well as two joysticks, shoulder triggers and even motion control so you’re not giving up any functionality. It’s color-coded to match the Switch Lite, but that doesn’t mean it’s not also a solid companion for your Switch OLED. (If you’re a 2D aficionado, you might want to give the original 8Bitdo Lite and its two d-pads a try for only $ 25.)

FastSnail grips

If you’d like to make your Joy-Cons more comfortable without breaking the bank, one easy fix is a pair of grips from Fastsnail. Their rubberized nature means they’re easy on your hands and super durable – a must for anyone with rambunctious, electronics-destroying children. But adult gamers will appreciate how much easier they are to hold than a bare Joy-Con, and they slip on and off easily, which makes them easy to clean and transport. Our only regret is that they don’t come in white to match the Joy-Cons that come with the OLED system, but there is a pair of black grips that should still look stylish.

PowerA Enhanced Nano controller

When you need a Pro-style controller but don’t have space for a Pro-style controller, PowerA has you covered with its Enhanced Nano gamepad. It looks a lot like the official Switch Pro controller thanks to its grips, shoulder buttons and matte black coloring, but it’s two-thirds the size and includes a set of back buttons you can program to suit your needs. It’s easy enough to tuck away in your bag for a gaming emergency, and it’s affordable, too.

SteelSeries Arctis 1

Nintendo pushed out a firmware update that lets you use any Bluetooth headset natively with your Switch, which is fantastic if you already own a wireless gaming headset. But if you don’t have one, or find it a little too bulky, I’m still going to recommend the Arctis 1 from SteelSeries as a good option for the Switch. It sounds great, is super comfortable and stylish, and the included USB-C dongle is still easier than connecting to the console via Bluetooth. At $ 100, it’s also reasonably priced for a gaming headset.

Razer Barracuda X

Like the Arctis 1, the Barracuda X uses a USB-C dongle to connect to your console. Unlike the Arctis, though, it comes in assorted colors like quartz pink and white, the latter of which matches the Switch OLED’s panda-colored Joy-Cons. Aside from that, it’s just as solid as the Arctis 1, with 40mm drivers and a super light but sturdy design that feels and looks great on your noggin.

PowerA Joy-Con charging dock

One thing that Switch owners quickly realize is that if they want to play games with friends, they’re going to want some extra Joy-Cons on hand. But the Switch console itself can only charge one set at a time. Why not increase your capacity by adding this charging station to your setup (it plugs right into your Switch dock), with space for two Joy-Cons and a Pro controller, which means you’ll never have to deal with a dead controller again. That’s perfect for games like Towerfall, Party Golf, Super Bomberman R and of course, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Turtle Beach Battle Buds

If you’re an on-the-go Switch gamer who’d rather not drag around a full-size headset but still craves high-end audio, know that most accessory makers are releasing earbuds made especially for gaming – though your existing wireless earbuds will still, in many cases, do a bang-up job. If you do want a dedicated pair made especially with gaming in mind, these wired buds from Turtle Beach have sports tips so they’ll stay firmly in your ear while you’re walking or shouting at the competition on the included mic. But you may not have to shout, since that microphone is a detachable model that you can bend toward your mouth, instead of the usual fiddly in-line mic that most wired headphones come with these days.

iVoler Tempered Glass Screen Protector

The Switch OLED’s screen is beautiful enough that you’ll definitely want to give it an extra layer of protection. Because it’s slightly larger than the screen on the standard Switch, you’ll need to make sure you get a screen protector that’s specifically made for the OLED model, and I also recommend a tempered glass kitl because it’s more durable than plastic. The iVolver screen protector costs $ 10 for a pack of four, so it’s super affordable, and your system will still fit nicely in the dock when you slide it in for a charge.

Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 charger

If your Switch lives in your bag or backpack, it’ll be useful to keep a battery pack with you for whenever you run out of juice. Most of Anker’s high-capacity power packs will charge up the Switch, but we like this 20,100 mAh power bank for its relatively slim design and its ability to charge two devices at once. You’ll need to provide your own USB-C charging cable, but you probably have one (or many) of those lying around anyway. We also appreciate that this pack is airplane-friendly, and it’ll set you back only $ 54.

Amazon Basics Switch case

The Switch Pro might be a premium-level system but you don’t have to spend big bucks to protect it. The Amazon Basics Carrying Case is my preferred method for toting my Switch around, and it fits the Switch OLED just fine. There’s also a nice-sized pocket for carrying around cords and other accessories, and a panel with slots for 10 Switch game cards that’s padded on the other side to protect your screen. And, on a personal note, the outside is super fun to cover with stickers.

Amazon Basics large case

If you’re the type who likes to take your entire system to places like say, a friend’s house or a gaming convention like PAX, the large case from Amazon Basics is an easy and affordable way to carry the whole kit and caboodle. It can fit the new dock, the system, a controller and all the cabling you need, snug and tidy. It even comes in some snazzy colors like neon yellow or red, to match your Joy-Cons or a favorite outfit.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

The long-delayed ‘Sports Story’ suddenly arrives on Nintendo Switch

After a long delay, Sports Story is now available on Nintendo Switch. Fans of Golf Story have been awaiting the follow-up for quite some time. Sports Story was initially supposed to arrive on the console in 2020, but as has been the case with so many games over the last few years, it was delayed.

Sports Story features many of the same characters as Golf Story. It follows the events of the previous game and it has a similar blend of sports, role-playing and adventuring. You’ll still get to play some golf in this one, and you can partake in tennis, soccer, BMX and (unsurprisingly, given that this is an RPG) fishing. You can also explore dungeons and abandoned ruins or simply hang out at the mall.

Nintendo said last month that Sports Story would arrive sometime in December, and that held true. The company announced the sudden debut of Sidebar Games’ latest title to close out a week of bite-sized indie game updates. Mortal Shell and dreamy puzzle game Melatonin were among the other surprise releases on Switch this week. Nintendo also revealed that a Risk of Rain remake, the charming-looking The Gecko Gods and the absolutely delightful dog photography game Pupperazzi are all coming to the console next year.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

The best co-op games for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5 and more

Online multiplayer has become part and parcel with many video games these days, but finding something you can play on the couch with a loved one has gotten tougher. If you’re looking for some cooperative fun, though, we can help. Below are 25 of the best couch co-op games we’ve played across the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Note that we’re focusing on genuine co-op experiences, not games that have local multiplayer but aren’t truly cooperative in practice. (So, no Mario Kart or Jackbox.) Even still, our list encompasses everything from platformers and puzzlers to RPGs and arcade shooters.

Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo

You know the broad strokes of any Super Mario game by now. Within the series, though, 3D World stands out for using a largely fixed camera and levels that are more semi-3D than the totally open spaces of games like Super Mario Odyssey or Super Mario Galaxy. There are still many items to grab and secrets to uncover across the characteristically charming, brisk and inventive stages, but everything you can find at a given moment is right in front of you, which encourages you to look closer and move from foreground to background.

Co-op play can be chaotic, but 3D World owns that. You and up to three buddies share lives but are scored on your individual performance, with the leader at the end of each level getting a literal crown placed atop their head. This makes for a sort of competitive co-op mode, one in which a particularly devious “teammate” could straight-up grab you and chuck you off a cliff in an attempt to secure their high score. The adventure only has to be as spicy as you and your partners want it to be, though; if you aren’t playing with a group of sickos, 3D World should be an exciting update to a familiar Mario formula.

Buy for: Switch
Length: 17 hours

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo

Like most Donkey Kong Country games, Tropical Freeze is a 2D platformer that’s both structurally straightforward and aesthetically gorgeous. Donkey Kong is not Mario: He has a more immediate sense of gravity to him, so when he leaps, he comes down hard. But the platforming is uniquely deliberate as a result, and the way the game leads you from one stunning scene to the next, even within the same stage, is a delight.

Tropical Freeze can get difficult, particularly during some later boss fights, but a “Funky Mode” in the Switch version eases things slightly. If you have a Wii or Wii U, meanwhile, this game’s predecessor, Donkey Kong Country Returns, is just as great, if not better.

Buy for: Switch
Length: 15 hours

Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends.
Ubisoft

If Donkey Kong is Mario’s brutish animal pal, Rayman is the eccentric French buddy he visits when he’s overseas. Rayman Legends is a more out there 2D platformer than the Nintendo properties above: Instead of the pristine environments and perfect geometry of a Mario or Donkey Kong game, here everything is a bit more abstract, cartoony and crass. (There are more fart sounds, for one.)

The moment-to-moment movement is a little less precise, too, but Legends still plays fast and light, with stages that are loaded with optional rooms and collectibles that invite your curiosity. This is an unpretentious game, a fun side-scrolling platformer that merely wants to be a fun side-scrolling platformer, and it becomes more enjoyable (and frantic) with friends.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 16 hours

Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi's Mansion 3 for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is another ghost-hunting adventure starring Mario’s scaredy-cat brother, who this time must stomach his fears and use his “Poltergust” vacuum to rescue his friends from a haunted hotel. Its co-op mode isn’t available until an hour-ish into the story, but at that point, a second player can become “Gooigi,” a Luigi clone made of green goo with infinite lives (it makes sense when you get there). Though the game isn’t particularly tough, this setup gives you more freedom to mess around with puzzle and boss fight solutions without having to start over repeatedly.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 has some frustrating elements more generally – controlling that ghost-gobbling vacuum can be annoyingly imprecise, and backtracking through previously-conquered areas can get tedious – but the creative level designs and Pixar-esque animation give it a distinct personality compared to other Nintendo games. It’s a silly and usually satisfying time, one that’s especially well-suited for kids.

Buy for: Switch
Length: 16 hours

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Clubhouse Games for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo

Clubhouse Games is a compilation of 51 classic tabletop games, from Yahtzee and Connect Four to shogi and nine men’s morris. Not every entry in the collection supports couch co-op, but most do, and almost all are made easy to grasp.

Apart from being accessible, though, Clubhouse Games stands out for the quality of its curation. The included games span cultures, time periods and even modes of play; some are built on skill or patience, others on abstraction or chance. When you first boot up the game, you’re asked to identify your “heart’s desire,” and there’s a fair bit of detail on each game’s origins and history as you go along. Taken as a whole, this is a game that recognizes play itself as a kind of universal connection. But even ignoring all of that, Clubhouse Games is a fun, chill time, much like busting out a favorite board game.

Buy for: Switch
Length: 18 hours

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!

BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! may not look like much, but this minimalist puzzler from Kirby makers HAL Laboratory has the kind of simple pleasure and regularly inventive design you’d expect from a Nintendo-published game. In its two-player campaign, you play as Qbby and Qucy, two walking boxes with the ability to grow additional boxes out of their heads. Your goal is to get from point A to point B, using those boxes to cross gaps and navigate various obstacles along the way.

The catch is that you can only create a certain amount of boxes at a time, so you and your partner often have to think outside the box (sorry) to find a safe way past. You’ll start off making basic bridges, but the bite-sized levels quickly build on themselves with a stream of new ideas. Eventually, you’ll find yourself using boxes as makeshift grappling hooks, shovels, laser-blocking shields and more, all in ways that quickly make sense. Simply beating the game isn’t that difficult, but collecting the tricky-to-reach crowns tucked away in each stage brings a greater challenge for those who want it.

Buy for: Switch
Length: 11 hours

It Takes Two

The video game It Takes Two.
EA

The 3D platformer It Takes Two is one of the few full-scale, narrative-driven games that’s exclusively designed to be played in co-op. As such, it takes care to avoid the trappings of many co-op experiences: It rarely asks both players to do the same thing at the same time, and thus it rarely makes one person carry all the weight. It constantly throws new concepts at you, and while some levels can drag a bit, its bouncy movement feels good throughout.

Its saccharine yet oddly dark story isn’t as satisfying: Few games make divorce seem like a happy ending as much as this one, and you’ll probably never want to hear the words “Dr. Hakim” again by the time you’re done. But if you can ignore the dialogue, It Takes Two delights more than it doesn’t.

Buy for: Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox, PC
Length: 14 hours

Portal 2

The video game Portal 2.
Valve

The first-person puzzler Portal 2 launched more than 11 years ago, but it recently received new life with a Switch rerelease. Either way, its sharp writing and cleverly layered puzzles more than hold up today. Co-op play takes the form of an entire separate campaign – it’s not as big on story as the solo mode, but it still does a fantastic job of gradually teaching you how to think spatially. It also ensures you and your partner actually communicate. There’s no way to play on PS4 or PS5 nowadays, but on PC, you can download a range of community maps for a greater challenge, too.

Buy for: Switch, Xbox, PC
Length: 11 hours

Streets of Rage 4

The video game Streets of Rage 4.
Dotemu

Streets of Rage 4 faithfully revives the classic series of early ‘90s, side-scrolling beat ‘em ups from the Sega Genesis (which remain fine co-op playthroughs themselves). You move to the right, position yourself efficiently and pulverize waves of bozos with a flurry of punches, kicks, throws and special moves. The hand-drawn animation style and bouncy soundtrack are both great, and most set pieces convey the “rage” part of the title effectively. This isn’t the most ambitious game, as it largely aims to hit high notes from 30 years ago, but it provides the kind of thrill, style and refinement any good beat ‘em up should.

For a more accessible, albeit simpler, throwback brawler, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is worth considering as well.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 4 hours

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

The video game LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a Lego-ified romp through the nine mainline Star Wars films. Like most Lego games, it’s dead simple to play – collect the things, bop the bad guys – but that makes it something just about anyone can pick up and enjoy. The best thing it has going for it is its sense of humor, as its abbreviated remakes of each film are loaded with cutesy gags and in-jokes. (One favorite: wandering around Cloud City and finding the room where Lando Calrissian keeps his hoard of capes – and a heroic portrait of himself.)

There’s an absurd amount of side quests and collectibles beyond the narrative bits, but most of those are repetitive, and Skywalker Saga’s systems, while fun, aren’t meaty enough to make optional content all that interesting. Still, if you stick to the main stuff, you should find Skywalker Saga to be a good-natured love letter to some inherently goofy films.

Buy for: Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox, PC
Length: 40 hours

Stardew Valley

The video game Stardew Valley.
ConcernedApe

Stardew Valley has exploded in popularity since launching back in 2016, and it’s easy to see why: More than just a laid-back farming sim a la Harvest Moon, it’s an escape, an engrossing alternate life where you’re allowed to putter around your farm, mosey through town, and take life slow, free from the burdens of aggression and competition. You and a friend can share a farm and divide up tasks in co-op, but the game isn’t fussy; if one of you would rather fish, explore the beach or simply sit around your house, it’s okay to do your thing. And if you’d rather ruthlessly optimize your land for profits, that’s an option, too. Just note that you’ll need to build a cabin for your partner if they’re joining an existing farm.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 87 hours

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The video game Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Xbox Game Studios

Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundles remastered versions of the first six mainline Halo games, which continue to provide tighter control and pacing than most first-person shooters that've launched in the decades since. The original Halo’s campaign in particular remains essential. While some of the later narratives here go completely off the rails – looking at you, Halo 4 – the general tone still strikes the right balance between goofiness and badassery. The newer Halo Infinite sadly dropped couch co-op altogether, but there’s still good fun to be had driving Warthogs and dual-wielding space guns in the classics. Just be aware that local multiplayer is only available on Xbox, not PC.

Buy for: Xbox, PC (no local co-op)
Length: 47 hours

Divinity: Original Sin 2

The video game Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Larian Studios

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a massive isometric CRPG for those who look back fondly on fantasy series like Ultima or Baldur’s Gate. It has loads of dialogue, deep character customization, and challenging turn-based combat (by default, at least). It’s not a game you’d play casually – a playthrough can last well over 100 hours, and it’s more than willing to throw a mountain of mechanics at you, regardless of whether you’re able to keep up.

If you want to dig into something dense, though, Divinity’s complexities are ultimately rewarding, and its world is wonderfully reactive. Its approach to co-op is also unusually thoughtful: You and a partner can go through the entire campaign locally, but you’re distinct characters, and neither of you have to follow the other’s lead. Indeed, part of the fun is in the ways your “buddy” could undermine your adventure, taking up a quest with contradictory aims or killing an important NPC. It asks: What’d happen if your RPG party members behaved like actual people? The answer: a mess, potentially, but a thrilling one. Just note that local multiplayer is unavailable on the Switch version of the game.

Buy for: PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch (no local co-op)
Length: 100 hours

Untitled Goose Game

The video game Untitled Goose Game.
Panic

Untitled Goose Game is a simple puzzle/stealth game that gets a lot of mileage out of its premise: You are a goose, and your only goal in life is to aggravate the residents of a little English village. If the idea of dragging a groundskeeper’s rake into a lake, pulling a seat out from under an old man right as he goes to sit down or generally honking at everyone in sight sounds funny to you, it’ll probably give you a good laugh.

The actual game part of the game doesn’t have much variance to it – you’re largely trial-and-error-ing your way through a checklist of troll-y activities – but it’s all appropriately silly, and it ends quickly enough to not run its joke into the ground.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Average length: 4 hours

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

The video game Chicory: A Colorful Tale.
Finji

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an open-hearted adventure game set in a world of talking animals, where the wielder of a magic paintbrush is tasked with literally filling the land with color. You play as a sprightly dog who becomes that wielder. What follows is a cozy adventure in the vein of Zelda, but with a twist: You can use the brush to paint over the environment, at any point, anywhere you want, in various colors and patterns. This turns a somewhat familiar game into something of a digital coloring book, one that remembers your markings in time as you go along. Chicory is exceedingly gentle and never suggests you’re doing it wrong, so if you want to spend 45 minutes ignoring the story and painting trees purple, you can. There are tons of accessibility options on top of that.

In co-op, player one still controls the pace of progression, but player two gets another brush with all the same abilities. On top of giving a second set of hands to deal with the game’s various puzzles and boss encounters, this lets you both create a shared impression on the world, like two kids sharing crayons on a children’s menu. The narrative gets heavier than the cutesy art style suggests, exploring themes of self-doubt, impostor syndrome and other struggles that can come with creative work. But it’s refreshingly earnest throughout. If you’re looking for a warm, caring, but still goofy co-op experience, Chicory is worth a shot.

Buy for: Switch, PS4 & PS5, PC
Length: 14 hours

Spiritfarer

The video game Spiritfarer.
Thunder Lotus Games

Spiritfarer is a management sim not unlike Animal Crossing, but with some light platforming elements. Like Chicory, it’s generally relaxed, sincere and low-stakes, but occasionally devastating in the way it puts a friendly face on adult themes. Here, you play as Stella, a young woman who becomes tasked with ferrying freshly deceased souls into the afterlife. This mostly involves exploring the seas on a big boat, doing quests and gathering and crafting resources to make passing on more comfortable for the many characters you get to know. Player two joins in as Stella’s pet cat, Daffodil, who can’t trigger quests but can otherwise help with platforming and management tasks.

Spiritfarer’s sim elements can sometimes feel monotonous, and the way the game addresses death head-on can be sad, but it stands out for being as much about love and care as sorrow. If you and your partner are into management sims and aren’t afraid of shedding a tear or two, there’s beauty to be found here.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 33 hours

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

The video game Overcooked! All You Can Eat.
Team17 Digital

The Overcooked! games set you and up to three friends as chefs tasked with preparing various meals on a timer. In theory, this is as simple as grabbing the right ingredients, preparing them properly, then sending the finished plate off on time. But as the orders keep piling up and parts of the levels start to conspire against you, your ability to scramble and communicate under pressure becomes increasingly put to the test. There’s a non-zero chance your partner will call you an “idiot sandwich” by the time you’re done.

With its adorable looks, Overcooked! knows what it’s doing, but fighting through the anxiety of its most chaotic levels brings a particularly comical sense of accomplishment. The All You Can Eat edition here includes the original Overcooked!, the (superior) sequel Overcooked 2!, and all their DLC. It also adds an “assist mode” that lets you ease up the timers on each order, which, yes, kind of defeats the point of the game, but also might be necessary if you and your friends start screaming at each other over cartoon fish chopping.

Buy for: Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox, PC
Length: 41 hours

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a vibrant space shooter in which you and up to three partners must collectively navigate a chunky battleship through levels packed with baddies and other obstacles. There are eight panels for controlling the ship’s engine, shields and various weapons, but each player can only man one station at a time, so you have no choice but to scramble and communicate to keep your shared body alive for as long as possible. The net effect isn’t unlike Overcooked!, then, but if you don’t mind a little stress, Lovers is effective in the way it makes you and your buddies work toward a common goal.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 7 hours

Cuphead

The video game Cuphead.
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.

The run-and-gun shooter Cuphead is a stunner, with a lovely soundtrack and luscious animation that combine to make the whole thing feel like a playable cartoon from the ‘30s. (It’s no wonder there’s now a TV show based on the game.) Somehow, the story, about a pair of talking cups who make a deal with the Devil, fits the art style like a glove.

Actually playing Cuphead, meanwhile, is an exercise in punishment. It is brutally difficult, with several intense boss fights that demand serious concentration. Playing it in co-op makes it even tougher, as those bosses gain more health, and having two characters jump around can make the action more chaotic. That said, the challenge is not cheap, and overcoming each fight brings the expected wave of catharsis. If you have a bit of a masochistic streak, it’s worth a go. A recent DLC expansion only adds to the beautiful mayhem.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 15 hours

Spelunky + Spelunky 2

Spelunky helped popularize the trend of modern 2D platformers with roguelike elements – i.e., games where you mostly start from scratch upon death. Spelunky 2, released about a decade later in 2020, essentially polishes the original game’s formula.

Like Cuphead, neither of these games is for the faint of heart. Traversing their caves while avoiding the many death traps within is like descending into cartoon Hell. But again, it’s a (mostly) fair and legible challenge, if you can stay patient. The procedurally generated levels keep exploration from feeling totally rigid, and the frankness and pure speed with which death can hit you gives everything a morbid sense of humor. Couch co-op can feel somewhat unnatural at times – everyone has to stick near player one to stay on camera – but having a partner or three to revive you is a relief, provided you don’t accidentally blow each other up first.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 104 hours

Ikaruga

The video game Ikaruga.
Treasure

Ikaruga is more than two decades old at this point, but it remains a crown jewel among shoot ‘em ups. It takes a simple idea – every enemy and projectile in the game is either white or black, and you have to change your ship’s color accordingly to survive – and makes the most of it across five meticulously crafted stages. It’s another notoriously difficult one, but there’s not an ounce of fat on it, and its central mechanic forces you and your partner into a near-perfect state of concentration. If you’re craving an arcade-style shooter, it’s still a rush. And if you get sick of dying, know that recent releases have added more accessibility settings, including the option for infinite continues.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 3 hours

Wizard of Legend

The video game Wizard of Legend.
Humble Games

Wizard of Legend is a top-down, 2D dungeon crawler with an emphasis on speed. It’s another skill-based roguelike, but letting your arsenal of spells fly and figuring out how to best chain attacks with your partner is a joy. Simply moving around is pleasingly kinetic, and the pixelated art style is kind on the eyes. It’s probably not enough to convince the roguelike-averse to hop aboard, but Wizard of Legend is a good one of those all the same.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 16 hours

Assault Android Cactus

The video game Assault Android Cactus.
Witch Beam

Assault Android Cactus is an especially intense twin-stick shooter. You and up to three friends play as little androids charged with surviving hordes of robot baddies on a space freighter. (The tone is much more campy than gritty, thankfully.) Its tension derives from the fact that each android runs on a continuously depleting battery; if emptied, it’s game over. Since you can only replenish that battery by defeating waves of enemies, it behooves you to play aggressively and keep moving. The nonstop rush of baddies, gunfire and power-ups Cactus throws at you is exhilarating, and it’s heightened by quick-burst levels that rarely sit still. Plus, while this isn’t an easy game, it’s far from unfair, with most of the challenge coming from chasing high scores.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 6 hours

Wilmot's Warehouse

The video game Wilmot's Warehouse.
Finji

Wilmot’s Warehouse is a clever little game about organizing an ever-growing warehouse. At the start of each level, you get a batch of colorful boxes, which you must gather and tuck away on a timer. Exactly how you organize them is up to you. When the timer ends, customers will start requesting certain products within the warehouse, and the challenge becomes retrieving the corresponding boxes as quickly as possible.

The game, then, is coming up with a system that will let your specific brain remember where everything is and adapt to new box types as they roll in. There’s a frenzy to completing orders, and a dark undercurrent to the idea of two warehouse workers being scored as they fulfill this many orders and strive this hard for efficiency. (The latter is made particularly clear in the game’s sudden ending.) In the abstract, though, Wilmot’s Warehouse makes a soothing game out of our unending desire to create order from chaos.

Buy for: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
Length: 8 hours

Escape Academy

The video game Escape Academy.
iam8bit

Escape Academy is, in essence, a series of digital escape rooms. You work with a partner, combing for clues, deciphering codes and solving puzzles to get out of a locked room within a time limit. Like the real thing, it can result in some shouting, but it encourages constant communication and ultimately provides a sense of empowerment. The puzzles themselves are varied, but maybe a touch too easy, and the overarching narrative is (mostly) just kind of there. But if you and a partner have been itching to try a real-world escape room, Escape Academy should serve as a charming substitute for a couple of afternoons.

Buy for: PS4 & PS5, Xbox, PC
Length: 5 hours

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ heads to Nintendo Switch on June 8th

One of the best Star Wars games ever made is making its way to Switch. Alongside the news that Respawn Entertainment will release Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in 2023, Disney shared yesterday that Aspyr is porting 2004’s Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords to Nintendo’s handheld. What’s more, the studio said it plans to release a “Restored Content” DLC for the game. That’s exciting news for what is often considered one of the franchise’s diamonds in the rough.

Many Star Wars fans love Knights of the Old Republic II for its more complicated portrayal of the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. Unfortunately, the game shipped in an unfinished state due partly to the fact developer Obsidian Entertainment, best known for its work on Fallout: New Vegas, had 14 to 16 months to complete work on the project.

Obsidian was forced to cut content, including an entire playable planet, to make the deadline set by publisher LucasArts. After the studio moved on to other projects, a group of fans began working on The Sith Lords Restored Content Mod for PC, promising to bring the final version of the game as close to Obsidian’s original vision as possible. And for the most part, they succeeded in that goal, making the PC version of The Sith Lords the definitive way to experience Knights of the Old Republic II.

While we wait for more information on the Restored Content DLC, Aspyr said it would release KotOR II to Switch on June 8th. The studio is also working on a PS5 remake of the original game

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

How to transfer Nintendo Switch screenshots to your smartphone

The Nintendo Switch has a built-in screenshot function, but it’s a pretty closed ecosystem for actually sharing content. There are a few ways to share to some social media sites if that’s all you care about, but if you want to edit it or use your in-game highlights in more creative ways, that’s pretty limited. […]

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Nintendo denies it supplied developers with tools for a 4K Switch

A Bloomberg report claims that Nintendo provided at least 11 developers with a toolkit to create games for the Switch that support 4K graphics. Shortly after it was published, though, the gaming giant has issued a statement firmly denying that it's supplying tools to drive the development of titles for a 4K console. "[T]his report is not true," the company tweeted. Further, it reiterated that it has no plans for a new Switch model other than the OLED variant that's coming out on October 8th. 

Bloomberg said Nintendo had already handed out 4K toolkits and had already asked developers to create games with 4K resolution by the time it announced the OLED model. The publication also said that the 11 companies it talked to are made up of large publishers and small studios, including Zynga.

Nintendo's upcoming OLED Switch doesn't support 4K graphics, though its screen does offer better colors and contrast than its predecessors. In the past, Bloomberg reported that the company was working on a Switch with OLED screen and an NVIDIA chip that would enable it to generate 4K graphics when connected to a TV. A source told the publication, however, that Nintendo struggled with component shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had to drop its 4K plans. 

Releasing a 4K Switch seems like the logical next step for Nintendo to take, seeing as its competitors already have consoles that support the resolution. Based on the company's statement, though, that won't be happening anytime soon. 

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Super Nintendo World Japan confirms Donkey Kong expansion for 2024

Nintendo has confirmed that it will expand its Super Nintendo World theme park at Universal Studios Japan with a new Donkey Kong section. The new zone, which is reportedly already under construction, is set to open sometime in 2024 and will expand the park size by 70 percent, Nintendo said. 

"The area will feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences and themed merchandise and food," Nintendo wrote in a press release. "Guests will be able to take a walk on the wild side through the lush jungles where Donkey Kong and his friends live."

Super Nintendo World opened in March of 2021 after a delay due to COVID-19, with mask-wearing, temperature checks and hand sanitizer requirements in place. However, a surge in the pandemic prompted a temporary closure a month later. As it stands now, travel to Japan is banned for tourists and other travelers. 

Nintendo plans similar attractions at the Orlando, Hollywood and Singapore Universal Studios parks. Key attractions at the Japan park are the Mario Kart: Kuppa's Challenge rollercoaster and Yoshi Adventure. Guests also get a "Power-up Band" that lets them collect coins and have other interactive experiences. 

"I am very happy to be able to make the world of Donkey Kong a reality following the world of Mario," said Nintendo Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto. "I am looking forward to creating a thrilling Donkey Kong experience with the amazing team at Universal. It will take some time until it is completed, but it will be a unique area for not only people who are familiar with Donkey Kong games, but for all guests."

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Nintendo is releasing a six-button Genesis controller for Switch, but only in Japan

Next month, Nintendo will give Switch Online subscribers the chance to purchase Sega Genesis games as part of a DLC pack with N64 titles. And to make the experience as authentic as possible while playing them, the gaming giant is also selling wireless N64 and Genesis controllers exclusively to Switch Online subscribers. The gaming giant showed off a three-button Genesis controller at its most recent Direct stream in the west. Based on a tweet by Nintendo Japan, though, it will release a six-button version in its home country instead. 

Nintendo has confirmed to Polygon that the six-button Genesis controller will be exclusively available in Japan. A Nintendo of America rep told the publication that "different regions make different decisions based on a variety of factors" and that the three-button model was the more widely used and more well-known version in the US and Canada. As the publication notes, the three-button model came first, and the one with six buttons was only released when fighting games boomed in popularity. Playing titles like Street Fighter was easier with more buttons to mash. Take note that the Sega Genesis Mini also launched with a three-button controller outside Japan in 2019, whereas the Japanese version came with a six-button model.

Even if you find a way to import the Japan-only controller, it may be better to wait until other gamers have confirmed that it works with consoles in your region. Nintendo doesn't have a release date for the three-button model yet, but it will set you back $ 50 when it becomes available.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Nintendo Direct will show off Super Nintendo World on Friday

The US Super Nintendo World theme park is still a few years away from opening, but in Japan the Universal Studios expansion will open its doors in the spring. In lieu of going to see it yourself, you can get a look inside via a 15 minute live stream…
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Super Nintendo Land will open in Japan on February 4th, 2021

Super Nintendo World, the much anticipated “life-size, living video game” theme park will open on February 4th in Osaka, Universal Studios Japan has announced. The opening date is a welcome surprise, as Universal and Nintendo last said that the park…
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Nintendo is bringing the Switch to Brazil at last

More than five years after it stopped all of its direct sales in Brazil, Nintendo says it will soon release the Switch in the country. Since the console’s debut in 2017, the only way people there have been able to get their hands on the Switch is thr…
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Nintendo ‘gigaleak’ reveals the classic games that never were

If you’ve ever wondered how Nintendo’s classic games evolved before they reached store shelves, you might have a good chance to find out. According to VGC, (via Eurogamer) a “gigaleak” of Nintendo art assets and source code from the mid-1990s has sur…
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Nintendo says 140,000 more NNID accounts have been illegally accessed

Nintendo shut down NNID logins back in April after it discovered hackers had compromised some 160,000 accounts using legacy credentials. Now, the company says that figure was more like 300,000. In a Japanese language statement posted today, Nintendo…
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Modding a Moto Mod: We put Nintendo Switch grips on a Moto Mod Gamepad

Android gaming is a pretty big deal, to put it bluntly. There are an absolute ton of games available on the Google Play Store, obviously, with everything ranging from match-three puzzle games, RPGs, first-person shooters, sandbox games, simulations, platformers… if you can imagine it, there’s probably some variation of it available for Android. And despite […]

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Pokémon Home is now available on Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android

After a short wait, Pokémon Home is now available to download on iOS, Android and Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo-made app allows you to transfer your Pokémon to the franchise's latest entry, Pokémon Sword and Shield, from past Swi…
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‘Saints Row IV: Re-Elected’ comes to Nintendo Switch on March 27th

While we have yet to hear new details about Saints Row V, you'll be able to play the franchise's best entry on Nintendo Switch when a port of the 2013 classic called Saints Row IV: Re-Elected comes out on March 27th.
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The legendary Nintendo PlayStation prototype is up for auction

For years it was the stuff of legend — a games console that incorporated both a CD drive and SNES cartridge slot made with the official backing of PlayStation and Nintendo? Unlikely. But back in 2015 we saw the magical prototype for ourselves and ev…
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Wirecutter’s best deals: Save $15 on a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read Wirecutter's continuously updated list of deals here.
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Nintendo has ‘no plans’ to reveal a new Switch at E3 this year

If you've been waiting for a cheaper, kid-proof Nintendo Switch, bad news: the company won't reveal one at E3 this year. "As a general rule, we're always working on new hardware and we will announce it when we are able to sell it," Nintendo CEO Shunt…
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Nintendo Game Boy at 30: As fun as it ever was

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Game Boy's release in Japan. Three decades ago, the portable gaming landscape would change forever. Whether you owned a Game Boy or not, it's likely something you're familiar with. The legacy reaches far beyond…
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UK investigates Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony over game service practices

Do you feel that game console giants hold you over a barrel by making you subscribe to a service to play online? You might have an ally in your corner. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony to see…
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Nintendo could launch two new Switch consoles this year

Nintendo might launch two new Switches as early as this summer, reports the WSJ. As previously rumored, one would likely be a smaller and cheaper model with a focus on portability. However, Nintendo might also release a higher-end model Switch aimed…
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Nintendo is making a ‘Dr. Mario World’ mobile game with Line

Nintendo is developing yet another mobile game, this time making Mario put on the lab coat he wore once back in the '90s. The gaming giant has announced that it's working on an action puzzle game entitled Dr. Mario World with Line Corp. If it's anyth…
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Nintendo Switch outsold every other console in the US last year

Demand for the Nintendo Switch didn't cool down one iota in 2018. The NPD Group has published its sales data for last year, and the Switch was the top-selling system in the US both in terms of dollars and raw unit count, outpacing a previous record…
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YouTube is available for the Nintendo Switch

After some not-so-subtle hints, it finally happened: YouTube is available for the Switch. As you'd expect, you can watch videos (including your subscriptions) on Nintendo's console whether it's docked to your TV or on the move in handheld mode. You…
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‘Dark Souls: Remastered’ arrives on Nintendo Switch October 19th

Dark Souls fans have eagerly been awaiting the release of the game on Nintendo Switch, and now we finally have a date for you. The remastered port and its matching amiibo will land on October 19th.
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Nintendo unveils a ‘Minecraft’ Creeper 2DS XL special edition

Nintendo's 2DS XL is not just a throwback 3DS console (without the 3D), but also a blank canvas for special editions like the Zelda Link Shield version. That goes triply for Japan's equivalent 2DS LL version, where Nintendo just launched three new cr…
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It’s now safe to skin your Nintendo Switch

When it became clear that vinyl wraps and other stickers were damaging the Switch, you could practically hear the wailing from console customizers everywhere. How were you supposed to add a personal touch to Nintendo's machine without giving it a pe…
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Nintendo knows you will destroy Labo’s cardboard

It's fair to say that the first reactions to Nintendo's Labo kits were…mixed. Did it usher in a new era of DIY fun, or was the veteran video game company making bank off selling expensive stacks of cardboard? Once we got our hands on it, some of ou…
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‘A Normal Lost Phone’ arrives on Nintendo Switch March 1st

A Normal Lost Phone is the kind of indie game that seizes a tricky niche (mobile gaming) and leans into the form factor for a unique experience — a Gone Home or Life Is Strange that takes place entirely within a mock phone interface. The game will l…
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Nintendo will close its Wii Shop Channel in 2019

A month after Nintendo launched the Wii in November 2006, the company introduced the Wii Shop Channel, a marketplace for downloading apps to the system. Over a decade and two console generations later, Nintendo is shutting it down…eventually. Today…
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Culinary co-op ‘Overcooked’ arrives on Nintendo Switch

Overcooked, the game from publisher Team17 and developer Ghost Town Games that has players chaotically cooking recipes and serving dishes is now available for Nintendo Switch. The game has been well received with nominations for multiple Independent…
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Nintendo Switch Online app pops up a few days before the service is live

The true, full-fledged online gaming platform from Nintendo is approaching showtime. Nintendo won’t begin offering the service until Friday, but the company is already letting owners of the Switch grab the companion app for their mobile devices. The Nintendo Switch Online app went live on Google Play and the Apple App Store three days before the […]

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Nintendo Switch locks eShop games to your ‘active’ console

Nintendo's excellent but imperfect Switch console is hitting stores and shipping out to homes today, but there's still a few odd details sprouting up. It appears that the Nintendo Account, which replaces the Nintendo Network ID, ties itself to whiche…
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Samsung pays tribute to Nintendo with its Wiimote-like Gear VR Controller

At Mobile World Congres in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung and Facebook’s Oculus Rift division announced the Gear VR controller, a virtual reality gamepad. Here is our first impression of the controller.

The post Samsung pays tribute to Nintendo with its Wiimote-like Gear VR Controller appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Weekly rewind: Nintendo Switch incoming, incredible space photos, Vegas’ self-driving buses

In the tech world, a lot happens in a week. So much news goes on that it’s almost impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of the top 10 tech stories from this week.

The post Weekly rewind: Nintendo Switch incoming, incredible space photos, Vegas' self-driving buses appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Nintendo hid a secret message in the Famicom Mini

The NES Classic and it's Japanese counterpart are already incredibly cool — but you know what makes an awesome toy even better? A secret message. Apparently, developers that worked on the Famicom Mini emulator left a short, hidden message in the cod…
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Nintendo tackles 3DS piracy with ‘freeShop’ takedown

Homebrew software designed to imitate the Nintendo eShop has been issued a takedown notice by the house of Mario. FreeShop allows 3DS owners to browse, search and download games using "titlekeys," a form of encryption employed by Nintendo for its onl…
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Nintendo will for success in mobile games, new hardware and maybe even VR in 2016

After reporting shrinking profits, Nintendo teased upcoming projects and new areas of corporate “interest,” including mobile gaming, virtual reality, and the upcoming NX console.

The post Nintendo will for success in mobile games, new hardware and maybe even VR in 2016 appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Unofficial Amiibo can use data for any Nintendo figurine

Haven't had any luck scoring the Amiibo you need to unlock certain goodies in a Wii U or 3DS game? A very, very unofficial accessory might help. Axiogame's Amiiqo device uses an Android app to load the data from any Amiibo (it can store up to 200),…
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