The Super Mario Galaxy Moviepromotion continues with a Super Bowl ad reminding everyone it’s just months away and going to hit big when it comes. How big are we talking? If this teaser and the first trailer are any indication, Nintendo and Illumination are thinking as big as the universe.
After showing off Yoshi in the last trailer, we got a short tease that puts a spotlight on the film’s action and new worlds. The first is a riff on the T-Rex moment from Super Mario Odyssey, with Yoshi and Toad trying to protect baby versions of Luigi and Mario from a massive dino. But Universal also released a broader advert over the weekend that gives us a bit more.
Like the ad says, there’s a big galaxy out there, and if you thought the last movie was good-looking, Illumination’s really upped their game for the sequel. We’ve previously seen the film’s version of the Sand Kingdom (from Super Mario Odyssey), where Mario and Luigi find Luigi. This new spot gives us another new location in a massive cyberpunk city Peach and Toad visited that also includes a bar full of classic Mario enemies.
Finally, we get a look at Yoshi doing what he’s best known for: swallowing enemies and spitting them out as eggs. Seeing it in movie form is kind of gross and funny, and your kids are sure to love it when The Super Mario Galaxy movie hits theaters on Wednesday, April 1.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro controller committed the one cardinal sin no gamepad should ever perpetrate: it made me lose.
Nintendo’s $90 first-party controller exclusive to the Switch 2 has large, snappy sticks—too snappy, in fact. Flicking the joystick from one side and releasing it will cause it to flick back so fast that the gamepad will register an input in the opposite direction. While playing the first Hollow Knight on Switch 2, difficult bosses like Nightmare King Grimm became nearly impossible when having one pixel out of place could be the difference between saving my skin or a trip back to the bench.
Such failures of hardware design can be rage-inducing, but I kept returning to the Switch 2 Pro controller for one reason: convenience. Ignoring the default Joy-Cons, Nintendo’s first-party controller used to be the only one that could wake the handheld console from sleep. That’s no longer the case. Gulikit’s TT Pro and TT Max controllers are both capable of keeping your butt glued to the couch when you need to game. I’ve used half a dozen controllers for Switch 2 from the likes of Snakebyte, Hori, 8BitDo, and Gulikit themselves. The TT Pro and TT Max are perfect for me. That doesn’t mean it will be your perfect gamepad. Controllers are so ubiquitous; you’ll need to decide what is worth sacrificing for your preferred gaming experience.
Gulikit TT Pro / TT Max
Some people won’t like the stick layout or lack of HD rumble, but Gulkit’s controllers will be enough for many Switch 2 gamers.
Switch 2 wake function
Drift-resistant sticks
Solid feel
Customizable joysticks and D-pad
Form-fitted case
No headphone jack
Back buttons don’t fit in case
Rumble isn’t as nuanced as Switch 2 Pro
These controllers start at $70 for the TT Pro and $80 for the TT Max. That’s more expensive than Gulikit’s former offerings and potentially costlier than past favorites like the 8BitDo Pro 3. Gulikit’s design is compatible with PC, Android, iOS, and Switch. It will work fine as your mainstay controller thanks to the included 2.4GHz dongle, but don’t expect something truly incredible or original other than on the Switch 2. Maybe we’ll see more controllers find ways to wake Nintendo’s latest system. Even if they do, I don’t imagine I’ll need another Switch 2 controller anytime soon.
Why do first-party peripherals lack these features?
The China-based company Gulikit got its start by selling Hall effect joystick replacements for the original Switch. The first-gen Joy-Con controllers had notorious stick drift problems, where the physical potentiometer sticks would degrade over time and create unintended inputs. Hall effect, which uses magnetic fields rather than physical connections, is far more durable. No console maker has yet to create a first-party peripheral with Hall effect. What makes that fact maddening is how companies like Sony and Nintendo will limit third-party capabilities on these consoles. For example, a PS5 DualSense is the only peripheral with access to the force-feedback Adaptive Triggers.
In a similar fashion, Nintendo limited wake capabilities to its own controllers. Not even licensed controllers from companies like Hori could wake the system from sleep. To be clear, this is a privileged position to take. There’s nothing stopping me from getting off my ass to wake the Switch 2 in its dock. But if I have the option, you’re damn right I’m not leaving behind the comfort of my butt-shaped hole in my cushions.
Pairing the controller with the Switch 2 is a little more involved than with a Pro controller. You need to set the TT Pro or TT Max into pairing mode, then go into the Controllers and Change Grip/Order menu to then have the device pair. From then on, the controller will be able to wake the console. I’ve found that waking the Switch 2 isn’t as immediate as it is with a Pro controller or Joy-Con 2. It normally takes half a second longer.
The system still requires me to press both triggers to select my controller before getting into a game. I can’t confirm by myself, but my suspicion is Gulikit is working around the proprietary controller protocol to enable wakeup without fully connecting the controller. This one extra step is so minimal, it’s hardly any sacrifice for the sake of convenience.
This capability is a singular and—admittedly—petty reason that the Gulikit TT Pro takes the top spot. Or maybe it would be, if the controller itself didn’t feel so good as it does.
I’ve used many of Gulikit’s controllers since then, such as its older KK3 Pro gamepad and its Genesis-like Elves 2 Pro controllers. The company’s first controller with the ability to wake the console, the ES Pro, sported an Xbox layout with the “A” button on the bottom rather than on the right. While Gulikit’s other controllers all support the Switch 2 (after you install several firmware updates to make them work), this is one of its best. Instead of Hall effect, the TT Pro and TT Max controllers use TMR joysticks. That stands for tunneling magnetoresistance, which is another magnetic-based sensing technology that should be even more resistant to stick drift.
So it has everything you need, right? Not quite. The controller lacks the “C” button for accessing the Switch 2 GameChat function. If that doesn’t matter to you, then shrug it off. There’s also no headphone jack. They’re both small features, but they will inevitably matter to some players.
The TT Pro and Max sport the PlayStation stick layout, where both are on the same level. I know that some players cannot stand this. I, on the other hand, prefer this layout (strange to say since I grew up an Xbox diehard). It’s all about preference, and unfortunately, this is what you’re stuck with, for now. Both controllers come with a plastic case containing a special set of A,B,X,Y keys if you wish to replace the buttons with an Xbox layout.
These controllers aren’t exactly budget options. For the $70 or $80 you spend, you’ll at least gain extra customizability and a form-fitted controller case. The case is where you’ll also find the optional metallic back paddles, four in all. These slot into the controller with a little bit of force. I rarely, if ever, use back paddle buttons, so I appreciate having the choice of whether to keep them or not. If you use the back paddles, the controller won’t actually fit inside the case, which means removing them if you want your gamepad to stay safe when travelling.
There’s also an optional D-pad with a traditional cardinal direction thumbpad hidden inside the carrying case. You may look at the flat panel D-pad and squirm, but in practice, it feels superb. I didn’t have a problem feeling out my directions when playing side-scrollers or in a fighting game, like Soul Calibur II in the GameCube classics collection.
I normally prefer stiffer joysticks than most players. The default Gulikit TT Max’s 720-degree sticks felt just on the edge of right for how I play. What’s better is that it comes with two alternative sticks if you prefer a different height. The pack includes an extra screwdriver to adjust the tension of the joysticks as well. Plus, the Hall effect triggers have a nice depth and springiness to them. There are two switches on the back of the controller to change to instant triggers if you want the same feel as the Joy-Con or Switch 2 Pro controller.
And there’s solid gyro and rumble packed in as well. The Switch 2 Pro controller can feel a little muted in the rumble department, though that HD rumble feature is far more nuanced than what I felt on the TT Max. I would trade off the slightly worse rumble for the sake of sticks without snapback or stick drift potential.
These controllers aren’t built for tournament players by default. The best you can get is a 1,000Hz polling rate when using them wired. Polling rate is how often the gamepad sends information to the console, so a higher number is preferable. It also sports a 730Hz polling rate over Bluetooth, which isn’t too shabby. Gamepads like Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro feature an 8,000Hz polling rate, but only the wannabe pro gamers will ever notice a difference.
These controllers are also middle of the road when it comes to battery life. Gulikit promises you can get a full 26 hours with these controllers’ 950mAh battery running without any lights or Turbo on. With the lights, the actual battery life will be closer to 14 hours, and less if you’re playing a game that enjoys rumble (practically all first-party Nintendo games do). The Switch 2 Pro controller, which lacks any lighting whatsoever, gets far better battery life, equivalent to close to 40 hours. In real life scenarios, that means charging the controller once every few weeks rather than a few days with Gulikit’s design.
And here’s what you need to know: most people will be perfectly happy with the TT Pro rather than the TT Max. The only difference is that the TT Max allows for 10 minutes of macro recordings compared to 10 seconds on the TT Pro. These macro recordings will help you recreate specific inputs, which may be helpful for fighting games. The extra recording time is equivalent to the older, slightly cheaper KK3 Max. Most players won’t ever use that feature.
And $70 for this controller is more tempting than $80, which is approaching Switch 2 Pro controller pricing. This is meant to be my go-to Switch 2 controller, even replacing my previous favorite, the 8BitDo Pro 3. That controller will remain with my PC, but the Gulikit TT Pro is going to sit on my couch, ready for me when I get home after a long day of work, when I can’t even be bothered to stand up to turn on my console.
2K owner Take-Two has paused development on Borderlands 4 for the Nintendo Switch 2, the company shared during its Q3 2026 earnings presentation. The Switch 2 port was originally planned to be released on October 3, 2025, a few weeks after the game’s September 12 launch on all other platforms, but was indefinitely delayed on September 23.
“We made the difficult decision to pause development on that SKU,” Take-Two told Variety. “Our focus continues to be delivering quality post-launch content for players on the ongoing improvements to optimize the game. We’re continuing to collaborate closely with our friends at Nintendo. We have PGA Tour 2K25 coming out and WWE 2K26, and we’re incredibly excited about bringing more of our titles to that platform in the future.”
When the Borderlands 4 Switch 2 port was originally delayed, the game’s developer Gearbox shared that the port needed “additional development and polish time” and that it hoped to “better align this release with the addition of cross saves.” In Take-Two’s Q2 earnings presentation on November 6, 2025, the Switch 2 port was still listed as having a “TBA” release date. The lack of mention in the company’s Q3 presentation and Take-Two’s comment to Variety pretty much confirm that if a Switch 2 version happens, it won’t be anytime soon. The official Borderlands 4 post-release content roadmap currently lists plans for paid and free story DLC and raid bosses, but nothing related to additional ports of the game.
Grand Theft Auto VI‘s planned November 19 release date is still on the books, however. Rockstar Games’ next blockbuster title was originally supposed to be released in fall 2025, before it was delayed to May 2026 last May. The game was delayed a second and final time — at least for now — in November 2025, to its current November 2026 release date.
There’s still room for another delay, but in the earnings statement Take-Two projected confidence, sharing that Rockstar would start marketing the game this summer. The franchise remains a cash cow, so it’s only natural the company would want to get the rollout of Grand Theft Auto VI right. As part of its earnings presentation, Take-Two shared that Grand Theft Auto V, which was originally released all the way back in 2013, has sold 225 million units.
The original Switch just became Nintendo’s best-selling console ever with 155.37 million units as of December 31, 2025, overtaking the DS which sold 154.02 million units from 2004-2011. It was part of a holiday surge that saw the company move 7.01 million Switch 2s (and 17.37 million through Q3 of its fiscal year), making it the “fastest-selling dedicated video platform released by Nintendo to date,” the company said in its earnings report.
Despite being supplanted by the Switch 2, the Switch keeps selling decently (1.36 million units in Q3 fiscal 2026), due to its relatively cheap price. Nintendo reported last year that it was just trailing the DS in sales and would likely surpass it after Christmas. The Switch is now just 5.27 million units behind Sony’s PS2, the best-selling console of all time — so Nintendo would have to keep selling it for at least a couple more years to get the record.
The Switch 2, meanwhile, has been a sales machine. With high holiday sales that exceeded expectations, Nintendo should easily reach its 19 million sales goal for fiscal 2026 ending March 31 this year. The company has already (easily) busted through its original sales forecast of 15 million consoles set earlier in 2025.
Game sales were also strong, with Mario Kart World hitting 14 million units and Donkey Kong Bananza selling 4.25 million since the Switch 2’s launch. With all that, the company saw 803.32 billion yen in sales for Q3 ($5.2 billion), up 86 percent over last year but a bit less than expected, and 159.93 billion yen in profit ($1.03 billion), 20 percent higher than the same period last year.
Whether the company can continue that may depend on the strength of its upcoming game lineup. Two of those key titles are Mario Tennis Fever expected on February 12 and Pokemon Pokopia arriving in March.
With just a few months left before Super Mario Galaxycomes out, Nintendo held another Direct to reveal new information about the film, and show off a trailer.
Picking up after the first one, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) have settled nicely into being the protectors of the Mushroom Kingdom. But when Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) comes looking to spring his dad (Jack Black) out of tiny prison, the brothers have to travel the cosmos to stop them. Along with a returning Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), they’ve a new ally in Brie Larson’s Rosalina, another princess who lives in outer space and raises the Lumas.
But this new trailer is actually about Yoshi, and highlights how he’ll fit in with the brothers and Toad. He’s not the only dinosaur that’ll be showing up: there’s a brief tease of Birdo and a T.Rex that longtime Mario fans will remember from 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey. During the stream, Shigeru Miyamoto teased that Yoshi and other “many familiar characters…will play active roles” in the film, so that’s something to look forward to. Well, that and the new merch that’ll be made for each of them.
Super Mario Galaxy arrives in theaters on April 1.
There’s a whole galaxy just waiting to be explored. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is only in theaters April 1. pic.twitter.com/s0JE7bROUO
— The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (@supermariomovie) January 25, 2026
If you played Super Mario Bros. Wonder, you either accepted the eponymous Talking Flowers as occasionally annoying though still lovable creatures, or you loathed the sight of these babbling, big-mouthed cretins. Nintendo first showed off its flower toy in September last year. Finally, the Mario maker will allow you to stick one of these wordy weeds in your house starting March 12 this year.
The new table toy joins Alarmo in Nintendo’s quest to take over your bedroom. Before you run to put your ears between your pillow cushions, at least Nintendo’s latest toy is somehow far less annoying than most of the spouting AI gadgets that have cropped up in the last few years. The Wonder Flower will be available in the New York and San Francisco Nintendo stores or online at My Nintendo Store.
Nintendo’s Talking Flower is a simple concept. It includes the potted plant with its sousaphone-shaped mouth and bright eyes shining with curiosity and a hint of instability. In an overview trailer posted first to the Nintendo Today! app, Nintendo showed how the toy includes multiple autonomous and programmable voice lines it can spout off at select times. Nintendo said the device will talk approximately twice per hour with lines such as “Sometimes it’s nice to space out” and “Is it weird for flowers to talk?”
One exceptionally prattling plant
Otherwise, the toy includes a big button your kids can use to make it speak incessantly. “Make sure you’re getting your veggies,” it might intone. Nintendo claims the plant can sense the time of day and ambient room temperature as well. It should have voice lines for each of these scenarios, though we’ll soon find out if it starts repeating itself too often.
Thankfully, Nintendo included the ability to hold the button down and get it to shut up for a little while. Otherwise, you can program it to set a wake-up or sleep message. The Mario maker made a point that the plant will purposefully get this wrong occasionally, not because it doesn’t know what time it is, but because the little shrub is somehow always surprised. At least, the Wonder Flower won’t speak up during the night.
Your children may enjoy Wonder Flower far more than you do. The device has a music mode where the plant shouts “Wonder” before playing a song from the game. Those nearest to the plant can spam the button to get it to shout random exclamations. However, the device speaks 11 languages, so any multi-language families may use it as an ambient teacher to keep their Spanish sharp.
It could be worse
Despite the Wonder Flower’s incessant prattling, I don’t imagine it will be nearly as annoying as most other speaking gadgets we’ve seen recently. At CES 2026, there was a mountain of kid-centric toys featuring AI to talk to your children and respond to all their questions. Late last year, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund (PIRG) and NBC detailed how these AI-centric toys would willingly talk to kids about BDSM topics like impact play (including the benefits of whips versus paddles). These toys could tell kids how to light a match or where they might find a knife.
#SuperMarioBrosWonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park arrives March 26!
Look forward to new boss courses with all 7 Koopalings, two new playable characters, Rosalina, and Co-Star Luma, and more!
Nintendo’s pre-programmed toy is far tamer by comparison. I’ll admit, I’m the type of person who will try to annoy his roommate by hammering the Wonder Flower’s talk button. The March 12 release date coincides with a new Super Mario Wonder Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park update coming out March 26. The paid-for upgrade pack will add more multiplayer modes to the existing game and a few other features. The flower will arrive after Nintendo launches its $100 Virtual Boy recreation device and new purple and green Joy-Cons 2, again selling for $100.
Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Microsoft continue to collaborate to improve player safety across our platforms. We believe gaming is for everyone and strive to provide experiences that are positive and enjoyable for all, especially for our youngest players. We work to accomplish this by pursuing a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced technology, research-driven insights, supportive community efforts, and skilled human oversight.
Since first announcing our shared commitment in 2020, we’ve partnered behind the scenes with Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment on these efforts because we can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal. As we continue to invest in, adapt, and amplify our approaches to player safety, we have also evolved our shared principles to ensure they represent our constant efforts to keep our communities safe. Our latest shared principles reflect new innovations in player safety that have evolved with technological advancements, and new ways in which we collaborate through key industry initiatives and with trade associations.
Prevention: Empower players and parents to understand and control gaming experiences
We provide controls that let players customize their gaming experience. We support parents with the tools and information necessary to help them customize appropriate gaming experiences for their children.
We recognize that for safety features to be useful, they must be easy to use and understand. We promote the availability of our safety tools and provide guidance on how to use them through our platforms, support channels, services, on our websites, and in retail stores to reach more players and parents.
We inform our parents and players about our codes of conduct and terms of use to support positive gaming experiences for everyone. We enforce these policies through a variety of preventive and remedial measures. We design our products with transparency and player empowerment at their core, aiming to make experiences that are intuitive and respect players’ choices.
Partnership: We partner with industry peers, publishers, regulators, law enforcement, and our communities to advance player safety
Our commitment to safety is central, and we believe collaboration benefits the video game industry and all players by fostering safe gaming experiences.
We partner and engage with global and regional industry trade organizations, industry members, regulators, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and experts to develop and/or advance online safety initiatives. These include Thriving in Games Group, the Family Online Safety Institute, and others.
We conduct shared research to inform policy decisions and to drive industry innovation. Individually, we have engaged with external research centers that study play and wellbeing.
We partner with our community to promote safe gaming behavior and encourage the use of reporting tools to call out bad actors, and we have tools and processes in place to support rapid response to emerging incidents.
We collaborate with ratings agencies such as the ESRB and PEGI, among others, to ensure that our games are rated for the appropriate audience, and work closely with the Entertainment Software Association and other trade associations to share trust & safety information designed to educate and promote positive play experiences.
We invest in leading technology and proactive collaboration to help thwart improper conduct and content. We participate in key industry initiatives, including the Tech Coalition and its Lantern program, that are dedicated to enhancing child safety through technology, knowledge-sharing, and transparency.
Responsibility: We hold ourselves accountable for making our platforms as safe as possible for all players
We make it easy for players to report violations of our codes of conduct and community guidelines, which we work to refine and evolve to support our player communities.
In addition to removing content not suitable for our services, we take appropriate enforcement actions for violations, including restricting players from using our services for misconduct, with escalating restrictions for egregious or repeat violations. We engage in responsible and transparent practices, including the ethical use of all data, and deploy process enhancement technologies with skilled human oversight.
We comply with all applicable laws in the places we do business and respond to legitimate requests from law enforcement. We promptly notify law enforcement if we observe unlawful conduct or where we believe a player is at risk of imminent harm.
We publish our rules and requirements, and we ensure that players who have been reported understand the requirements for continued engagement with our platforms.
This partnership reflects our dedication to collaborating on solutions that enhance player safety and ensure our games are welcoming for everyone. The video game industry has a strong legacy of prioritizing player safety, especially for children. At the same time, we recognize that these challenges require collaboration and shared values, and so we welcome others to commit to the safety and well-being of players everywhere.
Belkin just introduced the appropriately-named Charging Case Pro for Nintendo Switch 2 at CES. This is a high-end charging case specifically designed for Nintendo’s latest console.
The 10,000mAh power bank delivers up to 30W of fast charging, which is a decent enough metric. I’m more excited, however, about the bells and whistles. The Charging Case Pro boasts an LCD screen on the exterior, making it easy to keep track of remaining battery life. It also doubles as a tabletop stand, which is always nice. The built-in Switch 2 stand is better than what we got , but it’s still not the sturdiest thing in the world.
Belkin
It also includes a dedicated flap for game card storage and a hidden compartment for smart trackers. Take that, would-be Switch 2 thieves. Belkin promises this case has been made from premium materials and has been designed for “long-term durability.” The Charging Case Pro for Nintendo Switch 2 is available right now and costs $100.
The company also introduced a number of other charging accessories at CES. The UltraCharge Pro Power Bank juices up two devices at once and also costs $100, with availability in February. The BoostCharge power bank is an extremely slim unit that easily slides into pockets. That one starts at $60, but isn’t coming until later in the year.
Upgrading to the Switch 2 is a big step forward, thanks to the larger screen, new features and improved performance. But shifting to a new console naturally raises the question of what happens to all your games and save data on the one you already have. Thankfully, Nintendo has built a clear System Transfer process that lets you move your account, digital purchases, save files and other key data from your original Switch to the Switch 2. If you prepare ahead of time, you can be back to playing your favorite titles on new hardware in minutes.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including what transfers, how to start the process and what to check once you’re set up.
Before you transfer: A quick checklist
Running through these steps first will save you time later:
Charge your original Switch and your Switch 2, and keep them near each other.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi connection, as this is required to verify your Nintendo Account and manage redownloads.
Update your original Switch by installing the latest system software so the transfer can run without interruptions.
Confirm your Nintendo Account is linked, and each user you want to move is tied to a Nintendo Account.
Most Switch titles work on Switch 2, but a few may have issues, so it’s worth checking Nintendo’s compatibility list ahead of time.
Back up screenshots and videos if needed. These should transfer, but it never hurts to have your own copy.
How to start the transfer of data from your old Switch to the Switch 2
With your original Nintendo Switch to hand, navigate to System Settings, select Users then select Transfer Your User & Save Data. Pick the user profile you want to move, confirm your Nintendo Account information and follow the on-screen prompts.
Power on your Switch 2 and go through the initial setup. When the console asks if you want to transfer data from another system, select Start System Transfer. Make sure both consoles are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and remain powered on during the process.
Once the Switch 2 detects your original console, it will guide you through pairing the systems for the transfer. After the connection is established the original Switch will begin sending your user information, save data and settings.
When the transfer is complete, your new console will automatically log in using your Nintendo Account. Your digital games will appear in the Redownload section of the eShop so you can pull them onto your Switch 2 as needed.
What to do after your transfer is complete
Once everything has moved to the Switch 2, there are a few final steps that help round out the process. You can redownload your digital games from the eShop and start reinstalling your favorites. Any controllers, Joy-Con or Bluetooth accessories you used with your original console will need to be paired again (provided they are Switch 2-compatible accessories), which only takes a minute. It’s also a good time to update your games to their latest versions and restore any parental controls or family group settings you had before.
When you’re confident that all your data has transferred and everything is working as expected, you can then decide whether to keep your old console, hand it down or perform a factory reset if you plan to sell it.
What data transfers to the Switch 2
Nintendo’s System Transfer moves everything tied to your Nintendo Account, including digital games you’ve purchased, save data, user profiles, parental controls, system settings and screenshots and video captures.
Your Nintendo Switch Online membership moves as well, and you’ll be able to immediately re-download your digital games on the Switch 2 once the transfer completes. Physical Switch game cards also work on the new console, though some titles may require patches or updates for the best performance. Nintendo has noted that a small number of older games may have temporary compatibility issues, but these are being reviewed.
What data doesn’t transfer automatically
A few settings won’t carry over on their own, so you may need to handle them manually once your Switch 2 is set up. Bluetooth pairing for controllers or headphones will need to be reconnected, since those device links stay tied to the original console. Your Wi-Fi passwords also won’t transfer, so you’ll have to sign in to your home network again.
Some game-specific preferences, as well as language or region settings, may require another quick adjustment on the Switch 2, but these are simple to reconfigure and only take a few moments.
Troubleshooting and other things to consider
If you run into issues while getting settled, a few common scenarios are worth keeping in mind. Some older titles may have temporary compatibility problems on the new console, so if a game behaves unexpectedly, check Nintendo’s updated compatibility list for known issues.
You may also notice slower download speeds as the Switch 2 queues up your full library after the transfer. It helps to prioritize the games you want to play first so they can download ahead of the rest. Storage can also play a role. If you use a microSD card, wait until the system transfer is complete before inserting it into the new console, since the Switch 2 may need to reformat the card.
And finally, don’t reset your old Switch right away. Keeping it powered on and accessible ensures you can confirm that all your saves and data made it across safely.
Nintendo is in a giving state of mind this season, offering some holiday deals on games in the eShop, including a few recent Switch 2 titles. For instance, the Switch 2 version of Ball x Pit, which was one of our staff’s favorite games of 2025, is 20 percent off at $12. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is $40, down from the usual $50 on Switch 2, which is about as good a deal as you’ll get for a current-year game release.
There are also a few older games that have gotten even steeper discounts. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a whopping 75 percent off, so load it onto your new console for less than $18. At about $33, Cult of the Lamb: Unholy Edition is half off for the original Switch. No Man’s Sky is also 50 percent off, so you can grab it for either Switch console for just $24. Star Wars: Outlaws is down to $40, which is $20 off, and Nier: Automata is $16, compared with its usual $40 price tag.
Those are just a few that caught our eye. The discounts will run until January 4, so you can make purchases as a last-minute gift or load up your own Switch in case nobody gifts you with a game you’ve been eyeing.
Gamers who prefer physical copies of their favorite titles may be getting a major win with the Switch 2. In an unexpected announcement from retro video game publisher ININ Games, Nintendo reportedly has “two new smaller cartridge sizes” for its Switch 2 console. For ININ Games, these rumored game cartridges with smaller storage capacity allow the publisher to recalculate production costs and pursue a physical Switch 2 release of its upcoming R-Type Dimensions III.
ININ Games later deleted its posts mentioning these smaller Switch 2 cartridges and issued a correction on its website and social media pages. However, the publisher reiterated that R-Type Dimensions III will be released on a physical cartridge, but that “no further technical details regarding cartridge specifications have been officially confirmed.”
“There has been no official announcement or confirmation from Nintendo concerning cartridge storage capacities,” ININ Games said in a statement. “Any references to specific storage sizes should not be interpreted as official information from Nintendo.”
If we’re reading between the lines, ININ Games may have been early to tease a crucial detail about Switch 2 cartridges that Nintendo wasn’t officially ready to reveal yet. For more context, Nintendo reportedly only offers physical game cartridges for Switch 2 with a 64GB capacity. With less demanding games like R-Type Dimensions III, that much storage capacity could be unnecessary and raise production costs. Nintendo still hasn’t made an announcement about these potential smaller cartridges, but we could see a lot more game publishers opting for physical copies of their upcoming games if they are indeed an option.
It’s been six months since the Nintendo Switch 2 finally stepped out into the light of day. The inevitable tragedy of any new product is that the novelty quickly dissipates. Despite having it in hand for half a year, fans, detractors, and even Nintendo itself seem to be underestimating just how this iterative handheld/console hybrid device may hold the secret to even better handhelds of tomorrow.
Nintendo would rather you focus on its first-party games. At the same time, the PC crowd is still too obsessed with getting their hands on the latest and greatest chips to recognize the benefit of handheld-specific game optimization. The result is only ever a small bump in frame rate that won’t truly impact the overall quality of titles. Even when the Switch 2’s on-paper specs don’t seem to hit the mark as handhelds that cost $200, $550, or $900 more, its console-based hardware has managed to keep pace in 2025. Time will tell whether it will stay that way into 2026 and beyond.
The Switch 2 is a model for how the old ways of making consoles may still win in the long run. The 5-year-old Xbox Series S and Series X, as well as the PlayStation 5, are PCs in everything but name. They’re both working on AMD APUs, or accelerated processing units, that make porting games between consoles and PCs relatively easy. The Switch 2 is the outlier. It’s using an Nvidia-made chip that is based on an entirely distinct ARM-based microarchitecture. Public statements from numerous developers show porting games to Switch 2 isn’t straightforward. Still, because of Nvidia’s hardware-specific DLSS (deep learning super sampling) upscaling, games on Nintendo’s handheld are just as playable.
The Switch 2 isn’t a replacement for a PC. It’s a device that also hides its share of hidden costs. I had to buy an extra 256GB microSD Express card for the sake of downloading all these games I’ve played throughout the year. And to that end, Nintendo seems to be emphasizing digital media with the proliferation of game key cards—rather than the collectible physical media you can actually claim to own. Nintendo also brought us the first $80 game, and it’s still trying to force consumers to accept a new pricing standard for a hobby that’s getting ever more expensive.
The original Switch was a secondary console for many players; only there to play Nintendo’s first-party titles not available elsewhere. The Switch 2 has the potential to be a primary device, especially for those who live a mobile gaming lifestyle. With its lower power draw, limited memory, slim design, and minimal battery, it can’t offer the same fidelity as more expensive machines. The thing is, you need to compare it to other available handhelds. In that regard, the Switch 2 makes games look just as good for a fraction of the cost.
With all the 2025 handhelds at hand, I made an effort to compare performance between all available systems, in official and non-official configurations. This year, I tested the $650 Legion Go S with SteamOS, the $1,350 Legion Go 2, and—finally—the $1,000 Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. These are all handheld PCs. They are all running various operating systems, though they’re all powered by AMD chips built for this form factor. Some sport better screens, like the Legion Go 2’s beautiful OLED display, and they feature more console-like controls than the Switch 2. I tested each handheld at its maximum resolution, but PC gamers have the choice to reduce graphical quality for the sake of performance; the Switch has far fewer options.
I dual-booted the Legion Go 2 with Bazzite as well as Windows 11. Bazzite is a Linux-based operating system similar to SteamOS. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is running Windows, but with the full screen experience, a version of the OS that lets you navigate to your games with a controller. The new UI is still buggy. However, Microsoft has made strides with preset game profiles so that you don’t have to finagle graphics or mess with TDP (thermal design power). Both Linux-based handhelds offer better performance on the same specs compared to Windows 11, even to this day.
Compared to those handheld PCs, the Switch 2 runs on much more limited hardware. It uses an Nvidia Tegra T239, which is an octa-core ARM-based CPU alongside an Ampere GPU. Ampere microarchitecture goes back all the way to 2020. All these other handhelds are running on AMD’s more recent RDNA 3.5 microarchitecture. They all feature more RAM (the Switch 2 has 12GB, but only 9GB is used for games) and higher TDP (the Switch 2 is limited to 13W compared to 30W, 35W, or even 40W on these other systems).
Despite all that, the situation with games is a whole different story. I tested three titles that have come to Switch 2 since launch: Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Nintendo worked with the developers of all three games to make their titles work well on Switch 2, and it shows when you actually play each title.
In Cyberpunk 2077, a Legion Go S with SteamOS (which notably offers better performance than the version with Windows 11) clocks in at about 35 to 40 fps in regular gameplay running at the max 33W TDP. An Asus ROG Xbox Ally X manages between 39 and 45 fps, with frame rates only dipping to around 37 fps. That’s all with Steam Deck settings at each handheld’s max wattage and not plugged in. The handheld PCs all had AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution for upscaling, enhancing performance at the cost of some instances of visual fidelity.
A Switch 2, at less than half the total TDP of a Legion Go S, runs at just below 30 fps in the “Quality” graphics mode. In “performance” settings, Cyberpunk 2077 targets 40 fps. Comparing the Switch 2 in handheld mode to the other devices, Nintendo’s device is able to hold its own. Geometry remains detailed, though it comes at the cost of density with NPCs or street traffic. I did an entire playthrough on Nintendo’s system, and the only time I found there to be consistent frame rate problems or any bugs was during sections found in the Phantom Liberty DLC.
Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red removed minor or insignificant environmental details to improve overall performance. Nintendo’s handheld relies on Nvidia’s DLSS. That means, in both handheld and docked modes, the Switch 2 is hitting 1080p from an original much lower resolution. Performance mode targets 720p in handheld mode, and even that is upscaled. The only time in my tests where I found a true difference in performance was with a Legion Go 2. With that handheld (32GB of RAM and Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip version) running at 33W TDP, it could equal 50 fps at Steam Deck settings at 1200p. That creates a much smoother experience than these other handhelds could hope to achieve. Yes, 40 versus 30 fps is a better experience, but when you consider the amount of money you need to spend to hit those extra frame rates, the Xbox Ally X’s performance seems paltry. The only other handheld that can almost match the Switch 2’s price, the Steam Deck (non-OLED), can maintain 30 fps relatively consistently.
Ubisoft’s games were rebuilt with Switch 2 in mind
The performance situation gets more interesting with two Ubisoft titles. The publisher tapped its developers and even brought on extra help—specifically Ubisoft Red Lynx on Star Wars Outlaws—to design Switch 2-specific ports for each game. Outlaws, which makes use of the Snowdrop engine, is an especially great port on Switch 2. It runs at a tight clip the entire way through and still supports great environmental lighting effects.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, the more recent title, runs on the Anvil engine. On higher-end PCs, it will feature some epic environmental quirks and ray-traced lighting that won’t be present on any handheld you choose. Not if you want playable framerates. On the Xbox Ally at 1080p resolution, it will squeak a frame rate above 30 fps on low settings and sometimes dip below that. On the Bazzite-installed Legion Go 2, you won’t see much difference at 1200p. On a Switch 2, you’ll normally experience frame rates at or just below 30 fps, sometimes dipping lower.
Ubisoft’s developers wrote that bringing Shadows to Switch 2 was an “ambitious technical undertaking”—and it shows. The game lacks certain environmental effects, like splashes when running through water. The Switch 2 version still uses the same cloud and cloth physics as it does when on more powerful systems, but they’re scaled back. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows features Steam Deck-specific settings for handhelds. This comes up even when running Bazzite, and it offers a stable 30 fps, though it also limits your ability to change graphics settings unless you change the game’s .ini file. Overall, you can get a slightly better experience on the more expensive handhelds, but it’s not so different that I’d argue it’s worth spending $200 or more to get the PC version.
Developers don’t have a choice. Games need to be fine-tuned for the Switch 2. Back in September, Gearbox delayed Borderlands 4 for Switch 2 for “additional development and polish.” FromSoftware similarly pushed back its port of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo’s system after numerous hands-on reports cited performance issues.
Games without proper optimization won’t work well on any handheld, period. The next task is then to incentivize developers to make their games for this form factor. This is where Nintendo needed its first-party games to showcase the best of what the Switch 2 has to offer. The company mostly succeeded in 2025, but it still needs to take things further.
Nintendo has to ensure its first-party titles show developers and gamers alike what the handheld is capable of. Mario Kart Worldmay be a great party game to pack in with the Switch 2, but it’s not the kind of game to emphasize what makes the system unique. The following months post-launch have been a mixed bag of meh, solid, good, and absolutely fantastic titles. Donkey Kong Bananza is like a Christmas tree, festooned with breakable joy. Bananza looks fantastic and plays well, save for occasional slowdowns when there’s too much destruction on-screen.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A tried to completely reinvent the franchise’s formula with real-time battles. At the same time, the game’s flat environments and streets devoid of any sense of activity, from humans and pocket monsters alike, make it feel like it was built for an older device. On the flip side, Kirby Air Riders is a manic blast of energy that has the capability to exhaust or enthrall a player, depending on their temperament.
Nintendo spent much of 2025 trying to emphasize Switch 2 upgrades for original Switch titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom. While these games may have emphasized the Switch 2’s performance over the original Switch, we had to wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to display what’s truly unique about Switch 2.
The game is far from perfect. It’s brought down by NPCs who are too keen to chirp in and ruin exploration and immersion. It’s not the best flavor of Metroid Prime on offer (that designation still belongs to Metroid Prime: Remastered). However, it’s the only game in the 2025 lineup that makes use of the Joy-Con 2 and the comforts of both gyro and mouse controls rolled into one. Metroid Prime 4 lets you seamlessly go from stick-based aiming to precise mouse aiming just by putting the controller on your lap or couch.
Of all the games I tested this year, only Metroid Prime 4 can claim to have made use of the Switch 2’s best features. It can hit a true 4K resolution and run at 60 fps when docked and connected to a TV. Its performance mode outputs at 1080p and can hit the fabled 120 fps.
More than eight years after Nintendo first launched the original Switch, nobody has copied its design. No other company has a handheld as easily dockable, easily sharable, and easy to plug in and play as the Switch 2. That ease has its hefty drawbacks. There’s every reason to want a handheld PC simply for the customizability of using SteamOS or Windows 11. Plus, these handhelds have access to a wider variety of games thanks to their large PC libraries.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 proves how good handhelds could be if they had the proper support of both the maker and third-party developers. It’s also a showcase of how hardware-specific upscaling can make a massive difference in how well games perform. There are multiple leaks to suggest Sony is working on a PlayStation 6. This console could make use of Sony’s own upscaling tech as well as a version of AMD’s “Redstone” upscaler. Until some other company comes along with the kind of hardware and software support, the Switch 2 is this year’s most impressive handheld, hands down.
There’s something so tricky about finding a gift for that person who seems to have it all and want for nothing. We’ve got you covered. Here are some super cool gifts that are fun, interesting, unique, and indulgent… just because.
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch systems, the Nintendo Switch 2, is here! With powerful processing speeds and a bigger, brighter screen, players can enjoy enhanced visuals, either with some of the new Nintendo Switch 2 games or compatible games from their existing Nintendo Switch libraries. The reimagined Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically and can even function as a mouse in compatible games, adding a new level of precision and play. And with GameChat, you can stay connected like never before.
The Brother P-touch PT-N10 Personal Handheld Label Maker is designed to help anyone easily personalize their world and organize practically everything in it. With a full QWERTY keyboard, typing personalized messages is familiar, fast, and fun, and the easy-to-read 12-character display screen lets you preview label text before you print. Plus, this convenient handheld label maker is battery operated so you can transport it wherever your labelling needs take you.
Who doesn’t dream about taking to the skies and being a pilot? Now you can with AviaSim, a one-of-a-kind simulation experience. Sit in a real cockpit alongside a professional flight instructor, take off from one of the 24,000 departure and arrival airports, and take in the incredible 180-degree views from thousands of feet in the air.
The Epson Lifestudio Pop Plus Projector brings families together and is a great investment for the entire household. It comes with a built-in Google TV, sound by Bose technology, and a 4K PRO-UHD picture. The whole family can have a legendary watching experience as they cuddle up on the couch to watch holiday movies on over 10,000 streaming apps. From casual, cozy evenings to festive family gatherings, it transforms a simple wall into a big-screen cinematic moment (both indoors and outdoors).
The Philips Sonicare Compact Flosser 1000Oral Irrigator is all about effective flossing in just 60 seconds. It’s fast, effective, and ready to take anywhere, and removes up to 99.9% of plaque from between your teeth and along your gumline in just one minute.
The new Guinness World Records Gamers Edition is out and is the perfect gift for just about anyone. From the crew of Mass Effect to the Creepers of Minecraft, see where the biggest and best characters ranked. You’ll find timeless icons like Nintendo superstars Mario and Link, beloved Tomb Raider heroine Lara Croft, and heroes whose stories transcend time and reality. Explore their incredible stories, groundbreaking achievements, and fan-favourite moments.
Another universally great title is Guinness World Records 2026. From yellow giant objects to spooky ghost towns, jaw-dropping nature and human heroes, the new edition of the Guinness World Records brings you the brightest, biggest, and loudest in record-breaking.
The Yankee Candle 3 Pack Holiday Mini Gift Set comes with three seasonal scents: Balsam & Cedar, Sparkling Cinnamon, and Christmas Cookie. It’s a charming gift that brings warmth and comfort to any space, whether you’re hosting or simply enjoying quiet moments at home.
For the person who has it all (or the family that loves to watch together), Fubo offers an unbeatable mix of live sports, entertainment, and news, all in one place. From exclusive coverage of the Premier League and Serie A, to live action from the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB, there’s always something to cheer for. And when it’s not game time, viewers can enjoy popular channels like CBC, HGTV, and Food Network. Subscribers can stream on any device, anywhere, with unlimited DVR, 4K resolution, and Multiview on Roku, making it a seamless experience for every fan.
The LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy transforms from a toy camera to a retro video camera to a retro TV set – that’s three retro toys in one box. Kids and kids at heart can build and rebuild three different pieces of vintage technology using the same set of bricks.
Ravensburger puzzles are great for anyone to enjoy, either by putting it together on their own or as a family. Their Christmas Slopeside Spirit puzzle by artist Greg Paprocki creates a beautiful and magical holiday scene everyone will love.
Stranger Things: Catalyst is an immersive VR experience that stars Matthew Modine as Dr. ‘Papa’ Brenner and allows fans to step inside the global phenomenon series in an all-new immersive chapter that puts you at the heart of Hawkins’ darkest secrets. Become Dr. Brenner’s test subjects and explore the sinister halls of Hawkins Lab, the eerie glow of the Rainbow Room, the shadow-haunted woods of Mirkwood, and the nightmarish Upside Down. Fight like Eleven using your incredible telekinetic powers to hurl objects, crush obstacles, and fight back against supernatural threats like Demobats, Demodogs and even the terrifying Demogorgon. You’ve binged the show, now brave the Upside Down.
Nintendo is home to some of the most beloved characters in the video game industry—Mario, Pikachu, Kirby, and many others. But inside the company itself is another cast of beloved characters—the army of developers that has stuck with Nintendo for most of their careers.
“It’s almost impossible for any developer who is now of working age to have grown up without at least some influence from Nintendo,” says Keza MacDonald, author of the forthcoming book Super Nintendo: The Game-Changing Company That Unlocked the Power of Play, based off years of reporting on the company as a games journalist. “It is still, to this day, making games differently from everyone else.”
Indeed Nintendo has largely sidestepped the graphics arms race that has bedeviled both its hardware and software competitors, instead focusing on what Game Boy designer Gunpei Yokoi affectionately termed “withered technology”: Using well-established technology and focusing on making something fun instead. That strategy has also allowed Nintendo to avoid the high costs and constant retraining that are hamstringing its competitors.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
The Japanese game developer embraced “the principle of finding a playful way to design things that aren’t necessarily at the cutting-edge,” explains MacDonald, who currently writes about gaming for The Guardian. “That’s been a part of Nintendo’s philosophy since before it was even making video games.”
The Japanese company has what MacDonald deems a “slightly conservative” approach, ensuring that it maintains healthy profit margins and builds up large reserves of cash. “Nintendo always operates with an understanding that its next product might not be a hit,” she says.
Nintendo released the Switch 2, its latest video game console, earlier this year. While a few commentators griped that Nintendo’s latest version was just more powerful (and more expensive) than the last, gamers seem to have flocked to the new device. The company now expects to sell 19 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, the end of its fiscal year. The company reported 1.1 trillion Japanese yen ($7 billion) in revenue between March and September, more than double what it generated the same period a year ago. It also earned 199 billion yen ($1.3 billion) in profit, an 83% jump. Shares are up 46% for 2025 so far.
Nintendo was founded in 1889 as a company making playing cards and eventually moved to making toys in the 1960s. It shifted to video games in the 1970s, and had its first hit with Donkey Kong, developed by Shigeru Miyamoto, who eventually designed beloved franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
The game industry is known for its churn: Studios expand and contract according to changing demand. Around 10% of developers reported being laid off last year, and over 40% said they felt the effects of layoffs, according to a survey from the Game Developers Conference. “What that does is it robs companies of not just the knowledge, but also the security that helps people do their best work,” MacDonald says.
Nintendo, on the other hand, has sidestepped this boom and bust cycle. The company revealed earlier this year that its Japan-based employees had an average tenure of 15 years.
“The people who first made Nintendo’s hits are still working at the company,” MacDonald says. “For the last 50 years, these people have been passing down knowledge and training up a new generation of Nintendo creatives.”
She adds that the company also rejects hierarchy when it comes to design. “It’s not like the oldest guy gets to decide what’s a good idea and what isn’t. Everyone puts ideas in.”
Not all of Nintendo’s experiments work. Take the company’s Wii U console, released in 2012. Unlike its predecessor, the wildly successful Wii, the Wii U was a flop, selling barely 14 million units. Yet Nintendo took some of the design lessons from this failure and put them towards the Nintendo Switch—which, at 154 million units sold, is close to being the top-selling console of all time.
That’s just one of the things that MacDonald thinks that other companies—and not just those in the gaming industry—can learn from Nintendo.
“A failed idea is often a step towards the next hit you’re going to have.”
Nintendo gear is always sought after during the holiday shopping season, but this year likely more so than others. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the console launch of 2025 and it will undoubtedly be at the top of many wish lists for both kids and adults alike. If you were hoping to save a bit on the console during the Black Friday shopping season, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was just announced, and unsurprisingly, there aren’t a lot of true “deals” to be had. This is typical of Nintendo — legit Nintendo Black Friday deals are hard to come by — but there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you’re going to pick up a Switch 2 before the year is out.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
Nintendo Switch game deals
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature “holiday offers on select games,” so it appears we’ll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Switch 2 accessories were conspicuously absent from the announced deals, but there’s always a chance they’ll receive discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. A handful of official Nintendo accessories made it onto our best Switch 2 accessories list, but you can find plenty of good ones from other manufacturers as well. If you’re keen on getting a first-party accessory, though, for yourself or as a gift for someone else, here’s where you can find some of the most popular ones.
Joy-Con 2 bundle
Switch 2 Pro Controller
Switch 2 Camera
Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera
Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2)
More Nintendo Black Friday deals
Even if you can’t get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget’s Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo’s holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there’s really a ton to choose from — but you may want to pace yourself if you’re also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Dark Horse Books
There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
This may not be a welcome sight for parents, but this is sure to delight children who love cars, Mario or both. And because it has room to store more than 30 karts, this might actually help reduce some clutter. That’s a win-win situation in my book. — S.R.
When I first saw this Lego set in person, it took all my restraint not to run out and buy it for myself. Just look at it. If this doesn’t conjure up cozy feelings of a handheld that chewed through AA batteries while keeping millions of kids entertained during road trips in the ’90s, then you might be dead inside. Lego even includes some faux displays with a lenticular effect to give the impression that the game actually runs. Very neat. — S.R.
If you’re looking for a less frenetic nod to Nintendo’s creations, this 1,000-piece Pikmin puzzle is fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect activity to relax while enjoying good food, drink and the warmth of a nearby fire. And if this particular set doesn’t do it, there’s also an official Mario Kart-themed one as well. — S.R.
You can’t hate Kirby. You just can’t. He’s just a lovable little puffball that deserves to go wherever he wants — and thanks to this backpack that looks like a plushie or this nifty little beanie, you can take him with you everywhere. — S.R.
The good news is we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re stuck at home for the holidays and itching for something to play, or you just want to make sure you don’t let any hidden gems slip under your radar, here are five games from this year’s slate you should not miss.
Blippo+
Courtesy of Yacht; Telefantasy Studios; Noble Robot
If you’re in the mood for something a little out there, start with Blippo+. First released in May on the handheld Playdate console, the game arrived on PC and Switch in September.
At first blush, it’s a game about channel surfing. You browse different broadcasts, each of which feature bizarre, retro, live-action transmissions about a minute or so long, from nightly news and soap operas to quiz shows and fuzzy softcore. Every channel runs according to a schedule, which means you’ll need to decide which broadcasts to watch as they run live, and which to try again the next night. The more you watch, the easier it becomes to piece together the overall strange, sci-fi story of Blippo+, which plays out across these endearingly weird channels. Think ‘80s TV show Max Headroom, but with those vibes sprinkled into everything—including the retro soundtrack by Jona Bechtolt of Yacht and the composer Rob Kieswetter.
Blippo+ is one of the year’s most original games, so much so that it almost defies explanation. The less you know, the better. Best to embrace its absurdity by diving directly in.
Dogubomb’s Blue Prince (a play on “blueprints”) is for puzzle lovers. In House of Leaves fashion, players explore a mansion whose rooms are constantly changing in search of Room 46. Things are made even more difficult by the fact that, to start, you’ll only be able to take 50 steps per day, and your path will be redrafted anew every cycle depending on which rooms you choose to explore.
Nintendo gear is always sought after during the holiday shopping season, but this year likely more so than others. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the console launch of 2025 and it will undoubtedly be at the top of many wish lists for both kids and adults alike. If you were hoping to save a bit on the console during the Black Friday shopping season, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was announced, and unsurprisingly, there aren’t a lot of true “deals” to be had. This is typical of Nintendo — legit Nintendo Black Friday deals are hard to come by — but there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you’re going to pick up a Switch 2 before the year is out.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now, but there’s a new bundle to consider as well — the console with the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, which also costs $499. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
Nintendo Switch game deals
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature “holiday offers on select games,” so it appears we’ll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Switch 2 accessories were conspicuously absent from the announced deals, but there’s always a chance they’ll receive discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. A handful of official Nintendo accessories made it onto our best Switch 2 accessories list, but you can find plenty of good ones from other manufacturers as well. If you’re keen on getting a first-party accessory, though, for yourself or as a gift for someone else, here’s where you can find some of the most popular ones.
Joy-Con 2 bundle
Switch 2 Pro Controller
Switch 2 Camera
Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera
Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2)
More Nintendo Black Friday deals
Even if you can’t get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget’s Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo’s holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there’s really a ton to choose from — but you may want to pace yourself if you’re also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Dark Horse Books
There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
Technically it’s not a Stanley Cup, but that’s OK, because those never had the swag that these travel mugs do. Plus, there are a bunch of different versions to choose from including ones based on Bowser, Luigi and more.— S.R.
This may not be a welcome sight for parents, but this is sure to delight children who love cars, Mario or both. And because it has room to store more than 30 karts, this might actually help reduce some clutter. That’s a win-win situation in my book. — S.R.
When I first saw this Lego set in person, it took all my restraint not to run out and buy it for myself. Just look at it. If this doesn’t conjure up cozy feelings of a handheld that chewed through AA batteries while keeping millions of kids entertained during road trips in the ’90s, then you might be dead inside. Lego even includes some faux displays with a lenticular effect to give the impression that the game actually runs. Very neat. — S.R.
With Metroid Prime 4 due out in early December, this look back at all the wonderful art from previous entries in the franchise is the perfect table-setter for a new Metroid game and any die-hard fans of our favorite armored heroine. — S.R.
If you’re looking for a less frenetic nod to Nintendo’s creations, this 1,000-piece Pikmin puzzle is fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect activity to relax while enjoying good food, drink and the warmth of a nearby fire. And if this particular set doesn’t do it, there’s also an official Mario Kart-themed one as well. — S.R.
You can’t hate Kirby. You just can’t. He’s just a lovable little puffball that deserves to go wherever he wants — and thanks to this backpack that looks like a plushie or this nifty little beanie, you can take him with you everywhere. — S.R.
When it comes to holiday video game gifts, Nintendo gear is often at the top of the list for kids and adults like. This year likely more so than ever thanks to the launch of the Switch 2 back in the spring. But fi you were hoping to save money on the console with Black Friday deals, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was just announced, and unsurprisingly, there are a scant few real “deals” to be had. This is typical of Nintendo, though — actual Nintendo Black Friday deals are few and far between. However, there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you’re going to pick up a Switch 2 before this year is over.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now, but there’s a new bundle to consider as well — the console with the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, which also costs $499. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature “holiday offers on select games,” so it appears we’ll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Even if you can’t get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget’s Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo’s holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there’s really a ton to choose from — but you may want to pace yourself if you’re also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Dark Horse Books
There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
Technically it’s not a Stanley Cup, but that’s OK, because those never had the swag that these travel mugs do. Plus, there are a bunch of different versions to choose from including ones based on Bowser, Luigi and more.— S.R.
This may not be a welcome sight for parents, but this is sure to delight children who love cars, Mario or both. And because it has room to store more than 30 karts, this might actually help reduce some clutter. That’s a win-win situation in my book. — S.R.
When I first saw this Lego set in person, it took all my restraint not to run out and buy it for myself. Just look at it. If this doesn’t conjure up cozy feelings of a handheld that chewed through AA batteries while keeping millions of kids entertained during road trips in the ’90s, then you might be dead inside. Lego even includes some faux displays with a lenticular effect to give the impression that the game actually runs. Very neat. — S.R.
With Metroid Prime 4 due out in early December, this look back at all the wonderful art from previous entries in the franchise is the perfect table-setter for a new Metroid game and any die-hard fans of our favorite armored heroine. — S.R.
If you’re looking for a less frenetic nod to Nintendo’s creations, this 1,000-piece Pikmin puzzle is fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect activity to relax while enjoying good food, drink and the warmth of a nearby fire. And if this particular set doesn’t do it, there’s also an official Mario Kart-themed one as well. — S.R.
You can’t hate Kirby. You just can’t. He’s just a lovable little puffball that deserves to go wherever he wants — and thanks to this backpack that looks like a plushie or this nifty little beanie, you can take him with you everywhere. — S.R.
The most recent Switch 2 software update looks to have bricked many third-party docks and related accessories, according to users across the internet and a report by Kotaku. We don’t know if this was an intentional move by Nintendo or simply an accident. Engadget has reached out to the company for clarification.
The Switch 2 update 21.0.0 brings some much-needed quality-of-life features, like the ability to turn off autoplaying videos in the eShop and new icons that indicate whether a game is digital or physical. However, it also brought along the aforementioned dock hiccup.
Switch 2 owners have reported that these docks either don’t work at all or are now much more finicky, often requiring a restart. This doesn’t seem to have impacted all third-party docks, but complaints are coming in pertaining to many different products. YouTuber AustinJohnPlays tested out two different Switch 2 dock dongles after the update and reported that both were borked.
Nintendo has responded to these allegations, suggesting that this was an accident that only impacted certain devices. The company wrote that it “does not have any intention to hinder or invalidate legal third-party dock compatibility.” Sometimes new console firmware impacts third-party accessories. At the very least, this was something that happened to the original Switch a couple of times.
The companies that make these accessories will have to perform their own software updates to get things going again. In the meantime, exercise caution when buying a third-party dock.
Update, November 14 2025, 12:55PM ET: This story has been updated to include Nintendo’s response and a likely cause of the issue.
Nintendo’s lawsuit against Palworld just hit a snag. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has ordered a reexamination of a key Nintendo patent expected to be wielded in the case. Games Frayreports that the office is reviewing the Switch maker’s patent regarding “summon subcharacter and let it fight in 1 of 2 modes.” If we view Nintendo’s Palworld lawsuit as a test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, the development can only be seen as a good thing.
Several factors make the reexamination unusual. First, Nintendo’s patent in question (No. 12,403,397) was just granted in September. The review was personally ordered by newly sworn-in USPTO Director John A. Squires. The Trump appointee has historically sided with patent holders, making it harder to contest them. Stranger still, Games Fray says this may be the USPTO’s first patent reexamination in over a decade.
Palworld (Pocketpair)
Those ingredients suggest widespread blowback may be the driving force. Although Palworld developer Pocketpair is Nintendo’s immediate target, it’s easy to see the case opening a Pandora’s box where developers fear using well-established game mechanics. Indie developers would be particularly vulnerable. The “slippery slope” commentary practically writes itself.
If Nintendo’s patent is ultimately invalidated, we may be able to thank Konami. A 2002 patent application from the maker of Metal Gear and Castlevania was cited as prior art, casting doubt on Nintendo’s claim. A separate Nintendo patent, published in 2020, was also listed as possible prior art. Games Fray‘s report dives much deeper into the legal weeds.
Nintendo now has two months to respond. During that period, third parties can come forward with additional prior art references. As a nervous industry eyes Nintendo’s case as a potential test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, don’t be shocked if gaming lawyers search far and wide for more examples.
