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Tag: Nintendo

  • Mario, Metroid, Virtual Boy and more: all the biggest announcements from today’s Nintendo Direct

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    Whenever there’s a Nintendo Direct in September, you can be pretty sure that it’ll be a major edition of the showcase. Given that Friday’s one was scheduled to be about an hour long and that Nintendo has a whole new console to put games on, it was already likely that there was going to be a lot of news.

    Even then, it managed to be a jam-packed Direct. Let’s take a look at all the biggest announcements from the showcase, including what’s obviously the most important one: a Switch 2 version of Overcooked 2.

    Mario’s 40th anniversary

    September 13 is the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. in Japan, which is a big reason why this Direct took place on a Friday (a highly unusual day for Nintendo to hold one of its showcases). Following news of Mario-related updates for the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, the company revealed the title for the next Mario movie. It’s called The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and it’s coming to cinemas in the US on April 3. We’ll have to wait a little longer for a trailer, though.

    There was no announcement of an upcoming 3D Mario game today, unfortunately, but there was still plenty of other news. Mario Tennis Fever is coming to Switch 2 in February as the first new Mario Tennis game since 2018. Yoshi’s getting another adventure of his own with the Switch 2 platformer Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, which is set to arrive next spring. A Switch 2 version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder with fresh multiplayer modes will drop around that time too.

    Before all of that, though, Nintendo is bringing the wonderful Wii games Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 to Switch on October 2. They’ll be available separately or as a bundle on the eShop and as a combined edition on a $70 physical cartridge. On Switch 2, you’ll be able to play these two classics in 4K.

    Two Mario Galaxy Amiibo figures are coming in April as well. Even though I’m not typically an Amiibo collector, I really want those because Luma is just adorable. In addition, Nintendo plans to release a physical collectible of the Talking Flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder next spring.

    Donkey Kong Bananza DLC out today

    If you’ve already smashed everything to smithereens in Donkey Kong Bananza and have been yearning for more to do in one of the biggest Switch 2 exclusives to date, you’re in luck. Nintendo revealed a paid expansion for the platformer during the Direct. It’s called DK Island & Emerald Rush and it’s out today for $20.

    You’ll be able to barrel around Donkey Kong’s home island and meet up with some familiar faces. After you’ve beaten the story in the main game, you’ll be able to try the Emerald Rush mode. This will see you undertaking timed runs in DK Island and the main game’s layers to collect emerald ore, smash fossils and collect Banandium Gems.

    Meanwhile, Nintendo has released a demo for the main game. So, if you have a Switch 2 and haven’t played Donkey Kong Bananza yet, you’ll be able to find out for yourself why the other cool kids are saying “ooh, banana!” all the time.

    Pokémon Pokopia

    Quite a few people were expecting/hoping for news of a new Animal Crossing during the Nintendo Direct. While that didn’t happen, Nintendo had arguably something even more exciting to announce — especially if you’re both an Animal Crossing and Pokémon fan.

    Pokémon Pokopia is the first Pokémon life simulation game. You’ll play as a Ditto who has been transformed to look like a human and turn empty land into a cozy paradise for both yourself and Pokémon. Ditto can learn abilities from Pokémon, such as using Squirtle’s Water Gun to give life to flora.

    It looks utterly lovely. Pokémon Pokopia is coming to Switch 2 in 2026.

    Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

    Nintendo used this Direct to seriously start filling out its Switch 2 slate for 2026. One of the games it’s publishing for the system next year is a new entry in the Fire Emblem series. It announced Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave during the showcase.

    As ever, this will be a turn-based tactical RPG. The debut trailer touched on the story and characters in the upcoming game.

    Metroid Prime 4 and Hades 2 release dates

    We had a feeling these were coming soon, but release dates for both Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Hades 2 were both major announcements during the Direct. Samus has a rad, Tron-esque bike in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will arrive on Switch and Switch 2 on December 4.

    Hades 2, meanwhile, will arrive on Switch and Switch 2 on September 25. The full game will be available on Steam and Epic Games Store on the same day as it will exit early access on PC. There were be cross-save support across PC and Switch/Switch 2. The Switch 2 version will support 120fps gameplay when the console is docked. That Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong are dropping in the same month is pretty wild. Apologies to any designs you had on getting some sleep in September.

    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment release date

    Nintendo announced Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment during a dedicated launch direct for Switch 2 back in April, and now there’s a release date for this hack and slash game. It’s coming to the console on November 6.

    Age of Imprisonment, which was developed by Koei Tecmo’s AAA Games Studio, sees Princess Zelda traveling back in time and meeting Rauro and Sonia, the first king and queen of Hyrule. You’ll try to take down Ganondorf (yes, again) in what’s known as the Imprisoning War. Zonai devices will be at your disposal. According to the trailer, you’ll “uncover ancient truths that were only glimpsed in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”

    There’s two-player co-op support via split-screen and GameShare. Zelda, Rauru and Sonia are among the playable characters, and you’ll be able to swap between them. You can also play as a Korok for a change instead of torturing the poor creatures, you monsters.

    AAA third-party games coming to Switch 2

    Nintendo confirmed during the Direct that Resident Evil Requiem is coming to Switch 2. It’ll arrive on February 27, the same day the next entry in Capcom’s classic survival horror series debuts on other platforms. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village will also land on Switch on on February 27.

    We learned back in April that the first installment of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy was bound for Switch 2 and now there’s a release date for that. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is coming to the system on January 22.

    Switch 2 versions of indie classics

    The Nintendo Switch was such an important platform for indie games, and several that became huge hits are getting Switch 2 versions. Overcooked 2 (the ultimate relationship test, in my opinion) will have support for 4K visuals, 60fps gameplay, GameShare and CameraPlay — the feature that allows you to see you and your teammate’s faces on screen as you play —in its Switch 2 version. That’s on the way this holiday season.

    Stardew Valley will also support GameShare for co-op play on Switch 2. Mouse controls will be available, as well as four-player splitscreen and eight-player online action. Those who have the game on Switch already will get a free upgrade when the Switch 2 version arrives this fall.

    Human Fall Flat is headed to Switch 2 in Spring 2026. That will also have support for mouse controls, GameShare and eight-person multiplayer.

    It’s far too early to say whether Powerwash Simulator 2 will become an indie classic, but the original game was terrific and its sequel is getting a Switch 2 version as well. There’s no exact release date for Powerwash Simulator 2 as yet, but it’s still slated to arrive this fall.

    Suika Game gets a sequel

    Suika Game was a huge hit, and the sequel promises to soak up even more of my time. Suika Game Planet adds an extra dimension to the puzzle action. Instead of dropping fruit into a bucket and trying to combine two of the same items into a larger one, this time there’s a circular stage. That might be a fun wrinkle for anyone (me, hi) who gets frustrated about not being able to reach large fruit at the bottom of the container.

    Suika Game Planet is coming to Switch and Switch 2 this winter and I might not be able to do anything else with my time after it drops. The Switch 2 version will support a GameShare mode that allows up to four players to work together.

    Virtual Boy is back

    Last but not least, Nintendo had an absolute shocker when it came to Switch Online + Expansion Pack. No, it’s not adding Super Mario Sunshine to the Gamecube app just yet. The company is bringing Virtual Boy games to the service, which is more bananas than anything you’ll find in Donkey Kong Bananza.

    To play those games from a system that was notoriously undercooked (partly because Nintendo was placing much more focus on the massively more successful Nintendo 64 around that time), you’ll need an accessory. A $100 plastic tabletop one that looks just like the original Virtual Boy and a $25 cardboard version are on the way. They’re compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and, if it’s an authentic Virtual Boy experience, probably some eye strain.

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    Kris Holt

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  • Nintendo Drops Surprise Trailer for New ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’

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    Mario is returning to the big screen. Following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which made more than $1.3 billion worldwide in 2023, animation studio Illumination and Nintendo are releasing a sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in April 2026. Nintendo dropped a teaser trailer during its Direct presentation on Friday.

    The teaser doesn’t offer much about the movie, which takes its name from the 2007 platformer. Mario dozes in a field before title credits appear, that’s about it. But the trailer still signifies that Nintendo will continue to churn out films aimed at turning Mario into a megafranchise.

    It’s no coincidence that the trailer and accompanying announcement come just one day before the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. video game. In the four decades since that game’s release, Mario—and Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and other assorted characters—have become cultural icons.

    In 1993, Super Mario Bros. became one of the earliest videogame film adaptations. It was panned by critics and fans, but in the years since, games ranging from Mortal Kombat to Tomb Raider have been turned into movies. Now, as superhero fatigue sets in and ’90s nostalgia peaks, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which will include nods to the entire Mario series, stands poised to continue Mario’s domination.

    Considered the most successful video game adaptation ever made, The Super Mario Bros. Movie was the second highest-grossing movie of 2023, second only to Barbie. The original cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser, will return for the sequel.

    Alongside the news, Nintendo also announced it will release remastered versions of Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel on October 2.

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    Megan Farokhmanesh

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  • Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy as a Switch and Switch 2 accessory

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    Nintendo had a truly wild surprise up its sleeve for Switch Online + Expansion Pack during its Direct event on Friday. The company is bringing back the Virtual Boy as a physical device into which you can slot your Switch or Switch 2. A $100 plastic replica of the mid-90s tabletop system will soon be available for Switch Online members to buy. The company will sell a $25 cardboard version of the accessory too. No need to rub your eyes in disbelief (but if history is any indication, you might have to for relief after using this thing).

    You’ll need either accessory — which Nintendo says will only be available in the US and Canada — to play Virtual Boy games. They’ll start hitting Switch Online + Expansion Pack on February 17. Mario’s Tennis (a pack-in game for the original system), Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Space Invaders and Tetris are among the 14 stereoscopic 3D Virtual Boy games that Nintendo will bring to the subscription service over time.

    That means most of the Virtual Boy games that were ever released are coming to Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Nintendo only released 22 of them, since the Virtual Boy never took off. The company ended production of the device and stopped making games for it in 1996, only a year after the Virtual Boy hit shelves. Here’s hoping the latest version of the accessory doesn’t give players too many headaches.

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    Kris Holt

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  • Mario Tennis Fever hits the court on February 12

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    Switch 2 fans have a new Mario Tennis game to look forward to early next year. During Friday’s Direct presentation, Nintendo announced Mario Tennis Fever. It’s the first new entry in the long-running series since the release of Mario Tennis Aces in 2018. The new game will be a Switch 2 exclusive, with Nintendo promising plenty of tweaks to an established formula. For one, there are new defensive moves your character can take, including slides and dives, to prevent your opponent from scoring a point.

    Then there are the fever rackets, from which the game is named after. These essentially allow you to snowball against your opponent by building a rally gauge and then executing a “fever shot.” The effect of these depend on the racket you have equipped. For example, the ice racket will freeze a part of the court, while the mini mushroom racket will shrink your opponents, making it harder for them to cover their side of the court, if they’re hit by its projectiles. There are 30 fever rackets to try. Mario Tennis Fever will also offer the biggest roster in series history. In all, there are 38 playable characters, including fan-favorites like Rosalina and Donkey Kong.

    On top of that, Fever looks to offer plenty of different ways to play, with online play offered alongside a silly story mode that sees Mario and his friends turned into babies and forced to relearn the rules of tennis. There’s even a swing mode where you can use the Joy-Cons motion controls for a “more authentic experience.”

    You won’t have to wait long to play Mario Tennis Fever, with the game set to release on February 12, 2026.

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    Igor Bonifacic

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  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 version with new multiplayer modes

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    Nintendo kicked off its latest Direct on Friday with a slew of Mario-related news to mark the 40th anniversary of its mascot. One of those announcements was for a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the delightful Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which is coming next spring. It will feature fresh multiplayer modes and other new features that Nintendo will reveal later.

    A region called Bellabel Park will open up. You’ll be able to hop into several modes with family and friends, such as one that will see you compete to collect the most coins on a course and a game of tag. There’s also a Bob-omb relay race, a mini game where you’ll lay out donut blocks for each other to progress through a level and a rhythm game.

    In addition, Nintendo is going to sell a physical version of the annoying cute talking flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. That’s coming your way next spring too.

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    Kris Holt

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  • Sony is rolling out a PlayStation parental controls mobile app

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    Sony is finally catching up to something Nintendo and Microsoft have had for years. The new PlayStation Family app mainly serves as a mobile extension of on-console parental controls. However, parents also get a few extra perks in the mobile version.

    The app includes a “thoughtfully guided” onboarding process. (I imagine many people will prefer their phone or tablet over the console for that.) Once things are set up, parents can do everything they already could on the console. This includes setting playtime limits, viewing activity reports (daily and weekly), managing spending and creating content filters. Parents can also use the app to configure privacy settings for social features.

    One of the mobile app’s nicer perks is real-time notifications of what the child is playing. Parents can also approve or deny requests from their children for extra playtime or access to restricted games from within the app. That feature will likely get a lot of use.

    Although it’s a welcome rollout, Sony is quite late to the party. The Xbox Family Settings app launched over five years ago. Nintendo’s parental controls came even earlier, alongside the original Switch’s arrival.

    The app starts rolling out globally starting today. If you don’t see it yet, you can try the storefront links for iOS or Android.

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    Will Shanklin

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  • Nintendo wins a $2 million lawsuit against popular Switch modding webstore

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    Nintendo has just won another major battle in its longstanding war against piracy. Earlier this summer, a US federal court ruled in favor of Nintendo in a lawsuit against Ryan Daly and the Modded Hardware website. The site was known for selling devices that allowed users to get around Nintendo’s piracy protections, including the popular MIG Switch flashcart that lets buyers play official Nintendo games without the need for a physical cartridge. Besides requiring Daly to pay $2 million to Nintendo, the lawsuit requires him to shut down the website and forfeit the domain to Nintendo as part of an all-encompassing permanent injunction.

    The order also prevents Daly from any future involvement with devices that get around Nintendo’s guardrails, including creating, selling, contributing to, hosting other websites related to or investing in other businesses that deal in similar products. While MIG flash carts could be used as a backup for legally purchased physical games, it was more commonly used to pirate official Nintendo Switch titles. Nintendo has steadily fought against mods and pirating tools, including recently granting itself the power to brick Switches that have pirated games on them.

    Nintendo is no stranger to taking legal action against those who defy its strict policies. In March of last year, Nintendo filed a lawsuit against the makers of the Yuzu emulator. The suit was settled quickly, with the team behind the Nintendo Switch emulator agreeing to pay $2.4 million. Like the lawsuit against Daly, the team behind Yuzu had to surrender its website and permanently refrain from doing any activities that bypass Nintendo’s rules.

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    Jackson Chen

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  • 8BitDo’s N64 Controller Is Better Than Nintendo’s Original

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    The Nintendo 64 was a fantastic console, home to generation-defining games such as Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007. With its four built-in controller ports, it revolutionized multiplayer gaming in front of the TV, and it was the first mainstream console to introduce an analog stick, essential for navigating the burgeoning 3D worlds the medium was starting to deliver.

    Unfortunately, the controller it did all that with was an abomination, an unholy three-pronged monstrosity that earned my lifelong disdain. Fast-forward roughly three decades, though, and third-party peripheral maker 8BitDo has improved on the original N64 pad in almost every way with its new 64 Bluetooth Controller.

    Nostalgia Upgraded

    Photograph: Matt Kamen

    8BitDo’s pad is chiefly designed for the Analogue3D, an upcoming field programmable gate array (FPGA) console set to play original N64 cartridges, but it can be paired to practically any Bluetooth-enabled device, from PCs to smartphones to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles, where it can be used to play the digital N64 game library included for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.

    Aesthetically, traditionalists may lament the lack of the original N64 pad’s pops of color, but they have a sleek elegance to them. Intended to mirror the similarly monochrome Analogue3D, 8BitDo’s efforts match perfectly, while also looking like a fitting companion to Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller. Functionally, this takes everything that made Nintendo’s original controller so groundbreaking and repackages it into a modern unit that, crucially, fits into the average human’s two hands. Every input is present and accounted for, accurate down to icons and fonts.

    The 64 Bluetooth Controller massively improves the orientation, though. The original Z-Trigger, once on the underside of the official controller’s middle prong, is now two shoulder buttons, sitting where the L2/R2 triggers do on a PlayStation grip, while the analog stick is shunted to the left, comparable to an Xbox controller’s left stick. The result is that every input is within easy reach, eliminating the need to juggle your grip. It also introduces some welcome 21st-century upgrades, like making the thumbstick drift-proof thanks to Hall effect tech, and baking in haptic feedback, eliminating the need for a separate Rumble Pak.

    Stick ’Em Up

    Image may contain Cooktop Indoors Kitchen and Electronics

    Photograph: Matt Kamen

    The thumbstick is the star, feeling incredibly precise thanks to both Hall effect sensors and retaining the eight-way “gate” at its base, the octagonal notches allowing it to snap satisfyingly into place. Expect effortless combos in 1080° Snowboarding, precise shots in Perfect Dark, and smooth flying in Starfox. The staff of the stick is also wider, shorter, and made of metal, making it feel far sturdier than that of the original pad. While the top of the stick reproduces the trio of raised concentric rings and subtle concave dip for your thumb to rest on, it’s rubberized now, rather than slippery plastic, making for a surer grip.

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    Matt Kamen

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  • The Rad ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4’ Remasters Are $15 Off Right Now

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    Looking for a healthy dose of gaming nostalgia? You can save $15 on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, freshly remastered for basically every gaming console, including the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s relatively uncommon for newer titles to get a discount, especially on the latest Nintendo console, so this is a good time to scoop them if you’re interested.

    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

    If you’ve never played a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game, you’re missing out! The first game dropped in 1999, and they have steadily evolved over the years with bigger tricks, more points, and an ever-growing cast of real professional skaters. In recent years, Vicarious Visions and Iron Galaxy have buckled up the proverbial helmet and remastered the early games in the series, starting with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 in 2020.

    Notably, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 remasters don’t include the career mode, a big shift made by the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 that gave quests to NPCs around each map. Instead, both games use more traditional two-minute rounds, with a list of objectives to try and complete during that time.

    There are three entirely new maps for the remaster, my favorite of which is set on a huge pinball machine, complete with an even larger Tony Hawk looking down on you as you skate. I like that it feels unique and new, while still having that fun, slightly off-kilter vibe that made the games great in the first place.

    All of the existing maps have been revamped as well, with updated textures and models, new objectives, and fun little Easter eggs to find as you play. In addition to create-a-skater, and the original cast of pro skaters, there are new additions as well, like Andy Anderson, Bam Margera, and even Doom Guy from Doom. There are even remixed soundtracks with both classic tracks and new songs that fit the THPS vibe.

    After beating the career mode, there’s a surprising amount of replayability here, with tons of extra challenges and achievements to complete. I sunk countless hours in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 working on the “Get There” challenges, trying to perform precise combinations of tricks and gaps on each map. I’ve already worked my way through the regular and pro goals for each map in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, and I’m slowly chiseling away at the hardest challenges in the game, which ask for combos in the millions of points.

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    Brad Bourque

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  • Sony’s PlayStation 5 Gets a Big Price Hike

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    After Xbox and Nintendo both made their consoles and peripherals more expensive, it was inevitable that Sony would make the same move. Now every version of the PlayStation 5 costs $50 more, no matter if you decide to opt for the all-digital version or the PlayStation 5 Pro. No matter whether you’re an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo diehard, all your consoles will cost you way more, all down to the economic shitstorm caused by Trump tariffs.

    In a blog post, Sony said it was navigating “a challenging economic environment,” which is common code for steering the ship around supply chain and manufacturing issues caused by Trump’s obsession with import taxes. Starting Thursday, Aug. 21, the PlayStation 5 with disc drive will cost $550. Sony hiked the PlayStation 5 digital edition to $500, the same price as the version that could play physical media. Finally, the most expensive console, the PS5 Pro, will demand a whopping $750 from your wallet. All the PS5 accessories are keeping their current prices, but that means if you want a PS5 Pro with a separate $80 disc drive, you’ll end up spending $830 just to play all your PS4 and PS5 game discs with better graphics and performance options.

    Before the hike gets into gear, you still have the option to grab a cheaper version. Deals hunter Wario 64 pointed out that the PS5 Slim model Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 bundle still costs $400. Along with the $80 optical drive, it could be the cheapest way to get the stock standard PS5 before tomorrow’s price hikes.

    Microsoft hiked its digital Xbox Series X console prices up to $550 back in May in response to ongoing Trump tariffs. The Series S went up to $380 from $300. If you want a Series X with the optical drive, you need to pull out $600 from your wallet. Microsoft similarly made its controllers and official headset more expensive as well. While Nintendo kept its Switch 2 price steady at $450, earlier this month, the Mario maker increased prices for its original $300 Switch consoles by $40. The Switch Lite is now priced at $230, but the major blow was news that the Switch OLED now demands $400, just $50 less than the Switch 2. Nintendo also hiked prices of its Switch 2 controllers and other accessories by around $5 after already boosting costs back in April.

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    Kyle Barr

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  • How To Start Off Strong In Dragon Age: The Veilguard And More Of The Week’s Gaming Tips

    How To Start Off Strong In Dragon Age: The Veilguard And More Of The Week’s Gaming Tips

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    Screenshot: BioWare / Kotaku

    Dragon Age: The Veilguard is out tomorrow, October 31. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of developer BioWare’s fantasy RPGs or a newcomer looking to see what all the fuss is about, it’s worth noting that The Veilguard represents a pretty drastic shift from the tactical, open-zone RPG gameplay of its predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition. So no matter what your previous experience, there are a few things worth noting before you dive into this long-awaited return to Thedas. I’ve put over 60 hours into the game, so here are a few things I’ve learned for you to keep in mind as you get started. – Kenneth Shepard Read More

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    Kotaku Staff

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  • Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch

    Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch

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    The expansive world of Xenoblade Chronicles X returns with Definitive Edition, landing on the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. Originally released for the Wii U in 2015, this beloved sci-fi RPG gets a modern upgrade with enhanced visuals, updated storylines, and some exciting new features for fans and newcomers alike. Set on the alien world of Mira, the game offers an epic mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling. Here’s what you can expect from this updated classic.

    A Sci-Fi World Rich in Exploration

    Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition immerses players in a richly crafted sci-fi universe where they play as one of humanity’s last survivors. Set in 2054, players take on the role of a character from New Los Angeles (NLA), a colony formed on Mira after an intergalactic war forces humanity to abandon Earth. The game’s open world spans five alien continents, each teeming with strange life forms and otherworldly landscapes. From dense forests and sweeping plains to eerie alien ruins, the environment is as much a character in the story as the people trying to survive on it.

    The freedom to explore Mira’s expansive terrain allows for a truly open-world experience. Thanks to the game’s seamless transitions and detailed visuals, you can venture far and wide without interruption. The Definitive Edition gives the graphics a fresh look, enhancing Mira’s lush ecosystems and making this strange new world even more captivating.

    Customizable Characters and Combat

    One of the hallmarks of Xenoblade Chronicles X is its deep character customization options. Players can create their avatar’s look and choose a class that suits their preferred combat style. This flexibility means players can tailor their character’s skillset and abilities to fit how they want to engage in Mira’s unpredictable environment. The Definitive Edition retains this depth and even adds new customization features for players to explore.

    The combat system is designed to be as complex or straightforward as players want, thanks to an intuitive interface and dynamic mechanics. Players engage in real-time, strategic battles against Mira’s diverse creatures, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. For those willing to dive deeper, the game offers additional layers of strategy, skills, and upgrades, providing a challenging experience that rewards players for mastering its intricacies.

    Meet the Skell – Your Giant Combat Mech

    One of the most thrilling aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles X is the Skell, a massive, customizable mech that players unlock after proving themselves to the BLADE organization. The Skell can transform the way players interact with the world, enhancing both exploration and combat. These powerful machines are capable of traversing difficult terrains and defending players against the game’s toughest foes.

    Skells are more than just combat tools—they’re also integral to exploring new areas of Mira, particularly those that were inaccessible on foot. The freedom to pilot these machines elevates the gameplay, making for an exhilarating experience as you soar over landscapes or take on towering creatures in battle.

    Multiplayer Options and New Story Content

    Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition doesn’t just focus on solo play; it also features online multiplayer options. Players can join squads to complete missions together, including challenging Global Nemesis Battles that require teamwork to conquer. The online functionality also lets players recruit avatars of other users to join their in-game team, adding a cooperative element to the story.

    The Definitive Edition brings some fresh story elements as well. A mysterious hooded figure on the beach hints at new narrative layers, inviting players to delve further into Mira’s secrets. Although details about this new storyline remain sparse, it’s clear that there are more surprises in store for fans who want to uncover every corner of this unique world.

    An Updated Adventure Worth Revisiting

    With its enhanced graphics, added storylines, and a compelling mix of exploration and combat, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition looks set to bring the original game’s spirit to a new generation of Nintendo Switch players. From solo exploration to multiplayer missions, there’s a vast world waiting for both old fans and newcomers to explore. For those ready to dive into this sci-fi adventure, the Definitive Edition is now available for pre-order, with Nintendo Switch Online members able to use Game Vouchers for added savings.

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    Al Hilal

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  • The Best Ever Game Controller May Be Set for a Comeback

    The Best Ever Game Controller May Be Set for a Comeback

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    We recently told you why the Nintendo 64 controller was actually terrible, contrary to any flawed childhood memories you may have. Now let’s take a look at why the GameCube controller is quite the opposite. In fact, it stands as one of the best joypads Nintendo has ever released, and a brilliant example of how much Nintendo could improve in just one console generation.

    Launched alongside the diminutive GameCube in 2001, the controller beautifully refined the inputs of the N64’s. Its main thumbstick and D-Pad were aligned for easy reach, while the four C-buttons of its predecessor evolved into their final form, the C-stick, a long-overdue second thumbstick that allowed for better camera controls.

    The awkwardly placed Z-trigger of the N64 became the GameCube’s Z-button, sitting atop the right shoulder trigger, while the left and right triggers themselves curved outwards to naturally hug players’ fingers.

    The classic, and much loved, GameCube pad.

    Photograph: Courtesy of Nintendo

    The GameCube pad also offered some bold design choices of its own, such as the ultra prominent A button, surrounded by satellite B, X, and Y buttons—the latter two returning for the first time since the SNES. The asymmetry is still a bit odd to look at, but mechanically it works marvelously.

    Making Mario jump, his raison d’etre, is mapped to that colossal A button in Super Mario Sunshine; it’s the main interaction button for Luigi’s Mansion or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the shoot button in Metroid Prime. It gently reminded players—and perhaps even developers—how often a single face button dominates control layouts, and how controls can often be simplified to minimize inputs in the first place.

    Overall, it was an incredibly ergonomic controller, more comfortable to hold than its predecessor, and a better fit for the grip of homo sapiens—a species which, as previously discussed, evolved to typically have two hands, not three.

    Free As a Bird

    Nintendo even improved on the GameCube controller just a year later, with the glorious WaveBird model—a wireless upgrade that finally cut the cord for console gaming.

    The GameCube wasn’t the first console to introduce a cordless controller—that honor probably, technically, goes to the Atari 2600—but the WaveBird did make the idea finally viable. Many earlier efforts relied on an infrared detector (such as Nintendo’s own NES Satellite, which allowed up to four players to connect to the humble NES from 4.5 meters away), but as the tech required a strict line-of-sight from controller to receiver to work, they often flopped. Others, such as this monstrosity Intel attempted as a wireless PC controller in 1999, required prominent base stations to be installed.

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    Matt Kamen

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  • Dragon Age: The Veilguard Is Divisive, Call Of Duty’s Launcher Sucks, And More Of The Week’s Top Takes

    Dragon Age: The Veilguard Is Divisive, Call Of Duty’s Launcher Sucks, And More Of The Week’s Top Takes

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    Image: BioWare

    Today, October 28, reviews went live for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. I reviewed it here at Kotaku, and despite being jaded toward the series for the better part of a decade, I really loved the long-awaited fourth entry. Right now it sits at a strong 84 on review aggregate site Metacritic, which is about in line with where these games typically land. The original Dragon Age: Origins sits at an 86, with Inquisition, the series’ third entry, landing close by at 84. Meanwhile, Dragon Age II, probably the most divisive game in the series, sits at 79. As much as I loved my time with The Veilguard, I knew it would elicit some pretty divergent reactions from folks. There are 10s and there are some more middling scores. You can even find some folks straight-up saying they “do not recommend” the game, like YouTuber Skill Up does while discussing all his problems with BioWare’s latest entry. But what’s the issue? What are folks so split on? Well, everything, it sounds like. – Kenneth Shepard Read More

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    Kotaku Staff

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  • Kotaku’s Weekend Guide: 5 Great Games We Can’t Wait To Spend Time With

    Kotaku’s Weekend Guide: 5 Great Games We Can’t Wait To Spend Time With

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    Play it on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
    Current goal: Get some gaming spooks in for the season

    This year, Halloween fell on a Thursday, and I was so busy with work and other things that I didn’t manage to make much time for spooky gaming in the days leading up to it. I still have a hankering for some interactive scares, however, so this weekend, I hope to play one of the landmark games in the history of survival horror, officially translated into English and released in the States for the first time: Clock Tower. The new version, Clock Tower: Rewind, comes to us courtesy of WayForward and represents my first real chance to play the 1995 SNES horror classic.

    I actually don’t know much about the original Clock Tower, and I’ve kept it that way on purpose, as I want to go in knowing as little as possible and figure it out for myself. It’s scarier that way. But in short, it’s a 2D, survival horror point-and-click game that tells the story of Jennifer, a teenage orphan who’s adopted by a family with a big, spooky manor, and finds herself stalked by a horrifying entity known as Scissorman. WayForward’s release lets you play an enhanced version of the game “which features numerous gameplay additions and quality-of-life refinements,” and I may check that out as well, but for starters, I’ll be playing in Original mode, and experiencing the game just like it was when it scared the socks off of so many Japanese players way back in 1995. Sure, it may be November now, but I’m gonna linger in late October for just a little bit longer if it’s all the same to you. — Carolyn Petit

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    Kenneth Shepard, Moises Taveras, Carolyn Petit, Ethan Gach, and John Walker

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  • Analogue3D’s Retro Console Proves the N64 Controller Was the Worst Ever

    Analogue3D’s Retro Console Proves the N64 Controller Was the Worst Ever

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    I’m here to make friends, bask in the kind, accepting glow of internet comments, and speak the dark truth you’ve all long known to be true: The N64 controller, Nintendo‘s infamous trident joypad for its third home console, is, and always was, awful.

    You may think you like it. If you’re of a “certain age,” there’s a fair chance you have fond memories of being huddled around a TV screen, screeching with fury as you got hit by a blue shell in Mario Kart 64; losing yourself in the frenetic chaos of multiplayer Super Smash Bros.; or exploring Hyrule with wide-eyed wonder in Ocarina of Time.

    Nostalgia is a powerful force, though—and those warm fuzzy memories of what is undeniably one of gaming’s golden eras blinds you to the fact that you were doing all that with an abomination of a controller wedged into your hands.

    Hate’s a strong term to level at a video game controller, but I hate the N64 controller with a passion that must be unhealthy to direct at a bundle of plastic and wires. And, being of that certain age, it’s a hatred I’ve carried since childhood. Yet, as time passed, the hatred had subsided, or at least moved to the background. This week, however, my rage has been brought back to the fore.

    Analog Days

    The reason for this renewed odium? The reveal of the Analogue3D, an upcoming third-party console that not only plays original Nintendo 64 game cartridges, but makes them palatable on a modern 4K TV screen. Unlike the string of “mini” consoles released over the last few years, such as the SNES Classic Mini or Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Mini, Analogue’s gear doesn’t rely on emulation of games, but rather runs those original cartridges and uses an FPGA chip to—essentially—emulate the hardware of the original console.

    It’s not Analogue’s first attempt at reviving classic hardware, having previously launched the likes of the Analogue Pocket, a Game Boy–shaped handheld that plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance carts. It can also be kitted out with adaptors to handle Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, TurboGrafx-16, and Atari Lynx carts, too, making for a retro game collector’s dream system.

    The Analogue3D looks to be a promising bit of tech too. Analogue says it’s built around “a 220k LE Altera Cyclone 10GX, the most powerful FPGA Analogue has ever used in a product,” offers region-free support for N64 cartridges from anywhere in the world in NTSC or PAL format, an inbuilt version of the Nintendo Expansion Pak (an N64 accessory that doubled the console’s available memory from 4 MB to a whopping 8 MB, improving performance on select games), and outputs in 4K, or original display modes maintaining “true CRT reference quality” with “immersive scanlines and shadow masks.”

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    Matt Kamen

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  • The Nintendo 64 is Reborn in Analogue’s 3D Retro Console

    The Nintendo 64 is Reborn in Analogue’s 3D Retro Console

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    Analogue spent four years recreating the Nintendo 64’s hardware using FPGA circuits for the Analogue 3D. There’s no software emulation – it’s compatible with all N64 cartridges. It also comes with alternate display modes that the company claims are “virtually indistinguishable” from CRT displays. The matching 8Bitdo controller is sold separately.

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    Lambert Varias

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  • The next gen of Pokémon may be coming to Switch 2 — and the OG Switch

    The next gen of Pokémon may be coming to Switch 2 — and the OG Switch

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    A massive leak of data from Pokémon developer Game Freak, widely distributed online as the result of a hack of the company, has revealed new details about the past and future of franchise games, animated series, and live-action projects. That includes unconfirmed intel about the next generation of Pokémon — aka Gen 10 — and a new Pokémon game reportedly codenamed Gaia.

    Few details about the next mainline Pokémon game have been leaked as part of the hack. We don’t know where the next entry will be set, which Pokémon are confirmed to appear, or what new mechanics might be introduced.

    But the next-gen Pokémon game may have at least one twist: It’s supposedly a cross-generation game, and will reportedly be available for both the original Nintendo Switch and its still-unannounced successor, the “Switch 2.”

    A cross-gen release, while certainly not new for Pokémon publisher Nintendo, would be something of a rarity for the monster-collecting RPG series. Pokémon games are usually designed for specific generations of Nintendo hardware, though backward compatibility across generations of Nintendo handhelds and consoles means they’re playable on multiple systems. The Pokémon Company and Nintendo may be taking a somewhat different approach this time, capitalizing on the massive Switch user base while giving Switch 2 owners a new Pokémon game to enjoy, rather than waiting for a game purpose built for Nintendo’s next-gen system.

    Gaia may address the issue of delivering a new Pokémon game for a built-in audience and catering to early adopters of the Switch 2, and may also address a common complaint levied against developer Game Freak’s existing Switch game: their poor performance. The Switch 2 is reportedly more powerful than the existing, seven-year-old Switch, and Gaia would conceivably perform better on new hardware. An upgrade in visuals would certainly be a compelling reason to upgrade to Switch 2.

    While Nintendo and The Pokémon Company haven’t confirmed any details regarding the Game Freak hack, outside of certain employee information being exposed, one reliable Nintendo leaker appears to have corroborated the leak about a cross-gen Pokémon Gen 10. Polygon has reached out to The Pokémon Company for comment and will update when the company responds.

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    Michael McWhertor

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  • Pokémon developer Game Freak suffers massive data leak

    Pokémon developer Game Freak suffers massive data leak

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    Game Freak, the primary developer of Pokémon games, has suffered a serious data breach. Employees’ personal details have been published online, as well as a huge trove of documentation on Pokémon, including source code for complete builds of past games.

    In a statement, Game Freak said the leak was a result of “unauthorized access to our servers by a third party,” and it apologized for the release of over 2,600 items of personal data. It said the breach took place in August 2024 and that the affected server had already been rebuilt.

    Information obtained from the leaked files began to appear widely on Saturday and Sunday, and Game Freak’s statement surfaced online on Sunday. However, the statement is dated Thursday, Oct. 10. The statement addresses the leak of employees’ personal details but does not mention the release of any confidential game data.

    “Game Freak […] has discovered that personal information of our employees and others was leaked in connection with unauthorized access to our servers by a third party in August 2024,” the studio’s statement said (via machine translation). “We sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience and concern this has caused to all those involved.”

    Game Freak said it was contacting affected employees individually. “We have already rebuilt and re-inspected the server, and will strive to prevent recurrence by further strengthening our security measures,” it said.

    Polygon has contacted The Pokémon Company for comment. Game Freak is one of three stakeholders in Pokémon, alongside Nintendo and Creatures Inc., developer of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

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    Oli Welsh

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  • Make Waking Up Fun with the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo

    Make Waking Up Fun with the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo

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    Tired of the same old beeping alarm to start your day? Nintendo has something special to wake you up in style. The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo brings your favorite Nintendo worlds into your morning routine, making the act of getting out of bed a little more fun. From motion sensors to familiar game sounds, this clock is more than just an alarm — it’s an interactive experience.

    Wake Up in the World of Nintendo

    Imagine waking up to the sounds of Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, you can do exactly that. You get to choose from 35 immersive scenes inspired by five iconic Nintendo games: Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and Ring Fit Adventure. Each scene is paired with matching soundtracks and effects, so you can rise and shine with Mario, Zelda, or even the Inklings from Splatoon 3. It’s like waking up in a different world each morning — and who wouldn’t want that?

    Motion Sensor Magic

    One of Alarmo’s coolest features is its motion sensor technology. With just a wave of your hand, you can snooze your alarm without fumbling around for buttons. But it doesn’t stop there. To fully stop the alarm, you’ll need to actually get out of bed. This small bit of extra motivation can help even the heaviest sleepers. And if motion sensors aren’t your thing, don’t worry — Alarmo also has a Button Mode for a more traditional alarm clock experience. Whether you prefer a wave of the hand or a quick button press, Alarmo adapts to your style.

    Customize Your Morning Routine

    Alarmo doesn’t just offer a great way to wake up — it also lets you personalize your entire morning experience. You can set your alarm in either Steady or Gentle Mode. Steady Mode gradually ramps up the intensity, pushing you out of bed as the sound gets louder the longer you ignore it. Gentle Mode, on the other hand, offers a consistent volume for those who prefer a softer wake-up call. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can even set hourly chimes based on the Nintendo game theme you’ve chosen, bringing little moments of Nintendo fun into your day.

    But it’s not just mornings that Alarmo can enhance. You can also use the clock to help wind down at night. Set bedtime sounds to lull yourself to sleep with calming music and effects. It’s a full-circle experience designed to make your day a little more enjoyable from start to finish.

    A Nintendo Experience That Grows with You

    Another neat feature of the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is its ability to expand. If you link your Nintendo Account, you can download additional scenes from games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons when they become available via free updates. This means your morning routine can evolve over time, giving you new ways to wake up and keep things fresh. You can also track how much you move around during the night with the clock’s Records feature, adding a little insight into your sleep habits.

    Whether you’re a Nintendo fan looking to add a playful touch to your home or just someone who wants a more interesting way to wake up, the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is a perfect fit. It’s available for early purchase now for Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada, with a full retail release set for early 2025 at $99.99. With its unique features and connection to beloved Nintendo games, Alarmo is bound to make your mornings a whole lot more fun.

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    Al Hilal

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