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Reviews of Nintendo Games
Review Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (GBA) - The Series' Second Western Release Still Hits Hard
Worth fighting for
This review was originally published in March 2015. We're updating and republishing it to mark the arrival of the game in the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advance library. While Fire Emblem is a franchise with a long history in Japan, its track record in the West is far more condensed; in fact, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones...
Robot Jox
We were somewhere around 20 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, on the edge of thinking, 'This is all very familiar,' when the really feeling it began to take hold. As fun as Xenoblade Chronicles X is in its opening six chapters — and it's up there with the rest of the series in this regard — things only really...
Review Donkey Kong (GB) - One Of The Game Boy's Very Best
It's on with the King of the Kongs
This review was originally published in June 2011. We're updating and republishing it to mark the arrival of the game in the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy library. In 1994, Nintendo had a great idea; why not make a true sequel to the original Donkey Kong arcade game? The result is Donkey Kong for the Game Boy,...
Review Wario Land 4 (GBA) - A Boisterous But Impeccably Designed Platformer
Quality over quantity
This review was originally published in May 2014. We're updating and republishing it to mark the game's arrival in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GBA library. Although Wario's core platforming series has been overshadowed for years by the surrealist microgames of WarioWare, his excellent platformers have the sort...
Review Sutte Hakkun (SNES) - An Addictive Curio You Should Definitely Check Out
One of the most unique video game experiences ever crafted
This review was originally published in April 2009. We're updating and republishing it to mark the arrival of the game in the Nintendo Switch Online SNES library. Every so often a game comes along that makes you take your thumb off the fire button and don your thinking cap. But who wants...
Review Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
That's what you get for not hailing to the chimp
It’s not unfair to say that the gaming landscape was somewhat different when Donkey Kong Country Returns first fell into our laps in 2010; 2D platformers were a rare breed, and ol’ DK himself hadn’t arguably had a mainline entry in his series since 2004’s Jungle Beat. Back then, the title said...
Latest Nintendo News
TodayWed, 23rd Apr 2025
News Nintendo Seeks Injunction And $17,500 In Damages From 'Pirate' Streamer
Defendant has so far evaded complaints
Back in November 2024, we covered a case in which Nintendo of America had filed a lawsuit against an individual who had "repeatedly streamed pirated and emulated" Switch games while also using social media to promote Switch emulators to the general public. Now, after defendant Jesse Keighin – known under the...
News Nintendo Removes Worrying Cloud Save Note From Select Switch 2 Game Pages
Update: This Cloud had a silver lining
Just when you thought the messaging around Nintendo's 'Switch 2 Edition' games couldn't get any more confusing, another discovery comes along to stir things up even further. Looking at the game's store pages, it seems some upcoming titles won't support the Nintendo Switch Online Cloud Save feature — or maybe...
News F-Zero 99 Has Been Updated To Version 1.6.0, Here's What You Can Expect
You got boost power!
Nintendo has kept the F-Zero spirit alive over the past few years with all sorts of retro revivals and game updates, and this week it's rolled out Version 1.6.0 of its online battle royale F-Zero 99. You can update the game now from the Switch home menu. It adds five mirror tracks from the Ace League, five classic tracks to the...
News Switch 2 'Welcome Tour' Estimated File Size Revealed By Nintendo
A paid experience revealing Switch 2's secrets
Nintendo has already revealed the estimated file sizes of a handful of titles for Switch 2 and now we've got another one to add to this list. This time it's for the Switch 2 museum-like experience Welcome Tour, which Nintendo has confirmed will be a paid title. Here's the estimated file size, according...
News Switch 2 GameCube Controller Compatible With Other Games, But There May Be Some "Issues"
Nintendo confirms
There have been some concerns raised about the compatibility of the new wireless GameCube controller with "other" games on the Switch 2, so we reached out to Nintendo to ask about the specifics. Firstly, this controller is primarily designed for use with the GameCube classics collection, which is tied to the Switch Online +...
YesterdayTue, 22nd Apr 2025
Guide Where To Pre-Order The New Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom amiibo
Where to get the Riju, Sidon, Yunobo & Tulin amiibo
Just when you thought Nintendo had called time on its addictive line of NFC figurines, a new lineup of Zelda amiibo goes and pull you back in. That's right, there's a fresh bunch of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (and Street Fighter) amiibo launching alongside Switch 2 on 5th June, with...
News Nintendo Museum Has A Surprise If You Bring Your 3DS
A new kind of MuseumPass
If you're in Kyoto and happen to be paying a trip to the Nintendo Museum, make sure you have your 3DS on you, as there are a couple of exclusive StreetPass Miis you can grab. Nintendo Dream Web's Editor-in-Chief Rifa has paid a visit to the museum and shared a few photos of her time there. But one of them has caught the...
News Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Now Boasts 300 Playable Titles
Yeah, that's a lot
With the recent addition of the GBA title Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion, the paid service now boasts a total of 300 playable titles in the West. So to be clear, this count excludes SP titles, Japanese exclusives, and the upcoming line-up of GameCube titles for the Switch 2. And yes, just to...
News Tired Of Pro Controller Charge Times? The Switch 2 Model Is A Huge Step Up
Guilty as charged
For all the Switch 1 Pro Controller's good points (and there are a lot of them), it can take its sweet time getting to a full charge. Fortunately, the Switch 2 Pro Controller seems to be speeding things along in this department. Nintendo has revealed the technical specifications for the upcoming console's official controller,...
News Fire Emblem Engage Added To Nintendo Music, Here's Every Song Included
Engage those ears
Well, after a minor confirmation from Nintendo itself recently, the Fire Emblem Engage OST has been added to Nintendo Music's growing library. It's a bit of a ruddy big one too. We've got a total of 182 tracks here with a runtime of 7 hours and 24 minutes. Crikey! Needless to say, if you're a fan of Fire Emblem Engage, then you've...
News Nintendo Expands Switch Online's GBA Library With A Classic Fire Emblem
"You must always be ready for battle"
Nintendo has today released a brand new update for its Switch Online Game Boy Advance library. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been added for Expansion Pack subscribers. Released on the GBA in 2005, this was the second series entry to launch in the West (the first, The Blazing Blade, launched in North...
Monday21st Apr 2025
Random Paul Rudd "Got A Real Kick" Out Of Reuniting With Nintendo For New Commercial
"It made me nostalgic in all the right ways"
If you haven't seen the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial featuring Paul Rudd, where have you been? It's a delightful throwback to one of the Ant Man and Anchorman actor's first ever acting roles, a SNES commercial from 1991. It's daft, it's silly, and we didn't think we could love Rudd any more. F
News Walmart Joins GameStop With Higher amiibo Price Listings For Switch 2 (US)
Nothing from Nintendo, yet
Walmart has updated its prices for the new Switch 2 amiibo, matching the
Feature Catch-Up Crew: Pikmin - "A Moment Of Sheer Panic That I Can’t Quite Describe"
I am compelled—I must approach it
Captain's log, stardate 202504.21. Following our last Catch-up Crew mission to Shadow Moses Island, the crew has enjoyed extended shore leave having (re)acquainted ourselves with Metal Gear Solid. Our new assignment takes us to the M-class world of PNF-404. However, ship instruments indicate that we haven't left...
News The Switch 2's New Magnetic Joy-Con Originally Didn't Have A Release Button
Ready? Pull!
Before the Switch 2 was officially announced earlier this year, magnetic Joy-Con controllers were rumoured for quite a while. In fact, developers at Nintendo wanted to utilise magnets on the original Switch, but the technology at the time meant that they wouldn't be strong enough to gain the late Satoru Iwata's approval. Thankfully,...
News "Stay Tuned" For Next Mainline Mario, Says Nintendo's Bowser
"We have a long, long catalogue"
We'll admit it, we all thought a new 3D Mario game would be the star of the show in Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal. Donkey Kong Bananza took that spot instead, but that's not to say that Nintendo hasn't been cooking something up for its prized plumber. At least, that's what Nintendo of America's Doug Bowser seems to be...
News What's Palworld Dev's Defence Against Nintendo's Lawsuit? Pikmin 3, Apparently
Amongst other games, of course
Palworld dev Pocketpair is currently locked in a legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over alleged patent infringement. Now, as detailed by Games Fray (thanks, VGC), we have a vague idea of how Pocketpair might be looking to
Sunday20th Apr 2025
Poll Box Art Brawl - Duel: Pikmin (GameCube)
Pik your winner
Hello everyone – welcome to another edition of Box Art Brawl! Last time, we looked at Survival Kids for the Game Boy Color in celebration of the new Switch 2 release from publisher Konami. In the end, although North America's variant is certainly nice enough, Europe and Japan won the day confidently with 71% of the vote. This...
News Paul Rudd Returns In An Awesome SNES-Style Switch 2 Commercial
Super together!
Nintendo has gone all out for its first Western Switch 2 commercial, bringing back actor Paul Rudd to showcase the console's new GameChat functionality. Wait... bringing back, you say? Yes, for those who grew up in the SNES days, you might remember Paul Rudd starred in a similar 1991 commercial for Nintendo's successor to the NES...
Saturday19th Apr 2025
News amiibo Could Be Getting A Price Hike, According To GameStop Listings (US)
Nintendo has already confirmed an increase on accessory prices
The price of Switch 2 accessories in the US has officially been adjusted by Nintendo "due to changes in market conditions" and there are now claims this could impact amiibo next. According to the latest GameStop listings, the next wave of Zelda amiibo (scheduled to release alongside the...
Video Nintendo Today Gives Us Another Look At SoulCalibur II For Switch 2 Online
GameCube will be available for Switch 2's 'Expansion Pack' tier
The Nintendo Today! mobile app has been sharing additional footage of the GameCube games on the way to the Switch 2's online expansion pack at launch, and the latest video is a look at SoulCalibur II. This Namco fighter originally made its debut on consoles in 2003, with each version...
Friday18th Apr 2025
Japanese Charts Mario Party Jamboree Rolls Its Way To Another Victory
You got a star!
Sorry, everyone! We were a little distracted by yesterday's Mario Kart World Direct and had to push the latest numbers from Famitsu aside for a little while. But have no fear, we're back to provide the latest look at the Japanese charts. Much like last time, it has been a pretty quiet week in the wake of Nintendo opening the...
News Nintendo Kicks Off Mario Kart World Marketing In Japan With A Trio Of New Trailers
Start your engines
Well folks, it looks like Nintendo is officially off the start line with its Mario Kart World marketing in Japan. The upcoming racer has just scored three new trailers, showcasing some of the new characters, courses and tricks you'll be able to see in action from 5th June. A lot of the footage might not seem all that new after...
Feature The Switch 2 Sticks Might Not Be Hall Effect, But They Feel Fantastic
So smooth
One of the disappointments to come from the recent avalanche of Switch 2 information was the confirmation that the new Joy-Con 2 controllers would not use Hall Effect magnet technology. Of course, it does make sense, in a way, since the Switch 2 is already utilising magnets to attach the Joy-Con to the console, so although it would be...
News Nintendo Switch 2 US Pre-Orders Start 24th April, System & Launch Game Pricing Unchanged
But accessories "experience price adjustments" in the US
Switch 2 will remain at the previously announced price of $449.99 USD ($629.99 CAD) for the base hardware and $499.99 ($699.99 CAD) for the Mario Kart World bundle in North America, Nintendo has announced. Prices for Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Bananza will also remain unchanged at $79.99 USD...
News Another Fire Emblem Soundtrack Looks To Be Joining Nintendo Music
Listen up
The Nintendo Music app is being updated on a weekly basis and it looks like we might have got a teaser of what's on the way. According to a new advert (as highlighted by Wario64 on social media), it looks like Fire Emblem Engage's soundtrack will soon be added to this Switch Online music library. Here's what the description says: "You...
Thursday17th Apr 2025
Gallery Fresh Mario Kart World Screenshots Give Us Our Closest Look Yet At The New Racers
We feel a new main coming along...
The Mario Kart World Direct has been and gone, and we learnt... not all that much actually. What we did get out of it, mind you, is a fresh batch of screenshots from Nintendo, showcasing the majority of our new racers with some stunning close-ups. World appears to have the series' biggest roster yet, with an...
Nintendo Direct Mario Kart World: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate It?
Mario Kart whirled
The first Nintendo Direct dedicated to a single Switch 2 game has come and gone, giving us a 15-minute deep drive (c'mon, that's a keeper!) into everything we can expect from Mario Kart World when it launches alongside the system on 5th June. If you've been keeping up with hands-on impressions following the Switch 2 Direct and...
News Nintendo's Quiet 2024 Led To 26% Drop In Physical Game Sales (UK)
And it's not getting much better
Nintendo had a pretty quiet year in 2024, all told. Sure, it launched some pretty significant games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, but there was definitely a sense that the company was starting to wind things down ahead of its big Switch 2 reveal early in 2025. As...
News You'll Want To Learn These New Mario Kart World Tricks If You Hope To Win
Get ready to Rewind
After a decade of playing with Mario Kart 8's driving mechanics, we've all got pretty used to the techniques required to nab a win. However, it looks like Mario Kart World is taking us back to school with a new roster of cool moves. Today's Direct presentation introduced us to the first of these new techniques: Charge Jump. By...
News Nintendo's Teasing Mario Kart World's Rainbow Road, But You'll Have To Work For It
It's about drive, it's about Ice Flower
Mario Kart World having some kind of Rainbow Road track seemed like a no-brainer, but Nintendo's playing its cards close to its chest with the details (apart from that one leaked image from the official website). However, during today's Direct, the jolly announcer dropped one big hint that the iconic raceway...
News Mario Kart World's Costumes Unlock Via Its New "Dash Food" Cuisine
Global fusions
As detailed during Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct, the Switch 2-exclusive racer will allow its players to unlock a literal smorgasbord of costumes inspired by a menu made up of "dash foods" from around the world. During the show, we got a look at some Free-Roam-style portions of Mario Kart World, which are populated by Yoshi...
News Mario Kart World Brings Back Another Fan-Favourite Mode
Let battle commence!
The Mario Kart World Direct has provided confirmation that the fan-favourite Battle Mode will be making its grand return in the new Switch 2 title. For the uninitiated, Battle Mode contains two sub-modes in which players compete against one another within contained environments. The first, Balloon Battle, has you launch items...
News Mario Kart World's 'Free Roam' Is Much More Than Mindless Open World Driving
Unlocks and missions and friends, oh my!
Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct might not have been stuffed with new information about the upcoming racer, but it did give us a closer look at the new 'Free Roam' mode and spill the beans on some of the activities we'll find on the open road. As it turns out, Free Roam is packed with missions and...
Watch Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct - Live!
With additional reactions from Mr. Felix!
Watch along live with the lovely Felix from our video team here, or SCROLL DOWN FOR THE STANDARD STREAM AND OUR LIVE BLOG! Gosh, just how many Directs are we actually getting this year? Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct marks the third in as little as one month, but y'know what, we'll take it. We already...
News Japan's First Switch Modder Court Ruling Ends With A Fraction Of Nintendo's Full Wrath
It's fine time
It's not unusual to see Nintendo track down anyone who messes with its products — be that through mods, emulation, or copyright issues — but the outcome of a recent Japanese court ruling feels like a comparative slapped wrist when compared to some of the wrath we've seen from The House of Mario in the past (thanks for the heads...
News Yep, It Looks Like You Can Still Dodge Blue Shells In Mario Kart World
If you have a mushroom, that is
Dodging blue shells in Mario Kart has long been a tricky, albeit perfectly doable skill that players have been executing for years at this point. The good news, then, is it looks like you can still do it in Mario Kart World. While we've not yet seen evidence that the Super Horn can still knock out an incoming Blue...
ICYMI Nintendo Reminds Us Game Vouchers Won't Work On Switch 2 Exclusives
The Switch 2 is also backwards compatible
Switch 2 is an evolution of the original device in all sorts of ways, but there's also a fair bit of overlap with current and existing systems in place. With this in consideration, Nintendo has today issued a reminder about how the current Switch Online game voucher service isn't eligible with Switch 2...
Wednesday16th Apr 2025
News Nintendo Confirms Duration For Tomorrow's Mario Kart World Direct
Strap in
Nintendo has confirmed the duration for tomorrow's Mario Kart World Direct presentation. Announced via social media, the Direct will last "roughly 15 minutes", which is a pretty solid chunk of time to spend on just one game. As for what might be announced..? Well, who knows, but we're certain Nintendo has been keeping quite a lot under...
Video 20+ Things We Still Don't Know About Switch 2
Send in the knowns
Questions, questions, questions. Since the Switch 2 Direct finally doused us with molten info and elicited the hottest of takes from us all, there's been a steady stream of questions trickling in from all Nintendo fans. Pinning Nintendo down on specifics in interviews and through other official channels has been tough as the...
News "Nintendo Has Been A Great Partner" - Phil Spencer Reiterates Switch 2 Support
"I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry"
Microsoft's Phil Spencer has once again reiterated his support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in a new interview with Variety (thanks, VGC). When asked whether Xbox has any specific projects in mind for the Switch 2, Spencer was understandably hesitant to provide concrete...
Rumour Pre-Orders For Switch 2 May Commence In The US Next Week
Alongside pre-orders in Canada
As hype surrounding the upcoming Switch 2 was just about to reach its peak after the exceptional Direct presentation from Nintendo, the company announced that it would be delaying pre-orders in the US in light of the global tariffs from The Trump Administration. Similarly, pre-orders in Canada were also delayed, with...
News Switch 2's Backwards Compatibility List Provides Updates On Two Titles
Here's what you can expect
Switch 2 was promoted as having backwards compatibility with existing Switch titles, but as we now know, not every game works properly on Nintendo's new hardware. It was previously revealed by the Japanese firm how it was testing as many games as possible and with this in mind, the company's website has provided an...
Video Nintendo Today Gives Us Another Look At F-Zero GX For Switch Online
GameCube games are coming to Switch 2
Alongside its full reveal of the Switch 2, Nintendo announced the GameCube library would be added exclusively to the new system's online 'Expansion Pack' tier. At launch, we'll be able to play three titles and Nintendo has now uploaded another look at F-Zero GX on its 'Nintendo Today!' mobile app. You can see...
Video Switch 2 'Joy-Con 2' Magnet Strength Tested
Here's how they hold up
The Switch 2 will replace the Switch's physical rail system with a magnetic connection where the Joy-Con 2 "snap" into place. Nintendo has already stated how it wanted this new design to attach the controllers "firmly" to avoid any "wobble" - so just how strong are these magnets? The folks at IGN recently put it to the test...
Tuesday15th Apr 2025
Guide All Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games And Free Performance Updates
Next-gen TLC
Nintendo has been very bullish about making the transition from the Switch 1 to the Switch 2 as seamless as possible for current owners, so naturally, that means we'll be seeing a bunch of original Switch games receive updates for the new system to take advantage of that additional power. We're getting two types of updates for Switch 1...
Watch Got Questions About Switch 2? Ask Alex - Live!
Hello there, lovely peeeeople
Following the Switch 2 Direct nearly two weeks ago(!), the buzz around Nintendo's upcoming console has been loud as games media and Switch 2 Experience ticket holders have gone hands-on with the system and its games. Following the UK-based event this weekend, the remaining bulk of the Nintendo Life team got to lick try...
News Swapping To Switch 2's Mouse Mode In Metroid Prime 4 Is As Easy As Pie
Beyond seamless
After many, many years of waiting, we finally have a little more information about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Samus' next hotly-anticipated adventure will arrive on both Switch and Switch 2 at some point this year, the latter version boasting improved visuals and access to the upcoming console's Mouse Mode for precise aiming. At the...
News Sony Vet Shuhei Yoshida Says Nintendo Is "Losing Their Identity" With Switch 2
NintenDOOMED?
Over the decades, Nintendo has cultivated a reputation in which it seemingly strives for innovation in gaming over simple iterative upgrades. The Wii and DS were perhaps the most obvious instances of this, pushing Nintendo into the stratosphere by appealing to mass audiences beyond the usual hardcore crowd. With the Switch 2, Nintendo...
News You Can Finally Repair Weapons In Zelda: BOTW And TOTK On Switch 2 (Sort Of)
You'll need to use 'Zelda Notes', though
Weapon durability has long been a 'controversial' mechanic seen in both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. While many embraced the need to experiment in combat situations – whether it be with the Rune abilities or the environment itself – others have resented the fact that...