Super Mario Odyssey
News, coverage and analysis tracking Super Mario Odyssey across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Nintendo cuts Switch 2 production by 30% due to low Western demand
Nintendo has reportedly cut production of the Nintendo Switch 2 by up to 30% due to weaker-than-expected demand in Western markets. The company is now targeting four million units for the current quarter instead of six million. This reduction is attributed to rising console prices and broader economic factors impacting consumer spending on electronics.
How voxels enabled a juicy gameplay loop in Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza utilizes destructible voxel environments to create a unique gameplay loop that blends combat and exploration. This technology, also seen in Super Mario Odyssey, allows for "chains of destruction" where combat actions directly impact the environment, revealing secrets and enabling further progression. Developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara presented how this approach offers players more opportunities and enhances the game's design.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues its reference-heavy marketing campaign with a surprise cameo from another Nintendo IP
The marketing campaign for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues to feature numerous video game references, with a recent social media spot revealing a cameo from Pikmin. This follows previous teases and a significant presence of Donkey Kong in the 2023 film. The movie is set to release on April 1st.
Nintendo says Donkey Kong Bananza contains 'hints' to next 3D Mario
Nintendo director Kenta Motokura has indicated that the upcoming 3D Mario game will draw inspiration from Donkey Kong Bananza, similar to how Odyssey influenced Bananza. While specific mechanics like destruction are unlikely to be carried over, Motokura expects elements from Donkey Kong Bananza to provide hints for future developments in the 3D Mario series.
Donkey Kong Bananza Focused on Kong’s Raw Strength to Differentiate Him From Mario, Says Producer
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura discussed the challenges of differentiating Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from Super Mario Odyssey, focusing on Donkey Kong's raw strength and destructive capabilities. Consultations with Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi helped define Donkey Kong's unique characteristics, such as his longer arms and powerful actions, to create distinct gameplay experiences compared to Mario. The goal was to offer players variety by highlighting the differences between the two IPs and their respective playstyles.
Donkey Kong Bananza devs want to make sure Mario and DK's games feel different: "Is there perhaps a slightly different kind of person that might prefer one character over the other?"
Nintendo developers aimed to differentiate Donkey Kong Country Returns from Super Mario Odyssey by focusing on distinct gameplay mechanics and character abilities. Producer Kenta Motokura explained that the team considered what unique actions Donkey Kong could perform, such as large-scale destruction, to set the game apart.
Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect killer app for Nintendo Switch 2 - Reader's Feature
A reader's feature praises Donkey Kong Bananza as a near-launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, calling it an incredibly fun, creative, and technically impressive experience. The game is lauded for its original gameplay, expansive level design, and satisfying mechanics, though some minor flaws like camera issues and enemy variety are noted.
Donkey Kong Bananza May Influence Future Projects, But Producer Says Freshness is the Real Standard
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura stated that ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza may influence future projects, similar to how Super Mario Odyssey influenced Bananza's development. The focus remains on delivering fresh experiences to players, with the game featuring unique mechanics like Pauline's singing power. The article also mentions the paid DLC, DK Island and Emerald Rush, which adds a roguelike mode and limited-time events.
Some ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza could be in Nintendo’s next big project
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura stated that ideas and concepts from Donkey Kong Country Returns may influence the company's next major project. He drew a parallel to how Super Mario Odyssey's development provided hints for Donkey Kong Country Returns, expecting a similar phenomenon for future titles.
Persona Meets Mario: What Today's Gaming Mashups Teach ... | TAG
Developers of Donkey Kong Bananza admit the game's 'Elephant Bananza' transformation feature may have gone too far, while Nintendo clarifies the elephant mechanics in Super Mario Bros. Wonder were coincidental. Separately, X-Men '97 season 2 hints at its release date through a new comic series, and Ghost of Yotei's free online mode 'Legends' is praised for its quality. The article also touches on Starfield's composer, Pokémon TCG's new set, and rising V-Bucks prices.
"Some ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza" may inform Nintendo's next big project, producer says, but "the standard is really what will feel fresh to a player in a new title"
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura suggests that ideas from Donkey Kong Country Returns may influence future projects, similar to how development on that game provided insights for Super Mario Odyssey. He emphasizes that the team prioritizes creating fresh experiences for players in new titles.
We asked Nintendo point-blank about Donkey Kong Bananza's biggest mystery: They wouldn't tell us who Pauline…
Nintendo developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara declined to reveal the true identity of Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza during an interview at the Game Developers Conference. The game features narrative twists and Easter eggs for fans, but leaves the mystery of Pauline's connection to the original Donkey Kong and Super Mario Odyssey unresolved.
Donkey Kong Bananza Developers on Voxels, Sandboxes, and a Delicious Bacon Burger Prototype - IGN
Donkey Kong Bananza developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara discuss the game's voxel technology, sandbox research, and the evolution of its destructive gameplay mechanics. They also touch upon early prototypes, including a bacon burger concept, and the challenges of designing destructible environments for the Nintendo Switch.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAG
Microsoft has revealed that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will not be released until 2027, featuring custom AMD chips with advanced ray tracing and upscaling capabilities. Separately, a surprise public playtest for Secret Door and Dreamhaven's Shadowstone has launched, Nintendo is preparing an update for Pokémon Pokopia, and Square Enix has surprise-launched Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Additionally, Jeff Kaplan explained his departure from Blizzard, and deals for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles and games are available.
Donkey Kong Bananza's Best Feature Went "Too Far," Dev Says
A developer for Donkey Kong Bananza stated that the game's most destructive feature, the Elephant Bananza transformation, may have gone "too far" but is ultimately fun. Producer Kenta Motokura also commented on the coincidence of elephants appearing in both Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, noting their different design goals.
Donkey Kong Bananza Began As A Goomba With Giant Fists
Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza originated from a prototype inspired by Super Mario Odyssey's destructible environments. Initially, the prototype featured a Goomba with giant fists, testing the core mechanic of smashing through terrain. The game utilizes voxel technology to create highly destructible environments, with nearly everything in the game being breakable.
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club Review -- Gamerhub UK
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club is a kid-friendly game that sacrifices depth for accessibility, making it less competitive than titles like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes or Super Mario Odyssey due to its lack of challenge, progression, and variety. While its charm lies in its niceness, this also proves to be its weakness on the Nintendo Switch.
Diskutera – Det bästa Mario-spelet jag vet är...
This article discusses the legacy of the Super Mario franchise as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. It prompts readers to share their favorite Mario game, acknowledging the vast library of titles including Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, as well as Mario's ventures into other genres.
Games Inbox: Is buying physical video games becoming more popular?
Readers discuss the resurgence of physical game sales, drawing parallels to vinyl and other retro media. Concerns are raised about the future of the Fallout franchise under Bethesda and Todd Howard's direction, with a preference for Obsidian's involvement. The success of Pokémon Pokopia is highlighted as a risk rewarded, while the Nintendo vs. Sega rivalry is revisited, noting Nintendo's current dominance.
'It Is More Fun to Destroy That Which Is Beautiful' – Nintendo Crammed More Than 340 Million Voxels Into Just One of Donkey Kong Bananza's Layers - IGN
Nintendo developers discussed the voxel technology used in Donkey Kong Bananza, revealing that one layer alone contained over 347 million voxels. The team detailed how this technology, an evolution from Super Mario Odyssey, enabled destructible environments and contributed to the game's 60fps performance on the Switch 2.
