Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
PS5 and Switch 2 prices set to rise again as memory chip costs more than doubleRising memory chip costs, driven by high demand from AI data centers, are projected to increase hardware component prices by up to 75%. This trend is expected to lead to price hikes for current and future consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and potentially delay next-generation hardware releases. Valve has also acknowledged that these shortages have altered its launch plans for its Steam Machine.
Pokémon & Zelda Rip-Off 'Pickmos' Removed From Steam As Publisher IntervenesThe game Pickmos, developed by PocketGame and published by Networkgo, has been removed from Steam due to accusations of ripping off designs from Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Palworld. Networkgo has intervened in the development process to ensure a controversy-free experience, with PocketGame revising the game for a potential re-release after publisher approval.
The new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is doing a lot with its extra wattage, but I'm bracing myself for the price tagThe 2026 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor, featuring Intel's new Panther Lake processors and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. It boasts a brighter OLED display and a comfortable keyboard, though concerns remain about potential throttling away from a desk and its likely high price tag.
My Nintendo adds Mario Tennis Fever wristbandMy Nintendo has added a new reward for Mario Tennis Aces: a themed wristband available for 600 Platinum Points. The wristband, made of cotton and polyester, is described as lending a sporty edge. This follows the game's release in February on the Nintendo Switch.
PSA: You Definitely Don't Want To Time Travel In Tomodachi Life: Living The DreamNintendo has issued a warning that time traveling in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream does not provide benefits and instead causes negative consequences. Adjusting the system clock will cause shops to stop refreshing for 24 hours, and this timer resets if the clock is changed again. The game is best played in real-time bursts.
White House uses Wii Sports to promote Iran War and Japan is not happyThe White House has faced criticism, including from Japan's Foreign Minister, for using copyrighted video game footage, specifically from Wii Sports, in propaganda videos promoting military operations. Nintendo has remained silent, though other companies like Microsoft have also seen their games used in similar contexts without comment. The article also touches on politicians using video game metaphors in public addresses.
Here's How To Get All Your Filthy Tomodachi Life Videos Directly Off Your SwitchThis guide explains how to access and transfer screenshots and videos from Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on the Nintendo Switch, as direct sharing to smart devices is blocked by Nintendo. Two methods are detailed: copying directly to a PC via USB or copying to a microSD card. Nintendo cited concerns about out-of-context scenes being misunderstood as the reason for the restriction.
Pokemon-Palworld Clone Pickmos Pulled From Steam As Publisher Promise "Controversy-Free" ReworkThe game Pickmos, developed by PocketGame and published by Networkgo, has been removed from Steam due to accusations of heavily copying Pokemon and Palworld. Publisher Networkgo has intervened in development to ensure a "controversy-free" rework, with the game expected to be re-released after revisions. Nintendo's history of protecting its Pokemon intellectual property was also cited as a concern.
Zohran Mamdani turns philanthropy and corporate greed into an extended Mario Kart metaphor: 'Government is…New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a Mario Kart metaphor to explain the relationship between government and philanthropy in funding child care initiatives. He likened government to Yoshi and philanthropy to the golden mushroom, with corporate greed representing Bowser. The article also touches on Mamdani's childhood interest in games like SimCity 3000.
The classic Xenosaga series is finally making its PC debut, but don't get too excited because it's a 2004…The classic JRPG Xenosaga: Pied Piper, originally released for Japanese mobile phones in 2004, is coming to PC via Steam. Developed by Monolith Soft and published by G-Mode, this port will not include an English translation or modern quality-of-life improvements. This release highlights G-Mode's efforts in game preservation, though it is unlikely to lead to modern ports of the main Xenosaga trilogy due to Nintendo's ownership of Monolith Soft.
Yooka-Replaylee Just Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Performance Mode Is RealPlaytonic Games has officially confirmed support for a 'performance mode' on the unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 with the release of Yooka-Replaylee. This marks the first concrete evidence of the next-generation console's existence and capabilities, suggesting significant hardware improvements over the original Nintendo Switch. The confirmation has sparked widespread speculation about Nintendo's upcoming console reveal and its potential impact on future game development.
Nintendo eShop Spring 2026 Sale Goes Live With Two Weeks of Game DealsNintendo has launched its Spring 2026 eShop sale, offering discounts on a variety of games for the Nintendo Switch. The sale runs until April 29th, providing a two-week window for players to purchase titles at reduced prices. This recurring seasonal sale is a predictable event that encourages players to build their game libraries and provides a significant boost for indie developers.- ArtooSC & the D-Squad Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guests of HonorArtooSC & the D-Squad, known for their screen-accurate Star Wars droid builds, will be Guests of Honor at Fire & Ice RGX 2026. The event will also feature updates and releases for Persona 5: The Phantom X, The Sims 4, Yooka-Replaylee, Grand Theft Auto Online, and the theme song for 007 First Light. Several other guests and an after-party have also been announced for the convention.
Xenosaga shows signs of life for the first time in 20 years as Japan-only spin-off JRPG gets official Steam and Switch…The JRPG series Xenosaga is seeing its first official release in 20 years with Xenosaga: Pied Piper, a spin-off originally released for Japanese feature phones in 2004. This canonical side story featuring turn-based combat will be available on Steam and Nintendo Switch, though it will only be released in Japanese. This marks a significant moment for game preservation, bringing a previously obscure title to modern platforms.
Gamer Strikes Gold: Working Nintendo 3DS Super Smash Bros Edition Found in TrashA shop worker discovered two Nintendo 3DS systems, including a functional Nintendo 3DS XL Super Smash Bros edition with games, discarded in electronics disposal bins. This find highlights the increasing value of discontinued handhelds and raises concerns about electronics waste within the gaming community.
Pokemon and Palworld clone Pickmos removed from Steam: "We are revising the game to ensure a controversy-free…The game Pickmos, which was accused of being a clone of Palworld and Pokemon, has been removed from Steam. Its publisher, Networkgo, intervened due to player feedback and concerns about asset flipping and design theft. The developer, PocketGame, is revising the game for a controversy-free experience and will re-release it after publisher approval.
Talking Point: What Would You Want From A New Star Fox Game?Multiple Nintendo Life editors discuss their desires for a new Star Fox game, with many hoping for a return to the classic on-rails shooting formula of Star Fox 64, while others advocate for incorporating elements from Star Fox Adventures or open-world exploration. The consensus is that Nintendo should embrace the series' over-the-top cinematic style and provide a fresh story with modern gameplay twists.
Save On Video Games, Tech, Trading Cards, And More In Best Buy's Ultimate Upgrade EventBest Buy's Ultimate Upgrade Sale features significant discounts on a wide range of video games, PC hardware, and tech accessories until April 19. Notable deals include titles like Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Assassin's Creed Shadows, alongside prebuilt gaming PCs, monitors, and headsets. The sale also extends to collectibles and trading card game products, with rare discounts on some first-party Nintendo physical games.
Nintendo starts up new “Spotlight Sale” for Switch 2 and Switch, multiple games at new low pricesNintendo has launched a new "Spotlight Sale" on the Nintendo eShop, featuring discounts on numerous third-party titles for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Several games are available at their lowest prices ever, with the sale running until April 30, 2026.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream devs say the Mii programming was 'pure chaos and 'really hard to manage' during development, that it took 'six or seven years' to fine-tuneThe development team behind Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream spent six to seven years programming the Mii interaction system, describing the process as 'pure chaos' and difficult to manage. Lead programmer Takaomi Ueno explained that they continuously added ideas and rules to balance unintended behaviors, eventually finding a system that players found fun. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.