Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.- Nintendo releases official Mario stop motion videos [update: new video]Nintendo has released a series of stop motion videos as part of its "My Mario" campaign, featuring the iconic character in various short scenarios. The videos are designed to be enjoyable for young children due to their brief runtime. Several installments have been published over several months, including 'Mario's Mustache,' 'Top Hat,' 'Shell Games,' 'Making Melodies,' 'Hide and Seek,' 'Balancing Act,' and 'Coin Jam.'
- Animal Crossing Make-up And Skincare Available Now in JapanNintendo has launched a new line of Animal Crossing-themed make-up and skincare products from the brand Mitea in Japan. The collection features popular villagers like Raymond, Marshal, and Judy, as well as characters such as Tom Nook and Isabelle on the packaging. Some items have already sold out online, and it is currently unknown if the products will be released internationally.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove Launches July 2 | Console CreaturesNintendo announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will launch on July 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. The rhythm game series features straightforward, timing-based minigames set to catchy music, with a focus on precise timing and often surreal scenarios.
- Rhythm Paradise Groove comes to Nintendo Switch in JulyRhythm Paradise Groove is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on July 2, 2026, featuring catchy original music from musician Tsunku♂. The game will offer a variety of rhythm-based mini-games that challenge players to time button presses to the beat. A new gameplay video has been released, and the game will also be playable on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
- Famitsu Sales: 3/30/26 – 4/5/26Famitsu has released its estimated physical game software sales data for Japan for the week of March 30, 2026, to April 5, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia for Switch 2 was the top-selling game, while the Switch 2 also led hardware sales. The report details software and hardware unit sales for various platforms including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove Launches July 2 for SwitchNintendo announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will launch for the Nintendo Switch on July 2, 2026. The rhythm game series, known for its single-button inputs timed to music, is returning after Rhythm Heaven Megamix released in 2015/2016. The announcement was made via the Nintendo Today! app and the company's Twitter account.
- Famitsu sales (3/30/26 – 4/5/26) – Nintendo Switch 2 leads hardware salesThe latest Japanese hardware sales data from Famitsu shows the Nintendo Switch 2 leading with 59,543 units sold for the week of March 30 to April 5. PlayStation 5 followed with 12,141 units. Software charts indicate Pokemon Pokopia as the top seller on the Switch 2, with Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons also performing well on the original Nintendo Switch.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove Drums Up Switch Release DateNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on Nintendo Switch on July 2nd. The rhythm game was initially revealed in March 2025 with a 2026 release window. A new gameplay clip showcases a "Slice N Dice Kitchen" mini-game where players catch and chop vegetables to the beat.
- Nintendo Switch Online April 2026 NES Haul Brings Three More Retro ClassicsNintendo has added three new classic NES games, Pac-Man, Mendel Palace, and The Tower of Druaga, to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. Mendel Palace is notable as the debut title from Game Freak. These additions do not require the Expansion Pack.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove launches July 2Rhythm Heaven Groove is set to launch on July 2nd. The article mentions Nintendo as a relevant company and lists PlayStation, Xbox, and PC as platforms, though specific details about the game's genre or developer are not provided in this snippet.
- Nintendo announces Rhythm Heaven Groove release dateNintendo announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on July 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. The game continues the series' tradition of rhythm-based gameplay, with music once again composed by Japanese musician Tsunku.
- Pac-Man & Game Freak’s first ever game join NES library on Switch OnlineNintendo Switch Online has added Pac-Man, Mendel Palace, and The Tower of Druaga to its NES library. Pac-Man is a classic arcade port, Mendel Palace is Game Freak's first game, and The Tower of Druaga is a Japan-only action RPG.
- Japan’s best-selling games of March 2026 – huge debut for Pokemon PokopiaJapan's best-selling games for March 2026 saw a strong debut for Pokemon Pokopia, selling over 800,000 copies. Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3 also performed well on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5. The success of Pokemon Pokopia significantly boosted Nintendo Switch 2 hardware sales for the month.
- Nintendo Switch Online April Additions Include 3 NES ClassicsNintendo has added three new classic games to the Nintendo Switch Online service, including the arcade title Pac-Man. These additions expand the library of retro games available to subscribers.
- How to Get Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon ChampionsThis guide explains how to obtain Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon Champions, which are primarily acquired through random recruitment at the Roster Ranch. Shiny Pokemon are distinguished by their unique color palettes and sparkling visual effects, though they offer no statistical advantages over regular Pokemon. Players can also transfer Shiny Pokemon caught in other compatible titles via Pokemon HOME.
- 'Buyer beware' — Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shopper reportedly finds old model inside the box in…A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller buyer reported receiving an older model inside the box, suggesting a customer swapped the items during a return. The user was able to get a refund from Amazon. This incident highlights potential risks when purchasing electronics online, especially with high-value items.
- Pokemon Champions devs squash a bug that left 'mons trapped between Pokemon Home, and promise to continue fixing…Pokemon Champions has received a bug fix addressing an issue that would trap Pokemon between the game and Pokemon Home. The free-to-play PvP battler launched with mixed reviews concerning its visuals and features, but the urgent bug fix aims to improve the player experience.
- Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game ShownThe Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
- New Pokopia update is the cozy life sim's biggest yet as fans celebrate "massive solve" that stops Pokemon from disappearing "to the shadow realm," softlock fixes, and morePokopia has received a significant update, version 1.0.3, addressing numerous bugs including softlocks, controller issues, and the critical problem of Pokémon disappearing from habitats. This patch is considered a major improvement by the player base, resolving issues that prevented players from finding or keeping their collected Pokémon.
- PSA: 'Hello, Yoshi!' Hatches On Western Switch eShops TodayThe kid-friendly app Hello, Yoshi! has launched on Western Nintendo Switch eShops. Similar to Hello, Mario!, the app allows users to interact with a cartoon Yoshi face through various touch-based mini-games and activities. It is designed primarily for young children and includes features like offline play and built-in breaks.