Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Circana: Nintendo Switch 2 helped US physical game spending increase year-on-year for first time since 2009US physical game spending saw a 3% year-on-year increase to $1.6 billion for the 12 months ending May 2026, marking the first rise since 2009. Market tracker Circana attributes this to the "Switch 2 bump," with physical software sales on Nintendo platforms up 26%, though other ecosystems continue to decline. This is considered a likely temporary blip before physical drives are phased out.- Xbox CEO says Call of Duty is bigger than the Marvel Cinematic UniverseXbox CEO Phil Spencer stated that the Call of Duty franchise is more popular than the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also confirmed that the next Call of Duty title will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting Xbox's strategy to leverage its acquired IPs like those from Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy maestro Tetsuya Nomura says Super Mario 64 "truly shaped my current guiding…Tetsuya Nomura, known for his work on Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy, revealed that Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 was the primary inspiration for his guiding principle of enabling free movement in full 3D. He contrasted this with the development of Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation 1, where only characters were 3D and backgrounds were rendered images, limiting free exploration.
Nintendo gives update on its new Technology Development Center, plus a first lookNintendo has provided an update on its new Technology Development Center, located in Kyoto, Japan. This facility, previously referred to as "Corporate Headquarters Development Center, Building No. 2 (tentative name)", will serve as a new base for the company's software and hardware research and development. It is expected to be completed by March 2029 and will include development servers and other infrastructure for future R&D.
Zelda Breath of the Wild's most important lesson lives on in 007 First LightThe article analyzes how the game design philosophy of improvisation in 007 First Light, developed by IO Interactive, makes its combat system engaging. This approach is compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's weapon degradation mechanic, which also encourages players to adapt and think on their feet, ultimately leading to more dynamic gameplay experiences.
Star Fox voice actors & castThis article details the English voice cast for the upcoming 2026 remake of Star Fox 64. It lists the actors responsible for voicing key characters such as Fox, Falco, Peppy, Slippy, ROB64, Wolf, Pigma, Leon, James, and Dr. Andross, alongside their other notable roles in various games.
Meteo Mission Accomplished - Star FoxThis guide explains how to achieve 'Mission Accomplished' in the Meteo mission of Star Fox by flying through seven gold rings to open a wormhole to Katina. Successfully navigating these rings bypasses the end-of-stage boss. The article also briefly mentions a future Star Fox (2026) and the author's background working with Activision.- Nintendo announces English voice cast for Star Fox on Switch 2Nintendo has announced the English voice cast for the newly released Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2. Hunter McCoy voices the titular character Fox McCloud, having previously worked on Genshin Impact and various anime. The game is receiving encouraging reviews following its launch.
The best Prime Day deals for gamers live: here are the biggest PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC discounts based on our…Amazon's Prime Day sale features significant discounts on a wide range of gaming hardware and software. Notable deals include price drops on consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and accessories such as gaming headsets, mice, and keyboards from brands like SteelSeries, Razer, and Logitech. Several popular games, including Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders and Astro Bot, are also available at reduced prices.- Nintendo building Technology Development Centre as R&D base for new hardware and softwareNintendo has announced plans to construct a new Technology Development Centre on land it acquired in Kyoto in 2022. This facility will serve as a research and development base for new hardware and innovative software.
Nintendo Download – June 25, 2026 (Europe)Nintendo has released its latest European download list for the week of June 25, 2026. The update includes several new retail and digital titles for the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a mix of new releases and updated versions of existing games.
Nintendo (NTDOY) Technology Development Center in Kyoto scheduled to open March 2029Nintendo has announced that its new Technology Development Center in Kyoto, Japan, will open in March 2029. The facility will serve as a new research and development base for the company's software and hardware, with President Shuntaro Furukawa stating it represents a continued investment in R&D to create unique entertainment experiences.- Star Fox Nintendo Switch Online icons now availableNintendo has released new Star Fox-themed profile icons for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The first set is available now, with more waves to follow in the coming weeks. These icons coincide with the exclusive launch of a Star Fox game on the Nintendo Switch.
Evening Reading - June 24, 2026Shacknews presents its Evening Reading for June 24, 2026, featuring a review of Star Fox, an analysis of Destiny 2's decline, and details on Grand Theft Auto 6's pricing and lack of physical discs. The roundup also includes news on John Carmack's thoughts on Quake, a report of DayZ 2 development, and Micron's financial results.
Tetris 99 announces 55th Maximus Cup with Star Fox themeNintendo announced the 55th Maximus Cup for Tetris 99, featuring a Star Fox theme. Players can unlock the theme by earning 100 event points in the game's online mode. The event runs from July 10 to July 13.
Star Fox icons added to Nintendo Switch OnlineNintendo has added new Star Fox themed icons to the Nintendo Switch Online service, available for purchase with Platinum Points. These icons are part of a rotating selection that will be updated weekly until July 22. The addition coincides with the upcoming release of a new Star Fox game on the Nintendo Switch.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s $80 Price Won’t Change Current $70 Baseline for AAA Games, Say AnalystsIndustry analysts suggest that Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price point will not immediately shift the AAA game baseline but may lead to more pricing variance. While some marquee titles might adopt higher prices, many games will likely stick to the $70 baseline due to consumer sensitivity and the need to 'earn' higher prices through established franchise value. Companies like Nintendo and Rockstar Games have unique pricing power due to their strong brand recognition and perceived value.
That Switch 2 Pro Controller price is staying rock solid, but this budget alternative gets the job done for less than…The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller maintains its $89 MSRP a year after launch, with price cuts being rare for Nintendo hardware. While the official controller offers a premium feel, the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller is a budget-friendly alternative, currently on sale for $17.99 on Amazon. Despite lacking features like rumble and wireless connectivity, it provides a more comfortable grip than Joy-Cons for a fraction of the price.- Amazon Prime Day: Nintendo Switch 2 Games Are Up To 60% Off For A Limited TimeAmazon's Prime Day event features significant discounts on numerous Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games, with prices reduced by up to 60%. The sale includes popular titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, as well as various third-party releases. Many of these deals are for digital versions or game key-cards, requiring internet access and storage space for installation.
- If You Act Fast, You Can Grab Pokemon Legends: Z-A On Switch 2 For $45Amazon is offering a limited-time deal on Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the Nintendo Switch 2, reducing the price from $70 to $45. The game, which takes place in Lumiose City and features Mega Evolution, is part of the Amazon Prime Day 2026 sales event. A review noted its engaging combat system but criticized the visuals.