Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.- Japan’s best-selling games of May 2026 – strong second month for Tomodachi Life, Yoshi debutsFamitsu reports that Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was Japan's best-selling game in May 2026, selling over 500,000 copies. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book debuted in third place with over 50,000 units sold. Nintendo led as the top publisher, and the Nintendo Switch 2 saw a significant sales boost to 700,000 units.
- Super Mario Bros 1, 2 and 3 Free Roam Tracks added to Mario Kart World on Nintendo MusicNintendo has added the Free Roam Tracks from Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3 to the Mario Kart World soundtrack within the free Nintendo Music app. The app is available on iOS and Android devices and features soundtracks from various Nintendo titles.
- Nintendo’s replaced the eShop on original Switch leading to better performanceNintendo has released a new native eShop application for the original Nintendo Switch, replacing the previous web-based version. This update addresses performance issues, particularly lag experienced during navigation, leading to a smoother user experience.
- Research suggests exercise games like Ring Fit Adventure could treat early stages of depressionNew research suggests that exergames like Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure could be effective tools for treating early stages of depression. A study found that participants playing the game showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and improvements in sleep quality compared to a control group. This builds on previous research into video games for mental health, such as the FDA-approved EndeavorRx for ADHD.
- Evening Reading - June 15, 2026This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming topics, including discussions on Destiny 2 and the potential for Destiny 3, new indie game previews like Rhythm Heaven Groove and Grave Seasons, and a look back at cut content from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The article also highlights Shacknews's commitment to original content and its merchandise.
- Switch 2 and Switch system updates version 22.5.0 now availableNintendo has released system updates version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and the unreleased Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch update introduces a redesigned Nintendo eShop layout, theme color integration, enhanced user verification for purchases, and video playback controls. Both updates also include general system stability improvements.
- Nintendo Switch 2 System Update 22.5.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch NotesNintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The updates include general system stability improvements, with the Switch 2 receiving new text-to-speech and speech-to-text language options in Accessibility, while the original Switch features a redesigned Nintendo eShop layout and enhanced video playback controls.
- Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch update 22.5.0 out now, patch notesNintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update brings general system stability improvements to both platforms. The original Nintendo Switch receives an updated eShop layout with theme color synchronization and video playback controls, while the Switch 2 gains new Dutch and Russian accessibility options for text-to-speech and game chat.
- Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 system update 22.5.0 out nowNintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update adds new language options for text-to-speech and game chat features on the Switch 2, and introduces a redesigned Nintendo eShop layout with new PIN verification options and video playback controls for the original Switch.
- Dietrich in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Is From FodraIntelligent Systems has revealed more details about Dietrich, a protagonist in the upcoming Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. Dietrich is described as a beautiful swordsman from Fódlan who wields a Heroes' Relic named Answerer and can use the Bloody Flash combat art. Satoshi Hino will voice Dietrich in the Japanese version of the game.
- Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
- ShackStream: Pokemon Fire Red on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 716The Stevetendo Show is continuing its Pokemon Fire Red Fire-type-only run on the Game Boy Advance, with episode 716 focusing on reaching the Elite Four. The stream will also feature upcoming retro nights playing Snow Brothers and a look at Pragmata. Viewers are encouraged to suggest games for future retro streams.
- Nintendo’s amended infringement suit against Palworld may result in a ‘chump change’ payoutNintendo's copyright infringement lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair is expected to yield minimal financial returns for Nintendo, according to legal analysis. The company amended its claims to focus on older versions of the game, significantly limiting potential damages to around $30,000 USD. Meanwhile, Pocketpair's John Buckley advises players to start fresh for the game's full release on July 10th due to fundamental changes.
- Community: Got Treasured N64 Memories? We'd Love To Hear ThemNintendo Life is collecting community memories of the Nintendo 64 ahead of its 30th anniversary on June 23rd, 2026. The article highlights the console's impact on 3D gaming with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and its legacy of four-player multiplayer experiences. Submissions are limited to 100 words and must be sent by Friday, June 19th, 2026.
- UK Charts: FF7 Rebirth Falls Off A Cliff As FC 26 Returns To The Top SpotThe latest UK video game sales charts show EA SPORTS FC 26 returning to the number one spot, likely due to the start of the World Cup 2026. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth saw a significant drop from second to thirtieth place, a common trend for games after their initial launch week. No new titles entered the top 40 this week.
- I'm once again asking you to keep an eye on microSD Express Cards for your Switch 2 this Prime DayThis article advises Nintendo Switch 2 owners to look for deals on microSD Express cards during Prime Day, highlighting their necessity for storing and running games. It notes the high cost of these cards, even with potential discounts, and lists specific models to watch out for.
- Hacker Group Claims To Have Stolen Nintendo Data, Posts $2 Million RansomA hacking group named ShadowByt3$ claims to have stolen 859MB of Nintendo employee data, including personal and financial information, and is demanding a $2 million ransom. The group alleges the data was accessed through a third-party HR program used by Nintendo. The company has not yet commented on the unverified breach.
- Hacker Group Steals Nintendo Employee Data, Posts $2 Million RansomA hacking group named ShadowByt3$ claims to have stolen 859MB of Nintendo employee data, including personal information and financial statements, via the third-party HR service TinyPulse. The group is demanding a $2 million ransom. Nintendo of America confirmed a limited breach of internal survey data from several years ago, stating that no customer or financial data was compromised and that they are working with the service provider to address the issue.
- UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia back in the top fiveEA Sports FC 26 has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026, driven by World Cup interest. Nintendo's Pokemon Pokopia also re-entered the top five, leading other Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
- Nintendo's latest Direct was reportedly 2026's most-watched Summer Game Fest showcase, and Zelda: Ocarina of Time's remake was the most-viewed trailerNintendo's June Direct presentation reportedly achieved the highest viewership of any Summer Game Fest showcase this year, peaking at 3.8 million concurrent viewers. The most-watched trailer was for the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which garnered 115 million views in just three days after its announcement.