Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Cases ComingMax Games has announced two new carrying cases for the Nintendo Switch 2 inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, set to release in Japan in early August 2026. These cases will feature designs based on the game's characters and motifs, with one being a gingham check pattern and the other featuring Tom Nook. A themed cartridge case will also be available.
Star Fox designer “choked up” by graphics in new Nintendo Switch 2 remakeOriginal Star Fox designer Takaya Imamura expressed being moved by the realistic graphics in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remake. Developed by Velan Studios, the game features a custom engine that blurs the line between pre-rendered and real-time visuals, impressing Imamura with its technological advancement. The Star Fox remake is set to launch on June 25 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Zelda fans eagerly await Ocarina of Time remake's take on the game's best freaks: "I genuinely hope they…Fans are discussing the potential for horror elements in the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Players hope Nintendo leans into the scarier aspects of characters like King Zora, ReDeads, and Dead Hand, drawing comparisons to modern horror games and films.
Nintendo Store Japan puts conditions on global version Switch 2 sales to combat resellersNintendo Store Japan has implemented new sales restrictions for the global version of the Nintendo Switch 2 to combat resellers. Purchases are limited to one unit per Nintendo Switch Online account holder with at least 50 hours of playtime, excluding demos and free content. These measures aim to prevent bulk orders suspected of being related to reseller and scam activity.
Round Up: The Previews Are In For Rhythm Heaven GroovePreviews for the upcoming Nintendo Switch title Rhythm Heaven Groove have been released, offering early impressions of the rhythm-based game. Outlets like Nintendo Life, Game Informer, Pocket Tactics, TechRadar, Metro, and PC Mag have shared their thoughts, generally praising its addictive sound design, visuals, and gameplay, with some highlighting the new RPG mode 'Beatspell' and multiplayer capabilities. The game is set to launch on July 2nd.
Fable Shouldn’t Have Run Scared From Grand Theft Auto 6Microsoft's decision to delay Fable until February 2027, citing the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6, is questioned. The article argues that the market is large enough for multiple successful game launches and that Fable could have co-existed with Grand Theft Auto 6, especially since the latter is console-exclusive at launch. The piece suggests that such delays signal self-doubt rather than strategic market positioning.- US: Nintendo Download 11th June, 2026Nintendo has released its weekly download update for the Nintendo Switch, detailing new demos, pre-orders, and music releases available on the eShop. The update also highlights new titles and sales for the Nintendo Switch platform.
25 years ago today, the GBA arrived in the US, but you don't need the real thing to play the handheld's hitsThe Game Boy Advance celebrates its 25th anniversary in the US, and despite its age, there are numerous ways to play its classic games. Options range from budget emulation handhelds by Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy, to modernizing original hardware with screen and battery mods, and premium devices like the Analogue Pocket and Ayaneo Pocket Micro.
Nintendo Download: Definitively Feeling It!Nintendo's latest download update features Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, and new game bundles. Several demos are available, including for Star Fox, and pre-orders are open for ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Minecraft Dungeons II, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and Orbitals. The update also highlights new music playlists, in-game events for Donkey Kong Bananza, and ongoing eShop sales.
Nintendo fights Switch 2 scalpers in Japan with new restrictions – only fans with over 50 hours on premium Switch 1 games can buy multi-language consolesNintendo is implementing new restrictions in Japan to combat scalpers of its consoles, particularly the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Buyers must have at least 50 hours of playtime on premium Nintendo Switch games and can only purchase one console per account. These measures aim to ensure consoles reach genuine fans rather than resellers, especially as the Switch 2 is set to increase in price by $50 later this year.
Nintendo Download – June 11, 2026 (North America) – Xenoblade, To a T, Unrailed 2, moreThe North American Nintendo Download for June 11, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Notable titles include Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, To a T, and Unrailed 2: Back on Track. The update also highlights sales and a limited-time Donkey Kong event for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Famitsu Sales: 6/1/26 – 6/7/26Famitsu has released its physical game sales data for Japan from June 1 to June 7, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch remained the top seller, while the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was the highest new release. Hardware sales were led by the Switch 2, followed by the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch families.
Rhythm Paradise Groove Hands-on Preview - Bringing back the BeatNintendo provided an early look at Rhythm Paradise Groove for the Nintendo Switch, showcasing its blend of classic rhythm gameplay with new modes. The preview highlighted "Play Solo" with new rhythm games like Disc Dog and Hop, Stop N Roll, "Play With Friends" featuring co-op and competitive modes like Ninja Bodyguards and Cake Wait, and the new Rhythm RPG mode, Beatspell. The game is set to release on July 2nd and is expected to be a must-have for the console.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Hands-On Preview: Mini-Game Glory!Rhythm Heaven Groove offers a fun-filled experience with a variety of rhythm-based mini-games, reminiscent of WarioWare. The game emphasizes listening and precise timing, with introductory videos and explanations to help players master each challenge. It features both single-player adventure and chaotic multiplayer modes, making it suitable for game nights.
Rhythm Paradise Groove hands-on preview - don’t stop the minigame musicA hands-on preview of Rhythm Paradise Groove for the Nintendo Switch reveals a return to the series' demanding rhythm-based minigames, focusing on timing and memorization rather than randomness. The game features 80 solo minigames and promises over 30 multiplayer modes, aiming to be the series' biggest entry yet and an accessible party game.
Preview: Yep, Rhythm Paradise Groove Is Another Rhythm Heaven Game (Good)A preview of Rhythm Paradise Groove reveals a rhythm game with simple controls and charming visuals, building on the legacy of the Rhythm Heaven series. The game features various single-player modes, including a compelling Remix mode that combines previous challenges. Multiplayer modes and a new RPG-like mode called Beatspell are also highlighted, with the game set to release on July 2nd.
Drums, cash grants, and bubbling capybaras: How Latin America's game dev creatives are outgrowing outsourcingLatin American game developers are increasingly recognized for their creative output, with original titles like Family Reunion and Black Sailors emerging. While many studios engage in outsourcing to secure funding and gain experience, there's a growing movement to leverage the region's rich cultures and histories for unique game development. Government grants and international exposure are playing crucial roles in supporting these original projects, though challenges in securing direct funding and competing with established markets persist.- Star Fox 64 original designer says the remake graphics made him feel “choked up”Takaya Imamura, the original designer of Star Fox 64, expressed being moved by the graphics of the new reimagining developed by Velan Studios. A demo of the visually superb remake is available for players to experience.
- Japan: Nintendo finds fraudulent orders of Switch 2 leading to playtime requirements and 1 unit for each account to prevent scalpingNintendo has temporarily suspended sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 on its online store due to fraudulent orders suspected of bulk purchasing and reselling. To combat scalping, the company is implementing new purchase requirements, including playtime history and a limit of one unit per account.
Xbox says hardware pricing boom represents "great" opportunity for games streamingXbox's Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the current increase in hardware prices presents a significant opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. He noted a rise in users trying the platform due to factors like high hardware costs, console supply shortages, and the availability of exclusive titles. Ball emphasized that streaming is a key component of Microsoft's multi-faceted gaming strategy, alongside console and PC play.