Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Mario Kart Tour is shutting down after 7 years, but Nintendo isn't planning on a Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp-style…Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour will cease operations on September 29, 2026, after nearly seven years. Unlike Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, there are no plans for an offline version of Mario Kart Tour. Sales of in-game currency and the Gold Pass subscription have already ended.- Mario Kart Tour Will Be Unplayable After Nintendo Shuts It Down In SeptemberNintendo will shut down its mobile game Mario Kart Tour on September 29, ending its service after seven years. The company has suspended in-game purchases and will make subscription perks free for the remaining months. While Mario Kart Tour will become unplayable, other Nintendo mobile titles like Pikmin Bloom, Super Mario Run, and Fire Emblem Heroes remain active.
- Nintendo to continue selling original Switch in certain markets after European withdrawalNintendo plans to continue selling the original Nintendo Switch family of systems in markets like North America and Japan, despite Nintendo of Europe announcing a discontinuation from mid-February next year. This decision indicates a continued market presence for the original model in specific regions.
- The long-running Mario Kart Tour is shutting down soonNintendo has announced that the mobile game Mario Kart Tour will be shutting down soon. The game, available on iOS and Android devices, has been an entertaining entry in the Mario Kart series. An official end of service post has been published by Nintendo.
- Nintendo Switch Online July Additions Include a Wario ClassicNintendo has added Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 to its Nintendo Switch Online service for July. The update also includes other retro titles from the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance libraries.
- Nintendo Confirms Mario Kart Tour Shutdown After 7 Years, No Offline Version OfferedNintendo has announced that the mobile game Mario Kart Tour will be shut down in September, ending its seven-year run. The company will not offer an offline version of the game.
Nintendo announces that Mario Kart Tour is shutting downNintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour will cease operations on September 29, 2026, at 11 PM PT. The sale of in-game currency has already ended, and there are no plans for an offline version. Gold Pass benefits will be made available for free to all players until the service concludes.- New Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games added to Nintendo ClassicsNintendo has expanded its Nintendo Switch Online library with four new classic titles. Subscribers can now access Game Boy games Fortified Zone, The Sword of Hope II, and Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. Additionally, the Expansion Pack tier includes a new Game Boy Advance title.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Fortified Zone, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, The Sword of Hope 2, Dr. Mario & Puzzle LeagueNintendo Switch Online has added four classic games: Fortified Zone, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, and The Sword of Hope 2, all originally for Game Boy, and Dr. Mario & Puzzle League for Game Boy Advance. The latter requires the Expansion Pack tier. This follows the addition of Donkey Kong 64 in May.
Games Inbox: Will Sony do a U-turn on PS5 discs?Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to digital-only for the PlayStation 5, with speculation that Rockstar Games' desire for full profits from Grand Theft Auto 6 might be a factor. The article also touches on layoffs at id Software and the business strategies of Microsoft and Xbox, questioning their long-term viability.
ShackStream: Mario Kart World on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 724The Stevetendo Show will feature Mario Kart World, highlighting new Knockout Tour routes released by Nintendo. The stream will also discuss potential future content for the game and mention other Shacknews programs like Adventures of Elliot. The show airs on the Shacknews Twitch channel.- There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or XboxThe author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.
I'm ready for the Nintendo Switch to join my DS Lite and PS2 in retro retirementThe author reflects on the impending discontinuation of the Nintendo Switch, viewing it as a natural progression towards retro status similar to the Nintendo DS Lite and PlayStation 2. The article discusses the evolving definition of 'retro' in gaming and the sentimental value of older consoles as technology advances and new generations emerge.
Attention physical game fans - the retro-anime-inspired Orbitals for the Switch 2 is already on sale, and it's not…The retro-anime-inspired game Orbitals for the Nintendo Switch is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $39.88, saving $10 off its MSRP. This deal is particularly notable for physical game collectors, especially with Sony phasing out physical releases for PlayStation 5 in 2028. The discount is also available in the UK, though less significant.
In 2009, late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said it'll take "20 years or so" for game purchases to…Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata predicted in 2009 that it would take approximately 20 years for digital game purchases to become the majority. With Sony phasing out physical PS5 games by 2028 and Rockstar Games opting for digital or code-in-box releases for Grand Theft Auto 6, his prediction appears to be nearly accurate. While Xbox has not yet announced similar plans, the trend towards digital distribution is evident across the industry.- Metal Gear Solid Composer's Studio Ghibli Jazz Album AnnouncedScarlet Moon Records announced Prescription for Sleep: Ghibli, a new jazz arrangement album featuring music from Studio Ghibli films. The album, performed by Norihiko Hibino and AYAKI as GENTLE LOVE, will be released on July 20, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Spirited Away. Three tracks are currently available for pre-order on Bandcamp.
Nintendo confirms plans to continue selling Switch 1 outside of EuropeNintendo has confirmed that the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch – OLED Model will continue to be sold in regions outside of Europe. While sales will cease in Europe in early 2027 due to potential battery regulation issues, manufacturing will continue through 2026 for other markets. This decision allows Nintendo to avoid updating the original Switch for new European battery standards.
Espeon and Umbreon seem to be all the rage, as a wild Hori Pokemon Switch 2 controller has appearedA new Hori Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controller featuring Espeon and Umbreon artwork for the Nintendo Switch has been spotted on Amazon US. While not officially announced, the listing suggests a potential upcoming release for the Pokemon-themed accessory. This controller is noted for its wireless capabilities and is expected to be priced around $64.99.- New tracks from various Mario titles added to Mario Kart World on Nintendo MusicNintendo has added new music tracks from various Mario titles to the Mario Kart Tour soundtrack on the Nintendo Music app. The newly included songs are from Super Mario World, Super Mario Land, Super Mario Land 2 – 6 Golden Coins, and Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3.
A new Switch 2 with a replaceable battery will be available soon, as Nintendo announces that it will 'no longer…Nintendo will release a new Nintendo Switch 2 in Europe with a user-replaceable battery to comply with new EU legislation, starting in summer 2026. The company also announced it will cease sales of all original Nintendo Switch hardware, including the standard, Lite, and OLED models, in mid-February 2027.