Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Nintendo doesn't discount games because its "mentality" is always shipping "the best" says former NOA president Reggie Fils-AiméFormer Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé explained Nintendo's philosophy of not discounting games, attributing it to a company-wide mentality of shipping complete, high-quality products. He contrasted this with the industry trend of releasing incomplete games that are later updated. While Fils-Aimé left Nintendo in 2019, the article notes that some recent Nintendo titles have adopted a 'ship later' approach with post-launch content updates.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto defends The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's fast pacingNintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto defended the fast pacing of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, comparing its structure to his own game development philosophy of creating self-contained, enjoyable units. He believes Illumination's method of swapping and rearranging these units results in a dense and engaging experience, particularly for younger audiences.
Modders have turned the GameCube into a keychain console using Wii parts that's smaller than Ninty's…A DIY project has successfully miniaturized a Nintendo GameCube using Wii parts, creating a console smaller than its original discs. This "Nintendo Kawaii" mod, developed by Macho Nacho Productions, results in a pocket-sized device that can run GameCube games via RVLoader from a microSD card. While it requires custom components and has limitations like a 20-minute thermal shutdown, it represents an ambitious fusion of retro hardware.
Japan: Super Mario Galaxy Movie wasn’t localised from English to Japanese, but rebuiltShigeru Miyamoto revealed that the Super Mario Galaxy Movie was not simply localized from English to Japanese but was rebuilt for the Japanese market. The team aimed to create entertaining Japanese dialogue, with Makoto Ueda handling the script to ensure natural conversations and humor.
Retro Lego Sega Genesis console is real, costs just $40, and has more pieces for less money than the Lego Game BoyLego has announced a new retro Sega Genesis console building set for $40, featuring 479 pieces and two controllers. The set includes interchangeable nameplates for 'Sega Genesis' and 'Mega Drive' and a removable Sonic the Hedgehog game cartridge. This release offers more pieces and a lower price point than the previously released Lego Game Boy.
Donkey Kong Bananza's Latest DLC Event Kicks Off Next WeekNintendo has announced that the next downloadable content event for Donkey Kong Bananza, titled 'Rattlin' Snake Bananza', will commence next week from May 12th to May 19th, 2026. This event will introduce two new in-game statues, Snake Bananza and Rattly the Rattesnake, and requires the 'DK Island & Emerald Rush' DLC.
Hitman Dev Talks GTA 6 Delay, First Light For Switch 2, And What's Up With Its Fantasy GameIO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak discussed the impact of Grand Theft Auto 6's delay on their upcoming game, 007 First Light, noting it provided more breathing room. The Switch 2 version of 007 First Light has been delayed to late summer, while the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC versions will release on May 27. Abrak also confirmed that IO Interactive's fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is still in healthy development and financed by an unnamed partner, believed to be Microsoft/Xbox.
Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Pokémon Pokopia BundleNintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced a new bundle for the life simulation game Pokémon Pokopia, which will include a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a download code for the game. The bundle is set to launch on June 5, 2026, exclusively in Australia and New Zealand, with pricing details yet to be revealed.
Pokemon Pokopia Nintendo Switch 2 bundle announced for Australia and New ZealandNintendo has announced a new Pokemon Pokopia bundle for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2026, in Australia and New Zealand. The bundle includes the console and a full game download, with no physical game card. This follows previous bundle offerings like Mario Kart World and Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Mach Rider, Excitebike 64 iconsNintendo Switch Online is offering new icons for Mach Rider and Excitebike 64, available until June 1, 2026. Players must boot up the respective games to unlock these icons, which cost 10 Platinum Points each. Excitebike 64 icons require the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack tier.
Former Nintendo of America President Sheds Insight On Turbulent Relationship With AmazonFormer Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé shared insights into Nintendo's past strained relationship with Amazon. He detailed an incident where Amazon requested an 'obscene amount of support' to offer prices lower than Walmart, which Fils-Aimé refused due to its illegality and potential damage to other retail partnerships. This experience shaped Nintendo's approach to business dealings and built mutual respect over time.
Zelda was Nintendo's answer to "traditional RPGs," Shigeru Miyamoto says: "We wanted the player to interact with the game world using the controller, and conquer dungeons"Shigeru Miyamoto explained that The Legend of Zelda was developed concurrently with Super Mario Bros. and aimed to be Nintendo's answer to traditional RPGs, utilizing the Famicom Disk System's capabilities for features like name registration and progress saving. He also expressed initial concerns about players knowing how to progress in the original game, a design philosophy that later influenced Breath of the Wild's open-world exploration.
How a '90s Zelda PC port became a fangame factory, turning turned one legend into a thousandThe PC port of the classic NES game The Legend of Zelda has evolved into ZQuest Classic, an open-source engine that empowers fans to create their own Zelda-inspired fangames. Led by volunteers Emily Venezia and Connor Clark, the community has developed over a thousand custom 'quests,' ranging from Metroidvania-style adventures to NES-like experiences, demonstrating the enduring legacy and moddability of the original game.
UK software sales chart for the week ending May 2, 2026 – Tomodachi Life rises top the topTomodachi Life: Living the Dream has claimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending May 2, 2026. The chart features a variety of titles from major publishers like Nintendo, Bandai Namco Entertainment, and Electronic Arts, with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and EA Sports FC 26 also appearing in the top rankings.
Miyamoto felt Zelda 2 “was sort of a failure”, Nintendo saw Link to the Past as Zelda’s real sequelShigeru Miyamoto, creator of The Legend of Zelda, considered Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link a failure and a side story, viewing The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past as the true sequel. Despite its reception, the series continues with a live-action movie and ongoing development.
New Pokemon Gashapon Keychains Focus on Fire TypesBandai Namco, Nintendo, and Game Freak have announced a new set of Pokemon Swing Collection keychains featuring fire-type Pokemon. The collection, which includes starters like Fennekin, Charizard, and Typhlosion, along with Flareon and Victini, will be available in Japan in late May 2026. It is currently unknown if these will be released worldwide.
Random: One Tomodachi Life Fan Is Living The Dream With A 3D-Printed Switch Dock CoverAn Instagram creator, rocketlab_design, has designed and 3D-printed a custom Nintendo Switch dock cover inspired by the Fresh Kingdom supermarket from the game Tomodachi Life. The detailed replica can accommodate either the Switch 1 or 2 dock, and the creator has shared the blueprints for others to use.
New Animal Crossing Lego Set Stars Nooklings Timmy and TommyNintendo and Lego have announced a new Animal Crossing Lego set featuring characters Timmy and Tommy Nook, along with a buildable play area. The set, named 'Timmy & Tommy’s Fun Day Out,' will be released on August 1, 2026, and will cost $59.99. It includes 513 pieces and interactive elements, with the Nooklings having movable arms and accessories like a fishing pole and a spinning water feature.
Reggie Fils-Aimé Recalls The Phone Call That Broke Nintendo And Amazon's RelationshipFormer Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé recounted how a request from Amazon for financial support to undercut competitors led Nintendo to stop selling Wii and Nintendo DS systems on the platform. Fils-Aimé refused the request, deeming it illegal and a risk to other retail partnerships. This stance ultimately helped build mutual respect, leading to strong support for the Nintendo Switch launch.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie digital release date estimate slips to mid-MayThe digital and VOD release date for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has reportedly been pushed back from May 5th to May 19th. This date has not been officially confirmed by Universal or Nintendo. The movie recently received a new chapter added to Rosalina's storybook in the original game.