Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.- Nintendo Could Inherit The Physical Gaming Crown By DefaultSony and Microsoft are rumored to be moving towards digital-only consoles for their next generations, potentially leaving Nintendo as the sole major manufacturer still supporting physical game releases. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella believes Nintendo will continue its own strategy, unaffected by competitors' shifts. While Nintendo Switch has a strong physical market share, a significant portion of its sales are digital, and some physical releases utilize Game-Key Cards, raising concerns about long-term game preservation.
- US: Nintendo Download for 2nd July, 2026Nintendo of America has announced the latest Nintendo Download for the week of July 2nd, 2026. The update includes new pre-orders, music activities, and titles available on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch.
Rhythm Heaven Groove launch trailer – Nintendo’s rhythm series is backNintendo has released the official launch trailer for Rhythm Heaven Groove, the first new entry in the rhythm series in a decade. The game features over 80 solo rhythm games and over 30 co-operative and competitive games for up to four players on the Nintendo Switch. It also includes a rhythm RPG mode called Beatspell and various practice and experimental modes.
The Pokémon Company International Announces Champion of Champions Tournament Following Pokémon Champions Mobile App LaunchThe Pokémon Company International has announced the Champion of Champions Tournament, a unique event featuring winners from various non-traditional disciplines competing in Pokémon Champions. The tournament will take place on July 29, 2026, in London, with the winner receiving a trip to the Pokémon World Championships and a charitable donation. The event aims to highlight the accessibility of Pokémon Champions, which is available on mobile and Nintendo Switch systems.
Nintendo Download – July 2, 2026 (North America) – Rhythm Heaven Groove, Moonlight Peaks, moreThe North American Nintendo Download for July 2, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Moonlight Peaks. Sales on digital games and DLC for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems are also available. Additionally, Mario Kart World received a free update with new rallies, and Tetris 99 is hosting its 55th Maximus Cup event with a Star Fox theme.
Hori's adorable Kirby Switch 2 accessories are starting to sell out, but you don't need to resort to resellersHori's Kirby-themed Nintendo Switch accessories are experiencing sell-outs on some platforms, but are readily available at retailers like Smyths Toys and Amazon. Some resellers are listing items like the transparent purple Kirby controller for significantly inflated prices on eBay, but alternative retailers offer the full range of pink-puffball-inspired goodies at their original prices.- Metroid Ravenous Listing Sparks Speculation About Nintendo’s Next GameA listing on the Brazilian ratings board, since removed, has sparked speculation about a new Metroid game titled Metroid Ravenous. The leak also suggested a 2026 production start date in the US and mentioned 'violence' and 'light sexual content'. This potential title could be a sequel to MercurySteam's Metroid Dread, which was a commercial success for Nintendo.
- Nintendo “implemented further salary increases” in April, but 10% was 2023Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that the company implemented further salary increases in April, clarifying that a widely reported 10% raise was from 2023. While not disclosing the exact amount of the new increases, Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to its employees.
"RIP PLAYSTATION 1994-2026" - Players are flocking to Sony's old PS4 anti-DRM video in the wake of its shock decision to scrap physical gamesSony announced it will cease production of physical discs for PlayStation games starting January 2028, shifting to an all-digital future. This decision has sparked significant backlash from players concerned about anti-consumer practices and the loss of permanent ownership. In response, gamers have revisited a 2013 anti-DRM video featuring Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes, highlighting the perceived shift in Sony's player-centric stance.- US: Splatoon Raiders demo pops up in storesNintendo is distributing demos of its upcoming game, Splatoon Raiders, to major North American retailers like GameStop and Target. This initiative aims to generate consumer interest in the new title by allowing shoppers to try it out in stores.
Next Xbox, Project Helix, Will Reportedly Not Have a Disc DriveReports indicate the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will be a discless model, eliminating support for physical media. This follows PlayStation's announcement of ending physical disc production in 2028 and Rockstar Games' confirmation of no disc version for Grand Theft Auto VI. The move raises significant concerns for game preservation and the physical game market, with figures like Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation highlighting the challenges for archiving digital-only content.
New Metroid sequel for Switch 2 leaked by Brazil’s Ministry of JusticeA listing on Brazil's Ministry of Justice website has potentially revealed a new Metroid game titled 'Metroid Ravenous' for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a production year of 2026. The listing was quickly removed, but suggests a sequel to Metroid Dread, possibly developed by MercurySteam, and hints at other Metroid titles being in development.- Seven tracks from Rhythm Heaven Groove added to Nintendo MusicSeven tracks from the newly released Rhythm Heaven Groove have been added to Nintendo Music on the Nintendo Switch. This follows a pattern of "Special Releases" for newer titles, though it is currently unknown if the full soundtrack will become available.
Rhythm Heaven Groove icons added to Nintendo Switch OnlineNew icons featuring characters, backgrounds, and frames from Rhythm Heaven Groove are now available on Nintendo Switch Online. These icons can be redeemed using My Nintendo Platinum Points until July 29, with designs rotating weekly.
Metroid Ravenous Might be a New Side-Scrolling Entry in the Franchise – RumorA new Metroid game, potentially titled Metroid Ravenous, has been rumored after appearing in a Brazilian government gazette. The listing suggests the game was produced in 2026 and aligns with the naming convention of mainline side-scrolling Metroid titles. This follows the release of Metroid Dread in 2021.
Nintendo is Unlikely to Follow in Sony’s Footsteps to End Physical Game Production, Says AnalystAnalyst Mat Piscatella believes Nintendo is unlikely to cease physical game production, unlike Sony's planned shift to digital-only by 2028. Piscatella suggests Nintendo will continue supporting physical media through at least the Nintendo Switch 2's lifecycle, citing the company's independent approach and reliance of retail outlets on its sales. This contrasts with Sony's move, which is expected to influence future consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix to be digital-only.
ShackStream: Star Fox on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 723The Stevetendo Show will feature a playthrough of Star Fox, a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic with updated graphics and voice acting. The stream will cover the game's progression, with potential for exploring secrets if time permits. The show airs live on the Shacknews Twitch channel on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Rumor: Metroid Ravenous isn’t the only new Metroid game on the wayA rumor suggests that Nintendo may be developing more than one new Metroid game for the Nintendo Switch 2, potentially including Metroid Ravenous and a remake of Super Metroid. This speculation follows a leak of Metroid Ravenous and prior accurate predictions from leakers like NateTheHate regarding other Nintendo titles.
This Week in Switch 2 - Falco Lombardi's Splatoon Raiders preview with guest host Fox McCloudThis Week in Switch 2 features a special episode with Falco Lombardi and guest host Fox McCloud discussing the Splatoon Raiders preview and recent Nintendo news. The podcast also touches on the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and its operating system, with plans to continue coverage into 2026.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCsThe article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.