Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream devs say the Mii programming was 'pure chaos and 'really hard to manage' during development, that it took 'six or seven years' to fine-tuneThe development team behind Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream spent six to seven years programming the Mii interaction system, describing the process as 'pure chaos' and difficult to manage. Lead programmer Takaomi Ueno explained that they continuously added ideas and rules to balance unintended behaviors, eventually finding a system that players found fun. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Download: 16th April (North America)The latest Nintendo Download update for North America brings a variety of new games to the eShop. Titles include the life simulation game Tomodachi Life, the sci-fi action-adventure PRAGMATA, and the unique first-person shooter MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, among many other indie releases.
Japan: Nintendo Switch 2 reigns supreme and Pokemon Pokopia remains No.1The Nintendo Switch 2 was the best-selling hardware in Japan for the week of April 6-12, 2026, selling over 52,000 units. Pokemon Pokopia for the Nintendo Switch 2 remained the top-selling software. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also saw sales figures reported.
US: Nintendo Download for 16th April, 2026Nintendo has announced its latest download offerings for the Nintendo Switch, featuring new releases like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, PRAGMATA, and MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. The update also includes new music tracks from Animal Crossing and a limited-time event in Pokémon Pokopia. Additionally, a Spotlight Sale on select digital games is now available on the Nintendo eShop.
Mamdani Uses Mario Kart To Explain New Tax On The Super-RichNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used Mario Kart as a metaphor to explain his new tax plan targeting the super-rich. The plan aims to make the city more affordable by implementing a Pied-à-Terre Tax on luxury property owners and encouraging philanthropic donations. Mamdani, a known fan of video games, compared government to Yoshi and philanthropy to a golden mushroom needed to defeat Bowser, representing corporate greed.
New Kirby Speedo Swimsuit Collection Launches in JapanGoldwin has launched a second wave of its Speedo swimsuit collection in collaboration with Nintendo and HAL Laboratory's Kirby franchise in Japan. The new designs feature 8-bit era Kirby illustrations and will be available in three color choices, with pre-orders open now and sales starting April 24, 2026. This follows a successful first wave released in late December 2025, with most items still available.
Nintendo Download – April 16, 2026 (North America) – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Pragmata, moreThe North American Nintendo Download report for the week of April 16, 2026, highlights new releases on the Nintendo eShop, including Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Pragmata for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The article also provides a comprehensive list of other digital titles and ongoing eShop sales.
Famitsu Sales: 4/6/26 – 4/12/26Famitsu has released its physical game sales data for Japan for the week of April 6-12, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia for Nintendo Switch 2 remained the top seller, while Starfield for PlayStation 5 was the highest-selling new release. Nintendo Switch 2 led hardware sales, followed by the Nintendo Switch family.
Is Nintendo Holding Your Pokemon Champions Experience H... | TAGPokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online battles, though optional paid memberships offer extra features. Separately, Overwatch's Switch version is awaiting a 60 FPS fix, director Zach Cregger is working on a new sci-fi film, and Marty O’Donnell has received a surprising political endorsement. Additionally, Star Trek: Resurgence is being delisted, Elden Ring movie casting rumors are circulating, and Grand Theft Auto Online's financial leaks surprisingly boosted Take-Two's stock. PlayStation 5 sales have surged in the US, Horizon Zero Dawn is reportedly coming to PlayStation Plus Extra, and classic Warhammer games are now on Steam. Finally, giving away Graveyard Keeper for free led to significant DLC sales, and the unique game Mouse: PI For Hire is gaining attention.
Famitsu sales (4/6/26 – 4/12/26) – Nintendo Switch 2 leads hardware salesThe latest Japanese hardware sales data from Famitsu for the week of April 6-12, 2026, shows the Nintendo Switch 2 leading with 52,058 units sold. Software charts are topped by 'Pokemon Pokopia' on the Switch 2, followed by 'Mario Kart World' and 'Starfield' on PlayStation 5.
New Hori Switch 2 Controllers and Bags Based on Animal CrossingHori has announced new Nintendo Switch accessories and controllers inspired by the Animal Crossing series, featuring characters like Tom Nook and Celeste. These items are set to release in Japan on June 30, 2026, with potential for a worldwide release. The announcement coincides with the franchise's 25th anniversary.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream director says development started in 2017 after discussing a 'special attachment' to the series with the producer, but had already 'squeezed all we could' out of the 3DS titleDevelopment for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream began in 2017, with director Ryutaro Takahashi and producer Yoshio Sakamoto feeling they had exhausted the potential of the Nintendo 3DS title. The pair discussed their special attachment to the series, leading to the decision to create a new game for the Nintendo Switch. The game launches today and is also playable on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Nintendo HQ RecreationNintendo has recreated its Kyoto headquarters within the life simulation game Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, which launches today on the Nintendo Switch. This in-game replica serves as an example of the creative possibilities available to players in the new installment.
PSA: Xenoblade Chronicles X Now Available Physically For Switch 2Nintendo has released a physical edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at approximately £50 in the UK and $65 in the US. The release has been met with controversy due to perceived AI upscaling issues, with some players preferring the original Switch's performance and even requesting refunds.
Star Fox voice actor dies at age 76 as fans pay tributeJock Blaney, the original voice actor for Wolf O'Donnell in Nintendo's Star Fox 64 (also known as Lylat Wars), has died at the age of 76. Blaney also voiced other characters in the game and had credits in titles like No One Lives Forever and Spy Fox. Fans are paying tribute to his iconic performances, particularly his role as Fox McCloud's arch-rival.
Leaker: Nintendo Switch 2 code-in-box physical Red Dead Redemption set for 7th MayA retail leaker claims that a physical, code-in-box edition of Red Dead Redemption for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on May 7th for €34.99. Additionally, leaker NateTheHate reiterates that Red Dead Redemption 2 is expected to receive a current-gen update for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as a port for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Download – April 16, 2026 (Europe)Nintendo has released its European download list for the week of April 16, 2026, featuring a variety of new titles for the Nintendo Switch and potentially the upcoming Switch 2. The list includes games like Dosa Divas, Mouse: P.I. For Hire, and Overwatch, alongside numerous other indie and retail releases.- This Week in Switch 2 - Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Pragmata & Mouse: P.I. For Hire reviewsThis episode of 'This Week in Switch 2' covers recent Nintendo news and features reviews for the games Pragmata, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, and Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The discussion delves into the latest happenings in the Nintendo ecosystem.
Starfield Switch 2 rating spotted, all but confirming an upcoming port of Bethesda's space-based RPGStarfield has received a rating for the Nintendo Switch 2 from Taiwan's Entertainment Software Rating Information Board, strongly suggesting an upcoming port. The space-based RPG, developed by Bethesda, was recently released on PlayStation 5 and is already available on Xbox Series X/S and PC. This rating follows other Bethesda titles appearing on the Switch 2, such as Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition.
Tomodachi Life Nintendo Switch Online icons now availableNintendo is releasing Tomodachi Life-themed profile icons for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The first wave is available now, with more to follow in the coming weeks. These icons can be customized using Platinum Points earned through My Nintendo missions.