Nintendo
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo.
Early Punch-Out prototype surfaces, ROM shared onlineA prototype ROM for the original Punch-Out!! has been shared online after surfacing from a former Nintendo of America employee. The prototype features differences from the final game, including no sound, fewer boxers, and early character names like Vodka Drunkenski. The Video Game History Foundation also showcased the prototype in a new video.- A maverick hacker got Mac OS X running on a WiiDeveloper Bryan Keller has successfully ported Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah) to run on a Nintendo Wii console. Motivated by skepticism, Keller developed a custom boot loader and drivers to overcome the technical challenges, demonstrating the Wii's hackability and its PowerPC architecture's similarity to older Macs.
After spending $60,000 on an "unheard of" first-party Nintendo prototype, anonymous collector pulls the ultimate good guy move and releases the ROM for preservationists to study for freeAn anonymous collector purchased a rare prototype of Nintendo's Punch-Out!! for over $60,000 and has released the ROM for free, allowing for the preservation and study of early game development. This move is praised by preservationists like Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation, who notes the rarity of such an early build of a major first-party title.
Japan: Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed 5 million units soldThe Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 5 million units in Japan since its June 2025 launch, significantly outpacing the PlayStation 5's sales in the same timeframe. The article also details this week's best-selling physical software and hardware sales figures for various consoles in Japan.
007 First Light stalls on Switch 2—Bond fans, brace for... | TAGSeveral games are experiencing delays, including 007 First Light for Nintendo Switch 2, Borderlands 4, and Disney Dreamlight Valley's update. Meanwhile, rumors suggest a new Star Fox game and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time could be announced for the Switch 2. In other news, South Korea is distributing free PCs to combat rising costs, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is undergoing reshoots for more humor. A report indicates a Sony State of Play is planned for April 16, potentially alongside an Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag remake announcement, and Pokémon Champions is receiving bug fixes.
Nintendo's last ever first party Switch 1 game just revealed its release dateNintendo has announced that Rhythm Paradise Groove will be released on July 2 for the Nintendo Switch, priced at £33.99. This title is expected to be the final first-party game developed by Nintendo for the original Switch console as the company shifts focus to the upcoming Switch 2. Another Nintendo-developed Switch title, Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream, was released on April 16.
Decades ago, Gabe Newell revealed that Super Mario 64 influenced Half-Life, and it seems future Steam god GabeN was a lot better at Nintendo's platformer than Valve's FPS classicGabe Newell revealed in a 1998 interview that Super Mario 64, along with Ultima Underworld and Resident Evil 2, were significant influences on the development of Half-Life. Newell also admitted he was not particularly skilled at Half-Life's multiplayer, contrasting it with his perceived proficiency in Super Mario 64, which he later called his favorite game of all time.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Release Date SetNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on the Nintendo Switch on July 2, 2026. The game features rhythm-based minigames, with a new minigame called Slice N Dice highlighted in a brief clip. This marks the fifth entry in the Rhythm Heaven series and the first mainline entry in over a decade.- Rhythm Heaven Groove comes to Switch on July 2Nintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on July 2 for the Nintendo Switch, with compatibility expected for the upcoming Switch 2. This marks the first new entry in the rhythm game series in over a decade, featuring beat-matching minigames and original music. The game is available for pre-order at $40.
Ex-Nintendo marketing lead believes Illumination used Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie as an "IP…Former Nintendo marketing lead Kit Ellis theorizes that Illumination included Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Bros. Movie as an "IP landgrab" to secure rights to characters. Ellis suggests the animation studio wanted to claim as many potential movie IPs as possible, even if they weren't immediately planned for film adaptation. This discussion follows rumors of a new Star Fox game announcement.
Before you download the free Hello Yoshi app for your kids, please grab a Switch 2 screen protectorThe free Hello Yoshi app is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, allowing users to interact with Yoshi's face. The article strongly recommends purchasing a screen protector for the Nintendo Switch 2 before downloading the app, due to its heavy reliance on the touchscreen.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Release Date AnnouncedNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on July 2 for the Nintendo Switch. The game features a collection of rhythm-based mini-games with catchy original music, including tracks by producer Tsunku♂. A new trailer showcasing a kitchen stage was also released.
Rhythm Heaven Groove's Price Is A Welcome SurpriseNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on July 2nd for the Nintendo Switch, priced at £33.99 / $39.99. This price point is notably lower than other recent Switch releases like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. A physical edition will also be available for pre-order.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Release Date Cued In for JulyNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released on July 2nd exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. This latest installment in the rhythm game series features a collection of musical minigames with no overarching story. The game will be playable on the upcoming Switch 2 console.
Nintendo Download – April 9, 2026 (North America) – Pokemon Champions, Dosa Divas, moreThe North American Nintendo Download for the week of April 9, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, including Pokemon Champions and Dosa Divas. The report also highlights ongoing eShop sales and the return of Super Mario Galaxy merchandise for My Nintendo members.- Rumor: New Starfox Game Announcement Coming This MonthInsider NateTheHate has confirmed that a new Star Fox game announcement is expected this month. This confirmation lends credence to recent rumors circulating about the franchise's potential return.
Rhythm Heaven Groove, my most anticipated game of the year, is finally launching in July, over a decade since I spent countless hours in Nintendo's last incredible instalmentNintendo has confirmed that Rhythm Heaven Groove will launch on July 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. This marks the first wholly original entry in the series since Rhythm Heaven Fever in 2011, with the game developed by Kazuyoshi Osawa, creator of WarioWare. The series is known for its inventive rhythm gameplay and catchy music from Tsunku.
Rumor: New Starfox Game Announcement Coming This MonthThis article reflects on the legacy of the original Star Fox game, released in 1993, and its significance as a technological demonstration. The author praises Star Fox 64 as a superior entry in the franchise and laments the perceived neglect of the Star Fox series by Nintendo.
Rhythm Heaven Groove moves and shakes onto Switch in JulyNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released for the Nintendo Switch on July 2nd. This marks the first new entry in the series since Rhythm Heaven Megamix in 2015. The game features a variety of musical minigames where players press buttons in time with on-screen actions.- Nintendo Switch Exclusive Rhythm Heaven Groove Gets Summer Release Date, Seemingly Backing Up Major LeakNintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove will be released for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 this summer. This release date confirmation appears to validate a recent significant leak regarding the game.