Tag: Nintendo

  • Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale: Best Switch Game and Accessory Deals

    Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale: Best Switch Game and Accessory Deals

    Nintendo’s Customer Appreciation Sale: What You Need to Know

    Nintendo is running a rare sale on some of its biggest Switch titles. The Customer Appreciation Sale runs from September 12 through September 26 in the U.S., with discounts of up to 30% on select games, bundles, DLC, accessories, amiibo, and apparel.

    Deals are available through the Nintendo eShop, the Nintendo Store, and select retail partners. Prices can vary by channel, so it’s worth comparing before checkout. Nintendo said the sale is a thank-you to fans, helped along by tariff refunds.

    Best Game Deals in the Sale

    Here are the standout game discounts to consider before the sale ends:

    • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – drops below $50 for a rare price cut, with the full building, fusing, sky island, and underground Depths content.
    • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – $41.99 for the open-world classic that redefined the series.
    • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Booster Course Pass bundle – $59.48 bundled, versus $41.99 for the game and $17.49 for the pass separately; includes 48 extra tracks.
    • Super Mario Odyssey – $41.99 for the kingdom-hopping platformer starring Cappy.
    • Super Mario Bros. Wonder – $41.99; a newer Mario title already on sale.
    • Kirby and the Forgotten Land – $41.99; an easy-to-pick-up 3D platformer.
    • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – $41.99, but only for the standard Switch version, not the Switch 2 Edition.

    Hardware and Amiibo Deals

    Beyond games, the sale includes useful accessories:

    • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – $55.99 with motion controls, rumble, amiibo scanning, and roughly 40 hours of battery life.
    • Rosalina and Lumas amiibo – $24.49; scanning it in either Super Mario Galaxy game grants a 1-Up Mushroom.

    Before You Buy

    Not every Nintendo title is included in this promotion. Only select items are discounted, and product availability can differ between the eShop, Nintendo Store, and participating retailers. The sale is also U.S.-only, so shoppers outside the U.S. should check their regional eShop for local deals. The promotion ends September 26, so there is limited time to decide.

    Final Thought

    This sale is a strong opportunity to fill gaps in a Switch library, especially for first-party games that rarely see major discounts. Just confirm the price, the edition, and stock before you buy.

  • Gaming Giants in 2026: The Industry’s Highest Market Valuations

    Gaming Giants in 2026: The Industry’s Highest Market Valuations

    Microsoft leads the gaming industry in market capitalization as of 2026, despite gaming representing only a fraction of its overall technology business. Its gaming operations encompass Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and a portfolio of major franchises. The company’s cloud infrastructure, subscription services, and expansive gaming ecosystem give it substantial influence across the global interactive entertainment landscape.

    Tencent remains one of the world’s largest gaming companies, supported by a diverse portfolio of popular online and mobile games. Its operations span major international franchises and Chinese titles, while its broader technology ecosystem enhances distribution and player engagement. Tencent’s scale makes it a dominant force in global gaming.

    Sony holds a strong position through PlayStation, one of the industry’s most recognizable platforms. Its business combines consoles, software, subscriptions, and exclusive franchises to create a broad entertainment ecosystem. Major first-party titles and the PlayStation brand continue to drive Sony’s importance in the global gaming market and its overall corporate valuation.

    NetEase has emerged as a major player with a wide array of online and mobile titles. The company has expanded internationally while continuing to serve Chinese audiences. Its gaming division remains a key contributor, supported by established franchises, live-service models, and ongoing investment in game development.

    Sea Limited’s Garena gaming division has made the company a significant force in Southeast Asian and international digital entertainment. Garena operates popular online games and benefits from Sea’s broader digital ecosystem. Gaming remains a core component alongside e-commerce and digital financial services across multiple markets.

    Nintendo continues to be one of gaming’s most recognizable and valuable companies, built on distinctive hardware and iconic franchises. Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon-related properties attract generations of players, while Nintendo’s dedicated platforms create a tightly integrated ecosystem. Its unique hardware-software approach sets it apart from other gaming giants.

    Take-Two Interactive is among the largest pure-play gaming publishers, with a portfolio featuring globally recognized franchises. Its businesses include Rockstar Games and 2K, covering blockbuster releases and ongoing digital experiences. The company’s valuation reflects investor expectations around major franchises, recurring revenue, and the continued growth of interactive entertainment worldwide.

    Electronic Arts remains a major global publisher with an extensive portfolio spanning sports, action, and multiplayer games. Franchises such as EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, and Battlefield contribute to its worldwide reach. Its recurring live-service revenue model and established player communities give it an important position in the competitive gaming industry.

    Roblox occupies a unique niche by combining gaming, social interaction, and user-generated content. Its platform allows creators to build experiences while users explore games and virtual environments. This community-driven model gives Roblox a different growth profile from traditional publishers and highlights the rising importance of creator ecosystems in gaming.

    Aristocrat has a significant presence across gaming and casino technology, with businesses spanning physical gaming machines and digital entertainment. Its operations extend beyond conventional console and PC gaming, reflecting the broader definition of the gaming industry. The company’s digital expansion and established gaming technology business contribute to its position among major publicly traded gaming companies.

  • Nintendo’s Ocarina of Time Remake Arrives November 5 on Switch 2 with Revamped Visuals and Modern Controls

    Nintendo’s Ocarina of Time Remake Arrives November 5 on Switch 2 with Revamped Visuals and Modern Controls

    Nintendo has fully revealed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, confirming a November 5, 2026, release date for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game arrives exactly two weeks before Rockstar Games launches Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19.

    During The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8, Nintendo showed the first gameplay footage, offering a closer look at the remake’s new graphics, movement, camera system, and other enhancements to the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic.

    Updated Visuals and Controls

    Nintendo has rebuilt Ocarina of Time with completely overhauled visuals for Switch 2 while retaining the original characters, locations, and story. Series producer Eiji Aonuma demonstrated the game during the anniversary presentation. The remake introduces fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue, and symphonic orchestral music. Both camera and movement controls have been reworked: players can use modern camera movements, and Link can now jump and dash with updated controls.

    Aonuma explained the team’s approach: they focused on recreating the look of the original game for modern hardware while preserving its familiar design. Nintendo stated during the gameplay presentation, “Not only have the visuals evolved, but the gameplay has been improved.”

    Nintendo Switch 2 Features

    The gameplay reveal showed Link exploring Hyrule, fighting enemies, and using the Ocarina, which remains integral to the adventure. The official listing confirms the remake is built from the ground up for Switch 2, supporting handheld, tabletop, and TV play. It is a single-player title with a digital file size of approximately 27GB (subject to change).

    The remake also works with ZELDA NOTES through the Nintendo Switch App on compatible mobile devices, tracking daily accomplishments and helping players find in-game locations. Supported Zelda amiibo figures provide in-game extras.

    Release Timing and Anniversary Celebrations

    Nintendo scheduled the remake for November 5, 2026, while Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 6 arrives on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, placing the two major releases 14 days apart. The remake is part of Nintendo’s broader celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, which also includes anniversary hardware, accessories, and the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film developed with Arad Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

  • 7 Must-See Games for Nintendo Direct September 2026

    7 Must-See Games for Nintendo Direct September 2026

    As the Nintendo Direct September 2026 presentation draws near, speculation is at an all-time high. Fans are eagerly anticipating major reveals for the Switch 2 lineup, and several titles have emerged as top predictions. Here are the seven games generating the most buzz:

    1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake

    Fans expect a major update on the Switch 2 remake, with Nintendo potentially showing gameplay, revealing launch details, and confirming its release window. The dedicated Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct makes this one of the most anticipated announcements.

    2. New 3D Mario Game

    A new 3D Mario adventure remains one of the biggest hopes for the September Direct. Fan polls and industry speculation have placed a potential 2027 reveal among the showcase’s most exciting possibilities, although Nintendo has not confirmed the project.

    3. Metroid Ravenous

    Fans are hoping for a new Metroid announcement, with Metroid Ravenous emerging as a notable prediction ahead of the showcase. A surprise reveal could give Switch 2 another major first-party adventure while expanding Nintendo’s sci-fi lineup for future releases.

    4. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

    Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is another title fans expect to see during the Nintendo Direct. A fresh trailer, gameplay footage, or release information could provide a closer look at the tactical RPG and its role in Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 lineup.

    5. Xenoblade Chronicles: Genesis

    Xenoblade Chronicles: Genesis could receive another substantial showcase following its earlier reveal. Fans may expect fresh gameplay, story details, or launch information as Nintendo continues building its Switch 2 role-playing game lineup for the coming months.

    6. New Animal Crossing

    Animal Crossing remains a popular fan request, with players hoping Nintendo finally announces a new mainline entry. A Switch 2-focused Animal Crossing reveal would instantly become one of the biggest surprises of the September presentation.

    7. Pikmin 5

    Pikmin 5 has appeared among fan predictions for the September Nintendo Direct. Nintendo could surprise viewers with a first trailer, although there is currently no official confirmation that the next Pikmin game will appear during the showcase.

    With so many potential reveals, the September 2026 Nintendo Direct is shaping up to be a landmark event for Switch 2 owners and Nintendo fans worldwide.

  • Must-Play Nintendo Switch 2 Games: The Best Launch Titles Revealed

    Must-Play Nintendo Switch 2 Games: The Best Launch Titles Revealed

    Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Switch 2, is set to launch with an impressive lineup of games that promise to redefine handheld and home gaming. From new entries in beloved franchises to enhanced versions of modern classics, here are the titles you absolutely cannot miss at launch.

    Mario Kart World

    Race across massive tracks, explore open environments, and enjoy fresh multiplayer features that make every match feel exciting and unpredictable together.

    Donkey Kong Bananza

    Smash through destructible worlds, uncover hidden secrets, and enjoy creative platforming that brings Donkey Kong’s latest adventure to life brilliantly.

    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition

    Experience improved visuals, smoother gameplay, and faster loading while exploring Hyrule in one of Nintendo’s greatest adventure games ever.

    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

    Join Samus Aran on a mysterious mission featuring stunning graphics, immersive combat, and exploration that fully showcases Nintendo Switch 2 power.

    Pokémon Legends: Z-A

    Explore Lumiose City, discover new Pokémon, and experience fresh mechanics that bring an exciting evolution to the beloved role-playing series.

    Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World

    Enjoy colorful platforming, new abilities, and additional adventures that expand Kirby’s charming world with exciting challenges and memorable moments throughout.

    Hades II

    Battle through the Underworld with fast-paced combat, powerful upgrades, and a gripping story that rewards every successful and failed escape attempt.

    Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

    Experience Night City on Nintendo Switch 2 with enhanced visuals, smoother performance, and the complete adventure, including the Phantom Liberty expansion.

    Split Fiction

    Team up with a friend in this imaginative cooperative adventure featuring unique worlds, clever puzzles, and constantly changing gameplay experiences together.

  • Nintendo Moves to Dismiss Class Action Over Switch 2 Tariff Refunds

    Nintendo Moves to Dismiss Class Action Over Switch 2 Tariff Refunds

    Nintendo has filed a motion in a U.S. court to dismiss a lawsuit demanding refunds for Switch 2 buyers following adjustments to import tariffs. The company argues that customers are not legally entitled to refunds because it never promised price reductions if tariffs changed.

    The lawsuit, initially filed in April 2026 by two consumers in California and Washington, claims Nintendo used tariff refunds to grow the company instead of returning the extra charges to gamers. The dispute stems from price hikes on Switch 2 controllers and the original Switch after U.S. tariffs were imposed—tariffs later declared illegal by the Supreme Court.

    In its legal filing, Nintendo stated it did not assure customers that the console’s price would fluctuate with tariff changes. “Customers knew the price before placing their orders and chose to buy the console at that amount,” the company said, emphasizing there are no legal grounds for refunds.

    Background of the Lawsuit

    The controversy began during the Switch 2 pre-order period. Nintendo delayed U.S. pre-orders to assess tariff impacts, but when orders opened, the console price remained unchanged—though the controller cost $5 more. After tariffs were overturned, Nintendo reportedly secured refunds on those duties, prompting the lawsuit.

    Plaintiffs Gregory Hoffert and Prashant Sharan seek class action status for all U.S. purchasers of price-hiked Nintendo items between February 1, 2025 and February 24, 2026. Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa previously stated the company views tariffs as a cost factor and incorporates them into pricing.

    Broader Implications

    The case raises a fundamental question for businesses: when a company saves money from reduced tariffs, must it lower prices for customers? Legal experts note that in most cases, companies are free to set their own prices unless they made explicit promises or violated consumer protection laws. Lower costs do not automatically translate to lower retail prices.

  • New Pokémon Leak Suggests Higher Game Prices and Dual-Version Incentives

    New Pokémon Leak Suggests Higher Game Prices and Dual-Version Incentives

    A leaked document linked to The Pokémon Company has sparked fresh debate among fans. The leak suggests the company discussed raising the price of future Pokémon games and explored new ways to encourage players to purchase both versions of a title. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the timing has intensified speculation, especially after Nintendo increased prices on some first-party Switch 2 games.

    The leaked presentation, reportedly from the Teraleak, shows that The Pokémon Company has been considering higher pricing since the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield in 2019. It also outlines strategies to add more value for players who buy both versions of a game. However, the external factors that initially drove these discussions no longer exist, meaning prices have remained stable so far.

    Pokémon games have followed a dual-version format for years, each offering exclusive Pokémon and minor differences. Many fans buy a single digital copy, while others collect both physical and digital editions. The leak indicates the company may aim to make buying both versions more attractive in the future.

    The report gained further attention after Pokémon Winds and Waves appeared at a higher price on some retailer listings. Nintendo has not confirmed the game’s final price, so fans should treat these reports as speculation for now.

    The leak also raises broader questions about Nintendo’s pricing strategy. The company has already launched some Switch 2 games at higher price points, including Mario Kart World and upgraded The Legend of Zelda titles. If Pokémon follows suit, it may signal a wider pricing shift rather than a one-off change.

    Neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has issued an official statement on the matter. Until they do, the leak remains an internal concept rather than a confirmed decision.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Gets User-Replaceable Battery Ahead of EU Right-to-Repair Rules

    Nintendo Switch 2 Gets User-Replaceable Battery Ahead of EU Right-to-Repair Rules

    Nintendo is making a small but important change to the Switch 2. The company is working on an upgraded version with a replaceable battery before new repair rules come into effect in the European Union. The update is expected to make the console easier to repair and help players use it for longer.

    Many gamers wonder how to extend the lifespan of their consoles. As batteries get older, they hold less charge. Until now, replacing them has often meant paying for repairs or opening the device with special tools. Nintendo’s new design could make that process much simpler.

    Switch 2 Gets a Repair-Friendly Battery

    Nintendo is expected to roll out the updated design before the Switch 2 reaches more markets, including the UAE and 27 European Union member states. Ahead of the launch, in a post on its website, the console maker has said that Switch 2 will have a 5,172mAh battery, which is 1% smaller than the current version’s 5,220mAh cell. Furthermore, the console will weigh 10 grams more with user-replaceable batteries.

    The primary reason for this change is EU-specific regulations that require consumer electronics to have removable, replaceable batteries. Instead of waiting for the rules to take effect, Nintendo appears to be preparing early. This also means the company may not need different versions of the console for different regions.

    The updated design is expected to make it easier for users to replace the battery when it wears out. Nintendo has not shared full details yet, but the goal is clear. Players should be able to keep using the same console instead of replacing it because of a weak battery. The change also shows that game companies are paying more attention to repair-friendly designs.

    A New Battery Can Add Years to the Console

    A replaceable battery is useful for more than repairs. It can help the console last much longer. Players can easily replace the battery after years of use instead of purchasing a new system.

    It can also help save money, as battery replacement typically costs much less than replacing the entire console. A healthy battery can also help the Switch 2 keep a better resale value if owners decide to sell it later.

    Another benefit is less waiting. If batteries become easier to replace, players may not have to leave their console at a service center for days.

    Could This Make the Switch 2 More Expensive?

    Repair-friendly parts can increase production costs. A replaceable battery generally means a different internal design and more parts. That could have a minor impact on the end price. Many players might find the extra cost worth it. Consoles that last longer save you money in the long run and reduce electronic waste.

    The move from Nintendo demonstrates how repairability is becoming a bigger deal in gaming hardware. If other companies follow suit, it could be much easier to own, fix, and use a console for many years to come.

  • Nintendo to Discontinue Original Switch, Lite, and OLED Models in Europe by Early 2027

    Nintendo to Discontinue Original Switch, Lite, and OLED Models in Europe by Early 2027

    Nintendo has announced that it will phase out production of the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models for European retailers starting in mid-February 2027. The move brings an end to a hardware lineup that has defined the company for nearly a decade and sold over 155 million units by December 2025.

    Why Nintendo is Pulling the Plug

    Contrary to speculation, the discontinuation is not due to declining sales—the Switch lineup remains Nintendo’s most successful hardware line, surpassing even the Nintendo DS. Instead, the trigger is European Regulation 2023/1542, which mandates that consumer electronics sold in the EU must include user-replaceable batteries starting February 18, 2027. The original Switch, Lite, and OLED all use sealed, non-replaceable batteries. Rather than redesigning decade-old hardware, Nintendo has chosen to exit the European market for these devices.

    How the Switch 2 Adapts

    Instead of retrofitting older consoles, Nintendo is redesigning the newer Switch 2 to comply with the regulation. A European-market version with a “BEE” model number prefix is expected this autumn, featuring a user-replaceable battery rated at 5,172 mAh—slightly smaller than the standard 5,220 mAh unit and marginally heavier at around 411g. Updated Joy-Con 2 controllers with replaceable batteries are planned for winter, with a small weight increase and no change in battery capacity. However, not all accessories will receive this treatment; the original Switch Pro Controller and some retro-style controllers will be discontinued outright.

    What This Means for Shoppers and Existing Owners

    Nintendo has confirmed that all three original consoles will continue to be manufactured through 2026 and remain widely available across Europe for the rest of the year, giving shoppers a real window to purchase before the cutoff. Existing owners will not be left behind: games, accessories, the Nintendo eShop, and Nintendo Switch Online will continue to work “for the foreseeable future.” Notably, Nintendo has not announced similar discontinuation plans for the US or Japan, describing those markets as “currently unknown.”

    This European transition underscores the growing impact of sustainability and repairability regulations on consumer electronics—and Nintendo’s strategic pivot to a newer, more compliant hardware generation.