nintendo

Firewatch coming to Nintendo Switch December 17

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Firewatch coming to Nintendo Switch December 17 1

Firewatch will be available for purchase very soon based on a tweet from developer Campo Santo.

For those who never played Firewatch, it’s basically a walking simulator with a strong narration that has received a lot of praise for its story-driven gameplay. It’s short, but a very enjoyable experience. Enjoyable enough for Nintendo to add it to their eShop given that the game sold well over a million copies.

Firewatch fans can get the Firewatch Nintendo Switch version on December 17, 2018. The bundle will be available in the US and EU like usual, but also Japan and Australian eShops. There’s currently no store page for Firewatch on the eShop, but we can assume it’ll be at most $19.99- it’s current retail price for PC. The game is set to launch as a port of the game with no exclusives at this time.

Campo Santo is the developer and this game got their name to the headlines. They’ve been bought out by Valve earlier in 2018, and recently released The Valley Of The Gods.

Firewatch is currently available on Steam for $19.99 and GOG for the same price. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 both have their own copies. The Nintendo Switch port is finally coming soon. It’s nice to see developers and Nintendo partnering up to bring their games to a console that’s predominated by games for the younger audience so that older players can enjoy it just as well rather than going to another console.

You can check out a trailer for the game below:

Firewatch will release on the Nintendo Switch December 17.

Nintendo releases series of videos demonstrating “chain smashing” in SSBU

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Nintendo releases series of videos demonstrating "chain smashing" in SSBU 2

Nintendo rolled out a new series of gameplay videos for the upcoming (and much-anticipated) Super Smash Bros Ultimate for the Nintendo switch. A new slate of videos demonstrating “chain smashing” have been released and show off the game’s new stages and characters.

With the game coming out in just under two weeks, Nintendo’s teaser trailers help sooth the itch just a bit. They refer to these new videos as “chain smashing” because of how they function. Three videos have been released which showcase many of the characters in SSBU getting beaten up across a variety of levels.

Each video is only 30 seconds in length and is basically a collage of nonstop action that feeds the attention span with the chaotic nature of each fighter after fighter getting blasted to a new location in quick succession. I feel like a mild case of ADD is surfacing after watching all three videos in a row.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been recorded as the highest pre-sales game of any Nintendo game in history. With a franchise that debuts once every new-gen Nintendo console, fans are always itching for the launch of their favorite Nintendo and crossover characters duking it out once again.

SSBU will roll out December 7th, 2019 and will feature a roster of 74 characters and includes every level ever made in the series’ history- plus plenty of new ones. The game will also be compatible with GameCube controllers and will probably challenge Melee for its title of being the competitive title.

The three “chain smashing” videos can be watched below:

You can pre-order Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Amazon exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. We’ll cover launch day stats as they show up. See you on the field!

This post contains affiliate links where barrelrolled may receive a small commission upon sales. (This helps us feed our writers the good brand of ramen noodles rather than the generic, store brand.)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate sets the record for highest pre-sales of any SSB game ever

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate sets the record for highest pre-sales of any SSB game ever 3

Nintendo announced during a new video posted on Twitter that their next-gen Super Smash Bros. title has broken the record for highest-pre sales in all of the game’s history. This means that no other Super Smash Bros. game has ever recorded more pre-orders than Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

This is the fifth entry into the platformer fighting series that releases one game every new console. SSBU will have a whopping 74-character roster on launch day, online play (that probably actually works given that Nintendo’s online service costs money now), and the ability to get more content via free or paid DLC.

Some players have been eyeing the Nintendo Switch and waiting for this particular game to come out, so we can also expect to see some console sales alongside the game for those who aren’t buying the SSBU/Switch Bundle.

Masahiro Sakurai, the game’s director recently commented about the selection of characters for the game’s roster. This will be the next signature title from Nintendo and includes a free Pirahna Plant playable fighter if the game is purchased and registered by January 31st, 2019.

The game will have full compatibility for handheld play- locally, online, TV mode, or even Tabletop mode. And the game will work with Nintendo GameCube controllers. There will be new and returning techniques, like directional air dodge and shield timing. And for those who want to play the original levels, SSBU will have all past stages of every SSB game ever released into one brawler game for the ages.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will launch on December 7th for the Nintendo Switch. You can pre-order the game here on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links where barrelrolled may receive a small commission upon sales. (This helps us feed our writers the good brand of ramen noodles rather than the generic, store brand.)

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee sells over 3M copies first week

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Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee sells over 3M copies first week 4

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee has received a mix of both praise and criticism for changing the game formula. However, the new pair of titles in the Pokemon series is still doing well in sales numbers on the market. The initial sales of the games have been revealed through a tweet on the Japanese Twitter account @poke_times:

Now, we can see how the games performed, and it appears that the two Pokemon titles had a level of success on greater than expected. The tweet announced that Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee have collectively sold over 3M units in the first week of the game’s short history.

This is a very successful launch for the Pokemon series itself, which is still going after all these years, though isn’t as quite popular as before. The launch has now become the bets first-week release in the entirety of the Switch sales history.

However, the fact that the user base for the Nintendo Switch has grown since other games like Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: BotW have definitely contributed to these sales figures for getting the users pooled together for the next major release.

Regardless, these two games are now the leader in week-one sales on the Nintendo Switch’s relatively short history. The only other game that I can see breaking this record in the coming weeks is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

We’ll report back to see how they compare soon after launch in early December. There’s a lot to be excited for Switch fans.

Nintendo not against releasing an “N64 Classic”

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Nintendo not against releasing an "N64 Classic" 5

With the release of the NES Classic and the SNES Classic, it’s only natural to ponder about whether or not if Nintendo will roll out the N64 Classic. The former two plug-and-play consoles miniatures both feature some of the best and most popular games of all time during their respective eras. They’ve been a huge success with both fans and scalpers buying up the consoles and pre-order lists getting maxed out. They were both extremely rare and hard to find when they first came out.

Other companies, like Sony, even took place with their own creations around the same idea.

This year, Nintendo just may continue the trend with their once-a-year retro console release with the N64 Classic- another miniature featuring some of the best games from the N64 era. But, this never was confirmed and never happened. Despite not being annoyed this year, Nintendo of America’s Reggie Fils-Aime says that Nintendo isn’t against the idea of an N64 Classic.

Fils-Aime explained a bit more about how the whole “Classic” series came about in the first place in an interview with Kotaku. Fils-Aime said that they would help players bridge between the original console to the Wii U:

“We were clear when we did the first two Classic series that, for us, these were limited time opportunities that were a way for us as a business to bridge from the conclusion of Wii U as a hardware system to the launch of Nintendo Switch. That was the very strategic reason we launched the NES Classic system.

So while consumers may have been anticipating something, we view these as limited time opportunities. We’ve also now been very clear that as the consumer looks forward to engaging with our classic content that is going to happen more and more with the subscription service.”

Nintendo at this point doesn’t have to make any more Classic consoles, especially that now they’ve fulfilled the “bridge.” However, they seem to be confusing on the Switch now more than releasing classic consoles as they’re “limited time opportunities.” But Fils-Aime says he’s still not against another Classic- “I would not ever rule something out.” But ends it by saying that’s they’re not currently planning to make any more Classic consoles.

So form all this, we can gather that Nintendo doesn’t currently have any plans to make the N64 Classic, but the idea isn’t completely ruled out. We’ll have to stay tuned for more news. Nintendo has been known to change their mind.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Nintendo to remove controversial Game and Watch attack

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Nintendo to remove controversial Game and Watch attack 6

Nintendo’s black and white silhouette character Mr. Game and Watch has made headlines with a marketing promotion that went on this weekend to show off Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which is scheduled to release December 7 for the Switch.

A controversial callback to native American history was demonstrated during a live stream where Mr. Game and Watch had donned his feather headdress and torch once again for an in-game attack.

This move originated from a game called Fire Attack which debuted more than three decades ago back in 1982 on old-school G/W hardware. The same outfit was removed from a 2002 title known as Game and Watch Gallery 4 for the very same reason.

The outfit was shown during the live stream and was hit back a huge internet blowback.

Nintendo followed-up by talking about how they plan to, once again, remove this outfit from the upcoming title. In an interview discussing the issue with Eurogamer, Nintendo states:

“Nintendo has been planning to distribute an update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that removes the feather from the silhouette of Mr. Game & Watch. The original game on which this depiction of the character is based was released more than three decades ago and does not represent our company values today.”

And then they went on to give their apologies to fans and viewers who were offended and offer their continued efforts towards making the next SSB game welcoming for everyone:

“We sincerely apologize that this change was not noticed in our marketing material and are continuing our work to make Super Smash Bros. Ultimate an experience that is both welcoming and fun for everyone.”

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rolls out on December 7 for the Switch. The game is the next entry for the SSB series, which has one major title every new generation of Nintendo Consoles- usually a short time after release.

Fallout 76 won’t be coming to the Switch – Not “doable.”

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Fallout 76 won't be coming to the Switch - Not "doable." 7

Bethesda has been kind to Nintendo recently by releasing major titles on the Switch. Games like Doom, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, Skyrim, Doom Eternal, and what more could you ask for? Doom Eternal will even be available on the Switch on launch day. But Fallout 76 won’t be ported to the Switch.

Bethesda Marketing Executive Pete Hines at PAX Aus said the following statement:

“The Switch is something I can say with certainty that it’s a part of every conversation with every dev we have now about what we’re doing going forward because we consider it to be a viable platform. If the game will work on it, we want it to be on every platform possible. Fallout 76 is not because it just wasn’t doable. But honestly, there is no game in development that we haven’t had a conversation about. ‘Does this work on the Switch, do you have a plan for the Switch?’ It’s not a mandate. Everything we do has to be developer-led, but it’s something we want to make sure is on folks’ radar.”

He also clarified that Bethesday will follow the money, and the Switch is where it’s at. He also said the following:

“You go where the money is because that’s how you stay in business. What we have seen compels us to say, ‘[Switch] is a viable platform for the kind of things we do going forward.”

Bethesda wants to be on the Switch if possible, but not all the games they release can be ported to the Switch. The previous games have been doing well for Bethesda, but the Switch just won’t be “doable” this time around. Perhaps sometime in the future they can port some older titles over and make them profitable once again. As for Fallout 76, the Switch won’t be getting a release at this time.

Vampyr confirmed for Nintendo Switch

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Vampyr confirmed for Nintendo Switch 8

After Vampyr‘s somewhat successful launch back in June of 2018, Focus Home Interactive has announced today that Vampyr is now planned for a Nintendo Switch release via an earning’s report for their company. The game was positively received on consoles and was regarded as a fresh breath of action RPG gameplay.

Vampyr was originally released for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Focus Home said that plans for Q3 of the publisher’s fiscal year include taking the game over to the Nintendo Switch. The action RPG’s developer said the following statement that can be found in the report:

“In Q3, the Group will continue to maximise the potential of the Vampyr licence,” said Focus Home in the report. “After the game’s impressive success on PC, Xbox One and PS4, it will be Nintendo Switch’s turn to welcome the DontNod title to reach an even wider audience.”

At this point, no other details of when Vampyr will release on Switch has been announced but based on the Q3 report, it’ll likely be available sometime later this year, as this makes up Q3 2018. There should be news regarding the game soon enough. It’s likely just a port rather than a Switch version with exclusive Vampyr content.

Focus Home will announce the details soon. Stay tuned for updates regarding the game.

PDP announces exclusive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate GameCube Controllers

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PDP announces exclusive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate GameCube Controllers 9

PDP is releasing Nintendo Switch GameCube Controllers that’ll arrive just in time for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

The exclusive controllers will feature Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu and will arrive November 23th, which is just before the game’s release. Most SSB fans will agree that Super Smash Bros. Melee with a GameCube controller is meta and probably the best SSB experience you can get, therefore it makes sense to release SSB-themed GameCube Controllers for the next Smash entry.

Nintendo formally announced their own first-party Smash Ultimate edition of the controller, while peripheral company PDP has already announced pre-orders for their own GameCube controllers- that are wired.

Players can choose between the three characters to duke it out on their next-gen console.

PDP also talks about how the C-Stick on the pad can be swapped out for a full-size version for personal preference so players won’t have to feel worried about wearing out their C-Stick like in the Wii U days. The controller features a full 10-foot cable and old-school grip for an almost near replica of the GameCube Controller.

They’re priced for $24.99 on Amazon with a release date on November 23rd. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will roll out on December 7th on the Nintendo Switch.

 

Nintendo Switch Diablo bundle revealed; Get the details

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Nintendo Switch Diablo bundle revealed; Get the details 10

Nintendo Europe announced that a limited edition, special version of the Switch console will be released to pair with Diablo III on the local EU markets. The pack will include Diablo III: Eternal Collection and a special console with docking base that has a custom paint job and special carrying case- all themed to D3’s getup. And the Ganondorf armor set will be paired with the bundle, of course.

There are no current reports on when the bundle may release in North America. The only news was a trailer and a few product picture show sing off the console and accessories, one of which is attached as the featured picture on this article.

UPDATE: Nintendo has announced that the Diablo Switch bundle will launch in the US at the same time as the EU market, but will exclusively be sold at GameStop.

Here’s a trailer showing off the awesome paint job:

The Switch Diablo bundle will launch on the same day the game rolls out- November 2nd. But then again, this is just for EU players. The game will be a port to console from PC back in 2012 and will obviously include extra content for the Nintendo market.

There were also rumors that the game would feature cross-platform play between the consoles, but that was later debunked by a Blizzard representative.

Here’s a screenshot of all the goodies included in the bundle:

Nintendo Switch Diablo bundle revealed; Get the details 11

Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster and XII on Switch: Details and release date

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Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster and XII on Switch: Details and release date 12

Square Enix revealed that they would be bringing new Final Fantasy games to the Switch. This was news back in September of this year and would be the first time many of these Final Fantasy games would be on a Nintendo platform.

A trio of the newest entries into the long-running, legendary series that is Final Fantasy just made the list of games to be ported onto the Nintendo Switch:

  • Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 (HD Remaster bundle)
  • Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Here are some product features (via Amazon)

  • Updated and reconstructed visuals to be Far more realistic and richly textured vs the original game
  • Upgraded models for each character, graphical updates for a more immersive environment, Xbox One exclusive Achievements
  • Estimated gameplay hours: 40-50 per title
  • Sound – players will be able to choose between original sound and the new, re-arranged sound

They’ve all just become available for pre-order. Pricing for X and X-2 HD will be available on the Switch as a collection and will run you mere $49.99- less than the price of a AAA title for these bundled, remastered, epic games.

This is an awesome price, especially if you’ve never played them before. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age will also be available for $49.99 and will be the Definitive Edition of FFXII. For the books, these prices are identical to the launch prices on PS4.

FFX is the most recent game that features turn-based strategic combat and does it right. FFX-2 has a newer combat system based on character avatars and equips that focuses more on real-time combat. FFXII is a passive combat system that works by deciding what your character will do before the actual battle takes place.

Each game is wildly different in terms of the combat, so players can literally cherry pick their favorite. PC and PS4 had their share of FF games, now it’s time for some Nintendo action! Awesome.

Release dates have been confirmed. The games will be released on December 31, 2019. So that’s more than a year from now. Regardless, we’ll keep you updated until then.

Splatoon 2 update Version 4.1.0: What’s new?

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Splatoon 2 update Version 4.1.0: What's new? 13

Another update just went live for Splatoon 2. Since its inception on the Switch, Splatoon 2 has sen a bunch of new updates packed with fixes, content, and more. Yesterday, the latest update just rolled up. Find out what’s new in Version 4.1.0.

For starters, players will get access to the game’s final arena called the Skipper Pavillion, which is themed as an old magical temple located somewhere outside the land of Inkopolis. Players will also get a new Booyah Bomb and a new selection of special weapons known as the Kensa Collection.

Lastly, there will be four new music tracks featuring music from artists SashiMori and Diss-Pair.

The latest update can be downloaded by going online on your Switch or manually updating it via the Options menu tucked in the Software icon. Although the 4.1.0 update isn’t much, it’s still worth trying out Skipper Pavilion just for fun. The new music tracks are also pretty cool and catchy. And the new set of weapons are neat to look at.

Splatoon 2 is Nintendo’s latest entry into the ink-slinging domination game and has gone as far as hosting esports events. Although it’s not as popular as other leading esports game and genres, it’s still a decent and competitive game for the Nintendo Switch. If you still haven’t played this game yet and you’re interested in it, you can easily find it for cheap online (eBay, Amazon, etc.).

Here are the game features from the product’s sales page (from Nintendo):

  • Turf War – Team up in fierce 4-on-4 multiplayer battles* to see which team can cover the most turf with ink
  • Salmon Run – 2-4 players* can team up for co-op fun and defeat waves of enemy Salmonids.
  • New weapons – Dual wield the new Splat Dualies and avoid getting splatted with the new Dodge Roll move. Mainstays like the Splat Roller and Splat Charger have been remixed to include new gameplay mechanics, and all special weapons are brand-new.
  • Local and Online Multiplayer – In a first for the series, compete in local multiplayer Turf War battles*, whether in TV mode or on-the-go in handheld or tabletop modes. Online battles also make a return**
  • New ways to play – Play with the Joy-Con™ controllers or the Nintendo Switch™ Pro Controller (sold separately), both of which support motion controls for better aiming
  • Fresh Updates – Similar to the Splatoon™ game for the Wii U™ console, updates will roll out post-launch, adding new content and in-game events.
  • Smart Device Support** – An upcoming smart-device application for the Nintendo Switch system will allow players to set play appointments with friends and teammates, as well as voice chat with friends during play sessions.
  • LAN Play – Up to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – can connect via wired LAN (additional accessories required; sold separately). This feature allows players to create local Private Battle tournaments without the need for an internet connection. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament.
  • Customize – Change your Inkling’s style with different weapons, headgear, clothes, and shoes. Gear isn’t just aesthetic; it offers different boosts in battles.
  • amiibo – Compatible with all Splatoon™ series amiibo™ figures. By tapping these amiibo, the figure’s character will appear in the game and befriend players. Befriend an amiibo character and they will remember favorited weapons, gear, outfits and option settings.

Solomon’s Key, Super Dodge Ball, Tournament Golf coming to Switch Online

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Solomon's Key, Super Dodge Ball, Tournament Golf coming to Switch Online 14

Nintendo Switch Online launched last month and we’re just a few weeks into the new service by Nintendo. The service allows players to save cloud games, play NES classic games, and play online- of course. A trio of new NES titles will be added to the online library on October 10th:

  • NES Open Tournament Golf
  • Solomon’s Key
  • Super Dodge Ball

Each game will have online multiplayer so players can compete against each other in these retro classics that were previously only local multiplayer capable.

NES Open Tournament Golf was released for the NES back in 1991 and a Famicom Disk System version was released in 1987 in Japan. This game was the predecessor for Mario Golf and allows you to play as Mario and Luigi across three courses with Donkey Kong as the accountant and Princess Peach and Daisy as golf caddies. Pretty cool, huh?

Solomon’s Key is a puzzler that came out in 1987 by Tecmo for the NES. Since then, it’s been available on every Virtual Console and the PS4 as an Arcade Archives game.

Super Dodge Ball is exactly what it sounds like. The game is a sports title released back in 1989 by Technos Japan Group for the NES. The game is based on the arcade cabinet of the same name and features a special “bean ball” mode where six players duke it out until only one remain. The game features the full roster of ten teams each with individually-named players respective to each team. This was a lesser-known title, but still was a blast to play.

Nintendo Switch Online can be paid for different lengths, but the yearly subscription is the best deal at $19.99. Buying the service allows players to purchase special NES Joy-Con controllers that work with the NES titles. They’re replicas of the classic NES controllers for some real retro gaming. You can get more details about Nintendo Switch Online here.

Super Hyperactive Ninja coming October 25th to the Switch

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Super Hyperactive Ninja coming October 25th to the Switch 15

The hyperactive platformer Super Hyperactive Ninja is making its way onto the Nintendo Switch.

After a release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the game will be coming to the Switch on October 25th. Super Hyperactive Ninja is a game built for speedrunners where players control one of several ninjas that are fueled by society’s favorite energy beverage- a steaming cup of coffee!

You’ll have to speed through the many levels by jumping, running, and even wall-climbing as you try to collect all the cups of coffee before falling asleep. As you drink coffee, your ninja will enter Hyperactive Mode, which lets you run even faster and kill enemies even faster than your hyped-up self. Don’t run out of coffee or else the game’s over.

The game also has a one-on-one fighting mode that’s somewhat hidden. The mechanics of it is similar to Super Smash Bros where you fight on platforms rather than a sidescrolling fighter. The mode also has some guest characters like Aragami, Jack from Caveman Warriors, and Ice Cream Surfer’s Ace.

Here’s a trailer of the game:

Dark Souls Remastered trailer for Nintendo Switch released

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Dark Souls Remastered trailer for Nintendo Switch released 16

Dark Souls Remastered for the Nintendo Switch is coming. And guess what? It’s gonna be a relaxing game. Heh.

Nintendo has released a new trailer showing off the new game before it’s launch next month on the Switch. The trailer shows off some of the classic ARPG action we’ve all grown to adore (and hate) about the Dark Souls series with a humorous tale of “keeping calm” while trying to reduce the urge to rage quit and toss your handheld across the room:

https://youtu.be/9sjv8es_gv0

The Switch edition will be a remastered edition of Dark Souls which was released earlier in 2018 on consoles and PC. The Switch version has been delayed just before its launch to later this year. Even with the delay, the game is still planned and confirmed with only a few weeks away from its release next month.

Finally, Nintendo fans will get to be able to experience the meditative and relaxing gameplay that is Dark Souls!

Switch owners will get some goodies like being able to use a new amiibo figure based on Solaire of Astora.

Dark Souls Remastered will release on October 19th for the Nintendo Switch. It’s currently available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Nintendo Switch Online goes live tonight. But, maintenance first.

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Nintendo Switch Online goes live tonight. But, maintenance first. 17

Nintendo Switch Online will finally go live tonight- the 18th of September. After many long waits and a much-overdue service, players will be able to upload their game saves to the cloud, play classic NES titles, and finally- play games online. With some exceptions, of course.

Nintendo’s official date for the launch of Nintendo Switch Online is today, however, it won’t go live until about three hours of Nintendo eShop maintenance. Just the final frontier before the service goes live to the public. A post on their support site says that the eShop maintenance will take place from 5 PM to 8 PM PST.

Afterward, players can then purchase membership plans from the eShop or Nintendo’s site. MyNintendo Gold Coins can be used to make a purchase for both the Individual and Family membership subscriptions.

You can check out a full list of features that Switch Online will offer here. One thing worth mentioning is that Nintendo cloud saves won’t be compatible with all games. This means some games will continue to be saved locally on your console.

Pricing starts at $3.99 a month, $7.99 for three months, $19.99 for a year, or $34.99 for a plan that covers between 2-7 people (Family Plan). There will also be a free trial that lasts one week for players who want to try it out before making the purchase.

Diablo III Eternal Collection on the Switch: New video and release date

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Diablo III Eternal Collection on the Switch: New video and release date 18

Diablo III Eternal Collection will be released on the Nintendo Switch on November 2nd, 2018. Blizzard released a press release and a recent announcement video confirming the game’s release.

Diablo III came out a few years ago, and with the recent talks about a new Diablo project in the works (or, rather multiple projects), fans got excited.

The Diablo III Eternal Collection takes all of the original game’s content, with the Reaper of Souls expansion and the Rise of the Necromancer content pack into one giant game. The Switch version will be getting its piece of the action in just about two months from now.

The game will be able to be played single or co-op with up to three of your buddies onto one Switch using Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. The game will be able to be played docked or portable, or even both if you have friends at your place.

The game will include the full five-act campaigns and special random dungeons or Seasons mode to keep the game going. It was revealed in August of this year, but it was only a rumor.

Now, it’s confirmed.

This is the first Blizzard game on a console in 15 years. The Switch version will include some exclusives: a Cucco companion pet, a Triforce portrait frame, unique cosmetics, and even a Ganondorf transmogrification set. Diablo III Eternal Collection is currently available for pre-order on Nintendo’s eShop.

Nintendo Switch Online: Required check-ins and no grace period?

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Best indie games. Ever. Nintendo shows off their list.

Nintendo just released an online FAQ page with updated information about their Nintendo Switch Online service. After a rather vague description that was released on Nintendo Direct, a much more detailed page was created to make some necessary clarifications. But the wording is still subject to interpretation.

For starters, it turns out that players will lose their cloud saves if they choose not to renew their Switch Online subscription. While some games, like NES games, will be available offline, there will be an online check-in with a frequency of once per week. This seems to be required or else access will be blocked to the game. A “check-in” is possibly required in order to preserve this data.

Compared with other consoles, cloud saves on Xbox One are completely free. PS4 requires a PS Plus subscription but players have half a year for players to access it should they choose to subscribe again within that grace period. The Switch seems to be the worst of the bunch- it costs cash to save to the cloud and possibly has no grace period.

After my Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, will my online save data and my Nintendo Entertainment System™ – Nintendo Switch Online data be erased?

Save data stored via the Save Data Cloud backup is available for as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Can NES – Nintendo Switch Online games be played offline?

Yes, these games can be played offline for up to 7 days as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.

As for classic NES games, the FAQ states that players will have offline access to the classic titles for seven days if the subscription is active. But doesn’t clarify on what exactly will be required- a check-in? However, data will be saved locally unless the user chooses to do so manually. An online subscription is still required in order to play the games.

NES Classic controllers coming out exclusively for Switch Online subscribers

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NES Classic controllers coming out exclusively for Switch Online subscribers 19

Nintendo is coming out with a classics NES controller as part of the Nintendo Switch online service. The controllers are modeled after the original NES controllers and can be attached to the Switch. They have the same control scheme as the original controller and plug in to recharge just like the Joy-Cons.

With these controllers, you can “play the classics they’re meant to be played!”

This special controller is likely for the huge library of NES games that’ll be available for players as the online service will release a ton of classic games.

Each controller can be used separately for the co-op NES games. Shipments will begin in mid-December 2018 and will run you $59.99 USD for a pair. To order them, you’ll have to be on the lookout as they’ll be available for order as a special offer for online subscribers at a later date that’s yet to be announced.

Their sales page currently says “New offers will be added, so be sure to check back regularly” and that they’re “Exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members.”

If you’re a fan of the NES classics, you’ll want to look into these controllers.

Image: Nintendo.

Gone Home for Nintendo Switch includes real, licensed SNES titles

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Gone Home for Nintendo Switch includes real, licensed SNES titles 20

Gone Home fans will remember that the emotional and atmospheric indie game had some various NES cartridges (carts) scattered around the house that you explore. In the mid-90s time period, you play as a female character discovering and uncovering the ties between her and her friend.

You’ll find fitting objects that take place within the same slice of time, including older furniture, toys, and appliances. The SNES cartridges were blank, with no specific Nintendo games used on them as there was no licensing granted to the developer Fullbright.

However, for the Gone Home Switch release, players will be delighted to see that real SNES carts have replaced the fake carts. Some classic and fan-favorites have now taken the spotlight, including Donkey Kong Country, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Mario Kart.

Developer Steve Gaynor of Fullbright recently posted on Twitter confirming the licensing gig Nintendo has granted them. They’re now able to use real SNES games from the 90s to put in the Switch version of Gone Home.

Although it doesn’t do much to change the core gameplay, it’s like an easter egg for those who care.

Gone Home has been released on the Nintendo Switch last week. It’s available through the Nintendo eShop now. Pretty awesome of Nintendo to cooperate with Fullbright.

Thanks to liamdohertee for the featured image on this post!

Pokemon Essentials shut down by Nintendo

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Pokemon Essentials shut down by Nintendo 21

Pokemon Essentials, a free fan-made mod, just got the axe from Nintendo.

It’s a game that was started back in 2007 and provided many tools that allowed developers to build a near true copy of a handheld Pokemon game. It had graphics, music, maps, and tilesets that were nearly identical to the original games. The toolset has been used many times in the past and created games like Pokemon Uranium. The community behind it was also huge- involving folks at the PokeCoummunity forum and a dedicated wiki, which has also been shut down via DMCA.

The shutdown was due to a copyright claim by Nintendo of America, according to a post on the PokeCommunity by a moderator who goes by Marin. Marin stated that everything related to Pokemon Essentials will no longer be distributed by the community, including derivate works like Essentials GS and Essentials DS which were used to create fan games like Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Pearl.

Marin also asked the community to not go after Nintendo and fight for the engine. He wants to keep this as a peaceful cease and desist:

 “Please don’t freak out about the claim.”

“There’s no reason to get angry with Nintendo or anyone else involved. It doesn’t need to be a bigger deal than it should be.”

The Verge also reports that a representative from the wiki stated the following:

“[The] fandom received a DMCA notice on behalf of Nintendo notifying us of content that was in violation of its copyright holdings. After carefully assessing the violations in regards to the Pokémon Essentials wiki, we came to a decision to take it down.”

We shouldn’t be surprised. Nintendo will aggressively protect their copyright from fan games or modified games. They’ve taken down games like Pokemon Uranium and the Metroid 2 remake AM2R. They’ve even attacked Game Jolt and GitHub for providing fan games in their databases and blocked HD remakes of games like Super Mario 64.

Super Mario Party River Survival co-op mode teaser released

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Super Mario Party River Survival co-op mode teaser released 22

Nd Cube and Nintendo are going back to a traditional setup with Super Mario Party. After many experiments with various game layouts in the long-running party franchise, it seems like it’s time to go back to the roots of the game. This new title will still feature many new features, such as exclusive dice, minigames, and setups that utilize the Switch’s capabilities. It’ll also have side modes, one of which is called River Survival. Perhaps it’s time to stick to what works.

In this mode, up to four players will have to work cooperatively in order to reach the goal at the end of a river before time runs out. Players will have to use the Joy-Con’s motion controls to row the boat before cop-op minigames pop up at specific time intervals.

If they’re completed successfully, more time will be added. It’s a pretty cool feature with multiplayer co-op. Players can work together kind of like Mario Party 9 and 10′s main modes. And it demonstrates the motion controllers, which show make it a good tech demo.

Super Mario Party will launch on the Switch on Ocboeter 5th, and can already be pre-ordered Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers.

You can see River Survival in action in this trailer released by Nintendo earlier today, which has already garnered over 100K views at the time fo this writing:

Grandia I and II remastered are coming to Switch as a packaged game

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Grandia I and II remastered are coming to Switch as a packaged game 23

Grandia I and II are coming to the Nintendo Switch as a remastered game. GungHo Online Entertainment America announced that the titles will be coming to the Switch fully remastered. This is the first time the game has had an easy release since 1999 when it was launched for the original PlayStation in North America. Grandia II hasn’t been available since early 2000 when it was available on the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast. But now it’ll be coming out for the holiday season in 2018.

Developed by Game Arts, who may be known for their work in Sliphead and the Lunar series, Grandia games have only seen four main releases- plus an MMO, special disc, and a spinoff game. Other than that, there hasn’t been much action for this series over here in the West. Similar to the Lunar games, the Grandia games are known for their insane combat mechanics and awesome sprite art.

It was very well-received and highly-rated overseas and at home in the US. It released around the same time that FFVII came out and both of the games were compared against each other. Gamespot said that Grandia is superior to “FF7 in all of the ways that matter.”

Grandia was released for the Japanese Sega Saturn originally, then found its home on the PlayStation shortly thereafter. Then it migrated to the PS3 in Japan on the PS Network. PC and Switch owners will now get a piece of the action later in 2018. Switch players will also get Grandia II, which aims for a more grown-up storyline compared to the original game. It tells the tale of Ryudo, a blade mercenary who’s tasked with protecting a songstress from the church which has been leading humanity to prosperity and peace for many centuries.

Steam players will get a remaster of the Dreamcast version with upgraded visuals and audio.

Grandia II was originally released on the Dreamcast to which then was ported poorly onto the PS2 and PC. Similar to the original game, it got some pretty positive reviews. The game expands on the positional-based battle mechanics and had a more difficult gameplay style.

The game will be available for demo at PAX West and also packaged for the Switch later this year.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection confirmed for Switch; See details and pricing

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Diablo III: Eternal Collection confirmed for Switch; See details and pricing 24

A Forbes post published by Erik Kain was quickly removed soon afterward, but some swift Reddit users captured it and already started a few threads about it all too fast. The news is that Diablo III port for the Switch has been confirmed for release in 2018. With only a few months left, it’ll likely be ready for the holiday season.

After its rocky PC launch back in 2012 and a process of continuous updates and community feedback, the ARPG received console ports in 2014 and 2013 for Xbox and PlayStation. Now, the Switch is next in the lineup of games.

It’s called the Eternal Collection, which includes both the Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer expansions and some other additional content. It’ll retail at full price- $59.99. It’ll also have special Nintendo exclusive in-game content like a Ganondorf-esque cosmetic armor set, a Tri-Fore portrait frame, a Chicken pet, and even some Echoes of the Mask cosmetic wings. This content is pretty neat since it combines two different universes into one- especially for returning players who are already familiar with Diablo games.

The game allows returning players to explore the new content or new players who’ve never played a Diablo game to play it for the first time. It includes both docked and portable modes and up to 4 players on a single Switch console or separate Switch consoles linked wirelessly and without an Internet connection. The Nintendo Switch Online service will also allow online play with cloud-saving support.

So far, no release date has been announced. This will be the first time Blizzard’s released a game on Nintendo in 15 years, which is definitely something to be excited over. There have been a efforts to bring more exclusive Nintendo content to the Switch in terms of games released in the West, with Ubisoft announcing Starlink: Battle for Atlas at E3 which has exclusive Nintendo goodies.

As we near the holiday season, we should see more news about the Diablo III: Eternal Collection. Stay tuned for updates.

Source: TechRaptor.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War and Child of Light coming to Switch

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Valiant Hearts: The Great War and Child of Light coming to Switch 25

Child of Light and Valiant Hearts: The Great War are both coming to the Nintendo Switch this Fall. They were confirmed for the Switch in a news post on the official Ubisoft site. Child of Light will release on October 11th and Valiant Hearts will release on November 8th.

Child of Light features amazing artwork and players must save their kingdom from evil forces. The game is a turn-based RPG in a fantasy world where players must take the role of a hero named Aurora who happens to reside in the kingdom of Lemuria. The game has a skill-tree progression system for all characters and allows the freedom to tailor each character to suit different roles or playstyles.

The isn’t the first game in this series on a Nintendo console, as it was also available for the Wii U back in 2014. This game won’t have any new Switch exclusives, but a second player can join in with a Joy-Con to control Aurora’s companion Igniculus to allow players to play in co-op. However, this feature is available in other releases of the game.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War will ship with integrated touch controls just like the iOS, Android, and Windows versions. Switch owners will have Valiant Hearts: Dogs of War which is an interactive comic that was previously available on mobile platforms.

This is a point-and-click adventure game which focuses on multiple strangers during WWI. You’ll guide a character through many puzzles with a trusty dog as your companion to infiltrate enemy bases, investigate different events, and discover WWI history. Valiant Hearts for the Switch is the first time it’s ever been on a Nintendo console.

Stay tuned for more news upon release.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Nintendo Direct: New characters, amiibos, and a special edition

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Nintendo Direct: New characters, amiibos, and a special edition 26

Nintendo has announced five new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate amiibo characters and a special limited edition amiibo and GameCube controller/adapter combo.

SSBU Nintendo Direct announced the news on August 8th where the new characters were revealed for the upcoming and much-anticipated crossover fighter. The characters and their respective amiibo figures will be available for purchase “in the future” according to a Tweet by Nintendo.

The characters announced were Simon Belmont, Richter Belmont, King K. Rool, Chrom and Dark Samus. SSBU is the newest entry in Nintendo’s flagship title Super Smash Bros. series of crossover fighters. The game will be released on Nintendo Switch in the holiday season. Today’s Nintendo Direct event confirmed the new characters’ addition to the game.

As for when these will ship, there’s no confirmation yet. Nintendo is still being vague about the actual launch, but it’s safe to assume that they’ll be around during the game’s launch or shortly thereafter.

Nintendo’s special limited edition version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be released with the regular edition both on the same day, which is scheduled to be on December 7th, 2018.

T he special edition will contain a physical copy of the game, a GameCube controller themed with SSB designs, and an adapter so you can use it with the Switch. This adapter also works with any existing GameCube controllers you may already have.

Pricing for the limited edition version is still TBA, so expect more information to roll out as we approach the holidays. The GameCube controller for the limited edition isn’t exclusive by any means, as anyone can purchase the one that’s already on sale. It’ll be the same one that exists on the market today but bundled differently.

Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut coming to Switch; What do you get?

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Wasteland 2: Director's Cut is coming to Switch.

Wasteland 2 is a sequel to Wasteland 1, which is a spiritual predecessor of the Fallout series. Wasteland 2 features some team-based RPG action that focuses on having alternative solutions to pretty much everything int he game. For example, if you need to get across a checkpoint, you can persuade the guards, pick the lock, herd animals to distract the guards, or just run and gun. The game offers multiple branching paths for every situation in the game. That’s what makes it kinda special. But it’s not that rare nowadays anyway.

You have a wide range of skills in your squad and you can choose to use them at your disposal. How you choose your actions affects the outcome of the entire game. It’s one of those games where everything you do literally does something later on in the game.

Player decisions seem to be the new trend nowadays.

Wasteland 2 is already available for purchase. However, Nintendo is releasing Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut, which includes extra perks, VOs, improved graphics, and a new precision strike system similar to the Fallout series style. Wasteland 2’s 30th-anniversary bundle was also recently announced and includes Wasteland 2, Wasteland 1: The Original Classic, and Wasteland: 30th Anniversary Edition Remaster which will include a remaster of the classic 1988 game.

Wasteland 3 is also in the works and will be announced in 2019 for other platforms.

Nintendo building more “hack-proof” Switch Consoles

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Nintendo building more "hack-proof" Switch Consoles 27

A few months back, there was the word of a new “unpatchable” exploit on the Nintendo Switch which allowed hackers to run custom firmware, homebrew consoles, and of course, pirated games and software on the Switch’s existing hardware.

Nintendo has been reported that they’ve patched the exploit by selling newly-patched hardware in newer Switch models that have been fixed at the factory-level in order to prevent the exploit.

The report comes from SciresM, a well-known hacker in the Switch world, who wrote that some Switch units on retail shelves are not vulnerable to the exploit known as “Fusée Gelée.” SciresM also suspects that Nintendo has used the iPatch system on the GPU to burn the protective code into the boot ROM, which cuts of the USB recovery mode overflow error that was the previous entry point.

The iPatches are simple for Nintendo to patch in while the console is being produced in the factory, but it’s impossible to load onto the millions of Switch units that are already in circulation.

The newer “patched” units are running firmware version 4.1.0, which has been outdated since the 5.0.0 release in March. This means that they’re not really new in terms of firmware, but rather suggests that the “patched” units were already built earlier this year and Nintendo was on the case.

Nintendo is reported to have utilized data from various hacking groups like Team fail0verflow and Team ReSwitched to get the head start in order to protect their hardware before the hack was released to the public. These groups told the big N about the vulnerabilities before they released their hacks, which gave Nintendo some time to patch it in the next update. That explains the older firmware version.

Regardless, the older firmware is still vulnerable to a software-level exploit called deja vu, which was patched in systems with 5.0.0 or later. This puts Nintendo in a cycle between the two exploits.

So to keep things simple: the 4.1.0 units are “patched” against “Fusée Gelée,” but are vulnerable to deja vu. Whereas the new 5.0.0 units are safe from deja vu, but vulnerable to “Fusée Gelée.” Quite a pickle.

For now, Nintendo continues to ban hacked systems from its network.

Super Bomberman R’s newest update adds tons of craziness

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Super Bomberman R's newest update adds tons of craziness 28

Super Bomberman R recently ended its contract with Nintendo Switch exclusivity and has been released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Each platform has their own exclusive characters and Konami has decided to up the ante with some extra fun.

The game has transformed into a Super Smash Bros. style game of Konami’s past character, rather than the top-down old-school Bomberman-style gameplay. With a new take comes new surprises- the newest one being David Hayer’s reappearance in Bomberman R.

Solid Snake fans can choose from Snake and Naked Snake. Raiden, Lance, and Bill are also diving head first into the game, showing off the craziness that is Bomberman R. Owners of the Switch version can play as MAX, which is a Bomberman character that’s exclusive to the Switch. A lot of other characters from Konami’s lesser-known games such as Goemon, Gradius, and Tokimeki Memorial have also been released in the free update. Accessories for each character from Metal Gear and Contra are also available.

Danica Patrick from Sonic Racing Transformed is now available. And even weirder, WWE wrestler Xavier Woods has been added to the game with his original voiceovers. This is just plain silly. But who cares. This ain’t about lore. It’s about nonstop action.

New gameplay modes have also rolled out. Grand Prix now has a Checkpoints option which changes the game to a King of the Hill style mode where you have to rush towards locations on the map in order to gain points. Fans of the game will have a lot to keep them busy this time around. Are you super excited for this update?

Nintendo’s anti-piracy measures “perfectly” prevents stolen content

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Nintendo's anti-piracy measures "perfectly" prevents stolen content 29

Nintendo’s new anti-piracy measures seem to be doing exactly as they planned- and they’re pretty happy about it.

A Redditor, SciresM, broke down exactly how they work in a post. He says that when you go online with your Switch, Nintendo will run a check on whether or not you have data coming from an authorized game card for the title. If it’s legitimate, your console will get a unique ticket that allows you to play it online. If not, your cartridge will be banned from being able to be played online and you could be banned from the Nintendo Network. Pirated games seem to automatically trigger such a ban.

He then talks about how Nintendo “perfectly” prevents online piracy because these tickets can make it easy for Nintendo do detect when games are pirated and shared between people. They can verify the ID associated with the ticket and make sure it matches the ID for the device that’s using it. If they’re different, the game gets banned. And the tickets can’t be created or generated like serial keys.

At this point, we’re unsure if illegal games could work offline, but it seems like it’ll only protect against games being played online as they require an active connection to the internet.

This new measure is likely due to a security issue Nintendo had wehere two exploits in the hardware of the Switch was publicly revealed. Nintendo has since strengthened their stance on piracy:

“Nintendo opposes those who benefit and trade off the creative work of game developers, artists, animators, musicians, motion capture artists and others,” the website reads. “Piracy continues to be a significant threat to Nintendo’s business, as well as to the businesses of more than 1,400 game development companies that work to provide games for Nintendo systems. Most importantly, game developers and publishers depend on the legitimate sales of their games in order to survive.

“Piracy discourages innovation and new game development; it can also lead to a reduction in the number of jobs available within the industry, all of which ultimately impacts the consumer.”