Latest Features
Talking Point How Many Hours Is A 'Short' Game For You?
It's what you do with it that counts
There was a time when we wished every video game were never-ending. Back in the old days we'd save up all our pocket money and wisely invest in only the very finest games after weeks and months of meticulous research; consulting reviews, collating opinions and perhaps even renting or borrowing from a pal to make...
Poll Which Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Games Should You Play First Via Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendone it
The announcement that Nintendo was expanding its Nintendo Switch Online library of classic games with an Expansion Pack that brings not only Nintendo 64 games to the subscription service, but also a selection of games from one-time Nintendo rival Sega's Mega Drive / Genesis library. The games are coming to Switch Online on 25th /
Feature We Take A Peek At Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp's Hype Cards And Story
Plus details on the Danganronpa 10th Anniversary: Ultimate Class Reunion
Danganronpa Decadence is coming to Switch on 3rd December and will pack a whopping four games in one bundle, all available separately on the Switch eShop, if you prefer. It will include the three main games in the visual novel adventure series (Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc...
Talking Point Do You Have A 'Way' You Play Certain Switch Games?
Metroid Dread = portable + headphones + a dark room, right?
The Nintendo Switch has various strengths, but the key aspect of its design that has helped to fuel its success is flexibility. It's a concept that is ultimately more than the sum of its parts — when you break it down, it's a tablet with mid-2010s technology and a USB-C connector to hook...
Feature We Finally Finished The Game With An Almost-Perfect Metascore
The House In Fata Morgana Game Diary, Part 4
Writer's note: Although the previous diary entries have veered away from big spoilers for The House in Fata Morgana, this one does not, because it's hard to talk about the themes without specifics. Be warned! As a content warning, topics discussed in this piece will include trauma, gender, abuse, and...
Talking Point The Metroid Dread Credits Debate Is Sadly Common
The video game development industry needs to respect its contributors
The conversations around Metroid Dread have been mostly positive since its launch, but a recent topic that has caused a good deal of debate and criticism of developer MercurySteam has related to the game's credits. Multiple contributors to the game have raised the fact that...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 16th)
Dread to think what you're up to this weekend
This week we closed out with an Animal Crossing Direct broadcast that detailed the final free content coming to the game, plus the Happy Home Paradise paid DLC. The broadcast also confirmed
Soapbox Let's Get Happy Home Designer Into Animal Crossing: New Horizons
My villagers have no RESPECT for interior design
So, unlike most people, I have actually played Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. I don't blame those of you who didn't — it's a weird little spin-off that peters out pretty quickly, and lacks a lot of the liveliness of Animal Crossing itself, but... well... there's something special about it all...
Talking Point What Would You Like To See From The Animal Crossing Direct?
Brewster's certain, but what else?
Alright, we're FINALLY getting Brewster and The Roost in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, after what feels like years of people asking. So, we're all totally satisfied and content now, right? Of course not. Brewster was just the beginning. There are still plenty more features that people would love to see in New...
Poll So, Which Switch OLED Did You Buy?
Red, White and Blue
It seems that Switch OLED has got off to a strong start sales-wise, so many of you reading this must have picked up Nintendo's new console SKU over the last week or so. We're fans of the lovely new screen and the various refinements to the basic design that gives the consoles a marginally more premium feel over the trusty...
Feature Our Verdict On The LEGO Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block
Best build on the block
At first glance, the Lego Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block looks pretty uneventful; simple, in fact, especially following on from the interactive gamification featured in the previous Lego Super Mario sets. It’s just a solid Lego block, right? If that's what you're thinking... well, you obviously haven't been keeping an...
Down the path of a farming sim
This year's selection of Pocket Monster-catching video games has been a point of contention for fans since they were announced back in early 2021. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are from-the-ground-up remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games that fans have been begging for for years, so what’s the issue?...
Soapbox Why Apollo Justice Might Be The Best Ace Attorney Game
How's that for a Turnabout
Can you imagine celebrating your 20th birthday, and someone comes up to you and tells you that your nervous, short friend/mentee is much more interesting than you? Well, it's Ace Attorney's 20th birthday, and while that's not exactly what I'm doing (and I'll explain why in more detail in a moment), I have to say: as a...
Soapbox Paper Mario: TTYD Is 17 Years Old Today, But It's Still A Masterpiece
A paper cut above the rest
From the very first second of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, I was hooked. The game begins with a gentle twinkling music and a book opening to tell you the story of an ancient, ruined town lost to time, and the fabled treasure buried there; once you've listened to the whole story (and seen Peach herself buying a...
Soapbox Joy-Con Aren't Perfect, But They're Great For Sick Day Gaming
Everybody hurts (themselves) sometimes
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been pondering. Today, Kate discusses rediscovering the joy of Joy-Con following a recent mishap, and her dreams of Joy-Con 2.0... I'm about to turn 30, so of course, the natural...
Talking Point Should We Be Worried About Screen Burn-In With Switch OLED?
"You don’t see a lot of burn-in in modern OLED panels"
Editor's note: This piece was originally published when the Switch OLED was announced and has been updated with new content for the console's launch. Now the Switch OLED is with us, it's perhaps worth revisiting the topic of screen burn-in. We know, thanks to Bloomberg, that the screen on...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 9th)
Yes, a lot of us are playing THAT game
It's been a particularly crazy and busy week in the world of Nintendo, as you've no doubt noticed! The biggest event was undoubtedly Masahiro Sakurai's final presentation for Smash Ultimate which confirmed the arrival of Sora. There've been two huge arrivals; you can check out our Switch OLED hardware review...
Talking Point #ThankYouSakurai For Smash Ultimate, Now He Should Choose His Own Path
Sakurai-san's creative spark can go even further than Smash Bros.
This week Masahiro Sakurai gave his last character presentation for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with interest and anticipation for the final broadcast reaching a fever pitch. With over 24 million sales at last count and substantial DLC uptake thanks to the m
Hardware Nintendo Switch OLED Review - The Screen's The Star
But is it worth the upgrade?
Nintendo has a long and proud history of relentlessly iterating and upgrading its portable systems on a regular basis, but, outside of the smaller, cheaper Switch Lite, the original model has been the company's workhorse for the past four-and-a-bit years, contributing massively to the
Feature Oxenfree II: Lost Signals Looks Like Oxenfree, But Better
Walking, talking, and walkie-talkie-ing
The haunting, narratively experimental Oxenfree came out back in 2016 to rapturous reviews, combining a coming-of-age story with some seriously unnerving supernatural goings-on involving radios, triangles, and something waiting beyond a rift in space and time. Oxenfree’s unique tone, aesthetic, and setting,...
Soapbox 10 Reasons Why Metroid Fusion Is The Best Game In The Series
You clear Fusion
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been pondering. Today, as we look forward to the coming release of the next instalment in the 2D Metroid lineage, Stuart takes a look back at his very favourite game in the series... Hello. Did you know...
Round Up Eight Awesome Switch Games From The Nintendo Life Indie Spotlight
Catch up on the showcase and its featured titles
Today we hosted our second Nintendo Life Indie Spotlight, focused on showcasing eight exciting titles for the Nintendo Switch. The line-up included fast paced platforming, shooting, puzzle solving and monster fighting, with more besides. You can re-watch the show above if you have a spare 12 minutes...
Feature So, Who Will Be The Final Fighter In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
It is almost time...
It has to be said that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has had an extraordinary run. Masahiro Sakurai and his team have overseen an ongoing and hugely hyped project to expand upon the launch roster, through the Fighters Passes, with the second volume's sixth and final character confirmed to be the end of the road. As you undoubtedly...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects - September 2021
September's best Switch eShop games!
September was another cracking month for new releases on the Switch eShop, with plenty of new offerings that are worthy of your time. These awards aim to celebrate the best of Nintendo's digital store, giving some love and attention to the games that could so easily be missed in the Switch's ever-growing...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 2nd)
Got gaming plans?
Another busy week in the world of Nintendo comes to a close. This week saw a bunch of Switch OLED videos popping up on the interwebs as the consoles find their way into the wild ahead of next week's launch, a new Pokémon was unveiled, the rebooted GamesMaster
Hardware GB Operator Lets You Switch Between Game Boy And PC With Ease
Back up and play your Game Boy carts on PC
Casual readers would be forgiven for seeing the maker's name on the box of the GB Operator — a neat little device that lets you play your Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance carts on your PC — and confusing the company with Analogue, the producer of such quality retro-playing consoles as the...
Feature Tackling A Timey Wimey Virus In Doctor Who: The Edge Of Reality
"There may or may not be answers to questions that have been asked for years"
While many know all about the Doctor Who TV show, it's a franchise that has had a lot of optional lore and storytelling through other entertainment mediums — books (including audio books starring the main actors), spin-off shows and of course video games. Just recently...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 25th)
Got gaming plans?
Well, it's been a Nintendo Direct week! The new voice of Mario has been revealed, Brewster's back in Animal Crossing, Kirby's gone all Last of Us in
Talking Point A Nintendo Direct With Something For Everyone, And Quite A Few Surprises
Aside from a couple of leaks and old rumours, Nintendo kept its cards close
The latest Nintendo Direct was quite something, one of Nintendo's longer broadcasts and positively packed with reveals and updates. The structure was clever in terms of getting maximum attention, too, showcasing long awaited titles, entirely new games and getting broad...
Feature Our Verdict On Mario Golf: Super Rush's 3.0 Update, Including New Characters And Courses
Ninji! Koopa Troopa! Snow and sun!
While Mario Golf: Super Rush was arguably a little undercooked at launch, there have been some notable content updates that have fleshed out the experience. The version 2.0 update was significant in early August, adding New Donk City and more importantly Ranked Online matches, boosting replay value. Though it's...
Poll What Did You Think Of Yesterday's Nintendo Direct?
Kirby x Nier! Bayonetta 3 exists! Mario movie! More stuff!
Well well well, Nintendo sure put on quite a show in its September 2021 Nintendo Direct. Whether you liked it or not is the purpose of this poll, but it sure had some notable reveals, updates and big moments. Round Up: Here's Everything That Was Revealed In Nintendo Direct September 2021
Feature Our Predictions For The September 2021 Nintendo Direct
Waluigi! Ring Fit 2! Brewster.....????
It's the most wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeeear. No, not the holiday with the gift-slinging old man (although that's a good one too), it's Nintendo Direct time, baby! And, of course, as is traditional on Nintendo Direct Eve, we put out a tray of 1-Up Mushrooms and Super Stars for Miyamoto, and we sat around...
Poll Do You Call Handhelds Like Game Boy And Nintendo DS 'Consoles'?
Inconsole-able?
In a recent chat with a friend, we somehow strayed onto the topic of our 'favourite consoles'. I expected some light-hearted bants and joshing as we proposed winners and defended our favourites but the conversation took an unexpectedly contentious turn when I mentioned the 3DS while umming and ahhing. My pal responded and it went...
Hands On We Created A GameCube Pad In Minecraft-Style Farm Sim 'Staxel'
We tried, okay?
Gather round, folks, for a tale of love, loss, and failure: For never was a story of more woe, than this of Kate and her, er, GameCube controller. Let's back up a little. 'Twas a Friday night after a long and tiring week, and my partner and I sat down for a game of Staxel, which is a sort of Minecraft-Animal Crossing-Harvest Moon...
Feature Should I Play Story Of Seasons: Pioneers Of Olive Town Now?
All the DLC and major patches are now out
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town was a bit of a mess at launch. Unlike its predecessor, the remake of Friends of Mineral Town for Switch, PoOT was just a bit lacklustre, with an empty world, zombie-like NPCs, and a crafting system so slow that you'd save time pressing coal into diamonds yourself with...
Talking Point The Switch Is Following Nintendo's Successful Portable Playbook
Slowed down, but familiar
With the Nintendo Switch OLED model now just a couple of short weeks away, we're heading into the system's fifth Holiday season with three distinct 'tiers' in its hardware family. We've written previously about how each Switch iteration offers something different, in terms of features and price points, and how that stacks...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 18th)
Got gaming plans?
Another busy week in the world of Nintendo has flown by. We've seen the return of a famed arcade racing series, a price 'adjustment' for Switch in Europe, the 20th anniversary of a treasured console, and a surprise Switch firmware update that included a much-requested feature:
Video SUDA51 On No More Heroes And The Future Of Travis Touchdown
Grasshopper has bigger plans
The recent launch of No More Heroes III completed the journey of series protagonist Travis Touchdown, capping off a trilogy of games (plus a spin-off) that began back on the Wii. Fans of iconic game director SUDA51 had waited a while for this one, and apparently thi
Back Page The Video Game Characters That Snuck Into The 2021 Met Gala
Video games, but make it fashion
On the Venn diagram of video games and fashion, the overlap is probably smaller than the number of people who actually owned a Virtual Boy, but that's alright. I'm here at the centre of the two circles, and if this article only entertains me, so be it! The Met Gala, which took place earlier this week, is a parade of...
Soapbox 4 Years On And Switch Finally Got Bluetooth Audio, So Voice Chat Next?
Go on Nintendo, party like it's 2009
I can hear the pitchforks sharpening so let me just say it right away — I really like Nintendo. I spend the majority of my day focused on its hardware, games and related fun times. So I tease the company with affection, but good grief it deserves a little bit of gentle mocking from time to time. And so this...
Talking Point Was The GameCube Really A Portable Console In Disguise?
Love handles
If you're a Nintendo fan, then since day one you've probably always had at least two consoles on the go: one for the TV, and one for the car/bus/plane/bed. From 1989's Game Boy to Nintendo's boundary-blurring hybrid Switch, there has always been an option for players on-the-go. But the Nintendo Switch isn't their first foray into home...
Feature Which Artist's Work Would You Love To See On A Pokémon Card?
[Artist's name], I choose you!
It's basically a nerd's version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Pokémon Company is once again running a competition where the winners get their art on a Pokémon trading card. Isn't that what we've all dreamed of since we very first saw a shiny Charizard on the playground? As much as I'd love to submit my...
Memory Pak If Crashing In Burnout Is Wrong, Then I Don’t Want To Be Right
Car carnage
Happy birthday, GameCube! It's been twenty years since your gorgeous, chunky indigo shape graced our TV stands, and we were all introduced to that beedle-deedle-deedle-deedle-beedle-deedle-beedly-beep, BLUMP. You know the one I mean. The GameCube's catalogue is so stellar that I've already written several features about its games, from...
Talking Point What Games Are You Looking Forward To Playing On Switch OLED?
14 games we're dying to (re)play
It's an odd phenomenon when new hardware comes along which makes you delve into your back catalogue for gems you might have missed, or perhaps just revisit classic titles to see how they look and perform on your shiny new system. It's something that PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers have encountered over the last year,...
Hardware Classics Nintendo GameCube
Indigo, Spice and all things nice
In many ways, the GameCube was a console out of time, arguably arriving too late (or perhaps too early) to realise its true potential. We can look back now and appreciate its quirks, admire its design and excellent software library, and lust after the variants that never made it to western shores, but in the early...
The battle for Holiday sales is about to begin
Nintendo can't be accused of being reactive with the Switch ahead of the fast approaching Holiday season. In a time where sales and demand remain strong, the big N has been lining up a steady flow of varied games to keep the console on the wider gaming public's agenda. There are major first-party titles...
Feature Banjo And Final Fantasy On The Radio? VGM On Classic FM Was Only The Beginning
WeLoveGameMusic head on campaigning with the VGM community
It's September, and the VGM Fest is coming to an end soon — but we still have time for a few more celebratory interviews and features before we put video game music back on the shelf for a while. Today, we've got a chat with Richard Stokes, the lead at We Love Game Music, who tells us all...
Soapbox The Era Of Rock Band, Guitar Hero And Plastic Instruments Was Silly But Special
Wish fulfilment
Over the past few weeks it's been a lot of fun to share a huge range of music-themed features as part of the Nintendo Life VGM Festival. Much of our focus, quite rightly, has been on highlighting the amazing talents behind the soundtracks and audio design that we enjoy in games. For a little change, though, I wanted to reflect on a...
Quick Beats Pulstar, Mega Man, And Final Fight Composer Talks Joe Hisaishi And The Beatles
"I wish I had done one of the Mario games. Maybe Mario Party"
Throughout the Nintendo Life Video Game Music Festival we're speaking to a range of composers and musicians for a mixture of in-depth interviews and shorter, sharper (and perhaps a little goofier) Q&As where we ask just ten rapid-fire personal questions; we're calling these shorter...
We talk with the Hades composer, and Zagreus himself
We recently spoke to award-winning composer Darren Korb as part of our Quick Beats series, where he kindly answered ten quickfire questions about his musical tastes. However, that small snippet was just part of a much larger conversation we were lucky enough to have with Supergiant Games' in-house...