Tag: switch

Switch will continue to be Nintendo’s main business during 2024, but they have things to say about 2025

Switch will continue to be Nintendo’s main business during 2024, but they have things to say about 2025, and when they could announce the Switch 2.

Nintendo is a company that has distanced itself from the console war for many years. Instead of trying to compete by making increasingly powerful consoles and releasing them one after another, the Japanese company does its own thing, catering to its own audience, and it’s doing well. If we look at the numbers they have shared about their financial performance in 2023, it’s clear.

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The most striking thing is the sales of the console itself. Nintendo Switch continues to sell, even at what seems to be the end of its life cycle. Reaching 139.36 million units sold as of December 31, 2023, this places it as the third best-selling console in history. Only surpassed by Nintendo DS, which is at 154 million units, and the PlayStation 2, at 155 million units.

When it comes to games, the numbers don’t hold many more secrets. The best-selling game during the last quarter of December 2023 was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, selling 3.57 million copies, followed by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with 1.41 million, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with 1.23 million. If we talk about the total number of copies sold historically, it’s not surprising either that these three games are the best-selling ones: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with 60.58 million copies, Animal Crossing: New Horizons with 44.79 million, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with 33.67 million. Although closely followed by Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with 31.61 million.

Due to this, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has emphasized that throughout 2024 they will focus on Nintendo Switch as their main business. He has also refused to talk about Nintendo’s next-generation console, once again, despite the rumors continuing to pile up. Giving more and more credibility to the information that its release is imminent.

In fact, Furukawa himself has dropped a hint of when we might know more. Although this time it was about presenting the numbers for 2023 and talking about the plans for 2024, that doesn’t mean they’re not already thinking about 2025. About the company’s plans for 2025, they ask us to wait until the next shareholders’ meeting, which will take place in May. This would fit well with the possible announcement of that hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2, as has been commented by insiders. But until May, or until Nintendo announces it, this is nothing more than speculation. And the only thing that is certain is that the Switch continues to be a cash cow that Nintendo does not want to kill prematurely.

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The new outfits of Peach in her new game are the most adorable thing we have ever seen

It will be on March 22nd when Nintendo releases the game, and for now, we have a new trailer where we can see some outfits that the princess will wear, going far beyond picking a flower or growing in size.

Although in recent times the old story of Mario games (Bowser kidnaps the princess again) has become somewhat archaic and we can increasingly choose Peach among the playable characters, there was still something very important to be able to put her on the pedestal she deserves: a game just for her on Nintendo Switch. ‘Princess Peach: Showtime’ is getting closer and promises to be a true fantasy.

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It’s-a-me, Peach!

It has been almost twenty years since the release of ‘Super Princess Peach’ for Nintendo DS, which only the most devoted fans of the character will remember: it was an extremely entertaining platformer but playing it now can be a bit off-putting because of the “powers” that the princess had. Namely, joy, sadness, anger, and calmness. Times have changed, fortunately, and ‘Showtime’ promises to be much more than a simple platformer for little girls (and boys).

It will be on March 22nd when Nintendo releases the game, and for now we have a new trailer where we can see some costumes that the princess will wear, which go far beyond picking up the flower or getting big. In this case, there are six new skins, each with their own powers. The first one, a ninja one, which will allow her to jump on walls and be stealthy. Yes, a ninja one: the Japanese company has definitely done what it wanted.

The rest of the costumes are cowgirl, with a horse to escape and a lasso to whip included, swordswoman, detective (in the style of Sherlock Holmes), pastry chef and, of course, kung fu fighter, to unleash their martial arts. Yas, queen. From what we can see, each level will be different from the previous one, and it will have everything from classic platforming to chase scenes, cooking, and investigation. Being – as it will be – one of the last titles for Switch, the big N has decided to try new things. And thank goodness.

The plot, as always, is the least important: set in a theater play, Peach will have to defeat a witch named Grape, who wants to control her. At this point and considering what we’ve seen, Nintendo, is it really too much to ask for a Waluigi game on Switch 2?

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8% of developers are already making games for Nintendo Switch 2: its arrival is imminent

And at first, there aren’t many surprises: 66% for PC, 35% for PS5, 34% for Xbox Series X/S, and 18% for Switch. Okay. But the surprising part is that 8% have already declared that they are developing games for Switch 2.

It can be smelled in the air, tasted, known, felt, but Nintendo still hasn’t let slip even a tiny detail about the worst kept secret in the industry: the Switch 2. Because yes, no matter how much the Japanese company is trying to make it seem like they don’t know what we’re talking about, the truth is that currently, there are 8% of developers who are already making games for this sequel. We just need to know when Nintendo will make the big move.

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Switch-chu?

The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has released a study to show the state of the industry in 2024 (not very good, let’s be honest). It is a document with questions and statistics about artificial intelligence, gaming systems, or the future, and it introduced a key question: Which platforms are you developing your current project for?

And at the beginning there are not many surprises: 66% for PC, 35% for PS5, 34% for Xbox Series X/S and 18% for Switch. Okay. But the surprising thing is that 8% have already stated that they are doing it for Switch 2. In fact, in the same document we can see that 32% of developers are more interested in this new console than in mobile platforms, virtual reality, the current Switch or even the Xbox Series X/S.

It may be because they already know things or because Nintendo is keeping the secret so well – for once – that the mystery makes the desire to know what the hell they are up to increase. For now, each insider says something different about the console, and it seems that, frankly, no one has touched it yet beyond the famous group of chosen ones who were able to play ‘Breath of the Wild’ in an improved version last September. There is a lot of anticipation: It all depends on Nintendo itself!

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A cult classic from 2011 arrives in remastered form on Switch

A cult classic game’s remaster arrives on Nintendo Switch, which, though peculiar, has all the elements to enamor fans of the Devil May Cry franchise.

Some games don’t try to connect with the audience. They don’t care about being misunderstood, rejected or repudiated by the masses. They know what they want to do and they know that there is an audience out there that will fall in love with their proposals if they are able to reach them. That kind of games tend to become cult games. And not without good reasons.

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El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is one of those games. Originally released in 2011 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it received a lukewarm reception from critics and the public due to its mix of platforming, hack and slash, and extremely unique art. A combination that sounds good, and is good, but that didn’t remotely fit the standards of the time, which were more inclined towards cinematic games like God of War or Dante’s Inferno than to an almost experimental game. Even if its clearest reference was the first Devil May Cry.

That doesn’t mean that, over the years, it has become a cult classic. One of those games that is not talked about much, but has made history within the medium as one of the most unique games within it.

That’s why it shouldn’t surprise us that they have now announced that the game will be released in a remastered version for Nintendo Switch. Based on the previous remastered version for PC that was released on September 2, 2021, the game will have both a physical edition and a digital edition. The latter, with a special deluxe edition that will include a drama CD and the script for the drama CD, exclusively for Japan.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster will be released on April 28, 2024 for Nintendo Switch. And if you can’t wait, you can always play it on PC via Steam.

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Nintendo releases a Switch app only for people over 18 years old (but there’s a catch)

It will be an exclusive section for Japan that, at least for now, will feature… two games. If two. And you don’t expect them: ‘Goldeneye 007’ and ‘Jet Force Gemini’

Since the beginning of its time, Nintendo has avoided making games specifically for adults: from ‘Metroid’ to ‘Mario Kart,’ it fills the family market niche that neither Microsoft nor Sony dare to touch. Each to their own. And yet, suddenly, they’ve taken on the responsibility of the Nintendo 64 catalog in their online service and have decided to create, for the first time ever, something for those over 18. And it’s not what you’d expect.

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The secret place

This isn’t a place for the most perverse games from the Nintendo 64 catalog that you access through a curtain, no. In fact, it will be an exclusive section for Japan that, at least for now, will feature… two games. Yes, two. And you won’t expect them: ‘Goldeneye 007’ and ‘Jet Force Gemini,’ from 1997 and 1999, respectively. There’s a reason for this, although it might be surprising.

In most parts of the world, ‘Goldeneye 007’ was considered a game suitable for teenagers, but in Japan, the government agency responsible for age ratings, CERO, decided to rate it as “Z,” which means for ages 18 and up. The same happened with ‘Jet Force Gemini,’ categorizing them similarly to games like ‘Alien Isolation’ or ‘Doom.’

In fact, this is the only way they can be released in Japan, a country that carefully enforces age restrictions and doesn’t want any unpleasant surprises. Perhaps if CERO were to review the games again, the rating might decrease – although it’s not likely. But for now, Nintendo has to comply with what was decided in the late ’90s, as if society had remained stuck.

When you think of “content for ages 18 and up,” you might immediately think of sex, but the truth is that in both games, you can shoot civilians, something that Japan will never allow. In the United States, however, it’s part of everyday gaming, after all.

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The Switch feature you didn’t know about and took 6 years to go viral

Three touches, let’s play. But what if I told you that you were doing it wrong?

Some might say that Nintendo fans are easily satisfied. And you know what? They are absolutely right. But there’s something beautiful, almost cathartic, about cracking a smile because your controller makes little noises. PS5 might have incredible graphics, unique gameplay experiences, and a fantastic interface, but its controller doesn’t make the sound of Mario’s mushroom. Step aside, Sony, you’re obsolete.

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As useless as it is adorable

Six years have passed since the Switch was released, and it’s possible you’ve never tried the trick that went viral this week. Normally, to unlock the console, you’ll use the same button every time because we’re creatures of habit. Almost everyone, the one indicated on the screen. Three taps, and you’re playing. But what if I told you that you’re doing it wrong?

Try pressing other buttons: the trigger, the directional buttons, whatever you like. Switch has different sounds for some of them, and I assure you they go beyond a simple click. From Mario‘s jump to a horn, there are various effects. And it’s absolutely wonderful that only a few have been aware of this for six years.

TIL Unlocking the Switch with Different Buttons Makes Different Sounds
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Well, to be fair, it’s important to clarify that not all buttons produce different sounds. ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘X’, ‘Y’, ‘-‘, ‘+’, ‘L’, and ‘R’ are associated with a simple click, probably aware that very few people will attempt to unlock their Switch using the directional buttons. Say what you want about Nintendo, but they know how to hide their secrets.

Oh, and yes, an extra trick you might have overlooked: you don’t need to press a button three times to unlock the console, and you can disable it in the settings. Yeah, I know: you’re welcome.

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Super Mario Bros Wonder” had a flower that said “F***.” Nintendo has taken action

There is an explanation: it is part of a mod that the Japanese company has been busy erasing from the entire Internet in record time.

You might have read the headline and thought, “Wait, Nintendo? How has Nintendo, of all the developers, allowed a swear word to slip into one of their flagship games?” And you’d be right to doubt. After all, it would be like Link making an obscene gesture in ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom‘ or a Pikmin insulting you every time you pick it up. There’s an explanation: it’s part of a mod that the Japanese company has been quick to remove from the entire internet.

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Oh fuck

First, it’s important to explain that in ‘Super Mario Bros Wonder,’ the flowers you come across on your journey talk to you and say funny things or provide useful information. At first, they are quite entertaining, but, as it goes, they end up being more annoying than anything else. The thing is, in a very short time, they have become a new Nintendo icon, and fans have started making their own versions and memes.

One of them came from Contendo, a 19-year-old YouTuber who had modified the game so that one of the flowers said “F*** you!” After 851,300 views of his achievement on Twitter and another 128,000 on YouTube, Nintendo has decided to take action and remove the video that accompanied the tweet, “What a delightful talking flower in Super Mario Bros Wonder, I wonder what it will say to welcome me!” It’s also gone from YouTube, of course.

Nintendo is known for not taking things lightly. Memes are fine as long as they don’t harm their company, and they don’t allow or support mods in any way. Naturally, they weren’t going to let people believe, even for a moment, that an expletive was being said in their game. Contendo, however, has re-uploaded the video several times, hoping that Nintendo’s legal team never takes notice again. Some things are definitely worth fighting for.

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You only have half a year left to enjoy Nintendo’s online service on these “vintage” consoles

The next step is to remove their online functions and turn them into two beautiful playable paperweights. The times are changing, friends.

If you’re still playing Wii U and 3DS, Nintendo doesn’t know how else to tell you to retire them and get a Switch (or, depending on how long you wait, a Switch 2). After all, Wii U production ended in January 2017, and 3DS production ceased in September 2020. Naturally, the next step is to discontinue their online functions and turn them into two lovely playable paperweights. The times are changing, folks.

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I can’t handle all this vintage anymore

In March, Nintendo decided to close the online stores of the two consoles before the Switch, leaving a good number of titles in the realm of abandonment and lost media. What’s happening now is simply a step further, announcing the end of the vast majority of online functions, with a few exceptions.

In March 2024, we’ll bid farewell to functions like rankings, data distribution, or cooperative gameplay, beyond Pokémon Bank, which can’t close unless they want chaos in the streets of Kyoto. Additionally, they have announced that there will be a few games spared from this fate, without providing further details.

For now, we can continue updating games and downloading those we bought back in the day. But it’s only a matter of time before the company puts an end to everything related to these consoles, and they become part of Nintendo‘s history. 3DS in the hall of successes and Wii U in the chapter of resounding failures (undeserved, I would add).

At the moment, it seems like Nintendo is more focused on the development of Switch 2, the announcement of which could come at any time, given that the games being announced for their primary console are mostly compilations akin to a “grand finale.” When their online functions cease, we’ll officially realize just how old we’ve become. Even more so.

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Nintendo Switch isn’t going anywhere; it will continue to receive games until 2025… more or less

Nintendo Switch will continue to receive games until April 2025, but according to Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, there will be surprises before

Nintendo Switch is having a lifespan in line with its sales. Being a sales success, it’s logical that Nintendo isn’t rushing to release its successor. As long as it continues to perform well, there’s no sense in thinking about another console. Additionally, the experience with Wii U has made them cautious. They don’t want to find themselves in a situation where a great success is followed by a major failure. However, what many probably didn’t expect is that the Switch would extend its life by another year and a half beyond the six and a half years it has already been around.

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As stated by Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, to Nikkei, a Japanese newspaper that is also the world’s largest financial newspaper, Nintendo will continue to focus on Switch until the end of the current fiscal year, which concludes in March 2024. After that, they will continue supporting the console, at least, until the end of the following fiscal year: March 2025.

For the more alarmed, this might sound like Nintendo has no intention of releasing a successor to Nintendo Switch until, at least, April 2025. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Similar to how Sony and Microsoft continue releasing games for previous-generation consoles, what Furukawa means here is that even if they launch the successor to the console, they will continue supporting it with new games.

This only serves to confirm the rumors that a hypothetical Switch 2 would arrive in the second half of 2024. Having showcased a series of demos at the previous Gamescom, albeit only among developers, it appears that Nintendo is already aiming for its next-generation leap. However, as Furukawa himself states, not at the expense of leaving behind those who are already enjoying their excellent current console.

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How would Red Dead Redemption 2 run on Nintendo Switch? We’re close to finding out

Red Dead Redemption 2 announces its arrival on Nintendo Switch, raising doubts about the console’s ability to be able to run the game.

Cowboy stories have the reputation of being something for older folks. The Western genre is seen as something that only appeals to an older audience, as being very masculine, and as being quite dull, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Western genre has masterpieces that can appeal to everyone and shape great video games as well. Just look at the case of the highly acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, which, it seems, is close to returning to our consoles.

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This is because Red Dead Redemption 2 has received an age rating from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Brazil for Nintendo Switch. So far, it had been released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September 2018 and on PC in November 2019. Among these three different versions, Take-Two has reportedly sold more than 55 million copies of the game. This would more than justify considering a version for the Nintendo hybrid, currently the best-selling console of the generation.

However, if it hasn’t happened so far, there are good reasons for it. The Nintendo console has limited hardware, making it difficult to believe it can consistently run what Red Dead Redemption 2 offers. With nowhere near the technological power of the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, it’s most likely that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released as a cloud game, although nothing has been confirmed about this yet.

In any case, this is not the only recent release from the franchise. A port of the original Red Dead Redemption was released last month for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, accumulating 23 million copies sold since its original release for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010.

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