Author: Mdp4life

Nintendo hosts Super Smash Bros. Invitational 2018, Splatoon 2 World Championship tournaments

On June 11-12 in Los Angeles, an invited group of players will gather to play Super Smash Bros., and qualified teams will compete in Splatoon 2, as Nintendo hosts an event featuring high-level gameplay on these two games for Nintendo Switch. This will be the first-ever exhibition tournament featuring the recently announced Super Smash Bros. game coming to Nintendo Switch in 2018. Additionally, this will be the first world championship for Splatoon 2 after the game’s launch. The gathering will be a celebration of fun for all ages, and will highlight Nintendo’s unique approach to competitive play. The event will be just one of Nintendo’s activities at the E3 video game trade show, which runs June 12-14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Additional details about Nintendo’s E3 plans will be announced at a later time.

The event will showcase players from around the globe in the Super Smash Bros. Invitational 2018 tournament for the newly announced Super Smash Bros. game coming to Nintendo Switch this year and the Splatoon 2 World Championship. The competitions will be livestreamed.

Prior to the Splatoon 2 World Championship, Nintendo will host U.S./Canada online qualifiers. The U.S./Canada qualifier will be the Splatoon 2 U.S./Canada Inkling Open 2018 hosted by Battlefy. Open qualifiers for teams of four ages 13 and up will take place on April 21 starting at 11 a.m. PT, and finals will take place on April 28 at 8 a.m. PT. Teams will compete in Turf War during the open qualifiers and in Ranked Battle modes during the finals. Players can learn more about the qualifiers at https://e3.nintendo.com/splatoon-2-inkling-open/. Players from around the world competed in their region’s qualifying events for a spot at the Splatoon 2 World Championship, and those in Japan (Splatoon Koshien 2018), Europe (Splatoon European Championship) and Australia (AUNZ Splatoon Cup) should check information from their local regions regarding these qualifiers.

“Nintendo always takes an original approach to video game competitions, and the portability of Nintendo Switch enables unique gameplay possibilities,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’re looking forward to watching some of the best players in the world test their skills against each other in these two uniquely competitive games.”

For additional details about the Nintendo Switch event, visit https://e3.nintendo.com. Visit https://battlefy.com/splatoon2 to register for the Splatoon 2 U.S./Canada qualifiers. More details about the Los Angeles event will be announced in the future.

Nintendo Switch kicks off its second year with a surge of standout indie games

In a Nindies Showcase video released during this year’s Game Developers Conference, Nintendo featured more than a dozen independent games coming to Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch system in 2018. These “Nindies,” the term for independent developers making games for Nintendo systems, are creating unique experiences that fall into multiple genres – including stealth action games like Mark of the Ninja Remastered, tactical role-playing games like Banner Saga 3 and rhythmic “bullet hell” games like Just Shapes and Beats. And because of the unique features of Nintendo Switch, all of the independent games featured in the video can be played at home or on the go.

“Since the launch of Nintendo Switch, we’ve continued to be blown away with the amount of high-quality games coming from our passionate Nindie developers, and the positive fan reception for those experiences,” said Damon Baker, Nintendo of America’s Senior Manager for Publisher & Developer Relations. “This talented and ever-growing community of Nindies has found a home on Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, and we absolutely welcome their inventive and visionary contributions.”

To view the Nindies Showcase video in its entirety, visit http://live.nintendo.com. Highlights of the presentation include:

• Mark of the Ninja Remastered from Klei Entertainment: Originally released in 2012, this high-definition remaster of the critically acclaimed stealth action game is coming this fall. The game really makes players feel like a ninja, as they use silence, agility and wits to navigate beautifully designed 2D levels.
• Banner Saga 3 from Versus Evil: As the epic conclusion to the award-winning Banner Saga trilogy of mature, story-driven role-playing games, players will need to brace themselves for tough battles, difficult choices and tragic losses. Banner Saga 3 launches this summer. The original two games, Banner Saga and Banner Saga 2, are also coming to Nintendo Switch. Players’ personal stories, progress and choices from the first two games will carry over to Banner Saga 3.
• LUMINES REMASTERED from Enhance Games: A bombastic harmony of light, sound and intense puzzle action make this HD remake of the original critically acclaimed LUMINES as unforgettable to play alone as it is with a friend in local multiplayer. LUMINES REMASTERED launches on Nintendo Switch in spring.
• Just Shapes and Beats from Berzerk Studio: This “musical bullet hell” game might be a genre all its own! Navigate deadly shapes solo or in local or online co-op multiplayer, all to a soundtrack composed by 20 chiptune artists. Just Shapes and Beats launches as a timed console exclusive on Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Reigns: Kings & Queens from Nerial and Devolver Digital: As a monarch of the modern age, players face a seemingly never-ending series of requests from peasants, allies and enemies. By swiping left or right in the game, players impose their will on the kingdom. The Nintendo Switch version of Reigns: Kings & Queens, which launches this spring, features an exclusive local co-op multiplayer mode.
• The Messenger from Sabotage and Devolver Digital: The Messenger allows players to transform the game from an 8-bit platformer into a gloriously rendered 16-bit time-traveling adventure. Players will find upgrades, new abilities, hidden levels and great speed-running opportunities as they journey through a cursed land. The Messenger launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Fantasy Strike from Sirlin Games: In a world where fantasy meets martial arts, anything can become a weapon. This gorgeous fighting game employs nuanced mechanics with simple combos and easy-to-perform special moves in local or online multiplayer modes. (Additional accessories required for local multiplayer mode; sold separately.) Fantasy Strike is coming to Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Pool Panic from Rekim and Adult Swim Games: More than 100 levels await players in this game, in which everything – from jungles to deserts to cities – is one giant cartoon game of pool. The weird and wild game has the option to play in local multiplayer with up to four players. (Additional accessories required for local multiplayer mode; sold separately.) Pool Panic launches first on Nintendo Switch later this year.
• Garage from tinyBuild Games: Inspired by the gloriously gory VHS era of B-movies, Garage is a top-down shooter set in a gritty underworld. Slay hordes of the living dead using a variety of weapons and skills. Garage launches first on Nintendo Switch this spring.
• Light Fall from Bishop Games: This platforming adventure takes players to the forgotten world of Numbra, where they’ll have to master their surroundings by manipulating the Shadow Core, a magical box used to propel them into the air. In Speedrun Mode, players can race their friends or even the fastest players in the world to place on the online leaderboards. Light Fall launches first on Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive this spring.
• Bomb Chicken from Nitrome: Who wouldn’t want to play a good old-fashioned chicken platformer? That’s the question asked by Bomb Chicken, a fast-paced game that combines action, puzzles and arcade gameplay. Lay bombs to escape tricky situations and discover secret areas when Bomb Chicken launches first on Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Pode from Henchman & Goon: Two unlikely travel companions embark on an adventure in this co-op exploration puzzle game. Pode is inspired by Norwegian art and culture, resulting in stunning environments and gameplay. Pode launches this spring.
• West of Loathing from Asymetric: West of Loathing is a slapstick comedy stick-figure Wild West adventure role-playing game. How’s that for a genre? The hilarious game, full of puzzles, quests and turn-based combat, launches on Nintendo Switch as a console exclusive this spring.
• Bad North from Plausible Concept and Raw Fury: Arm troops, shore up defenses and protect citizens in this rogue-lite real-time strategy game. The Viking-themed Bad North launches first on Nintendo Switch this summer.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/.

Games Shown:

Kirby’s back and this time he’s brought some friends!

When a new evil threatens Planet Popstar, Kirby will need a little help from his…enemies?! By making friends out of Kirby’s foes, up to four* players can join forces to save the day. With new and expanded copy abilities, classic Kirby action is deeper than ever in the Kirby™ Star Allies game.

Features

• Use Friend Hearts to charm enemies and have them fight alongside you!
• Drop-In/Drop-Out Co-Op: Play through the entire game with up to four* players or with CPU friends.
• Combine abilities with elements such as wind and water to create new Friend Abilities.
• Some bosses and enemies are weak to certain elemental attacks, so remember to strategize!
• Earn additional Illustration Pieces and items with compatible amiibo™ figures (sold separately).

If you are interested in trying the free demo or purchasing the digital version of the game, please visit http://kirby.nintendo.com/star-allies/.

*Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.

Game Shown:

Cartoon Violence

New video series reveals details about Toy-con Garage mode for Nintendo Labo

In the first video of a short series, Nintendo revealed new details about Toy-Con Garage mode, an inventive feature included with the software in each Nintendo Labo kit for the Nintendo Switch system (sold separately). Toy-Con Garage introduces basic principles of technology in a fun way, allowing Nintendo Labo users to combine various inputs and outputs to invent new ways to play.

Between now and the launch of Nintendo Labo on April 20, Nintendo will release videos showing off more information about different Toy-Con Garage features and tips.

To view the first video in the series and learn more about Toy-Con Garage, visit https://labo.nintendo.com/invent/. Highlights from the video include the following:

• Users can discover creative ways to play with their Toy-Con projects, such as steering the RC Car with the Fishing Rod or using the Motorbike as an instrument. It’s even possible for users to invent their own Toy-Con creations using common materials from around their house!
• To make all of this possible, Toy-Con Garage mode includes different input and output selections, called “nodes.” Input nodes include actions such as button presses or motions, while output nodes include reactions such as sound effects or vibrations.
• The input nodes vary slightly for the software in each Nintendo Labo kit*, encouraging users to experiment with different conditional statements (i.e., if you do this, then that happens) and create new experiences.

Stay tuned for more exciting Nintendo Labo updates at https://labo.nintendo.com/.

*Toy-Con Garage mode in the Variety Kit includes input nodes for Toy-Con Fishing Rod, Toy-Con House, Toy-Con RC Car, Toy-Con Piano and Toy-Con Motorbike. Toy-Con Garage mode in the Robot Kit includes input nodes for Toy-Con Rob

Games Shown:

Happy MAR10 Day!

It’s Mario’s special day! Join the fun as we celebrate the mustachioed hero with fun content and special offers.

Mario Jumps to Google Maps
Have more fun getting to your destination with #MarioMaps on Google Maps for a week.

Check out the limited-time event today.

Mobile deals and events*
Super Mario Run™ is 50% off through March 26. Jump and run through worlds of obstacles and baddies. Initial download is free in the App Store or on Google Play.

Animal Crossing™: Pocket Camp is getting in on the party, too, with a limited-time event that lets you craft Mario-themed items. Don’t have the app yet? Download it free in the App Store or on Google Play.

New rewards & Play Nintendo goodies
My Nintendo members can redeem their Gold & Platinum Points on new rewards, including a Mario’s Mighty Mustache Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu theme, a Happy MAR10 Day wallpaper, and printable cards.

The Mushroom Kingdom superstar is also taking over Play Nintendo. Head over now for a fun poll and more.

And don’t forget Switch, 3DS, or Wii U
See Mario in action as he jumps, drives, runs, and smashes his way through some amazing titles, including:

For even more Mario games, visit the Game Store.

And be sure to tune in on Twitter and Facebook for the latest MAR10 Day updates from Nintendo.

*Persistent Internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply. Optional in-game purchases available.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Games Shown:

The Super Smash Bros. series heads to Nintendo Switch in 2018

During its latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo announced that the Super Smash Bros. franchise is coming to Nintendo Switch this year. The video also showcased more than a dozen upcoming games for both the Nintendo Switch system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, with many of the featured games coming from third-party developers, including SQUARE ENIX, Capcom, Grasshopper Manufacture, From Software and Ubisoft.

“Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS are being propelled through 2018 with an energized lineup of games of all kinds,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “These games contain a solid mix of first-party franchises starring some of Nintendo’s most recognizable characters, acclaimed third-party titles and promising indies.”

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct. Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

Nintendo Switch

• Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. (working title): The Super Smash Bros. series comes to Nintendo Switch in 2018. The teaser trailer featured recognizable faces like Mario, Link and the Inklings from the Splatoon series.
• New Single-Player Expansion Coming to Splatoon 2 : The first paid DLC is coming to Splatoon 2 this summer. Splatoon 2 : Octo Expansion adds a hefty new single-player mode that lets players play as new character Agent 8, an Octoling (!) with lost memories. The new single-player campaign features 80 missions, as well as new stories that shed new light on beloved characters. Players that complete the Octo Expansion campaign will unlock the ability to play as Octolings in multiplayer battles. While Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion launches this summer, players can pre-purchase the DLC starting today in Nintendo eShop to immediately receive Octo-themed in-game gear to use in battle right away. (The full version of the game is required to use DLC.)
• Major Splatoon 2 Update: In April, Splatoon 2 is getting a major free update (Version 3.0) that contains 100+ new pieces of gear, more stages rolling out throughout spring (Piranha Pit, Camp Triggerfish and Wahoo World) and a new rank (Rank X). Rank X is an extreme rank, even higher than S+.
• Mario Tennis Aces: Unleash an arsenal of shots and strategies in all-out tennis battles with friends, family and fan-favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters. With up to four-player local (additional accessories may be required and are sold separately) and online* multiplayer, and a story mode that even includes creative boss battles, Mario Tennis Aces is one of the most robust Mario sports games yet. The intuitive and deep gameplay allows for exciting competitions in the living room or, really, anywhere using the power of Nintendo Switch. In Swing Mode, players can use their Joy-Con controllers like a tennis racket, swinging them to initiate the tennis swings in the game. Mario Tennis Aces launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on June 22.
• Mario Tennis Aces Pre-launch Online Tournament: More details will be revealed in the future, but a free Mario Tennis Aces demo is coming soon. For a limited time, players can try out online* tournament matches in the game before it launches. To participate, players just have to download the Pre-launch Online Tournament in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.
• Kirby Star Allies: Kirby is coming to Nintendo Switch for the first time next week! As players make their way through the robust adventure, they will reach dream palaces where fan-favorite legacy characters can become Kirby’s Dream Friends. Eventually, more Dream Friends will be added to the game through free updates. The first such update hits March 28 and adds classic characters Marx, Gooey and character set “Rick & Kine & Coo” to the game. Kirby Star Allies launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on March 16. A free demo for the game is currently available in Nintendo eShop.
• Octopath Traveler: Producer Masashi Takahashi from SQUARE ENIX revealed new details about the upcoming RPG, including the final game name, Octopath Traveler, two more main characters (Tressa the Merchant and Alfyn the Apothecary) and the ability to equip multiple jobs per character for use in battle. Octopath Traveler launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on July 13. Octopath Traveler: Wayfarer’s Edition, a special edition bundle that includes a stylized pop-up book, a helpful cloth map, the Octopath Traveler: Sound Selections CD and a replica coin based on the in-game currency, launches the same day.
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which originally launched for Wii U, is coming to Nintendo Switch. The new version includes new miniature courses based on various Kingdoms in the Super Mario Odyssey game. Also, anyone can play with a friend or family member by sharing a pair of Joy-Con controllers. While one player controls Captain Toad, the other can assist with things like turnip cover fire. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker launches for Nintendo Switch on July 13. A Nintendo 3DS version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker , which includes stereoscopic 3D visuals and touch-screen controls, also launches on July 13.
• Crash Bandicoot Crashes Nintendo Switch: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy , which includes remastered versions of the first three Crash Bandicoot games, launches for Nintendo Switch on July 10.
• Okami HD: The gorgeous and ethereal remake of classic action-adventure game Okami is coming to Nintendo Switch. In the Nintendo Switch version of the game, players can use the touch screen in Handheld Mode or the Joy-Con motion controls in TV or Tabletop Mode to control the Celestial Brush to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Okami HD launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch this summer.
• South Park: The Fractured But Whole: The South Park gang is back in an outrageously offensive superhero RPG adventure. And with Nintendo Switch, players can now drop into South Park anytime, anywhere. In addition to the main game, all of the game’s add-on content will be available for purchase. South Park: The Fractured But Whole launches for Nintendo Switch on April 24.
• Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido: Originally announced for Nintendo 3DS at last year’s E3, Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido is also coming to Nintendo Switch! The action puzzle game finds players devouring conveyor-belt sushi, matching plates and then throwing them to defeat enemies. The basics are simple, but the gameplay is deep … and tasty! In the game’s multiplayer mode, players can even compete locally or online* against other players in intense matches. Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido launches for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS on June 8.
• DARK SOULS: REMASTERED: The remake of the genre-defining and beloved original DARK SOULS game launches for Nintendo Switch on May 25. On the same day, an amiibo figure based on Solaire of Astora will also be released. By tapping this amiibo, the popular “Praise the Sun” gesture can be used with reckless abandon from the start of the game. (The gesture can also be obtained through regular gameplay.) Players who want to take the game for a spin can participate in a “network test.” The free network test launches in Nintendo eShop, and will allow players to download and play a part of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED before it launches to try out the gameplay and unique online features. More details about the network test will be revealed soon.
• Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes: When Travis Touchdown wanders into the game world, he goes on a rampage of epic proportions. The latest title in the cult classic No More Heroes series contains a total of seven game titles, including an action game, racing game and puzzle game. By using another Joy-Con controller, two players can team up for co-op multiplayer action. Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch this year.
• Little Nightmares: Complete Edition: From award-winning developer Tarsier Studios comes Little Nightmares, a charmingly horrific puzzle-platforming adventure. The Complete Edition contains the two haunting tales of Six and The Runaway Kid in one package. You can even tap the PAC-MAN amiibo figure (sold separately) to unlock the Pakku Mask when playing. Little Nightmares: Complete Edition launches on May 18.
• UNDERTALE: The million-selling role-playing game in which nobody has to die is headed to Nintendo Switch. Launch details will arrive at a later date.
• Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition: The definitive edition (it’s in the title!) of Hyrule Warriors brings together dozens of characters from the Legend of Zelda series in an over-the-top action game. The game launches for Nintendo Switch on May 18.
• ARMS US & Canada Online Open Tournament**: Players who want to show off their ARMS skills will be able to enter the ARMS US & Canada Online Open Tournament, which takes place in the Nintendo Switch game’s Ranked Match mode now through March 18. The eight top players in these preliminary rounds will have an opportunity to move on to the online finals on March 31. The finals will be streamed live from Nintendo of America HQ at https://arms.nintendo.com/videos/ .
• ARMS Testpunch: A new global Testpunch for the ARMS game, which lets Nintendo Switch owners try out select modes for free, will be running for three days starting on March 31. To participate, players just have to download the Testpunch in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo 3DS

• WarioWare Gold: The frenetic WarioWare series is back, and for the first time it’s on Nintendo 3DS! With 300 fast-paced microgames that can be controlled by pressing buttons, tilting the system, tapping the touch screen or using the microphone, WarioWare Gold is the biggest entry in the series. And for the first time, the game includes fully voiced characters. WarioWare Gold launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on Aug. 3.
• Luigi’s Mansion: The original Luigi’s Mansion, which was a launch game for the Nintendo GameCube system in 2001, is coming to Nintendo 3DS. This remake has an updated look and new features, like a map that displays on the bottom screen and a boss rush mode. Luigi’s Mansion launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems this year.
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey: In this Nintendo 3DS remake of a classic Mario & Luigi action RPG adventure, fans can replay (or play for the first time) Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, one of the most critically acclaimed games in the Mario & Luigi series. It features new graphics and a new mode that tells the behind-the-scenes story of Bowser Jr. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in 2019.
• Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers: Action meets tower defense in Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers. In this new game, players take on the role of armadillo ranger Dillon, who teams up with an animalized version of the player’s Mii character to help stop enemy invasions and save the post-apocalyptic frontier. Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in Nintendo eShop on May 24. A free demo for the game will be available to download on May 10.
• Detective Pikachu: Starting today, this new detective adventure game starring self-proclaimed “great detective” Pikachu is available for pre-purchase on Nintendo eShop and Nintendo.com. The game, as well as an extra-large Detective Pikachu amiibo figure (sold separately), launches on March 23. (The game is playable in 2D only.)

Remember that Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/ or https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/.

*Nintendo Account is required. Online services and features, including online gameplay, are free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online Service launches in September 2018.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of US and CAN; high-speed internet required. Qualifier Period begins 3/8/18 at 5PM PT and ends 3/18/18 at 4:59PM PT. To participate, play at least 50 matches in Ranked Match during Qualifier Period (Ranked Match only available after you beat Grand Prix). Based on ARMS in-game ranking system and winning percentages during Qualifier Period, 8 Finalists and 4 Alternates will be selected to be available to participate in Finals to be held 3/31/18. Winner of Finals will get 1 color artwork (ARV $125). Other Finalists and Alternates will get 1 artwork (ARV $50 each). Odds of winning depend on no. of participants. Restrictions apply. Visit https://arms.nintendo.com/rules.pdf and https://arms.nintendo.com/fr/rules.pdf for additional details and full rules. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

Games Shown:

Now available: Use Gold Points on digital games for the Nintendo Switch system

My Nintendo members can now redeem Gold Points for digital games and DLC for the Nintendo Switch™ system. It’s as easy as applying your points during the checkout process, whether you buy on the Nintendo website or Nintendo eShop on the system.

Ready to earn and redeem your Gold Points? Here’s how:

• Buy a qualifying digital game for Nintendo Switch, Wii U™, or Nintendo 3DS™ family systems, or a physical game for the Nintendo Switch system.
• Earn Gold Points based on the amount you pay (excluding any points or discounts used).
  * 5% for eligible digital purchases on Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop (Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U)
  * 1% of the Nintendo eShop price for physical purchases (Nintendo Switch)
• • Redeem those points on your next eligible digital purchase (including games and DLC) for the Nintendo Switch system. Just look for the option to apply your points during checkout.

  That means that if you buy a $59.99 game on Nintendo eShop, you’ll earn 300 Gold Points. Those points can then be redeemed for $3 toward your next purchase…which will earn more Gold Points, according to the amount you paid (excluding any points or discounts used)!

  For more details, check out the new page about Gold Points.

  Not yet a member of My Nintendo? Sign up for free today with your Nintendo Account.

  Details:

  • Purchases of Nintendo 3DS or Wii U DLC do not qualify to earn Gold Points. Additionally, service items/tickets, in-game items or virtual currency do not qualify to earn Gold Points.
  • Gold Points can be used toward all eligible digital game and DLC purchases for the Nintendo Switch system, excluding automatic subscription renewals, service tickets and in-game items.
  • My Nintendo Gold Points expire after 12 months on the last day of the month in which they were earned. Visit My Nintendo Rewards Program Terms of Service for the full terms and conditions.

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It’s time to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Nintendo Switch!

On March 3, 2017, Nintendo Switch hit store shelves all around the world. Since then, fans have embraced the system’s unique ability to alternate between handheld and TV mode and its ever-growing library of great first- and third-party games.

Let’s take a moment to review some of the highlights from Nintendo Switch’s first year:

• March 2017 – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched alongside Nintendo Switch on March 3, with the adventure continuing later in the year with the release of two DLC packs, Trial of the Sword and the Champions Ballad. The game went on to receive a score of 97 on Metacritic , as well as numerous Game of the Year awards.
• April 2017 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gave fans the ability to bring the game with them everywhere to play with friends and family for the ultimate kart-racing bragging rights.
• June 2017 – To kick off the summer, Nintendo released ARMS , a unique fighting game starring an eclectic roster of characters overflowing with personality. With fast-paced single- and multiplayer modes, fans could face each other in battles anytime, anywhere.
• July 2017 – Splatoon 2 inked its way onto the system with new modes, characters, weapons and ways to splat their friends in local and online multiplayer modes. Since launch, a continuous rollout of free new content has released for the game, making it more fun than ever to splat friends and family on the go or at home.
• August 2017 – One of the biggest third-party games of the year was Ubisoft’s Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle . The strategic adventure-RPG combined the wacky world of the Rabbids with the iconic Super Mario franchise, resulting in an epic quest for all ages.
• October 2017 – Super Mario Odyssey launched in October, earning a score of 97 on Metacritic . In this massive sandbox-style game, Mario uses fun new hat-based abilities like cap throw, cap jump and capture with his new partner Cappy. These new abilities define his new adventure and provide a fresh take on the classic Super Mario formula. A fun new online competitive mode called Luigi’s Balloon World was recently added through a free update.
• December 2017 – As a thrilling close to 2017, Nintendo launched a sequel to the original Xenoblade Chronicles RPG series, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 . This sprawling game offers players a deep battle system to master, giant worlds to explore and an endearing cast of characters to meet.

In addition to the above games, a wide variety of other first- and third-party games launched for Nintendo Switch in its first year. This includes games from publishers like EA, Capcom, Psyonix, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft and Bethesda, to popular “Nindies” content, indie games on Nintendo Switch made by independent publishers, including Stardew Valley from Chucklefish LTD, Overcooked: Special Edition from Team 17 and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games. And best of all: Every single game released on Nintendo Switch can be played at home or on the go!

Looking ahead to the second year, many fun new things are in store. From hot new games with classic characters like Kirby Star Allies, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario Tennis Aces to third-party games like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus and DARK SOULS: REMASTERED and Nintendo Labo, a series of DIY kits crafted to work with the Nintendo Switch, fans are sure to have new experiences that will put smiles on their faces that they can take with them anywhere to play with anyone!

We’re thrilled to have taken a look back over the first year of Nintendo Switch and celebrate its adventures in the upcoming year with you.

Happy Nintendo Switch anniversary!

Games Shown:

Nintendo Power Podcast episode 3 available now!

Nintendo Power Podcast is the official podcast of Nintendo of America, in which guests such as Nintendo employees and developers discuss the world of Nintendo each month.

In the February 2018 episode, host Chris Slate (previously editor-in-chief of the Nintendo Power™ magazine) discusses the hit new Nintendo Switch™ platforming game Celeste with its creators, Matt Thorson and Noel Berry.

Also, Chris talks with Reiko Ninomiya and Tim O’Leary from the Nintendo Treehouse about the games that defined the first year of the Nintendo Switch system. The group also answers listener questions, takes the Warp Zone game quiz, and more.

Nintendo Power Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, SoundCloud and Google Play Music.

We hope you enjoy the show!

–Your friends at Nintendo

Games discussed have been rated Everyone to Mature by the ESRB.