Author: sick skills

Gosh, the passage of time is a nasty one, eh? There we are just trying to enjoy our day, when all of a sudden, BOOM, we’re reminded that today is the 15th anniversary of the 3DS.

Yes, the 3DS, that console which, in our minds, is still a relatively young whippersnapper, was released on this day (26th February) fifteen years ago in 2011.

It’s a system that many of us here at Nintendo Life still hold dearly in our hearts, and one that we return to with a surprising frequency, even though we’ve got two newer consoles from the House of Mario at our disposal. But there’s something about the software lineup that we just can’t knock. Tomodachi Life? A Link Between Worlds? Animal Crossing: New Leaf? Talk about bangers.

But we’re not here to discuss the software this time (we’ve got our list of the 50 Best 3DS Games Of All Time for that), we want to talk about the system itself. More specifically, we want to talk about its weird and wonderful family.

Because yes, while the 3DS is a system in its own right, it spawned a whole family of models to choose between. These were released every couple of years between 2011 and 2017, and included everything from bigger screens to additional control stick ‘nubs’.

As the OG system celebrates a decade and a half since launch, we thought it’d be only right to remind you about each model’s quirks before we pit them head-to-head in a poll to decide, conclusively, which one is the best (or which one is your favourite, at the very least).

So, here they all are, in release order.

3DS

First released: 26th February 2011

The first model really was a beauty, wasn’t it? The big selling point was that autostereoscopic 3D screen, of course, but let’s not forget the internal and external cameras for all of those free AR games, a particularly slippery circle pad, and the trio of Select / Home / Start buttons that never really felt like buttons. Magical.

3DS XL

First released: 28th July 2012

Do it again… but bigger. Just a year and a half after the 3DS first appeared on the market, Nintendo launched the XL model. It had all the same features as its predecessor, but with a 124mm screen, compared to the old model’s 90mm.

2DS

First released: 12th October 2013

Another year, another 3DS. Only, this one wasn’t 3D. Aside from being the ugliest-looking handheld Nintendo had released in a hot minute, the 2DS removed the family’s trademark gimmick (and its internal stereo speakers) for a cheaper, non-autostereoscopic model.

A lot of people didn’t get on with the 3D, so its removal is fair enough. The removal of the clamshell design, however, is a little harder to overlook.

New Nintendo 3DS

First released: 25th October 2014

The ‘New’ model felt like a big step up. This boasted all the same features as the OG system, but with a bunch of fresh bells and whistles thrown in to improve the play experience. We’re talking face tracking for an improved 3D effect, automatic screen brightness adjustment, longer battery life, bonus ZL/ZR buttons, a ‘C-stick’ nub, amiibo support… the list goes on.

Throw in a more powerful processor, swappable faceplates, some exclusive games, and Virtual Console titles, and Nintendo was onto a winner of an upgrade.

New Nintendo 3DS XL

First released: 11th October 2014

Launching in the same window as the smaller ‘New’ option, this model packed in all of the features outlined above, but, once again, with a 124mm screen to boot.

New Nintendo 2DS XL

First released: 15th June 2017

The final member of the 3DS family actually launched after the Switch generation was already up and running. This model supported many of the same features as its ‘New XL’ counterpart, but with a new home button (shifted to the left of the screen), an updated SD Card and cartridge placement at the front of the system’s base, and a little cart cover, vaguely reminiscent of the Switch. Naturally, this one dropped the 3D option, too.

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That’s the full line-up, but which is your favourite? You can cast your vote in the following poll, then head to the comments to share your top 3DS memories.

Tomorrow (27th February) is Pokémon Day, and this year, that means a lot of different things are happening. We’ve got the annual Pokémon Presents to look forward to. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will go live on the Switch eShop. And it’s launch day for LEGO’s first wave of Pokémon sets.

It’s that last note that we wanted to remind you about today, because while we all lost our minds over the Pikachu, Eevee, and Kanto Starter sets on reveal earlier this year, we don’t want anyone to miss out on the bonus mini set, exclusive to LEGO Insiders members.

The 233-piece Mini Pokémon Center set will launch alongside the others in the series tomorrow, but it is only available as a reward for LEGO Insiders — a loyalty points-based membership that you can sign up to for free via the Insiders website.

Here’s a little more info about the set and a handful of images from LEGO:

It’s time to rest your Pokémon. Recreate an iconic feature of the video games with the Mini Pokémon Center building set. This collectible gamer merch gift for Pokémon fans ages 18 plus is packed with authentic features, on a miniature scale.
This LEGO® Pokémon™ set has sliding doors that open and close using lever functions, a healing station, seating area and PC, making it a cute piece of room decor for adult Pokémon players. Set contains 233 pieces.

Naturally, the set itself doesn’t come for free. You’ll need 2,500 LEGO Insiders points to redeem the reward, which comes as a promo code to be used alongside your next order on the site. Points can be redeemed either by making a purchase from LEGO (either in-store or online) or by scanning the QR codes from the instruction booklets of sets you already own.

You’ll redeem a different number of Insider Points depending on which set you purchase — more expensive sets come with more Points, natch — though all pre-purchased sets (be that ones you got before you were a member, or any you received as a gift) will only recoup a measly 20 Points.

To register any sets you already own and nab their Points, simply head to the LEGO website, then complete the following:

1. Select your account in the top-right corner to head to the ‘My Account‘ page
2. Head to ‘My Collection‘ by clicking ‘View Collection’
3. Hit ‘Register your sets‘ and scan the QR code on the front of your set’s instruction booklet

Alternatively, you can register your sets via the LEGO Insiders mobile app. Any sets purchased before 2018 or ones without a QR code are not available for registration.

With all your points redeemed, you’ll be able to head over to the Insiders ‘Rewards’ tab and see the Pokémon Center set. The reward will go live tomorrow (27th Feb) and will only stick around while stocks last — which, we imagine, won’t be long at all.

Will you be picking up this LEGO Insider exclusive Pokémon Center set? Have you pre-ordered any of the Pokémon sets already? Let us know in the comments.

Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition is now officially available on the Switch 2, and it seems Bethesda won’t be wasting any time when it comes to updates.

In a confirmation via social media, it has revealed it will bolster the post-apocalyptic experience with support for DLSS and by also providing “additional stability improvements”. This update will join the 60fps and 40fps modes, which are already in the game.

Bethesda: Thank you to everyone who has already jumped in to explore the Commonwealth on Nintendo Switch 2!

In addition to our current 60fps and 40fps modes we’ll be adding the following in an upcoming update:
– Support for DLSS
– Additional stability improvements

Hopefully this improves the overall experience and irons out any bugs present in the launch build. There’s no mention about when exactly this next update will be released, but it’s nice to see Bethesda at least providing players with a heads up, especially after Skyrim‘s bumpy start on the Switch 2.

This release of Fallout 4 on Nintendo’s new hybrid hardware follows last week’s update for The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, which added visual and performance modes. If you want to see both of these games in action, be sure to check out our YouTube channel. We’ve also got a Fallout 4 review on the way.

Have you tried out Fallout 4 on the Switch 2 yet? How are you finding it so far? Let us know in the comments.

PlayStation’s Gran Turismo 7 has apparently been linked to the Switch 2 in a wild new rumour, but it doesn’t necessarily mean what you might be thinking.

This information comes from video game journalist Jeff Grubb, who recently responded to a fan on his show, asking a question about “the real driving simulator” and the possibility of it racing on to another platform.

While there was a fair amount of speculation on Grubb’s end about other Sony franchises during this segment, in terms of Gran Turismo, he claims he’s actually heard about a Switch 2 version, but doesn’t expect anything to come of it.

Jeff Grubb: “I heard recently that Gran Turismo was running on the Switch 2. I don’t think it’s going to come to the Switch 2, but I heard it was running on it.”

So, why would Sony bother to get a game like this up and running on the Switch 2, but not even consider a release?

One popular theory seems to be it’s testing the waters as rumours circulate about the company potentially releasing a new PlayStation handheld. In other words, this could be research and development, and nothing more.

Gaming enthusiasts online have also pointed out how companies over the years got titles up and running on certain platforms, but never went any further. If this is more than a rumour, it wouldn’t necessarily be the first time we’ve heard about something like this.

As our friends at Push Square further note, Switch 2’s primary controllers don’t have analogue triggers and the system doesn’t offer “robust” steering wheel support, all of which is considered essential to experience Gran Turismo “at its best”.

Of course, if there are any significant developments, we’ll be sure to let you know.

What do you think Sony might be up to if there is any truth in this rumour? Tell us in the comments.

Last May, an Xbox Wire post announced Ecco The Dolphin would be making a comeback with a remaster of not only the first game, but also the sequel Tides of Time.

Platforms weren’t mentioned at the time, but a new two-page spread for the remaster in Famitsu this week lists the Switch – seemingly confirming the remaster is on its way to Nintendo’s hybrid platform.

Additional details have also been shared by the series creator Ed Annunziata in this feature. As highlighted by Nintendo Everything, the plan is to include 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit versions in a single package, and allow players to swap between visual styles in “real-time”.

The final name of this project is still being decided, but the favourite at the moment appears to be “Ecco Complete”. Of course, this is all subject to localisation changes.

In case you missed it, these remasters will also be joined by a “new, third game” at some stage. More updates related to Ecco are expected to take place this April, according to an official Ecco the Dolphin countdown website.

As we’ve previously mentioned, the original Ecco the Dolphin game, which launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis, is playable via the Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Are you looking forward to Ecco’s return? Tell us in the comments.

Capcom is truly treating us Switch 2 owners this week, as it releases not only Resident Evil Biohazard and Village on the new hardware, but also the brand new Requiem. Yep, that’s on the same day as other platforms!

All of these launch on 27th February (a Pokémon Day surprise, if we’ve ever seen one), and today, the Requiem reviews have started rolling in to clue us up on Leon and Grace’s latest.

Here at Nintendo Life, we had a fantastic time with RE9, calling it “a love letter that celebrates RE’s origins; one that will have you grinning from ear to ear until the credits roll” in our 9/10 review. Here’s a brief snippet, followed by the full shebang, so you can catch all the details:

Resident Evil Requiem sets a new benchmark for a series that has been pretty consistently great for the last decade or so. By combining classic survival horror with the more action-focused gameplay of RE4, the result is an experience paced to perfection. Add in a lore-heavy narrative and copious easter eggs, and you’ve got what might be the ultimate expression of Resident Evil

But, of course, we’re not the only ones with a Requiem review out today. Being the big multi-platform release that it is, there are a fair few write-ups for the game at large across the internet, and below, we’ve gathered a bunch of them together for you to easily see the full range of opinions. Do note that while we’ve highlighted some reviews that focus solely on the Switch 2 version, many outlets will have been playing on different platforms.

We’ll kick things off with a full beans 10/10 score for the PS5 version from GAMINGbible, where the outlet praised just about everything the game had to offer, particularly in its lore drops:

As a horror game in its own right, Resident Evil Requiem is a very solid nine out of ten, but as a passionate fan of the series, it earns an additional bonus point thanks to the attention to detail and craft that’s gone into every pore of this game

The full scores kept coming with Eurogamer‘s 5/5 review, where even the game’s strange second act wasn’t enough to detract from the overall experience:

Is Requiem uneven? Absolutely. Does it eventually, slightly, run out of steam? I think that’s a fair criticism too. But carried away on a wave of increasing nostalgia, I didn’t especially care

Pocket Tactics opted for the same score as us in another 9/10 Switch 2 review, calling out how impressively well the title runs on Nintendo’s new hardware:

It runs incredibly well on the Nintendo Switch 2, boasts a compelling cast, and a story that fits nicely into the Resident Evil universe at large

It’s an opinion that was echoed in Vooks‘ 4.5/5 review of the Switch 2 version, where the hybrid’s visuals got a major nod of their own:

I wouldn’t say it’s the very first visually impressive game running on the Switch 2; however, it does stand out as one of the first day-and-date games that truly holds its own

The Switch 2 version was laden with even more praise in TechRadar Gaming‘s 4/5 review, even if the outlet was a little disappointed with the game’s second half:

To developer Capcom’s credit, while events may veer unapologetically into the camp and ridiculous, I was practically on the edge of my seat, wondering what on Earth could possibly happen next

With a slightly lower PS5 review, our friends over at Push Square gave Requiem an 8/10 after struggling with the “imbalance” between the survival horror and action gameplay:

Resident Evil Requiem is brilliant, both when you’re avoiding zombies as Grace and cracking their skulls as Leon — but, eventually, there’s slightly too much of one and not enough of the other

We’ll round things out with The Mirror‘s multiplatform 3/5 review, where, despite the “drop-dead gorgeous” visuals (even on Switch 2), that sense of imbalance was enough to bring things down a little:

Resident Evil Requiem attempts to blend all eras of the franchise together with a dual-pronged campaign that features terrifically scary highs and some all-too terrifying lows

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Some range in opinions, then, but it looks rather positive overall. As it stands, Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 is currently sitting at a 90 Metascore across 12 critic reviews, and an 88 on PS5 across 112.

Will you be picking up Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 after reading what the critics have to say about it? Let us know in the comments.

Just when we thought we had managed to shake Jimbo and his super-addictive poker roguelike, LocalThunk has gone and released Balatro in an all-new Switch 2 edition. Oh boy, here we go again…

The new version is now live on the Switch eShop for £12.79 / $14.99 (with a sweet NA sale bringing it down to $11.99), or as a free upgrade for anyone who already owns the Switch 1 base game — come on, it’s difficult to argue with that.

The eShop listing doesn’t go into any detail about what’s added on the new hardware, but we’re already taking it for a spin and have noticed a smooth 60fps bump, HD Rumble 2, and the addition of Mouse Mode for super quick card selection.

It’s all a very welcome sight, and an unfortunate sign that we’re probably signing ourselves up to another batch of sleepless nights. The only wrinkle that we’ve found so far is that there doesn’t seem to be any way to transfer your data from the Switch 1 version to the Switch 2, which is weird. We’ll keep investigating and will update this post if we find a workaround.

Just in case you missed this one back in 2024, we described the original Balatro as “Utterly sublime” in our 10/10 review, praising just about everything it could throw at us.

Will you be picking up Balatro on Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.