Author: sick skills

We’re running out of months in 2023 and there’s still no sign of Hollow Knight: Silksong arriving on the Nintendo Switch any time soon.

With this in mind, fans have been searching for any sign of a possible upcoming release, and it seems the game’s web and store assets have been updated and changed this week. As highlighted by SteamDB (via ‘Wario64’ on social media), these are the first significant backend updates to the game page on Steam since earlier this year.

While it’s not much, it is at least enough evidence that there is still plenty of activity going on behind the scenes. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean an announcement or anything similar is on the horizon.

The last official update was earlier this year in May when a Team Cherry representative mentioned how Silksong would no longer make the “1st half of 2023”, as it had become quite a big project and the development team wanted to release it in the best state possible.

When do you think we might be seeing Hollow Knight: Silksong? Have you played the original title? Tell us below.

It’s time to witness a clash of the covers as we dive into another edition of Box Art Brawl.

Before we hop into the ring with this week’s competition, however, let’s quickly recap what happened last time. It was a match-up against two different pieces of cover art for the GBA’s Mario vs. Donkey Kong — which had been playing on our mind ever since the remaster was announced for Switch — and boy, was it a one-sided affair. The North American/European box art walked away with a staggering 86% of the vote, leaving the colourful Japanese edition with the remaining 16%.

We’re keeping the GBA vibes going this week with another title that will soon be coming to Switch (albeit in the NSO Expansion Pack variety) as we look at two different pieces of cover art for Kirby & the Amazing Mirror. This pixel art platformer let you hook up four of the Nintendo handhelds for some colourful co-op as you each took control of a different Kirby, inhaling enemies and gaining some swash-buckling abilities.

With Europe and Japan opting for very similar designs (though the Japanese release did get a sweet landscape-oriented box), we have decided to keep this one as a duel, with Europe/Japan facing off against the North American design.

Let’s get to it!

Be sure to cast your votes in the poll below; but first, let’s check out the box art designs themselves.

Europe / Japan

This one tells you everything that you need to know about The Amazing Mirror — there are four Kirbys, and they all have different abilities. Simple, right? Our main pink variant sits front and centre looking happy as ever, and we like the overall good feel of the box art, with a light blue sky and angelic castle floating in the background.

North America

Woah Kirby! Why is he angry? Who gave him that sword? Why is everything so dark? The NA cover art is a reasonable swing from the previous variant, with an overall darker tone and having your friendly neighbourhood Kirby replaced by his sword-swinging variant as the main image. We like the ominous Meta Knight profile in the background of this one, even if the darkness feels a little less ‘Kirby‘.

Thanks for voting! We’ll see you next time for another round of the Box Art Brawl.

Sonic Superstars arrives on the Switch next month and ahead of launch Sega has shared some brand new details about the game’s multiplayer ‘Battle Mode’ feature. This mode will allow up to eight players online, or four players locally to go head-to-head in a variety of challenges.

In this mode, players will take control of a customised Metal Fighter and compete to win three rounds of randomly selected battle stages and modes. Here’s what’s on offer:

Race – Reach the goal before the other players.

Zap Scrap – Shoot bullets to attack other players. Points are added when you damage an opponent and decrease when you take damage. Open an item box to earn a single powered up bullet.

Star Snatcher – Collect stars within the time limit. You will lose one star if you take damage.

Survival – Stay on the stage until the end while avoiding cannonballs flying from the back of the screen. The scaffolding will collapse if it is hit by a cannonball, or if you stay in one place for too long. If you fall off the screen, then you are out of the game.

In the online mode, players will be able to earn medals and use them to purchase custom parts for their Metal Fighter. These types of parts will increase as you progress in the game, and changing parts won’t affect your character’s abilities.

As for the local mode, apart from challenging three players in split-screen, you’ll be given the option to play against AI. No medals or rank challenges will be in this mode.

Will you be checking out the Battle Mode in Sonic Superstars? Leave a comment below.

Hideo Kojima’s legendary series Metal Gear Solid returns as a collection release this October on all platforms including the Nintendo Switch, and as part of this Konami has now shared a table on the official game page detailing the resolution and frame rate per platform.

While we’ve already been given the rundown about the Switch performance in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, this is the most clear outline yet as to how it stacks up against the competition. Across all platforms Metal Gear Solid will run at 30fps with an output resolution of 1920 x 1080p (the exception being handheld mode which runs at 1280 x 720p).

As for Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, the Switch version matches the resolution of other platforms in docked mode (1920 x 1080p) but is reduced from 60fps to 30fps across both modes. And these games in handheld are limited to a resolution of 1280 x 720p. Here’s the full rundown via the official Metal Gear Solid web page:

So, there you go – this is exactly what you can expect from the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 when it lands on the Nintendo Switch on 24th October 2023. In related news, the official Konami website has also mentioned how even physical copies will require some downloads. You can learn more about this in our previous coverage here on Nintendo Life:

Will you be adding this new Metal Gear Solid collection to your Switch library when it launches? Tell us below.

Publisher and developer Rocket Panda Games has announced it will be bringing its anime side-scrolling beat ’em up Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate to the Nintendo Switch in 2024.

This game is a complete remaster of the original title, rebuilt “from the ground up” on Unreal Engine 5. Players can expect enhanced visuals, improved gameplay mechanics and exciting new features. This title will also support 8-player cross-platform online play.

Here are the key features, direct from the PR:

Revamped Gameplay: Experience smoother, more fluid gameplay with retuned battle system, ensuring that every punch, kick, and special move is executed with precision.

Co-op and Online Multiplayer: Team up with friends in local co-op or challenge up to 8 fighters from around the world cross-platform.

Playable Enemy Characters: Take on the role of powerful adversaries from the Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds universe, each with their own distinct combat styles and abilities in Arcade Mode.

Original Soundtrack Remastered: An all new soundtrack has been added to immerse yourself in the game’s dynamic atmosphere and also includes all of the tracks from the original and Overdrive.

Phantom Breakers All-Girl J-Rock Band Debut: All new opening song performed by the Phantom Breakers consisting of the in-universe characters, Mikoto, Waka, Itsuki, Yuzuha and Maestra.

Phantom Breakers started out in 2011 as a 2D fighting gamed developed by 5pb and MAGES, with the original spin-off Phantom Breakers: Battle Grounds arriving in 2013. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive was previously released on the Switch eShop in 2017 and was well-received. Here’s a look at the gameplay in this particular version:

Would you be interested in the upcoming remaster? Check out the teaser trailer and leave a comment below.

Earlier this week, Capcom confirmed the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy would be launching on the Nintendo Switch early next year on 25th January 2024.

Now, in an update, it’s been confirmed a physical release is coming to Japan and other Asia regions on the same date. The good news is that you can pre-order it from websites like Playasia and it will include language support for “English, Japanese, French, German, Korean + Traditional & Simplified Chinese”.

Capcom originally announced the Apollo Justice collection in June. When it arrives on Switch, players will be able to relive Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice from the 3DS era. You can learn more in our existing story here on Nintendo Life:

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.

Any interest in a physical Switch release of this trilogy? Leave a comment below.

So, you’re having a party, possibly on a rooftop, dancing to the music and all that jazz, but suddenly there’s a lull. Fear not because we’ve got just the thing to get the party started again! Nintendo Switch has a whole host of crowd-pleasing co-op and competitive party games, whether you’re hosting a birthday party for a bunch of kids, throwing a casual soirée for a few select dinner guests or you’ve got all the furniture in the garage. Regardless of the function, you’re sure to find games here for all occasions.

Below you’ll find our picks — in no particular order — for the best party games on Switch. While the console’s lineup of brilliant co-op games may fit the bill for smaller get-togethers, some games require a little more thought, consideration and coordination than the average party-goer might be ready for (or capable of). For this selection we’ve chosen games that work best with lots of people, including spectators, and ones that let anybody join in with the minimum of fuss.

So, it’s time to check out the best Nintendo Switch party games. Fill those bowls of nibbles to the brim, charge your Joy-Con, and pack your party bags, people, because tonight’s gonna be a large one…

Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nd Cube

Release Date: 16th Nov 2018 (USA) / 5th Oct 2018 (UK/EU)

Get the party started with the plumber and his Mushroom Kingdom pals. While Mario’s had his ups and downs when it comes to this minigame series – with some of the recent entries feeling a little sterile – that simply isn’t the case with Super Mario Party. This is a well-constructed and beautifully realised Mario Party game which takes the series right back to its frantic stick-swirling, button-mashing roots. It’s a true return to form that can get genuinely raucous in the right company. There ain’t no party like a Mario Party, and with this Switch entry in the franchise, that’s no longer a backhanded compliment.

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.

Publisher: Jackbox Games / Developer: Jackbox Games

Release Date: 13th Apr 2017 (USA) / 13th Apr 2017 (UK/EU)

This is a great option for anyone at your gathering that might find a controller intimidating. You’ll need an internet connection and a smartphone each for this one, but if you can get a decent group together, The Jackbox Party Pack 3 is a laugh riot for up to 8 players.

We’ve specifically chosen the third instalment in the series because it includes Quiplash 2, Tee K.O., and Trivia Murder Party — three of the most popular Jackbox games, which offer word-based funnies, drawing-based giggles, and trivia-based triumph. Something for everyone!

For anybody who’s dabbled in the series around a friend’s house, “Is Jackbox Games on Switch?” is a common question when they’re looking at a new console — Jackbox is a big deal in the party game scene. Thankfully, there are multiple Jackbox games on Switch if you’re after more of the same. Seriously, they’re approaching double digits now.

Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo

Release Date: 28th Apr 2017 (USA) / 28th Apr 2017 (UK/EU)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers a huge amount of racing goodness that’s sure to please the crowd. The racing part is best-in-class and there’s plenty of tweaks available to make it accessible to all, whether they’re racing veterans or this is their first, motion-assisted encounter with the King of Kart Racers.

When you’re done with racing, the Battle Mode let’s you get into hilarious brawls as you hair around the arenas chasing each other with red shells and Bob-ombs. It’s a game that continually raises a smile and, occasionally, induces that trademark Mario Kart rage as shells strike and positions are lost. It’s addictive and unifying, unfiltered fun that draws in anyone daring enough to take up the wheel – absolutely perfect for a party.

Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo

Release Date: 3rd Mar 2017 (USA) / 3rd Mar 2017 (UK/EU)

It might not have set the world alight when it released at the start of the Switch’s life, and it may have worked better as a pack-in title to showcase the unique features of the console and its Joy-Con controllers, but when played with a group of friends or family members 1-2-Switch is a proper hoot. What it lacks in longevity it makes up for with the sort of accessible social appeal that made Wii Sports a living room tradition for so many households all over the world.

This really is a party game – as in it requires the context of a social gathering to work properly – and if you’ve only tried it as a solo player we entirely understand if you found it underwhelming. In a group context, though, it really shines and if you can find it for a reasonable price, it’s well worth a go. You always fancied trying that HD rumble ice cube trick, didn’t you?

There’s also not the sequel, Everybody 1-2-Switch, if you just can’t get enough and want to expand on the concept here with similar shenanigans involving many, many more people using their phones as an input device.

Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft

Release Date: 22nd Nov 2022 (USA) / 22nd Nov 2022 (UK/EU)

Just Dance 2023 is a sleek entry to the franchise that does exactly what it says on the tin. The series has been running for years now with very few changes, so Just Dance 2017 or Just Dance 2018 or Just Dance 2019 or Just Dance 2020 or Just Dance 2021 or Just Dance 2022 *breathe* will do just as good a job of getting people on their feet.

With 40 tracks included and more to purchase through the game’s subscription service, plus a handy category list that splits the songs between workout hits, party anthems, and chilled-out groove beats, you can create the dance playlist of your dreams.

Publisher: Steel Crate Games / Developer: Steel Crate Games

Release Date: 16th Aug 2018 (USA) / 16th Aug 2018 (UK/EU)

One person’s got a bomb which needs diffusing while the rest have a printed (yes, an actual physical printout) manual with all the instructions you need to disarm the explosive. Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes is an absolute nail-biter of a party game. Obviously, you’ll need to have the manual prepared beforehand — it’s possible to use a PDF, but the game is far better then there’s random sheets of A4 flying around as you frantically search for the info you need.

You’ll need to be in a condition to read while playing this one, so it really depends on the sort of party you’re throwing. Too many grown-up drinks can make negotiating the written word challenging, and when it’s a race against the clock, you don’t want to let the team down because you can’t focus on the page numbers. Otherwise, this is a blast.

Publisher: Headup Games / Developer: 13AM Games

Release Date: 3rd Jul 2018 (USA) / 3rd Jul 2018 (UK/EU)

Runbow is a great example of a party game that can cater to solo and multiplayer preferences alike, and almost certainly deserves a cheeky purchase on Switch. It’s a party platforming game where the background regularly cycles through different colours, and all platforms that match this colour will disappear until it changes again. It’s great fun, with presentation to die for, and unlocking Nindie heroes through a really nicely put together adventure mode is the icing on the cake.

However, the real beauty of Runbow as a multiplayer party game is that it supports up to 8 players, so the more the merrier (provided you’ve got the requisite number of controllers).

Publisher: Konami / Developer: Konami

Release Date: 3rd Mar 2017 (USA) / 3rd Mar 2017 (UK/EU)

Super Bomberman R is a no-frills entry in a series which had been dormant for far too long. The Switch’s unique focus on local multiplayer makes this a perfect fit. Support for Switch Pro Controller as well as single and dual Joy-Con play – along with local network and online multiplayer – make this the go-to multiplayer title for both old-school gamers and those who have never played a Bomberman before (really – just who are you inviting to these parties of yours?). Newbies will very quickly get into the frantic swing of things, so if you’re looking to share the joy with your friends, Super Bomberman R is as dependably explosive fun as it’s ever been.

And if you like this, the sequel — Super Bomberman R 2 (yep, shocker) — is also available, featuring a neat new ‘Castle’ mode which lets you create the board you’ll be playing on.

Publisher: Psyonix Studios / Developer: Psyonix Studios

Release Date: 14th Nov 2017 (USA) / 14th Nov 2017 (UK/EU)

One of modern gaming’s true multiplayer success stories, Rocket League is a brilliant addition to the Switch party game line up. The core game is so addictive, so compelling, so enjoyable that it makes for a fine option for spectators as well as participants.

As much as this is a game that rewards skilful play and perseverance, it’s also hilarious to watch when inept drivers take to the wheel and careen past the ball at breakneck speed as they get to grips with its 3v3 motorised football. It won’t take long before everyone’s hooked and the colour, speed and sheer fun of Rocket League make it a great choice to have on your party playlist.

Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Sora

Release Date: 7th Dec 2018 (USA) / 7th Dec 2018 (UK/EU)

Everyone is here! The beauty of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is that it caters to everybody, from the deep-diving series stalwarts who analyse each frame and peruse patch notes to the novice button-masher who’s simply excited at the chance to smash seven shades out of Pikachu.

With its huge (and ever-growing) roster of famous fighters, there truly is something for everyone, and with support for up to 8 players, it’s a frantic, fantastic party game that should most definitely be ready and waiting on your Switch when your friends roll up fashionably late. Fight!

Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo

Release Date: 5th Jun 2020 (USA) / 5th Jun 2020 (UK/EU)

You can’t go wrong with the classics, and there’s 51 of them to enjoy in the appropriately titled Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. With a wide variety of card games, board games and other games (including some golf and bowling), you’re sure to find at least one activity that everyone will dig, whether you want a few rounds of poker or some target practice. It’s not the most raucous of party games, but perhaps you’re not throwing the most raucous of parties. Sticky floors and broken porcelain aren’t prerequisites for a good time, you know! Crack out the (digital) cards, grab yourself a drink and enjoy.

Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from Motorhead to BB King.