That’s fantastic news, because we’ve been waiting a long time to see what Yacht Club can do with the Zelda formula and, from the limited-time demo last year and the various gameplay videos and impressions we’ve read, this could be something special.
There’s not much else to add here! The Switch 2 version supports 120fps, but there are few other differences, really.
Many have been patiently waiting for the spooky adventure, which was originally due to release on 31st October 2025, before Yacht Club delayed it just a few weeks before launch. But the game went gold just a few weeks ago, prompting speculation that a release date was imminent. And look at that, here we are in early May with the news.
Are you excited for Mina the Hollower? Will you be grabbing this on Switch 1 or Switch 2? Squeak in the comments and let us know.
Arc System Works and developer French Bread have announced a new fighter will join the roster of Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes, alongside a “major update”.
Zohar will be arriving as a new DLC character in Summer 2026. Here’s a description from the official PR, along with a look:
Zohar was a key member of the “Bankikai,” the organization she formed alongside Ogre and Strix. Details regarding her battle style, unique abilities, and other character information are scheduled to be revealed at a later date. Please stay tuned for more exciting updates!
And here are the details about the major update, which highlights updates to game balance, ranked matches, system mechanics, frame data display and mission mode.
In order to curb power creep, the overall game balance will be adjusted by reviewing combo damage and gauge gain. Other system mechanics such as “Steer Ender“, “Throw Escape” and the properties of certain powerful moves are currently being revised.
In high-ranked matches, Rating Points will now fluctuate in addition to the traditional RIP. A dedicated ranking system is also planned to be added.
The frame data display will be improved to support the visualization of opponent information and gap frames in sequences. Frame data will also be viewable in Replay Mode.
In Mission Mode, a new feature will be added that allows players to review their previous play. Further information will be announced soon.
If you’re curious to know more about Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes, check out our review. Rollback netcode is also supported.
In case you missed it, French Bread (in partnership with Aniplex) last week announced the 2D fighter Melty Blood: Twi Lumina for Switch 1 & 2. It’s got an “early 2027” release.
This includes a standard edition of the title for $49.99 and a steelbook edition for $69.99 (or your regional equivalent), and pre-orders kick off later this week on 8th May 2026. The standard edition will ship between October and November 2026, and the steelbook edition is scheduled to arrive between January and March 2027.
Limited Run Games: Get on the ready line! We’re excited to announce two physical editions of Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition (Part One) for PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X, and Steam! Step into the boots of Zula Hendricks on a high-stakes mission.
Here’s a look at both versions of the game that will be available to pre-order:
You can find out more about this game in our recent review here on Nintendo Life. We awarded part one 7/10 stars. This follows a story earlier this week about layoffs at Survios – the studio behind this recent release.
Will you be adding this to your collection? Let us know in the comments.
THQ Nordic has been reviving Piranha Bytes’ fantasy series Gothic, and next up, is the release of Gothic III Classic.
This open-world action RPG, first released in 2006, will be coming to the Switch 2 on 24th November 2026 and is priced at 29.99€ (or your regional equivalent). Here’s a bit about the game, along with a look:
A nameless hero becomes a legend!
Myrtana, a world in upheaval: overrun by orcs from the dark lands in the north, King Rhobar is defending Vengard, the former stronghold of the humans, with his last troop of followers. Chaos reigns without: rebels are offering resistance, and the Hashishin of the south are openly collaborating with the orcs.
Rumours that the nameless hero of Khorinis is on his way to the mainland spawn both hope and worry. Whose side will he take? Who will feel his wrath, who enjoy his favor? Only one thing is sure: his deeds are going to change Myrtana forever…
Liberation or annihilation – the fate of the world of Gothic lies in your hands!
– Huge free-roaming world – virtually no boundaries – Advanced human behavior AI for hundreds of individual characters with full audio dialogues – Unique class-free character development – Over 50 different monsters and animals and dozens of different human enemies – Over 50 different spells and over 100 different weapons for close and ranged combat – Dynamic, action-packed combat system: choose between Fast Attacks, deadly whirlwind close combat, or shooting from a distance. – Shape the fate of a war-torn Myrtana mainland through choices on the clearly defined main story objectives – Countless side quests for additional depth – Integrates Community Patch 1.75 and further gameplay improvements. – Tailor made gamepad UI & controls – Advanced optimization to offer finally a smooth Gothic 3 playing experience
Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to the Switch 2 this June, and in case you missed it, last week it released a demo for the title on the Nintendo eShop.
It’s quite an impressive display on Nintendo’s new hybrid system, and if you’re curious to see how it runs alongside other versions of the game, YouTube channel ElAnalistaDeBits has now shared a side-by-side graphics comparison video.
It shows the level of detail, textures, the game’s 30fps performance on the Switch 2, and more. And while there are some cutbacks, as we’ve already reported, it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious Switch 2 port yet.
As previously mentioned, the title’s handheld internal resolution ranges between a maximum of 1344×756 and a minimum of 672×380, and in docked, the resolution ranges between a maximum of 1920×1080 and a minimum of 960×540.
If you want to find out a bit more about the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, check out our previous coverage:
How are you finding the demo on Switch 2? Will you be getting this version of the game when it arrives on 3rd June 2026? Let us know in the comments.
Summer is almost upon us, and you know what that means…
Yes, Summer Game Fest is right around the corner! Mr Keighley is back with yet another weekend of gaming, bringing us various announcements and showcases straight from Los Angeles.
As ever, 2026 promises to be a stacked one, so we’ve assembled the following guide to help you stay up to date on everything happening across the event. Below, we’ve listed everything you need to know about the opening showcase, Day of the Devs, and all the other SGF showcases you might want to keep an eye out for. And worry not, we’ll be keeping this all up to date as more events are announced.
Summer Game Fest 2026 Guide
What is Summer Game Fest?
Summer Game Fest is a yearly gaming event which has been running since 2020. Everything kicks off with the ever-growing opening showcase on evening one, but other events from third parties follow throughout the weekend, many of which fall under the SGF banner.
While you’ll be able to soak up most of what the event has to offer from the comfort of your own home, the opening showcase can also be attended in-person at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale for that on 8th May at 9am PT.
When is Summer Game Fest 2026?
Summer Game Fest 2026 runs from 5th-8th June, kicking off with Geoff Keighley’s opening showcase, then continuing over the course of the weekend.
Summer Game Fest Showcases
Summer Game Fest is stuffed full of showcases that you can watch online. We’ve got a rundown of all the confirmed ones below, including the biggie…
Opening Showcase 2026
Image: Summer Game Fest
Arguably the biggest showcase of the weekend is the opening showcase, hosted by Geoff himself. This is where you’ll find all the new game announcements and first looks that the event has become famous for, so it’s well worth tuning in.
This year, the opening showcase will get underway on 5th June at 10pm BST / 11pm CET / 5pm ET / 2pm PT.
Here’s the precise time that the opening showcase starts in your region:
A bunch of other shows and livestreams tend to fall in the Summer Game Fest window, even if they are not officially part of the event itself.
We’ve listed all those that have been announced so far in the following table, and we will add more as/when they are revealed.
Event
Date
Times
Access-Ability Summer Showcase
5th June
4pm BST / 11am ET / 8am PT
Day of the Devs – SGF Edition
5th June
TBA (usually right after the Opening Showcase)
Wholesome Direct
6th June
5pm BST / 12pm ET / 9am PT
Future Games Show – Summer Showcase
6th June
8pm BST / 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Xbox Games Showcase
7th June
6pm BST / 1pm ET / 10am PT
PC Gaming Show
7th June
TBA
The Game Business – Live
8th June
TBA
Who’s taking part in Summer Game Fest 2026?
We actually have no idea so far! We’ll obviously update this when developers start teasing their games and announcing their presence, but for now, you’ll have to wait and see.
We’ll also be hosting streams for the biggest showcases right here on Nintendo Life, so you can watch along with us and enjoy a good old natter while you do so. All of that will kick off with the opening showcase on 5th June.
Other showcases will be hosted across the internet, usually by their respective channels on YouTube or Twitch. We’ll share links to those when we have them.
Summer Game Fest FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions you might still have about Summer Game Fest 2026.
How long is the Opening Showcase?
The Opening Showcase usually runs for around 2 hours, and we expect it’ll be about the same length this year. Yes, make sure you bring a snack and some beverages.
Can I watch Summer Game Fest for free?
Yes, you can! All Summer Game Fest showcases will be available online for free, so you don’t have to worry about saving any pennies.
Will there be a Nintendo Direct during Summer Game Fest?
We don’t know about that one just yet.
While Nintendo often tends to host a Direct at some point in June — usually around Summer Game Fest — nothing has been confirmed at the time of writing. Last year, the Big N skipped June entirely, and in 2024, the big Direct came over a week after the event.
So, if anything is revealed for June, it certainly won’t fall officially under the Summer Game Fest umbrella.
Is Summer Game Fest the same as The Game Awards?
Not quite, no. While both Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards are run (and hosted) by Geoff Keighley, and both have the same social media handle, they are, in fact, separate events.
Basically, both have a lot of video game announcements, but don’t expect to see any awards being given out during SGF.
That’s just about all we know about Summer Game Fest 2026 so far. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more showcase announcements and will update this guide accordingly.
R-Type Dimensions III‘s physical release has been hit with a delay, just two weeks before the game’s launch on Switch 1 & 2, publisher ININ Games has announced.
The upcoming remake of R-Type III: The Third Lightning is still launching on 19th May 2026 on the eShop, but the physical version has now been pushed back to 11th August due to “ongoing global manufacturing and logistics constraints”. This delay has also affected the Collector’s Edition, which will now launch in the winter.
Definitely a bit of a shame for physical collectors, but ININ says that the decision was made to maintain production standards and ensure a quality product is delivered, when ready.
It also emphasises that the latest game build will be on the cartridge when it’s ready to ship, so no need for a Day One patch.
Just in case you’re unaware of R-Type Dimensions III, or just want a refresher, here’s a rundown of what to expect from Tozai Games’ latest remake:
R-Type Dimensions III brings the intensity, precision, and creative enemy design of the arcade originals to a new generation. Every stage, boss, and projectile pattern has been rebuilt with high-end 3D graphics, enhanced animations, and richly detailed environments, whilst preserving the instantly recognizable atmosphere that defined R-Type’s identity.
The same applies to the original music and sound effects. With an enormous effort, everything has been rebuilt so that Players can switch seamlessly between the original and the new R-Type III at any time, offering both nostalgic authenticity and a striking modern reinterpretation.
Key features include: – A fully remastered experience with completely reconstructed assets – Local co-op, enhanced with new scoring and survival mechanics – Advanced mode is accessible from the start – Customizable controls and quality-of-life features in the settings – 3D Camera settings (normal and crazy
Are you excited for R-Type Dimensions III? Disappointed with the physical delay? Get blasting in the comments.
If all of these modern games have left you craving something a little more retro, then Devolver Digital’s next joint might be just the thing you’re looking for.
We first covered Dark Scrolls — the dungeon-scrolling fantasy game from Gato Roboto and Gunbrella dev Doinksoft — a couple of months ago, and today, it has dug up its release date: 28th May.
With the Switch launch mere weeks away, Doinksoft has shared a new trailer showcasing some online co-op gameplay, and it looks every bit as entertaining as you’d hope. As a reminder, this is a side-scrolling dungeon crawler with a particular shmup flair, tasking you with clearing out nasty creatures before the ever-moving frame pins you in a tight spot.
The new gameplay trailer gives us a taste of just how chaotic things can get when playing with a pal, showing a handful of different playable characters and their unique playstyles.
Once again, we’re particularly enamoured with the throwback vibes on display here, with the chunky pixel sprites and parallax scrolling backdrops putting us in mind of the early Shovel Knight reveals.
Here’s a little more information about what the game has in store and a handful of screenshots from Devolver:
– Choose from a cast of nine playable characters and hurl axes, fling arrows, toss knives and even flip steaks at a rogues’ gallery of bizarre enemies – Each character, whether they’re a burly berserker or a saxophone-playing rat, has unique skills, side objectives and customizable trinkets to experiment with – Super authentic old school visuals, SFX and music. Looks and sounds like classic games of yore, but with the sparkle of modern controls and design – Procedurally generated levels stitched together from hand-crafted rooms. Every run offers new surprises, branching paths and skill-testing bosses
It looks chaotic, for sure — maybe a bit too chaotic for some — but it certainly looks like there’s fun to be had here.
Will you be checking out Dark Scrolls later this month? Scroll down to the comments and let us know.
Nintendo UK has released a new video showcasing the Switch 2, its key features, and some of the console’s biggest first-party games so far.
It’s pretty basic stuff, especially for someone like you, who frequents Nintendo sites such as this one right here. But for those who have yet to discover the delights of the Switch 2, it could prove to be a nice little introduction.
So yeah, not much more to say really! It’s interesting that this video is out now, specifically, as we’re a mere two full days away from Nintendo releasing its end-of-year financial report. Typically, you start to see some activity from the company around its financials release as a way of keeping shareholders happy if the numbers aren’t quite going up enough.
So could this be a prelude to something more..? Eh, probably not, but we can dream.
What do you make of Nintendo’s new Switch 2 ad? Leave a comment in the usual place and let us know.
In case you hadn’t noticed by now, the Nintendo Today! mobile app has become the go-to place for The Big N to make its first-party announcements.
Granted, it’s been a key marketing tool ever since its launch back in March 2025, but there’s a keen sense that Nintendo is leaning more and more on the Today app for, well, all of its announcements and reveals.
Speaking of Directs, many folks are understandably curious (and probably a little bit anxious) about when the next big first-party showcase will take place. Given the flurry of Nintendo Today announcements recently, however, some have started to question whether Nintendo might be looking to retire the Direct format entirely. Do we still need huge Nintendo Directs with multiple major announcements in the space of an hour? Or is it possible that a steady cadence of reveals via the app could actually become the preferred method of engagement for platform holder and player alike?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. First, let’s see what Team NL thinks…
Ollie Reynolds – Reviews Editor
Image: Nintendo
If I put my professional hat on, I do believe there’s value in having smaller, more frequent announcements from Nintendo via its Today app. Relying almost solely on Direct presentations means you have these loooong gaps of time when nothing happens, and it’s those stretches of time that can feel excruciating for fans.
Announcements from Nintendo Today might not feel quite as exciting or eventful, but it lets the company stay in the conversation in ways that weren’t really possible before. A balance of the two (plus Partner Directs and Indie Worlds, of course) is probably the best way forward: give us one or two big Directs every year in which major games are announced, then keep the smaller reveals and updates to the Today app.
Gavin Lane – Editor
Image: Nintendo
As a fan, nothing beats the excitement of a ‘big’ Direct, so while it’s cool that Nintendo could just drop a new Star Fox or Splatoon release date on any old Tuesday, I love the ceremony and anticipation that comes with a full 40-minute blowout.
That said, I don’t remember the last time I watched a Direct and properly enjoyed it as a fan rather than a work event across multiple monitors, with Slack and a dozen tabs open, hurriedly writing stories and adding game pages and downloading from press sites as it goes. From a work perspective, little and often is more manageable, but that’s probably not relevant to you, is it? (Yes, you. I see you there, Slouchy McGee!…)
From Nintendo’s point of view, the drip-feed approach gives every little announcement its own space, with tidbits that the Direct flood might have drowned getting a day all to themselves. It’s not as exciting, but Ninty’s marketing team are probably happier.
So for me personally, I’ve come around to the little-and-often approach, despite my E3 lizard-brain desire for big presentations. It would be nice if Nintendo Today notifications actually worked on my phone, mind.
Alana Hagues – Deputy Editor
Image: Nintendo
Look, I love a big Direct. I like basking in everyone’s excitement, the flow of trailers, and just how snappy they run by. I still think Nintendo is the best at these kinds of presentations. But before I had a job in the video game world, I almost always missed these presentations because of work or commitments. I’d join a watch party with friends if I was around, but more often than not I was typing at a desk or working.
Watching a Direct after it’s happened isn’t the same. And with every big company relying on these digital presentations (many of which are underwhelming in my eyes), they’re starting to feel a bit… samey?
So, over the past year, I’ve really come around on the ‘random’ Nintendo Today drops. It’s like a nice little surprise — well, if your app actually works. You might get a notification at 1:45pm UK time and get a little spring in your step; 15 minutes later, social media shares the news, and then everyone is talking about it. It’s fun, and it means fewer news droughts.
I am tired of is hearing with every Nintendo Today announcement that Nintendo “scrapped” a Direct. No, it didn’t. This is 2026 and this is how it’s doing things now. Other developers just drop their news, so why is it weird when Nintendo does it? This is the norm now. I’ll still be seated front row for every Direct, Indie World, and Partner Showcase, but Nintendo Today (and social media) makes things a little easier to digest and sometimes even more surprising than a drop in a Direct.
Jim Norman – Features Editor
I will give it to Nintendo Today, it makes me perk up and pay attention to announcements that never would have kept me entertained in a 40-minute showcase. If a Direct consisted of release dates for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Rhythm Heaven Groove, and a Splatoon Raiders gameplay trailer, the internet would be flooded with “mid” comments. Instead, we’re getting little bite-sized chunks and we’re enjoying it!
I don’t remember the last time that a Direct held me for the majority of its runtime — it might have been February 2023, now that I think about it — but gosh, I do love the excitement around it all.
So yes, keep up with the app announcements, Nintendo, I’m enjoying them! But would I turn my nose up at a full-fat Direct soon? Heck no!
How would you like to see Nintendo make its big announcements going forward? (2,177 votes)
Don’t fix what ain’t broke – keep the Directs56%
I kinda prefer the more frequent Nintendo Today drops, y’know?5%
A healthy balance is the right way forward27%
Bring back E3!9%
What’s a Nintendo Today?3%
So what do you think, dear reader? Could you imagine a world in which Nintendo ditches the big Directs in favour of its Today announcements? Cast your vote in the poll above and leave a comment down below.
