Category: Nintendo News

Switch 2 has been out for over a year now, and a good percentage of Nintendo Lifers have picked one up in the last 365 days.

However, it’s also quite possible you haven’t jumped on Nintendo’s latest console just yet. With Switch 1’s colossal library, not to mention the great games on other consoles (we’re reliably informed they do exist), what’s the rush?

Still, with belts tightening around the globe, a price increase incoming in September, and a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake confirmed for later this year, many will be eyeing opportunities to pick up a Switch 2 over summer, before it costs you even more.

With that in mind, we’ve asked NL staff for their opinions on the absolute essentials – the Switch 2 games and accessories they deem necessary to getting the very best from the system.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, too. Disagree with our picks? Can’t live without that extra storage? Let us know in the polls and comments what gear and games you’d recommend to a Switch 2-curious gamer looking to jump aboard.

Switch 2 Essentials – The Console

If you’re in the market for Switch 2 hardware, there’s good news and bad news.

Bad news first: There’s only one SKU, which means no colour options if you want something brighter or Your-Favourite-Nintendo-Series-themed. Also, the price is going up in September, from $449.99 USD / £395.99 / €469.99 to $499.99 USD / £TBA / €499.99. Not great.

The good news? There are bundles available worldwide that throw in a game with the system, and some good ones, too.

Of particular interest is the Choose your Game bundle in North America, which — true to its name — lets you download Mario Kart World, Pokémon Pokopia, or Donkey Kong Bananza.

Elsewhere, in Australia and New Zealand, there’s a region-specific Pokopia bundle. While that’s all for official hardware bundles at the moment, we wouldn’t be surprised to see others pop up. Remember, though, that the hardware itself is identical in each case.

Also, keep an eye out for individual retailers whipping up deals of their own. With a plethora of Game-Key Card titles on store shelves, you may find some top games thrown in to sweeten the pot over the summer.

If you’re wondering which game bundle is best, the next section may be illuminating…

Switch 2 Essentials – The Games

A console is nothing without its games, and while Switch still doesn’t have an enormous number of console exclusives to its name yet, it’s amassed an impressive library in its first year.

Let’s get Team NL’s quickfire “indispensable” S2 game:

• “My head says Pokopia, but my heart says Bananza. Either is guaranteed to produce face-aching smiles.” – Jim
• “Donkey Kong Bananza. It doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Odyssey, but it’s got a lot of the same magic.” – Ollie
• “Mario Kart World – it’s Mario Kart.” – Liam
• “I’m going with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Machine Games’ light immersive-sim elements and spot-on presentation absolutely hooked me with a spectacular port. (Shoutout to RE9, which I haven’t yet played, but I’m jonesing — ha! — to.)” – Gavin

The usual suspects, unsurprisingly, though it’s interesting to see a pretty even spread – no single game is the system seller for us.

If you’re looking for a larger rundown of Switch 2’s best games, we’re happy to oblige with our reader-ranked Top 50.

System? Sorted. Games? Got ’em. Play time? Possibly…

Switch 2 Essentials – The Accessories

Is there anything else that’s genuinely essential?

Well, it depends on who you ask, and — obviously — your budget. If the controller that comes with the console works fine, splashing hard-earned cash on a controller has always felt like an ask, personally. That’s money that could be spent on another game!

And do you really need to spend 50 or 100 quid on a bloody Micro SD Express card when you’ve just shelled out for the system?

We’re divided on the storage question, but Team NL all agree about investing in a good pad – and something to carry your handheld hybrid in makes eminent sense. Let’s see what NL staffers are rolling with on the accessories front:

---

That’s us, but what about you? What’s your essential Switch 2 game? Have you invested in a non-Joy-Con controller? A Micro SD Express card? Are there any S2 accessories you simply couldn’t live without? How many questions are too many questions for an outro?

Let us know in the polls below, and take to the comments to expound further.

Which Switch 2 accessory do you consider most essential? (487 votes)

1. A good controller37%
2. A Micro DS Express card for more storage32%
3. A decent carry case22%
4. Something else (comment below)4%
5. Nothing above is ‘essential’ for me6%

Switch 2 has been out for over a year now, and a good percentage of Nintendo Lifers have picked one up in the last 365 days.

However, it’s also quite possible you haven’t jumped on Nintendo’s latest console just yet. With Switch 1’s colossal library, not to mention the great games on other consoles (we’re reliably informed they do exist), what’s the rush?

Still, with belts tightening around the globe, a price increase incoming in September, and a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake confirmed for later this year, many will be eyeing opportunities to pick up a Switch 2 over summer, before it costs you even more.

With that in mind, we’ve asked NL staff for their opinions on the absolute essentials – the Switch 2 games and accessories they deem necessary to getting the very best from the system.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, too. Disagree with our picks? Can’t live without that extra storage? Let us know in the polls and comments what gear and games you’d recommend to a Switch 2-curious gamer looking to jump aboard.

Switch 2 Essentials – The Console

If you’re in the market for Switch 2 hardware, there’s good news and bad news.

Bad news first: There’s only one SKU, which means no colour options if you want something brighter or Your-Favourite-Nintendo-Series-themed. Also, the price is going up in September, from $449.99 USD / £395.99 / €469.99 to $499.99 USD / £TBA / €499.99. Not great.

The good news? There are bundles available worldwide that throw in a game with the system, and some good ones, too.

Of particular interest is the Choose your Game bundle in North America, which — true to its name — lets you download Mario Kart World, Pokémon Pokopia, or Donkey Kong Bananza.

Elsewhere, in Australia and New Zealand, there’s a region-specific Pokopia bundle. While that’s all for official hardware bundles at the moment, we wouldn’t be surprised to see others pop up. Remember, though, that the hardware itself is identical in each case.

Also, keep an eye out for individual retailers whipping up deals of their own. With a plethora of Game-Key Card titles on store shelves, you may find some top games thrown in to sweeten the pot over the summer.

If you’re wondering which game bundle is best, the next section may be illuminating…

Switch 2 Essentials – The Games

A console is nothing without its games, and while Switch still doesn’t have an enormous number of console exclusives to its name yet, it’s amassed an impressive library in its first year.

Let’s get Team NL’s quickfire “indispensable” S2 game:

• “My head says Pokopia, but my heart says Bananza. Either is guaranteed to produce face-aching smiles.” – Jim
• “Donkey Kong Bananza. It doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Odyssey, but it’s got a lot of the same magic.” – Ollie
• “Mario Kart World – it’s Mario Kart.” – Liam
• “I’m going with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Machine Games’ light immersive-sim elements and spot-on presentation absolutely hooked me with a spectacular port. (Shoutout to RE9, which I haven’t yet played, but I’m jonesing — ha! — to.)” – Gavin

The usual suspects, unsurprisingly, though it’s interesting to see a pretty even spread – no single game is the system seller for us.

If you’re looking for a larger rundown of Switch 2’s best games, we’re happy to oblige with our reader-ranked Top 50.

System? Sorted. Games? Got ’em. Play time? Possibly…

Switch 2 Essentials – The Accessories

Is there anything else that’s genuinely essential?

Well, it depends on who you ask, and — obviously — your budget. If the controller that comes with the console works fine, splashing hard-earned cash on a controller has always felt like an ask, personally. That’s money that could be spent on another game!

And do you really need to spend 50 or 100 quid on a bloody Micro SD Express card when you’ve just shelled out for the system?

We’re divided on the storage question, but Team NL all agree about investing in a good pad – and something to carry your handheld hybrid in makes eminent sense. Let’s see what NL staffers are rolling with on the accessories front:

---

That’s us, but what about you? What’s your essential Switch 2 game? Have you invested in a non-Joy-Con controller? A Micro SD Express card? Are there any S2 accessories you simply couldn’t live without? How many questions are too many questions for an outro?

Let us know in the polls below, and take to the comments to expound further.

Which Switch 2 accessory do you consider most essential? (487 votes)

1. A good controller37%
2. A Micro DS Express card for more storage32%
3. A decent carry case22%
4. Something else (comment below)4%
5. Nothing above is ‘essential’ for me6%

In the vast, deep forest of Hyrule… another Box Art Brawl is being waged.

Yes, we’re back again, and we have a doozy for you this week. But first, let’s look back at what went down last time. We looked at Rayman 3D for the uhhh… 3DS. As expected, the more action-packed North American design won the day with a whopping 77% of the vote – well done!

And now, we cast our eyes over to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. How have we not done this one yet?! Alas, now seems the perfect time. As you’ll know, a full remake of Ocarina of Time has been confirmed for the Switch 2, so it’s time to see how the 2011 entry’s box art holds up.

Europe and Japan share the same design for this one, so it’s another good ol’ duel as the two face off against North America.

Let’s do this.

North America

North America adopts the classic gold presentation for its OOT box art, featuring Adult Link atop Epona as she rears onto her back legs. It’s elegant, understated, and really showcases the majesty of the game on 3DS.

It’ll be a tough one to beat.

Europe / Japan

Europe and Japan, meanwhile, went for a more cinematic approach to the box art. This one shows Link riding Epona across Hyrule Field, with Death Mountain on the right, Lon Lon Ranch on the left, and Hyrule Castle in the distant center.

It’s accurate to the geography of the world, then, and it’s a beautiful image. We wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of folks have this as their desktop wallpaper.

Which region got the best The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D box art? (2,407 votes)

1. 

   North America35%

2. 

   Europe / Japan65%

Thank you for voting! We’ll see you next week for another edition of Box Art Brawl!

In the vast, deep forest of Hyrule… another Box Art Brawl is being waged.

Yes, we’re back again, and we have a doozy for you this week. But first, let’s look back at what went down last time. We looked at Rayman 3D for the uhhh… 3DS. As expected, the more action-packed North American design won the day with a whopping 77% of the vote – well done!

And now, we cast our eyes over to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. How have we not done this one yet?! Alas, now seems the perfect time. As you’ll know, a full remake of Ocarina of Time has been confirmed for the Switch 2, so it’s time to see how the 2011 entry’s box art holds up.

Europe and Japan share the same design for this one, so it’s another good ol’ duel as the two face off against North America.

Let’s do this.

North America

North America adopts the classic gold presentation for its OOT box art, featuring Adult Link atop Epona as she rears onto her back legs. It’s elegant, understated, and really showcases the majesty of the game on 3DS.

It’ll be a tough one to beat.

Europe / Japan

Europe and Japan, meanwhile, went for a more cinematic approach to the box art. This one shows Link riding Epona across Hyrule Field, with Death Mountain on the right, Lon Lon Ranch on the left, and Hyrule Castle in the distant center.

It’s accurate to the geography of the world, then, and it’s a beautiful image. We wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of folks have this as their desktop wallpaper.

Which region got the best The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D box art? (2,407 votes)

1. 

   North America35%

2. 

   Europe / Japan65%

Thank you for voting! We’ll see you next week for another edition of Box Art Brawl!

Rayman Legends will be getting a remake later this year, and if you’re wonder what Ubisoft’s plans are for the original release, it apparently won’t be going anywhere.

In a brief response to a Rayman fan on social media, the company said the “original” versions of these games would be “staying put”. In other words, they’re not going anywhere, and you shouldn’t have to worry about them being delisted (at least for now).

So if you haven’t already played Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition on the Switch or another version of the title, you should still be able to access the digital versions in the foreseeable future.

Rayman Legends Retold will transform the 2D platformer into a title with fresh 3D sequences, new levels and much more when it launches for the Switch 2 and other platforms on 1st October 2026. If you want to find out more about the original title, you can check out our review. We gave the Definitive Edition nine out of ten stars when it arrived on Switch in 2017.

Ubisoft is also reviving Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag this July, and mentioned at the time of the announcement how the original game would still be available to players.

Will you be checking out Rayman Legends Retold? Have you played the Switch version yet? Let us know in the comments.

Rayman Legends will be getting a remake later this year, and if you’re wonder what Ubisoft’s plans are for the original release, it apparently won’t be going anywhere.

In a brief response to a Rayman fan on social media, the company said the “original” versions of these games would be “staying put”. In other words, they’re not going anywhere, and you shouldn’t have to worry about them being delisted (at least for now).

So if you haven’t already played Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition on the Switch or another version of the title, you should still be able to access the digital versions in the foreseeable future.

Rayman Legends Retold will transform the 2D platformer into a title with fresh 3D sequences, new levels and much more when it launches for the Switch 2 and other platforms on 1st October 2026. If you want to find out more about the original title, you can check out our review. We gave the Definitive Edition nine out of ten stars when it arrived on Switch in 2017.

Ubisoft is also reviving Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag this July, and mentioned at the time of the announcement how the original game would still be available to players.

Will you be checking out Rayman Legends Retold? Have you played the Switch version yet? Let us know in the comments.

If you’ve been playing the Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection, be on the lookout for a patch early next week.

According to a post by the official Mega Man social media account, the Legacy Collection is getting an update on 15th June 2026, which will fix bugs and improve functionality.

It elaborates a little on this, explaining how the game will add the ability to swap the assignment of the ‘Confirm’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons on the controller. This update will also be required to continue using the game’s online features and modes. When we find out more, we’ll let you know.

If you haven’t already tried out this collection since its arrival on the Switch in March, it contains the following titles:

• Mega Man Star Force Leo
• Mega Man Star Force Dragon
• Mega Man Star Force Pegasus
• Mega Man Star Force 2 ZerkerxNinja
• Mega Man Star Force 2 ZerkerxSamurai
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Black Ace
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Red Joker

You can find out more about this game in our review here on Nintendo Life. We gave it eight out of ten stars, calling it a “must-have experience for curious Rockman fans”:

“Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection continues Capcom’s unbroken streak of excellent Mega Man remasters, presenting these DS classics in the best possible light and providing a compelling package. Not only do the included games each offer an enjoyable virus-busting RPG adventure, but new quality-of-life features, an addictive online battle mode, and smooth presentation all come together to make for a must-have experience for curious Rockman fans.”

Have you tried out this collection on the Switch 2 yet? Let us know in the comments.

If you’ve been playing the Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection, be on the lookout for a patch early next week.

According to a post by the official Mega Man social media account, the Legacy Collection is getting an update on 15th June 2026, which will fix bugs and improve functionality.

It elaborates a little on this, explaining how the game will add the ability to swap the assignment of the ‘Confirm’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons on the controller. This update will also be required to continue using the game’s online features and modes. When we find out more, we’ll let you know.

If you haven’t already tried out this collection since its arrival on the Switch in March, it contains the following titles:

• Mega Man Star Force Leo
• Mega Man Star Force Dragon
• Mega Man Star Force Pegasus
• Mega Man Star Force 2 ZerkerxNinja
• Mega Man Star Force 2 ZerkerxSamurai
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Black Ace
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Red Joker

You can find out more about this game in our review here on Nintendo Life. We gave it eight out of ten stars, calling it a “must-have experience for curious Rockman fans”:

“Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection continues Capcom’s unbroken streak of excellent Mega Man remasters, presenting these DS classics in the best possible light and providing a compelling package. Not only do the included games each offer an enjoyable virus-busting RPG adventure, but new quality-of-life features, an addictive online battle mode, and smooth presentation all come together to make for a must-have experience for curious Rockman fans.”

Have you tried out this collection on the Switch 2 yet? Let us know in the comments.

Capcom’s strong support of the Switch 2 continues, with the announcement earlier this week that it will be releasing Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the new system this September.

Now, following this reveal, it has shared some details about the game’s performance and resolution on each platform. In terms of resolution, the Switch 2 version will be 1920 x 1080p in TV mode and 1600 x 900p in handheld mode, with both modes utilising upscaling.

As for the frame rate, Onimusha: Way of the Sword will run at 30fps across both modes, but Capcom also notes how it’s possible to change settings to enable a variable frame rate “between 30 and 40 fps“. Other versions of the game will support up to 60fps and a resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches for the Switch 2 on 25th September 2026. Pre-orders are now available on the Nintendo eShop and include a bonus Lion Dog charm and a sword Sealed Curse appearance. According to the eShop listing, the estimated file size is 34.1GB.

Here’s a bit about the game’s story, along with another look:

Fight through bloodstained battlefields of intense swordplay action. Explore the historic Japanese capital of Edo-period Kyoto, twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice. With every stage cloaked in mystery, danger and intrigue. Battle against monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a tale of dark fantasy.

Follow the tale of a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants its bearer the power to slay Genma. Through gritty, blood-soaked brawls, he searches for his reason to fight. What fate awaits at the end of his path?

Will you be getting the Switch 2 version of Onimusha: Way of the Sword when it launches this September? Let us know in the comments.

Capcom’s strong support of the Switch 2 continues, with the announcement earlier this week that it will be releasing Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the new system this September.

Now, following this reveal, it has shared some details about the game’s performance and resolution on each platform. In terms of resolution, the Switch 2 version will be 1920 x 1080p in TV mode and 1600 x 900p in handheld mode, with both modes utilising upscaling.

As for the frame rate, Onimusha: Way of the Sword will run at 30fps across both modes, but Capcom also notes how it’s possible to change settings to enable a variable frame rate “between 30 and 40 fps“. Other versions of the game will support up to 60fps and a resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches for the Switch 2 on 25th September 2026. Pre-orders are now available on the Nintendo eShop and include a bonus Lion Dog charm and a sword Sealed Curse appearance. According to the eShop listing, the estimated file size is 34.1GB.

Here’s a bit about the game’s story, along with another look:

Fight through bloodstained battlefields of intense swordplay action. Explore the historic Japanese capital of Edo-period Kyoto, twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice. With every stage cloaked in mystery, danger and intrigue. Battle against monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a tale of dark fantasy.

Follow the tale of a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants its bearer the power to slay Genma. Through gritty, blood-soaked brawls, he searches for his reason to fight. What fate awaits at the end of his path?

Will you be getting the Switch 2 version of Onimusha: Way of the Sword when it launches this September? Let us know in the comments.