Category: Nintendo News

It’s the time of the week yet again as the Nintendo Download update brings in all manner of fresh games and other virtual delights to an eShop near you. This week we’ve got something for everyone, ranging from Switch indies to 3DS titles and Wii U oddities. As always, drop a vote in the poll and leave a comment below with your potential purchases.

Switch eShop

Pokémon Quest (Nintendo, Free) – Set off for adventure in the Pokémon™ Quest game. Venture out with your Pokémon buddies on expeditions across Tumblecube Island in search of loot in this free-to-start action-adventure for the Nintendo Switch™ system. Modify your Pokémon buddies with discovered Power Stones to make your ultimate expedition team.

Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection (Capcom, $39.99) – Celebrate Street Fighter’s historic legacy with the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. In this massive collection of 12 Street Fighter titles, which encompass the Street Fighter I, Street Fighter II, Street Fighter III and Street Fighter Alpha series, perfect arcade balance makes it to consoles for the first time ever. Hop online and relive the arcade experience through the online Arcade Mode or play with friends in the online lobby within four of the most definitive Street Fighter titles in the collection.

Yoku’s Island Express (Team17, $19.99) – Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku’s Island Express! Yoku has arrived on Mokumana and he’s ready for the easy life, soaking up the sun and delivering parcels on a tropical paradise! Read our review.

ACA NEOGEO NINJA COMBAT (HAMSTER, $7.99) – “NINJA COMBAT” is an action game released in 1990 by SNK. In order to defeat the evil ninja clan KAGE ICHIZOKU, justice-seeking ninjas head towards the NINJA TOWER. Enjoy battling with a wide array of weapons and ninja magic as well as the ability for a friend to join the action.

Defoliation (COSEN, $9.99) – It all starts from searching the house. The player can solve puzzles or look for hints for solving them, by touching the screen or moving the mouse pointer to click on the places they want to search. There are various tricks in the house, and you can move forward as you solve the puzzles along the way. You can also master the use of items to increase the chance of discovering unexpected breakthroughs. Click the Hint Button when you are stuck. It may give you hints about what you may have missed in the screen. 

ICEY (X.D. Network, $9.99) – ICEY is a 2D side-scrolling action game. As you follow the narrator’s omnipresent voice, you will see through ICEY’s eyes and learn the truth about her world. 

Johnny Turbo’s Arcade Joe and Mac Caveman Ninja (FTE Games , $6.99) – Grab your club and get ready to go on a wild, prehistoric adventure with the Cavemen Ninjas – Joe & Mac! Help Joe and Mac, two cavemen who fight against enemy cavemen and dinosaurs using prehistoric weapons.

Just Shapes and Beats (Berzerk Studio , $19.99) – “Just Shapes & Beats” is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die, repeatedly. It’s a new spin on SHMUPs, adding a layer of coop that’s at the core of the game: ’cause everything is better with friends. 

Lost Sea (eastasiasoft, $9.99) – After a freak storm over the Atlantic, you find yourself stranded on the shores of a mysterious island. Do you have what it takes to escape the Lost Sea?

Pirate Pop Plus (13AM Games, $4.99) – Join Pete Jr on his quest to defeat the nefarious Bubble Pirate, an evil villain who has trapped the innocent townsfolk in bubbles! Dodge and pop bubbles with your anchor while collecting power-ups and managing Bubble Pirate’s constant gravity-switching mischief!

Quad Fighter K (Aksys Games, $7.99) – In the far distant future, a mysterious alien race set its sights on nothing less than the conquest of the Earth and the total annihilation of the human race. To counteract this threat the nations of Earth formed the EDC (Earth Defense Corps) and launched an all-out counter attack. Despite humanity’s best efforts, the alien invaders superior technology proved too much to overcome and they took over most of the planet.

Smoke And Sacrifice (Curve Digital , $19.99) – Smoke and Sacrifice sees Sachi, a mother forced to give up her son, adventure into a grotesque underworld on a quest that will lead her to a darker truth. Read our review.

West of Loathing (Asymmetric, $11.00) – West of Loathing is a single-player slapstick comedy adventure role-playing game set in the wild west of the Kingdom of Loathing universe. Traverse snake-infested gulches, punch skeletons wearing cowboy hats, grapple with demon cows, and investigate a wide variety of disgusting spittoons.

World Soccer Pinball (EnjoyUp Games , $1.99) – Enjoy World Soccer Pinball, a perfect reproduction of a real pinball machine, with all the graphic details and sounds. Discover all the secrets, complete all the missions and become number 1 in the world or the best among your Friends, posting your high score on the online leaderboard.

Yesterday Origins (Microïds, $29.99) – Join immortals John Yesterday and Pauline Petit in Yesterday Origins, and experience an epic adventure through time and across the world in a story full of intrigue and unexpected twists.

Them Bombs! (Yellow Dot , $9.99) – A text message leads you to a ticking bomb. Tic-toc! Tic-toc! Every second counts. Which wire to cut – the blue or the red one? How to set the control knobs? Tic-toc! Tic-toc! Only two minutes left… Your flashlight battery runs out. The adrenaline kicks in. Will you keep a cool head and defuse the bomb?

Die for Valhalla! (Monster Couch, $9.99) – Die for Valhalla! is an action RPG where you hack, slash and crush your enemies! Possess and take full control of heroes, monsters and other things to help Vikings save their realm! Read our review.

Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory (NIS America, $39.99) – Return to the battlefield of Fenumia, where a besieged nation stands on the brink of war.

Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition (Natsume , $39.99) – Looking for a fresh start and some new surroundings, you set off on a voyage to begin your new life! Unfortunately, the weather has different plans, as your ship is hit by a storm, and goes down! You drift into a small harbor town, now in shambles from the storm, where a young doctor named Jeanne saves your life. The town has been deserted, but you’re never one to back down from a challenge! It will be up to you to help rebuild the town and save the lighthouse…but it won’t be easy!

Ikaruga (Nicalis, $14.99) – A rebel pilot named Shinra must battle an enemy nation using a specially-designed fighter called the Ikaruga, which can switch between two energy polarities (black or white) at the touch of a button. Bullets that are the same color as Shinra’s ship can be absorbed, while the opposite color will do damage – this polarity-switching mechanic is the game’s core feature and the foundation for its stage and enemy design. Read our review.

Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Deluxier Edition (Plug In Digital, $14.99) – Set out on a grand adventure in this turn-based, retro style, pixel-art RPG, inspired by the great titles of the 90’s. Take on the roles of in-game players taking on the roles of their characters in a traditional pen and paper RPG session in the ultimate meta roleplaying experience.

Legend of Kay Anniversary (Nordic Games , $29.99) – 10 years after its initial release, Legend of Kay – Anniversary is a thoroughly remastered version of the original game: high-resolution textures; new, more detailed character models; modern rendering techniques and crystal-clear surround sound give this great classic a new shine.

Shift Quantum (Red Panda Interactive , $19.99) – Axon Vertigo, the world’s leading authority and most trusted friend in cerebral contentedness programming, promises to deliver better life quality for everyone with the Shift Quantum program.

Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood (Artifex Mundi. $14.99) – A year has passed since the events of Maple Creek. But for the past few months, our detective has been hot on the trail of the demonic preacher she fought one year ago. Yet he has managed to always stay one step ahead. 

FOX n FORESTS (EuroVideo Medien) – Switch between various seasons on the fly, shoot and slash with your magic melee crossbow and snatch loot to unveil the mystery of the 5th seasons. A thrilling pixel art fable with rewarding super secrets, screen filling bosses and thriving exploration. This is 16-bit how you remember it! Read our review.

Happy Birthdays (NIS America, $39.99) – From legendary creator Mr. Yasuhiro Wada (TOYBOX Inc.) comes Happy Birthdays: a sandbox game in which players create cube-shaped worlds that give rise to diverse and unique lifeforms. With careful experimentation, players can shape the geography and alter the temperature of the world to create the conditions for life and witness the birth of an entire ecosystem!

Shape of the World (Plug In Digital, $14.99) – The world that grows around you… The environment and flora constantly flourish and fade as you wander in Shape of the World, a serene and surrealist first-person explorer. You’ll travel through dream-like forests, aquatic caves and peaceful shores accompanied by psychedelic wildlife. No ticking clock or hidden perils laying in wait will prevent you from enjoying your journey… A couple of hours escape from work, anxiety and stress. Available June 6.

SilverStarChess (SilverStar, $5.99) – Easy-to-play, traditional chess game. One of the standard board games in the “SilverStar” Series of SilverStarJapan. Our latest offering: the game of chess. The top-class “SilverStar” board game engine also plays outstanding chess games.  

Super Sportmatchen (DANGEN Entertainment, $14.99) – Enjoy a fine selection of sport disciplines, ranging from the frantic and fast paced to the relaxed and playful! Invite your friends, foes and family to a game of fun competitive sports! 

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker (Wales Interactive, $12.99) – YOU are a psychiatrist, trying to solve a murder whilst treating the unusual patients of the recently deceased Doctor Dekker. Available June 5.
Trax – Build it Race it (Sabec, $14.99) – Speed through stunning 3D tracks you created and discover the magic of Trax! 

3DS eShop

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (INTI CREATES, $9.99) – Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates!

Dragon Lapis (KEMCO, $9.99) – Make a return to the golden age of RPGs with 8-bit graphics and chiptunes. By unlocking growth plates, characters are able to strengthen parameters, learn skills, and increase job rank! Master multiple jobs and live an adventure full of challenges and dungeons to explore!

Wii U eShop

Masked Forces (R.G.B., $2.99) – Masked Forces is an action-packed game where your main purpose is to eliminate your enemies by any means necessary.

Demos

Kid Tripp – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

Neonwall – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available June 1

Activities

Mario Tennis Aces Pre-Launch Online Tournament Demo Event – The Mario Tennis Aces game launches June 22, but we’re offering an early chance to polish your skills in the Pre-Launch Online Tournament demo event featuring online tournament mode. Jump online and fight your way to the top of the in-game bracket in frenetic tennis matches. The more rivals you beat, the more points you will earn, which will unlock more playable characters in the demo. This event will only be active for the short time period between 6 p.m. PT on June 1 and 11:59 p.m. PT on June 3. By participating and keeping your save data, you can unlock Mario’s classic outfit in the full version of the game once purchased, so don’t miss out! 

My Nintendo Rewards – My Nintendo is kicking off your summer vacation with new rewards. You can redeem your points and receive up to 50 percent discounts on some fun select games: 

Getting together with friends? These games feature multiplayer* fun! 

*Tank Troopers, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon 

Try these fun adventures that are even more fun with friends. 

*Fantasy Life, Pocket Card Jockey 

Traveling to France this summer? Get the Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre software! 

*Having a staycation this summer? These games are fun to play by yourself or with a buddy.* 

Paper Mario: Color Splash, Mario Strikers Charged, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 

* Additional games and systems are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

So that’s your lot for this week’s Nintendo Download. Be sure to leave a vote in the poll and a comment below with your hot picks for the week…

We’re just one week away from the launch of Nintendo’s latest Switch and 3DS offering Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido, and this brand new trailer has arrived just in time to teach you the basics.

You’ll get to see the setup of conveyor-belt sushi lanes, plate-colour matching, and how to utilise the different sushi types to your advantage to defeat any enemy or boss who stands between you and sushi-filled victory. If you’ve been patiently waiting for the game to arrive, hopefully this will whet your appetite a little.

In the meantime, remember that a Sushi Striker demo is currently available on Nintendo Switch, so make sure to try the game out for yourself if you’re interested.

Until then, let us know if you’re excited for this one in the comments below.

Previously released on the 3DS eShop in 2015, Samurai Defender: Ninja Warfare – developed by Link Kit – will be arriving on the Switch eShop on 7th June for $7.99USD / €7,99, with a 10% discount for anyone who pre-orders.

If you didn’t play the original release by Flyhigh Works and CIRCLE Entertainment, this is a fast-paced tower defence game requiring you to defend your castle against waves of enemies laying siege to your gate. To win, you’ll need to utilise the capabilities of your warriors in order to repel the invading forces. 

The Switch iteration will include new levels, boss encounters and large scale battles that weren’t previously possible. It can also be played with the system’s touchscreen, or any other controller configuration.

Below is some extra information from the press release and also a short teaser video:

·         High-speed battles: resist massive armies of foes!
·         Understand the strengths of your units and use them to your advantage!
·         Upgrade your capabilities using Gold and Copper earned in battle!
·         Fight bosses that are based on famous historical commanders!
·         Enjoy characters that have top-quality Kawaii design!
·         All upgrades optimised for the Nintendo Switch™!

Let us know in the comments if you’ll be pre-ordering or downloading this on release. 

If there’s one thing we know for sure about Pokémon on the Switch, it’s that it’s definitely happening. In fact, The Pokémon Company already announced it back in 2017, during the E3 Nintendo Direct, and recently re-confirmed it for a 2019 release at a press event.

The initial rumours predicted it would be Pokémon Stars, an ultimate version of Pokémon Sun and Moon. But the subsequent launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon on the 3DS combined with comments made by The Pokémon Company has resulted in a move away from that rumour.

There were a bunch more rumours, including a return to the Kanto region, a tie-in with Pokémon GO, and rideable Pokémon, but it turns out that was all due for release in another Pokémon RPG coming to Nintendo Switch this year. That’s Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!, and we’ve covered them in a separate guide.

Those titles, Pokémon Quest, and a few more details on the upcoming major core Pokémon RPG coming to Switch in 2019 were announced at the Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Event on May 30th.

In this guide, we’re going to piece together what we know about the elusive Pokémon Switch, including rumours and a release date.

Pokémon Switch will launch in 2019

Whatever it’s called, whatever it features, Pokémon Switch will launch on Nintendo Switch in 2019. That much was confirmed at the Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Event on May 30th.

Specifically, we’re looking at the second half, so that’s anytime between July and December 2019.

Pokémon Switch will mark the start of Generation Eight

In an issue of the Official Nintendo Magazine, The Pokémon Company confirmed that Pokémon Switch will mark the debut of Generation Eight. That suggests is that we’ll visit a brand new region, too, as, each new entry in the Pokémon games has so far introduced a new region alongside a new generation.

Pokémon Switch will feature new mechanics

Also revealed in the issue of Official Nintendo Magazine, is that Pokémon Switch will feature all new mechanics. The Pokémon Company confirmed that it’s rethinking the series entirely to provide a new way to play.

That’s all we know at a factual level, but our brains are already whirring at the possibilities. Will this be Pokémon’s Breath of the Wild? We can only hope.

Pokémon Switch will likely feature multiplayer

Pokémon always feels like it should be a true co-operative multiplayer experience, but it wasn’t until Pokémon GO in 2016 that this side of the game started to bear fruit.

The Switch’s online options, while admittedly not perfect, are far and away the best Nintendo’s managed so far. That’s something the Pokémon Company is well aware of, it seems, as it said the following quote in an interview of Bloomberg: “Until now, games were made as one for one person, but now you can go home and play with everyone — so how do we tackle these themes, and how do we make sure it’s not complicated?”.

While that’s not gold-plated proof that Pokémon Switch will feature multiplayer, it does suggest that some form of it will make it into the game.

Pokémon Switch isn’t Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!

A bunch of Pokémon Switch rumours detailed a return to Kanto, a tie-in with Pokémon GO, and other barmy rumours like rideable Pokémon. It turns out all of those rumours were right, they just weren’t relating to the core Pokémon RPG coming to Switch.

Instead, they were referring to Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!, two new upcoming core entries in the franchise also coming to Nintendo Switch. They serve as reimaginings of Pokémon Yellow, set in the same Kanto region, featuring the first generation, and tying into Pokémon GO. You can learn all about them in our everything we know guide.

When will Pokémon Switch release?

Nintendo has announced that Pokémon Switch will launch in the second half of 2019.

What do you think Pokémon Switch will be like? Are you hoping for anything in particular? Will Pokémon Quest and Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee suffice for now? Let us know in the comments below!

The Pokémon Company almost broke the internet earlier today when it unveiled three – yes, count them three – new games for Nintendo Switch and smartphones. Pokémon Quest (which is out right now) brings a cute, cuboid take on the franchise; Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! and its motion-control wonder and the proper eighth gen entry in 2019.

So to celebrate the Pokémon news in all its glory, the team at Nintendo Life have come together to discuss what they made of the announcements from Japan and their wish lists for what’s to come. Be sure to drop a vote in the poll below, and a comment at the bottom of the article with your thoughts on the new Pokémon titles headed to Switch…

“The Let’s Go games are the perfect way to wet our appetites before the mainline entry arrives next year – and it’s just what Switch needs right now”

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln, editor

Nintendo Switch has had an incredible first 14 months, but it’s hard to look at the western charts and not see how Nintendo’s first-party titles are struggling against a much fresher slew of titles from rival platforms. It needs a handful of big name franchises to keep Switch firmly in the mix, and these new Pokémon titles are just what the platform needs.

And not just because Pokémon has such resonant brand recognition, but because it’s just the kind of reinterpretation you’d only find from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. That desire to look back on what makes Pokémon so enticing AND present it in a way that makes it more palatable to potential new fans, all without losing that magic. It’s also the ideal way to bring in those news fans and keep long-time players such as myself interested while we count down the days until the proper eighth gen entry arrives in 2019.

“Nintendo has perfected its recipe for releasing Pokémon games”

Austin Voigt, contributing writer

The Pokémon announcements made yesterday were definitely unconventional – and I think Nintendo wanted it that way. The entire thing felt like a three-course meal at a restaurant you’d waited a year to get into. The “Let’s Go!” duo – our appetiser – is one of the best moves this team could have made. Not only are they leveraging their organic fanbase from Pokémon GO, but they’re also satiating the hungry appetites of their lifelong fans from the original games. And that Poké Ball Plus accessory? Brilliant – they know their millennial fanbase (it me) will buy overpriced collectibles until they die. 

After that, we’ll be getting a brand new, more polished core RPG instalment next year. I constantly struggle with wanting devs to take their time, while also being extremely impatient – so this is the perfect solution. And as for Pokémon Quest? Well, it’s like that misshapen (cubed) olive in your pre-dinner drink, eaten out of desperation while you wait for the rest of your meal to arrive. It isn’t at all what you came for, but it’s a distraction.

“So not one but three new Pokémon games on Switch! It’s like Christmas came early”

Glen Fox, guides editor

Pokémon Quest is exactly the kind of cute free to play mobile faff that I get horribly addicted to, and I’m digging the cube style. Looking forward to checking that out later. Let’s Go is the latest in a line of remakes done the Nintendo way, and I’m intrigued by it. It’ll be nice to see Kanto again, and I’ll be happy to finally have a use for my Pokémon GO collection! 

I also love the idea of using a single Joy-Con and using motion controls to catch Pokémon. God, I feel like a child all over again. I’m not so hot on the peripheral though. I definitely understand the appeal, but I think I’m a bit too old to take a fake animal out for a walk and stroke it in public. Think I might give that one a miss.

“Alternative Pokémon experiences will tide me over until the big release”

Liam Doolan, Australia correspondent

I’ll admit I wasn’t initially taken with the announcement of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Luckily it didn’t take long to win me over when the news arrived that the core series was still in development – with the release scheduled for the second-half of 2019.

As long as the main RPG games continue to get released, I’m always happy with alternative, and even experimental, Pokémon experiences on the side. Having not played Pokémon GO in quite some time, this’ll be a great excuse to return to the mobile app in preparation for the Let’s Go release. As for the Pokéball Plus – I’m excited! Having been a regular user of previous accessories such as the Pokéwalker, that was compatible with Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, I’m expecting something special. Until all of these exciting new Pokémon experiences arrive, I guess I’ll take my chances with Pokémon Quest.

“Pokéwho?”

Goncalo Lopes, contributing writer

It’s lonely and weird when you’re part of the biggest independent Nintendo website in the world and are not a Pokémon aficionado. Much like sports and other popular events, when something major happens I am left alone in a corner wondering if I will ever become a real human being. Should you wonder how this is even possible, it is actually simple: 

By the time the Pocket Monster craziness hit the West on the original DMG Game Boy I was already deep into Super Famicom JRPGs lore and since I mostly play those games on home consoles, I never bought a single Pokémon title until the Wii U release of the Pokkén Tournament spin-off. That will change next year when I will get my very first Pokémon RPG on Switch. Until that time, I will keep smiling and repressing the feelings of not having a new F-Zero since 2004.

“Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are the chilled-out break the core series desperately needs”

Ryan Craddock, staff writer

I will probably always class Pokémon as my favourite franchise; my first ever video game was Pokémon Blue and the series made up almost my entire childhood. In recent years, though, I must admit that my hype and love have dwindled somewhat, likely thanks to the series becoming too complex and excessive with the recent additions of Ultra Beasts, different forms, and an ever-increasing catalogue of monsters, items, abilities, and more that just don’t match up with the time restraints of adult life.

While I’m still just as helplessly excited as the next person about the ‘proper’ RPG coming in 2019, the Let’s Go titles feel like the perfect breather the franchise needs. Gone are the unnecessary bucket-loads of features, replaced with simplicity, pretty environments, and a collection of monsters that will please both my generation’s nostalgia, and act as a much more welcoming collection for newcomers when compared to the 800+ that Pokémon Sun and Moon greeted us with. They may well just be a stopgap for some, but they look like a very welcome one.

“A world of dreams and adventures with Pokémon will always await!”

Robert Maloney, Japan correspondent

I grew up in Pokémon’s Kanto, and, despite its clear differences from the main RPG series of Pokémon games, I’m personally very excited to return to Kanto in Pokémon Let’s GO Pikachu and Eevee. Exploring the Japanese Kanto region as envisioned by Satoshi Tajiri and the Game Freak team is always exciting. These newly announced games are, in my opinion, a compromise for fans of Pokémon in general as well as for long time series fans. That said, these games will have to be made to satiate the appetite of hardcore fans until 2019.

Want more? Then check out Alex’s brilliant take on the Pokémon reveals above. Be sure to add your vote to the poll above on which game(s) you’re most excited for, and a comment or two below on your thoughts on what’s to come for Pokémon in 2018 and beyond…

NIS America has announced Yomawari: The Long Night Collection for Nintendo Switch, a bundle of two survival horror games previously released on Steam and PlayStation platforms.

The two games in question are Yomawari: Night Alone and Yomawari: Midnight Shadows, both of which centre around the horrors which lurk in the corners of our unconscious. Players will take control of the young protagonists as they navigate a haunting neighbourhood that is both familiar yet unsettling, trapped in a horrific night that refuses to end.

Key Features:
– A Definitive Childhood Horror Experience – Let your childhood fears return in this two-in-one game collection, exclusively on Nintendo Switch!
– Two Haunting Towns to Explore – Roam narrow pathways, explore uncharted hillsides, and enter abandoned homes and buildings to search for your loved one.
– Run For Your Life, Child – With a multitude of spiteful spirits and mysterious ghouls lurking in the dark, run for your life and hide when the unknown strikes, or use your wits to distract them to make a great escape.

Yomawari: The Long Night Collection is scheduled to launch both physically and digitally for Switch on 30th October in North America, with a European release coming slightly earlier on the 26th. A limited edition featuring the game, an art book, a pin set, a double-sided poster and a collector’s box is also up for pre-order on the NIS America store.

Will you be exploring the dark? Let us know if you’re interested in this one by sharing a comment below.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have finally revealed more of their plans for the future of Pokémon at the Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference, and it looks very bright indeed. While we were all speculating about the announced Pokémon on Switch, Nintendo hoodwinked us and announced a whopping three titles for the hot new platform.

Pokémon Quest is already available on Switch, and will also come to mobile later in the year. We’re also getting Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! later this year, while the elusive new core entry in the franchise is still under development, but will now launch in 2019.

In this guide, we’re going to detail everything we know about Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!, including how they’ll play, how they tie into Pokémon GO, and when we’ll get to play them on Switch.

What is Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!?

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! are two new Pokémon titles coming to Switch this year. They’re set in the Kanto region, and feature only the first generation (151) of Pokémon. So, in a way, you could consider them a remake of Pokémon Red and Blue (or Yellow), though a remake that has a similar relationship that The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past does to A Link Between Worlds, or Metroid: Samus Returns does to Metroid II: Return of Samus. By that, we mean it strongly leans on the originals, but adds a bunch of new features and may even go its own way where story is concerned.

As you can tell from the trailer above, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! look and play remarkably similar to the most recent Nintendo 3DS instalments. The world is fully 3D, you view it from an isometric perspective, and you run around grass catching Pokémon. The visuals are a big step up though, using the extra power of the Nintendo Switch.

Is this the new core Pokémon RPG Nintendo teased at E3 last year?

Nope – that RPG is still in development and will launch in 2019. These are two brand new entries in the franchise aimed to help ease in new players to the franchise – particularly those who may have only played Pokémon GO.

Is it a remake of Pokémon Yellow?

It’s more like a reimagining based on Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition. It’s set in the Kanto region, and features just the first generation of Pokémon. It plays completely differently though, and has a different plot.

How does Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee play?

You play with a single Joy-Con, holding it like a Wii remote. You use the analogs and buttons to move your character around, select attacks for your Pokémon in combat, and interact with the world. Catching Pokémon acts similar to how it does in Pokémon GO though. You use motion controls to chuck a Pokéball at a Pokémon to (hopefully) catch it, and a targeting reticle tracks how good your aim is.

That does mean you don’t battle Pokémon to catch them in this instalment though. You will gain XP each time you catch a Pokémon though, and you can battle 

Aside from that, this is a Pokémon adventure as you know and love them. You’ll catch Pokémon, battle other trainers, explore a world, and visit cities. Better yet though, you can play it with a friend in couch co-op using just a single pair of Joy-Cons, and it ties into Pokémon GO.

What’s the difference between the two versions?

The version you select will determine your starting Pokémon out of either Pikachu or Eevee. As is traditional with Pokémon games, you’ll also encounter different Pokémon in each game. That means you’ll have to trade with others if you want to catch ’em all.

Can I still play in handheld mode?

Yep. You’ll still use the gyroscope to aim the Pokéball, but you’ll press a button to actually throw it. That way you don’t have to shake your Switch about and accidentally drop it.

Alternatively, you can set your Switch up on its stand and play it exactly like you would on a TV.

You can play Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! with a friend in couch co-op?

That’s right, and it only takes a pair of Joy-Con to get it set up. Another player has to simply wiggle the second Joy-Con while it’s connected to the console to join in the fun. You can then both throw Pokéballs together to catch Pokémon – presumably increasing your chance to catch them – and battle as a team against other trainers in the world.

What’s not clear right now is how (or even if) you can transfer your own character and Pokémon into another player’s game. Hopefully Nintendo will provide more information on that soon.

What about online multiplayer?

You can connect with other players locally or over Wi-Fi and compete in non-ranked battles. Presumably, you can trade your Pokémon as well.

How does Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! tie into Pokémon GO?

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! play as standalone adventures, but also tie into Pokémon GO. You can transfer Pokémon you’ve captured in Pokémon GO to the Let’s Go games, but not vice versa, and you can send gifts to other players. These features work over Bluetooth.

As Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! only feature the first generation of Pokémon, you can only transfer any first generation Pokémon you’ve captured in Pokémon GO.

You can transfer shiny Pokémon, but not event Pokémon. You know, the ones that wear the cute hats.

What’s with this Pokéball Plus peripheral?

The Pokéball Plus peripheral basically serves in place of a single Joy-Con. There’s a joystick you can use to control your character, and a button on top you can press to perform actions. It even has the motion controls of the Joy-Con, allowing you to pretend to throw it like a real Pokéball.

Our favourite feature has to be the LEDs just behind the joystick that mimic the on-screen Pokéball, lighting up whenever you catch a Pokémon. It also vibrates and includes a speaker that can play cute sounds.

Curiously, you can even bring it with you when you leave the house to take your Pokémon for a walk. Shake it at any point while out and about and your Pokémon will talk to you. We’re not sure if there will be any gaming benefits to this, but it’s a nice – if a little weird – feature nonetheless.

It also serves as a Pokémon GO Plus too, so if the watch isn’t to your fancy you now have another option.

It looks like Pikachu and Eevee serve as in-game pets?

Well, you can pet your Pikachu or Eevee (depending on the edition you purchase) by waggling the Joy-Con, and dress them up in a variety of cute outfits. So yes, they do appear to serve as in-game pets.

We do know that Pikachu or Eevee will follow you around for the entire adventure as well, though you can pop them in your box (which is now a bag) if you get sick of them. You can’t evolve them either, but you can evolve other Pikachus or Eevees you collect while playing. 

And you can ride Pokémon?

That’s true, though not all Pokémon. We’ll try and report back when Nintendo releases a list of rideable Pokémon, and what you have to do to ride them.

When will Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! release?

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! will launch globally on Nintendo Switch this November 16th, 2018.

What do you think of Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!? Have they fulfilled your hopes and dreams? Are you disgusted by the casual nature? Chuck us a comment to let us know!

Surprise, there’s a new Team Sonic Racing game! Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in gaming this year has been a new Sonic the Hedgehog racer from Sumo Digital, and after toymakers letting slip secret details and Walmart basically all-out revealing it, SEGA has finally officially announced Team Sonic Racing. Developed by Sumo Digital.

Well, at least we now know its definitely coming and that its due to hit Nintendo Switch by the winter. Here’s the official round-up of its new features (and yes, it’s the same one that was ‘leaked’ earlier today):

• Online Multiplayer & Local Co-Op Modes – 12 players per race, 4 player split screen, and various offline / online race modes including Grand Prix Mode, Exhibition Mode, Time-Trial and Team Adventure Mode. 
• Team Racing – Race as a team, win as a team. Use various team moves to assist your teammates, knock out opponents and unleash your Team Ultimate. 
• Performance & Skin Customisation – Alter the appearance and handling of your vehicle. 
• Wisps – 14 spectacular offensive and defensive items to help overcome rival teams and get ahead! 
• Adventure Mode – Unique story experience where players are introduced to basic game features and characters. 
• Various Characters and Types – 15 playable characters from across the Sonic Universe and 3 distinct character types including Speed, Technique, and Power.

Check out the teaser trailer above. So will you be jumping into the Team Sonic Racing hot seat later this year? Share your thoughts on the game below…

While most people are still picking pieces of their blown minds off the walls following the reveal of no less than three new Pokémon games earlier today, there was still that mysterious ‘Please Stand By’ stream that Bethesda had recently launched. Well, to no one’s surprise it’s been revealed to be a new Fallout game, called Fallout 76.

The new teaser trailer, which you can see below, takes us on a little tour of (what we can presume to be) Vault 76, a control vault with 500 occupants that was referenced in both Fallout 3 and Fallout 4. The vault itself is looking pretty deserted, so did some terrible calamity befall its occupants? The more pertinent question is will it be gracing Nintendo Switch any time soon?

It’s a valid question, too. Bethesda has brought both Skyrim and DOOM to the console, with Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus due to drop on 28th June, so why not bring Fallout 76 to the platform as well? Certain sources also suggest this could be more of an online title of some sort. Hey, they could even find a way to do a cloud version much like Resident Evil 7. What could possibly go wrong…

What do you make of Fallout 76? Could it come to Switch? Do you even want it to? Come on, you know you want to leave at least one comment… 

After the initial rumours that a LEGO game featuring DC villains would be releasing at some point, last week saw a tease be shared with the world hinting at an official release. Now, just a few days later, the reveal is finally here – LEGO DC Super Villains is definitely a thing, and it’s coming to Switch this October.

Players will find themselves at the centre of a villain-centric (and quite frankly barmy-looking) adventure packed with all your favourite locations and characters from the DC universe. This is the first time that you’ll have the ability to create and play as your own super villain throughout the game, and your character becomes the centre of the story, teaming up with an iconic variety of villains to adventure with along the way.

As you progress through the game you’ll unlock new abilities and powers, and can continue to customise your character to take on the evil threat. Friends and family can join the story mode at any time with a two-player, local co-op experience where players can team up in epic boss fights.

An exclusive LEGO minifigure, Lex Luthor Superman, will come with the physical version of the Deluxe Edition (which features the main game content, Season Pass content, and early access to the DC Super-Villains: TV Series DLC Character Pack) while digital consumers will receive the Justice League Dark DLC Character Pack with their Deluxe Edition.

The game arrives on October 16th. Will you be giving this one a go?