Category: Nintendo News

Nintendo Labo is certainly a left-field product; gaming hardware is normally associated with plastic but Nintendo’s new initiative is all about cardboard.

This development so confused the cleaning staff at the German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (or USK as it is often known) that the samples were very nearly thrown in the garbage.

Here’s the translation:

FINALLY we can tell the story of how our cleaning personnel almost tossed the new Nintendo hardware into the waste paper container. (no one would have believed us before the announcement anyway) #NintendoLabo

When Labo finally arrives you may wish to fully brief other members of your household about this, lest your own Toy-Con end up in the bin.

In a similar style to Splatoon 2‘s Splatfests, ARMS‘ Party Crash events have been giving players something different to sink their gloves into, keeping things fun and interesting. The good news for anyone wishing to take part is that the latest one is happening right now!

With Lola Pop and Misango starring as the event’s featured fighters, the Party Crash will allow players from all over the world to join in, enjoy some fights, win points, and raise their Lab Level to earn in-game currency and badges.

For those not in the know, players can take part with any character they wish, although playing as one of the featured fighters can help to earn extra points. With bonuses for the ARMS you choose, as well as bonus periods that add new twists to the gameplay, these events are a good way to mix things up a little and try new techniques.

This timed event began today, 19th January at 9am GMT, and will end at 9am GMT on January 22nd. As ever, if you follow the ARMS news channel on your Nintendo Switch console, you should also find a news post talking about this event which will provide you with a bonus in-game badge.

Will you be punching your way through the Party Crash event? Let us know whose side you’re on with a comment below.

Video games and movies often make uncomfortable bedfellows; just look at the Super Mario Bros. movie from 1993 and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s equally risible Street Fighter flick. However, sometimes the combining of these two mediums can yield positive results; King of Kong is one notable example. Jim Miskell’s Going for Golden Eye has a lot in common with that 2007 cult smash, but it’s a “mockumentary” rather than a straight documentary and also takes a large dollop of inspiration from Rob Reiner’s seminal 1984 movie This is Spinal Tap, the film that arguably birthed the genre.

The film follows the (fictional) 20th annual GoldenEye World Championships, an event which has slowly seen its importance and popularity wane since the glory days of the Nintendo 64 as competitive gaming has embraced online play, and Rare’s ’90s classic has been superseded by the likes of Halo, Call of Duty and Overwatch. Clive (Terence J. Corbett), the ageing and rather unsettling organiser of the championships, laments the lack of interest and falling attendance in one of the film’s genuinely emotional moments. “Why don’t people care about GoldenEye anymore?” he forlornly utters to camera, articulating the sentiment of a many a Nintendo fan, we’re sure. Despite diminishing returns, the 20th anniversary event is arranged in earnest, and we’re introduced to Ethan (Daniel Bruce), dubbed “The Golden Child” thanks to his incredible skill with the N64 controller. He’s the winner of the 19 previous GoldenEye World Championships and clear favourite to scoop the title again.

Ethan’s character has clear parallels with real-life gaming champion Billy Mitchell, who was portrayed in a less-than-positive light in the aforementioned King of Kong. Ethan is arrogant about his talent, boastful of his achievements and – most importantly – totally oblivious to the fact that the world has moved on from GoldenEye. He has his own fitness video (on VHS, of course) and posters at the event proclaim that he was voted “Sexist Gamer” back in 1999. Ethan is a superb comic creation whose self-important speeches provide many of the biggest laughs. “The annals of history only remember winners…” he says in one scene, before naively challenging the camera crew to name the leader of Nazi Germany in World War II.

We’re also introduced to Ben (David Burnip), who assumes the Steve Wiebe role of the hopeless underdog; still living with his parents at the ripe old age of 33, he’s obsessed with the N64 to the point where he has put the rest of his life on hold (“These games don’t let you down like people do. Apart from sometimes when they don’t work and you have to give them a little blow”). While his friends have moved on to get married and have families, he remains locked in the past and looks to Ethan as a role-model and hero; he has followed his career over the past 20 years with awe. He is convinced to leave the comfort of his bedroom and enter the 20th GoldenEye World Championships in an attempt to make something of his life and step out of the shadow of the villainous Duncan (Brendan Barclay), who bullied him at school and is now dating Ben’s childhood sweetheart. Ben is accompanied to the championships (which are set in a small Yorkshire pub) by his larger-than-life friend Tom (James T. Daltry), who sees the trip as a means of escaping his family life; he also covets Ben’s beloved painted N64 controller, “Goldie”.

If all of this sounds a little too straightforward, it’s worth pointing out that scenes are peppered with hilarious dialogue, visual gags and impeccable one-liners which appear out of nowhere and leave you in stitches – just like Spinal Tap, in fact. There are countless quotable lines on offer here (many of which feature language which isn’t fit to publish here – this isn’t a kid’s movie, that’s for sure) and one moment which is equal in its comic impact to the infamous “tiny Stonehenge” in Spinal Tap (no prizes for guessing what the gag is, as it’s in one of the photos on this page). Ben’s parents (Ben Blackwood and Susan Woodard) and butch younger brother (Steven Hooper) also supply some amusing lines and throughout the film we’re given chucklesome soundbites from characters named after members of the original GoldenEye team at Rare.

Produced on a small budget by Miskell’s own independent production company, Going for Golden Eye is one of those rare (no pun intended) projects which is borne out of love for a particular moment in time yet manages to entertain regardless; even if you have absolutely no idea what GoldenEye is and have zero interest in gaming, the humour on offer here is universal. King of Kong pulled the same trick a decade ago, presenting what was a very niche subject – video game high-score chasers – and dressing it in such a fashion that even those who had never picked up a controller could watch and appreciate it. Going for Golden Eye plays things for laughs but is no less successful when it comes to providing accessible entertainment.

Granted, the film’s tiny production budget does become glaringly apparent at points and there will be those who are irked by the fact that emulation is used for gameplay (let’s face it, straight capture from the N64 would have looked terrible) but the witty script, excellent comic acting and tight pacing (it’s under an hour long) allow it to overcome these limitations. Fans of the game will love it – there are loads of in-jokes which will instantly chime with anyone who remembers playing Rare’s classic all those years ago – but gamers in general will pick up the rich humour, too; everybody knows an Ethan in real-life, a player who takes themselves far too seriously. There’s plenty here for those who know nothing about ’90s gaming too, and who knows, those individuals may even seek out the original game off the back of this movie.   

Going for Golden Eye won’t get a major cinema release or attain the widespread global acclaim that King of Kong did, but that doesn’t make it any less deserving of your attention; we’ve not laughed so much during a film about video games since we watched Uwe Boll’s House of the Dead (only with this film, the laughs are intentional).

Going for Golden Eye will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray and video on demand later this year.

Nintendo has released a new patch for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, updating the humongous RPG to version 1.2.0.

This update fixes issues related to a specific Skill RAM and Agate’s Blade Quest “Precious Yearnings,” and will also give the option to skip voiced segments in the game’s menus. Perhaps the most interesting change, though, is that Version 1.2.0 has adjusted two of the game’s quests – “The Riddle on the Wall” and “Birds of a Feather” (a Blade quest) – allowing players to complete them regardless of their story progression.

With new items and quests also being thrown in for those who have purchased the game’s expansion pass, this update is a particularly welcome one. You can see the full patch notes below.

Version 1.2.0
– Fixed an issue in which parts set to a specific Skill RAM failed to provide their intended effects.
– Adjusted the Gormott regular quest “The Riddle on the Wall” to make it completable regardless of player progression in the main story.
– Adjusted Finch’s Blade Quest “Birds of a Feather” to make it completable regardless of player progression in the main story.
– Fixed an issue in Agate’s Blade Quest “Precious Yearnings” preventing quest progression.
– Added functionality to allow players to receive the first round of quests and the second round of items associated with the Expansion Pass.
– Voiced segments in menus can now be skipped with the A or B button.

How is your search for Elysium going? Let us know how you’re finding the game in the comments below.

Eclipse Games has revealed that it is updating its Wii U title Tachyon Project for the Switch.

Described as the definitive edition of the dual-stick shooter, the Switch version will include improved graphics, local multiplayer support in story mode, improved enemy creation effects to avoid annoying deaths and some redesigned levels.

Taking place across 10 stages, the game features 6 different weapons, 9 secondary weapons, and 7 perks, all of which allow you to customise your ship. There are 30 different enemy types to kill as well as 4 bosses. Up to 4 players can take part in local multiplayer.

Tachyon Project will cost $9.99/€9.99/£7.99 when it launches on January 25th. Interested? Let us know with a comment.

As is tradition with Splatoon 2, and just like the original Splatoon before it, another new weapon is being introduced to the game this weekend to keep things fresh on the splattlefield.

Just about as sparkly and shiny as Splatoon weapons tend to get, the .52 Gal Deco is the new offering this time around. It will come with the Curling Bombs as its sub weapon, and the Sting Ray as its special, changing things up from the previous game in which the Seeker and Inkstrike were used respectively.

As always, the update will likely roll out at 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern today (19th January), which means the early hours of the morning (2am UK / 3am CET) in Europe.

Will you be trying this one out over the next few days, or perhaps this was already one of your favourites from the first game? Let us know below!

Genesis? No we’re not talking about the North American alter ego of SEGA Mega Drive or the first book of The Bible, we’re talking about something even holier: Smash Bros! Based in the United States, Genesis is a semi-regular tournament that brings some of the best players from around the country (and the world) to shake the salt and beat down their favourite Nintendo icons. And now, to make things even more authentic, the event has now officially partnered with Nintendo Of America.

The tourney will be moving from San Jose (the setting for Genesis 4 in 2017) to Oakland and will include brackets for Melee, Wii U and SSB64. There will also be spaces for six more, non-Smash, games including Pokken Tournament DX, Splatoon and… Dance Dance Revolution Extreme? The event is running this weekend, and you can tune in to watch live streams if you can’t make it to the Oakland Convention Center.

Always nice to see Smash Bros continuing to get some love in the competitive fighting community? If you’ve got any Smash tourney memories, share them with us below…

Hot on the heels of Switch, Nintendo has just announced its latest innovation: Nintendo Labo. To cut a long story short, it’s a set of cardboard kits that turn your Switch into, well, anything.

In the first pack alone, you can create a set of motorcycle handles, a fishing rod, and even a piano out of cardboard, then feel like you’re using a cardboard version of the real thing! That’s just a few examples of what’s in store.

Now, you’ve probably got a ton of questions. What’s Nintendo Labo? How is Nintendo Labo? WHY is Nintendo Labo? All fair. Fear not though, as we’ve answered almost everything you could possibly ask below.

What Is Nintendo Labo?

Nintendo Labo is a set of cardboard kits that turn your Switch into a variety of different objects. These are called Toy-Con, and the sky’s the limit in terms of potential objects you can turn your Switch into.

Effectively, this is Nintendo’s solution to AR and VR. You’ve got the physical – the motorcycle handles, piano keys, and fishing rod made out of cardboard – and the digital – Switch’s screen – combined into a single package.

In practice, the screen will display a road to drive down, the notes you’re playing on the piano, and the waters you’re fishing in. Literally whatever is required to bring your Toy-Con to life.

You’re probably already doing it, but just imagine the endless possibilities.

How Does Nintendo Labo Work?

Once you’ve purchased and received your Nintendo Labo, you first have to assemble each Toy-Con. Assembly instructions will display on the Switch screen in 3D once you’ve popped the included software into the console, and you can follow step-by-step interactive instructions to create these devices. Steps can be rewound or fast-forwarded at your leisure.

As soon as it’s assembled, you can play a variety of minigames with each Toy-Con by attaching your Joy-Cons and opening the supporting software. The ‘Play’ section kicks off with basic games, but the ‘Discover’ portion takes you deeper into these experiences. In short, there’s plenty of gameplay on offer after you’ve made each Toy-Con.

Have Any Toy-Con Been Announced Yet?

Yes! Nintendo has already revealed the following Toy-Con:

Toy-Con RC Car

Slot your Joy-Cons into this cardboard car and you can use the touchscreen to move it around your house. The RC Car uses the HD Rumble feature in each Joy-Con to move.

Toy-Con Fishing Rod

This includes a cardboard Fishing Rod, reel, string, and cradle to reproduce the fishing experience in your home. You’ll cast your rod into digital waters to catch a variety of exotic fish, and then actually reel them in.

Toy-Con House

The Toy-Con House is effectively a dolls house made out of cardboard. Slot your Switch into the opening and you can interact with cute creature inside. You also get a bunch of different blocks that you can slot on the side to feed, play games with, and generally interact with your new pet.

Toy-Con Motorbike

The Motorbike includes a set of handles, ignition and throttle so acts exactly like the real thing. You use motion controls to turn and genuinely have to lean if you want to make it around sharp corners.

Toy-Con Piano

The Toy-Con Piano is a cardboard piano complete with 13 keys. Each key is attached to a reflective strip that the IR sensor in the right Joy-Con uses to sense the key you’ve pressed. This, in turn, creates music on Switch’ display. You can also assemble a variety of knobs that create a variety of different sound effects and tones.

Toy-Con Robot

The Toy-Con Robot effectively turns you into Godzilla. It’s a wearable robot suit complete with backpack and visor that you play in tandem with a variety of different minigames while Switch is docked to the TV.

Can I Purchase Toy-Con Individually?

Sadly not. All of the Toy-Con announced so far are included in the first pack, which will launch on 20th April in North America and 27th April in Europe. 

The only exception is the Toy-Con Robot, which is sold separately.

So Nintendo Labo Is Sold In Packs?

Yes, though Nintendo is referring to them as kits. The Variety Kit includes the RC Car, Fishing Rod, House, Motorbike and Piano, while the Robot Kit includes just the Robot.

What’s Actually In Each Kit?

The Variety Kit includes:

• Nintendo Switch game card containing software for use with Variety Kit
• Cardboard sheet x28 (includes an extra sheet for customisation)
• Reflective sheet x3
• Sponge sheet x3
• String (orange) x1
• String (blue) x1
• Eyelet set (grey) x1
• Eyelet set (blue) x4
• Rubber band (large) x2 + spares
• Rubber band (small) x6 + spares

While the Robot Kit includes:

• Nintendo Switch game card containing software for use with Robot Kit
• Cardboard sheet x19 (includes an extra sheet for customisation)
• Cardstock sheet x4
• Reflective sheet x1
• String (orange) x2
• String (blue) x2
• Fabric strap (grey) 1x large, 1x medium, 2x small
• Eyelet set (grey) x10
• Eyelet set (orange) x2

How Much Does Nintendo Labo Cost?

The Variety Kit costs $69.99 / £59.99 while the Robot Kit is $79.99 / £69.99.

Do I Have To Purchase Any Software Separately?

No, all required software is included with the kit.

When Is Nintendo Labo Out?

Nintendo Labo will launch on 20th April in North America and 27th April in Europe.

How Do I Get Nintendo Labo?

You can purchase Nintendo Labo directly from the Nintendo Store online, or at participating retailers. Nintendo hasn’t released details yet, but you can pre-order from Amazon today and perhaps in the future toy shops too.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale which helps support the site. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

Will Nintendo Release More Toy-Con?

Almost certainly, though no further Nintendo Labo have been announced at this time. The video (shown at the top of the page) features several Labo which are not included in the two confirmed kits, so we expect a full range to appear soon.

Do I Have To Assemble The Toy-Con?

You do, but Nintendo is making it incredibly easy for you. While assembly time ranges from 15 minutes to a couple of hours, the software included in each pack walks you through creating each Toy-Con step by step. You don’t need to provide anything yourself either – so leave the scissors, tape, and glue in the drawer.

Can I Create My Own Toy-Con?

Sure, though unless you’re a software developing wizard there won’t be much you can do with them. It’s possible that Nintendo will open up Labo in the future, though.

Can I Customise My Toy-Con?

Absolutely – and Nintendo is actively encouraging this. Everything required to set up each individual Toy-Con is included in the packs, but you can purchase a Customisation Set that includes a variety of stickers, tape, and stencils to give it a unique look. Of course, you can also provide your own stuff and even paint them. Go crazy.

What If I Break My Toy-Con?

We’re not sure at this moment in time. Because it’s cardboard, each Toy-Con should be relatively easy to fix using tape or glue. Nintendo will hopefully sell parts separately or announce a replacement service. We’ll keep you posted.

How Can I Find Out More About Nintendo Labo?

Nintendo has set up a helpful new section on the official site that includes a bunch more information, videos, and screenshots of this exciting new product. There’s even a new official YouTube channel dedicated to it.

One of the better co-op games to launch on the Switch eShop late last year was that of Enter the Gungeon, a roguelike shooter in the vein of The Binding of Isaac that’s quite obsessed with guns and bullets. Though it’s been a popular release, it’s been well documented that the Switch version hasn’t been the most stable, with crashes and bugs showing up a little more often than most would like. Fortunately, Dodge Roll has been good with their support, and a new update is live for the game.

Version 1.0.2 doesn’t add anything major—although we will have a substantial content update to look forward to sometime later this year—but it does fix several bugs and glitches. Here’s the full list of patch notes:

• Fixed a serious crash caused by a memory leak, particularly on later floors or while entering a fateful hallway.
• Fixed a bug where some item names would not appear in non-English languages.
• Fixed a bug where Payday items could not be unlocked by “going loud”.
• Fixed a bug where the Payday follower who shoots didn’t shoot.
• Fixed a bug where a secret character’s past could not be completed.
• Fixed a bug where glass guon stones could be picked up over and over and over and over.
• Fixed a bug where interacting with notes in co-op play could crash the game.
• Fixed a bug where picking up two specific guns could cause both to vanish mysteriously.

What do you think? Have you been noticing performance issues with Enter the Gungeon? What have you thought of the Switch version thus far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

One of the most delightfully strange experiences that you could find on the Wii U was that of Woah Dave!, a Mario Bros.-like arcade game with nearly endless replay value. Though that game would be a perfect fit for the Switch, developer Choice Provisions has ensured that its sequel, Space Dave!, will be coming to the platform next week.

Unlike its predecessor, Space Dave! is a modern take on arcade shooters of yore, pulling inspiration from games like Galaga. It looks to be just as engaging as the original, but in an entirely new way, and that characteristic weirdness doesn’t seem to be diminished here. It launches on the eShop on 25^th January, and will feature local co-op, leaderboards, and multiple playable characters.

What do you think? Did you like Woah Dave!? Will you be picking up Space Dave!? HOW EXCITED ARE YOU FOR THIS GAME!?