The latest adventure of T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas hit Switch 2 earlier this week, and we’re sure the biggest Yoshi fans among you have been spending this weekend with it. It seems to have gone down well with plenty of critics, currently flutter-jumping with an impressive 81 on Metacritic.
In our review of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Ollie wasn’t quite as enthralled as some, though he didn’t think it was bad, which is why he gave it an appropriate ‘Not Bad – 6/10’ score, citing a lack of engaging mechanics and a handheld resolution that was a touch fuzzy (not quite enough to get dizzy, but disappointing all the same):
“There’s a lot of fun to be had in discovering the many creatures hidden within Mr. E’s pages, though it also suffers from a repetitive structure that doesn’t evolve or provide any sense of meaningful challenge. Visually, it also lacks the punch that Woolly World and Crafted World offered, and it frankly looks pretty bad in handheld mode.”
If you haven’t played it yet, no sweat – you’re free to return and rate the game at your leisure via the game’s page should the fancy take you. However, if you have been rinsing your way through Yoshi’s book over the last four days, oh, have we a poll for you!
How would you rate this one? We’re keen to get your thoughts, so share your rating below, and remember, you’re free to change your mind and adjust your score at any time via the aforementioned game page.
What score would you give Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Switch 2)? (69 ratings)
10 – Outstanding10%
9 – Excellent17%
8 – Great29%
7 – Good17%
6 – Not Bad9%
5 – Average6%
4 – Poor4%
3 – Bad0%
2 – Terrible3%
1 – Abysmal4%
Thanks for your ‘vote’. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, eh? Sounds like a follow-up to the recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, no? Tough to beat a good Proper Noun and the Adjective Noun.
The recently released Switch title Pokémon Champions has announced a new mystery gift event is now live.
If you enter the event code before31st May 2026 (akanext week), you’ll be able to add a Gyarados to your party. As highlighted by Serebii.net, this was announced at the Pokémon Trainers Cup at ‘Pokémon Sports Day’ in South Korea.
The Gyarados is equipped with the following moveset – Waterfall, Earthquake, Ice Fang and Dragon Dance, and also has the ‘Intimidate’ ability. It’s the first Pokémon distributed with a title and is officially known as ‘Gyarados the Festive’.
The code to redeem it is DRAG0NDANCEPTC26 – from the main menu, select the ‘Submenu’ icon, and from here, navigate to the ‘Mystery Gifts’ option and input the code.
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
As we’ve previously noted, if the game says the code has already been redeemed, or you’ve exceeded the maximum limit of code inputs within a certain time frame, don’t worry. Navigate back to the menu, and there should be a notification in your ‘Mailbox’. And if there is no notice, try restarting the game.
Have you tried out this title on the Switch or Switch 2 yet? How are you finding it so far? Let us know in the comments.
Mlem. Howdy partners! Hop on board your nearest dinosaur, because it’s time to set off on another edition of Box Art Brawl.
Last time, we went virtual, as we took a look at Galactic Pinball for the Virtual Boy. There were just two options to choose between, and it wasn’t even close. North America walked away with a staggering 71% of the vote, leaving the trippy Japanese variant to deal with the remaining 29%.
This week, with Yoshi turning to a new chapter on Switch 2, we’re taking a look at his first solo outing in the aptly named Yoshi (or Mario & Yoshi, for those in Europe) on the NES. Was it the best tile-matching puzzler we’d ever played? No. Heck, it’s not even the best Yoshi tile-matching puzzler. But there’s a certain retro charm from this Game Freak joint that’s left us turning to it on NSO on more than one occasion in the years since.
There are three covers to choose between this week, so let’s match ’em up!
We’ve got to give it to the North American design, this really is rather sweet. We’ve got a smiling little Yoshi cracking out of his egg, surrounded by a cascade of falling enemies and eggshell. It’s simple, but it’s charming.
Crowbarring the prized plumber in there to reflect the regional name change, Mario & Yoshi’s European design is similar to its NA counterpart, but with added Mario. Yoshi is still cracking out of his egg, and enemies are still falling around him, but Mario’s there this time, plates in hand, to… help? Hey, whatever it takes to up the brand recognition, we suppose.
Things are much more simplistic in the Japanese cover, dropping the falling enemies to focus solely on Yoshi’s egg cracking — which makes sense, given the Yoshi’s Egg title change in the region. We like how the titular dino is positively springing from his eggy casing in this one, with a big old smile on his face.
Which region got the best Yoshi (NES) box art? (1,084 votes)
North America39%
Europe50%
Japan11%
Thank you for voting! We’ll see you next week for another edition of Box Art Brawl!
When the Kingdom Hearts cloud versions were originally made available via the Switch eShop, players could test out a “free demo” before actually buying the full experience.
In an update, the same demos have now been removed from Nintendo’s digital shop in the US (thanks for the heads up, My Nintendo News). In saying this, the full cloud versions of these games can still be purchased.
The following text also remains on each cloud version’s page listing: “This game requires an internet connection to play. Please try out the free demo before purchase”.
Although the demos are no longer listed on the US store pages, they’re still available in locations such as the UK and Japan. Square Enix hasn’t shared any official announcements about the removal of these demos, but if we hear any updates, we’ll let you know.
Unsurprisingly, there’s already plenty of speculation – with some suggesting it could just be related to licensing or an error, while others are hopeful it might lead to something more. There have also been some rumours.
Have you tried out the cloud versions of these games on Switch? Would you like to see these titles get a proper release on Nintendo’s platform? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Yoshi returned this week in the new Switch 2 title Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and to celebrate, Nintendo is now offering a new reward on the My Nintendo Store in North America.
It’s a ‘Super Mario – Yoshi Egg Zipper Pouch’ and will set you back 800 Platinum Points. Here’s a look, along with the official description:
Carry your things with Yoshi
Keep your essentials safe and sound with this cheerful pouch inspired by Yoshi. The slim size makes it easy to toss into your backpack or bag when you’re on the go. Or use it to stash your small treasures at home. Don’t worry—Yoshi won’t gobble them up!
Size: 9.75″ x 4″
Nintendo has also released a new set of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Switch Online icons this week. And in the UK, Nintendo is offering a Yoshi and the Mysterious Book ‘Sticky Notes Set’ for 400 Platinum Points.
Image: Nintendo Image: Nintendo
In case you missed it, the My Nintendo Store will also be changing its name on 27th May 2026 to the Nintendo Store.
What do you think of the latest My Nintendo Store reward? Are you playing the new Yoshi game on Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.
Ahead of the release of Star Fox on the Switch 2 next month, Nintendo’s Japanese website has revealed an update will be required to unlock certain features.
As spotted by Nintendo Everything, the update will allow you to participate in the online Battle Mode, which supports 4-vs-4 multiplayer dogfights between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf.
The same page also mentions how this update will be required to access the title’s GameChat character avatars and AR features, which allow you to take on the appearance of Fox and the rest of his crew.
To access online play and Game Chat, you’ll need to have an active Switch Online membership. Previous Nintendo releases have also required players to download updates and even the latest system firmware to unlock and access online features.
Star Fox will be available for Switch 2 digitally on 25th June 2026, and will arrive the same day in store. Pre-orders are now live on the eShop and Nintendo’s storefront.
Will you be getting Star Fox on release? Let us know in the comments.
Enough waffle. Let’s catch up with Team NL and see what’s in their slots this Saturday…
Gavin Lane, Editor
I was having a great time with Pragmata and will definitely go back, but Henry Jones Jr. dropped in and I’ve played nothing else this week. Wandering around the Vatican, pocketing pamphlets and medicine bottles, and giving Blackshirts a hiding has kept me up into the small hours. I’ve never been a huge immersive sim guy, but all the elements here are gripping me. Helluva game so far.
I’ve just arrived in Giza, so yes, Indy will be keeping me busy for a while yet. The Great Circle is still a rubbish name, though.
Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
So, after this weekend, my WAYP entries will disappear again for a bit, as my partner and I are welcoming our first child, and taking care of other humans is hard! Video games will be firmly on the back burner.
For the time being, though, I’ll be jumping between Constance and the new Adventures of Elliot demo. I’m hoping the latter will be the perfect game to play with my daughter held close. Perhaps she’ll become an adventurer one day…
Have a good one, all!
With Alana heading off on maternity leave, it’ll be a little quieter around NL Towers for a few months whil—hold up…
Image: Nintendo
Yes, he’s been lingering in the background for a couple of weeks, but please join us in officially welcoming Matthew Reynolds to Team NL!
You may have read Matt’s work at places like Eurogamer and Polygon, or on his new Pokémon site One More Catch. We’re very happy to have him filling Alana’s shoes, keeping her seat warm, and stuffing her desk drawer with Rare Candys and autocatchers for the rest of the year. Over to you, Matt…
Matthew Reynolds, Acting Deputy Editor *NEW*
I’ve picked up Mario Kart World again after a short hiatus, and was quickly reminded how captivating the open world is. My ongoing challenge of finding all P-Switches without help continues, and despite having hundreds ticked off so far, I’m still somehow finding new locations — tucked away next to train lines, or besides shipwrecks — by exploring nooks and crannies I’d previously overlooked. The variety and depth of the world is quite something.
I’d highly recommend experiencing Mario Kart World this way, as despite my love of guides nudging me in the right direction in games, I’m happy to continue drinking it in through pure discovery alone.
Elsewhere, I’m also playing Titanium Court on Steam Deck, a brilliant match-three / strategy / visual novel hybrid that won this year’s Independent Games Festival. It’s as befuddling as it sounds, especially with its capacity to derail your session with surprise new rules and mechanics. I have to be in the mood to play it, mind, but it’s largely keeping my Switch 2 at bay until I see it through to the end, as I have to know where it’s going.
Ollie Reynolds, Reviews Editor
We’re due for a heatwave in the UK this weekend, so I suspect I won’t have a lot of time for gaming as my wife and daughter drag me out into the back garden kicking and screaming. That said, I’m eager to play more Bubsy 4D and I’d like to give the new Adventures of Elliot demo a shot.
I also recently blasted through season two of the Devil May Cry anime, and it inspired me to go through the games again on PS5. The fifth entry came out in 2019, so I think we’re due a new game soon, even if Itsuno-san is no longer in the driver’s seat.
Mai Ladyman, Video Producer
Lately I’ve taken up the habit of disconnecting from the world on a Sunday and focusing on it being purely a game day. So this weekend I plan on finishing up missing explorations in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book during the day and exploring the world of Tales of Arise in the evening.
I’ve been finding some comfort in both of these games this week, likely due to nostalgia. They remind me of being a teenager again, spending some time during the weekend to see how far I can get before my school week comes back around.
No doubt I’ll be in need of a palate cleanser, so I have Sea of Solitude: Director’s Cut in my back pocket so I get my weekly dosage of ’emotional feels’.
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
I need to put my fedora back on and make some proper progress in Indiana Jones. I am still unsure if Yoshi and the Mysterious Book will arrive in time for this weekend’s plans (the joys of physical edition gaming), but I will for certain give the freshly patched Raiden Fighters Remix Collection a revisit.
News of Sektori being a runaway success on Switch 2 gave me all sorts of warm fuzzy feelings inside… or maybe it is just the pounding bass and kick drum from the game’s OST in my chest. Warhammer 40.000: Space Marine II latest patch dropped with a brand new Operation, so duty to the Empire demands I grab a few mates for some online late-night shenanigans.
Game of the week is XGIII: Extreme-G Racing. The GameCube is never really off for long in my place, and the need for speed mixed with Ministry of Sound’s electronic hits made me revisit this underrated gem. I always loved the series and I quite welcomed the surprise addition of the very first game of the franchise on NSO. Bonus, as each bike looks straight out of TRON and/or Akira.
Acclaim’s comeback continues with the announcement Kidbash: Super Legend will be releasing “early” next year.
This colourful new title, developed by the Indonesian-based studios Authentic Remixes and Fat Raccoon, is described as a “nostalgic roguelike action-platformer”, and is currently locked in for “Steam and consoles”.
According to the official PR, it pays homage to classics such as Mega Man and Kirby 64 – blending “fast-paced action and exploration” with “deep roguelike progression” wrapped up in a charming claymation-style aesthetic that might even remind you of certain other games.
The cinematic trailer from BITSummit this week includes a first-look at the “larger-than-life cast”, the diorama-like world, the game’s bosses, and also showcases some “never-before-seen” gameplay.
You’ll take on the role of the “lost” and “forgotten hero” Kidbash, who will encounter all sorts of mechanics and features – from weapon mixing to powerful mods. There’s even village building, and your own meta progression and character development is directly tied to the village’s growth.
If you would like to find out more about Kidbash and the inspiration behind it, check out our sibling site Time Extension.
If we hear anything about a Nintendo release, we’ll provide an update. Would you be interested in a Switch version? Let us know in the comments.
Update []: According to Dealabs’ Billbil-kun, who has accurately reported on game announcements ahead of schedule in the past, the “Definitive Edition” of Sonic Frontiers will supposedly release for Switch 2 next month.
The source narrows down the release date to 23rd June 2026. This lines up with Sonic’s 35th birthday and anniversary celebrations. It’s further claimed the Switch 2 version will be priced at $49.99 in the US, and there will apparently be a physical edition. Of course, nothing has been officially announced or revealed by Sega at this stage.
If we hear any updates, we’ll let you know. You can read about the recent classification board rating in the story below.
Original Story:[Wed 25th Mar, 2026 05:30 GMT]:
Sonic Frontiers took the series in a new direction when it launched in 2022 with its “open-zone” design, and it seems Sega might not be entirely done with it just yet…
Definitive Edition releases aren’t out of the ordinary for Sonic titles in recent years. We’re also reminded how Sonic Origins Plus was previously leaked via the same game rating committee.
As of November last year, Sega reported Frontiers had sold 4.57 million units worldwide. It also received some post-launch DLC along the way. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best experience on the Switch, so a “Definitive Edition” would no doubt be a great opportunity for a Switch 2 release.
Of course, nothing has been officially announced or confirmed just yet, so if we hear any updates, we’ll let you know.
Would you be interested in a Definitive Edition of Sonic Frontiers? Post a comment below.
Ever since the original release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 back in 2010, many fans have been speculating as to whether Nintendo would eventually return for a third entry. This speculation arguably reached fever pitch when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released earlier this year, yet there’s not been a whiff of a new 3D Mario game in quite some time.
Thankfully, you can get a little taste of a new galactic adventure in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, available now on the Switch 2. Consisting of 10 worlds to explore, the last one takes place on the moon, of all places. And you know what that means… Yep, it’s time to mess with gravity again.
After you’ve discovered the stage’s first creature (which is a ghost-like critter that merges with its pals to form entirely new creations), you’ll come across what is essentially Raphael the Raven from Yoshi’s Island. Instead of fighting it, however, Yoshi will hop onto its back to explore the stage.
And so begins a jaunt across a multitude of miniature planets, each with its own gravitational pull. What’s more, you’ll see a bunch of Star Bits shooting down from above, and the Raven will gobble these up with gusto if you happen to jump in their way.
It’s a lovely little homage, but we’re torn as to whether it’s referencing Mario Galaxy or indeed the boss fight against Raphael in Yoshi’s Island. Y’see, that one took place on a floating moon in space, and so aesthetically it’s very similar to what you see in Mysterious Book.
We’re just going to concede that it’s paying homage to both. Yeah, that’ll do. Anyway, here’s a glimpse at a few cheeky screenshots we took:
If you’re undecided on Mysterious Book, be sure to check out our review. We thought it was good, but its repetitive nature does drag it down somewhat, earning it a score of 6/10.
What do you make of this little homage to Mario Galaxy and Yoshi’s Island? Share your thoughts with a comment down below.
