Category: Nintendo News

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined arrived for the Switch and Switch 2 in February, and if you were hoping for some fixes, you’re in luck! Square Enix has today rolled out a new patch for the Switch and Switch 2.

It’s available right now, and according to a rough translation from the official Japanese game website, it fixes a bunch of progression-related bugs across all platforms. On the Switch and Switch 2, this will bump the game software up to Version 1.2.0.

Here’s what’s you can expect, courtesy of Square Enix’s Japanese website:

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – Version 1.2.0 Update, 8th April 2026

Today, we have released an update file to fix issues related to progress in *Dragon Quest VII Reimagined*.

<Update Contents>

・Fixed a bug in the vicinity of past Mardilus where players could pass through the checkpoint at the Grand Temple without handing over the item required for progression to the soldier.

・Fixed a bug where players could move to the Wind Labyrinth even without possessing the required item.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers.
For details, please check the official site

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If you haven’t already played this title, there’s a free demo you can download from the eShop. Save data can carry over and as a bonus adventurers with this demo data will receive the reward “Maribel’s Day Off Dress”.

As for the game, we summed it up as a “fantastic makeover and the best-looking Dragon Quest ever”, awarding it an “excellent” nine out of ten stars:

“Combine the more engaging pace of the narrative with some nice gameplay updates like moonlighting and those gorgeous visuals, and it’s tough to argue that the previous versions are more enjoyable.”

Have you tried out Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined on the Switch or Switch 2 yet? Did you encounter any of the above-mentioned issues during your own playthrough? Let us know in the comments.

Pokémon battles level-up today with the release of Pokémon Champions on the Switch eShop. If you aren’t already playing it, here’s our reminder that this free download is now officially available across Nintendo’s storefronts around the globe.

Before you jump in, it’s worth noting that there’s a starter pack available for $6.99 / £5.99 or your regional equivalent.

This bundle pack includes storage space for 50 additional Pokémon, 30 Teammate Tickets and 50 Training Tickets. Trainers will also receive the ‘Battle! (Trainer Battle)” song featured in the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! games.

And if you try out Champions before 31st August 2026, you’ll also receive a Dragonite and 100 Quick Coupons as a free gift.

Last but not least, if you’re planning to play this title on the Switch 2, there’s a free update at launch featuring enhanced visual performance. Pokémon HOME was also recently updated, adding support for Pokémon Champions. This new battle game will launch for mobile devices at some point later this year.

Will you be checking out this new release today? Let us know in the comments.

Will you be downloading Pokémon Champions? (493 votes)

1. Yes69%
2. No31%

Nintendo’s Switch Online battle royale racer F-Zero 99 has today received its first update of 2026, bumping the game up to Version 1.7.1.

This follows a major 1.7.0 update last December, which included some new additions, adjustments and changes. As for the latest update, it’s a lot smaller and addresses multiple issues with the game you may have encountered.

Here’s the full rundown, courtesy of Nintendo’s official support page:

F-Zero 99 – Version 1.7.1 Update (7th April 2026)

Fixed an issue with World Tour rewards

• Fixed an issue where even a player ranking in 999th place or higher in the World Tour’s weekly ranking sometimes wouldn’t receive a badge as a reward.

Fixed an issue with Elite leaderboard resets

• Fixed an issue where the remaining days until the Elite leaderboard reset were not always displayed correctly.

Fixed an issue where bonuses were not awarded when pilots reached S50 Elite

• Fixed an issue where the 1,000 Elite points bonus for pilots reaching S50 Elite was not always added correctly.

Other fixes

• Fixed issues to make for a more pleasant gaming experience.

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If you haven’t played F-Zero 99, here’s a little bit about what we thought it in our review here on Nintendo Life:

“Adding more players doesn’t just feel perfect for F-Zero, it feels natural. This isn’t the definitive way to play F-Zero, but it is a brilliant take that supplements what worked so well in the original with thoughtful additions that make chasing victory utterly addictive.”

Yesterday, Nintendo also released a system update for the Switch 1 & 2, which you can read about in our previous coverage:

Will you be hitting the track to try out the latest update in F-Zero 99? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed exterminating hordes of spiders in the original Kill It With Fire game on Switch, you’ll be pleased to hear Kill It With Fire 2 is scuttling onto the system next month.

This title is described as the “ultimate co-op spider-hunting experience” and will launch for Nintendo’s hybrid platform on 7th May 2026. It will be priced at just $14.99 (or your regional equivalent), and you can wishlist it right now on Nintendo’s official store page.

It’s also noted on Nintendo’s website how the game is supported on the Switch 2, with the game behaviour “consistent” with the Switch release. Here’s the full description from Nintendo’s webpage, along with a trailer:

You are the Exterminator on a crusade against the spider horde taking over the multiverse. Blast through the story campaign solo or with friends via online co-op for up to 4 players or jump into a frenetic Humans vs Spiders PvP mode for some laughs and screams.

GEAR UP AND EXTERMINATE
Wage war on the eight-legged monsters with an arsenal of 45 weapons and gadgets worthy of the Exterminator. Will your team smash the pests with a newspaper, burn them to a crisp, rev up the minigun, unleash a rocket launcher, or wield a laser sword?

SAVE THE MULTIVERSE
Embark on an epic spider hunt across seven distinct worlds. Exterminate the pesky arachnids in a mysterious manor, liberate a town in the Wild West, explore cyberspace, and descend into Spider Hell. Every level is a unique battle against the spiders!

COMPLETE CHALLENGES
Brew magic potions in a bubbling cauldron. Demolish a megapolis as a kaiju-sized madman. Defend a cacti-owned saloon from waves of spiders. Win a drone race in virtual reality. And more!

(ALSO) PLAY AS A SPIDER
‘Okay, all this spider-hunting sounds fun, but what if I want to play as a spider?’ you might ask. And yes, you can indeed play as a spider in an online 8-player PvP mode called Spider Hunt. It’s actual humans vs actual arachnids!

We reviewed the first game for the Switch in 2021 and called it a fun little distraction that can keeps you entertained with its myriad array of gameplay opportunities and selection of weapons.

Would you be interested in this title? Did you play the first game? Let us know in the comments.

Gameloft and Old Skull Games have this week announced Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis: Next! will be coming to the Switch on 28th May 2026.

This follows Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis, which was released as part of the Apple Arcade subscription service in 2022 and was removed a year later.

The Switch release comes with 15 “iconic” Nickelodeon characters, local and solo play, story mode, mini-games and tournament mode. Here’s a bit about what to expect from the Switch version, according to a Nintendo store listing. We’ve also got some screenshots:

Pick your star player from among 15 iconic Nickelodeon characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more!

Choose from over 500 outfits and accessories to customize your Nickelodeon character your way, and show off your personality on the tennis court. Turn the tide of the match with powerful ultimate abilities that are unique to every character!

Play Solo or Local 1v1: Challenge a friend or family member to a 1v1 couch co-op split-screen tennis match, or play in Story Mode at your own speed!

From classic matches to fun mini-games, there’s something for everyone. Embark on a narrated Story Mode, dive into Mini-Games for extra fun, or rise to the top in Tournament Mode to claim your victory!

Would you be interested in another all-star Nickelodeon release on the Switch? Have you played many other Nickelodeon games in the past? Let us know in the comments.

After getting its hooks in us last year with its addictive ‘rogue ’em up’ gameplay loop, Absolum is heading to Switch 2 later this year… with a full physical release.

Silver Lining Interactive today announced that the fantasy roguelike’s next-gen physical is now available to pre-order from its online store for £44.99 / €49.99 / $49.99. While a precise release date hasn’t been given just yet, the publisher expects the copies to ship at some point in Q3 2026.

You might recall that the game landed a physical release on Switch 1 last year, accompanied by a ‘Special Edition‘ which threw in some extra merch for good measure. Said Special Edition is still available on the Silver Lining website, and the upcoming Switch 2 version only seems to be coming as a ‘Standard’ purchase — so don’t expect any bonus merch for the new hardware. That said, the publisher has confirmed that the full game will be on the Switch 2 cartridge, so every cloud.

As for whether this Switch 2 physical will boast any performance boosts on the new hardware, well, we’re still not sure just yet. We’d like to think that the Switch 2 release will make the most of the system’s improved specs, but only time will tell. We have reached out to Silver Lining Interactive and will update you if we hear any details in response.

Not that the game necessarily requires any improvements, mind you. In our 9/10 review, we described Absolum as “incredibly impressive in its reconstitution of arcade, role-playing, and roguelike formats, evolving them into something fresh and exciting”. In short, we’ll take any excuse to dive in all over again.

Will you be picking up Absolum’s Switch 2 physical? Let us know in the comments.

After a short pause for the Easter Bank Holiday, this week’s UK charts are finally in, and no, it’s not the most surprising ranking this time.

The top 10 is much as you might expect, with EA SPORTS FC 26 holding onto the top spot once again, and Switch 2 hits like Mario Kart World, Pokopia, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A hanging around with the front runners, too — shoutout to LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which made an impressive jump from 32nd last week to fourth this time!

Proving the power of a movie tie-in, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 has also seen a healthy boost this week, defying gravity as it rises from 23rd to 12th. It’s even managed to leapfrog Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which now finds itself in 13th after a brief ‘Switch 2 Edition’ bump.

Here’s the full top 40, with platform breakdowns for games available on Switch, Switch 2, and other consoles:

Last Week	This Week	Game	Platform Split
1	1	EA Sports FC 26	PS5 38%, Switch 24%, PS4 13%, Xbox Series 12%
3	2	Resident Evil Requiem	PC 60%, PS5 32%, Switch 2 5%, Xbox 3%
2	3	Mario Kart World
32	4	LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga	PS5 63%, PS4 20%, Xbox Series 11%, Switch 6%
5	5	Crimson Desert
4	6	Nioh 3
12	7	Hogwarts Legacy	PS5 56%, Switch 2 29%, Switch 10%, PS4 3%
6	8	Pokémon Pokopia
9	9	Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
10	10	Pokémon Legends: Z-A	Switch 2 54%, Switch 46%
7	11	Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds	PS5 46%, Switch 44%, Xbox Series 4%, PS4 3%
23	12	Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
8	13	Super Mario Bros. Wonder	Switch 61%, Switch 2 39%
–	14	Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
14	15	F1 25
16	16	Mortal Kombat 1	PS5 99%, Xbox Series 1%, Switch 0%
19	17	Donkey Kong Bananza
18	18	Minecraft
17	19	Animal Crossing: New Horizons	Switch 77%, Switch 2 23%
21	20	Resident Evil 2
20	21	Grand Theft Auto V
22	22	Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
25	23	Super Mario Party Jamboree	Switch 58%, Switch 2 42%
34	24	Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions	PS5 53%, PS4 26%, Switch 21%, Xbox Series 0%
13	25	WWE 2K26	PS5 74%, Xbox Series 16%, Switch 2 10%
–	26	Cars 3: Driven to Win	PS4 82%, Switch 18%
–	27	It Takes Two	Switch 91%, PS4 9%
31	28	Tekken 8
40	29	Assassin’s Creed Shadows	PS5 60%, Switch 2 23%, Xbox Series 17%
28	30	Nintendo Switch Sports
–	31	Mortal Kombat X
24	32	Split Fiction	PS5 64%, Switch 2 30%, Xbox Series 6%
–	33	LEGO Harry Potter Collection	PS4 70%, Switch 25%, PS5 5%, Xbox Series 1%
27	34	The Witcher III: Wild Hunt GOTY Edition
–	35	Dragon’s Dogma II
38	36	Resident Evil 4
15	37	The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature
–	38	LEGO City Undercover	PS4 87%, Switch 13%
35	39	Battlefield 6
33	40	The Witcher III: Wild Hunt Complete Edition

[Compiled by GfK]

< Last week’s charts

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That’s it for this week’s physical UK charts! Any surprises? Did you pick any of these games up? Let us know in the comments.

Despite rejecting Direct protagonist Angie in favour of Dr. Winters, Hugh Morris was undoubtedly the star of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream‘s solo January Direct. This jolly little heartbreaker pulled in quite the online following after his Direct debut, so it makes sense that Nintendo would want to wheel him out again in the game’s new trailer.

Titled ‘Part-Time Jobs and Full-Time Friends’, the latest trailer is all about the aftermath of Hugh Morris’ surprise romance revelation, as Angie’s best pal Crystal sets out to cheer up her dejected buddy.

We get a taste of Living the Dream’s job options and more weird interactions, with Crystal and Angie picking up strange restaurant orders, doing a spot of knitting and… watching Hugh Morris discuss his love life on live TV? Gulp.

All in all, it’s another slice of the game’s weirdness that we have been oh-so-enamoured by in its marketing so far. We’ll get to see the full game for ourselves next week on 16th April, but there’s a free demo available to keep us all entertained until then.

Will you be picking up Living the Dream next week? Let us know in the comments.

Nintendo and Columbia Pictures have been pretty quiet when it comes to information regarding the upcoming The Legend of Zelda movie, but according to an updated IMDB page (thanks, Go Nintendo), it seems that the project’s composer may have been confirmed.

We’re not going to treat this as gospel until it’s officially announced, but the IMDB page now lists John Paesano as the composer with the legendary Koji Kondo serving as consultant. Paesano has collaborated with director Wes Ball in the past on films such as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and the Maze Runner trilogy, so this would certainly make sense.

He’s also branched out into the world of video games himself, having composed the score for Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man 1 & 2 and Miles Morales for the PlayStation.

Now that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is out in the wild, chances are we’ll start to see more information about The Legend of Zelda crawl out of the woodwork as we get closer to its 7th May 2027 release date.

We already know that actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth have been cast as Zelda and Link respectively, with Nintendo releasing a small handful of images showing the pair in all their glory. It’s also been confirmed that the film will makes its way to Netflix following its theatrical and home release periods.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for more official information in the coming days, weeks, and months and keep you updated.

Do you think John Paesano would be a good fit for The Legend of Zelda? Have you caught his work in Wes Ball’s previous films? Let us know.

Nintendo Music continues to add new tracks to its library, and this week sees the arrival of more songs for the Splatoon 3 album.

As described in the mobile app, this new update adds a total of 112 tracks to the service. This includes tracks from the DLC Side Order, the Grand Festival and “more”. You’ll be able to listen to songs such as “Leaving with Pearl” and “Short Order” by ‘Off the Hook’.

This takes Splatoon 3’s album from 118 tracks to a whopping 230 tracks, with over 8 hours and 30 minutes of music.

Splatoon’s single-player Side Order DLC was originally released in 2024. You can find out more about it in our review here on Nintendo Life. Apart from the Splatoon 3 album, Nintendo has also added the Splatoon and Splatoon 2 soundtracks to its music service. Of course, you’ll need an active Switch Online subscription to listen to these albums on this app.

This latest update follows soundtrack updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Springfest will also return in Splatoon 3 later this week on 11th April 2026.

What do you think of this latest soundtrack update for Nintendo Music? What other songs would you like to see added to this service? Let us know in the comments.