If you have encountered any bugs, Update 8 Hotfix 1 will hopefully resolve these problems. It comes loaded with bug fixes specifically addressing some problems with the Switch 2 version, and improving the overall stability of the title on the hybrid platform.
MachineGames has also included updates for “all platforms” – addressing stutters and more. Here’s the full rundown via the company’s official social media account:
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Update 8 Hotfix 1 (12th June 2026)
We’ve pushed a small hotfix today for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Check below for the official notes:
Bug Fixes
This small update fixes some player-reported issues encountered since the most recent release.
[Nintendo Switch 2] Fixed two common crashes, improving game stability.
[All platforms] Fixed the ragdoll system to prevent enemies from rotating when being picked up or popping when standing up after being knocked to the ground.
[All platforms] Fixed a small stutter when a game level first loads.
In our review here on Nintendo Life, we thought the Switch 2 port of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a great experience:
“A globe-trotting adventure with compelling exploration, crunchy melee, and tomb-raiding puzzles. With a great story and sky-high production value, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an authentic new franchise entry with a capable lead in Troy Baker. And despite taking the odd hit, the Switch 2 port holds its own admirably.”
Have you tried out Indiana Jones’ new game on the Switch 2 yet? How are you finding it so far and are there any other updates you would like to see for this title? Let us know in the comments.
This soundtrack contains a total of 99 tracks and has a run time of 1 hour and 37 minutes. To listen to this album, you’ll need to have an active Switch Online subscription and access to Nintendo Music via the official app or web browser.
Nintendo: “Featuring tracks sucha s Title Theme, tracks for Cycling and Skydiving and more.”
If you didn’t catch the Nintendo Switch Sports Resort announcement during the Nintendo Direct this week, it will come loaded with 12 sports including Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Bowling, Basketball, Golf, Thumb Wrestling, Skateboarding, Power Cruising and Prop Plane.
This new title is arriving for the Switch 2 later this year on 22nd October 2026, with pre-orders now available on the eShop. This latest update for Nintendo Music follows an update earlier this week, which added some free roam songs from Mario Kart World.
What do you think about this latest album update for Nintendo Music? Let us know in the comments.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica is getting a remake for the Switch 2 next year, and it’s already led to questions about the possibility of the GameCube version Resident Evil Code: Veronica X being revived for the ‘Nintendo Classics’ Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
Unfortunately, right now, there are “no plans for that”. This was mentioned by the Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi during a private Q&A session last week (via Kotaku):
“Will the GameCube version of Veronica be coming to Switch Online’s Expansion Pack anytime soon? There are “no plans for that,” Hirabayashi said”
Nintendo’s GameCube library for the Switch 2 currently features a total of nine games, and includes titles such as Chibi-Robo!, Mario Smash Football, F-Zero GX and Soul Calibur II. Nintendo has also revealed a few other titles for the service, which haven’t been made available yet.
If it’s anything like the Nintendo 64 library, certain “mature” titles in the GameCube collection would likely require a separate application. Code: Veronica originally debuted on the Dreamcast in 2000 and was followed by Veronica X in 2001, which was then ported to the GameCube in 2003.
Capcom will release the upcoming remake of Resident Evil Veronica for the Switch 2 and multiple other platforms in 2027.
The latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it’s bringing new games galore to the eShop. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!
Switch 2 eShop – Highlights
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition(Nintendo, 9th Jun, $69.99)– Experience the critically-acclaimed first game in the Xenoblade Chronicles saga in 4K resolution on compatible TVs and full HD in handheld mode, all at 60 fps. The Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game features a host of new additions, such as a high-speed vehicle for traversing the game’s vast areas, new racing modes that let you earn in-game rewards, new equipment designs, and new voiceover added to the game’s Heart-to-Heart scenes.
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions(Devolver Digital, 11th Jun) – Start your mission in a brand-new game set within the Astroneer universe with a focus on discovery, cooperative expeditions and camaraderie. Exploring deep space on the ESS Starseeker, players will need to work together with the crew of the space station to complete objectives that will take them further into the unknown regions of each planet. Embark on timed expeditions to gather resources, complete missions and further your goals, as well as those of your squad and the entire station.
Star Fox Demo(Nintendo, 25th Jun, $49.99) – A cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 game, Star Fox features newly overhauled character designs, freshly revamped looks for each stage, plus detailed cutscenes, fully voiced dialogue and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack.
Switch 2 eShop – New Releases
and Roger(KODANSHA, 17th Jun, $3.49) – Past a Trail of Delusions and Roger is an interactive novel that lets you see through the protagonist’s eyes—whether what she sees makes sense or not. It is comprised of three chapters and can be played in its entirety in about one hour.
Arcade Archives 2 CAMELTRY(HAMSTER, 4th Jun, $9.99) – “CAMELTRY” is an action game released by TAITO in 1990. Rotate the maze to roll the ball and reach the goal before the timer hits zero. A variety of obstacles stand in your way, including traps that reduce your time and bumpers that bounce the ball away. It’s a unique ball-action game with a whole new sensation.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition(KOEI TECMO AMERICA, 9th Jun, $39.89) – People gather memories as they live their lives, thus developing their souls. This is the story of a young woman traveling across a ruined continent to find the path toward the future. The theme of this game is “memory. ” There are moments when everyone must confront the past and their own memories. All memories, including both successes and failures, become nourishment for the future and help shape people.
Console Archives Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido(HAMSTER, 4th Jun, $7.99) – “Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido” was released by SUNSOFT in 1986 for an 8-bit home console. This is an action game where Kantaro, a fireworks thrower, travels to Edo to launch fireworks over the Sumida River, where his fiancée, Momoko-chan, is waiting, while fending off enemies along the way. Will Kantaro safely reach Edo and be able to launch fireworks over the Sumida River?
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked(Resolution Games, 16th Jun, $29.99) – EPIC QUESTS. INSTANT ADVENTURES. Experience the magic of Dungeons & Dragons like never before in this tactical, cooperative digital board game set in Forgotten Realms. Command your heroes, unravel sinister plots and forge mighty alliances in turn-based combat and choice-based storytelling. Iconic D&D Elements with Streamlined Strategy
Denshattack!(Fireshine Games, 17th Jun) – Flip, trick and grind your train in a fast-paced, off-the-rails ride through a colourful Japanese dystopia. Take back the tracks with nothing but skill, speed, and style. Hop aboard your custom gravity-defying train and embark on a hectic quest to defeat the sinister Miraidō corporation, alongside a vibrant pack of outcasts. Ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through Japan’s biggest cities, as well as a world of meadows, volcanoes and oceans. Rack up points and chase that sweet high score as you flip, trick and stick the landing in your customisable ride.
Looks like Denshattack was delayed at the last minute:
Junkster(Stormcloud Games, 16th Jun, $9.99) – Junkster is a thrilling 3D action platforming adventure with a unique building mechanic. When an intergalactic cargo ship crash-lands on a dangerous junkyard planet, it is up to a scrappy, little construction bot named UM-13, or Um for short, to save the day! Armed only with his trusty robo-wrench, Um must transform the galaxy’s useless garbage into slightly more functional garbage as he searches for the parts to repair his ship and recovers his lost cargo of precious human artifacts.
SnowRunner(Focus Entertainment, 9th Jun, $39.99) – SnowRunner puts you in the driver’s seat of powerful vehicles as you conquer extreme open environments with the most advanced terrain simulation ever. Drive 40 vehicles from brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Freightliner as you leave your mark on an untamed open world. Overcome mud, torrential waters, snow, and frozen lakes while taking on perilous contracts and missions.
to a T(Annapurna Interactive, 11th Jun, $14.99) – to a T is a narrative adventure game that portrays the extraordinary life of a 13-year-old teenager, whose body happens to be in the shape of the letter “T.” They live in a modest seaside town that they explore by foot, train, or even their favorite unicycle, and interact with a the charming cast of characters who live there. – Read our to a T review
Unrailed 2: Back on Track – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition(Indoor Astronaut, 11th Jun, $14.99) – Unrailed 2: Back on Track brings chaotic local and online multiplayer track-building action to the next level – band together with friends to collaborate and build your track across new procedurally generated worlds – WHILST the train is running! So think fast, with more freedom than ever before, and conquer new obstacles in your way – before your trains becomes… a trainwreck!
Switch eShop – New Releases
Angry Capybara(Upscale Studio, 5th Jun, $4.99) – Capybaras are famous for their Zen-like patience, but even they have a breaking point! Welcome to Angry Capybara, a hilarious physics simulator in which nature’s most relaxed mammal finally resorts to violence. When denied access to your favourite outdoor hot spring, it’s time to take out your frustrations on Granny’s pristine living space. This isn’t about sneaking, it’s about embracing your inner wrecking ball!
Arashi Gaiden(NUNTIUS GAMES, 11th Jun, $8.99) – Arashi Gaiden is a turn-based action game with fast-paced dash and slash combat. Use the dash mechanic to quickly traverse levels and slice your enemies in half in style, combining your blade with shurikens, teleports and chains that paralyze your opponents.
Arcade Archives CAMELTRY(HAMSTER, 4th Jun, $7.99) – “CAMELTRY” is an action game released by TAITO in 1990. Rotate the maze to roll the ball and reach the goal before the timer hits zero. A variety of obstacles stand in your way, including traps that reduce your time and bumpers that bounce the ball away. It’s a unique ball-action game with a whole new sensation.
Arcade Pack(Sabec, 4th Jun, $14.99) – Jump into classic arcade-style action with the Arcade Pack, a collection of three exciting games inspired by retro machines and fast-paced gameplay. Test your reflexes, aim, and control skills across space battles, air hockey duels, and precision landings.
Asphalt Dominion(Gametry, 13th Jun, $4.99) – Asphalt Dominion is a thrilling arcade racing game where speed is everything and every race is a fight for control. Step into a world of exotic supercars, high-stakes competition, and visually striking tracks that take you through breathtaking environments filled with sharp turns, long straights, and intense rival action. From sunlit circuits to dramatic seasonal landscapes, every location is built to deliver fast, aggressive, and unforgettable racing.
Beholder: Conductor(Alawar Premium, 11th Jun, $16.99) – Welcome aboard the Determination Bringer! You have been appointed senior conductor of the legendary train, which all the citizens of our vast country are happy to see in their cities. Your responsibilities are maintaining order in the carriage assigned to you and providing assistance to passengers along the way. Your tools are reporting, intimidation, searches and ejection. Remember: the conductor is always right.
Beholgar 2(Dolores Ent., 12th Jun, $17.99) – The ancient evil has awakened, and the fate of the world hangs by a thread. Even Beholgar, the legendary warrior, knows that this enemy cannot be defeated by ordinary steel. There is only one weapon capable of slaying the darkness… but the blacksmith who forged it died centuries ago. To reclaim this cursed blade, Beholgar must descend into the depths of Hell itself, facing demonic horrors, ancient dragons, jinns, and corrupted creatures born from nightmare.
Blueberry(Hidden Trap, 12th Jun, $12.49) – Play as Blueberry and live through key memories from childhood to old age, piecing together fragments of her past in a deeply emotional story about trauma, resilience, and forgiveness. Climb the Tower of Life. Go on a journey from childhood to twilight years.
Car Guys(Ruben Alcaniz, 16th Jun, $6.00) – Experience the Ultimate Competitive Multiplayer Racing Game! Welcome to Car Guys, an exciting multiplayer racing game where skill and strategy come together in fast-paced, action-packed competitions. Represent your nation and climb the global leaderboard in adrenaline-fueled races that will put your reflexes and driving skills to the test!
Death Attraction(Upscale Studio, 5th Jun, $9.99) – The carnival has closed, but the real horror is just beginning. In Death Attraction, you awaken trapped inside a labyrinthine funhouse controlled by a terrifying, maniacal clown. What was supposed to be a thrilling amusement park ride has morphed into a spine-chilling fight for survival. The neon lights flicker, the eerie carnival music plays on a twisted loop, and somewhere in the shadows, a relentless killer is hunting you down.
Dragon Loop(Happy Player, 11th Jun, $13.49) – Help Xi navigate a five-day time loop and figure out what happened to her memories in a vast hand-drawn world. Together with her companion, Ouro, travel through a true metroidvania world where time changes the terrain in subtle ways. Escape the loop through exploration and battle. Change Xi’s fate and learn the truth of the Dragon Loop!
EGGCONSOLE MIRAI MSX2(D4 Enterprise, 11th Jun, $6.49) – Originally released in 1987, this action RPG casts you as the mysterious soldier mentioned above, embarking on an epic journey across six different planets. The game features side-scrolling action RPG mechanics where each planet is divided into two parts: aerial stages that play like a side-scrolling shooter, and underground stages where you fight using martial arts-style maneuvers. Powerful bosses guard key locations, such as the entrances to the underground and the end of each stage.
Flippy Jump(NOSTRA GAMES, 11th Jun, $1.99) – “You close the door of your refrigerator and an interesting life begins inside. Fruits and vegetables try to escape from this big white cage. Break everything around you and smash through shelves to find a way out. The more precise the timing of the jump, the more powerful the impact. That’s exactly what you need to succeed!
Frogborne(Downmeadowstreet, 12th Jun, $7.99) – Far from home and full of determination, a tiny frog sets off on the adventure of a lifetime. Explore a vibrant, storybook world brimming with secrets — from sun-dappled forests and cobblestone town squares to the towering halls of a grand castle, patrolled by a not-so-friendly giant guard. Hop, leap, and bounce your way through charming levels as you hunt down three legendary Power Gems, the only things that can carry you back where you belong.
Hamstory(Pixel Lantern, 5th Jun, $4.99) – Hamstory is a heartfelt 2D pixel platformer where every fall is part of the journey forward. Join Hamcho on a touching adventure to reach Haessi Star. Along the way, you will leap across challenging paths, sometimes miss your jump, and try again. Each attempt helps you grow stronger, teaching you how to go a little further than before. The way forward is not always clear, but with patience and a bit of courage, you will find your own path.
Hellbrella(Cyber Monkey Studios, 12th Jun, $8.99) – BECOME ONE WITH YOUR UMBRELLA! A fast-paced Aerial Roguelite Hack and Slash where Insane Combos and pure aggression are all that stand between you and death. Step into the paws of a Raincoat Cat and face an infernal journey with nothing but your Umbrella as a Weapon!
Honey Sprint(Afil Games, 11th Jun, $3.49) – Dive into an irresistible chase in Honey Sprint, where a hungry bear must escape a furious swarm while collecting as much honey as possible along the way. With simple controls and nonstop action, each run blends quick reflexes, smart decisions, and pure fun. Dodge obstacles, slide under branches, and jump at the right moment to keep your flow while chasing ever-higher scores.
Judy’s Adventure DX(RAWRLAB Games, 11th Jun, $5.99) – A peaceful picnic turns into a big adventure when Judy wakes up to find her house key gone! Run, jump, slip, and explore through colorful forests, golden cities, metallic sewers, and secret filled areas in this charming retro platforming adventure.
Little Kitty Meow(CGI LAB GAMES, 12th Jun, $9.99) – Explore a quiet and cosy office from the perspective of a curious little cat in Little Kitty Meow, a relaxing adventure focused on atmosphere, exploration, and peaceful wandering. Walk through office rooms, meeting areas, corridors, and workspaces while discovering hidden corners, cosy spots, and small environmental details that bring the workplace to life.
Love Chemistry – Sibella’s Formula(eastasiasoft, 11th Jun, $4.79) – Take the role of an unhinged lady chemist in raucous side-scrolling platformer Love Chemistry – Sibella’s Formula! Shoot syringes of your special mind-control formula at weird enemies, from robots and carnivorous plants to roving bookworms, and make your way through tricky corridors in old-school pixel art style!
Lovely Deco House(GaniTani, 11th Jun, $8.99) – Design the space of your dreams in a world filled with cozy emotions. In <Lovely Deco House>, gather materials from nature, such as plants and rocks, to create unique furniture and props, offering creative joy. Just like dyeing old cloth with cherry blossoms to make pretty pink fabric, your ideas will soon become wonderful interiors. Decorate the homes of your cute doll friends with carefully crafted furniture. From charming rabbit cafes to emotionally rich chick camping sites, new stories bloom wherever your touch reaches.
Mori Carta(Secret Item Games, 11th Jun, $12.49) – Mori Carta is a handless deckbuilding roguelike. Choose left or right on every card to adventure through stories. Simple decisions lead to rich and rewarding gameplay. Four dramatically different characters with their own unique card sets, more than 1000 playable cards, over 185 unique enemies.
Pitstop in Purgatory(Ratalaika Games, 12th Jun, $4.99) – Astrid wakes up in Purgatory and she doesn’t remember anything. Point and click your way through adventure-based gameplay mixed with visual novel storytelling. Solve the mystery of our heroine’s unexplained and unusual death. Experience a heartfelt story where your choices matter, with five different interactive routes. Feel your way through a charming, funny, dramatic and moving narrative full of compelling characters, brought to life by partial voice acting.
Planetfall Conquerors(Eathrabaria, 4th Jun, $4.99) – Build your ultimate spaceship and dive into a thrilling arcade-style space adventure. Customize every part of your ship—from body and wings to engine and weapons—then launch into fast-paced battles across the galaxy. Speed through dense asteroid fields, unleash powerful rockets, and take down enemy ships while skillfully avoiding deadly mines and hazards. Explore two distinct planets, each offering unique environments and challenges, from vast open space to dangerous planetary surfaces.
Re:Re:Ghosted(Playstige Interactive, 12th Jun, $3.99) – Endless job search. Hunt for the best resume. Die in someone else’s dream. Frame HR for murders. And fail in the backrooms. Re:re:ghosted is a first-person psychological horror game.
Reel it! World Fishing(SAT-BOX, 11th Jun, $12.80) – Let’s go fishing on the Nintendo Switch™! Travel to different world locations like North America, Europe, Africa, and the Amazon! Each spot is home to lots of unique fish to discover! Play solo, or compete with up to 4 players using one Joy-Con™ each! Become the world’s greatest angler! Catch as many fish as you can within the time limit! Look out for big fish to boost your score! Sit back, relax, and enjoy endless fishing! Watch the scenery shift from day to night!
Sayonara Wild Hearts + Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Bundle(Annapurna Interactive, 4th Jun, $34.18) – Sayonara Wild Hearts is a dreamy arcade game about riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph. A woman, summoned by an eccentric man to participate in a project in an old hotel somewhere in central Europe, becomes embroiled in a game of illusions, increasingly dangerous and surreal in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.
Scarlet Wolf(Sometimes You, 3rd Jun, $9.99) – If you’re ready to run and play a deadly game of hide-and-seek, then come on in and make yourself at home. Behind the door, endless oppressive corridors, filthy walls, deadly traps, and a ravenous creature eagerly waiting to get up close and personal with you await. There are doors that should remain locked. There are places that no one should ever visit. Secrets hidden in the shadows should not come to light. But if you do wander into one of these places, know this: your enemy is strong and dangerous.
Tale of Dark Lands(Sometimes You, 2nd Jun, $9.99) – Tale of Dark Lands – a magical fantasy action RPG with an elegant low-poly style and the charm of a timeless fairy tale. Immerse yourself in a world of mysteries, perils, and glorious adventures! A story full of secrets and challenges. The main hero is a brave mercenary hired by the residents of a small village to defend them against fierce goblin raids. But what begins as a simple job turns into something far greater.
Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor(Dovetail Games, 9th Jun, $39.99) – Join Thomas and his friends on a special journey across Sodor! Hop into the cabs of North Western Railway’s classic steam team to enjoy nostalgic stories and all-new narratives right from the drivers’ seats.
Unrailed 2: Back on Track(Indoor Astronaut, 11th Jun, $14.99) – Unrailed 2: Back on Track brings chaotic local and online multiplayer track-building action to the next level – band together with friends to collaborate and build your track across new procedurally generated worlds – WHILST the train is running! So think fast, with more freedom than ever before, and conquer new obstacles in your way – before your trains becomes… a trainwreck!
Urban Jungle(Assemble Entertainment, 11th Jun, $11.99) – Urban Jungle is a charming and relaxing simulation game that invites you to transform ordinary apartments into a lush, green haven by placing delightful plants with savvy. But no worries, you won’t have to deal with watering or pest control – the plants just need a good spot, and that’s enough to create to comfiest and coziest home of them all. Oh, and don’t forget to pet your cat!
What will you be downloading this week? (1 vote)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition0%
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions0%
and Roger0%
Arcade Archives 2 CAMELTRY0%
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition0%
Console Archives Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido0%
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked0%
Denshattack!0%
Junkster0%
SnowRunner0%
to a T0%
Unrailed 2: Back on Track – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition0%
Angry Capybara0%
Arashi Gaiden0%
Arcade Archives CAMELTRY0%
Arcade Pack0%
Asphalt Dominion0%
Beholder: Conductor0%
Beholgar 20%
Blueberry0%
Car Guys0%
Death Attraction0%
Dragon Loop0%
EGGCONSOLE Mirai MSX20%
Flippy Jump0%
Frogborne0%
Hamstory0%
Hellbrella0%
Honey Sprint0%
Judy’s Adventure DX0%
Little Kitty Meow0%
Love Chemistry – Sibella’s Formula0%
Lovely Deco House0%
Mori Carta0%
Pitstop in Purgatory0%
Planetfall Conquerors0%
Re:Re:Ghosted0%
Reel it! World Fishing0%
Sayonara Wild Hearts + Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Bundle0%
Scarlet Wolf0%
Super Farming Boy0%
Tale of Dark Lands0%
Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor0%
Unrailed 2: Back on Track0%
Urban Jungle0%
Nothing for me this week100%
So that’s your lot for this week’s North American Nintendo Download. Drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!
If you’ve tried the free demo for Denshattack! on Switch 2, then chances are you’re probably itching to play the full game, huh?
Well, you’ll have to wait a bit longer, we’re afraid. Originally scheduled to launch on 17th June 2026, it’s now been pushed back to 15th July. This is to allow developer Undercoders “a little more time to cook” to ensure everything’s running smoothly.
The announcement was made via social media on 4th June (yes, we’re quite late with this one, sorry – it’s been a busy week!):
We reckon the wait is going to be well worth it though. The demo is absolutely fantastic and it really leans into those early ’00s Sega / Dreamcast vibes.
We spoke with the development team back in April, during which Studio Director David Jaumandreu confirmed that the idea for Denshattack! came from playing with a Japanese train toy model. If you’re keen to find out more, then do give it a read when you’re able.
Are you keen to pick up Denshattack? Have you tried out the demo? Let us know with a comment.
As good as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is, a lot of folks are in agreement that it suffered from poor pacing and an overstuffed world full of needless minigames.
Well, if you hoped that the upcoming sequel, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, would be a bit more streamlined, then you’d best just set your expectations accordingly. In a new interview with VGC, director Naoki Hamaguchi confirms that Revelations will actually have more minigames than its predecessor.
This comes from a desire to stick to the original vision and not bend over backwards to address fan feedback. If the team tried to fix absolutely everything that fans weren’t completely satisfied with, then you’d wind up with a game that “doesn’t really have any character”.
Here’s what he had to say:
“What I can say for Revelation is that it will feature as many mini-games as it did in Rebirth, if not more. I did not want to make a cut on that aspect. I didn’t want to reduce the number of mini-games. We’ll see how it turns out in terms of the fan feedback, but I will take that responsibility, depending on what happens. That was my decision.”
Despite this, Hamaguchi-san does confirm that some minigames can be skipped altogether; so even though there are more, it sounds like you’ll have more agency as to which ones you actually engage with.
The interview also naturally turns to how Revelation might conclude, and although Hamaguchi-san refrains from providing any specific details (thank goodness), it sounds like the team is satisfied with the overall conclusion, saying “I think we’re pretty confident and happy with how it’s turned out”.
What do you make of this? More minigames, but you can skip some of them. Sounds like a nice balance, right? Let us know your thoughts with a comment.
When they’re done well, games with a message can be so effective, balancing the scale between teaching and transfixing you. to a T is a narrative game wrapped in a cute art style courtesy of designer Keita Takahashi (Katamari). It touches on an important theme, but that touch is light.
Your happy-go-lucky character’s body is in a permanent ‘T’ pose, which makes you different to those around you – the game is largely about navigating a world made for people with mobile arms. That means you have a special toothbrush and spoon, plus a pooch who helps with your everyday tasks (later you get to play as them, adorable waddling animation included).
Chapters are divided by musical numbers like those in kids’ cartoons where you can sing along with karaoke-style animation for lyrics that are hilariously silly: ‘Y I B T shape, not U or F or O?’ The humour gets more tickling with your ability to spin rapidly and propel yourself into the air. It enables you to reach the highest heights – and your bullies’ hearts. Only you can do this, because only you are shaped like a T.
Our hero’s experience is clearly intended as a metaphor for disability, touching on everyday difficulties many take for granted. It’s great as a kid-friendly execution – quirky and creative yet empathy-drawing. However, the message gets muddled in the second half, where the story spirals wildly from weird to downright absurd.
And this is a world where unicycles talk and cereals contain wasabi. The ‘twist’ is odd, narratively speaking, but it also does a disservice to what could be a tidy theme about acceptance. Rather than making the protagonist relatable, it alienates them further.
The gameplay is mostly simulation, as you go through your character’s day-to-day life. Minigames trickle throughout, including rhythm games, maths problems and mazes. Some feel quite tricky – the maths numbers come at you full throttle, all over the screen. Any little ones playing may need help here.
It’s possible the minigames are intended to replicate the experience of a person with a disability. But, strangely, the game’s accessibility options are lacking. There’s one lone accessibility setting: instead of rotating your right joystick to spin and fly, you can press ‘R’.
On Switch 2, to a T is a bit jittery when you fly, or walk through small spaces. Camera movement is tied to your character; it changes angle as you move, so that ‘right’ turns into ‘up’ or ‘up’ becomes ‘down’.
to a T doesn’t do anything terribly, but it doesn’t exactly triumph either. Takahashi’s touch is evident in the cute 3D Peanuts-esque design. He and development studio uvula have taken on a tremendous challenge, though what they’ve produced could’ve had much more emotional resonance.
Most troublingly, it isn’t easily playable for the very audience it supposedly spotlights – and its story (while fun and quirky) may muddy its teachings. Still, littler players might enjoy its style and silliness, even if it doesn’t express its take-home message…to a T.
If you watched this week’s Nintendo Direct right from the very start, you will have seen a whopping two-minute-fifty-five-second trailer for next month’s first-party offering, Rhythm Heaven Groove. We’re rapidly closing in on that 2nd July release date, and today, the first previews have appeared online.
A bunch of outlets (including us) have had hands-on time with the long-awaited return of the rhythm series, so we can start to gauge what it has in store for us.
Here at Nintendo Life, we admitted that Groove is little more than more Rhythm Heaven, but that’s no bad thing. Here’s a snippet of our early thoughts, followed by the full preview:
There’s something oddly intoxicating about the sound design and visuals, coupled with the primal feel-good sensations that come from successfully adhering to a rhythm.
But what do other outlets have to say, eh? Below, we’ve rounded up a handful of them, so you can get an idea of the early consensus at a glance.
Over at Game Informer, the preview was optimistic about pretty much everything Groove has to offer:
I’m excited to see how the single-player offerings play out as you get deeper into them, and I look forward to busting this game out at future friend gatherings.
Pocket Tactics shared much of the same love, even to the new RPG ‘Beatspell’ mode — which, it admits, feels a little out of place despite its quality.
It wasn’t the most cohesive and did feel like I was playing a mostly separate game, but I like the ambition of it, and think that longtime fans of the series need crumbs of something else to chew on.
TechRadar‘s preview said that Groove is “on track to become my favourite Nintendo Switch release of 2026”. High praise indeed!
I can already see myself nipping back into its incredibly moreish beat-based minigames whenever I have a spare few minutes once it’s out.
The multiplayer mode got a particular shoutout in Metro‘s early thoughts:
Rhythm Paradise Groove is perhaps too low-key to ever be considered a Nintendo heavyweight, but for those clamouring for a light-hearted, cheap, absurdist cleanser to roll out at parties, this is shaping up to be a boon for the Switch’s multiplayer arsenal.
And finally, PC Mag praised the Beatspell mode’s uniqueness, hoping it’s enough to mix up the gameplay in the long run:
Since this was all rhythm-based, making those input choices in the moment while staying on beat felt like freestyling, a nice bit of creativity in a game otherwise about precisely following instructions.
So, just a small taste of the early impressions, but they seem rather positive! We’ll see what the full release holds when Rhythm Heaven Groove launches on Switch next month.
The wacky life sim added another 50,000+ copies to its pile this week, stopping the new Switch 2 releases of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and eFootball Kick-Off! from getting the top spot. 007 First Light on PS5 has slipped from its silver-medal debut last week and now winds up in seventh, while Japan’s A-Train9 Evolution also makes the ranking in its debut week.
Here’s a look at the top ten in full:
Position
Game
Platform
Unit Sales(1st – 7th Jun)
Total Unit Sales
1
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Switch
50,151
1,309,182
2
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Switch 2
30,657
NEW
3
eFootball Kick-Off!
Switch 2
20,047
NEW
4
Pokémon Pokopia
Switch 2
10,794
1,049,201
5
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Switch 2
8,191
60,553
6
Mario Kart World
Switch 2
7,381
2,965,454
7
007 First Light
PS5
4,388
25,078
8
Minecraft
Switch
4,381
4,218,943
9
A-Train9 Evolution
Switch 2
3,550
NEW
10
Astro Bot
PS5
3,460
103,717
It’s another week of small numbers on the hardware side of things, as Japan’s price hike has produced another drop in Switch 2 sales.
Nintendo’s latest remains on top, of course, with an additional ~23,000 sales to its name, but it’s down from last week’s 31,751, and don’t even get us started on the week before, where it hit a pre-price increase peak of 247,880.
We’ve seen similar drops for Switch 1 sales this week (apart from the Lite, which actually had a decent increase), and it’s reflected in the SKU totals. The Standard, Lite and OLED models come in at 7,821, while the three PS5 systems racked up 8,646.
Earlier this year, Chained Echoes developer Matthias Linda announced that he was filing a lawsuit against distributor First Press Games after a two-year wait for his promised physical release. Well, good news! The dev has partnered with a new company, and the physical launch is back on track.
Super Rare Games has today announced that it is taking on the distribution mantle, with Standard and Deluxe Edition pre-orders arriving next week on 18th June at 6pm BST / 10am PT / 1am ET, before a planned ship in September. The company expects this to be a popular one, and is only promising it as a “limited pre-order release” for the time being.
Both editions include the base game and its accompanying ‘Ashes of Elrant’ DLC, while the Deluxe Edition also throws in a hardback A5 artbook, a poster, a gold coin, and an exclusive clamshell box to keep it all in.
This has been a long time coming for all those who backed the game on Kickstarter and have been expecting a physical copy in the years since. Linda has confirmed that “eligible Kickstarter backers who pledged for a physical copy will receive the game at no additional cost,” so keep an eye on those inboxes if this applies to you.
Image: Deck13 Spotlight / Super Rare Games
We’re excited to see this physical promise finally come into fruition, because this is a wonderful little game. “Chained Echoes is a wonderful mash-up of ’90s JRPG tropes,” we said in our 9/10 review, “masterfully woven together to produce an experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.”
Let’s just hope that the release goes smoothly, this time.
Will you be picking up one of these physicals? Chain your thoughts in the comments below.
