Dogubomb and Raw Fury’s masterful puzzler Blue Prince was one of our favourite games of 2025 when it arrived on PC and PS5. This year’s stellar Switch 2 port means it might just make the list all over again in 2026, and iam8bit is launching a new collection to celebrate.
The star of the show is the Switch 2 physical, naturally, which comes complete on-cartridge (nice) and bundled with a two-sided fold-out poster, a notebook booklet, and a download code for the soundtrack. There’s even an Exclusive Edition, which wraps all that up in an exclusive sleeve.
Both of the above physicals are now available to pre-order on the iam8bit site for $49.99, and are expected to ship this October. The pre-orders will remain open until 20th July, so you have a little over a month to nab one, if you want something for the shelf.
But wait, there’s more. The collection is also stocked with replica keys from the game, notebooks, pin badges and a lunchbox (which those who have made it to the in-game gift shop will no doubt be familiar with). There’s also physical hardbacks of Swim Bird, The Red Prince and A New Clue — three of the books you can rent from the in-game library.
Now, as those who have made it past Room 46 and started to dig into Blue Prince’s deeper puzzles will know, these books contain some rather interesting info that would certainly be useful to have on hand during a playthrough. Even if you’re not using it for in-game puzzling, they’d look pretty on the shelf.
Image: Raw Fury / iam8bit
There are even bundles which include all of iam8bit’s merch for $174.99 with the game, or $129.99 without the game. Now that’s some dedication!
We had a wonderful time with Blue Prince on Switch 2 earlier this year, calling it “a superb achievement and one of the finest head scratchers I’ve had the pleasure of playing” in our review. A physical release feels like a fitting excuse to go back and solve some of its hardest puzzles, no?
What do you make of this physical collection? Let us know in the comments.
After adding more “Free Roam” songs from the Mario Kart World soundtrack to Nintendo Music earlier this week, Nintendo has now released a second update.
This time it has added 69 tracks from the Switch 2 exclusive Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. All up, it offers 3 hours and 35 minutes of music. This game launched for the new system last November and we praised it, calling it a “stunning slice of Musuo”.
Here’s every song included in this latest Nintendo Music update. To listen to this music on the app or via the official webpage in a browser, you’ll need to have an active Switch Online subscription.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (19th June 2026)
Opening
Land of Antiquity
THe Kingdom of Hyrule – Age of Legends
The Royal Memoirs – Memories of Peace
Sacred Mysteries
The Unknown Abyss
Fierce Clash: Frox
Fierce Clash Talus
Fierce Clash: Flux Construct
Encountering the Unknown
Repose
Training Grounds
Joyful Days
Stay Alert!
Wicked Designs
Looming Crisis
The Kingdom of Hyrule – Rise of the Demon King
Deluge of Loss
Fierce Clash: Hinox
Reflecting on Battle
Razor’s Edge
On the Offensive
Imminent Danger
The Royal Memoirs – Memories of Strife
The Soaring Construct
The Traveling Korok
The Blood Moon Rises
Fierce Clash: Gleeok
Battle for the Snowfield
Grimgera, Archfiend of Tempests
Battle for the Wetlands
Grimtorok, Archfiend of Grime
Struggle for the Crater
Batlte for the Volcano
Grimgohma, Archfiend of Lava
Hearts Connected
Battle for the Forest
Fierce Clash: Molduga
Battle for the Desert
Grimgibdo, Archfiend of Sand
Fierce Clash: Gloom Spawn
Solitary Heart
Those Bold of Heart
The Kingdom of Hyrule – Turning the Tides
The Kingdom of Hyrule – Chronicles of War
The Light of Hope
Into the Depths
Fierce Clash: Phantom Ganon
Dark Clouds
Bitter Sorrow
Overpowered
Outmatched
Deadlocked
To the Rescue
Disaster’s Approach
Undaunted Will
On the March
All of Nothing
The Stormwind Ark
Toward Destiny
The Final Confrontation
The Final Confrontation – For the Future
A King’s Duty
Pawn of Darkness
A Clash of Constructs
A Clash of Constructs – To the Skies
A Clash of Constructs – Finale
Journey’s End
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Main Theme
As we highlighted earlier this week, the latest “Free Roam” tracks from Mario Kart World to be added to Nintendo Music include songs from the Super Mario Bros. 1, 2 and 3 playlists. There are also other Switch 2 albums available on the service for titles such as Kirby Air Riders.
The latest Mario Kart World tracks were released alongside new firmware update for the Switch 1 & 2. Earlier today, Pokémon Pokopia for the Switch 2 was also updated.
What do you think of the latest album to be added to Nintendo Music? What else would you like to be able to listen to on this service? Let us know in the comments.
Ahead of the release of Digimon Story Time Stranger on the Switch 1 & 2 next month, Bandai Namco has announced a free update is coming to “all platforms”.
It will be arriving on 10th July 2026 alongside the release of the Nintendo versions and will include four major updates.
This includes adding “Terriermon Assistant” as a playable character, a photo mode for field exploration, a screen to check Digivolution Conditions in the Digifarm, and a graphics mode selection option.
Image: Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco has previously has already confirmed the “quality” and “performance” mode settings for the Switch and Switch 2 versions of the title. On Switch 2, you’ll be able to experience up to 60 fps in performance and 4K resolution docked in quality, including HDR support.
If you want to try out this game before the big release, Bandai Namco recently released a Nintendo eShop demo. This same title is also getting a major DLC update in 2027.
Will you be getting Digimon Story Time Stranger for the Switch or Switch 2 when it launches next month? Let us know in the comments.
Following yesterday’s event announcement, Pokémon Pokopia for the Switch 2 has been updated to Version 1.1.1.
This latest version resolves some issues with the title to improve the overall experience. This includes a small problem with Ditto’s facial expression during photos, and there’s also a fix for “placed items” in areas exceeding a certain limit.
Here are the full patch notes, via Nintendo’s official support page:
Pokémon Pokopia: Version 1.1.1 (Released June 18, 2026)
The following issues have been fixed:
Problems may occur when the number of placed items in an area exceeds a certain limit.
When using an emote while taking photos with the camera, Ditto’s facial expression may not change.
Once again, this follows the announcement of the “Wish Upon A Jirachi” in-game event yesterday. During this event, you can befriend this Pokémon and redeem special themed items.
Image: The Pokémon Company
This also follows on from an update earlier this month in June, which lined up with the announcement of the new Expansion Pass for Pokémon Pokopia.
The Expansion Pass can be purchased from the Nintendo eShop and begins with part one “Bubbly Basin” in August 2026. Part two (including new features) will follow in late 2026, and part three (adding an additional town) is scheduled for 2027.
Have you downloaded this update for Pokémon Pokopia yet? Notice anything else? Let us know in the comments.
QUByte’s Retro Games Showcase this week has revealed the 2025 version of Glover will be getting a free update.
Switch owners of the game will be able to access the original PlayStation version of the 3D platforming adventure in the future. This title originally made its debut on the N64 in 1998 and was released on the PlayStation in 1999.
The latest announcement for Glover follows updates for the title last year. If you haven’t experienced this 3D platformer, here’s a quick summary from Nintendo’s website:
“The classic 3D platforming adventure is back—better than ever! Roll, jump, and shape your journey in this hands-down ball-tastic adventure!The cult classic from the ’90s returns! Glover is a charming 3D platformer where you control a magical glove on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom.Roll, jump, and manipulate your magic ball to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and defeat the evil glove threatening the world”
The same presentation also revealed the Street Racer Collection would be getting a free update in the future adding the PlayStation version of this title.
Will you be revisiting Glover on the Switch to try out the PlayStation version? Let us know in the comments.
If you’ve been eager to see SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance make a next-gen leap to Nintendo’s new hybrid platform, Sega’s got some excellent news today.
It’s announced Joe Musashi will be slashing his way onto the Switch 2 later this year on 24th September 2026. This version of the game will come with “updated resolution”.
Sega has also announced pre-orders for the Deluxe Edition are now available. This version comes with the Sega Villains Stage DLC, a ghost outfit, medic lite amulet, digital art book and soundtrack, 2000 gold, original arcade outfit, fortune hunter amulet and more.
Sega previously released a resolution update for the Switch version of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance in September last year. Since then, it’s also released its ‘Sega Villains Stage’ DLC for the title including new bosses and stages.
When this title originally launched on the Switch in August 2025, we gave it 8 out of 10 stars, calling it a beautifully crafted return for Joe Musashi.
Will you be checking out the Switch 2 version when it arrives? How about the Deluxe Edition? Let us know in the comments.
The latest sales data from Japan is in thanks to Famitsu, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream has finally been knocked from its perch by none other than Powerful Pro Baseball 2026-2026.
The latest Konami entry is a big hit over in Japan, shifting a total of 100,976 units in its debut week. Tomodachi Life, meanwhile, added another 37,888 to its running total, which is still pretty great. Overall sales for the game are inching toward 1.5 million, having already surpassed Pokémon Pokopia.
Here’s a look at the top ten in full:
Position
Game
Platform
Unit Sales(8th-14th June)
Total Unit Sales
1
Powerful Pro Baseball 2026-2027
Switch
100,976
NEW
2
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream
Switch
37,888
1,347,070
3
eFootball Kick-Off!
Switch 2
8,143
28,190
4
Pokémon Pokopia
Switch 2
7,781
1,056,982
5
Astro Bot
PS5
6,533
111,250
6
Mario Kart World
Switch 2
5,042
2,970,496
7
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Switch 2
4,249
64,802
8
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Switch 2
4,169
34,826
9
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
Switch 2
3,544
NEW
10
Minecraft
Switch
3,379
4,222,322
Hardware is a familiar picture this week. Switch 2 is still leading the pack, though overall sales figures are understandably down at the moment. The relatively affordable PS5 Digital Edition is performing quite well, as is the lower entry Switch Lite.
Shoutout to the Xbox Series S for shifting 117 units too. The Master Chief will like that.
System Era Softworks’ Astroneer launched nearly 10 years ago, and its charming galactic sandbox remains a gem of the survival genre. With its accessible, cartoony spin on freeform adventure, Astroneer invited you to explore colourful worlds, uncover secrets, and hoover up resources while reshaping the environment around you. Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions on Switch 2, however, takes the series in a mechanically different direction, pivoting away from open-ended survival toward extraction-style cooperative play.
Right off the bat, it’s worth managing expectations of the game’s current state. Starseeker is in early access and, during my time with it, I experienced some bugs and progress-blocking hiccups that required me to restart and lose some progress. Patches were regular and the community will only grow due to the built-in fanbase, so stability should come sooner rather than later.
Additionally, this is very much a live-service game designed to be played with others. Expeditions can be undertaken solo, but it’s clear the experience is built around multiple players. This is very much a spin-off rather than a fully fledged sequel.
That said, the opening tutorial is deceptively close to the rhythm and vibe of Astroneer. You explore a brightly coloured planetoid, brandishing a multi-tool and deforming the environment around you. Finding resource nodes and hoovering up the materials, you’ll then deposit them and craft further tools and tech. So far, so Astroneer.
The game shifts gears when you enter the titular station, which is populated by NPCs offering quests and real players waiting to deploy to a planet for the next expedition. From the ESS Starseeker, you craft and upgrade gear, chat with other explorers, and put together a crew. When ready, you head for the dropships and descend to a planet, completing research tasks and collecting resources to take back to base and craft more gear.
There’s an O2 meter that acts as a timer for the excursions, so when the 30-minute deadline is up, you’ll have to down tools and head back to base. This timeboxed format will ultimately separate those who enjoyed the chilled-out persistent experience of the previous game.
Overall, the expeditions offer a fine gameplay loop. The compulsion to complete missions and hunt down resources to expand your repertoire of gear will keep players heading back to the dropships. There’s a decent variety to the field ops that make up the more proactive aspects of expeditions, but most of the fun comes from exploring these meticulously crafted biomes.
The randomly generated planets of Astroneer have been replaced by bespoke environments with purposeful design quirks that feel tailor-made for social experiences. Huge mountain ranges, brightly coloured forests, and scattered remnants of lore give these planets a nice sense of variety, and it’s satisfying to utterly destroy them with your terrain-deforming abilities.
Another way Starseeker differs from Astroneer is the element of danger scattered across the maps. Alongside environmental hazards is a menagerie of alien creatures to battle and run from. Using your tools and terrain deformation against enemies of all sizes, these encounters are what will ultimately decide whether playing alone is a viable option.
The server population was sparse during my time with it, so most of my expeditions were undertaken solo. One of my lonesome visits to harvest resin disturbed a huge beast that killed me in a couple of claw swipes before I could figure out how to fight it. This is where friends can come to the rescue.
The game looks and plays smoothly on Switch 2. The cartoonish aesthetic and vivid colours pop in both docked and undocked modes, and the server connection was stable throughout. The main hub chugs a bit when populated with players, at one point tanking to low frames with barely anyone online.
The hub is also the place to buy cosmetic items, which can be purchased with in-game currency gained from completing missions. Unfortunately, there are microtransactions, a feature the developer had previously stated would not be present. There’s plenty of cool stuff to buy just by playing the game, though.
So, worth investigating in Early Access, then?
Starseeker takes the look and feel of Astroneer and retools it for a co-op experience, swapping out a persistent sandbox for bite-sized adventures with added hostile fauna to liven things up. Whether that will have as enduring an impact as its predecessor remains to be seen.
System Era Softworks has promised a live service that accommodates casual players, reducing the FOMO of most online experiences. That notion is just enticing enough for me to assemble a regular expedition crew.
Image: Nintendo Life
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is available in Early Access on the Switch 2 eShop now for $29.99 / £26.99. Have you played it yet? Let us know below.
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 eShop – Highlights
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales(SQUARE ENIX, 18th Jun, $59.99) – – Embark on a perilous journey across four ages to lift a curse and save the kingdom in this new single-player action-RPG from the team behind the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series. Take control of Elliot the adventurer and his fairy companion, Faie, to experience a gripping tale full of action, exploration and heart. Enjoy intuitive action-based battle with seven weapon types to wield, customizable Magicite upgrades to experiment with and Faie’s powerful Fairy Actions. – Read our The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales review
Switch 2 eShop – Highlights
Observer: System Redux(Bloober Team, 18th Jun) – – Prepare to experience a dystopian future where not even your innermost thoughts are safe in this sci-fi tale crafted by Bloober Team. You are an Observer – a tool of corporate oppression. Feared and despised, you hack into the darkest corners of your suspects’ minds. You creep into their dreams, expose their fears and extract whatever your investigation may require. – Read our Observer: System Redux review
Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition(Capcom, 23rd Jun, $39.99) – The latest entry in the over-the-top action series slashes its way onto Nintendo Switch 2, armed with an array of downloadable content! Dive head-first into the game’s signature blend of high-octane action and otherworldly original characters – including Dante’s longtime rival Vergil as a playable character! Enjoy the combination of blistering speed and lush visuals in 60 fps in both TV and handheld modes.
Switch 2 eShop – New Releases
Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP(HAMSTER, 11th Jun, $9.99) – “RACK’EM UP” is a sports game released by KONAMI in 1987. In this game, you can play pool (pocket billiards) with Nine-Ball or Rotation rules. A key feature of this game is the ability to check the positions of the cue ball and object balls on the 3D screen. The game appeals to a wide range of age groups.
Console Archives L’Empereur(HAMSTER, 11th Jun, $7.99) – “L’Empereur” was released by KOEI in 1991 for an 8-bit home console. This simulation game puts you in the shoes of the legendary Napoléon, aiming to save France from crisis, become emperor, and unify Europe, carrying the hopes of the people. Overcome the challenges of realistic HEX-based warfare, requiring consideration of varying topography and bridge construction, and develop sharp diplomatic strategies by your genius military tactics and political power.
Rugby League 26(Big Ant Studios, 12th Jun, $69.99) – Whether you’re chasing club glory, building a custom Team, or rising through the ranks with a self-made superstar, Rugby League 26 puts YOU at the heart of the action.
The Drifter – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition(Powerhoof, 22nd Jun, $19.99) – A murdered drifter awakens- alive again, seconds before his death. Hunted and haunted, help him untangle a mad web of conspiracy in this fast-paced point ‘n click thrill-ride.
The Last Salvage Squad(Waku Waku Games, 18th Jun, $9.99) – Battle enemy forces reminiscent of alien weapons from retro sci-fi works in this single-player 2.5D FPS. One day, a gargantuan alien spaceship invades and unleashes countless combat weapons upon Earth, demolishing human civilization in the blink of an eye. Although humans succeeded in developing special weapons that could deal an effective blow to the aliens, it was too late to revive their civilization. To this day, however, the Earth has yet to fall silent despite its abandoned cities, for swarm weapons known as “CogrinaUnits,” 12-meter-tall autonomous humanoid units, collect and operate the limited number of special weapons that remain, and continue to fight against the aliens, all for the sake of accomplishing the mission humanity entrusted them with….
The Necromancer’s Tale(Silver Lining, 24th Jun, $24.99) – A story-rich gothic RPG. Master the rituals of an ancient spellbook. Raise an undead army to march against your enemies. Commune with the realm of the dead & struggle with your descent into madness. Progress through secrecy, diplomacy, blackmail, coercion & seduction until ready to reveal yourself. The Necromancer’s Tale is a narrative-driven top-down RPG set in an alternative-history 18th-century kingdom near Venice. Play as a minor noble drawn into necromancy in pursuit of knowledge, power, and revenge. Great power awaits. . . along with the weird, the morbid, and a gradual descent into madness.
Wanderstop(Annapurna Interactive, 23rd Jun, $24.99) – Wanderstop is a narrative-centric cozy game about change and tea. Playing as a fallen fighter named Alta, you’ll manage a tea shop within a magical forest and tend to the customers who pass through. But Alta does not want to be here. And if she gets her way, the tea shop will be nothing but a brief and painful memory.
Switch 1 eShop – New Releases
#DRIVE Rally(PM Studios, 18th Jun, $19.99) – #DRIVE Rally is an arcade-inspired rally racing game set in the golden racing era of the 1990s. Grab your co-driver and burn rubber in iconic, race-winning cars across varied rally stages and terrains in some of the most recognizable rallying locations in the world—perfect for fans of retro racing games and newcomers alike.
Alien Cat 2 – Retro Collection(Ratalaika Games, 19th Jun, $4.99) – Our cat and his beloved goldfish were exploring distant planets and galaxies when he suddenly crashed on an unknown planet. Miraculously surviving, he discovered the planet was inhabited by horrific skeletal monsters. To escape the planet, he’ll have to repair his ship by scavenging bolts and fuel from the planet’s labyrinths. But be careful, the planet creates copies of the cat to complicate his escape. Avoid mines, sharp spikes, and enemies.
Arcade Archives RACK’EM UP(HAMSTER, 11th Jun, $7.99) – “RACK’EM UP” is a sports game released by KONAMI in 1987. In this game, you can play pool (pocket billiards) with Nine-Ball or Rotation rules. A key feature of this game is the ability to check the positions of the cue ball and object balls on the 3D screen. The game appeals to a wide range of age groups.
Clay&Cats(REDDEER.GAMES, 18th Jun, $1.99) – Give yourself over to the ultimate relaxation! Clay&Cats will make you feel good in a way you didn’t know you needed. Your task is simple – assemble adorable, cat-themed pottery to its full glory. Put back together pawesome vases, purrfect plates, and kittiful bowls. Don’t worry about the timers and sweating to pass the challenge – take all the time getting the pieces together and enjoy the satisfying way they click into the right places. Can’t get cozier than that!
Dark Scrolls(Devolver Digital, 22nd Jun, $9.99) – Set forth on your quest to [INSERT GOAL HERE] with one of the worthy yet quirky heroes in solo or cooperative play, local and online. Hack, slash, and dodge through hordes of enemies and deadly traps in procedurally generated runs of hand-crafted rooms and levels using each hero’s unique attacks and abilities to your advantage. Sharp reflexes and split-second decisions are crucial to survival as the intensity ratchets up, with each run delivering new surprises, branching paths, and unrelenting bosses to conquer.
Dead End Escape(TT, 18th Jun, $2.99) – What if a ticking time bomb was placed right in front of you? What if you were surrounded by a raging fire? What if you were caught in a bank robbery? This is a puzzle-solving escape game that pulls you out of desperate situations. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush and the thrill of becoming an action movie hero, all from the comfort of your room! Whether you save the people around you depends entirely on your actions. Will you break through the crisis and become a true hero, or. . . ?
Dialoop -Roguelite Puzzle-(Byking, 18th Jun, $5.59) – Put your brain to the test with this slide-puzzler blending roguelite strategy, the satisfying feel of a match-3, and the freedom of a deck-builder! In solo play, enjoy a focused experience and choose from a cast of unique characters! Items available change each run. Adapt and advance from one stage to the next! In online mode, compete with up to 8 players from around the world in lively multiplayer competition! Chain those combos, and hype it up with your rivals! After boss matches (yes there are those too! ), “gruesome” fatalities await. . . ! ?
DUNGEON RAZE(Phoenixx, 18th Jun, $6.29) – DUNGEON RAZE is an intense power-trip where you don’t crawl through the dungeon, you blast through it. Become a destruction magic-wielding witch and reduce every wall and defense system to dust. Demolish Everything in Sight – not even the walls of the dungeon can stop you. Tear through the map to hunt down gold, power-ups, and rescue allies. Your firepower vaporizes the dungeon as you go.
EGGCONSOLE ZODIAC PC-8801(D4 Enterprise, 18th Jun, $6.49) – Released in 1985 by Riverhill Soft, this title is a classic space adventure game. Boy sets out on a journey with his robotic partner, Amaroid Mary, to find his father, Dr. Dumas, who went missing five years ago. After a sudden reaction from the “Blue Crystal”—their only clue—the duo lands on an unexplored planet within the star cluster known as the “Dester Slum. ” Will Boy and Mary successfully locate Dr. Dumas? This command-input adventure will put your wits to the ultimate test.
Fairy Tale Fighters(HUNTERS, 18th Jun, $2.70) – Fairy Tale Fighters is a 2D fighting game. Momotaro, Kintaro, Sun Wukong, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Puss in Boots, Red Hood, Alice, Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, the Witch, the Wolf, and many more fairy tale characters all gather in one place! When your gauge fills up, you can unleash a powerful super special move! Enjoy exciting battles in a magical fantasy world!
FORENSIC – M.E. Protocol(JanduSoft, 11th Jun, $9.99) – Put on your gloves and enter the crime scene. In this investigation sim, you will have to solve 9 unique cases full of plot twists. From dark alleys to quiet suburban streets, every location hides secrets. Use advanced forensic tools and evidence reconstruction to piece together what really happened. There are no shootouts, no action clichés, only logic, observation, and investigation. Here, you don’t hunt criminals with guns… you catch them with science.
Immunuzzle(Afil Games, 19th Jun, $4.99) – Get ready for a microscopic battle full of strategy in Immunuzzle, an engaging pixel art puzzle where every move can change everything. Use pieces inspired by the immune system to contain a spreading infection, turning each decision into a true test of planning and intelligence. Choose your pieces carefully, place each one with precision, and watch the infection react immediately to every move. Here, no action comes without consequences. Every placement shapes the future of the board, blocks paths, and completely redefines the threat.
Inversion: The Single Path(CGI LAB GAMES, 18th Jun, $6.99) – Enter a surreal platforming adventure where the world constantly changes around you. This is more than a journey through obstacles – it’s a challenge where the environment itself becomes part of the puzzle. Using the power of a rotating, you’ll manipulate the world to find new paths, avoid dangers, and uncover hidden ways forward. Every level introduces fresh challenges that test your reflexes, timing, and ability to adapt to changing surroundings.
Jurnal Risa: Dark Destiny(SOFT SOURCE, 18th Jun, $19.99) – From the hidden pages of Jurnal Risa comes a visual novel where the boundary between the living and the unseen begins to blur. Step into Jurnal Risa’s world where each shadow holds a story, and every whisper leads you deeper into the unknown. Witness the resurrection of the foretold nemesis of the Jurnal Risa crew, which was never revealed before. Unveil its dark destiny within this horror-adventure game. This is the tale of Jurnal Risa, as recounted to me by Risa herself.
Just. Press. The Button.(Sonomio Games, 18th Jun, $2.99) – Welcome to Enterprise Corp. We are pleased to have you. Your job is simple. You must press the button when the system instructs you to do so. The system will evaluate your punctuality, consistency, and ability to follow instructions. Good performance will result in promotions within the corporate hierarchy. Poor performance will have immediate consequences. There is no need to understand the internal workings of the processes. All relevant information will be provided when appropriate. The system does not make mistakes. The system records every action. Thank you for your interest in becoming part of Enterprise Corp.
Laser Logic(Eathrabaria, 11th Jun, $4.99) – Show the skills of mindfulness and logic to direct all the laser beams in the right direction and complete all the levels! The goal of the puzzle is simple – you need to set the reflective blocks in such a way as to direct the laser in the desired direction. To do this, you have different types of mirror surfaces that reflect laser beams in different ways. The further you go, the harder the puzzles become. So it’s time to stretch your brain!
Maximum Sports Gold Collection(MAXIMUM ENT FRANCE, 11th Jun, $69.99) – 34 Sports Games – World Edition 34 Sports Games – World Edition is the ultimate game that brings together 34 different sports in one game! Challenge your family or friends and may the best player win! 100 in 1 Game Collection 100 in 1 Game Collection is a gigantic compilation of 100 arcade games that blend classic arcade games with fresh concepts. Score as much as you can, then improve and challenge yourself to get all stars in solo or with your friends!
Maximum Sports Silver Collection(MAXIMUM ENT FRANCE, 11th Jun, $49.99) – 40 Sports Games in 1 The largest collection of sports anywhere – With 40 different sports, there’s something for everyone! Play against family and friends in football, bowling, volleyball, golf, horse racing, and more! Showcase your skills and take on every challenge to become the ultimate champion!
Minesweeper Pro(Soroka Games, 13th Jun, $1.99) – Minesweeper Pro takes the legendary puzzle experience to the next level with advanced difficulty customization, competitive progression, and global leaderboards. Use logic, precision, and strategy to uncover safe tiles, avoid hidden mines, and clear the board faster than ever. Fine-tune your challenge with fully customizable board settings, from relaxed beginner layouts to intense expert-level minefields built exactly the way you like.
Mousebusters(Odencat, 24th Jun, $11.69) – Welcome to Mousebusters! You just moved into your new place, and are excited to settle in…when all of a sudden, you get turned into a mouse! Thankfully, you soon meet a fellow rodent who knows how to help. He asks you to call him “Chief,” and explains that there’s only one way to break the curse: by ridding the whole apartment building of the ghosts that haunt its inhabitants!
Oni Station(404 Games, 20th Jun, $4.99) – Wake up trapped inside a train with no memory of how you got there. Beyond the windows, endless darkness stretches across abandoned tracks while an unknown presence follows close behind. The fuel gauge keeps dropping, and every passing station may hold the supplies needed to survive — or something far worse. Oni Station is a tense atmospheric horror experience set aboard a lonely moving train where fear, mystery, and survival collide. Travel through eerie stations, uncover fragments of the forgotten past, and face the constant pressure of something lurking just out of sight. The deeper you go, the more the truth begins to unravel.
P.I.S. File(STEAM STREET, 18th Jun, $2.39) – About the Story After humanity disappeared from Earth, the robots at the Earth Post Office continue to operate. The postwoman from the Heaven Post Office was shot down, scattering letters everywhere. Although she eventually retrieved the letters, she still needs to evade the scrutiny of the Earth Post Office… Solve puzzle to help the protagonist escape her predicament. There is no text in the game.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit(Pineapple Works, 18th Jun, $8.49) – Retro Arcade-style Rally Racing in re-purposed Parking Garages in big cities across the USA The “Parking Garage Rally Circuit” tour comes into a city, selects a parking garage, and temporarily turns it into an exciting rally course for a week-long competition. Each track in the game is styled as a unique parking garage that has been turned into a race course. This is a hybrid of Rally and circuit racing.
Planet Divers(NOSTRA GAMES, 18th Jun, $1.99) – Learn to react quickly to unconventional situations. Maneuver your way through sneaky enemies and use your attacks to destroy planetary defenses.
Pyramid Quest Junior(EntwicklerX, 12th Jun, $4.99) – Pyramid Quest Jr. is an exploration and treasure-hunting game inspired by classic platform games. The goal is to find the three parts of an artefact and open the gate to the next level while collecting diamonds and coins. It is primarily designed for children and offers an easier gameplay and a more enjoyable gaming experience with easier opponents and less branching levels. Traps, obstacles, and enemies from old days make the quest very dangerous and challenging. 3D graphics packed in a nice graphics style, great 2. 5D levels and proven gameplay gives you hours of fun.
Rat Protocol(eastasiasoft, 24th Jun, $4.99) – Weird science and block-pushing puzzle mechanics combine for a brainteasing adventure in Rat Protocol! When an experiment unexpectedly grants humanoid strength and intelligence to a lab rat, the scientists in charge decide to test the limits of their creation’s newfound abilities. Guide the lab rat through increasingly tricky chambers by pushing crates, blocking dangerous laser beams, activating switches and detonating explosives.
R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos(NIS America, 18th Jun, $49.99) – Outsmart and outgun your opponent in R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos, the ultimate turn-based sci-fi strategy collection! This two-game combination of the classic R-Type Tactics titles arrives on modern consoles for the first time, equipped with an armada of unique units to deploy across dozens of levels. Multiple campaigns allow you to take on the Bydo Empire or even play as them yourself. Their fates are up to you!
Soccer Kid Collection (QUByte Classics)(QUByte Interactive, 18th Jun, $8.49) – The World Cup has been stolen by aliens and it’s up to you to get it back! Soccer Kid is an innovative 2D platformer that challenges you to navigate the world using only your soccer skills. Instead of just running and jumping, you’ll need to dribble, header, and kick your way through enemies and obstacles across the globe. This QUByte Classics edition brings the ultimate nostalgic package to your Nintendo Switch.
Space Dragons(Pdpartid@games, 18th Jun, $12.99) – Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat coming from the Moon. Fight your way through by crushing, smashing, and blowing up hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful Earth weapons and military technology. Find the entity controlling the threat and make it explode in blood. Space Dragons is a classic horizontal shoot ’em up game where you can choose different ships with unique characteristics and abilities to destroy tons of invading aliens.
Super Scram Kitty(kumogami, 18th Jun, $9.99) – The sprawling Nezu-Me space station has been overrun with devious, mutated mice! Roll around the rails in a unique blend of platform game and 2D shooter. Blast enemies, dodge threats, destroy the Nezu-Me core and get all the stranded cats back home! Super Scram Kitty is a complete re-imagining of ‘Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails’, with all new controls, remixed stages, updated enemy behaviours, and new visual effects.
The Drifter(Powerhoof, 22nd Jun, $19.99) – A murdered drifter awakens- alive again, seconds before his death. Hunted and haunted, help him untangle a mad web of conspiracy in this fast-paced point ‘n click thrill-ride.
The Last Salvage Squad(Waku Waku Games, 18th Jun, $9.99) – Battle enemy forces reminiscent of alien weapons from retro sci-fi works in this single-player 2.5D FPS. One day, a gargantuan alien spaceship invades and unleashes countless combat weapons upon Earth, demolishing human civilization in the blink of an eye. Although humans succeeded in developing special weapons that could deal an effective blow to the aliens, it was too late to revive their civilization. To this day, however, the Earth has yet to fall silent despite its abandoned cities, for swarm weapons known as “CogrinaUnits,” 12-meter-tall autonomous humanoid units, collect and operate the limited number of special weapons that remain, and continue to fight against the aliens, all for the sake of accomplishing the mission humanity entrusted them with….
The Towers(Entity3, 13th Jun, $1.99) – Step onto vibrant islands where towering structures rise into the sky, each one a challenge waiting to be conquered. Climb winding paths that spiral around massive towers, testing your skill, timing, and courage with every step upward. The journey is anything but simple. Treacherous hazards stand in your way, from blazing fire jets to razor-sharp spikes and crumbling floors that collapse beneath your feet. Every climb demands precision and quick thinking as the environment itself works against you.
To Bee Jazz(Afil Games, 18th Jun, $3.49) – Get ready for an explosion of jazz, cuteness, and organized chaos in To Bee Jazz, an irresistibly addictive puzzle where every drop can create the next big star of the band. Merge tiny musician bees, discover new evolutions, and transform a crowded stage into a spectacular show full of rhythm and personality. Inspired by the most satisfying merge puzzles, the game blends light physics, strategic planning, and the perfect feeling of watching chain reactions unfold. Every bee bounces, slides, and finds its place while you try to stop the stage from becoming completely overcrowded.
Ultimate Wobble Run(LUCKY RACCOON GAMES, 18th Jun, $5.99) – Get ready for wobbly races, messy jumps, dramatic finishes, and epic recoveries! Ultimate Wobble Run is a chaotic physics-based party racing game where little runners sprint, jump, fall, stumble, recover, and compete all the way to the finish line. Race against the clock in single-player challenges. Learn each level, master the movement, discover better routes, and turn every messy attempt into a faster run. Gather your friends and family for local multiplayer races with up to 4 players on the same console.
Wanderstop(Annapurna Interactive, 23rd Jun, $24.99) – Wanderstop is a narrative-centric cozy game about change and tea. Playing as a fallen fighter named Alta, you’ll manage a tea shop within a magical forest and tend to the customers who pass through. But Alta does not want to be here. And if she gets her way, the tea shop will be nothing but a brief and painful memory.
Whisper of the House(GD Studio, 17th Jun, $11.99) – Whisper of the House is a cozy game about organizing and decorating. You’ll take on various tasks from the townspeople—helping them move, organize, and clean their spaces. In the process, your gentle touch might make a difference in their lives, and perhaps uncover some hidden stories. . .
ココロアップリケ／KoKoRo Appliqué(MIZUBLUE GAMES, 18th Jun, $1.28) – Let’s not let the memory of the earthquake fade. The heroine, Frill, has left her heart somewhere after a certain event. . . She knows this herself, and has been living each day aimlessly. When she dreams, someone calling themselves the “Guardian of Dreams” speaks to her. . . ? After finding an old teddy bear, how will Frill, a slightly selfish and modern heroine with no particular dreams, change? The story ends on a heartwarming note, so please enjoy!
Switch eShop – Game Trial
EA SPORTS FC 26(Electronic Arts, $13.99) – The Club is yours in EA SPORTS FC 26! Play your way with an overhauled gameplay experience. Put your dream squad to the test in local and online multiplayer, lead your club through challenges based on real-world scenarios, and develop your own player for the pitch. Starting today at 10 a.m. PT until June 24 at 11:59 p.m. PT, Nintendo Switch Online members can download and try the full EA SPORTS FC 26 games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems at no additional cost. If you decide to purchase the game during or after this offer, you’ll keep all save data, so you won’t have to worry about losing your progress. Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online members can earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points by participating. As an added bonus, you can purchase the digital versions of EA SPORTS FC 26 for 80% off until July 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT!
What will you be downloading this week? (91 votes)
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales25%
Observer: System Redux8%
Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition12%
Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP2%
Console Archives L’Empereur2%
Rugby League 261%
The Drifter – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition11%
The Drifter (Switch 1)1%
The Last Salvage Squad (Switch 2)0%
The Last Salvage Squad (Switch 1)0%
The Necromancer’s Tale0%
Wanderstop (Switch 2)2%
Wanderstop (Switch 1)0%
DRIVE Rally2%
Alien Cat 2 – Retro Collection0%
Arcade Archives RACK’EM UP2%
Clay&Cats0%
Dark Scrolls7%
Dead End Escape0%
Dialoop -Roguelite Puzzle-0%
Dungeon Raze1%
EGGCONSOLE Zodiac PC-88010%
Fairy Tale Fighters0%
FORENSIC – M.E. Protocol0%
Immunuzzle0%
Inversion: The Single Path1%
Jurnal Risa: Dark Destiny0%
Just. Press. The Button.0%
Laser Brain Puzzle: Classic Logic Arcade0%
Maximum Sports Gold Collection0%
Maximum Sports Silver Collection0%
Minesweeper Pro1%
Mousebusters0%
Oni Station0%
P.I.S. File0%
Parking Garage Rally Circuit2%
Planet Divers0%
Pyramid Quest Junior0%
Rat Protocol0%
R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos3%
Soccer Kid Collection (QUByte Classics)1%
Space Dragons0%
Super Scram Kitty0%
The Towers0%
To Bee Jazz0%
Ultimate Wobble Run0%
Whisper of the House0%
ココロアップリケ／KoKoRo Appliqué0%
Nothing for me this week14%
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!
Since the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2, the desire to go back and experience the original in preparation has proven overwhelming for some of us. It didn’t take long until I booted the NSO version up again, N64 pad grasped in my mitts, ready to step out of Kokiri Forest once again.
The game is just as beautiful and wonderful as ever, but one thing that almost always catches me off guard is how funny it is. Maybe it’s the dark undertones and Ganondorf’s iron grip on the land that sticks in my memory, but it’s also chock full of moments that make me giggle and grin from ear to ear.
In some ways, it’s difficult to imagine how these moments might look with vastly improved visuals. Will they still have the same impact? Might a hyper-realistic King Zora scooching to the side on his bum actually look weirdly…unsettling?
It’s too early to answer such questions, so for now, I thought I’d go through seven hysterical Ocarina of Time moments that I’m intrigued to see recreated. Spoilers if you haven’t played Ocarina (tut tut)…
#1 Darunia boogies to a hot beat
Darunia, the leader of the Gorons, is a little down in the dumps when you first encounter him. Yet after a few hints from his compatriots, it becomes clear that music is the way to his heart.
Upon playing Saria’s Song on the Ocarina, Darunia launches into a wild dance, throwing his face from side-to-side and waving his arms around with unrestrained joy. Punctuated with the occasional “C’mon!” and “WHOOOOAH!”, it’s a wonderful moment.
#2 Goron group hug
The moment when Darunia whacks Link on top of the head as way of saying thanks for defeating King Dodongo is funny enough, but the real hilarity comes immediately afterwards, when two Gorons drop from above to give Link a big hug.
Why do they go about it in such a creepy way?! Naturally, Link isn’t too keen on being crushed by living boulders, so he legs it before any of them can reach him. The scream of sheer terror is the icing on the cake.
#3 Kaepora Gaebora punishes impatient players
Okay, this is less laugh-out-loud, yet I can’t help but titter at Nintendo’s temerity for mixing up the confirmation options when cycling through Kaepora Gaebora’s text.
It definitely feels designed to punish eager beavers rushing through as fast as possible, as mashing ‘A’ repeatedly will only force you to listen to the whole thing again. It’s so devious, and I love it.
Did you get all that?
#4 Koume and Kotake bicker as they perish
After defeating Koume and Kotake at the end of the Spirit Temple, the twins don’t just fade away quietly. They start bickering about their age after lamenting that they’re simply too young to die. The back and forth escalates to the point where they both just kind of give up and float up into oblivion, promising to return to haunt Link.
It’s a great showcase of Ocarina’s writing which, for its time, was pretty excellent throughout. Poor Koume and Kotake, though. I shouldn’t laugh at your demise, but it’s just too hard to resist.
#5 Ingo loses
Ingo is an absolute tool. Completely selling out to Ganondorf to gain control of Lon Lon Ranch is despicable. Yet this makes it all the more satisfying — and hilarious — when you defeat him in two horse races to earn the legendary Epona.
The way he melts down and clutches his head while moaning about his defeat is glorious. I only wish there were more opportunities to humiliate him.
#6 Princess Ruto gets close and personal
When we meet Princess Ruto within the depths of Jabu-Jabu’s belly, she comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat. Using her royal status to full effect, she demands Link carry her around to locate Zora’s Sapphire. But upon leaving, she becomes a little more enamoured with our Hylian hero…
Immediately upon their return to the outside world, Ruto gets unusually close to Link, having decided that, yes, this is the boy for her. Link reacts exactly as you’d expect, recoiling with horror and falling into the water, letting out that delightfully over-the-top scream of his.
#7 King Zora’s shuffle
The first time you witness King Zora shuffling out of the way after you show him Princess Ruto’s letter is simply unforgettable. Just when you think he might be done, he just… keeps going. And going. And going.
It’s utterly ridiculous, and it makes for what might be the funniest moment in the game. My fear is that Nintendo might see the reputation it’s garnered and think players want a much shorter sequence in the remake.
Don’t you dare, though. If anything, make it longer.
Ocarina of Time is crammed with more humorous moments, but frankly we’d be here all day. Regardless, I’m itching to see how Nintendo handle these scenes in the upcoming Switch 2 remake.
If there’s anything you think we’ve egregiously missed, do let us know with a comment down below.
