Latest news with #NintendoofAmerica
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches 16 October, priced at $499.99: All you need to know
Nintendo of America has officially announced a new hardware bundle that packages the Nintendo Switch 2 console withPokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Scheduled to launch on 16 October 2025, the bundle will be priced at $499.99 in the United States. Pre-orders are currently live through the My Nintendo Store and selected retailers. The announcement came as part of a broader Pokémon Presents showcase streamed worldwide by The Pokémon Company group. The presentation outlined a slate of upcoming games, projects, and merchandise from the long-running franchise. Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Key Updates The upcoming title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, will be available for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch consoles. Set in the iconic Lumiose City, the game will feature dynamic gameplay changes between day and night. By day, players can explore the city's wild zones and encounter 'alpha Pokémon', larger, more aggressive creatures with glowing red eyes. Nightfall introduces the Z-A Royale, a battle tournament with increasingly difficult opponents, including Corbeau, the leader of the Rust Syndicate, a criminal organisation within the city. The narrative also introduces various characters with side missions, including Emma, a detective investigating missing Pokémon and items, and Mable, head of the Pokémon Research Lab, who rewards players for aiding in field studies. A central theme involves the phenomenon of 'Rogue Mega Evolution', where wild Pokémon are mysteriously transforming and becoming hostile. Players will be tasked with assisting Team MZ in calming these Pokémon and earning Mega Stones in the process. A new Mega Evolution was also revealed: Mega Dragonite, which incorporates visual elements from its pre-evolution, Dragonair, and exhibits increased speed and agility. Pokémon Champions Launching in 2026 Another title, Pokémon Champions, is set to release in 2026 across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, original Switch, iOS, and Android. The game introduces a new team-building mechanic that allows players to temporarily recruit Pokémon through 'Trial Recruitment' or permanently add them via 'Victory Points' earned through gameplay. Three battle modes will be featured, Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles, each supporting both single and double battle formats. Animated Series and New Puzzle Game Announced The showcase also included a teaser for a stop-motion series titled Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu, co-produced with Aardman. The series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 and promises a stylised take on the Pokémon universe. Meanwhile, Pokémon Friends, a new puzzle game, has launched today on Nintendo Switch platforms and mobile devices. Developed with Wonderfy Inc., the game features over 1,200 puzzles. Players earn in-game items to create plush toys and customise their virtual rooms. The game supports up to five save files, encouraging group play within households.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Nintendo News: Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle Available Oct. 16
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Nintendo of America announced a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 bundle 1 that combines the Nintendo Switch 2 system with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game. Players can purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition bundle for the suggested retail price of $499.99 in the United States. Releasing simultaneously with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game on Oct. 16, the bundle includes the Nintendo Switch 2 system and the full game download for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game. Pre-orders for the bundle are available now on My Nintendo Store and select retailers. For more information about Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition visit Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site. 1 Limited quantity. Available while supplies last.
RTÉ News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Let's-a-go! Mario Kart World and the latest video games reviewed
We're only halfway through the year, but it's safe to say 2025 has exceeded all our expectations in the world of video games. We've had a slew of fantastic games, and Nintendo has just released a brand new elusive console, which is seemingly sold out everywhere. Whether you've just picked up the Switch 2 and are wondering what to play or want to dive into some new releases across all consoles, there are plenty of choices for gamers to dive into this June. Mario Kart World Mario Kart World is a game of pure chaos in the best possible way. It will have you smiling, crying, screaming and laughing in quick succession as your screen explodes in a symphony of colours every few seconds. Your eyes will always be playing catch-up to the zany action happening on screen. This is all reassuring news, given it's the main (and technically only) major launch title debuting on the brand new Switch 2. With up to 24 racers, every race in this game is a constant battle toward the finish line, where the threat of blue shells never wavers. New mechanics, like wall riding, charged jumps and a variety of rail grinding across every level, will keep even seasoned motorists learning. And yet, it's still your classic Mario Kart experience, but somehow with a sprinkling of added joy. There's a variety of game modes, including your classic Grand Prix, Vs modes, time trials, Knockout and Online multiplayer, which means there's something for every mood and occasion. The biggest surprise for me is the newly introduced free-roam mode that lets you drive around a colossal Mario World, where every track is located within driving distance. You'd think the appeal of Mario Kart is to race against your friends and gear up for that 1st place finish. And yet, blissfully driving around, discovering secrets, and taking on challenges became my main priority over this launch period. And it's only when you tackle the tracks in your own time that you can begin to notice the depth of detail each race actually contains. Go wherever your heart desires in #MarioKartWorld! In Free Roam, you can drive virtually everywhere and explore to the very edge of the world. No roads? No problem! — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 21, 2025 The beautiful track designs and addictive earworm soundtrack make a leisurely solo drive just as enjoyable as the multiplayer experience. This game is a license for fun, where no matter how little time you have, you're sure to have a blast. Coupled with the graphical fine-tuning, players may begin to understand (and digest) the new €80 price point. Yes, games are becoming more expensive. In the case of Mario Kart World, I think the price point is worth it. If this game is anything like its predecessor, expect you and your friends to be playing it to death throughout the entire lifetime of the Switch 2 console. Mario Kart World is available to play on Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour While many would have hoped for a mainline Mario or Zelda game to complement the Switch 2 launch, there are still lots of options for players picking up the new console to play while the library bulks itself up. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a brand new interactive tutorial of sorts, introducing you to a lot of the new mechanics you'll be experiencing through minigames, quizzes and tech demos. Granted, it's not very replayable, but at €9.99, it does a fair job of explaining and educating you on all the neat features your new console has to offer. Spanning about 6 hours, by playing this game, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the most in-demand console right now. Split Fiction & other Switch 2 games Sticking with Switch 2 catalogues, there's also a generous list of more than 24 third-party heavy hitters to play on your new console, ranging from Hogwarts Legacy to Fortnite, Civ VII to Cyberpunk 2077, and more. The list is expected to grow as more developers invest in the new console. Since release, I've tried my hand at the recently released Split Fiction, a mesmerising co-op game that has already been greenlit for a movie adaptation starring Sydney Sweeney. The game looks, feels, and plays as beautifully on the Switch 2 as I remember it on other consoles, but with the unique Joy-Cons to factor in, as well as the added portability. In the game, you play as Mio and Zoe, two aspiring writers who visit Rader Publishing to try out their new, revolutionary simulation technology. However, while they might initially believe the publisher is there to help bring their ideas to life, the company, of course, has ulterior motives at hand. Throughout the game, you and a friend will explore both Mio's and Zoe's creations and stories on a split screen. And it is an utter joy to play through, where every level promises to be more inventive and inspiring than the last. A multitude of side stories and innovative gameplay mechanics tap directly into the tactile nature and cooperative strength that the Switch 2 aims to deliver. Check the trailer out, and if there's even the slightest interest in what you see, you and a friend have found yourself a compelling Switch 2 game that won't disappoint. For other 3rd party Switch 2 game options, check out Nintendo's growing list here. Split Fiction is available to play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2 FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time Fantasy Life i is a new life sim game with action-adventure mechanics, where players are given total control over how they shape the world around them. Think of it as the new-age Animal Crossing, with elements of Stardew Valley and The Legend of Zelda thrown in for good measure. This is a game of your own making, as you'll be able to switch freely between 14 available jobs, each one offering unique gameplay. Jobs range from the likes of fishing and mining, and you'll feel the sting of déjà vu; isn't this a game we've all played before? But then, the game throws a multitude of surprises your way that you wouldn't necessarily pair with cosy life sims. These include an RPG levelling and zany combat against monsters in a vibrant, open world. Throw in minigames, quests, customising your own camp and surroundings, as well as couch co-op and 4-player multiplayer, and this game can easily command your free time this summer. With enough updates and support, it may have enough sticking power to take over where Animal Crossing left off. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and PC Elden Ring Nightreign Fancy an action-role-playing game with serious grit? Want to play with friends in short but demanding 40-minute bursts? Selling over 3.5 million copies in just five days, Elden Ring Nightreign is one of the biggest hits of 2025 thus far and is available on a multitude of platforms right now. The game is a spin-off of sorts to Elden Ring, taking place in an alternate version of the Lands Between. As such, it preserves many of the mechanics, gameplay elements, and assets you know and love from the series, but with a new twist. While you can technically play the game solo, the harsh difficulty and setup of Nightreign mean there is an unmistakable focus on cooperative gameplay. You'll pretty much have to team up with other players to have any hope of surviving the challenges thrown at you. As a roguelike, the game cycle takes place over three in-game days, the majority of which is spent farming new gear and exploring a slowly shrinking map. Think Fortnite, but with hostile monsters and more demanding combat. Maps are procedurally generated, meaning new attempts do feel unique, though there's always that balance between exploring new zones and scrambling for gear for the upcoming bosses while you still have the time. To date, you can pick between eight classes, each with unique strengths, abilities and more. To maximise your success and enjoy Nightreign to the fullest, it's best to synergise with your two compatriots and pick classes that balance each other. As such, being on comms with them can be your biggest asset. After each run, players are rewarded with passive buffs that can help set up future runs, so there is a (slight) feeling of progression against the enormous difficulty. The game has an expansive library of weapons and setups to experiment with, all stemming from the world of Elden Ring. Expect this to grow in size and appeal as new updates, classes, and surprises are released in the future.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Man Locking Himself in Bathroom to Play Video Games and Avoid Girlfriend Backed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man's decision to take refuge in his bathroom for a short gaming session—armed with his Nintendo Switch, snacks and a candle—has prompted a debate about personal space in relationships. The 25-year-old Reddit poster, using the handle Senior_Zebra_1313, said he needed a break after a grueling workweek and asked his girlfriend for 30 minutes to unwind. Pointed Remarks The 24-year-old woman agreed, he wrote, but returned after just seven minutes to suggest reorganizing the pantry because it was "giving anxiety." The original poster (OP) described locking himself in the bathroom mid-Mario Kart race while his girlfriend knocked, asking if she had done something wrong. When he explained he needed alone time, she accused him of being emotionally unavailable and trying to dodge emotional labor. For days afterward, she continued making pointed remarks like, "Hope the bathroom's comfy, your real girlfriend." File image: Guest playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. File image: Guest playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. Neilson Barnard/Nintendo of America/Getty 'I gotta disappear' The OP clarified that he wasn't trying to avoid his girlfriend, but simply needed time to decompress without being pulled into conversations about topics like oat milk versus almond milk. He said he had already tried relaxing in the bedroom, but was repeatedly interrupted by suggestions to light candles together, or deep clean the fridge. "I love her," he insisted to Redditors, "but sometimes I gotta disappear like a raccoon in the night." While some responses criticized the man's use of a locked door to avoid discussion with his partner, the vast majority supported his need for solitude, especially in a shared space. Reddit contributors felt that short breaks from constant interaction are a normal and necessary part of cohabiting, amid around 200 comments in a day online. An individual remarked that they "couldn't handle" the OP's situation. "I would break up with this person so fast," the individual continued. "You have every right to need to decompress. A few hours even is not too much to ask for. Me and my husband do that often. It's called mutual respect and love. Also a bit o' empathy." 'For the rest of your life?' A supporter of the OP still urged him to have a "grown up conversation" with his partner. "No one should have to hide in the bathroom to get peace and quiet—unless it is from your children, [laugh out loud]. "That she is offended says she is insecure and way too needy to be amazing. Can you imagine this for the rest of your life?" Conflict can arise in relationships when partners have different expectations about how much time they should spend together versus alone, according to psychologist Melanie McCabe. "To help prevent these misunderstandings, couples can benefit from open conversations about each person's needs—including the need for solitude," the North Carolina-based specialist said, in reply to an invitation to comment from Newsweek. McCabe said spending time alone can serve many purposes: "It allows for decompressing, processing thoughts and emotions, and creating space for stillness after overstimulation. It also helps some people recharge before re-engaging socially. "Importantly, time apart can actually strengthen the relationship. When a partner is able to care for their individual needs, they're often more present, patient and engaged. "Honoring requests for alone time, then, can benefit not just the individual, but the relationship as a whole." Our Sense of Self According to a Williamsburg Therapy Group article, personal space enables individuality and emotional balance. "Personal growth requires a person to have a sense of their own identity," the clinic noted. Without alone time to pursue interests or simply rest, individuals may begin to feel emotionally overwhelmed, or even lose their sense of self. The clinic added that lack of space can lead to communication breakdowns and even emotional dependency. "It's better to know this early on," the article states, "so you can communicate what you need. If your partner doesn't respect that, it may indicate where your relationship stands." Newsweek has contacted Senior_Zebra_1313 for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Switch 2 sells 3.5 million units in just 4 days to become the "fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever," and it's already a quarter of a way to the Wii U's lifetime sales
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Nintendo has sold 3.5 million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in the first four days it was available, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever. The console maker confirmed the news on the Nintendo of America Twitter account. On the leadup to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo forecast that the console would sell 15 million units over the first year, and has hit over a fifth of that number in just four days, which makes that goal seem pretty likely to happen at this rate. Nintendo hasn't released any other sales numbers, such as the number of sales for Mario Kart World, but you'd have to imagine those were also pretty high given that it's the big launch game for the system. Considering the original Nintendo Switch sold 2.7 million consoles during its first month (thanks, Bloomberg), it really puts into perspective how much momentum Nintendo picked up during the Nintendo Switch era. And by comparison, the PS5 – which Sony dubbed its biggest console launch ever – had sold 4.5 million consoles in the first two months, something Nintendo is sure to surpass if it keeps up this momentum. And because it's customary to dunk on Nintendo's most underrated console, according to Nintendo's numbers, the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over a quarter of the Wii U's lifetime sales in four days. Although to be fair to the Wii U, it had hit over 3 million sales within the first two months. Plus the Switch 2 doesn't have the best version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, so who is the real winner here? "It looks like Nintendo did a good job" – Sonic boss Takashi Iizuka says Mario Kart World looks more like an action game, whereas Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds "really" focuses on racing and competitive play.
