Most Recent: Switch

Nintendo files patent for VR-like headset for the Nintendo Switch

Posted on December 16, 2016 by John Scalzo

A few months ago, Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima gave a very interesting answer when a reporter from Bloomberg asked if the Switch would ever receive its own virtual reality headset. While the executive didn’t answer in the affirmative, he admitted “it’s something we must consider.”

And consider it they have.

Earlier this week, Nintendo filed a patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for a Switch accessory that looks quite similar to mobile virtual reality headsets such as Samsung’s Gear VR or Google’s Daydream View. The goggles-style headset would feature a slot at the top, which would house the Switch’s tablet screen. After strapping it to their head, players could then use the detachable Joy-Con controllers or a Switch Pro Controller to play VR-style games.

However, as with all patent applications, it’s important to remember that Nintendo is merely disclosing a possible use for the Switch. There’s no guarantee this headset accessory is in development, and on top of that, the patent application doesn’t include any mention of “virtual reality” or “VR.”

Nintendo will fully unveil the Switch on January 12, after which they’ll immediately take it on a multi-city Preview Tour across North America. While it might be a while before we learn more about the console’s possible VR capabilities, it’ll be released sometime in March.

Posted in News, Switch |

Nintendo will take the Switch on a six-city North American tour in early 2017

Posted on December 16, 2016 by John Scalzo

Nintendo will reveal all about the Nintendo Switch during the “Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017” on January 12. But immediately after, they’re taking their console/handheld hybrid on the road for a six-city North American tour:

Nintendo Switch Preview Tour

  • January 13-15: New York City
  • January 27-29: Toronto
  • February 10-12: Washington D.C.
  • February 17-19: Chicago
  • February 24-26: San Francisco
  • March 3-5: Los Angeles

According to Nintendo, the first two days of each three-day stop will be invite-only, but the final day will be open to the public. The exact location of each tour stop has yet to be announced, but space is expected to be very limited and the consolemaker said that “early arrival is highly recommended.” If you can’t make it to one of these limited engagements, Nintendo also plans to hit the convention circuit with the Switch, with stops in San Antonio, Boston, and Austin:

Nintendo Switch Convention Tour

  • January 27-29: PAX South
  • March 10-12: PAX East
  • March 16-18: SXSW

If you can’t make it to any of these preview shows, don’t worry, the Nintendo Switch will launch sometime this March, which is only three months away.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged

Link snowboards and wishes fans a “Happy Holidays” in new Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild mini-trailer

Posted on December 15, 2016 by John Scalzo

After the strong sales of 1080 Snowboarding, Nintendo embraced their extreme sports success and pushed out a sequel, 1080 Avalanche, for the GameCube. More than 13 years later, the consolemaker hasn’t shown any interest in revisiting their surprise hit.

And yet, it’s hard not to be reminded of the 1080 franchise after watching Link shred some powder in this brand new mini-trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The hero wants to wish fans a “Happy Holidays” and tear down a mountain with reckless abandon on his shield. The epic music is also a nice touch.

In addition to the new mini-trailer, Nintendo is trotting out a series of new Breath of the Wild screenshots on Facebook that will “explore the Hyrulean landscape.”

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released for the Nintendo Switch and the Wii U sometime in 2017.

Posted in News, Switch, Wii U | Tagged

Yooka-Laylee will be released on April 11; Switch release planned for later in 2017 after Playtonic cancels Wii U version

Posted on December 13, 2016 by John Scalzo

Playtonic Games has announced that Yooka-Laylee will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on April 11. Yes, you read that right, the Wii U version of the colorful 3D platformer has been canceled. According to the developer’s official website, the Wii U version was dropped due to “unforeseen technical issues.”

However, Playtonic revealed that they’re working closely with Nintendo to bring Yooka-Laylee to the upcoming Nintendo Switch. More details about the Switch release of Yooka-Laylee will be revealed next year, likely during Nintendo’s livestream presentation on January 12.

In other Yooka-Laylee news, Playtonic also unveiled a gameplay trailer for the game that focuses on a brand new locale, the “Capital Cashino”:

This glamorous, marble-floored playground has our buddy-duo navigating the casino floor, discotheques and oversized roulette tables in search of delicious golden bounty. But there’s a twist; players must now compete to win casino tokens, and exchange them with the banker for the pivotal Pagies!

Finally, Playtonic announced that everyone who pre-orders a copy of Yooka-Laylee will instantly receive the Toybox Demo, “which offers a taste of the platforming mechanics set to appear in the full game in a self-contained, spoiler free sandbox.”

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Switch, Wii U, Xbox One | Tagged

The Big List of Nintendo Switch Games: December 2016 Update

Posted on December 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

nintendoswitch-header

We are exactly one month away from learning a lot more about the Nintendo Switch. On January 12, the consolemaker will host the “Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017,” a livestream dedicated to revealing “the launch date and pricing for Nintendo Switch, as well as a look at the lineup of games currently in development.”

However, a few recent rumors have given us a pretty good look at what Nintendo probably has planned for the Switch, including adding GameCube games to the Virtual Console, a multi-touch touchscreen, and a wallet-friendly possible retail price of $250.

We’ve even gotten a glimpse at a dozen new games in development for the Switch, and you can learn more about those after the break. (more…)

Posted in Features, Switch, Top Story |

Nintendo brought Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (on the Switch) and Super Mario Run to The Tonight Show

Posted on December 8, 2016 by John Scalzo

Nintend of America’s President, Reggie Fils-Aime, stopped by The Tonight Show last night to play Super Mario Run with host Jimmy Fallon. The mobile game will be available to download for iOS devices next week, on December 15, and Fallon showed some pretty impressive skills during his time with the game. However, players who want to try it out early will be able to play a demo at Apple Stores across the country beginning today.

However, before Fils-Aime left the stage, he handed Fallon a Nintendo Switch console and let him play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for a few minutes. Fallon, who constantly told the audience he was “freaking out,” also showed off many of the Switch’s features, including the detachable Joy-Con controllers and the kickstand for portable multiplayer gaming.

Finally, Shigeru Miyamoto sat in with The Roots to play a live version of the “Super Mario Bros. Theme.” Check it out after the break. (more…)

Posted in Mobile, News, Switch, Wii U | Tagged ,

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is likely in development for the Nintendo Switch

Posted on December 3, 2016 by John Scalzo

bindingofisaac-header

Developer Edmund McMillen is currently putting the finishing touches on a massive expansion to The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, his roguelike shooter, and it should be available for the PC by the end of the year.

A few days ago, Tyrone Rodriguez of Nicalis updated fans on the development process behind the Afterbirth+ expansion, and confirmed it’s also coming to consoles via the game’s official website:

Expect Afterbirth+ on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and one more console. Sorry no PS Vita or Wii U versions. Date? Spring 2017–we’re already working on the console versions. – Mod support? We’re still investigating a good method to deliver mods. It WILL NOT have built-in mod support as the tools we’ve created have some very specific requirements

Interesting… The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ will be released for the PS4, Xbox One, and “one more console” that isn’t the PS Vita or the Wii U. While Rodriguez’s statement doesn’t rule out a release on the New 3DS, it seems much more likely that he’s referring to an upcoming appearance on the Nintendo Switch for Isaac.

I guess we’ll all find out for sure in Spring 2017.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Tagged

Shakedown Hawaii will be playable at PS Experience 2016… and here’s a new trailer

Posted on December 1, 2016 by John Scalzo

Vblank Entertainment initially debuted Shakedown Hawaii, their 16-bit sequel to Retro City Rampage, ahead of last year’s PlayStation Experience. Earlier this week, the developer revealed that the open world game, which will also be available for the PC (via Steam) and at least one Nintendo platform, will make a return engagement at this year’s PlayStation Experience.

In addition to confirming that attendees of Sony’s annual showcase will get to try out Shakedown Hawaii this weekend, Vblank also announced a 2017 release date for the game and unveiled a brand new trailer, which is embedded above.

Posted in 3DS, News, PC, PS4, Switch, Vita | Tagged ,