Nintendo Clarifies Hardware Price Increases Were Due to Sustained Component and Market Costs Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressed the company’s decision to raise hardware prices during an earnings call, explaining that the move was driven by ongoing market conditions rather than a single factor. Furukawa emphasized that maintaining existing pricing would have significantly impacted the profitability of Nintendo’s hardware business, given the current economic environment. The company’s strategy for the Switch 2 remains focused on expanding its hardware install base before prioritizing software sales. Furukawa acknowledged that if the recent surge in costs—such as memory and component prices, foreign exchange market fluctuations, and oil prices—were temporary, Nintendo might have pursued alternatives like improving productivity or maintaining hardware prices. However, he noted that these factors are expected to persist over the medium to long term. The company is preparing to respond flexibly to future uncertainties, including potential impacts on costs in the coming year. Switch 2 unit sales exceeded expectations, reaching 19.86 million units after its launch last year, surpassing both the initial forecast of 15 million and the revised forecast of 19 million. Furukawa attributed this strong performance to overlapping factors, including the continued popularity of the original Switch and the ability of the Switch 2 to play Switch software, which eased the transition for users. He highlighted the release of the Switch 2 edition of Animal Crossing and Pokémon Pokopia as key drivers of hardware sales in the latter half of the fiscal year. The rapid adoption of Switch 2, even when compared to the original Switch, has not raised concerns for Nintendo.#pokemon_pokopia #nintendo #switch_2 #animal_crossing #shuntaro_furukawa

Animal Crossing Just Landed On PlayStation Animal Crossing, a franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers since its debut on the Nintendo 64 as Animal Forest, has long been a staple of cozy, relaxing gameplay. Over the years, the series has evolved into a beloved simulation experience, with titles like Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Animal Crossing: New Horizons becoming cultural phenomena. While Nintendo has maintained exclusive control over the franchise, fans have always sought ways to experience the game on platforms beyond the company’s own. Now, thanks to a grassroots effort, the series is making its way to PlayStation, albeit through unconventional means. The journey began with the decompilation of Animal Crossing earlier this year, a process that allowed developers to reverse-engineer the game’s code and rebuild it for other platforms. This breakthrough paved the way for a new version of the game that could run natively on non-Nintendo hardware. The latest development sees the franchise arriving on the PlayStation Vita, a handheld console that has become a hub for retro gaming and modding communities. Unlike emulated versions, which often suffer from performance issues and graphical compromises, this port leverages the Vita’s hardware capabilities to deliver a smoother, more faithful experience. The ported version of Animal Crossing on the PlayStation Vita features a significant upgrade in visual presentation. Originally designed for the Nintendo GameCube with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the game now runs in 16:9 resolution, aligning with the Vita’s screen dimensions. This change enhances the player’s immersion, making the game feel more modern while preserving its nostalgic charm.#nintendo #animal_crossing #playstation_vita #github #modding_community
Animal Crossing Gets Surprise Free PlayStation Release A surprise free release of Animal Crossing on PlayStation has sparked excitement among fans, as the game now becomes accessible to players who own the original title. This unexpected move follows the recent launch of a native PC port for the original GameCube version of the game, which was made possible through its successful decompilation. The team behind the PC port has now expanded its efforts to bring the game to additional platforms, with the PlayStation Vita being the next target. The decision to port Animal Crossing to the PlayStation Vita was driven by the hardware’s capabilities. Unlike traditional emulation methods, which often struggle with Nintendo GameCube games, the Vita’s architecture allows for a native run of the game. This approach ensures optimal performance, with the game running at full speed, accurate audio, and responsive controls. The visual improvements are also notable, as the game is presented in a 16:9 resolution—significantly better than the original 4:3 aspect ratio. This change eliminates screen stretching and maximizes the use of the Vita’s display, offering a more immersive experience. However, accessing the PlayStation Vita port requires specific steps. Players must first obtain a hacked PlayStation Vita, as the game cannot be run on a standard console. Additionally, they need a copy of the Animal Crossing PC port from GitHub, which serves as the foundation for the port. A crucial requirement is the creation of a custom ROM from the original GameCube version of the game. This process involves dumping the files from a physical copy of Animal Crossing onto a computer and converting them into a playable format.#nintendo #animal_crossing #playstation_vita #github #gamecube

A Full Remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Set for Switch 2 in 2026 A trusted Nintendo insider has claimed that a complete remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, one of the most iconic games in the series, is in development for the upcoming Switch 2 console, with a release expected in the second half of 2026. The information comes from Nintendo tipster NatetheHate, who revealed the news in his latest podcast. While he admitted uncertainty about whether the remake would be a direct 1:1 recreation of the original 1998 Nintendo 64 game or a more creatively flexible version, he emphasized that this project is more ambitious than a simple HD remaster. The original Ocarina of Time has already been remastered for the 3DS in 2011, with Ocarina of Time 3D widely regarded as the best version of the game available today. Players can also access the original 1998 game through emulation on Nintendo Switch Online. However, a modern remake for Switch 2 would align with Nintendo’s efforts to celebrate the series’ 40th anniversary in 2026. Fans have consistently ranked Ocarina of Time as one of their favorite entries, making it a logical choice for a remake. The timing also coincides with the release of a live-action Zelda movie in 2026, which Nintendo is likely to promote alongside the game. The company may want to ensure audiences are familiar with the source material before the film’s debut. Additionally, the rumor about the Ocarina of Time remake has been corroborated by VGC, which noted that the details align with information from its own sources. Interestingly, the tipster also mentioned that a new 3D Mario game is unlikely to arrive in 2026, with a more realistic release window of 2027.#nintendo #switch_2 #zelda #natethehate #ocarina_of_time

Nintendo Announces New Star Fox and Zelda Remake for 2026 Nintendo is set to release a new Star Fox game and a major remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time this year, according to insider reports. The upcoming title will be a “classic-style” Star Fox game launching on the Switch 2 console this summer, marking the franchise’s first major new release in over a decade. The project is expected to include high-quality visuals and online multiplayer features, following the confirmation of Fox McCloud’s appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The Star Fox revival is part of Nintendo’s broader 2026 roadmap, which also includes a significant overhaul of the 1998 N64 classic Ocarina of Time. This remake is tied to the Zelda series’ 40th anniversary and is slated for release in the second half of 2026, coinciding with the holiday season. The project is seen as a key milestone in celebrating the franchise’s legacy, especially as a Zelda film is set for release in May 2027. A 3D Mario game, however, is not expected to arrive in 2026. Sources indicate that the next major entry in the 3D Mario series will debut on Switch 2 in 2027. The last 3D Mario title, Super Mario Odyssey, launched nearly a decade ago during the original Switch’s release. Despite the success of Donkey Kong Bananza from the same studio, fans had anticipated a new 3D Mario game sooner. Nintendo’s 2026 plans also include smaller announcements, such as updates on Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, as well as Switch 2 editions for Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade 2. While a general Nintendo Direct event is unlikely before June, the company may share details through social media. The Ocarina of Time remake is particularly notable, as it would provide a modernized version of one of the most beloved games in Nintendo’s library.#nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #switch_2 #star_fox #zelda

New Super Mario Galaxy Movie Poster Reveals Star Fox's Fox McCloud The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to premiere in theaters on April 1, and Nintendo has already sparked excitement by teasing its cast with a new poster. The official Super Mario Galaxy Movie X account released an image featuring Fox McCloud, the iconic character from Star Fox and Super Smash Bros., prominently displayed alongside Mario. The poster shows Fox in a dynamic pose, with his Arwing spaceship visible in the background, suggesting a potential role in the film’s storyline. While the movie is primarily based on the Super Mario Galaxy game series, the inclusion of Fox McCloud hints at a broader crossover. Nintendo and Universal have long been rumored to be developing a Super Smash Bros. movie, akin to the Avengers franchise, and Fox’s confirmation in this film seems to align with that possibility. Fans have speculated that the movie could serve as a stepping stone toward a larger crossover event, bringing together characters from multiple Nintendo franchises. The poster’s design eliminates any surprise, as Fox’s presence is unmistakable. However, details about his role in the film remain unclear. The movie’s trailers have already suggested a mix of gameplay elements and narrative-driven scenes, but the full extent of Fox’s involvement—and whether other Smash Bros. characters will join him—remains to be seen. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s release date has been confirmed for April 1, with the final trailer set to debut ahead of its premiere. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details about the film’s plot and cast, particularly as the inclusion of Fox McCloud raises questions about the potential for future crossovers in the Nintendo universe.#nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #universal #fox_mccloud #super_smash_bros

Nintendo Confirms Star Fox Really Is in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Star Fox hero Fox McCloud will appear in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, sharing a new promotional poster featuring the character. The reveal comes just days before the film’s theatrical debut, marking a significant and anticipated surprise for fans of the Star Fox franchise. The inclusion of Fox, a character from a series outside the traditional Mushroom Kingdom canon, has sparked excitement among audiences. While Star Fox has historically remained separate from Mario’s universe, with limited crossover appearances in games like Super Smash Bros., the character’s presence in the animated film represents a notable exception. Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto previously expressed reservations about cross-franchise collaborations, stating that characters like Mario should stay within their own worlds. However, he acknowledged exceptions, such as the Pikmin, which are also confirmed to appear in the film. Miyamoto’s comments highlight the unusual nature of Fox’s inclusion, which he described as an “unwritten rule” deviation. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will feature a star-studded cast, including Brie Larson as Rosalina, Donald Glover as Yoshi, and Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. Returning from the first film are Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. Fox’s role in the film remains undisclosed, though his presence alongside Mario, Luigi, and Bowser suggests a central part in the storyline. For Star Fox fans, the announcement comes after a prolonged period of inactivity.#nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #shigeru_miyamoto #star_fox #fox_mccloud

Nintendo Unveils Hands-On Nintendo Switch 2 Experiences at PAX East 2026 Nintendo is set to showcase its latest Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay experiences at PAX East 2026, running from March 26 to 29 at Boston’s Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. The event will feature exclusive hands-on opportunities with upcoming titles, including the launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the new Pokémon Pokopia game. Attendees will also have the chance to preview Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused title for the Nintendo Switch system. The Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available at booth 18019, where players can explore enhanced co-op and competitive gameplay in the Flower Kingdom. The game introduces new areas, including Bellabel Park, a sprawling zone with three plazas and additional challenges. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition includes expanded content for solo or multiplayer play, both locally and online. The game launches on March 26, offering players more exploration options. At booth 18031, Pokémon Pokopia will let players build a cozy life with their Pokémon companions. The game follows a Ditto character transformed into a human, tasked with restoring a withered world using its transformation abilities and crafting tools. Attendees can experience the Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive title and join a global community of players creating and sharing their own adventures. Also at booth 18031, Pokémon Champions will debut as a new battle-focused game for the Nintendo Switch system. Players can engage in online Single and Double Battles using familiar Pokémon mechanics, including types and abilities. The game supports Ranked and Casual Battles, as well as Private Battles with friends.#pokemon_pokopia #nintendo #super_mario_bros_wonder #pokemon_champions #pax_east_2026

Pokémon Pokopia Update Coming, Bringing Improvements and Bug Fixes Nintendo has announced an upcoming update for Pokémon Pokopia that will address several bugs and introduce improvements, following the game’s successful launch last week. Players have already created elaborate blocky Pokémon environments, but some have encountered issues that the update aims to resolve. The update is expected to fix progression blockers that have affected players’ worlds, even if those issues were already encountered. This means players may not need to restart their progress, offering relief to those stuck on specific challenges. The update will tackle a range of specific problems, including incorrect entries in the Pokédex, such as the misclassification of the "Spinarak" type. Other issues involve event progression in various towns. For example, in "Rugged Mountain Town," certain conditions during the "Let's clean up the roads!" request can make it difficult to advance. Similarly, following specific steps in "Rugged Mountain Town" may prevent the "Rotom" encounter event from occurring. In "Dusky Seaside Town," completing the "Find a Pokémon Center!" request without repairing the bridge in "Mojumbo" could block progress, and destroying cracked blocks on a bridge before Mojambo crosses it in "Gloomy Seaside Town" may also hinder the "Find a Pokémon Center!" request. In "Pasapasa Koya Town," the "Let's build a home!" request becomes problematic if Squirtle moves up a tree and cannot be interacted with. Additionally, in the "Take the Professor with you!" request in "Dusty Seaside Town," placing another block near "Snorlax" may confuse players about how to proceed. The "Break the rocks with a Rock Smasher!" request in "Pasapasa Koya Town" also faces similar issues if blocks are placed near the "Crab Growl.#pokemon_pokopia #nintendo #rugged_mountain_town #dusky_seaside_town #pasapasa_koya_town

Wahoo! Save up to 50% on Mario Switch Games for Mario Day Celebrate Mario Day with significant discounts on popular Nintendo Switch games. The sale includes titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, and Super Mario Odyssey, all available at reduced prices. For example, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is priced at £34.77, down from £49.99, while Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is available for £33.29 instead of £49.99. Other titles such as Mario & Luigi: Brothership, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are also on sale, offering savings of up to 50% off their original prices. The promotion highlights a range of Mario-themed games, including Super Mario Party Jamboree with a Switch 2 edition and a Jamboree TV add-on. These deals are part of a broader Nintendo Switch game sale, with additional discounts available on titles like Super Mario Galaxy and the Nintendo Switch OLED model. The sale is positioned as an ideal opportunity for gamers to acquire popular titles at lower prices, especially for those looking to celebrate Mario Day. The discounts are part of a seasonal promotional strategy, with similar deals previously offered during events like Presidents' Day and the holiday season. While the exact duration of the sale is not specified, the emphasis is on providing value to consumers during the Mario Day celebration. The sale also includes other Nintendo Switch games, such as Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario Party Jamboree, further expanding the selection of discounted titles. The promotional content also references other Nintendo-related products, such as the iPad Air setup and retro gaming consoles, but the primary focus remains on the Mario Day game discounts.#nintendo #super_mario_bros_wonder #super_mario_3d_world_bowser_s_fury #super_mario_odyssey #mario_day

Mar10 Day: Save Up to 90% on Nintendo Switch Games Nintendo is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Mario game series with a special sale on Mar10 Day, offering discounts on popular titles. The event, which marks the birthday of the beloved franchise, features significant savings on Nintendo Switch games, with some deals reaching up to 90% off. Among the highlights is Super Mario Party Jamboree, the latest installment in the Mario Party series. The game, praised for its blend of fun and competitive gameplay, is available at its lowest price ever for both the original Switch and Switch 2 editions. For those seeking additional value, the Switch 2 version includes a bonus Jamboree TV accessory. Other notable deals include Donkey Kong Country Returns, which is discounted to $41.99 from its original price of $59.99, and Luigi's Mansion 3, though the latter’s price and availability are listed as pending. The sale also includes a variety of other Mario-themed titles, though specific details on their pricing and stock are not fully provided. All deals are subject to change, and customers are advised to check availability before purchasing. The event serves as a celebration of Mario’s enduring popularity, with Nintendo leveraging the occasion to offer fans a chance to acquire classic and newer titles at reduced prices.#nintendo #super_mario_party_jamboree #donkey_kong_country_returns #luigi_s_mansion_3 #mario

Nintendo Direct March 2026 Livestream: Final Trailer for 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' The Nintendo Direct livestream for March 2026 will focus on the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, marking the third and last preview of the film. While the event is expected to be less action-packed compared to previous Directs, fans will have the opportunity to watch the concluding trailer for the long-anticipated animated adaptation of the classic game. The livestream will take place on March 9, with specific start times varying by timezone: 2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 9 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, and 11 p.m. Central European Time. The event will stream on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel, offering a convenient way for viewers to access the content. Alternatively, the article itself will host the livestream, allowing readers to follow along without leaving the page. While the Direct does not promise new game announcements or major releases, it remains a significant moment for fans of the Super Mario franchise, as it brings the film closer to its release. The focus on the movie trailer highlights the continued interest in the Super Mario universe, which has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s success for decades. Despite the lack of new game details, the livestream underscores the cultural impact of the franchise and its enduring popularity. Fans are encouraged to tune in for the final preview, which will provide a glimpse into the film’s visuals and narrative before its official debut. The event also serves as a reminder of the broader Nintendo Direct schedule, which has included announcements for other titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the Mario + Rabbids bundle.#youtube #nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #nintendo_direct #super_mario

The Final Trailer For The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Airs On Monday Nintendo has confirmed that the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will debut on Monday as part of a special Direct presentation. This latest preview of the film will be released ahead of its April 1 premiere. The Direct event is scheduled for Monday, March 9, beginning at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET, and will be streamed on Nintendo’s YouTube channel and the Nintendo Today app. Alongside the trailer, the company unveiled a new poster featuring the main cast and new characters, including Birdo and Wart from Super Mario Bros. 2 (the U.S. version). The film stars returning actors such as Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser. New additions to the cast include Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Brie Larson as Rosalina. The movie also introduces Yoshi, a character not previously seen in the Mario film series. Fans who have not yet viewed the film can watch its first and second trailers online. The Direct event will also highlight the new poster, which showcases the film’s characters and emphasizes the inclusion of Wart and Birdo. These characters, originally from Super Mario Bros. 2, add a nostalgic touch to the adaptation. The trailer is expected to provide a closer look at the film’s action sequences and world-building, which draw inspiration from the Super Mario Galaxy games. Nintendo’s announcement underscores the growing anticipation for the movie, which has been in development for several years. The film’s release date of April 1 aligns with the anniversary of the original Super Mario Galaxy game’s launch on the Nintendo Wii in 2007. The sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2025, and the movie is likely to blend elements from both games.#nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #chris_pratt #charlie_day #anya_taylor_joy

Another Pokémon Knock-Off Has Entered The Chat Nintendo’s ongoing legal battle against Palworld, a Pokémon-inspired game that mimics its branding and gameplay mechanics, hasn’t fully deterred developers from creating similar titles. Despite the company’s efforts to shut down copycats, a new project called Pickmon has emerged, blending elements from both Pokémon and Palworld in a way that raises questions about originality. The game’s design appears to directly borrow from iconic Pokémon characters, such as Ceruledge, Charizard, Meganium, Lucario, and Cobalion, while also incorporating visual cues from Palworld’s creatures. Some of its monster designs even resemble characters from unrelated franchises, like Overwatch’s Roadhog and the Story of Seasons cow, further blurring the line between inspiration and imitation. Pickmon’s gameplay mechanics mirror those of both Pokémon and Palworld. Players take on the role of a tamer who carries a creature on their shoulder, akin to Pikachu, and engages in battles using firearms, a feature borrowed from Palworld. Unlike traditional Pokémon, which are captured in balls, Pickmon’s monsters are collected through cards, a unique twist that sets it apart from its predecessors. The game’s trailer and promotional art emphasize its similarities to both franchises, with monsters that look nearly identical to their Pokémon counterparts and environments that evoke the open-world style of Palworld. The game’s marketing strategy has also drawn attention. Pickmon is currently seeking partnerships with streamers and content creators to promote its early access launch in 2027, despite the game not yet being publicly available. Its Steam page lists PocketGame as the developer, a studio with no prior titles on the platform.#summer_game_fest #pickmon #palworld #nintendo #networkgo

Pokopia Is the Glorious Return of Animal Crossing in Pokemon Form I’ve been playing Pokemon Pokopia for over a week, and I’m feeling a sense of calm and connection I haven’t experienced since the early days of the pandemic. This Switch 2 exclusive is a cozy, immersive world where Pokemon need friends, and I’m here to help. The game blends the charm of Animal Crossing with the beloved Pokemon universe, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh. The story begins on a lonely island abandoned by humans, where I take on the form of Ditto, a shape-shifting Pokemon searching for companionship. A friendly Professor Tangrowth greets me, sparking curiosity about the island’s emptiness and how to restore it. As I explore, Pokemon begin to arrive, each with their own needs and missions. I spend hours watering plants, fixing roads, gathering food for hungry Pokecritters, and decorating homes. It’s a slow, rewarding process that feels like a digital version of a quiet, meaningful life. Unlike the battle-focused Pokemon games I’ve played before, Pokopia is all about friendship and exploration. There are no enemies to fight—just a cast of Pokemon eager to interact. Daily tasks include buying items, crafting, collecting resources, and uncovering odd discoveries like fossil remnants or mysterious feathers. The game’s scale is vast, spanning a connected set of islands rather than a single village. Everything is built from blocks, reminiscent of Minecraft, allowing for creative construction and reuse. While the world feels large, the game never overwhelms me, offering a sense of wonder without confusion. The gameplay is deeply personal. My Ditto can absorb abilities from other Pokemon, evolving dynamically as I interact with the world.#pokemon_pokopia #nintendo #switch_2 #professor_tangrowth #ditto