Saros' Chart Performance and Industry Context Saros, the PlayStation 5 exclusive action-adventure game, debuted at ninth place in Circana's April chart, a position influenced by its $70 price point and the methodology used to compile the data. The chart ranks titles by revenue rather than units sold, which naturally benefits higher-priced games. While the ninth-place finish is neither a failure nor a success, it reflects a soft launch for a flagship title, especially in a month dominated by the Switch 2's strong sales. The game's performance is also contextualized by its position in the broader market, where titles like Starfield and Switch 2 outperformed it. Circana's updated methodology has shifted how sales data is presented, blending confirmed digital sales from publishers like Sony with projected estimates for others, such as Nintendo. This approach introduces both clarity and uncertainty. For instance, Tomodachi Life topped the chart, but its digital sales figures are estimates, while Saros' position is based on confirmed data due to Sony's full transparency. Analysts note that while the old method undercounted Nintendo titles, the new approach risks overestimating some titles, creating a trade-off between accuracy and reliability. Saros' performance is also compared to its spiritual predecessor, Returnal. Players who found Returnal's difficulty punishing were less inclined to return, while fans of its design felt Saros softened its approach to appeal to a broader audience. Push Square editor Sammy Barker highlighted this tension, suggesting Housemarque, the developer, was caught between competing expectations. The game's reported development budget of around $76 million—though community estimates vary—means a breakeven point of 1 to 1.5 million units.#playstation_5 #switch_2 #housemarque #saros #circana
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
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
Fortnite's original Save the World mode will be free to play starting on April 16 The Save the World mode, a cooperative survival game that focuses on crafting and exploration, will transition to a free-to-play model beginning April 16. This change affects the PvE campaign, which was initially released in 2017 and has since been overshadowed by the battle royale mode. The paid version of the content, which currently costs $9, will no longer be available for purchase after March 11 at 8 PM ET. Players who wish to buy the mode before its free launch are encouraged to do so. Existing players will retain access to the content without any restrictions. Epic Games has announced that pre-existing players will receive special perks as a gesture of appreciation. These include vouchers for V-bucks, gold bars, and end-game resources that help boost player and item levels. The company emphasized that the free version will not diminish the value of V-bucks, which can still be earned through Daily Quests, Mission Alerts, Storm Shield Defense Missions, and existing Challenges. This ensures that players can continue to gather in-game currency without relying on paid purchases. Pre-registration for the free mode is already open, and there is an added benefit for those who sign up early. For the first time, Save the World will be available on the Switch 2 console, though it will remain exclusive to this newer model and not the original Switch or smartphones. The mode will also be playable on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Epic Games noted that the specific perks for pre-registered players will depend on the number of sign-ups by April 16. The Save the World mode originally launched in 2017 as a standalone experience before being integrated into the broader Fortnite ecosystem.#epic_games #fortnite #save_the_world #vbucks #switch_2
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
