Tag Archives: Nintendo

EA Sports Shakes Up the Football Gaming Landscape with Major Announcements

EA Sports has officially unveiled its plans for Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, and the gaming community is buzzing with excitement—and a bit of controversy. The announcement, made on NFL Draft Day, confirmed that both titles will launch this summer, but with a significant shift: neither game will be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This marks a pivotal moment in EA Sports’ transition away from previous-generation consoles, fully embracing the power of modern hardware.

For years, EA Sports has maintained support for older consoles, ensuring that players who hadn’t upgraded could still enjoy their annual football fix. However, with Madden NFL 26, the franchise is making a clean break, focusing exclusively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the upcoming Switch 2. This decision aligns with the industry’s broader trend of prioritizing current-gen hardware to deliver higher fidelity graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and deeper immersion.

Meanwhile, College Football 26 is set to continue the revival of EA’s beloved college football series, which returned last year after a decade-long hiatus. The game promises an expanded career mode, allowing players to take their athlete from high school to college and eventually the NFL. This seamless progression between the two games is a major selling point, reinforcing EA’s vision of a connected football universe.

Why Leave Previous-Gen Behind?

The exclusion of PS4 and Xbox One is a bold move, but not entirely unexpected. These consoles, launched in 2013, are now over a decade old, and their hardware limitations have increasingly hindered developers from pushing the boundaries of gaming technology. By focusing on current-gen platforms, EA Sports can leverage advanced physics engines, enhanced AI, and more detailed player animations, creating a more authentic football experience.

Additionally, the shift allows EA to streamline development, ensuring that both Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26 take full advantage of next-gen capabilities without being constrained by outdated hardware.

Release Dates and Pre-Order Details

Gamers eager to dive into the action won’t have to wait long. College Football 26 is set to launch on July 10, 2025, with early access available on July 7 for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition. Madden NFL 26 will follow shortly after, arriving on August 14, 2025, with early access beginning August 11.

For players looking to grab both games, EA is offering an MVP Bundle, which includes exclusive in-game content and early access perks. This bundle is designed to cater to die-hard football fans who want the full EA Sports football experience.

EA Sports’ decision to leave behind previous-generation consoles is a clear signal that the gaming industry is moving forward. While some players may be disappointed, the shift promises better graphics, smoother gameplay, and deeper immersion. With Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, EA is betting big on the future of football gaming—and it looks like they’re ready to deliver.

Response to the Palworld lawsuit by Pocketpair revealed!

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, has taken a bold stance in its legal battle against Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The lawsuit, filed in Japan, accuses Palworld of infringing on patents related to monster-catching gameplay mechanics. Pocket Pair, however, has mounted a defense by citing prior works that utilized similar mechanics, arguing that Nintendo’s patents should not have been granted.

Revealed by Gamesfray, Pokectpair filed back in February its defense that went for two months under the radar and the TLDR is that Nintendo is conveniently pointing finger just for the mere selective pointing.

Pocket Pair’s defense hinges on the concept of “prior art,” which refers to previously existing works that demonstrate the mechanics in question were not novel at the time of Nintendo’s patent applications. The developer has listed several games and mods, including Rune Factory 5, Titanfall 2, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Far Cry 5, Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy XIV, as examples of prior art.

They argue that these titles already featured mechanics like releasing monsters or capture items, throwable objects, and targeting systems.

Additionally, Pocket Pair has pointed to its own game, Craftopia, as evidence that similar mechanics were already in use before Palworld. The developer also referenced mods like Pocket Souls for Dark Souls 3 and Nukamon for Fallout, as well as games like Monster Hunter 4G and Octopath Traveler, to bolster its case.

As you recall, the lawsuit was filed last year by Nintendo and instead of going of the aesthetic likeness that some Pals have with Pokémon creatures, had the Japanese veteran going for specific legal term with patents which some of the were granted in middle of the lawsuit’s run, specifically patents: 7,545,1917,493,117, and 7,528,390. These patents cover various game mechanics, including the use and activation of “rideable characters” and the process of aiming and throwing a captured item at a character to capture it in a virtual space.

Evidently, U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is the American equivalent and consolidated patent of the previous three.

In a first mode, an aiming direction in a virtual space is determined based on a second operation input, and a player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, an item that affects a field character disposed on a field in the virtual space, based on a third operation input. In a second mode, the aiming direction is determined, based on the second operation input, and the player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, a fighting character that fights, based on the third operation input.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are each seeking 5 million yen, plus late payment fees.

This case raises important questions about the balance between intellectual property protection and creative freedom in the gaming industry. While Pocket Pair’s defense challenges the validity of Nintendo’s patents, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

Microsoft Gaming CEO is a Nintendo Switch 2 believer

Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has recently reiterated his enthusiastic support for Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 console, showcasing the deepening collaboration between the two gaming giants. Here’s a comprehensive look into the key points of his statements and their implications for the gaming industry

Is not a secret neither a unknown fact that Spencer has always expressed admiration for Nintendo’s innovation and role in shaping the gaming landscape. His recent comments highlight the strategic importance of the partnership between Xbox and Nintendo. This alliance allows Xbox to extend its reach to audiences who may not primarily engage with PC or Xbox platforms, aligning with Microsoft’s broader vision of accessibility in gaming.

A key element of Spencer’s vision is to bring Xbox experiences to as many platforms as possible. For the Switch 2, this includes plans to bring Xbox franchises like Diablo 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Microsoft Flight Simulator to the console. Notably, Activision, under Microsoft’s umbrella, is also committed to releasing Call of Duty titles on the Switch 2, further solidifying this cross-platform integration.

This approach underscores Xbox’s strategy of creating a unified gaming ecosystem that transcends traditional hardware boundaries. Whether on cloud, PC, or consoles, Xbox aims to make its games and features widely accessible.

Nintendo’s Role in Innovation

Spencer’s comments reflect his respect for Nintendo’s ability to innovate and captivate diverse audiences. He described Nintendo as a “great partner” and expressed excitement about collaborating on the Switch 2. Spencer’s belief in Nintendo’s significance in the industry further cements the potential for groundbreaking developments as the two companies work together.

Speaking in a new interview with Variety, Spencer has reconfirmed about Microsoft Gaming and Xbox supporting Switch 2, stating that he was “a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry”.

We’ve been supporting Switch 1, I want to support Switch 2. Nintendo has been a great partner. We think it is a unique way for us to reach players who aren’t PC players, who aren’t players on Xbox. It lets us continue to grow our community of people that care about the franchises that we have, and that’s really important for us to make sure we continue to invest in our games.

I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them. And getting the support from them for our franchises, I think, is an important part of our future.

Scheduled for a June 5, 2025 release, the Switch 2 represents a significant opportunity for Xbox to connect with new audiences. Spencer emphasized that the collaboration with Nintendo aligns with Xbox’s mission to build a community of players across platforms, leveraging the popularity and reach of Nintendo’s hardware.

The partnership between Xbox and Nintendo signals a shift towards greater collaboration and inclusivity in the gaming industry. By working together, the two companies aim to deliver high-quality gaming experiences to a wider audience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming innovation.

In conclusion, Phil Spencer’s comments underline a strong commitment to the Xbox-Nintendo partnership, with the Switch 2 serving as a pivotal platform for this collaboration. As the June launch approaches, gamers can look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves and shapes the future of gaming.

More expectations that you should consider for the Nintendo Switch 2

I has been a kind of a roller coaster week for the Nintendo segment of gaming fans since the announcement and presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the almost immediate unrelated news about Trump Administration imposing new tariffs to Vietnam has prompted Nintendo on delaying preorders (not release date [yet]) to assess on how it will impact if Nintendo can have the price set or needs adjustments.

But I believe we are in another wave of ups and downs, depending on your perspective on some revealed expectations and that are new outside that Nintendo Switch 2 games will be distributed physically as Switch 1 games which generated of course, a interesting debate regarding people’s expectations on the technical capacities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Now for the new things…

Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a favored anti-drifting detail

Nintendo Life confirmed that Nintendo acknowledged that the Joy-Con 2 devices of Nintendo Switch 2 will not have the Hall Effect design.

Hall Effect, named after US physicist Edwin Hall, is when you use magnets and electrical conductors to measure the position of the stick which makes them in theory and practice immune to drifting, one of the most hated “Achilles’ heel” of the original Nintendo Switch.

Nate Bihldorff answer Nintendo Life’s inquiry with this:

Let’s jump off the sensitivity stuff then and talk about the stick of the Switch 2 Joy-Con because it feels so different to the original Switch’s analog stick. So is it a Hall Effect stick? Were you inspired by the Hall Effect stick?

Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good. Did you experience both the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller?

Both!

So, I like both, but that Pro Controller, for some reason the first time I grabbed it, I was like, “this feels like a GameCube controller.” I was a GameCube guy. Something about it felt so familiar, but the stick on that especially. I tried to spend a lot of time making sure that it was quiet. I don’t know if you tried really whacking the stick around but it really is [quiet]. I’m thinking back to my Smash Brothers days, where you just whack it. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever played.

Let’s hope that time treats this particular topic well.

If your only desire for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Achievements hunting, bad news!

Polygon brought the question if the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to support Achievements to proper make an appeal like Playstation does with its Trophies system or Xbox with their own Achievement Platform to Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, Bill Trinen.

Unfortunately, Trinen confirmed with a “nope”, that this will not be the case.

The confusion might arise because The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will both get Switch 2 editions, as well as a new app, Zelda Notes, which will be part of the Nintendo App.

And ironically, that app will have its own Achievements list, so in this perspective, I can assume that game developers can have their own Achievement within their game’s ecosystem.

Nintendo basically is already done with Nintendo eShop Music

Also via an inquiry by Polygon, Nintendo via Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, that eShop Music is not part and will not be part of Nintendo Switch 2 offerings.

Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.

Of course, it was acknowledge that Nintendo is focusing on improving the eShop experience ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally Nintendo Switch is not being phased out (as expected and for now)

This time and via The Washington Post, Nintendo of America president Bowser was asked about the original Nintendo Switch following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and while it is disingenuous to think that Nintendo will maintain a legacy platform (history speaks for itself), it will be remain to be supported while the transition period is in course.

What I would say is that we’ll continue to observe consumers and how they engage and enter into the platform at various levels to try to really understand what the future may look like.

Here’s the other point. We have an install base [for the Switch] of 150 million plus units. We’ll probably announce more on May 8, when we have our next earnings call. We want to keep those players engaged. Not all of them may be ready to jump to Switch 2.

In average, Nintendo has historically maintained support for its previous consoles for a few years after launching a new system and the average goes between 2 to 3 years, by just looking at past transitions:

  • Nintendo 64 → GameCube (2001): Nintendo 64 saw a gradual decline in support, with its last first-party game released in 2002.
  • GameCube → Wii (2006): GameCube support continued for a few years, with some late releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” in 2006.
  • Wii → Wii U (2012): The Wii remained relevant for a while, especially with its strong casual audience, but first-party support slowed down significantly after 2013.
  • Wii U → Switch (2017): The Wii U had a short lifespan, and support faded quickly after the Switch’s success.

Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 will continue to receive support as long as there is demand. This suggests that:

  • 2025-2026: Nintendo will likely continue releasing some new titles for Switch 1, similar to how it supported the 3DS after the Switch launched.
  • 2027-2028: Support may gradually decline, with fewer first-party releases.
  • Beyond 2028: The Switch 1 could still receive third-party games, but official support will likely phase out.

Let’s hope that I am wrong and Nintendo Switch transition to Switch 2 means more years of support for a previous generation and this is good news for gamers at all!

Nvidia shared details about the tech behind the power of Nintendo Switch 2

Exploring Nvidia’s Role in the Nintendo Switch 2 Revolution

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Nintendo unveils its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2. At the heart of this technological leap is Nvidia, whose cutting-edge innovations are powering the console’s impressive capabilities. Let’s dive into the details of how Nvidia’s tech is transforming the gaming experience.

Nvidia’s Custom GPU: A Game-Changer

The Nintendo Switch 2 is equipped with a custom Nvidia processor featuring dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores. These components are pivotal in delivering stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements. The RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, creating lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows that immerse players in vibrant game worlds. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI technologies like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which upscale lower-resolution images to enhance both performance and image quality.

With Nvidia’s innovations, the Switch 2 achieves up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. This marks a significant upgrade from the original Switch, which maxed out at 1080p resolution in TV mode. The console also supports HDR, ensuring richer colors and sharper contrasts. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode guarantees ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.

Nvidia’s Tensor Cores extend beyond graphics enhancements. They enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences. These features open up new possibilities for interactive gameplay and community engagement.

Nvidia’s collaboration with Nintendo isn’t just about hardware; it’s also about empowering developers. The custom GPU comes with optimized APIs and world-class development tools, making game creation faster and more efficient. This ensures that developers can fully leverage the console’s capabilities to deliver groundbreaking games.

A Leap Forward for Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a generational leap in gaming technology, thanks to Nvidia’s contributions. With 10 times the graphics performance of its predecessor, the console is set to redefine portable gaming. From ray tracing to AI-driven enhancements, Nvidia’s tech is at the forefront of this transformation.

As gamers eagerly await the Switch 2’s release, it’s clear that Nvidia’s innovations are not just powering a console—they’re shaping the future of gaming. Whether you’re a fan of immersive worlds or high-speed action, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises an experience like no other.

Are you excited to see how these advancements will impact your favorite games? Let me know your thoughts!

Recap of early reactions of some Nintendo Switch 2 games details

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement following Nintendo’s announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025. With its upgraded hardware, innovative features, and a lineup of exclusive games, the Switch 2 promises to be a significant leap forward for Nintendo. However, the announcement has also sparked discussions about game formats and pricing, which are shaping up to be key factors in the console’s reception.

Game Formats: A New Era for Nintendo

Nintendo is introducing a notable change in game formats with the Switch 2. While the console maintains backward compatibility with most original Switch games, it also offers “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” upgrades for select titles. These upgrades enhance resolution, frame rates, and gameplay features, allowing players to experience their favorite games in a new light.

Additionally, the Switch 2 supports both physical and digital game formats, but with a twist. For the first time in Nintendo’s history, there will be a price difference between physical and digital versions of games. This decision reflects the industry’s shift towards digital distribution and aims to incentivize digital purchases.

Pricing: A Double-Edged Sword

The pricing strategy for the Switch 2 has been a hot topic among fans. The console itself is priced at $449.99 for the standard version and $499.99 for a bundle that includes the highly anticipated “Mario Kart World” in digital format. However, the real debate lies in the cost of individual games.

Nintendo has set a precedent with higher game prices for the Switch 2. For example, “Mario Kart World” will cost $90 for the physical version and $80 for the digital version. This marks a significant increase from the typical $60 price tag of previous Nintendo titles. While some fans appreciate the added value of enhanced features and exclusive content, others view the price hike as a potential barrier to entry.

Early Reactions: Mixed but Hopeful

The announcement has elicited a range of reactions from the gaming community. Many fans are thrilled about the console’s upgraded hardware, including its 7.9-inch 1080p display, improved Joy-Con controllers, and expanded storage capacity. The introduction of features like GameChat and GameShare has also been well-received, adding a new layer of connectivity and social interaction.

However, the higher game prices have sparked criticism, with some fans expressing concerns about affordability and accessibility. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many excited about the potential of the Switch 2 to redefine gaming experiences.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a game-changer in the world of gaming consoles. Its innovative approach to game formats and pricing reflects the evolving landscape of the industry. While the higher costs may pose challenges, the promise of enhanced gameplay and exclusive content has captured the imagination of gamers worldwide. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Nintendo to see how the Switch 2 performs in the market and whether it lives up to the hype.

There is one thing I want to add…

In the 1990s, video game prices were generally in the range of $50 to $70 for new releases, depending on the platform and region. However, when adjusted for inflation, these prices would be equivalent to approximately $90 to $125 in today’s dollars. For example, popular titles like “Mortal Kombat 3” and “Street Fighter Alpha 2” were priced at around $70 at launch, which was a significant investment at the time.

Interestingly, cartridge-based games, such as those for the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64, were often more expensive than disc-based games for the PlayStation due to higher production costs. This contrasts with today’s pricing, where digital versions of games are often slightly cheaper than their physical counterparts, as seen with the Nintendo Switch 2’s pricing strategy.

While the nominal prices of games have increased over the years, the inflation-adjusted cost of gaming has remained relatively stable. However, modern games often include additional costs, such as downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions, which were not a factor in the 90s.

March updates on both Pokémon TCG and Pokémon TCG Pocket

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to captivate fans worldwide with its innovative expansions and gameplay mechanics. Meanwhile, Pokémon TCG Pocket, the mobile adaptation, is making waves with its frequent updates and unique features. Here’s a detailed look at the latest developments in both realms.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together

The physical Pokémon TCG is gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated expansion, Journey Together, set to launch on March 28, 2025. This set revisits the nostalgic concept of Trainer’s Pokémon cards, originally introduced in the Gym Heroes era. Popular trainers like N, Iono, Hop, and Lillie are paired with their iconic Pokémon, such as N’s Zoroark ex and Iono’s Bellibolt ex.

Key highlights of this expansion include:

  • Trainer’s Pokémon Cards: Featuring trainers alongside their Pokémon, these cards add a personal touch to gameplay.
  • Simplified Collecting: With fewer secret rares, collectors can focus on curated, collectible experiences.
  • Enhanced Gameplay: New mechanics and abilities promise to shake up strategies and deck-building.

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Shining Revelry Expansion

On the digital front, Pokémon TCG Pocket is preparing to release its Shining Revelry expansion on March 27, 2025. This mini-expansion introduces Shiny Pokémon to the game, a rarity that has long been cherished in the Pokémon universe.

Exciting features of Shining Revelry include:

  • Shiny Pokémon Cards: These alternately colored Pokémon cards come with a unique visual effect, adding aesthetic appeal.
  • Starter Deck Missions: Players can complete missions to earn Deck Tickets, redeemable for pre-built decks.
  • Ranked Matches: A new competitive mode allows players to battle others of similar skill levels, with seasonal rewards.

Meanwhile in Japan….

The Pokémon TCG expansion, The Glory of Team Rocket, has been officially revealed, and it’s generating a lot of excitement among fans! This set marks the return of the iconic Team Rocket to the Pokémon Trading Card Game after many years. Here are some key details:

  • Release Date: The set will launch in Japan on April 18, 2025, and its cards will be included in the English Destined Rivals set, releasing on May 30, 2025.
  • Card Highlights: The set features 98 standard cards, including Rocket’s Pokémon like Meowth, Persian ex, and Mewtwo ex. There are also additional secret rares.
  • Artwork and Theme: The cards showcase stunning artwork and emphasize the mischievous and chaotic nature of Team Rocket.
  • Competitive Impact: The new Trainer cards and Pokémon ex are expected to bring fresh strategies and challenges to the competitive scene.

This expansion is a nostalgic nod to one of the most beloved villainous teams in the Pokémon universe. Are you excited to see Team Rocket back in action? Let me know your thoughts!

Impact on Gameplay and Collecting

Both expansions are set to redefine the metagame. In Pokémon TCG Pocket, the introduction of Shiny Pokémon and new Trainer cards like Red will significantly alter deck strategies. Meanwhile, the physical TCG’s Journey Together expansion is expected to rekindle nostalgia while offering fresh gameplay mechanics.

Collectors and players alike are buzzing with anticipation. Whether you’re a fan of the physical cards or the digital adaptation, these updates promise to deliver thrilling experiences and new challenges.

The Pokémon Company and Honda collab brought a real-life Koraidon motorbike

In a delightful fusion of the virtual and real worlds, The Pokémon Company and Honda have teamed up to create a life-sized motorbike based on Koraidon, the cover star of Pokémon Scarlet. This collaboration is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Pokémon franchise, as well as Honda’s innovative spirit.

The Concept and Design

The motorbike is a scale replica of Koraidon, a legendary Pokémon that can transform into a motorbike in the Pokémon Scarlet video game. The bike is designed to replicate the size and weight of Koraidon, making it an impressive and eye-catching piece of art. While the motorbike is not fully functional, it features proprietary self-balancing technology that allows it to walk on all four legs and stand upright on two wheels. This technology was developed by Honda’s Innovative Research Excellence team, who have applied their expertise in motorcycle design and robotics to bring Koraidon to life.

The Koraidon motorbike is currently on display at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Tokyo, Japan, from March 7 to March 9, 2025. This exhibit is part of a series of month-long events around Japan to celebrate Pokémon Day, which marks the 29th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Fans visiting the exhibit can marvel at the intricate details and craftsmanship of the motorbike, which captures the essence of Koraidon in both form and function.

Previous Collaborations and Future Prospects

This is not the first time The Pokémon Company and Honda have collaborated on a Pokémon-themed motorbike. Last year, Honda produced a motorbike based on Miraidon, the cover star of Pokémon Violet. Both Koraidon and Miraidon are featured in the latest mainline games in the Pokémon franchise, where they serve as the player’s mode of transport, transforming into bikes, boats, and climbing aids.

While it is currently unknown what will happen to the Koraidon motorbike after the exhibit concludes, it is possible that it will be transferred to one of the several Pokémon Center retail stores in Japan. These stores often feature large statues of Pokémon, making them the perfect home for this unique creation.

The Koraidon motorbike exhibit is just one of many events taking place across Japan to celebrate Pokémon Day. On February 27, The Pokémon Company held its annual Pokémon Presents stream, where they announced new episodes of Pokémon Concierge and a brand new game, Pokémon Champions. Additionally, they shared information about this year’s Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which is set to be released for the Nintendo Switch later this year.

In conclusion, the collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Honda has resulted in a stunning and imaginative creation that brings the world of Pokémon to life in a new and exciting way. The Koraidon motorbike is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Pokémon franchise.

Nintendo Switch Online will delist a game for the 1st time

Nintendo has announced that it will be removing a retro game from its Switch Online service for the first time. The game in question is Super Soccer, which will be delisted from the service on March 28, 2025. This marks the first time a game has been removed from the Switch Online retro library, raising concerns about the permanence of the service’s classic games catalog.

The removal of Super Soccer from the Switch Online service has sparked discussions among gamers about the future of the service and the potential for other games to be removed in the future.

Some players have expressed concerns about the possibility of losing access to their favorite retro games, while others have called for the return of the Virtual Console service, which allowed players to purchase and download individual games.

The decision to remove Super Soccer from the Switch Online service is believed to be due to licensing issues. The game was originally developed by Human Entertainment and published by Nintendo, and it is possible that the licensing agreement for the game has expired.

Nintendo has not provided any further details about the removal of Super Soccer or whether other games will be removed from the service in the future.

However, the company has assured players that it will continue to add new games to the Switch Online service, and that it remains committed to providing a diverse and extensive library of classic games.

The move was given the proper attention and one of the immediate reaction came from Hideki Kamiya and this is what PlatinumGames co-founder said:

Hey hey hey, I guess subscriptions are no good after all.

Seriously, bring back the Virtual Console… don’t be so mean.

Pokémon Go & other popular AR games could land in Saudi Arabia Kingdom’s hand

Niantic, the developer behind the global phenomenon Pokémon Go, is reportedly exploring the sale of its gaming division to Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). This potential deal could significantly reshape the mobile gaming industry and raise questions about the future of Niantic’s popular AR games.

The Potential Deal

According to reports from sources of Bloomberg, Niantic is in advanced discussions with Savvy Games Group to sell its gaming business for approximately $3.5 billion. The deal would likely include Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and other titles developed by Niantic. While the terms of the deal remain confidential, sources suggest that an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.

For Niantic, the sale would allow the company to focus on other ventures, including the development of AR technology for various applications beyond gaming. Niantic has been exploring areas such as geospatial data projects and the creation of a real-world AR metaverse. The sale would provide the company with the resources to pursue these initiatives more aggressively.

Impact on Pokémon Go and Other AR Games

The potential acquisition raises questions about the future of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games. Players are curious about Savvy Games Group’s plans for the acquired titles and whether they will continue to support and develop them. While Pokémon Go remains a major hit for Niantic, its subsequent games have not achieved the same level of success. The acquisition could provide Savvy Games Group with a platform for future growth in the AR gaming space.

The gaming community is closely watching the developments. Many fans of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games are concerned about potential changes under Savvy Games Group, especially regarding monetization and game updates. The community has expressed mixed feelings about the potential sale, with some hoping for continued support and others worried about the impact of the new ownership.

The potential sale of Niantic’s gaming division to Savvy Games Group could mark a new chapter in the company’s story. While the deal is not yet finalized, the fact that discussions are reportedly taking place indicates a potential shift in the gaming industry and the strategies of both companies. The future of Pokémon Go and other AR games remains uncertain, but the acquisition could provide opportunities for growth and innovation in the AR gaming space.