Messages

1

NWR Forums ID Verification / Re: Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: May 19, 2026, 10:26:00 AM »

Ah crap, everyone! It's like halfway in May and I've forgotten about this game for a couple months. I've only got the 5 games I picked in the draft. I need another 7 to add. What should I be adding, people!?!?! I have just not been following the industry. Are companies still making games?

Definitely picks the worst stuff possible so the rest of us have a chance!

Alternatively, I guess there'll be plenty of stuff announced in the coming weeks during E3 Summer Game Fest, which you'll be able to pick up for peanuts while the rest of us have once again filled our rosters up way too early.

2

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: February 18, 2026, 11:28:30 PM »

Is anyone on the fence about Fever? I've been waiting to see one of you online playing but alas I am alone. This game is absolutely incredible if you enjoy Tennis in general or have always wanted to enjoy Mario Tennis but some ol' bullship like racket breaking got in the way. This game is a return to form. Single player(not so much story mode yet) has been pretty engaging and multiplayer online and off has had my home erupting in screams and laughter. This game is legit!

I think I saw SuperPhil from here playing it already! The game looks fun, but I don't want to fork over $70 for it, especially since last year was already very expensive with both new hardware and games like Metroid Prime 4. Glad to hear they've finally found their groove again though, since the Mario Tennis series feels like it's been floundering a little for decades now.

3

Nintendo Gaming / Submissions are closed

« on: February 05, 2026, 09:33:50 AM »

Hi all, since the Direct has already started submissions are now closed.
I'm gonna make coffee and then see what they've announced.

4

Nintendo Gaming / LAST CALL

« on: February 04, 2026, 08:26:39 PM »

This is it folks, deadline for predictions is tomorrow, the moment the Direct starts!

5

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: January 29, 2026, 11:47:29 PM »

With the announcement of the Virtual Boy release cycle, I guess I’m timed out of this experiment. Also, it’s the end of January so I think I missed my chance. I find the current state of the industry and Nintendo’s place in it to be a bit miserable, so I didn’t have the heart to predict any delightful surprises or rational expectations for what Nintendo will release this year. I hope all your dreams come true and you earn points for the Switch 2 hardware becoming more expensive, and I hope Fire Emblem is Nintendo’s biggest release of the year but doesn’t meet sales expectations.

If you change your mind, you're still welcome to drop any predictions! I tend to close submissions when the first general Direct goes live, which I imagine will occur in a week or so. Obviously things like the Tomodachi Life and Virtual Boy release dates are off-limits for points purposes by now, but maybe the points have always been made up and don't matter.

Fwiw, I share some of the sentiment regarding both the industry as well as Nintendo's current trajectory. It's harder to care for Nintendo's conveyor belt approach to whimsy when they're doing a lot of seemingly "safe" sequels. Plus there's the whole state of the world to contend with, which makes taking guesses at a company's software plans feel perhaps even more frivolous than it ever has been.

So yeah, don't feel obligated to participate of course, but know that you're welcome to join if you'd like. 

6

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: January 22, 2026, 10:24:57 PM »

I actually struggled to find 10 good predictions. Maybe its where I am at in life but I just can't think of a lot of things that would make sense and believably be done by Nintendo in 2026. I'd love for certain old franchises to be revived, but that doesn't seem to happen too often these days. (and no, dropping old games on their live service isn't a revival). I ended up looking up what anniversaries were happening to get ideas since that seems to be somewhat reliable as a predictor.

Yeah, plus it's an unusual year since we already know like half their intended output for the year, unlike the past few years. There's just kind of a natural cap to the amount of games they can/want to produce in a year, and at this point we have fairly reliable data points to make guesses.
Perhaps I should've limited it to 5 predictions this year, but oh well.

7

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: January 20, 2026, 01:00:27 AM »

Probably a good idea to get some predictions going myself as well:

• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will make use of the Switch 2 Camera, perhaps to create Mii characters with, similar to Mii Maker on Wii U.
• Splatoon Raiders will be shown off in the September Direct, but will not release this year. I'm feeling it's a 2027 game, and probably a co-op multiplayer type game.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Deluxe will be announced. Instead of a new Smash Bros. I'm thinking they'll pull a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe type scenario to stretch it along for another generation. There won't be many new characters, maybe 1-3 tops, but they will bring back the final few missing stages (justice for Pokéfloats).
• Pokémon will re-release the Red/Blue (Game Boy) games again for the anniversary, but not on the NSO service.
• Switch 2 consoles will see a price increase this year due to AI companies buying up every stick of RAM they can find.
• I think the Zelda anniversary will be a little sparse. They'll roll out the first trailer for the upcoming movie, DLC for Hyrule Warriors 3: Age of Imprisonment, and maaaaaaybe one Zelda game gets dropped on NSO (Twilight Princess perhaps?).
• I'm copying MK Ultra's prediction of Luigi's Mansion 4 taking the October slot. The setting will be a haunted theme park, with Haunted Mansion ride which strongly resembles the Mansion from the 1st game.
• We'll see an exercise-style game from Nintendo. Maybe a sequel to Ring Fit Adventure, but using some other type of accessory. It will also use the Switch 2 camera.
• This'll be the year a major, previously Xbox-exclusive franchise releases on Switch 2. I'm thinking something in the ballpark of Halo, Gears of War, Forza, or Call of Duty. It won't be a new release like the Halo 1 remake, the new Fable, or the Gears of War prequel however. But perhaps Gears 5, or a previous Halo game.
• Mario Kart World will announce DK-themed DLC alongside the announcement of a DK animated movie. The DLC will be paid instead of free, causing outcry.

8

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: January 08, 2026, 10:33:58 PM »

And Fire Emblem has been silent a while. Those games often drop in groups, so I'm thinking some new spinoffs and retro Switch Online releases will follow the new mainline title.

Good initial shout, they just dropped Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on GameCube app. 

9

NWR Forums ID Verification / Re: Khushrenada's Fantasy Critic - Now with less blackjack and hookers!

« on: January 04, 2026, 10:00:56 PM »

I'm in!

10

Nintendo Gaming / Rules!

« on: January 02, 2026, 12:40:37 AM »

Rules/suggestions:

• You may submit between 1 and 10 predictions for the year.
• If you write your predictions in numbered list/bullet point format that’d be helpful, but it's not required.
• You get 1 point for being right, half a point for being half-right.
• You have until the first Direct (or major press release) of the year to submit predictions. It might be earlier this year than last year's February Direct. Obviously we can continue speculation afterwards, but it won't net you any tasty points.
• No points for guessing stuff we already know! See what we already know… in the post above!
• Non-predictions or super safe ones (e.g.: "Nintendo will not suddenly start selling alarm clocks orbital satellites") may be awarded no or negative points at the jury's discretion.

Stats below, choose your fighter wisely!

2025 Leaderboard:
Adrock: 6½ points [WINNER]
Mop It Up: 6 points [RUNNER-UP]
Stratos: 5 points [BRONZE]
Luigi Dude: 4½ points
M.K. Ultra: 3½ points
Order.RSS: 3 points

Lifetime achievements ranking:
M.K. Ultra: 26 points
Mop It Up: 25 points
Luigi Dude: 19½ points
Nickmitch: 19 points
Stratos: 16½ points
Adrock: 16 points
Safe Khushrenada: 12½ points
Bold Khushrenada: 9 points
Order.RSS: 9 points
MASB: 6 points
Khushrenada: 6½ points
Madness Khushrenada: 5 points
TopHatAnt: 5 points
Dinar87: 4 points
Evan_B: 4 points
Insanolord: 4 points
Lemonade: 3½ points
Pokepal: 3½ points
Mr. GlubGlub: 3 points
Oedo: 2 points
Fawful: 1 point
Broodwars: ½ point
Kairon: ½ point
Shaymin: ½ point
NotKhushrenada: -8 points

11

Nintendo Gaming / What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: January 02, 2026, 12:38:34 AM »

Welcome to the 2026 predictions thread, where points are only barely less discontinued than Gold eShop Coins!
How it works: please post 1-10 Nintendo related things you think will occur this year, that's it!
Previous threads: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.


I will try to update this thread with all the major Nintendo releases of the year.
Here's what we know so far:

2026 Games/Software
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. January 14th.
- Mario Tennis Fever Switch 2. February 12th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. February 19th (digital)  April 16th (physical).
- Pokémon FireRed Switch 1+2. February 27th. (TPCi publishing).
- Pokémon LeafGreen Switch 1+2. February 27th. (TPCi publishing).
- Pokémon Pokopia Switch 2. March 5th. (TPCi publishing).
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. March 26th.
- Pokémon Champions Switch 1+2. April 8th. Mobile port later in 2026. (TPCi publishing).
- Hello, Yoshi! Switch 1+2 & Mobile. April 9th.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Switch 1+2. April 16th.
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Switch 2. May 21st.
- PictoNico! Mobile. May 28th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. June 9th (digital) July 30th (physical).
- Star Fox June 25th.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove Switch 1+2. July 2nd.
- Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. July 16th. (Nintendo publishing).
- Splatoon Raiders Switch 2. July 23rd.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. July 30th (digital) October 1st (physical).
- Orbitals Switch 2. September 3rd.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Switch 2. September 17th.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Switch 2. October 22nd.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. December 3rd.
- The Duskbloods Switch 2. 2026. (Nintendo co-publishing).
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2. 2026.

2026 Hardware/Major merch
- Hardware: Joy-Con 2 (Light Green & Light Purple) Switch 2. February 12th.
- Hardware: Virtual Boy - Switch adapter Switch 1 & 2. February 17th, 2026.
- Merch: My Mario product line for young children. February 19th. Western release.
- Hardware: Pokémon Red/Blue Song Collection Music Players February 27th.
- amiibo: Meta Knight & Shadow Star (Kirby Air Riders) March 5th 2026.
- Merch: Talking Flower March 12th.
- amiibo: Ratha (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Ratha V (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Rudy (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Elephant Mario (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Poplin & Prince Florian (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Captain Toad & Talking Flower (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Mario & Luma (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2) April 2nd.
- amiibo: Rosalina & Lumas (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2) April 2nd.
- Movie The Super Mario Galaxy Movie April 3rd.
- amiibo: Diana (Pragmata) April 26th.
- amiibo: King Dedede & Tank Star (Kirby Air Riders) July 2nd.
- Hardware: Joy-Con 2 (Blue & Light Yellow) Switch 2. July 23rd.
- amiibo: Big Man (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Frye (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Shiver (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Grace Ashcroft (Resident Evil Requiem) Summer 2026.
- amiibo: Leon S. Kennedy (Resident Evil Requiem) Summer 2026.
- amiibo: Mineru's Construct (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) September 17th.
- amiibo: Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star (Kirby Air Riders) 2026.

2026 notable DLC (paid/free)
- Free update: Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Switch 1+2. January 14th.
- Free update: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD - Free Update Switch 1+2. January 21st.
- DLC: Kirby Air Riders - V.1.3.0 Switch 2. January 26th.
- DLC: Splatoon 3 - V11.0.0 Switch 1+2. January 29th.
- DLC: Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park Switch 2. March 26th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 1 Switch 2. June 30th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 2 Switch 2. July 14th - July 21st.
- Free update: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Torna: The Golden Country - Free Update Switch 2. July 30th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 3 Switch 2. August 4th - August 11th.
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Free Update Switch 2. August 2026.
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 1: Bubbly Basin Switch 2. August 2026.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 4 Switch 2. August 25th - September 1st.
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 1 Switch 2. Late 2026.

2026 Nintendo Switch Online / Services / Mobile
- Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics Switch 1 & 2. February 17th.
- DK Challenge Switch 2. June 10th - September 1st.
- The Duskbloods - Closed Network Test Summer 2026.
- Games added to Nintendo Classics apps:

• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance GCN. January 8th.
• Balloon Kid GB. February 4th.
• Balloon Fight GB GBC. February 4th. Japan only.
• Yoshi GB. February 4th.
• 3D Tetris VB. February 17th.
• Galactic Pinball VB. February 17th. 
• Golf VB. February 17th. 
• Innsmouth No Yakata (The Mansion of Innsmouth) VB. February 17th.
• Red Alarm VB. February 17th.
• Teleroboxer VB. February 17th.
• Virtual Boy Wario Land VB. February 17th. 
• Mario Clash VB. March 10th. 
• Mario's Tennis VB. March 10th. 
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong GBA. March 10th.
• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness GCN. March 17th.
• Mendel Palace (Quinty) NES. April 9th.
• Pac-Man NES. April 9th.
• The Tower of Druaga Famicom. April 9th.
• Jack Bros. VB. May 13th. 
• Space Invaders Virtual Collection VB. May 13th.
• V-Tetris VB. May 13th. 
• Vertical Force VB. May 13th. 
• Virtual Bowling VB. May 13th. 
• Virtual Fishing VB. May 13th. Japan only.
• Donkey Kong 64 N64. June 3rd.
• Pokémon Colosseum GCN. TBD.
• Super Mario Sunshine GCN. TBD.
• D-Hopper VB. TBD. (Previously unreleased). 
• Zero Racers VB. TBD. (Previously unreleased). 

Announced projects without dates/beyond 2026
- amiibo: Noir Dedede & Hydra (Kirby Air Riders) TBD.
- amiibo: Sword Kirby & Dragoon (Kirby Air Riders) TBD.
- Cruis'n Blast - Online Multiplayer & DLC TBA. (Announced December 2021, Nintendo owned IP).
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 3 Switch 2. 2027.
- Pokémon Waves 2027.
- Pokémon Winds 2027.
- Movie: Untitled live-action Zelda movie April 30th 2027.
- Movie: Untitled Nintendo/Illumination animated movie April 12th 2028.
- Xenoblade Genesis 2027.

2026 Directs
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct #1 January 25th.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct January 29th.
- Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase February 5th.
- Nintendo Treehouse Live February 24th.
- Pokémon Presents February 27th.
- Indie World March 3rd.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct #2 March 9th.
- Star Fox Direct May 6th.
- Nintendo Direct + Treehouse Live June 9th.
- Splatoon Raiders Direct June 30th.

12

Nintendo Gaming / THE RESULTS!

« on: January 02, 2026, 12:17:43 AM »

Looks they've already stealth dropped 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition), so I'd better churn my review out real quick!

Let's see here...

Half tempted to copy most of my 2024 since a lot of it was tied to Switch 2...

Oh! Forgot about this! Gotta get my predictions in!

1. Switch 2 releases 2024 with Backwards compatibility
2. Switch 2 adds things for their Online/VC library, but it is still underwhelming and limited from what it coudl and should be
3. Switch 2 includes some form of achievements/trophies
4. A new Fire Emblem is announced this year, but doesn't necessarily release yet.
5. Smash Ultimate gets a refresh/new DLC for Switch 2
6. We don't get Mario Kart 9, its just a refresh/update to 8 with a graphical overhaul, even more new and retro tracks, and some new modes and expansion to battle modes
7. Switch/Switch 2 finally gets a new Star Wars game that isn't Lego-based
8. Monster Hunter Wilds isn't coming to Switch, but Capcom throws something else MH related to the system.
9. Tears of the Kingdom gets new content, and it is tied to some new features of the Switch 2, either locking it to the new system or changing in some way that could be as simple as the Color Dungeon from the GBC Links Awakening dungeon
10. We get a new Animal Crossing, either a mainline one, a spinoff, or a massive new expansion/update for New Horizons

• I'll be generous and update the year to 2025, and yes Switch 2 indeed launched with back compat. 1 point
• Fire Emblem's newest entry was announced this year 1 point
• I'm counting Star Wars Outlaws as non-LEGO, 1 point
• Monster Hunter Stories 3 was indeed shown off! 1 point
• Those Zelda Notes apps in the Switch 2 Edition of TOTK coming in clutch! 1 point

Bummer on the Animal Crossing prediction just missing the year, but 5 points is a huge haul for some recycled predictions Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Predictions!

Yeah since I thought the Switch 2 would release at the end of 2024, I'll just reuse much of my prediction last year.

1.  The Switch 2 will launch with a new 3D Mario
2.  The new 3D Mario will be a fully open world game.
3.  The next Mario Kart will be revealed
4.  The next Smash Bros will be revealed
5.  A new IP will be announced for the Switch 2
6.  Nintendo will still support the original Switch with remasters and remakes.  I predict at least 3 more remakes or remasters will be announced for the Switch 1.
7.  A sequel to Astral Chain will be announced for Switch 2
8.  TurboGrafx/PC Engine games will be added to NSO Expansion pack.
9.  A new Animal Crossing will be revealed
10.  Metroid Prime 4 will not be a cross platform release.  Now last year I thought Nintendo had moved it to the Switch 2, but since we saw it was indeed still a Switch 1 release, it will stay just a Switch 1 release.  Best case scenario is if the game is played on the Switch 2, there might be some added benefits like faster loads times and a smoother frame rate, but there's not going to be a separate SKU for the Switch 2 that will look noticeably better like many seems to think.

• Bit of an edge case since 3D Mario turned out to be Donkey Kong instead. Not an entirely connected open world either, but maybe close enough? Ahh what the heck, here's ½ point
• Full marks for Mario Kart, 1 point
• New IPs aplenty! Drag X Drive and the hot new Switch 2 Welcome Tour franchise launched this year. Surely both will get ample sequels! 1 point
• Bang on the money with the remasters call. The OG Switch was graced by DKCR, XCX, and both Galaxy titles. 1 point
• Somehow we're not getting TurboGrafx, but we are getting Virtual Boy. Make it make sense
• Animal Crossing is an edge case, but I guess it's technically a new release plus a 3.0 title overhaul, so let's go with 1 point

A miss on Metroid, but that's still 4(½) Prime points!

Well so much for my Mario Kart 9 prediction 
At least I managed to snag that one in the Fantasy Critic game. Here are my purrdictions for 2025:

• New 3D Mario releases for Switch 2
• New game from Next Level Games releases for Switch 2
• Capcom announces a Monster Hunter game for Switch 2
• Nintendo announces Splatoon 4 for Switch 2
• Square Enix announces an HD2D remake of Chrono Trigger
• Yoshi’s Wooly World re-release
• Kirby Planet Robobot re-release
• Re-release of an older Zelda game
• Switch finally gets a line of reduced priced games (like “Nintendo Selects” but may have different name)
• Mysterious C button related to the audio functions of Switch 2

• Now hear me out on this one, but Next Level Games did support Retro Studios on Metroid Prime 4, soooo ½ point sound fair?
• Monster Hunter Stories 3 landing a second player a delicious 1 point!
• Bit unfortunate, since you had the right ideas with both new Yoshi and HD-2D titles, but they turned out to be a new Yoshi announcement for next year and another Octopath instead.
• Between dumping Wind Waker on NSO and the Switch 2 Editions of BOTW & TOTK I think that's a yes on a re-release of Zelda. 1 point
• Well, you need audio for GameChat I suppose. 1 point for the C button!

No Nintendo Select unfortunately, but we do have the opposite I suppose with Mario Kart World costing $80?
3½ Nintendo points* for you!
*=Nintendo points are only usable on Wii Shop**
**=Wii Shop is no longer accepting purchases

Whoof, a year with a new system launch is always a real wild card! Y'know, even moreso than usual. A launch opens up a lot more possibilities that a middle year wouldn't have. I have no clue what to even guess, but might as well just toss stuff out and see what sticks!

-A new 3D Mario will be announced this year.
It may not release this year, that'll depend on when the Switch 2 itself will be launched. The team seems due for a new game and having a new 3D Mario during the first year of a system is always a good way to build hype. Perhaps they'll go even bigger this time with a 4D Mario...!

-Re-release of a previous Zelda game.
I saw someone else predict this and yeah, I'll go with it. They're not gonna have a new one ready, so if they want Zelda content for the first year, something like HD Wind Waker or Twilight Princess is the best bet. And who knows maybe we'll get Tingle's Rupee Land 99...

-A new Fire Emblem announced.
Iunno, feels like it's been a while. Plus the Smash port will need some more anime swordsman DLC.

-The next generation of Pokémon games will be announced.
And everyone will be ticked that they're for Switch 1 and not 2.

-Another new sort of Pokémon app announced.
Pokémon Bathroom Break, anyone?

-A new IP of some sort will be introduced.
Something in the same vein as first-year Switch releases like 1-2-Switch, Snipperclips, or ARMS.

-A new Kirby game will be announced.
Might be a bit of a wild card here, but it feels long enough from the last one, and it seemed to perform well.

-Smash Ultimate Deluxe to be announced.
They're gonna want Smash of some kind on this thang, and they probably feel there's no way to top the last one. So my guess is they're just gonna do some sort of deluxe version with an awful title that retains all of the characters plus the DLC in one package. Though even this could be tough to do because of licencing.

-Another HD Wii Port
What it will be? No clue! But it feels like they're running out of Wii U stuff...

-Khushrenada will earn the most points in this.
What? That guy knows things! This is a safe bet, don't worry.

• No 4D Mario yet, but a genius prediction! Now once it inevitably releases I'll have to travel back in time to give the point after all.
• Always a smart move to copy someone else's homework. 1 point on the Zelda re-releases.
• No word yet on new Fire Emblem swordfighters, but I'm sure they'll Weave those into Smash eventually. 1 points
• No bathroom break theme, but will you settle for Pokémon Friends and 1 point? Both can be used on the toilet.
• Right on the money with the new small IP prediction! 1 point
• Not just any new Kirby game, but a sequel to the best previous one! 1 point
• The DKCR port had already been announced, but Mario Galaxy came along for the double whammy! 1 point
• Speaking of 4D moves, checkmating Khushrenada into not participating with this reverse psychology is worth 10,000 KhushPoints!

Boom, the queen returns with 6 points and also takes the KhushPoints leaderboard away from the man himself.

Gonna throw out some suggestions of my own:

• Within a week of the Switch 2 launch, some website will run a "taste test comparison" article, to determine whether Switch 2 cartridges have improved anti-lick technology.
• The mysterious new C-button seen on some Switch 2 renders is a shortcut to various bluetooth features, like instantly swapping headsets/controllers.
• Not all 3rd party Switch controllers will work with Switch 2 out of the box, resulting in a minefield of firmware updates and obsolete plastic.
• Xenoblade X Definitive Edition adds a new cliffhanger ending, infuriating fans.
• EA will publish Madden on Switch 2, but not College Football or NHL.
• Wario Land: Shake Dimension gets a port, releases on both Switch 1 and 2.
• Alarmo will quietly be discontinued.
• Konami adds TurboGrafx-16 as an NSO platform, but only for Switch 1 somehow.
• Recycling this prediction: Nintendo will co-publish Mina the Hollower to have it as a time-limited console exclusive in the Switch 2 launch window
• Shin'en will release a sequel to FAST RMX around the Switch 2 launch.

• Of course people couldn't resist licking those red cartridges. Jeff Gerstmann and NintendoLife came in clutch for this one. 1 points
• Firmwaremageddon was largely avoided!
• Xenoblade X did add some new stuff, but unfortunately for me I didn't see widespread fan outrage
• Knew I could rely on EA to half-deliver! 1 point
• FAST Fusion once again proved that Shin'en remain the one constant in this chaotic world. 1 point

3 points for me! It might be the lowest so far, but that's still a 300% increase over Khushrenada!

Gotta sneak this in before the Nintendo Direct in like five hours:

• Switch 2 will launch in the first half of 2025.
• New 3D Mario for Switch 2.
• At least one game that revolves around or at least significantly uses the rumored mouse-mode functionality dealie on the Switch 2 JoyCon.
• A new IP exclusive to Switch 2. I guess this could be the same game as the one above, but it’s 5:45 AM EST and my one brain cell isn’t brain cell-ing.
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will get a resolution/frame rate bump on Switch 2, not a dedicated remaster.
• Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will coincide with a teaser for the new Super Smash Bros. on Switch 2.
• Native party chat on Switch 2. I keep hedging my bets on this one. A girl can dream.
• Nintendo will publish a third party game (not its own IP outsourced to a third party to develop).
• At least one of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. I will predict this every year until I get it right.
• Need something outlandish: Miiverse successor, Miiverse 2: The Reckoning (name not final), just some kind of social network or social network adjacent thing that hopefully, mercifully Nintendo does a much better job of moderating.

See y’all in the winner’s circle next year when cruise to victory with my hot and fresh takes (ignore that half of them were recycled from 2024).

• A little close for comfort, but June is still the first half, 1 point
• Drag X Drive didn't just use one mouse, it's dual-wielding them! 1 point
• Full marks on the new IP using the mouse, I almost wanna double them for specificity. 1 point
• I guess on BOTW one could argue the Switch 2 Editions are remasters of some sort... maybe? Idk, let's just say 1 point
• PartyChat is here y'all! Webcams optional. 1 point
• With regard to Nintendo publishing a third-party game... they did publish the physical edition of Hades II. I'll allow it! 1 point
• Well, Wind Waker is here y'all! In an app on HD screens! ½ point

Woof, a photo-finish! Adrock just barely snatches the win on what is sure to be a contentious last call! I'd hate to be that referee!

2025 Leaderboard:
Adrock: 6½ points [WINNER]
Mop It Up: 6 points [RUNNER-UP]
Stratos: 5 points [BRONZE]
Luigi Dude: 4½ points [SOLID MIDDLE OF THE PACK!]
M.K. Ultra: 3½ points [NOT LAST!]
Order.RSS: 3 points [LESS BAD THAN KHUSH!]

Lifetime achievements ranking:
M.K. Ultra: 26 points
Mop It Up: 25 points
Luigi Dude: 19½ points
Nickmitch: 19 points
Stratos: 16½ points
Adrock: 16 points
Safe Khushrenada: 12½ points
Bold Khushrenada: 9 points
Order.RSS: 9 points
MASB: 6 points
Khushrenada: 6½ points
Madness Khushrenada: 5 points
TopHatAnt: 5 points
Dinar87: 4 points
Evan_B: 4 points
Insanolord: 4 points
Lemonade: 3½ points
Pokepal: 3½ points
Mr. GlubGlub: 3 points
Oedo: 2 points
Fawful: 1 point
Broodwars: ½ point
Kairon: ½ point
Shaymin: ½ point
NotKhushrenada: -8 points

Thanks for playing everyone! New thread can be found here!

13

NWR Forums ID Verification / START OF 2026

« on: January 01, 2026, 10:55:22 PM »

With 2025 in the books we celebrate the winner of the first NWR Community FantasyCritic League...

Plufim takes the inaugural top spot, and becomes person to beat for next year!

Speaking of next year... 2026 has already begun!
If you'd like to join this year's League, please post below or DM me here/on Discord. Deadline: end of the weekend.

14

TalkBack / Re: A Return from an Unprecedented Downfall? Nintendo and EA's Recent History

« on: August 12, 2025, 09:59:15 PM »

Several interesting things in this article which I didn't know about, like the EA Origin/MiiVerse link, or how EA sent their devkits back prior to the Wii U's launch.

15

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 935: Gearing Up to Rotate Masses of Vertices at Incredible Speeds

« on: August 02, 2025, 08:08:50 PM »

Lmaooo the entire segment on the TV/Film service delisting was absolutely hysterical. First Greg yelling about decyphering the storefront vagueposting, then Jon listing off his entire movie collection while James suggests more apocalyptic film titles... Hysterical

16

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 933: Scatman Kong

« on: July 16, 2025, 08:59:43 PM »

Just wanna note how Greg casually whipping out "Scatman Kong" had me wheezing on my quiet nature walk.

17

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2025?

« on: June 16, 2025, 06:46:50 PM »

Any chance you could just copy my 2024 list since I said I may as well do that and then promptly forgot to post a new list? 

Done!

18

Nintendo Gaming / Submissions are closed

« on: March 27, 2025, 06:39:24 PM »

Following this morning's Direct, submissions for new predictions are now closed. Feel free to speculate or discuss of course, but those sought-after points are off the board now.

Last year's predictions from Stratos getting recycled:

Oh! Forgot about this! Gotta get my predictions in!

1. Switch 2 releases 2024 with Backwards compatibility
2. Switch 2 adds things for their Online/VC library, but it is still underwhelming and limited from what it coudl and should be
3. Switch 2 includes some form of achievements/trophies
4. A new Fire Emblem is announced this year, but doesn't necessarily release yet.
5. Smash Ultimate gets a refresh/new DLC for Switch 2
6. We don't get Mario Kart 9, its just a refresh/update to 8 with a graphical overhaul, even more new and retro tracks, and some new modes and expansion to battle modes
7. Switch/Switch 2 finally gets a new Star Wars game that isn't Lego-based
8. Monster Hunter Wilds isn't coming to Switch, but Capcom throws something else MH related to the system.
9. Tears of the Kingdom gets new content, and it is tied to some new features of the Switch 2, either locking it to the new system or changing in some way that could be as simple as the Color Dungeon from the GBC Links Awakening dungeon
10. We get a new Animal Crossing, either a mainline one, a spinoff, or a massive new expansion/update for New Horizons

19

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Downloads - March 13, 2025

« on: March 11, 2025, 08:01:53 PM »

Congrats on 10 years Donald!

20

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2025?

« on: March 10, 2025, 07:30:11 PM »

Does the upcoming Pokemon Direct count as the first direct and thus the deadline or is it still an official Direct that we are waiting for?

Since we only have 4 submissions so far I guess we'll accept predictions throughout March, unless some bigger set of announcements suddenly drops. Obviously anything announced until now is off the table.

I suppose it puts late submissions at an advantage, since now it seems less likely for something like Pokémon Back In Black or whatever to get announced. If people feel strongly about it, I guess we could limit March predictions to 8 or 9 max.

21

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch 2

« on: March 05, 2025, 05:30:39 PM »

Did we ever hear what the codename for Switch 2 was? 
With such cool names as Ultra, Dolphin, Revolution, Project Cafe, and NX, I am curious what this device was referred to as internally before the ad wizards came up with Switch 2.

I've seen "Ounce" (also spelled as Oz) floating around a few times, but I don't know how accurate that is.
This article on GameRant suggests it was uncovered in some kind of data breach, so it might be hogwash. They also have an article speculating about the codename's reasoning up, with rather flimsy logic, and a disappointing lack of weed jokes.

22

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2025?

« on: February 18, 2025, 05:26:40 PM »

Gonna throw out some suggestions of my own:

• Within a week of the Switch 2 launch, some website will run a "taste test comparison" article, to determine whether Switch 2 cartridges have improved anti-lick technology.
• The mysterious new C-button seen on some Switch 2 renders is a shortcut to various bluetooth features, like instantly swapping headsets/controllers.
• Not all 3rd party Switch controllers will work with Switch 2 out of the box, resulting in a minefield of firmware updates and obsolete plastic.
• Xenoblade X Definitive Edition adds a new cliffhanger ending, infuriating fans.
• EA will publish Madden on Switch 2, but not College Football or NHL.
• Wario Land: Shake Dimension gets a port, releases on both Switch 1 and 2.
• Alarmo will quietly be discontinued.
• Konami adds TurboGrafx-16 as an NSO platform, but only for Switch 1 somehow.
• Recycling this prediction: Nintendo will co-publish Mina the Hollower to have it as a time-limited console exclusive in the Switch 2 launch window
• Shin'en will release a sequel to FAST RMX around the Switch 2 launch.

23

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch 2

« on: January 24, 2025, 04:06:56 PM »

One question I have is about amiibo support. Do folks think there will be an NFC reader on the device?

This IGN article notes the logo is absent from the right Joy-Con, but that doesn't necessarily indicate its absence.

Personally I don't see them dropping NFC yet, since they're also using the amiibo technology in their themeparks, and I have to imagine they'll eventually want to create ~bRaNd SynErgY~ between their gaming operations and theme parks.
But to be honest I don't know if amiibo themselves are still a notable driver of revenue for them. It feels like the pace of figure releases has slowed dramatically.

24

Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo Switch 2

« on: January 16, 2025, 10:02:00 AM »

Nintendo finally announced the long-awaited successor to Switch in January in this video, with further info scheduled for an April 2nd Direct. Following that presentation, events will occur in April/May/June where the device will be shown off to the public.

No exact release date for the device was mentioned yet, but it will release in 2025. Personally I think June or later seems likely, given the dates on their public preview events.

Notable hardware observations:

• Looks larger than current Switch models
• Joy-Con seem to attach in a slightly different way, and have a button to release on the back
• An extra button below the Home button on the right Joy-Con, purpose seems unclear for now
• It appears the Joy-Con may potentially be used as a mouse when attaching a little plastic rail?
• Wider kickstand
• Extra USB-C port on top of the handheld
• Very little attention was paid to the dock this time

Software: new Mario Kart game

• It appears a new Mario Kart game was shown
• Donkey Kong has been redesigned to match his Mario Movie design
• At various points in the video more than 12 racers appear visible at once. This suggests races may potentially see 16+ racers at once. The starting grid appears to have 24 positions even. However, we don't know yet if the game will support 24 racers on track at once, or whether 24-player multiplayer is feasible.

Software: backwards compatibility

• Physical game cartridges of Switch 1 games are supported by Switch 2. The video showcases Super Mario Bros. Wonder as an example.
• Digital Switch 1 games are also backwards compatible, implying your Nintendo Account will carry over between generations.
• Some software may not be backwards compatible. No details were given yet, but I imagine this will impact niche use cases such as Nintendo Labo.
• No word about whether Switch 1 titles may see improved performance when running on Switch 2.

So, with the cat finally out of the bag, what are your initial feelings? Were you hoping for a more drastic change, or is "Switch but better" exactly what you were hoping for? Got any hopes and dreams for future software? Do you envision yourself buying a Switch 2, or will you stick with other gaming devices instead?

25

Nintendo Gaming / Note about Switch 2 & the next Mario Kart

« on: January 16, 2025, 08:33:42 AM »

Following today's announcement of Switch 2 and what looks to be a new Mario Kart, you can no longer score points by predicting a Switch 2 release window or the release of a new Mario Kart.

Obviously Luigi Dude will receive a point, since their predictions predate today's announcement.

Submissions will close at the first Direct or major press conference of the year. I expect one in February based on their usual patterns.