Messages

1

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Downloads - March 13, 2025

« on: March 11, 2025, 08:01:53 PM »

Congrats on 10 years Donald!

2

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.

3

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.

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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.

5

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.

6

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?

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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.

8

Nintendo Gaming / The rules!

« on: January 01, 2025, 07:47:34 PM »

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.

Look at all these stats! That means we must be legit!

2024 Leaderboard:
Bold Khushrenada: 5½ points [WINNER]
Dinar87: 4 points [RUNNER-UP]
Mop It Up: 4 points [RUNNER-UP]
Evan_B: 3½ points
Safe Khushrenada: 3½ points
Luigi Dude: 3 points
M.K. Ultra: 2½ points
Adrock: 1½ points
Madness Khushrenada: 1½
Nickmitch: 1½ points
Stratos: 1½ points
Khushrenada: 1 point
Mr. GlubGlub: 1 point
Order.RSS: ½ point

Lifetime achievements ranking:
M.K. Ultra: 22½ points
Mop It Up: 19 points
Nickmitch: 19 points
Luigi Dude: 15 points
Safe Khushrenada: 12½ points
Stratos: 11½ points
Adrock: 9½ points
Bold Khushrenada: 9 points
MASB: 6 points
Khushrenada: 6½ points
Order.RSS: 6 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

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Nintendo Gaming / What will Nintendo release in 2025?

« on: January 01, 2025, 07:43:21 PM »

Welcome to the 2025 predictions thread, where points are worth even less than Platinum 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.



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

2025 Games/Software
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD January 16th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition March 20th 2025.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 2025.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A 2025, possibly in Fall?
 
2025 Hardware/Major merch
- Nintendo Switch 2 2025.

2025 DLC (paid/free)
- None yet!

2025 Nintendo Switch Online / Services / Mobile
- Games added to NSO Retro apps:

• Fatal Fury 2 January 24th. SNES.
• Super Ninja Boy January 24th. SNES.
• Sutte Hakkun January 24th. SNES.
• Ridge Racer 64 January 30th. N64.
• Wario Land 4 February 14th. GBA.
• Donkey Kong (1994) March 7th. GB.
• Mario's Picross March 7th. GB.
• Nobunaga's Ambition March 28th. SNES.
• Nobunaga's Ambition: Lord of Darkness March 28th. SNES.
• Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire March 28th. SNES.
• Uncharted Waters: New Horizons March 28th. SNES.

Announced projects without dates/beyond 2025
- Cruis'n Blast - Online Multiplayer & DLC TBA. Announced December 2021. (Nintendo owned IP).
- Pokémon Champions TBA. Announced March 2025.
- Untitled live-action Zelda movie TBA. Announced November 2023.
- Untitled Nintendo Switch successor hardware TBA. Announced May 2024.
- Untitled Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel April 3rd 2026.

2025 Directs
- Pokémon Presents February 27th.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Direct April 2nd.

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Nintendo Gaming / WINNERS OF 2024!

« on: January 01, 2025, 07:37:08 PM »

Whoopsiedaisy, someone released a new year overnight. Better hop to it!

Here are my predictions for 2024:

• Nintendo's next video game console will be announced in the summer and released in the fall
• This new console will support backwards compatibility for Switch games, but not for Switch joy con
• The new console will be a hybrid console like the switch, however, there will be a way to use the screen on the console as a second screen while playing on the TV
• One of the games for the new console will be Super Mario Odyssey 2 and will release this year
• Another game for the new console will be a game from Good Feel using an existing Nintendo IP
• Another game for the new console will be Mario Kart 9
• Square Enix will announce an HD2D version of Chrono Trigger
• Concerning the games we already know about, I predict that Paper Mario TTYD will release before Luigi's Mansion 2
• For the Nintendo Switch Online service, Conker's Bad Fur day gets put on the N64 expansion pack
• Finally, following the commercial success of the Super Mario Bros. movie, we get a trailer for the Donkey Kong Movie

• Switch 2 is confirmed backwards compatible for games, unsure yet about Joy-Con. ½ point.
• I suppose therefore Princess Peach: Showtime is indeed a Switch 2 game by proxy from Good-Feel using an established Nintendo IP. 1 point
• TTYD did indeed proceed Luigi's Mansion 2. 1 point

Total score: 2½ points! Pretty good showing from the reigning lifetime champ, if perhaps overconfident on Switch 2's existence.

I heard lots of remakes so I stand by a F-Zero GX remake this year
Switch 2 will be released in the first half of 2024
No Metroid Prime 4
Mario 64 remake
Bonus points: Kirbys Dream Course remake

• I don't love these "no X..." predictions, but this feels just relevant and risky enough I'll let it slide. Metroid Prime 4 did not release this year, although we did see a trailer. 1 point

Score: 1 point, short and to the (one) point.

• Switch 2 will be announced in September 2024, for a March 2025 release. The name will be Nintendo Shift. Their stock price drops 9% following the announcement.
• NES Remix gets a sequel, called SNES Remix.
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong turns out to feature extensive amiibo support, causing spikes in prices for various out of print figures.
• Nintendo will publish the new Yacht Club Games title Mina the Hollower in in order to acquire limited time console exclusivity.
• NSO adds Turbografx-16 to the Expansion Pack tier in October. It launches with Bonk 2, Bomberman 93, and Castlevania Rondo of Blood.
• There will be a significant DLC expansion for Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door that somehow upsets the fanbase.
• This year's Kirby game is a port of Kirby Battle Royale (3DS), revamped as a free-to-play release, with a convoluted monetization scheme.
• Reviews for Princess Peach Showtime will sit around a 72 average.
• NSO adds the following games to its GBA lineup: Mario Pinball Land, Drill Dozer, and Pokémon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire.
• Recycling this one from last year: Mario & Sonic at the 2024 Paris Olympics is announced. Luigi wears a beret in the trailer, and Yoshi eats an entire baguette.

Frankly, a big ol' goose egg. I guess since I'm grading my own homework I could be generous and extend ½ point for the Princess Peach: Showtime! review average, since it sits at 74 on Metacritic and 75 on Opencritic.

Total score: yeesh.

• Switch successor announced this year.
• Dusting off a classic: Rhythm Heaven finally gets to be this year's party game
• Pokémon has a spin-off year, and not Gen 10
• Speaking of, classic Pokémon games become available for sale in the Nintendo eShop
• Nintendo announces a new F-Zero game based on the success of F-Zero 99
• Uh, let's see... Maybe a Wario Land game?
• The new console promises no/less drift (but in a coded way e.g., "Studier, more durable control sticks"
• I'm running out of ideas here, so maybe Princess Peach DLC?
• It's about time for a new 3D Mario, right? I'll be bold and say not Odyssey 2
• Nintendo does something with Doshin the Giant

• I guess a Switch successor was talked about, although not really announced. ½ point
• Pokémon did indeed release a spin-off, albeit of its card game. 1 point
• Sturdier joysticks have been rumoured by various attention seekers highly trustworthy leakers, but not confirmed. or promised.

Total score: 1½ points! Not the best we've seen from last year's winner, but could be worse!

1. All but confirmed, I expect Hi Fi Rush will be announced, maybe even shadow dropped at the next Nintendo Direct. (I'll take half credit if both don't happen)
2. Metroid Prime 4 is the last major Nintendo-published Switch game, set for a cross-launch with the Switch Successor. This means it might not even come out until 2025. (Does this count as a 2024 prediction? NOT-releasing in this year?) The prediction: Metroid Prime 4 is seen this year, in gameplay and cinematics. It may not release in 2024, but it will be on the Switch. Nintendo uses their weird honor code for having announced the game as a Switch title and keeping that promise.
3. The Switch Successor is announced to be backwards compatible this year.
4. With Pokemon Bank going offline, the GB/C App gets Red, Blue, and Yellow. I'll go one step further and say these are announced around Pokemon Day this year, and Gold/Silver/Crystal will come later in the year. I'll go ONE STEP FURTHER and say Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald come to GBA Expansion owners and FireRed/LeafGreen will come later in the year. They will be structured as such so non-Expansion owners don't feel cheated out of playing the "inferior" Red/Blue/Yellow in place of FireRed/LeafGreen.
5. Pokemon gets a *new* spin-off this year. It's not exactly like the core games, it's not a remake, it's definitely not Legends-tier. But it's something. I wouldn't be surprised if it was developed by ILCA.
6. The next 3D Mario is a launch title for the Switch Successor. Prediction: It is announced/seen this year.
7. The Switch Successor gets a Xenoblade Chronicles X port. Prediction: It's announced this year?
8. THE LAST STORY is a late-game Switch Port, baby! (Maybe a tease of a sequel on the Switch Successor?)
9. Kirby gets some big-ol-minigame extravaganza. Think Mario Party, but Kirby.
10. There is a Princess Peach Showtime! Amiibo. It is stupid. Starting to regret this one.

• Dead on regarding Metroid Prime 4. 1 point
• Dead on regarding backwards compatibility. 1 point
• Dead on about a Pokémon spin-off, although not from ILCA. ½ point
• Dead on about Xenoblade X getting a port announced this year, and technically it'll run on Switch 2 as well. Probably. Most likely. Surely?! 1 point

Final tally: 3½ points! Huge haul for NostraDOOMus!

• More Amiibo (I'm thinking Princess Peach Showtime! and Tears of the Kingdom).
• At least one of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD; released separately.
• Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
• Microsoft will release at least one more Rare game on Switch.
• Switch 2 will be announced first half of 2024 and released in second half of 2024. The exact halfway point of the year is July 2. It's a Leap Year; let's just use July 2 anyway.
• Native party chat on Switch 2; heavily locked behind parental controls by default (can be turned off).
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with DLSS/AI enhanced visuals on Switch 2; free update as long as you own the game digitally/physically.
• 3D Mario launching with Switch 2; more like Bowser's Fury than Odyssey.
• Need something outlandish: Metroid Prime 4.
• Need something outlandish part 2: Game Gear and Master System on Nintendo Switch Online.

• Tears of the Kingdom did get amiibo, but they had already released in 2023. No points.
• We got an absolute deluge of Rare-produced games on NSO. 1 point
• Metroid Prime 4 was shown off, but did not release this year. ½ point

Total score: 1½ points, steady as a (Ad)rock!

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

• No Switch 2, but yes backwards compatible. ½ point
• Fully correct on Star Wars, as Star Wars Hunter is a brand-new game. Plus we also got ports of Dark Forces, both of the classic Battlefront games, and even Bounty Hunter. 1 point

Full score: 1½ points for Stratos, another solid midfield player!

1. I predict that Nintendo will release some new software we haven't seen before this year.
2. I predict that Nintendo will port a game from a previous console as a new release this year.
3. I predict that at least one of the games Nintendo releases this year will sell 1,000,000 copies.
4. I predict that Nintendo will release some new DLC this year.
5. I predict that Nintendo will add some titles to their Online Apps.
6. I predict that third parties will port some of their games to the Switch this year.
7. I predict that Nintendo will release some new Amiibo this year.
8. I predict that Nintendo will release a previously unseen console.
9. I predict that Nintendo will release some new controllers this year.
10. I predict that Nintendo will air some Directs this year.

• They did, but they also released software we have seen before. 0 points.
• This did occur, but it doesn't count as a new release since we'd call this a re-release. 0 points
• It's highly unlikely one of the new games sold exactly 1,000,000 copies as specified, and not for instance 999,999 or 1,000,001. Therefore 0 points
• You did indeed predict this, but we're looking for predictions about Nintendo instead, not your predictions about your Nintendo predictions. 0 points
• All the Online Apps already had titles, such as "SEGA Genesis - Nintendo Switch Online". 0 points
• Correct! 1 point
• Nintendo did not release any Amiibo this year. They do have an entirely different, separate product category titled amiibo, which saw some releases this year. 0 points
• Depends on whether we consider Alarmo a console, I'm leaning towards no. 0 points
• No new controllers were released, just variants of already existing ones. 0 points
• Nintendo was not in charge of any broadcasts, and therefore did not air anything themselves. They merely supplied content. 0 points

Total score: 1 point, truly embarrassing for Khushrenada! I guess this could serve as a lesson to future contender: never make your predictions too wild, or you'll be miles off just like ol' Khush.

1. Switch Successor will release in the 2nd half of the year.
2. Switch Successor will be 100% backward compatible with Switch games.
3. A new 3D Mario games will come out in the 2nd half of this year for Switch Successor as well.  It will be a fully open world game.  Basically Bowsers Fury was a playable beta for what Nintendo had in store for the next 3D Mario.
4. Actual gameplay footage for Metroid Prime 4 will be revealed.  The game will be moved to the Switch Successor to take full advantage of that systems power.  There will be no cross gen version with Switch, since Metroid is no where near as popular as Zelda to justify such a thing.
5. A new Donkey Kong platformer will be revealed.  I'm not sure if it'll be 2D or 3D, but it will be a new platformer where you control Donkey Kong.
6. A new 2D Zelda will finally be revealed as well.
7. Nintendo will keep the regular Switch alive with more remakes and remasters.  I predict at least 3 new remakes or remasters of Nintendo games for the regular Switch.
8. A new IP will be revealed for the Switch Successor.
9. Mario Kart 9 will be revealed, but a 2025 release date.
10. The next Smash Bros will also be revealed but will also have a 2025 release date.

• Technically we don't know whether the backwards compatibility will be truly 100%. I could see something like Labo being exempt, for instance. ½ point for now, but admittedly I'm splitting hairs
• Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was unveiled. Not very new, but certainly a DK platformer! ½ point
• A new 2D Zelda was indeed shown off, and this one was a real Zelda too. They finally did it after years of games starring some green elf instead. 1 point
• With no less than 4 remakes/remasters this was entirely correct. 1 point

Total haul: a whopping 3 points for Luigi Dude, and that's with me being stingy! Very impressive!

1. No February Direct
2. Switch 2 will be announced this year
3. Switch 2 will have backwards compatibility
4. No gamecube games on NSO
5. Third party developers will massively support the next console after the success of the switch
6. Pokemon will continue to be mediocre and not worth buying
7. Potentially Metroid Prime 2 and 3 remasters
8. Metroid Prime 4 announcement
9. Donkey Kong announcement (either country styled or a new thing)
10. New mainline Kirby game

• Semantics but I'm counting a Partner Direct as a Direct, since, well, it says Direct on the tin. However a later post of yours indicated you see them differently, and were right about it being a Partner Direct. So let's be generous and say 1 point
• Right on about backwards compatibility. 1 point
• I don't love these "no Gamecube on NSO" type predictions, since people could fill a list with the same about like, the Atari Jaguar. So you are correct, but unfortunately get no points, since otherwise Khush will run with it.
• Right on about Metroid Prime 4. 1 point
• Also correct about DK! 1 point

Winner-winner-chicken-dinar: that's 4 points for the first-time contestant! Very impressive result, and I'm being strict.

-The Switch successor will release this year, probably in November. That's right, I'm going back to that classic release time.
-The Switch successor will have backwards compatibility with games and accounts, but probably not controllers and accessories. It might work with Labo VR though.
-A new 3D Mario will be announced this year, to release within the launch window of the new system. Another classic launch style returns!
-A new Donkey Kong game of some sort will be announced. Dunnn dun dun dunnnn dunnnnnnn dunnnnnnn
-A new spin-off Pokémon game will be announced, one that's part of an existing series. C'mon PokéPark 3!
-Metroid Prime 4 finally sees a trailer this year... with some footage of actual gameplay to boot! Most likely accompanied by another apology, but don't count that as part of this prediction please.
-At least one more remaster or remake of a GCN / Wii game will be announced. I've learned my lesson in being too specific.
-I'm gonna be bold and say no more new amiibo. Don't @ me if this happens.
-Another Rare N64 game will be announced for NSO, my guess this time will be, I dunno... Banjo-Tooie. If it's DKR this time I will be livid.
-Mop it up will make more posts than Nintendo releases games. Yeah yeah, fat chance of that I know, but sometimes ya gotta be daring!

• Back compat is admittedly short on details, but let's say ½ point for now
• Not a new DK, but an older one did Return(s). ½ point
• Right on the money regarding a Pokémon spin-off in an existing series. 1 point
• Also entirely correct regard Metroid Prime 4. I dunno about an apology, but eh, games take time to make.  1 point
• Alas, some amiibo. 0 points
• Alas, some Banjo-Tooie. 1 point
• It was a close race for a while, but in the end with 12 game releases against 7 Mop It Up posts, capitalism won once again. 0 points, but please outdo them next year! We like hearing from you!

Bucket content: 4 points! Incredible display!

Safe Khushrenada
1. Nintendo will finally talk about the Switch successor, their next gaming system, and when it will launch.
2. One of the games shown for the Switch successor will be a game with Mario in it.
3. Nintendo will release a special edition Switch Oled this year.
4. Nintendo will announce (at least) two new Amiibo figures for the year.
5. More DLC will be available for free to those with the Online Expansion + subscription.
6. A Kirby game will be announced and released within 18 months of that announcement.
7. A previous Pokemon game will be revealed as getting remastered or remade new for Switch and released within a year of its announcement.
8. Metroid Prime 4 footage will finally be shown.
9. Hi-Fi Rush is announced and ported to Nintendo this year.
10. Another GameCube game will be released on Switch either as a port or remaster/remake.

• Some talk about the Switch successor did occur, but nothing indicating a release date. ½ point
• Technically they showed 0 games for a successor, but presuming Mario & Luigi Brothership works on the successor, it was indeed shown. ½ point
• Weirdly no new OLED consoles. They did bundle a white one with some games. 0 points
• Not just 2 amiibo, but 7 new ones! 1 point
• Regarding DLC and the NSO Expansion Pack -- this gets really murky about whether new F-Zero 99 courses count as DLC, and they were not exclusive to Expansion Pack users either. ½ point to be generous
• Prime 4 primed for points! 1 point
• Since the Paper Mario TTYD remake was already announced in 2023 I'm not giving points for that prediction.

Points in the Safe: 3½ of them! See, this is why we don't do risky. Great score!

Bold Khushrenada
1. Nintendo's Switch successor does not release in 2024.
2. A new MonolithSoft title is announced and revealed.
3. Donkey Kong 64 comes to the Switch either on the N64 App or remade/remastered for Switch.
4. Another Game Console’s (i.e. Master System, Game Gear, Neo Geo, etc) games are added to the Expansion + subscription.
5. Yoshi’s Woolly World gets a Switch port. Previous Yarn Amiibos get restocked for it.
6. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! is brought to the Switch eShop.
And I'm done with Nintendo. We know they'll keep pumping out all sorts of Mario, Zelda, Pokemon game continuously. So let’s bold it and talk third party particularly since it's these louse partners which are forcing me to predict things now!
7. Shin Megami Tensei V returns. Either as a Complete Edition (or Director's Cut) game with DLC in one package or as a spinoff game. Atlus has to keep propping up Sega.
8. More Third Party talk. The Mass Effect Trilogy gets ported to the Switch. EA needs some cash!
9. Sega puts another Monkey Ball game on Switch. Sega really needs some extra income!
10. Pentiment also makes the jump from XBox to Switch. Microsoft desperately needs any kind of gaming revenue they can get!!! They almost quit making consoles earlier this month!

• No Switch successor indeed. 1 point
• I don't consider XCX to be new, but it was announced and shown. ½ point
• Pocket Card Jockey indeed! 1 point
• Honestly a really good prediction regarding SMTV: Vengeance. Clairvoyant, even! 1 point
• And a brand-new Monkey Ball! How does he do it?! 1 point
• BoldKhushrenada is Phil Spencer, confirmed. 1 point

Bolderdash: 5½ points, that's the highest yet!

Madness Khushrenada!
1. Nintendo finally finds Star Fox under the couch cushions and decide to put a Star Fox game on the Switch this year.
2. A Mario sports game is released this year. (Not really that mad of a prediction. Just realized I forgot to make it earlier with the other Khushrenadas. It's trickle down predictions here!)
3. SNES Remix (a sequel to the NES Remix games) is announced and released within 18 months.
4. Endless Ocean returns from the grave and comes to the Switch this year.
5. Square ports over more Dragon Quest games (such as 4, 5, 6) to the Switch and announces Dragon Quest 12 will release on a Nintendo system.
6. Even more Square madness. Square brings Terranigma to the Switch.
7. Square-sanity! Fortune Street also returns to Switch this year.
8. Pushmo ain't dead either! A Pushmo collection is announced for Switch.
9. Spike Chunsoft delivers! AI: Somnium Files 3 is announced. The Zero Escape series is also ported to Switch.
10. Mother 3 actually releases in North America on the Switch GBA app.
11. Everyone else’s predictions go to 10. Not Madness Khushrenada. His picks go to 11. He's just so eXtreme! Chibi-Robo fire is real! The little robot who could stuns the world by coming to Switch in a Chibi-Robo collection of his first three games. It causes the Switch to not only surpass the PS2's total sales but also double them!! You heard it here first!

• Nothing screams madness like multiplayer Endless Ocean. 1 point, wild for this to come true tbh
• The Dragon Quest III remake did finally come out I suppose. ½ point

Holy Madtrimony: 1½ points! Honestly not bad, and lightyears ahead of that dork Khushrenada, which is really all that matters.

Onto the prizes!
Wow wow wow folks, another year in the bag, and boy did we get good predicting the future! Big congrats are in order for the decisive winner, Bold Khushrenada, as well as newcomer Dinar87 and Prediction Princess Mop It Up!

2024 Leaderboard:
Bold Khushrenada: 5½ points [WINNER]
Dinar87: 4 points [RUNNER-UP]
Mop It Up: 4 points [RUNNER-UP]
Evan_B: 3½ points
Safe Khushrenada: 3½ points
Luigi Dude: 3 points
M.K. Ultra: 2½ points
Adrock: 1½ points
Madness Khushrenada: 1½
Nickmitch: 1½ points
Stratos: 1½ points
Khushrenada: 1 point
Mr. GlubGlub: 1 point
Order.RSS: ½ point

Updated lifetime rankings:
M.K. Ultra: 22½ points
Mop It Up: 19 points
Nickmitch: 19 points
Luigi Dude: 15 points
Safe Khushrenada: 12½ points
Stratos: 11½ points
Adrock: 9½ points
Bold Khushrenada: 9 points
MASB: 6 points
Khushrenada: 6½ points
Order.RSS: 6 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 / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2023?

« on: January 01, 2025, 05:47:10 PM »

Normally, I like highlighting all the ways Order.RSS is trying to rig the game to hold me back but there wasn't much he had to do last year with the poor performance of Safe Khushrenada. However, it seems he still likes trying to manufacture drama and make this competition seem close by pretending there were two winners  when we can all see there was only one. Welcome to the club of trying to screw over the best player, nickmitch!  I think he needs to change his name from Order.RSS to Law.RSS because he doesn't play by the rules and just sets whatever standard he wants. You should have a full point for your number 8 prediction. Princess Peach: Showtime definitely meets the criteria of that prediction and it should be recognized for the bold and smart glimpse of the future it is... or was... er, you know what I mean! Even if you remove the generous half point, you would still have a whopping 6 point score from everything else when adding in that number 8 prediction.

Can't believe I somehow missed this injustice. Nickmitch has been restored as the rightful 2023 champion!

12

General-3 / Re: Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: January 01, 2025, 05:05:17 PM »

What happens if the game that is drafted does not end up releasing in 2025?

I can think of 3 possible scenarios:

• You keep the game on your roster, but it doesn't release. This means you will receive 0 points for that game.
• You anticipate the game will not release, and decide to drop it from your roster before the year is over. You are free to bid on a new game in its place, which has a better chance of yielding points.
• Another player may counterpick the game, betting it will not release. This blocks you from dropping the game, forcing you to receive 0 points. The counterpicking player will also receive 0 points, since there is no average review score to work with.

13

General-3 / Re: Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: December 24, 2024, 03:46:05 PM »

Ok, sign-ups are closed, the player order has been randomly shuffled, and we're off to the races! These first few days are usually the busiest since players get to draft back to back. However, given the holiday season I think it'll take a few days for everyone to draft their picks.

Current player to pick is Josh!

14

General-3 / Re: Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: December 21, 2024, 10:45:14 PM »

I would like to join if you can still take another player!

Sent you a PM with the invite!

15

General-3 / Re: Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: December 19, 2024, 05:08:16 PM »

Nice! We're at 9 players already. I think 10 to 12 is probably the max. We'll probably start on Monday, so if anyone else wishes to join, please let us know over the weekend.

Current players:
Order.RSS
Senerio
RABicle
Regmcfly
Plufim
MarsMage
TopHatAnt123
Josh
Khushrenada
M.K. Ultra

16

General-3 / Fantasy Critic - NWR Community League

« on: December 14, 2024, 08:21:41 PM »

Welcome to the NWR Community Fantasy Critic League!

What is Fantasy Critic?
If you're familiar with Fantasy Football, this is very similar. But whereas in Fantasy Football you play as a general manager trying to draft players for your football team, in Fantasy Critic you play as a games publisher trying to release the best games. Fantasy Critic is free to join, and is Patreon-funded.

How does it work?
You are given a fictional budget of $100 to fill 10 slots in your Publisher roster. With this budget you can bid on not-yet released video games throughout the year. If you place the highest bid on a game, it gets added to your roster. Once a game releases (in the real world), and it gets reviews aggregated on OpenCritic, the Fantasy Critic website will assign points to that game.

Scoring system explained:
Games with an average OpenCritic rating of 70+ will get you points. Games scoring a 90+ are worth double points. However, games with OpenCritic averages under 70 incur minus points. Thus, your goal should be to try and guess which upcoming games will get good reviews, and try to add those to your roster.
There are also 2 mandatory Counter-Picks. These work against other players: if the Counter-Picked game scores below 70 average, you'll receive the points difference!

How do I join?
Just say so! I will send you a DM with a link. You will need to make an account on the Fantasy Critic site, which requires an e-mail address. The site supports 2FA-security. Once accepted into the League you will be asked to make up a Publisher name for the year, feel free to be creative, but keep it PG.

Tips for beginners:

• Don't spend your entire budget on a single game.
• Have a look at which games will release in 2025 to decide which games you want to draft.
• If another player has drafted a game you think will review poorly, Counter-Pick it!
• The League processes actions once a week, on Saturday.
• When picking a game from a series, it may be helpful to look at reviews of previous instalments.
• Try to guess what games critics will respond well to, not just your own tastes, as their reviews contribute to the review average.
• Niche titles are higher in both risk and reward: an import RPG may score well with select outlets, but if not enough websites publish reviews to calculate an average, it won't give you any points.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This Fantasy Critic League is run by and for the NWR community. It is explicitly not organized by NWR itself. Please keep in mind that NWR publishes reviews itself, some of which may be aggregated by OpenCritic. Do not contact NWR staff about review scores in any way, even in jest. If this League reflects badly on NWR's good reputation as a video games media outlet, I will shut it down immediately.

Staff are welcome to join, but if you are an active reviewer I would strongly consider either not taking part, or not interacting in any way with games you are covering.

17

General Gaming / Re: Shocktober V: The Dream Child

« on: October 31, 2024, 04:47:38 PM »

I would say it is on par. This game is also good at creating a spooky atmosphere but I wouldn't say I got scared, though I don't really get scared easily. There is some repetition and backtracking here as well. I think I enjoyed it more because of previously playing Maiden of Black Water, so I knew how the game worked and what I was in for. I did find myself hitting a game over more often with Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. I think it is harder just being an older game. You can only save when near the save points but do that as often as possible. I feel like you could save at any time with Maiden of Black Water? So I think they are very similar games but I found it worth playing personally.

What are the other options you are considering?

Nice, might just grab it for later then. My other option would be Crow Country which is a recent release and seems shorter, so that seems doable this weekend.

The constant backtracking up and down the same 2-3 areas in Maiden of Black Water (plus the constant defense segments) really killed that game for me. Curious to try out Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, but not at the price they're offering it with no physical version.

If you're open to importing, the Asian version has multi-language support, with English amongst them. Worth noting though how the Japanese cart does not support multiple languages.

18

General Gaming / Re: Shocktober V: The Dream Child

« on: October 26, 2024, 06:59:26 PM »

Like Evan B I was also playing a game in the Fatal Frame series, specifically 零～月蝕の仮面～, better known as Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse on Switch.

[...]

This was my second Fatal Frame experience, having played Maiden of Black Water on Wii U back on 2021. I really enjoyed most of the game as it is plenty spooky, offers a nice set of three parallel storylines, and encourages completion.

How would you rate Fatal Frame IV compared to Maiden of Black Water? Better/worse/about on par? I had a decent time with the Wii U game, didn't find it very scary but it was good at setting an oppressive mood. I do recall it got repetitive since you go through levels several times.
Would you say it's worth playing Fatal Frame IV, or are they very similar games? I want to play something spooky for Halloween, and noticed it's on sale currently.

Regarding the Japanese cart - there does appear to be an Asian English cartridge out there as well if you want it physically and in English.

19

NWR Mafia Games / Re: Mafia XC: XC1 - Definitive Mafia Edition. Sign-up Thread. Take 2.

« on: June 26, 2024, 06:00:38 PM »

In really feeling it!

20

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2024?

« on: March 13, 2024, 05:31:43 PM »

2024 feeling dry asf already. If we don't get a general nintendo direct in april like the rumors said then that's going be sooo bad.

Regarding Nintendo's own output I definitely expect a lighter year, with mostly repackaged material while they gear up towards a successor system. It feels like the Splatoon 3 DLC went by entirely unnoticed outside of its existing audience, and outside of the Peach and Endless Ocean games there's not a whole lot on the horizon except for Pokémon.

That said the year has started with several great third party releases on Switch, like Balatro, Unicorn Overlord, and Prince of Persia. And it's gonna be another banner year for RPGs too, with Ys X, Suikoden remakes, Eiyuden Chronicles, SaGa Emerald Beyond, SMTV Vengeance, etc.
Coupled with the stacked past few years of releases to catch up on, I think the system is weathering its twilight years quite well.

21

Nintendo Gaming / SUBMISSIONS CLOSED

« on: February 21, 2024, 01:44:12 PM »

Submissions are closed!
Feel free to continue speculation throughout the year, but they no longer net those desirable points.

22

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2024?

« on: February 20, 2024, 04:13:22 AM »

…Does a partner showcase still count as a direct? Otherwise my Hi Fi Rush prediction isn’t gonna net me full points…

Totes counts!

23

Nintendo Gaming / FINAL CALL

« on: February 19, 2024, 06:04:31 PM »

FINAL CALL FOR PREDICTIONS!

Dinar87 proves themselves a TRUE and CONFIRMED leaker, a Partner Direct will indeed air on February 21st, 6am PT.

Get your predictions in or suffer FOMO for the coming 10 months.

24

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2024?

« on: February 14, 2024, 06:07:12 PM »

This was actually really difficult because this is a prediction thread for Nintendo releases, and most of what I could think of were things that I expect in a Switch 2 sizzle reel that will release in 2025 and beyond or third party releases.

I may update this depending on what Order.RSS says, if anything. Or disappear for months on end, idk.

Feel free to post 3rd party predictions! These threads kinda skew towards Nintendo since that's the only stuff catalogued within, but if it's even vaguely Switch related it totally counts.

25

Nintendo Gaming / My 2024 predictions

« on: January 29, 2024, 05:08:27 PM »

Should get my own in too while there's still time. I expect a Direct possibly as early as February 8th, so if anyone else wants to join, keep that in mind as a rough deadline until we know more details.

• Switch 2 will be announced in September 2024, for a March 2025 release. The name will be Nintendo Shift. Their stock price drops 9% following the announcement.
• NES Remix gets a sequel, called SNES Remix.
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong turns out to feature extensive amiibo support, causing spikes in prices for various out of print figures.
• Nintendo will publish the new Yacht Club Games title Mina the Hollower in in order to acquire limited time console exclusivity.
• NSO adds Turbografx-16 to the Expansion Pack tier in October. It launches with Bonk 2, Bomberman 93, and Castlevania Rondo of Blood.
• There will be a significant DLC expansion for Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door that somehow upsets the fanbase.
• This year's Kirby game is a port of Kirby Battle Royale (3DS), revamped as a free-to-play release, with a convoluted monetization scheme.
• Reviews for Princess Peach Showtime will sit around a 72 average.
• NSO adds the following games to its GBA lineup: Mario Pinball Land, Drill Dozer, and Pokémon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire.
• Recycling this one from last year: Mario & Sonic at the 2024 Paris Olympics is announced. Luigi wears a beret in the trailer, and Yoshi eats an entire baguette.