When Nintendo first revealed Arms late last year, I cringed. The sight of players throwing fists in the air was enough to bring back memories of terrible Wii motion controls. Didn’t Nintendo learn its lesson with the mess that was Wii Boxing? Well, maybe the lesson they learned wasn’t to just abandon motion-based fighting completely, but to make it better and put it in a package that could stand on its own.
nintendo switch
Splatoon 2 Global Testfire Impressions
The first global testfire for Splatoon on the Wii U was a watershed moment for that game. Many were skeptical about the game, as Nintendo was stepping into unfamiliar territory with this team-based shooter. Within one weekend, it silenced the skeptics and became a smash hit upon release.
If it worked the first time, why not try again? Over the weekend, Nintendo gave players access to a beta build of Splatoon 2 on the Nintendo Switch. Was this beta enough excite existing fans and potential new players alike?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Initial Impressions
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past will forever be one of the best Zelda games of all-time and one of the overall greatest of all-time. But it also had some unforeseeable side-effects to the series going forward. Primarily, the rigid dungeon structure of A Link to the Past became the formula for the franchise for decades to come. A great formula, but one that has gotten stale over time and one that strayed away from the open-ended nature of the original.
Nintendo sort of took a stab at breaking the cycle with A Link Between Worlds, where weapons and items could be rented out or bought at any time. This time, they’ve gone even further, crafting an experience that’s almost entirely open-ended. How did they do it? And does it make for a better game?
Let’s Talk About Nintendo Switch Accessories
The Nintendo Switch is an accessory monster. Its inherent design as hybrid home and portable console, combined with a few design quirks, makes it a console whose experience can be improved with some outside help. Let’s cover what’s worthwhile and what might be junk.
The Early Success of the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch launch has been a huge success. Nintendo reports that its their fastest selling hardware launch ever, while also doubling production of units from 8 million to 16 million for the fiscal year. The company clearly likes what they’re seeing and are doubling down on the product, something that did not happen with the Wii U.
Kudos to Nintendo for rocketing out of the gate. The proposition of a home and portable console hybrid is compelling and very much real. It’s by no means a perfect device, but I love mine to bits and think that it has a lot of potential to satisfy gamers of all sorts. Here are a few things Nintendo can do to keep the hype train rolling.
Splatoon Live Stream
In anticipation of the Splatoon 2 global testfire, let’s play the original!
Buy Splatoon 2 Now From Amazon.com
Initial Hardware Impressions of the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s hardware is always adventurous in nature. From the advent of the d-pad on the NES when most other gaming consoles were using joysticks, to the misguided tablet controller with the Wii U, they always strive to make something unique. The Nintendo Switch is no exception, as its unique sales proposition is a 2-in-1 home and portable gaming console. How does it execute on that vision? And does it truly deliver on the promise of being your all-in-one gaming solution?
Streaming Now – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
I know it’s early in the morning, but join me as I stream the latest Zelda game!
[UPDATE: Streams are over, but check out the archives above!]
Buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Now From Amazon.com
Nintendo Switch Unboxing and Cartridge Tasting Challenge
We got it! Watch as I unbox it before Steff and I check to see if the cartridges taste as bad as people say they do.
Out Now: The Nintendo Switch
It’s here!
Not long after making its existence known, the Nintendo Switch is available for purchase now! Having ordered it online, I don’t expect it to have it until next week. When I do get it in though, expect to see a lot of it on the site!
If you’re in the market without a pre-order, good luck! Maybe the link to the Amazon might help?
In Third Person 