Tag: Nintendo switch

  • Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Gift-giving is one of the most intimate activities we as humans partake in. For one person to gift another, a certain relationship must have been formed prior, and a certain level of understanding has to be between the two parties. It is often that we find ourselves overwhelmed by the intensity of buying gifts for one another, because not only does the gift symbolize the extent of the relationship, but it also epitomizes the understanding you have of the recipient.

    Though a certain level of individuality is ubiquitous to all gifts, certain things will almost most certainly do the trick and leave you, the giver, proud of your accomplishment, and the receiver feels valued and understood in the most intimate of ways.

    We have compiled a list of ten of the best gifts you can give when it comes to electronics and computers for the 2021.

    1. Microsoft universal foldable keyboard.

    For the perfect gift, an equilibrium between uniqueness and usefulness has to be achieved. You don’t want to buy something so unique that the receiver doesn’t even know what to do with it or get something so common and available that anyone would have gotten it. Attaining this equilibrium can a bit of an onerous task. Luckily though, the Microsoft Universal Keyboard offers the best of both worlds.

    We live in a world where our lives revolve around technological devices. Typing emails and working from home has become the norm. However, shifting between two devices, like from your iPad to your laptop, can sometimes be a bit difficult, because you have to deal with the change of keyboards.

    The Microsoft universal foldable keyboard is compatible with every device there is one the market, be it the iPhone, the iPad, all android and windows devices. It is ultra-thin. This, coupled with its portability, make it one of the best devices to own. Its rechargeable battery is so powerful, when fully charged, it can provide up to three months of usage till the next charge. The icing on the cake is the spill-resistant design, which means even after liquid-induced accidents are taken care of.

    You can also decide to go for the Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which is an excellent gift if the person you are buying it for is into gaming. The Logitech k780 and the Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard are also excellent alternatives.

    2. Nintendo Switch Lite

    Gaming is as entertaining as it is cultivating. However, an understanding of the intricacies of gaming devices is needed before you purchase anything. With the Nintendo switch lite, you get the power and the speed associated with the larger consoles, with the portability of a phone.

    Another plus is the slickness and the chicness of the device. The contouring used in the device’s design is every gamer’s dream, and you can play for hours and hours without feeling exhausted. The Nintendo Switch Lite is compatible with every single Nintendo Switch game, physical and digital.

    With the LYRA Creoqode and the Nintendo Switch, you get two more hand consoles that offer another dimension to gaming. Either way, you can be assured that the person you are getting it for will be as pleased as can be.

    3. Eufy RoboVac 30C

    Technological advancements have managed to deluge every single aspect of our life, from how we work to how we do our chores. When it comes to the latter, you will find no better vacuum cleaner than the Eufy RoboVac 30C.

    This device fuses technology, efficiency, and efficacy. The suction on this device makes it one of the very best vacuum cleaners, digital or otherwise, in the market. As a direct consequence of the device’s low height, it can apply its suction more efficiently than most. What’s more, its height makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner to reach the areas it needs to.

    The digital aspect of the device proliferates its elegance. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can voice command it to do whatever area of the room you want, without leaving the comfort of your couch. Additionally, it comes with boundary strips, and works so quietly, you wound even member it is there.

    The iRobot Roomba 614, its 675 counterparts, and the Roborock S4 also offer a similar level of efficiency and efficiency when it comes to dry cleaning. Thus, you have a wide array of choices to spoil your friend.

    4. Ring video doorbell 3 plus

    Home security systems provide the peace of mind we all desire. Wherever we are, the knowledge that our residence or workplace is protected makes it possible for us to continue with all our endeavors without distractions.

    With the ring video doorbell, you get a doorbell system that also functions as a home security appliance. It provides 1080 HD video quality, and it also has features that ensure that you will be able to listen, see, and speak with whoever is at your door. You can do this through a variety of features, be it your phone, computer or tablet.

    Perhaps the selling points of the Ring Video Doorbell is that you can easily install it. You don’t even need a technician or a plethora of tools to do so. You can also decide to pair it up with Alexa, hence being able to communicate with the device to provide the most premium of services.

    The nest doorbell, the SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell, and the August Doorbell Cam Pro provide a plethora of choices, and thus you are spoilt for choice. Though they have some differences when it comes to the intricacies, each of them has something different to offer, and each has something you would like about it.

    5. Airpods pro

    The Airpod pros offer premium experiences when it comes to sound. Their noise cancellation feature makes it possible to block out all the distractions surrounding you, hence you can fully concentrate on what you are doing.

    Apple has made sure that everyone who uses the Airpod pros will experience the best sound for them. By deploying Adaptive EQ, the devices make sure that the music or sound the person is listening to is automatically tuned and regulated to the best quality.

    Its sweat and water resistance feature will ascertain that it will last for a long while. With other Apple devices, like the iPad and the iPhone, pairing the two is as easy as it can get. This is also applicable to all android phones there are in the market.

    Though many consider the Airpods as the best in the industry, there is still a myriad of Bluetooth pods that offer excellent sound and other features. They include the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Amazon Echo Buds. The Mpow X3s also hold their own.

    6. Foreo Bear Facial Toning

    It may prove a bit of an arduous task to try and get your female friends a gift that revolves around technology. However, with the Foreo Bear Facial Toning, this burden is lifted. As stated earlier, technology has somehow managed to provide a simpler way of doing almost everything. This becomes especially prominent when it comes to beauty and cosmetic products.

    This device is a quintessence of this fact. It provides the best anti-aging properties by using technology. It produces micro-currents that exercise 65 plus muscles in the face and neck, while also making sure that your skin produces enough collagen. The overall result is radiance and glow unlike any other. As it comes with three intensities, you can be assured that the person you are buying the gift for will get the one that works best for him or her.

    Many facial toning devices are available in the market. It is only through testimonials and referrals that you can get the best of them. The NuDerma Portable Handheld High-Frequency Skin Therapy Wand, the Vijuve Skin Care Booster, and the Yeoman 4D Microcurrent Facial Massager are highly recommended, and thus are viable options in case you are looking for something else.

    7. Sonos move speaker

    The sound system in your workplace or your residence should be as immersive as it is of high quality. With the Sonos Move Speaker, you can get these two aspects, plus a lot more.

    The Sonos move speaker is everything you would want with a speaker. Its design also makes sure that it will always be able to produce the best sound, irrespective of the room in which it is placed. With two Sonos move speakers, you can pair the two speakers, and the result is an excellent stereo sound.

    The speaker comes with a built-in audio control, meaning that you can control the speaker, and everything it is playing, by simply speaking to it. On top of all these features, you can connect Sonos speakers wirelessly, irrespective of the rooms they are in in the house.

    The Apple Homepod and the Google Home provide the best home sound systems, and they each come with a set of individualistic features. Thus, it will be easy to find one that fits what you are looking for.

    8. GoPro Hero Waterproof camera

    It is always worthy to capture the moment. After all, as time progresses, all we are left with are memories of the ones we loved and the places we’ve been. It has thus become paramount that everyone has a camera and a good one at that.

    If the person you are getting the gift for is into adventure and photography, then the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera would be perfect for them. As you can tell from the name, this particular camera is waterproof, meaning you can record all your underwater adventures. It is fully functional up to depths of 33 feet, or ten meters.

    Like many of the devices on this list, you can control this particular camera with your voice. Additionally, it has features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which make it possible to share information with it.

    Alternatives for the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera include the Garmin Virb XE and the TomTom Bandit. The Yi 4k Action Camera is also an excellent waterproof camera.

    9. Dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame

    With the modification of how we take and store pictures, it is only right that we also find the best way to display said pictures. Long gone are the days when photo albums were where we stored our photos.

    The dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame provides the best platform for you to display all your photos. The 10-inch screen is more than enough when it comes to showcasing your photos. With the WiFi and Bluetooth features it has, you can easily send photos from one device to another. All that being said, it is its ease of use and its enormous storage capacity that makes it the best in the business.

    There is a plethora of excellent photo frames in the market. They include the Pix-Star Wi-Fi Cloud, the Aura Mason Frame, the Nix Advance, and the Meural Photo frame. All these give you the options you need to get the best digital frames as a gift.

    10. The brilliant pad

    For pet owners, it becomes a bit hectic trying to keep the house as clean as it is supposed to be. Even though pets are bundles of joy, you still need to make sure you clean after them.

    The brilliant pad endeavors to make all your cleaning endeavors as easy as they can be. The device automatically replaces the dirty pads, and so you won’t have any need for poop bags. As soon as the pet relieves itself, the pad turns the liquid into gel, while also wrapping and sealing the solid wastes. This keeps the house smelling nice throughout.

    What’s more, the device also helps keep you updated about the health of your pet, by sending regular notifications on your phone, thus, you can keep a good look on the health of the pet.

    The Rocket & Rex Washable pads and the Fresh Patch Real Grass Dog Potty are also viable options when you are gifting a pet owner.


  • Two New Joy Con Colors and Better Switch Battery Life

    Two New Joy Con Colors and Better Switch Battery Life

    Only a short week after unveiling the new Switch Lite system, Nintendo has announced two new pieces of news for their incredibly popular hybrid console. The first is that there are two new color combinations for Joy Cons coming soon. The second is that an upcoming hardware refresh for the original Switch will have dramatically better battery life.

    Switch News

    New Joy Cons

    The new Joy Cons fill in a few more of the two-tone color combinations for Nintendo’s unique Switch controllers. There’s a blue and neon yellow pair, making for a great contrast. Interestingly, the neon yellow Joy Con has been seen once before, though it was bundled with another yellow Joy Con as a promotion for the fighting game game ARMS.

    The second new color pair is the Neon Orange and Neon Purple pair, both brand-new colors for the system. Notably, these are landing on October 4th, meaning they’ll be here in plenty of time for Halloween. This is notable in no small part because Luigi’s Mansion 3, one of the most hotly anticipated Switch titles of the year, is dropping on October 31st to coincide with Halloween!

    Updated Switch Hardware

    While we love our Switches, they have one glaring weak spot: they don’t sport amazing battery life. While the system is great for carrying with you on your work commute, it’s not amazing for long road trips if you forget the charger. Thankfully, Nintendo has a solution to this problem.

    Starting in August, a new batch of original Switch consoles in new packaging will start appearing on store shelves. These have an updated, more efficient chipset that will allow for between two and half to nine extra hours of battery, depending on what you’re using the system for. The new Switch models will be easy to tell apart, as they’ll be sporting a serial code starting with XKW instead of XAW.

    Potential Changes

    The updated chipset in the original Switch comes as no surprise: Nintendo issued a patent for such a design a few months ago. Likewise, this chipset is likely similar to the updated, more efficient Tegra chipset we’ll be seeing in the Switch Lite in September.

    A particular thorn in Nintendo’s side over the two years the Switch has been on the market has been pirates and hackers using a hardware exploit to “jailbreak” their switches. This has allowed some hackers to illegally play duplicated copies of Switch games, a situation Nintendo has cracked down on. It’s likely the updated Switch model will have some methods of preventing this type of hacking.

    Switch Pro Rumors

    Rumors of a completely-updated Switch Pro have been swirling since a few notable publications confirmed that Nintendo had plans for both a lighter, smaller Switch and an updated and beefier version of the console. We know, now, that the rumors for the smaller Switch were accurate, as the Switch Lite fits the description from those earlier leaks. However, the beefed-up “Switch Pro” remains a big mystery.
    It’s theoretically possible that this hardware refresh, with its better battery life and more efficient chipset, could be the rumored “beefier Switch.”

    However, many fans expect to see a more robust update to the base console soon, as the successors to both the Xbox One and PS4 are on the horizon. After all, the Switch’s impressive scaling resolution and adaptive Tegra chip infrastructure allows it to easily scale games up and down for different use cases. It’s not hard to envision a version of the Switch putting out a better resolution while docked and rivaling current-gen hardware.


  • Best Reasons to Get a Nintendo Switch: Gaming on the Go

    Best Reasons to Get a Nintendo Switch: Gaming on the Go

    With the announcement of the upcoming Nintendo Switch Lite and the steady slew of great new games hitting the system, Nintendo’s little hybrid console is red-hot right now. If you’ve been holding off on getting one, this September is your moment. The Switch Lite will be retailing for only $200, making it a very easy entry point for some of Nintendo’s biggest franchises.

    Today we’re taking a look at some of the software that will make you want to preorder your Switch Lite today. From great old standards like Zelda and Mario to returning games from cult favorite developers, there’s a lot of great reasons to own the little system.

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    Who can deny one of the best video games ever made? Breath of the Wild launched alongside the Switch in 2017, and for a brief period the Switch version of the game actually outsold the Switch itself. While the game also released for the Wii U, its true home has always been the Switch. Exploring Hyrule on the big screen at home or while on your commute to work is where the real magic of the system shines through.

    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

    Is this a simple port of the Wii U’s best racing game? Well, yes. But it’s beyond amazing: racing your friends around the track has never been more simple, clean and fun than in MK8. The Deluxe version of the game is complete with all of the DLC characters and courses from the Wii U version, and the game benefits tremendously from being playable in both handheld and TV modes.

    Super Mario Odyssey

    Another of the greatest video games ever made graced the Switch in October of 2017: Super Mario Odyssey. Standing alone as one of the last true 3D collect-a-thon platformers, Mario proved why he’s the king of the platforming genre. From capturing enemies to use their powers in interesting ways to duking it out with Bowser on the deck of an airship, Mario Odyssey is a non-stop joyous adventure, made with love and full of wonder.

    Bayonetta 2

    One of the best things about the Switch is that it served as a way for obscure Wii U exclusives to find a wider audience. For a prime example, look no further than the superb Bayonetta 2. Helmed by legendary designers Yusuke Hashimoto and Hideki Kamiya (of Resident Evil and Devil May Cry fame), the game is a showcase of all that is amazing about action video games. Stylish, over-the-top, and just a little ridiculous, Bayonetta 2 is a masterclass in game design.

    Super Mario Maker 2

    What’s better than 2D Mario? Nearly infinite 2D Mario levels. That’s the promise, the premise and the joy of Mario Maker, and the sequel amps this all up by bringing the devilishly simple formula to the Switch. The stage-building game is right at home on the hybrid console: building stages on-the-go with the touchscreen and then playing your friends’ stages while at home connected to the internet is a perfect use of the hybrid console’s unique portability.

    Splatoon 2

    Somewhere between port and proper sequel, Splatoon 2 continues the paintball-splattering fun of the first game. The original was one of the few new IPs introduced during the rocky Wii U era, and the influx of new blood (or ink, in this case) has proven pivotal to Nintendo’s current success. The wild and wacky 4-on-4 action of Splatoon is incredibly fun and addictive, with the three-minute online games flying by in a delightful blur of kinetic action. If you’re looking for a great competitive online shooter with Nintendo’s trademark charm, look no further than Splatoon 2.


  • Which Console is Right for You? PS4 vs Switch

    Which Console is Right for You? PS4 vs Switch

    If you’re a little late to the current generation of gaming, you might be wondering which console is the right call for you. There area number of reasons to own either system, but most people don’t have enough income (or free time) for two systems. If you’re tossing up which one to get, don’t worry. We’re here to help you figure out which one is right for you!

    PS4 vs Switch

    Portability

    The biggest and most notable aspect of the Switch to point out right away is the portability factor. The Switch can be taken out of its dock and used like a gaming tablet, making it a very flexible device. If you’re playing a game in the living room but need to catch your train, just pop the Switch out of the dock and head out the door.

    Most games look great at 720p on the smaller Switch system screen. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s magic that Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild look so silky-smooth even in handheld mode.

    Power

    The PS4 way outclasses the Switch in terms of raw power. This goes double for the PS4 Pro. While you can’t take either system with you on the go, they’re both incredibly beefy consoles that can put out a gorgeous image. The PS4 Pro is even capable of rendering 4K images at 60 FPS, making it one beast of a home console.

    If crisp graphics are a bigger deal to you than portability, consider a PS4.

    Exclusives

    Both systems sport impressive lineups of exclusive games. The PS4 boasts God of War, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Persona 5, Spider-Man and tons of other AAA adventures. Nintendo’s console, of course, sports their lineup of exclusive series, from Splatoon to Mario to the Legend of Zelda.

    In short, if you’re after a fun, portable system with ample couch co-op and colorful characters, you want a Switch. Meanwhile, if you want big, cinematic gaming experiences in your living room and don’t mind having no local multiplayer worth mentioning, get a PS4. Both systems bring something awesome to the table.

  • Rumor Mill: Cheaper Switch Coming in June

    Rumor Mill: Cheaper Switch Coming in June

    There have been rumors swirling regarding new versions of Nintendo’s mega-popular Switch system for months. Most rumors have centered on a supposed “Pro” version that fans hope includes better graphical capabilities and a larger, brighter screen. However, recent rumors indicate that a less-expensive, more kid-friendly Switch is likely to hit as early as June of this year.

    Less Expensive Switch Coming in June

    The Rumor

    This rumor comes courtesy of a report from Bloomberg, which corroborates existing speculation regarding the hybrid console. However, the rumor doesn’t include any information regarding exact release date, console specifications or a price point. All that is included in this rumor is that  the system will likely see a June release and will cost less than the existing Switch.

    Best Guesses

    If we had to hazard a guess, a less expensive Switch model could go a few ways. One of the simplest ways for Nintendo to do this would to be making a Switch that doesn’t, well, Switch. A system with no dock and without the capability of up-scaling graphics for TV mode could be sold for less than the existing $300 model.

    This move, while simple, seems unlike. The biggest selling point of the Switch is the ability to play in handheld mode or TV mode. As such, a more likely outcome is a Switch model without detachable Joy-Cons, a smaller screen and perhaps even a small battery.

    This model could still include a dock, though it would likely require buyers to furnish their own controllers for use in TV mode.

    Potential Price

    We wouldn’t be surprised to see a scaled-back Switch retail for between $220 and $250, making it a more affordable option. Nintendo has long seen the young demographic of gamers as ideal targets for their handheld systems, making console revisions like the Nintendo 2DS with that exact demographic in mind.

    It makes sense that Nintendo would want to release a less expensive, more kid-friendly version of their mega-hit console. Parents are more likely to buy their kids a cheaper console, especially if they already have a Switch or PS4 in the living room.

  • Nintendo Adorably Introduces VR to the Switch

    Nintendo Adorably Introduces VR to the Switch

    When Nintendo introduced Labo, the adorable toy-craft add-on for Nintendo Switch, most people thought it was a fun diversion for the kids. Now, Nintendo has released a full-blown VR experience that the user builds out of the Labo Toy-Con kits. How does it stack up against dedicated VR?

    Nintendo Labo VR

    Construction

    The most notable departure from standard VR experiences here is that you have to build the entire VR device yourself. From cardboard. If you love arts and crafts, this is quite a fun experience. If you’re not as big on the paper-craft, this might be a bit of drag for you.

    In either case, it doesn’t take too long to build your own VR headset that your Switch tablet slots straight into. There are tons of other “Toy-Cons” that you can build out of the kit, too. It’s all delightfully fun and simple, and the on-screen “Build” mode walks you through the process step-by-step.

    The VR

    While dedicated hardware is going to be putting out more impressive visuals than the Switch, it’s downright charming to use the “Play” mode of Labo VR. Inventive and creative uses for the technology abound, transporting the player to the fun-filled world of Nintendo in no time at all.

    Various, silly controllers like a blaster with real kick-back (thanks to some rubber bands and cardboard) and a camera that makes a fun zoom-in, zoom-out sound, make the VR tactile. It feels so real and immersive to fire grenades at goofy aliens in the Blaster game.

    Bottom Line

    For $80 you can get all of the Toy-Cons and software needed to play with Nintendo Labo VR. It’s a fun experience, made all the better by the joy of building silly cardboard controllers. Is it going to blow away die-hard fans of the Oculus Rift? Maybe not.

    But the inventive controllers, fun building aspect and downright charming games all make this the most user-friendly VR experience to yet hit the market. If anyone can sell the odd experience of VR to a mass-market, it’s Nintendo.

  • Xbox Live Coming to Nintendo Switch

    Xbox Live Coming to Nintendo Switch

    No, you didn’t read that headline wrong. Microsoft’s Xbox Live is coming to the Nintendo Switch, per a recent listing from the upcoming Game Developer’s Conference. The news comes courtesy of a description for Microsoft’s presentation during the show. Is this the start of a new era of cooperation between Microsoft and Nintendo?

    Xbox Live Coming to Nintendo Switch

    The News

    This news, as stated previously, comes from a description from the upcoming Game Developer’s Conference. That description reads “Get a first look at the SDK to enable game developers to connect players between iOS, Android, and Switch in addition to Xbox and any game in the Microsoft Store on Windows PCs.”

    The description mentions that this “will break down barriers for developers that want their communities to mingle more freely across platforms.” Well, that sounds like good news for gaming in general, if you ask us!

    What This Means

    Does this mean we can expect to play Halo 5 on our Nintendo Switch? Maybe, but that’s not necessarily set in stone. What it definitely means, for now, is that we can expect to see cross-platform play remain a huge aspect of Microsoft’s initiatives.

    The company has been making huge pushes to keep gaming as integrated as possible following the rough launch of the Xbox One. Huge pushes for initiatives like the Adaptive Controller and cross-platform play with Nintendo has won massive respect for the company that was lost with the DRM fiascos when the Xbox One launched.

    We could expect to see support for Xbox Live achievements, friends lists, messaging and indie titles appearing on Switch and mobile devices. This would allow devices that aren’t typically known for their communications-based multiplayer to branch out into more “core” gaming experiences.

    A Modern Nintendo Online?

    Nintendo’s own online service is required to play any competitive online multiplayer and runs for about $20 per year. The service also grants access to emulations of some classic NES games. However, the service lacks achievements, messaging and voice communications that are considered hallmarks of modern online gaming.

    Could Microsoft’s Xbox Live service be the solution to this issue? While many players simply own both a Switch and an Xbox or PS4, it’s still strange that Nintendo hasn’t made online multiplayer a bigger part of their brand. Microsoft’s announcement could mean that the days of bare-bones online features on Nintendo systems is coming to an end!

  • Nintendo Switch: First 20 Months in Perspective

    Nintendo Switch: First 20 Months in Perspective

    The Nintendo Switch was released in March of 2017. In the intervening 20 months it has revitalized a struggling Nintendo and reignited interest in the company’s most exciting properties. Recently, Nintendo showed off that they have sold 8.2 million Switch units in the US alone. That’s… that’s absolutely crazy. Let’s get into it.

    Nintendo Switch First 20 Months Retrospective

    nintendo-switch

    The Numbers

    8.2 million is one of those numbers that is so big it’s hard to wrap one’s head around. However, for comparison’s sake, the Switch has sold nearly as many units in 20 months as the PlayStation 2. In the five days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the Switch put up better numbers than the Wii did in a similar period.

    Also, keep in mind that the system hasn’t even crossed its second holiday season yet. This is just the wind-up to the biggest sales season of the year.

    What This Means

    This means that the Nintendo Switch is on track to sell similar unit numbers to some of the most successful home consoles of all time. With numbers like this, it could even post lifetime sales rivaling the PS2 and even the Wii.

    That’s nothing but good news for Switch owners. Nintendo was looking pretty lackluster from 2012 when the Wii U was released until the launch of the Switch. There were even some speculating that the Switch was going to end up being a massive failure and spell doom for the company. Some people even suggested the Switch would be Nintendo’s Dreamcast: overly ambitious and destined to bankrupt the company.

    The Road Ahead

    Switch owners have a lot of great things to look forward to. In just one week, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate hits the system. This is sure to cause another huge jump in sales for the company as fans of the juggernaut series rush out to buy systems.

    Down the line, 2019 is a huge year for the system. Fire Emblem, Yoshi and Animal Crossing have all been confirmed to release before year’s end. There is speculation that Metroid Prime 4 might land before the year is out, and Game Freak confirmed that the next Pokemon main series entry would be releasing in 2019.

    In short, the future for Nintendo is bright. Time to buy some shades.

  • Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    It’s a good time to be a Switch owner! There are some huge things coming to Nintendo’s hybrid console. On Thursday, we learned all about some of the biggest things coming to Switch in the next few months. We don’t know about you guys, but we’re pretty excited! While there were dozens of big announcements in the Direct, we’re highlighting the biggest ones. These are the ten coolest things from the 9/13 Nintendo Direct!

    Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    NES Games Playable Offline

    Photo Credit: CNET
    Along with news about Cloud Saves and “Special Offers” for Nintendo Switch Online users, Nintendo gave more details about the NES games coming to the system. Getting a subscription to the Online service will allow you to download offered NES games for free. You can even play them offline for up to 7 days after you disconnect from the internet. That’s pretty cool! Nintendo also said that they will be constantly updating the games on offer. As we already knew, a lot of the games will also offer online multiplayer!

    NES Controllers for Switch

    Photo Credit: CNET

    What better way to play old NES games than with an NES controller? These delightful, retro-style controllers sync up with your Switch! You’ll be able to play NES games with them, and they charge by slotting onto your Switch like Joy Cons. They retail for $60, but you get two for that price! Awesome!

    Asmodee Tabletop Games

    Photo Credit: Vooks

    The Switch is awesome for parties, and it’s about to get better! Asmodee Games has announced that they are bringing some of their beloved board games to Switch. Notable entries include Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan and the Lord of the Rings LCG! We’re excited to have more ways to play our favorite board games.

    New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    The first 2D Mario platformer coming to Switch is a returning favorite! Bundled with the New Super Luigi Bros expansion, this Deluxe edition also includes new content. Playable characters Nabbit and Toadette bring great abilities for new players. Nabbit can’t be damaged, and Toadette can float and jump out of bottomless pits! For more “hardcore” players, the original characters of Mario, Luigi and Toad are still playable, of course!

    Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered

    Photo Credit: Nerdable

    Fan-favorite Crystal Chronicles is getting remastered for Nintendo Switch! If you missed it on Gamecube 15 years ago, this excellent co-op title is getting another round. The original version required a Link Cable and a Gameboy if you wanted to play co-op. Now, however, the game is playable with Joy Cons, no Link Cable required! We’re excited to relive this awesome adventure.

    Final Fantasy Ports

    Photo Credit: Twitter

    There’s also ample ports of main series Final Fantasy games coming to the Switch. Final Fantasy VII, IX, X and X-2 are coming to the system in 2019. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy XII is getting a full remaster and retail release! It’s a great time to be a Final Fantasy fan!

    Luigi’s Mansion 3

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    After trolling us with the port of Luigi’s Mansion 1 on 3DS, instead of Switch, Nintendo has redeemed itself! That’s right, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is coming to Switch! Details are scarce, but it’s slated for a 2019 release. Really, there’s never been a better time to own a Switch, with all the great releases coming in 2019!

    New Switch Bundles

    Photo Credit: Variety

    Among other awesome news, we also learned that there will be two new bundles in November for some of the biggest Switch games. First, there will be a Super Smash Bros bundle coming out with exclusive Joy Cons and dock art. It releases November 2nd and includes a download code for Smash. The game won’t be available until December 7th, though, so it’s a pre-purchase code until then.

    The other bundle is a Pokemon Let’s Go edition, that comes with either Pikachu or Eevee editions of the game. The Joy Cons are Pikachu and Eevee colored, and the two cute monsters adorn the dock art!

    Isabelle Coming to Smash

    Photo Credit: VentureBeat

    Nintendo seemingly confirmed Animal Crossing for Switch, only to reveal it was a trailer for Isabelle to join the roster in Smash. She appears to be a unique character with her own moveset, instead of an echo of Villager. She joins the already-packed game along with Ridley, Simon Belmont, Inklings and many more newcomers.

    Animal Crossing Switch

    Photo Credit: GameSpot

    The cherry on top of this delicious sundae was the announcement of Animal Crossing Switch. The highly anticipated release was given a release window of “2019,” which isn’t a lot. However, a confirmation is a lot more than we were expecting, so we’re happy to see it! After all, Animal Crossing is one of Nintendo’s biggest series!

  • Mega Man 11 Demo Live on Switch, Others

    Mega Man 11 Demo Live on Switch, Others

    Mega Man 11, the hotly anticipated newest entry in the platforming series, is coming out on October 2nd. Before it releases, however, players will have a chance to play the demo, which is available now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PS4. Fans of the Blue Bomber will have a chance to face off against Block Man at varying difficulties. If you beat him on every difficulty, you’ll even score items to use in-game when the full version releases!

    megaman11
    IGN

    Welcome Back

    Mega Man’s been out of the spotlight for some time. In fact, the previous entry, Mega Man 10, was released all the way back in 2010. Mega Man 10 and Mega Man 9, which were released digitally through online retailers, had old-school style graphics. They were throwback-style games, hearkening to the NES era of Mega Man. Mega Man 11, by contrast, has a very modern, sleek style including voice acting and smooth animations. It’s good to see the blue robot getting back to busting up Robot Masters!

    Something Old, Something New

    The formula seems to be largely unchanged this time around. You control the title character, navigating blisteringly difficult levels. Each level is themed around its Robot Master, a powerful robot who controls the enemies found in the stage. At the end of the stage, you engage in tense, white-knuckle battles with the Robot Master. Upon defeating them, you’re rewarded with access to their weapon and bragging rights. After defeating all eight of the Robot Master, you take on the villainous Dr. Wily in his lair.

    It’s not a complete remake of previous entries, though. This time around, the aesthetics are vibrant, colorful and happy. It’s not a nostalgic indulgence of NES style, unlike Mega Man 9 and 10, excellent though they were. Instead, it’s a nostalgic game due to its attitude and gameplay. Also making their first appearance are the Double Gears. The Double Gear system is a new power-up system that allows Mega Man to perform some unique power moves.

    Some Double Gears will allow you to slow down time briefly, and others let you overcharge your Mega Buster. They add a new layer of depth to the old-school Mega Man formula.

    Mega Man 11 Releases October 2nd

    The full game will release on October 2nd on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and Windows. The Nintendo Switch special edition version will also include a Mega Man Amiibo! That’s just in time for Super Smash Bros Ultimate, so if you’re a Switch owner this one’s a must-have!