Your island getaway is about to feel brand new again.

A Fresh Breeze Arrives for Animal Crossing Fans

After years of quiet shores, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is setting sail once more. Nintendo has officially announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, launching alongside a free content update on January 15, 2026.

The long-awaited return brings both a next-gen upgrade for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and an impressive lineup of new in-game features that breathe new life into island life. Whether you’re a long-time resident or planning your first visit, there’s never been a better time to hop back onto your island.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: A Next-Gen Island Adventure

The new Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons takes full advantage of the console’s upgraded power. Players can expect improved resolution up to 4K in TV mode, smoother visuals, and faster load times.

But it’s not just about the graphics. The edition introduces new gameplay tools, including:

• Mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2 to decorate rooms, design custom creations, and even handwrite bulletin board messages.
• A built-in microphone and in-game megaphone to call residents by name.
• Online play for up to 12 players, letting larger groups visit and explore islands together.
• CameraPlay, where connecting a USB camera allows players to see friends’ live reactions while exploring.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available physically and digitally for USD $64.99, with an upgrade pack for existing owners priced at USD $4.99.

Free Update: New Resort, Characters, and More

Alongside the new edition, a free 3.0 update is coming to all players, even those on the original Nintendo Switch. This update is packed with new content and returning characters fans will love.

Resort Hotel’s Grand Opening

A brand-new resort hotel is opening on the pier, managed by Kapp’n’s family. You’ll help design and decorate guest rooms, stock a souvenir shop, and create dream vacation experiences for visitors. Think of it as a spiritual follow-up to Happy Home Paradise, but right on your own island.

Resetti Returns

The beloved mole Resetti is back with a twist. This time, he’s offering a Reset Service to help tidy up your island or even give it a soft reboot if you’re craving a fresh start. You’ll also be able to expand your home storage to 9,000 items, including the ability to store trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Slumber Island

Nintendo Switch Online members can visit Slumber Island, where you can design and save up to three islands, collaborate online with friends, and build together in real time. Players can also invite residents from their main island and manage their full inventory while editing their dream getaway.

Collaborations and Collectibles

As part of the update, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will feature an array of special collaborations and nostalgic throwbacks.

Players can collect Nintendo-themed items like the Ultra Hand, classic Nintendo consoles, and even play select classic games in-game when interacting with certain console furniture.

There’s also a LEGO crossover, bringing brick-built items and decor to your island for the first time. Fans of The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon can also use compatible amiibo to invite themed characters and unlock exclusive furniture and outfits inspired by those beloved series.

Why Fans Are Excited

For many, this update marks the biggest revival since 2021’s Happy Home Paradise expansion. The return of iconic characters, improved multiplayer, and the flexibility to design entire resort spaces make this feel like the New Horizons 2.0 fans had always hoped for.

If you’ve left your island covered in weeds and cobwebs, January’s update is your perfect excuse to dust off your shovel and rediscover your happy place.

Launch Details

Both the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be available January 15, 2026.

• Physical and digital release: USD $64.99
• Upgrade pack for existing owners: USD $4.99
• Free content update: available to all players on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

With new tools, bigger worlds, and creative freedom like never before, island life is about to get a whole lot livelier.

The post Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gets a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Massive Free Update This January appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe players across Australia and New Zealand will get a chance to compete for prizes and glory in the Splatoon 3 ANZ Championship 2023 and the Mario Kart ANZ Championship 2023, culminating in a live Australian and New Zealand final at PAX Australia 2023.

Starting in August, Nintendo Australia is hosting a series of online qualifying events for each championship. These open qualifiers will determine the top teams and players who will compete in the finals on Sunday, 8th October at PAX Australia 2023. There are multiple ways to play and participate, and players of all experience levels are welcome. More details about these exciting events can be found at Nintendo Australia’s website.

Australia and New Zealand’s freshest Splatoon 3 squads will be decided through Turf War and Anarchy Battle modes, where strong teamwork and clever strategy will be needed in heated four-on-four match-ups. Registered teams will face off against each other in Turf War best-of-three single elimination bracket, with the quarter and semi finals in Turf War and Anarchy Battle best-of-five single elimination.

The winning team from each qualifier will be invited to the Live Grand Final at PAX Australia on Sunday, 8th October 2023.

To determine the Australian and New Zealand Mario Kart 8 Deluxe champions, racers will compete in 150cc Race Mode with normal items across a variety of courses, accruing points with the top two racers per qualifier (for a total of 12) qualifying for the Live Finals at PAX Australia on Sunday, 8th October 2023.

The schedule for the online qualifying events for both the Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ANZ Championships 2023 are below.

Both tournaments will host qualifiers across August and September, allowing players and teams multiple chances to reach the finals at PAX Australia 2023.

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Some fresh and free new content is available now for Splatoon 2 on Nintendo Switch.

After downloading a major new update (Version 3.0.0) for Splatoon 2, players will have access to a huge amount of new features. This new content includes the introduction of a challenging new X Rank for the top-performing players in Ranked Battle, the addition of more than 100 pieces of new and returning gear, weapon balance adjustments, and the return of Callie of the famous Squid Sisters.  

X Rank is an extremely challenging Ranked Battle experience targeting the best-of-the-best players.

Players who are S+10 in the current Splatoon 2 ranking system will automatically be registered as X Rank after downloading the update. Players who are X Rank will battle for an X Power level. Players with similar X Power levels will be matched together even within the same X Rank. Once a month, 500 players with the highest X Power level for each of the four different Ranked Battle modes will be announced in the SplatNet2 section of the Nintendo Switch Online app for mobile devices.

Along with this ranking announcement, X Power levels will be reset every month. During this reset, players whose X Power level ends up lower than a set threshold will rank down to S+9. This new system encourages players of all ranks to enjoy improving their play and maintaining their skills, as opposed to simply focusing on ranking up.

The first X Power reset is currently scheduled for 31st of May 2018 and any future resets will take place on the first day of the month. As a part of these periodic resets, the rotation of 8 selected stages in each mode – with 2 stages rotating every 2 hours – the addition of new weapons and the introduction of new stages will also occur. The update tomorrow will also see the return of the popular stage Camp Triggerfish, along with four additional weapons.

In addition to X Rank, this new update adds more than 100 pieces of gear – some new, some returning from the original Splatoon – as well as new songs from Chirpy Chips, a popular in-game chiptune-style band featured in the first game. The update will also include some weapon balance adjustments, bug fixes and other changes.

The software update also marks the long-awaited return of Callie of the famous Squid Sisters. Once players meet a certain condition after downloading the update, Callie will appear in Tentakeel Outpost in Octo Canyon. Callie will also offer recent multiplayer stats about the player’s character.

In other Splatoon 2-related news, the 2018 AUNZ Splatoon 2 Cup recently came to a close on the 21st of April 2018, and it was team Yeah Nah who came out on top with a 5-0 victory against ScarthAce in the final.

Yeah Nah will now represent Australia and New Zealand on the biggest stage of all, at the Splatoon 2 World Championship from the 11th to the 12th of June 2018 in Los Angeles. They’ll be up against the top teams from the U.S. and Canada, Europe and Japan – can they emerge victorious on the world stage?

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The first Splatoon on the Wii U was one of 2015’s freshest games. It took the multiplayer online shooter genre and completely reinvented it, applying that Nintendo magic to create an accessible, original but still deep experience. At its core lay a solid set of innovations that was only hampered by the somewhat limited scope of the original game. It opened up the entire genre of shooters to a new audience with a system that allowed anyone to contribute to team success, whatever your skill level is.

Fans have eagerly awaited a sequel ever since, and now with the release of Splatoon 2 for the Nintendo Switch, we finally have our chance to see how the game has evolved. Has it moved past the limitations of its predecessor, or is this a re-release under a different name? Let’s find out.

Splatoon 2 features the same basic layout of the original, and will be instantly familiar to veteran players. From a central hub you can purchase new gear, enter single player or multiplayer, post messages and drawings and see avatars of other squidkids. Fundamentally this is the same game, but with enough tweaks, upgrades and additions to justify its “2” moniker. It would have been easy to port the original game to the Switch, a la Mario Kart 8 and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but I am glad there is enough for veteran players to warrant an upgrade.

The single player campaign was a vastly underrated part of the first game, and is a whole new experience. As in the first, you must completed 6 levels in each world to face the boss. You must shoot, grind, squid and jump your way through a huge range of wacky levels that are bursting with new ideas that are as quickly thrown out as they are introduced. It also introduces a couple of new mechanics. For example, you can now grind on rails of ink rather than just travel through them. This opens up new shooting and jumping possibilities, making the Levels that focus on them more like like a platformer than a shooter. Don’t expect anything revolutionary than the standard Nintendo game design pattern though (as outlined in this excellent video by Mark Brown) but when they’re bursting with more fresh ideas and mechanics than most of the rest of the industry combined, they’re still enormously enjoyable. Single player also serves as a good introduction to the game as a whole for players new to the series, from how to move, to positioning, using your weapons and fighting enemies.

Speaking of, a highlight of the single player campaign are the bosses. While they also follow the same “find the boss’ weakness and hit it three times” Nintendo formula, they are in design and mechanics much more varied and interesting than most Nintendo bosses in many years. Whether fighting a monster wielding a paint roller riding a unicycle or a possessed bread oven, they are all exciting, difficult and delightfully laughable.

As good as the single player campaign is, multiplayer is still the heart of Splatoon. Turf War, where you must cover the maps with more ink than the opposing team to win, returns as the premier mode, but the most significant addition is the “Salmon Run” co-operative horde mode. This mode, faces teams of four squids against a range of fishy foes in waves, with bosses appearing regularly to take down. Grab the golden eggs from bosses within the time limit and you win.

It can be played with friends or with matchmaking, but in matchmaking there’s no communication with randoms except for “Over here” or “Booyah”, which although it helps, could be improved. It seems like it’s a deliberate move by Nintendo though, so I don’t expect it to change. Overall it’s a welcome addition to the game, and plays differently enough that it makes a decent break. That said, at least on the easier Levels it isn’t as deep or complex as something like Gears of War’s popular horde mode.

Other modes return as ranked battle exclusives, and this is where some of the improvements to the original game begin to peter out. Limiting modes to a certain rank is troublesome, and limits some really great experiences behind a scary “ranked” section that many will likely never click on. I feel Nintendo should have taken note from its own recently-released ARMS or the juggernaut that is Overwatch, and cycled through the three main modes in both ranked and unranked matches. Not only would this make the game more interesting, but the modes are so different from one another that going into them untrained in a ranked match can be frustrating.

But when you do get into a match, there are some new weapons and abilities. A favourite of mine are the Dualies, two relatively weak automatic pistol type weapons that give you a double dodge roll, which is extremely useful for getting out of tight situations. There are new perks for weapons and new abilities, including some fun special attacks. Splat chargers, the equivalent to sniper rifles, receive a buff but still feel less than they could be.

Despite being told by a Nintendo representative at the Switch reveal event back in January change was coming in Splatoon 2, you still can’t swap weapons between or prior to consecutive matches. Some maps are made for or are much better with certain weapons, making this oversight maddening. While you can save armour and weapon loadouts with Amiibo, you still have to go back to the lobby to do so. It’s another one of those simple game design changes that players have been clamouring for since the original’s release that have gone unaddressed. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but one of the signs that Nintendo is still unsure of how to approach online even fifteen years since Xbox Live was launched.

Splatoon 2 defaults to motion controls, which feel better than using the Wii U’s Gamepad, and I was grateful that you now have the option of playing with a variety of controller types. You can also specify different sensitivity for playing in handheld, tabletop and docked modes, which is extremely welcome. This means that in handheld mode you can have higher sensitivity, so you don’t have to tilt the screen out of comfortable viewing angles.

The music and soundtrack of Splatoon 2 is also excellent, with a range of energetic tunes that cover more genres than the original’s. You can play a music rhythm music game or just listen to tracks from the game, which really should be its own standalone game.

Resolution has been increased compared to the original too. Splatoon 2 features a dynamic resolution mode that prioritises maintaining 60FPS but can go all the way up to 1080p. There’s more detail in textures, and various effects have been improved. Ink has a slick new look, with upgraded lighting and even specks of metallic highlights.

Splatoon 2 takes advantage of the Switch’s unique features, such as local wifi play. There’s also LAN play with adapters, and online solo and team play. Voice chat makes its debut on the Switch with Splatoon 2, but it’s implemented in the worst possible fashion. It forces you to use a smartphone app for voice chat, with game audio still coming from the Switch itself. You must invite people in game to join you in app, where you can then try and join up in game again. It’s a mess, and frankly I’m hoping for a complete refresh of this functionality in the future.

A bright, fast-paced, gorgeous game, Splatoon 2 is sure to be on high rotation on player’s Switches for months or years to come. It takes the original game, polishes it and adds just enough new features to make this a must-own game. It falls short in almost anything to do outside matchmaking (which has been almost completely rock-solid), but remains different enough to make a distinctive mark in a world filled with very high quality competitors.

It’s a standout title, that works just as well on the large TV as in the palm of your hand. The pitch sounds so simple – “take Splatoon, make it prettier, slap together a new single player and make it portable” but that is utterly compelling in a way that all the best Switch games are. It’s a must-buy for Switch owners, even those who usually shy away from competitive online games. Nintendo have proven that this is a franchise that deserves to stay, grow and splat its way to victory.

The post Splatoon 2 (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Nintendo Australia have informed us at StG of their E3 2017 plans.

As part of Nintendo’s global plan to deliver news about upcoming games throughout the year, the company will provide a packed week of activities at the E3 video game show, which runs from the 13th to the 15th of June in Los Angeles. Proceedings will be headlined by the first-ever opportunity to play Super Mario Odyssey, Mario’s upcoming sandbox-style adventure for the Nintendo Switch console, as well as other Nintendo Switch games. Additional activities at the annual show include a Nintendo Spotlight: E3 2017 video presentation announcing new details for Nintendo Switch games launching this year, the return of Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3, and tournaments for ARMS and Splatoon 2 livestreamed from the show floor.

Nintendo’s E3 activities kick off on Wednesday the 14th of June at 2:00am AEST with its Nintendo Spotlight: E3 2017 video presentation. This will be able to be viewed live at Nintendo’s E3 2017 website, this presentation will offer more details about Super Mario Odyssey and other Nintendo Switch games, with a focus on games launching this year.

Immediately following Nintendo Spotlight: E3 2017, Nintendo is once again bringing back Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3, a livestreamed showcase of upcoming games for Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Gameplay for all the featured games will be streamed from the E3 show floor from 13^th to 15^th June via Nintendo’s Twitch channels,. In addition to gameplay, the livestream will include behind-the-scenes info and commentary from game developers and members of the Nintendo Treehouse.

When Nintendo’s booth space opens at noon L.A. time on the 13th of June, show attendees will be among some of the first people in the world to get their hands on Super Mario Odyssey as well as other games for Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey is Mario’s first sandbox-style game since Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.

In addition to all of these activities, Nintendo will also host game tournaments that will be livestreamed from the E3 show floor. The 2017 Splatoon 2 World Inkling Invitational splats onto the scene on the 13th and features Splatoon 2 for Nintendo Switch. Composed of four pre-qualified squid squads from Europe, the U.S., Japan, and Australia / New Zealand, the tournament will find teams participating in the first-ever international Splatoon 2 competition. The second tournament, the 2017 ARMS Open Invitational, takes place on the 14th and will feature Nintendo’s upcoming ARMS fighting game for Nintendo Switch.

To keep up to date on Nintendo at E3 2017, stay tuned to us here at StG and Nintendo will be updating their activities at E3 aswell as what’s being planned closer to the event. Be sure to check Nintendo’s E3 2017 website in the coming weeks.

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Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game console means that home console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Nintendo Switch lets players enjoy their favourite games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. It comes in two colour options: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

Nintendo Switch connects to a TV at home and can instantly transform into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch high-definition screen. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on their social media pages. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can approximate the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. Both Joy-Con include motion controls and an advanced HD rumble feature. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, sold separately, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor.

Today also marks the launch of the first epic Nintendo Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which breaks new boundaries while honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda, and a Bokoblin amiibo. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available today.

Also launching today is the head-to-head party game 1-2-Switch. From Wild West gunslinging to safecracking to competitive cow-milking, the 28 games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Joy-Con features, such as motion controls, HD rumble and the IR Motion Camera. In a video game twist, the game asks players to look at each other instead of at the TV, creating a fun atmosphere that will liven up any party.

But today is just the start. A steady supply of games will arrive for Nintendo Switch throughout the rest of the year. Other first-party Nintendo Switch games on the horizon include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (28th April 2017), ARMS (autumn), Splatoon 2 (winter), Fire Emblem Warriors (spring), Super Mario Odyssey (the 2017 holiday season) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017).

Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s online storefront for downloadable games, will also be available from launch day. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch are available for purchase and download today.

Also available on Nintendo eShop today is Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!, exclusive to Nintendo eShop. Two players cut their paper characters into new shapes to solve dynamic puzzles in a wonderfully creative and imaginative world. Nintendo eShop also provides access to a constantly updated library of great games from independent developers and publishers. Some of the games available for purchase today include FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia, and both Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games.

Nintendo Switch is supported by world-class third-party publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Third-party launch titles include Skylanders Imaginators, Just Dance 2017 and Super Bomberman R, plus players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter, with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers releasing on May 26th, 2017. Nintendo Switch software is not region locked.

Nintendo Switch comes packaged with the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter.

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Nintendo announced today that the new Nintendo Switch console will launch worldwide on Friday 3rd of March for a suggested retail price of AUD $469.95.

The package will include the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter. Two stylish versions of the console will be released: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con.

“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”

Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game console. It not only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be charged by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.

The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently, one in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyroscope motion sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.

Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that make it more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on social media. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand is, and even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape. Both Joy-Con include advanced HD rumble, which can provide compatible games with subtle vibrations that are much more realistic than before. The effect is so detailed that a player could, for example, feel the vibration of individual ice cubes colliding inside a glass when shaking a Joy-Con. With HD rumble you can experience a level of realism not possible through sights and sounds alone.

Nintendo Switch makes it easy for players to stay connected. Up to 8 consoles can be connected for local wireless play. The player can place the console upright anywhere by using the built-in stand, then easily share Joy-Con for multiplayer fun away from the TV. The console will support online Wi-Fi multiplayer gaming. Nintendo also unveiled a new online subscription service that will begin with a free trial at launch. The service includes a smart-device application available in winter 2017 that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with one another as the play compatible games. The fully featured paid service will be available in spring.

Nintendo Switch will be supported by world-class third-party publishers including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA Sports FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft and more. Nintendo Switch software will not be region locked.

The unique capabilities of the console and Joy-Con have combined with innovations from past systems to create Nintendo’s most flexible, feature-packed video game console ever. This is demonstrated by the wide variety of unique games that were announced for launch day, the winter, and into the 2017 holiday season, from both Nintendo and its third-party partners. From the engrossing open-air experience of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the party fun of 1-2-Switch, Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone.

Select First-Party Games

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Prepare for the biggest The Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air style that breaks new boundaries while honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. Explore a world of unprecedented size and discover more than 100 puzzle-filled shrines, plus a wide variety of weapons, outfits, and gear. Players won’t want to stop playing, and they won’t have to, since Nintendo Switch allows them to continue the adventure anywhere, anytime.

The game is compatible with the series of The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary-themed amiibo, the Wolf Link amiibo, and the new The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild amiibo. In addition to the previously announced Link (Rider), Link (Archer), and Guardian amiibo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild range of amiibo will also include new Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo. The amiibo in this series are larger and more detailed, particularly the Guardian amiibo with its extra articulation.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will provide players with a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the console’s launch day on the 3rd of March 2017, and will be available as a standard solus game and two bundles: The Limited Edition Bundle, which contains the game with an A3 poster, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD, a rolled map, collectible coin, and a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and the Limited Collectable Bundle, which contains The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD, a rolled map, collectible coin, and a Master Sword of Resurrection figure. The Limited Collectable Bundle will be available via the Official Nintendo AU/NZ eBay Store.

1-2-Switch: This is the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen From Wild West gunslinging to copying each other’s dance moves, the games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features to liven up parties with anyone, anywhere, at any time. 1-2-Switch will be available alongside the Nintendo Switch console on its launch day on 3^rd March.

ARMS: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport that lets you trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus an all-new cast of characters. After customising a character with a variety of arms, the player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left and right punches at the opponent. Characters can jump and dash, and players can bend their punches by twisting their hands as they swing. As players learn the game and improve their skills, they will discover a deeper level of advanced tactics. Players can compete against the computer, against a friend on a split screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold separately), against worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo Switch consoles over a local wireless connection. ARMS will be available this autumn.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime, even with up to 8 friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your favourite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too: Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.! Plus, Battle Mode has been revamped and includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, with all-new courses such as Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, and returning ones like (GCN) Luigi’s Mansion and (SNES) Battle Course 1. Players can now carry two items at a time, including new items returning from previous Mario Kart games such as Boo, the item-stealing ghost, and the Feather, which gives you a high jump in battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc. Play in TV mode in up to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on 28th of April 2017.

Splatoon 2: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat Dualies. Players can compete on the TV or on the go. Whether they use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) or Joy-Con, players can aim their ink using gyro controls. Splatoon 2 supports both local and online multiplayer matches. The game will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app (a free, limited version of the app will be available this winter), and will add new stages, fashions and weapons after launch, as the original game did. Splatoon 2 is scheduled to launch this winter.

Super Mario Odyssey: This is the first sandbox game that allows Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube. Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through mysterious new places and new experiences, such as sailing between worlds aboard an airship and the ability to throw Mario’s cap. Super Mario Odyssey is scheduled to launch during the 2017 holiday season.

Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!: In this creative new kind of action-puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate, and use their imagination to solve basic and advanced puzzles by cutting paper characters into new shapes. Play by yourself or with a friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group to solve up to four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other activities. Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! will release in March in Nintendo eShop.

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On the 6th of August 2015 a free software update for Splatoon on Wii U brings a large amount of new content to the game, including two new matchmaking modes, new weapon types, an increase to the game’s level-cap and more than 40 pieces of new gear. Players will now be able to create a winning strategy and fight to be the best and most battle tested squid-squad around.

The new update introduces Squad Battle and Private Battle matchmaking options.

In Squad Battle, players can participate in Ranked Battle rule sets with friends, rather than being teamed up with other players through a random selection. After a player creates a squad, friends can be recruited to form a team of two to four Inklings. Friends will always play together on the same team and battle against other squads at random.

In Private Battle, friends can splat it up in private, customisable matches. Two to eight friends can battle together by selecting their favourite map, mode and weapons. The number of participants ranges from 1v1 to 4v4, but teams don’t have to be even: if the host chooses, he or she can select a 1v4, 1v2, or any other combination of players.

With this robust new update also comes an increased level cap in both Regular Battle and Ranked Battle modes. After downloading the software update, players will be able to reach level 50 (raised from level 20) and rank S and S+ in Ranked Battle (both higher than A+).

While Inklings around the world are enjoying and mastering the current arsenal of weapons in Splatoon, two new weapon types will be available with the update, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.

The bucket-like Slosher weapons hurl ink straight ahead at an impressive range. By adjusting the angle, these new weapons can be used to splat opponents who are up high or even on the other side of a wall. With the Gatling-style Splatling, players can charge all-powerful ink. A maximum charge unleashes the full potential of this particular weapon type.

In addition to the new weapons, more than 40 pieces of gear, including everything from a leather jacket to a sushi-chef costume are coming to the various in-game shops in Splatoon.

Despite its size and scope, this massive August update is not the end of the splat-tacular free content coming to Splatoon. Following this update, more content will continually roll out through the rest of the winter and into spring, including the Rainmaker Ranked Battle mode, additional maps and new weapons. More details on these additions will be revealed in the future.

The post INK-TASTIC NEW CONTENT COMING TO SPLATOON appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Everyone who can’t wait to get their tentacles on Nintendo’s upcoming action shooter Splatoon is in luck, with the Wii U Splatoon Premium Pack launching 30th May, 2015 in limited quantities!

This ‘inkredible’ bundle includes a Wii U Premium console and a copy of Splatoon (game-disc) for a promotional suggested retail price of only AU$359.95. This specially priced bundle will provide another option for players looking to step into the world of Wii U, joining the currently available Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack available at SRP AU$429.95.

Splatoon is a wild new game from Nintendo that combines the creative and family-friendly fun Nintendo is known for with ink-spraying, turf claiming action.

In the game, players take on the role of the Inklings, customizable characters that can transform into squids at the touch of a button. After splatting opponents and covering a Level with colourful ink, players can transform into squids and swim quickly through their own ink or use it to take cover and hide from enemies.

Splatoon overflows with lots of ways to play: with teams of players from around the world will be able enjoy the frenetic four-on-four online “Turf War” mode, which tasks players to cover the most ground with their team’s ink while using the Wii U GamePad controller to see a top-down view of the map as it is covered in ink in real-time.

Ranked Battle, which will be made available a short time after launch, will bring together with skill-based online rule sets, while in “Battle Dojo,” players enjoy local one-on-one matches with friends. Splatoon also features a robust single-player campaign that cleverly teaches players how to splatter, swim, leap, hide and climb walls, all using ink while battling to thwart the nefarious Octarian army.

Launching simultaneously with Splatoon on 30th May, 2015 are Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy (SRP AU$17.95 each) and Inkling Squid amiibo figures, with Inkling Squid amiibo exclusive to the amiibo Splatoon Triple Pack which includes all three figures at SRP AU$49.95.

By tapping one of these amiibo to the Wii U GamePad, players can gain access to special challenge stages that will make it possible to earn special gear not found elsewhere in the game.

Splatoon, the Wii U Splatoon Premium Pack and Splatoon amiibo figures launch 30th May, 2015 in Australia and New Zealand conjointly.

The post Prepare to be Inked – Splatoon is Coming to Wii U appeared first on Shane the Gamer.