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Category Archives: Nintendo

Nintendo, Rom Hack

F-Zero SNES Receives Fan-Made ‘Bower League’ Expansion

Posted on by Owen

The classic Super Nintendo racing game F-Zero has been revitalised by the fan community with the introduction of the “Bower League,” a custom league featuring five new courses. This project emerged from a month-long challenge within the F-Zero Online Discord community, where participants utilised the FZEdit tool to design tracks using only assets from the original SNES game and its BS-X sequel.

Credit: RomHack Plaza

The newly crafted courses are:

1. MUTE CITY V by Zephyrum and Erik64

2. SAND STORM III by Moshikomi

3. SILENCE III by Vulduv

4. RED CANYON III by Zephyrum

5. SAND OCEAN II by Fennor

Each track was designed to match the original game’s difficulty level while introducing unique features to enhance the racing experience. The hack was initially released on Satellaview+, a fan-made recreation of Nintendo and St. Giga’s satellite service from the mid-‘90s. It’s now accessible for players to download and apply to a U.S. version of the game.

For those interested in experiencing the Bower League, the patch is available for download at RomHack Plaza.

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Nintendo

Nintendo Expands Mobile Gaming Efforts Amid Switch 2 Buzz

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has reaffirmed its commitment to mobile gaming, even as it gears up for the launch of the Switch 2. In a recent investor call, President Shuntaro Furukawa emphasised that the company will continue to develop and release new mobile titles alongside its console endeavours.  

Credit: Nintendo

“Nintendo has released mobile apps in many parts of the world, including countries and regions we have not reached with our dedicated video game platform business. As of the end of September 2024, cumulative downloads of Nintendo apps exceeded 900 million (Total number of unique users for apps released so far by Nintendo.). I believe this has increased the opportunities for more people to access Nintendo IP and characters.”

Credit: Pikmin Bloom

Currently, Nintendo operates several mobile games, including “Fire Emblem Heroes,” “Mario Kart Tour,” and “Super Mario Run.” Additionally, “Pikmin Bloom,” developed in collaboration with Niantic, remains active. Notably, “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp” transitioned to a paid model, rebranded as “Pocket Camp Complete,” eliminating microtransactions in favor of a one-time purchase.  

This sustained focus on mobile platforms indicates Nintendo’s strategy to reach a broader audience by leveraging its popular franchises in the mobile gaming market. While specific details about upcoming mobile projects are under wraps, the company’s ongoing efforts suggest that fans can anticipate new mobile experiences in the future.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Massive Mario Kart LEGO Set Rumoured to Be on the Way

Posted on by Owen

A new rumor suggests that LEGO and Nintendo might be gearing up for one of their biggest collaborations yet: a massive Mario Kart LEGO set. According to sources, this unannounced set is expected to include iconic characters, vehicles, and tracks from the beloved racing franchise.

LEGO and Nintendo have already partnered on several successful sets, including Super Mario interactive playsets and detailed recreations like the Mighty Bowser. However, a fully-fledged Mario Kart set could take things to another level. Fans are speculating about potential builds, such as a detailed Rainbow Road, Bowser’s Castle, or even a modular track system that allows for real racing-style mechanics.

While there’s no official confirmation yet, the rumor aligns with LEGO’s trend of expanding into more ambitious video game-themed sets. If true, it could be one of the most anticipated releases for both LEGO and Nintendo fans in 2025.

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Credit: Brickfanatics

Fun Things, Nintendo

Nintendo Music App Adds Golden Sun Soundtrack, Expanding Retro RPG Selection

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has expanded its Nintendo Music app by adding the soundtrack of the classic Game Boy Advance RPG, Golden Sun. This addition marks the 38th soundtrack available on the app, bringing the total listening time to over 93 hours.

Golden Sun’s soundtrack features 54 tracks, totaling nearly two hours of music. Notably, the app offers an “Extend To…” feature, allowing users to loop many of these tracks for 15, 30, or 60 minutes—perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Motoi Sakuraba’s legendary compositions.

Released in October 2024, the Nintendo Music app is available to Nintendo Switch Online members. It provides access to a curated selection of soundtracks from various Nintendo games, spanning multiple generations and consoles. Nintendo has committed to regular additions over time, with soundtracks from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Metroid Prime already in the mix.

Developed by Camelot Software Planning, Golden Sun launched in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and quickly gained a cult following. Its blend of turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and deep lore made it one of the most beloved RPGs on the system. With fans still hoping for a new entry in the series, this soundtrack addition is a welcome nod to the franchise’s lasting legacy.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, PC Gaming, Top 10

Bubble Ghost Floats Back to Life with a Full Remake

Posted on by Owen

The classic Game Boy title Bubble Ghost is making a return with a full remake, set to launch on March 27, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC. Originally developed by Christophe Andréani in 1987, the game tasks players with guiding a fragile bubble through a haunted mansion, avoiding hazards like candles, electric currents, and fans.

This new version, developed by Nakama Game Studio and published by Selecta Play, retains the charm of the original while introducing modern enhancements. The remake includes all 35 classic levels, plus 40 additional new ones, along with Challenge and Speedrun modes. Art direction is being handled by Ken Niimura, known for his unique illustration style, giving the game a fresh visual appeal.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Speedrunner Summoning Salt Breaks Two-Minute Barrier in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!

Posted on by Owen

After five years and over 75,000 attempts, renowned speedrunner Summoning Salt has achieved a historic milestone in the NES classic Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! He became the first player to defeat the formidable Mike Tyson in under two minutes, clocking in at 1:59.97.

This accomplishment required a blend of impeccable skill and favorable luck. Summoning Salt executed all 21 frame-perfect punches—each within a 1/60th of a second window—and performed ten flawless dodges and ducks. The odds of Tyson displaying the necessary patterns for this feat are estimated to be between 1 in 7,000 to 1 in 10,000.

Reflecting on the journey, Summoning Salt noted the immense dedication involved, stating that it took “more than 40,000 Tyson attempts” to shave just one second off his previous record. While he acknowledges that someone could surpass this feat in the future with even better luck and execution, he expressed immense pride in breaking the two-minute barrier first.

For context, the tool-assisted speedrun (TAS) of this fight—which utilizes emulator precision and optimal conditions—stands slightly faster. However, achieving such a time in real-time play remains a monumental challenge.

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Collecting, Fun Things, Nintendo

Video Game Maps: SNES Volume 2 Now Available for Pre-Order

Posted on by Owen

For those who love the intricate worlds of 16-bit gaming, a new book is on the way that might be essential for your collection. Video Game Maps: SNES Volume 2 is now available for pre-order, bringing another deep dive into the pixel-perfect maps of some of Super Nintendo’s most beloved games.

Following the success of the first volume, Volume 2 expands the collection, featuring detailed maps from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Kirby Super Star, Mega Man X, Secret of Mana, and many more. The book is officially licensed by Retro Game Books, a publisher known for producing high-quality gaming reference materials.

Credit: Retro Game Books

For those unfamiliar with the concept, these books compile full overworlds, dungeon layouts, and level designs in meticulous detail. It’s a way to appreciate the artistry of classic games while also acting as a resource for players looking to explore every corner of these 16-bit worlds.

Credit: Retro Game Books

The maps themselves are created using the original game assets, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Whether you’re revisiting Super Mario World or studying the enemy placements in Contra III, this book is perfect for collectors and gaming historians alike.

Credit: Retro Game Books

Pre-orders are open now, and considering the popularity of Volume 1, this will likely sell out fast. If you’re a fan of gaming cartography or simply want to immerse yourself in the golden era of Super Nintendo, this might be one to add to your shelf.

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Nintendo

Wario Land 4 Joins Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA Library on Valentine’s Day (February 14th)

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo is adding Wario Land 4 to the Game Boy Advance lineup on Nintendo Switch Online on February 14, giving subscribers a chance to revisit one of the best platformers on the handheld.

The original Wario Land 4

Originally released in 2001, Wario Land 4 stands out for its creative-level design, unique transformations, and a mix of puzzle-solving and platforming. Unlike traditional Mario games, Wario’s adventures let him take damage without immediately losing a life, instead using various enemy attacks to his advantage. The game also introduced the “Hurry Up!” mechanic, where players trigger a timer before scrambling back to the entrance, adding a layer of tension not seen in earlier Wario Land titles.

This release is part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which already features Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap in its GBA collection. With Wario Land 4, Nintendo continues to flesh out its Game Boy Advance offerings, though many fans are still hoping for additions like Metroid Fusion and Golden Sun: The Lost Age.

Whether you played it back in the day or are experiencing it for the first time, Wario Land 4 is a must-play. It remains one of the most stylish and inventive platformers on the system, blending humour, challenge, and variety in a way that few games of its era could match.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Retro Gaming News

MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan Heads to Switch in Japan This Summer

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming fans in Japan will soon get their hands on a revived classic. Burai Joukan, a turn-based RPG originally released on the MSX2, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in early summer 2025. The game, developed by Riverhillsoft and first released in 1989, is a lesser-known but visually striking RPG with a deep story rooted in Eastern mythology was announced here.

The original

This marks yet another MSX2 title finding new life on modern hardware. While Burai Joukan was later ported to platforms like the PC-98 and Sega CD, the original MSX2 version is remembered for its detailed pixel art and ambitious storytelling. The game follows a group of warriors known as the “Eight Heroes” as they battle against an evil force seeking to disrupt the balance of the world. Its combat system is a blend of strategic, turn-based mechanics with a focus on character-driven progression.

Credit: At Press Japan

While details on the Switch version remain limited, it’s expected to retain the original game’s visuals and gameplay while potentially incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Given the recent trend of MSX2 titles being re-released with modernized features such as save states and enhanced menus, Burai Joukan could receive similar treatment.

For fans of Japanese retro RPGs, this re-release is an opportunity to experience a title that never saw an official Western release. Whether this signals more MSX2 classics making the jump to Switch remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for enthusiasts of classic Japanese RPGs.

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Nintendo

Zelda Designer Takaya Imamura Clarifies “PTSD” Mistranslation in Recent Interview

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, a key figure in Nintendo’s golden era and the creator of beloved characters like Tingle and Captain Falcon, recently had to clear up a mistranslation from an interview about his work on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

The interview, originally published in Japanese, was misinterpreted to suggest that Imamura had described his experience working on A Link to the Past as giving him “PTSD.” This caused a stir online, with some fans misreading the comment as an indication of extreme stress or trauma during the development process.

The OG Commercial for a Link to the past in Japan, just because.

Imamura quickly stepped in to correct the misunderstanding, explaining that his actual words had been taken out of context. He clarified that while the development process was intense and challenging, he never intended to equate it to post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather, he meant that the experience left a lasting impression on him due to the high expectations and demanding nature of working on such a major title at Nintendo.

This incident highlights the difficulties of translating nuanced statements, particularly when discussing emotionally charged topics. Video game history is filled with development struggles, and while A Link to the Past is now considered one of the greatest games of all time, it’s a reminder that even legendary projects come with their share of pressure.

Nintendo fans were quick to rally behind Imamura, appreciating his clarification and recognizing the importance of precise translation in gaming history. The incident also serves as a testament to how much effort goes into crafting classic titles that stand the test of time.

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