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Tag Archives: Nintendo Switch

Fun Things, Nintendo

Nintendo Marks Mario Day 2025 with Special Switch Deals and Celebratory Events

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has officially unveiled a range of discounts for Mario Day, celebrated annually on 10 March. This beloved tradition pays tribute to gaming’s most recognisable plumber, who first appeared in the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong, albeit under a different name—Jumpman. For 2025, the promotions spotlight a selection of Mario-centric Nintendo Switch titles, including price reductions on Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. Some retailers are also bundling themed Joy-Con controllers, making it a convenient time for fans and collectors to grab these signature games.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD– $39.99 (normally $59.99)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe– $39.99 (normally $59.99)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong– $29.99 (normally $49.99)
Princess Peach: Showtime!– $39.99 (normally $59.99)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury– $39.99 (normally $59.99)
Super Mario Odyssey– $39.99 (normally $59.99)
Super Mario RPG– $39.99 (normally $59.99)

Credit: Nintendo

Beyond the discounts, Nintendo has organised a series of events to mark the occasion such as a Mario Kart Tournament, GameStop and BestBuy demo events and even a Jet Blue A320 (below) – amongst a host of other activities and offers.

Credit: Jetblue/Nintendo

Since Mario’s earliest days, enthusiasts have praised the series’ accessible gameplay, charming worlds, and memorable soundtracks. In fact, the character’s creation by legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto helped shape the foundation of platform gaming. It’s a testament to the series’ legacy that Mario remains a cultural icon more than four decades after his debut.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday! Interestingly, Mario was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America’s early warehouses.

Microsoft, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Sony

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Update Unleashes a Wave of Enhancements on Switch

Posted on by Owen

A major update for the classic first-person shooter Turok: Dinosaur Hunter has now been rolled out across all platforms, promising fans a host of new features, refined menu options, and a myriad of bug fixes. The update, which has been in development for several months, aims to bridge the gap between the original game’s nostalgic charm and modern gameplay expectations.

Among the most significant additions is an optimized renderer for both Vulkan and the Nintendo Switch, ensuring smoother graphics and improved performance. The game has also been ported to the latest Series X and PS5 consoles, offering enhanced visual fidelity and high refresh rate support. Furthermore, developers have fine-tuned gamepad functionality and vibration support, allowing for a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. Localized achievements and trophies add another layer of polish, catering to a global fanbase.

The update introduces several gameplay features reminiscent of Turok 2. Players can now swap ammo types for the Tek Bow and Shotgun on the fly, and a new run/walk toggle allows for more strategic movement—enabling stealthy approaches from behind enemies. Additionally, the ability to bind multiple weapons to a single button streamlines combat and caters to varied playstyles. Notably, long-forgotten features such as the High Priests’ homing blue magic attack and Purlins’ unused leap smash melee attack have been restored, along with the Gallery cheat code, which now offers previews of enemy animations and boss encounters.

Menu options have also been overhauled, with new icons replacing text in the Input Bindings menus, and a “Reset to Defaults” option making it easier for players to revert settings. Enhanced controller options, gameplay tweaks, and improved HUD, graphic, audio, and video settings have collectively contributed to a more polished user interface.

Beyond these feature enhancements, the update addresses numerous bugs and gameplay issues. Improvements to enemy animations, sound synchronization, and environmental interactions have been meticulously implemented. Minor fixes across maps and scripts further enrich the overall experience, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy a seamless adventure in the Turok universe. Credit to Night Dive Studios on Reddit for sharing the summary of what is new.

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Modern Retro Games, Sony

ToHeart Remake Set to Launch in Japan on 26th June 2025

Posted on by Owen

Aquaplus has confirmed that a remake of the classic visual novel ToHeart will launch in Japan on 26th June, as reported by Gematsu. Originally released in 1997 by Leaf, a subsidiary of Aquaplus, ToHeart is a beloved title that helped shape the visual novel genre. This announcement has sparked excitement among enthusiasts eager to see how this retro gem will be brought into the modern age.

For those unfamiliar, ToHeart follows high school student Hiroyuki Fujita as he navigates friendships and budding romances in a charming slice-of-life setting. Its focus on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth made it a standout title in the late ’90s, influencing countless visual novels that followed. The game’s success even led to two anime series and a manga adaptation, broadening its reach beyond gaming circles. Now, nearly three decades later, this remake promises to refresh the experience with updated graphics, breathing new life into its iconic characters and environments.

While full details are still scarce, the remake is expected to retain the essence of the original while adapting it for today’s platforms. Given the popularity of visual novels on systems like the Nintendo Switch and PC, it’s reasonable to expect ToHeart to appear on similar consoles, though Aquaplus has yet to confirm specifics. Retro gaming enthusiasts will be keen to see if new content or features are added, but the core appeal—its heartfelt narrative—seems set to remain intact.

This release is a big moment for fans. ToHeart played a key role in popularising visual novels, a genre that’s since grown into a global phenomenon with titles like Steins;Gate and Clannad. Its return highlights the enduring appeal of retro gaming treasures. For those counting down to June 2025, it’s a perfect chance to revisit the original or discover it for the first time.

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Modern Retro Games

City Connection Announces Two New Saturn Tribute Releases for Modern Platforms

Posted on by Owen

Japanese game publisher City Connection has announced two new collections under its Saturn Tribute series, bringing classic Sega Saturn games to modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The first, Farland Saga I & II Saturn Tribute, bundles two strategy RPGs, while the second, Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute, combines a shoot ’em up with a fighting game. Both are slated for release in Japan in 2025, featuring enhancements to appeal to today’s players.

Farland Saga I & II Saturn Tribute (Releasing June 26th, 2025)

Farland Saga I & II Saturn Tribute revives two strategy RPGs originally released on the Sega Saturn in the late 1990s. Farland Saga centres on a quest for harmony between humans and demons during a war spanning three nations. Its sequel, Farland Saga: Toki no Michishirube, picks up eight years later, following a novice explorer’s journey. These titles are noted for their turn-based combat on isometric maps and varied character rosters.

The re-release, set for June 26th, 2025, in Japan, adds practical features like a guide function showing battle details (items, magic, and unit stats) and an option to double experience points, easing the learning curve for newcomers. Physical copies will be available for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, alongside digital versions for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. The Farland Saga series, which spans multiple platforms including PC-98 and PlayStation, has a modest but dedicated following for its narrative depth and character designs.

Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute (Releasing May 29th, 2025)

Launching earlier on May 29th, 2025, in Japan, Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute pairs two distinct Sega Saturn titles. Steam-Heart’s, a science-fiction shoot ’em up, originated as a PC game with mature themes before being toned down for its Saturn release in 1996. It’s recognised for its engaging gameplay and unique visuals. Advanced Variable Geo, a 1997 fighting game, features an all-female cast and has roots in anime and manga, earning a cult status among fans of those mediums.

This collection includes modern additions like quick save, quick load, and rewind functions, making it accessible to both returning players and beginners. Physical editions will be offered for Switch and PlayStation 5, with digital releases extending to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. These enhancements align with City Connection’s approach to updating retro titles for current hardware.

A Step Forward for Retro Gaming

These releases highlight a growing industry effort to preserve classic games, particularly from the Sega Saturn—a console that struggled commercially but left behind a library of distinctive titles. City Connection’s Saturn Tribute series, which includes prior releases like Cotton 2 and Guardian Force, caters to a niche yet passionate retro gaming community. Success here could prompt more Sega Saturn revivals, broadening access to its overlooked catalogue.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Cult N64 Platformer ‘Glover’ Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Owen

The classic Nintendo 64 platformer Glover is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2025, priced at $19.99. Originally released in 1998, Glover offers a unique gameplay experience where players control a magical glove navigating various levels atop a transformative ball.

In Glover, players embark on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles across six distinct worlds. The game’s mechanics revolve around the ability to change the ball’s properties, providing diverse interactions and challenges.

This upcoming release is a port of the original N64 version, developed by QUByte Interactive. Notably, a physical edition was previously offered through Limited Run Games, with pre-orders closing in September 2024 and shipments expected in January 2025. However, this physical release has already sold out, making the digital launch a prime opportunity for those who missed out.

Fans are hopeful that this Switch version will address issues present in the 2022 Steam release, which faced criticism for various bugs. The developers have yet to confirm any specific improvements, but the community remains optimistic for a polished experience.

Credit: Steam

For those looking to relive a piece of gaming history or experience Glover for the first time, the upcoming Switch release offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this cult classic.

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Fun Things, Nintendo, Steam

Omega 6 Manga by Star Fox Artist Set for English Release

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, renowned for his work on Star Fox and F-Zero, is bringing his manga Omega 6 to English-speaking audiences. Originally released in France, the 216-page English edition will be published by Dark Horse Comics and is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025, priced at $14.99.

Omega 6 follows protagonists Thunder and Kyla, bounty hunters journeying through space in search of a new home for humanity. This narrative serves as the foundation for the video game adaptation, Omega 6: The Triangle Stars, which was released in Japan last year. The English version of the game is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).

Junji Seki, president of the game’s developer Happymeal, emphasizes that the game’s storyline is distinct from the manga, offering fresh experiences for fans of both mediums. He notes, “The video game version is a totally different story, set in the same world as the Omega 6 comic.”

Imamura, who departed Nintendo in 2021 after a three-decade tenure, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching a broader audience: “I sincerely hope that my manga and games can be enjoyed by people regardless of where they live.”

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered Announced for Switch and PC

Posted on by Owen

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be released on May 22, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Originally launched in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita, this remastered version brings the game to Western audiences for the first time, complete with enhanced visuals and English localisation.  

Credit: Bandai

Players will have the opportunity to relive iconic moments from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, choosing to align with one of three factions: Earth Alliance Forces, ZAFT, or the Archangel. The game features over 100 mobile suits, all redesigned with high-resolution textures, and includes side stories from the Gundam SEED universe, such as Astray and C.E. 73: STARGAZER.  

The remastered edition offers a redesigned user interface tailored for modern platforms, improved tuning options, mission selection enhancements, and a new lock-on mode for more accessible gameplay. These updates aim to provide a smoother and more engaging experience for both new players and longtime fans.  

Credit: Bandai

Pre-orders for the Steam version are currently available, with Nintendo Switch pre-orders opening at a later date. For more information, visit the official website.  

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Nintendo

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered Receives New Physical Switch Release

Posted on by Owen

Aspyr Media has announced a new physical release of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered for the Nintendo Switch. This remastered collection, which launched digitally in December 2024, brings together the iconic action-adventure titles that originally captivated players in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

The standard edition is priced at $29.99, while a deluxe edition is available for $49.99. Pre-orders are currently open on Amazon, with the release scheduled for June 2025.

Previously, Limited Run Games offered its own physical versions, including a standard edition for $34.99 and a collector’s edition priced at $149.99.

Deluxe Edition: Credit: Amazon

For collectors and fans of physical media, this new release offers another opportunity to own these classic titles in a tangible format.

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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

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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