Splatoon Raiders is a new direction for Nintendo’s ink-based, third-person shooter, which shifts the focus to single-player gameplay with a co-op twist. As the series’ first spin-off and its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, you won’t be battling other players — but taking on hordes of Salmonids feels just as fun and chaotic.

Instead of fighting through city-style courses in Splatsville, you’re scouring the Spirhalite Islands for treasure to fix up your hideout ship and return home. Along the way, you’re tasked with completing increasingly difficult, multi-stage raids.

I found the core loop — completing a raid and heading back to your ship to upgrade your gear — to be as rewarding as it was fun. There’s nothing quite like defeating a massive Salmonid, getting a new weapon, and heading back out to test it in combat. Some later islands and raids get a bit repetitive, but everything moves so fast that by the time you notice, you’re onto the next one.

Though it's a single-player experience, you can team up in 4-player co-op locally or online. Likewise, you’ll always have a member of Deep Cut by your side.

Is Splatoon Raiders the perfect way to get your fix before the next main entry? Read on for our full review.

Splatoon Raiders: The Basics

• What is it? A spin-off of the Splatoon series where you go on raids to collect treasure as well as unlock new weapons and abilities, playable solo or with up to 4 players.
• Who is it for? Fans of the series and those who enjoy third-person shooters as well as looter shooters.
• What’s the price? Splatoon Raiders costs $49 if you buy it digitally or $59 for a physical copy.
• What other games has the developer made? Splatoon Raiders is developed by the same internal Nintendo team responsible for the rest of the Splatoon series as well as Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• What games is it similar to? With its ink-based shooting, Splatoon Raiders plays a lot like Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run mode. However, its expedition-based mission loop resembles Borderlands while its online co-op feels similar to Deep Rock Galactic.

Not quite an island getaway

Splatoon Raiders throws you right into the action with an opening scene depicting the three members of Deep Cut — Shiver, Frye, and Big Man — aboard a helicopter above the Spirhalite Islands. As they approach the center of the island chain, their chopper gets knocked out of the sky, forcing a crash landing.

After a month stranded at sea, Deep Cut and your playable character, The Mechanic, have built a makeshift hideout ship and are ready to start doing what they came for: hunting for treasure.

From tropical beaches lined with palm trees to snow-covered peaks, your trek toward the center of the archipelago takes you through all sorts of eye-catching locales. However, much like the waters surrounding the Splatlands, these islands are teeming with Salmonids.

While raiding is the game’s main focus, taking a breather between runs lets you learn more about Deep Cut and how their world is deeply tied to the Spirhalite Islands. Although some lingering questions remained by the time I hit the credits on my 15-plus hour playthrough, the big ones were answered in a satisfying fashion.

Ink, raid, repeat

As this is a Splatoon game, ink remains your primary tool for taking down the local Salmonid population. The enemy roster keeps you on your toes: airborne pests hover overhead, burrowing threats ambush you from below, and giant monstrosities rain heavy fire from across the arena.

Instead of a traditional single-player campaign, Splatoon Raiders pivots entirely to bite-sized raids. Objectives range from direct, single-stage boss fights to free-form salvage runs where you gather Power Eggs to drill into massive treasure hoards. This variety keeps the loop from getting stale as you bounce between islands.

Alongside standard shooters, brushes, and sloshers, The Mechanic can craft and deploy gadgets mid-combat. Every successful raid feeds directly into your gear progression, dropping higher-tier weapons, gadget components, and crafting materials.

Getting booted back to the ship after a failed raid threw off my rhythm initially, but I grew to love the forced pause. It forces you to rethink your strategy, tweak your loadout, or swap gadgets before diving back in. (And while I played solo for this review, you can also call in online backup when you're stuck.)

Most importantly, movement remains top-tier. Diving into your ink and popping out behind a Salmonid to hit its weak spot feels as slick as ever, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller in hand. If you love Splatoon's core gameplay, you’ll be right at home here.

Crafting for splatting

Unlike the members of Deep Cut, The Mechanic can fix just about anything — a handy skill considering you're responsible for upgrading the hideout ship as the story progresses. Beyond ship maintenance, your character can also craft new combat gadgets and the parts needed to improve them further.

When faced with a particularly brutal wave of Salmonids, your two equippable gadgets easily make or break a run. Since they operate on a cooldown, timing is everything. Fortunately, you can craft specific parts to shorten those wait times and keep your abilities cycling faster.

Your loadout options depend on which Ink Tank you currently have equipped: Speed, Power, or Tactical. Each tank caters to a different playstyle, comes with its own set of unique gadgets, and can be upgraded to boost core stats like maximum health and overall damage output.

As I made my way through the Spirhalite Islands, I often found myself hunting specific Salmonids just to farm the parts needed for a gear upgrade. You also gather Spirhalite Crystals along the way, which are used for both high-tier crafting and boosting weapon levels. Balancing whether to dump those crystals into upgrading my main shooter or building a shiny new gadget created a really satisfying gameplay loop.

The treasure you haul back isn't just for show, either. Certain artifacts grant unique Relic Powers, offering passive combat buffs that can completely turn the tide during a tough raid or boss fight.

Whether I was tinkering back on the hideout ship or blasting my way through a chaotic raid, the pacing never slowed down. Splatoon Raiders kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Dripping with fidelity

Besides being the series’ first entry on the Switch 2, this is hands-down the best-looking Splatoon game yet. Everything runs at a buttery-smooth 60 fps in 4K, and during my playthrough, I didn’t experience a single performance hiccup. This held true even when the battlefield was so packed with Salmonids that I could barely make out my own character.

Nintendo’s decision to feature a range of distinct biomes as you venture toward the center of the Spirhalite Islands really pays off. From ink-soaked sand to snow-capped mountains changing color right before your eyes, there were plenty of moments where I had to stop just to take in the view.

In previous entries, the color of your ink depended on your team match-ups. In Splatoon Raiders, however, the color shifts every time you return to the hideout ship. Whenever I set out on a new raid, my ink tank sprayed a completely fresh hue. It’s a small detail, but it constantly mixed up the visual flair while showing off just how vibrant and impressive the game’s graphics truly are.

Splatoon Raiders review: Verdict

Splatoon Raiders takes the iconic combat and charm the series is known for and successfully adapts it into a single-player and co-op loop. The bite-sized raids are as addictive as ever, while the new crafting mechanics and loadout upgrades add welcome depth to the formula.

Although certain islands can feel slightly repetitive over longer sessions, the game's fast-paced momentum keeps your hands glued to the controller. And while competitive PvP takes a backseat this time around, robust co-op options easily soften the blow. Whether you’re a squid-kid veteran or a complete newcomer, Splatoon Raiders is an absolute joy and a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is just over 12 months old. Typically with a Nintendo console, it’s the Big N's own first-party games that keep me coming back (I play on PS5 primarily), and while there’s been a steady stream of those on the Switch 2, I’ve found it’s actually Capcom carrying the torch right now.

Capcom is enjoying something of a golden era at present, delivering consistently impressive games at a steady clip. These include several new releases and remakes in popular series like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter, and excellent original ideas like Pragmata (which, seriously, if you haven’t played yet, stop reading this article and play it now. It’s wonderful).

While these games are all available on PlayStation, Xbox and the best gaming PCs, it’s the publisher's Switch 2 support that is really impressive. The Switch 2 isn’t an afterthought for Capcom. Not only are the Switch 2 editions of new games like Resident Evil: Requiem and the aforementioned Pragmata technically sound, they also dropped day one on Switch 2. Other publishers/developer have delayed their games on Switch — I’m still waiting for a date on the Switch 2 edition of 007: First Light.

Capcom is even diving back into its recent past to bring several fan-favorite games from the previous generation to Nintendo players. Case in point, the recent launch of Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition on Switch 2. I’ve been playing DMC5 on Switch 2 recently, and it's another winner from Capcom.

DMC5 is as good as ever on Nintendo Switch 2

Devil May Cry 5 originally launched on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2019, bringing the franchise back to its roots after the divisive (in my opinion, underrated) 2013 reboot. Fans and critics loved it, and I was among them. It offers the series' signature blend of cinematic, intense action, slightly cheesy humor, and a trio of playable protagonists. That number expanded to four with the Vergil DLC — included with the PS5 and Xbox Series X ports in 2020.

So, how does it look and play on Switch 2? Extremely well. It targets and largely maintains 60 fps in both docked and handheld mode. While I haven’t played the PS5/Series X Special Edition to compare, I can confirm this is a notable improvement over the PS4 version I experienced back at launch. The game was liable to drop frames when the action got really hectic, which in a Devil May Cry game is a problem because things get hectic fast.

As you would hope, this version of DMC5 comes content complete, packing all the post-launch DLC, including Vergil as a playable character. Oh, and load times are blissfully brief, which is useful for somebody like myself, who’s far from an expert DMC player — I need those quick loads to get back into the fray while taking on a tough boss and getting my butt whooped.

Because of its 8th generation console roots, it’s not the most technically impressive Switch 2 port Capcom has released to date. Several major PS4 games made their way over to Nintendo Switch 1. The second generation of Nintendo’s hybrid console can handle the likes of DMC5 with relative ease, but it’s yet another excellent Capcom game, now playable on the Switch 2.

Capcom’s Switch 2 support is impressive (and there’s much more to come)

Nintendo aside, there are few (if any) publishers supporting the Switch 2 to the same degree right now as Capcom. And considering the Japanese video game company is currently in its aforementioned “golden era,” with no signs of slowing down, that’s a significant boon for the console.

This year alone, I’ve tested the Switch 2 release of a trio of Resident Evil games (Biohazard, Village and Requiem) alongside Pragmata (I am not going to shut up about this game till you play it), and been largely impressed with them all. My Switch 2 is rapidly becoming a device dedicated to playing Capcom games on the go, and I don’t mind at all.

This support isn’t slowing down either. Capcom has already announced plans to bring its sprawling RPG Dragon’s Dogma 2 to the console as part of its Dark Arisen re-release this October. I love the idea of having such a vast RPG for long flights. And before that, the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword will arrive on Switch 2 on September 4, the same date it launches on PS5, Xbox Series X and PC. Switch players won’t have to wait longer!

Plus, looking a little further into the future, Monster Hunter Wilds is Switch 2-bound (coming in the wake of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection landing on Nintendo's platform in March), alongside the recently announced Resident Evil: Veronica remake and Mega Man: Dual Override.

So, kudos to Capcom. Firstly, for its remarkable streak of quality releases. But secondly, for ensuring that its acclaimed recent back catalog is available on the Switch 2 and that its highly anticipated new releases arrive on the system on day one. Its biggest gaming rivals should take note.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
• I played all 3 new Resident Evil games on Switch 2 
• Splatoon Raiders hands-on preview: I'm already hooked

While consoles used to get cheaper a year or two into their life cycle, this generation’s gone the other way. RAM and component shortages have pushed manufacturers to raise prices instead of drop them, which makes any genuine saving on new hardware feel a lot sweeter than it used to.

This Nintendo Switch 2 deal for Prime Day is a good example — the console’s down to AU$624, beating the EOFY price of AU$629 and sitting well below its usual AU$699.95. It’s a modest discount on paper, but the timing matters: Nintendo plans to lift the Switch 2 to AU$769.95 on September 1.

That means grabbing it now saves you AU$145.95 compared to its upcoming price, and right now AU$624 is the lowest Switch 2 price we’ve seen.

Whether another sale pops up before September is anyone’s guess, but this is a straightforward chance to lock in the cheapest price before the hike.

As someone who bought his Switch 2 at launch, I can say that the handheld/console hybrid is really coming into its own now that we're over a year into its life cycle.

Its growing library of games has some genuine first-party bangers in it, like Star Fox, Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and we have Splatoon Raiders arriving later this month. Additionally, developers are squeezing some terrific performance out of the Switch 2 on third-party titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Pragmata.

Seriously, you don’t want to sit this one out — it’s the best Switch 2 deal we’ve seen so far, and once the price hike lands, waiting will feel like a mistake.

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I’ve loved the Nintendo Switch 2 since launch. I said as much in my review last summer, where I labeled it the “hybrid console of my dreams.” 12 months later, and that stance hasn’t changed. However, I’ve had one persistent issue from day one: the relatively paltry internal storage.

The Switch 2 comes packing 256GB of internal storage (of that, only 249GB is usable), and there’s no escaping the fact this isn’t enough in a gaming landscape where blockbuster games boast install sizes best measured in dozens of GBs. Want to install Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition? That’s 60GB gone? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth? You need 90.5GB of space.

Even physical games won’t save you much room, with the emergence of the controversial “Game-Key Cards,” the entire game is installed on your Switch 2, similar to how discs work on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Yes, Switch 2 game files come in all shapes and sizes (The excellent puzzler Blue Prince takes up just 3.8GB), but if you want to play blockbuster games on the go, or have a large library installed at once, prepare for storage headaches.

For me, having a large cross-section of my Nintendo library installed at once is a necessity because I primarily use my Switch 2 for traveling. The last thing I want to do while on the road is be trying to find a Wi-Fi spot strong enough to download a Switch 2 game that’s taken my fancy.

Fortunately, upgrading your storage is a breeze; the process takes 30 seconds. The downside? Compatible microSD Express Cards are pricey.

So much room for more Switch 2 games

I recently got my hands on a 512GB Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card, and it’s been a revelation. The install process is almost laughably simple.

Get your chosen microSD card (remember, it must be an Express model), lift up the Switch 2’s rear kickstand, and insert the card into the console’s SD card slot. Give your Switch 2 a few moments to format, and you’re all done. Nintendo really couldn’t have made the process any smoother.

As is typical with additional storage solutions, you don’t get the full memory listed on the packaging. With the 512GB Lexar Play Pro installed in my Switch 2, I was given an extra 465GB of storage capacity. When factoring in the internal storage (which remains useable), this is a pretty healthy amount of wiggle room, even as Switch 2 game install sizes balloon.

I’ve tested out several of the best Switch 2 games running off the Lexar Play Pro, including Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and recently, the new Switch 2 port of Devil May Cry 5 (it's epic!). I’ve noticed no increase in loading times compared to playing these titles from the Switch 2’s internal storage, and no reduction in performance.

So, all of this is to say, if you also feel your Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in storage just isn’t big enough, then a microSD such as the Lexar Play Pro becomes a practically essential accessory. With the card snugly installed in my console, my only major remaining gripe with the hybrid console is the pretty lackluster battery life. Maybe I need to pick up a battery pack next?

More Switch 2 storage, but at a price

The asterisk on my glowing recommendation of the Lexar Play Pro microSD is the price. As of writing, on Amazon, a 256GB card costs $84 (currently 15% off, was $99); the model I’ve been testing, the 512GB, is priced at $149, and the largest size, a whopping 1TB, is a wallet-stinging $349. These prices aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re not impulse buys.

The big question is which size is suitable for most Switch 2 owners. I actually did buy a 256GB card last summer, but found the increased storage still wasn’t enough to keep pace with my growing Switch 2 library.

Meanwhile, much as I think the 1TB option will futureproof your console for years to come, ensuring an abundance of storage, $349 is an excessive price and likely pushes the card beyond the budget of most Switch 2 owners.

It’s the 512GB Lexar Play Pro microSD Card that finds the healthiest middle ground. You’re more than doubling your Switch 2 storage capacity, and while $149 isn’t cheap, it’s more budget-friendly than the 1TB option. If you’re looking to upgrade your own Switch 2 storage, I would recommend the 512GB card. It offers the best balance of storage and price, at present.

Of course, whether you need extra storage is a matter of personal preference. If you’re happy to be diligent with deleting/redownloading games, or only plan to play a small selection of titles at any one time, then you can absolutely enjoy the console with just the internal storage. While 256GB isn’t exactly roomy, it’s enough to install a handful of bigger titles.

However, if you’ve been a day-one Switch 2 owner since last June, or even if you just recently joined the ownership club (welcome!), and have found your storage space dwindling, then picking up a microSD card is a smart investment and resolves one of the console’s more noticeable flaws.

More from Tom's Guide

• Splatoon Raiders hands-on preview: I'm already hooked
• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
• I gave my Switch 2 an upgrade, and saved $55 in the process

September is creeping ever closer. In case you didn't know, the Nintendo Switch 2 console is going to get a price increase in just two months. But there's still time to get the console at its original price — and even score a saving.

Right now you can get the Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle for $499 at Amazon. Now is the time to buy the new console, since it's about to go up in price. This bundle lets you choose one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza or Pokémon Pokopia) and will save you between $20 and $30.

I'm also seeing plenty of discounts on games and accessories for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, so keep scrolling to check them out! For more, see our gaming promo codes and 4th of July sales coverage.

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• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• Super Mario RPG: was $59 now $33
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card 256GB: was $79 now $65
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle: now $499 up to $30 off!

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch game deals

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Owning a Wii U ended up being the ultimate test of patience. Being forced to wait months for a first-party release that justified me purchasing Nintendo’s tablet/gaming hybrid console proved torturous during much of the system’s lifecycle.

I remember getting the first Splatoon, not out of a pure need for it but because I was so desperate to play anything on my Wii U besides Bayonetta 2. The shock and awe that took over my spirit when I realized just how fun Splatoon’s PvP ink-blasting matches were still stands tall as one of the biggest pleasant surprises I’ve had as a gamer. From that point forward, I sunk embarrassingly long playtimes into the series’ next two mainline entries and accompanying DLC expansions.

Now that I’m on the cusp of finally picking up Switch 2, I’m super excited to put just as much time into Nintendo’s latest offering of ink-splatting. But what makes this new series installment stand out from its predecessors is how it eschews competitive multiplayer in favor of treasure hunting escapades across single–player and four-player co-op expeditions.

And after finally getting some hands-on time with Splatoon Raiders, I can safely say that its fun factor and charm match that of the excellent Splatoon games that came before it.

Customizing loadouts, blasting baddies and raiding treasure

The name of the game here is using your custom character’s mechanical skills to create new tools, improve your gear, customize your loadouts and head out to new destinations across the Spirhalite Islands to find even more goodies for the taking.

Like previous games in the series, Splatoon Raiders gives you a ton of options to tinker to your liking. Creating your own “Inkling” took me longer than expected since I always get a kick out of making them to my exact liking. This game also offers a wide range of other options to tailor, such as your main weapon, two gadgets, Relic Powers, your tank type, Bot Buddy, and clothing style.

Speaking of weapons and gadgets, I got a lot of use out of the “Flamingo Splattershot Jr.”, the “Booyarang” and the “Splatellites.” The mixture of rapid-fire shooting, a weapon that can cut through the opposition in a single circular arc and another one that creates orbiting discs around you that harm incoming foes worked like a charm. When the time arrived for me to eliminate all the “Salmonids” that sought to take me out, my chosen loadout and the assistance of one of the members of the “Deep Cut” trio (whose outfitted in a bot), I was treated to the same entertaining gunplay that made me a fan of Splatoon in the first place.

After seeing the first pieces of footage for Splatoon Raiders, I was a bit worried that the game’s environments would boil down to nothing but sandy beaches and rocky terrain. But those fears have now been assuaged — there’s plenty more biomes to venture to and the color patterns do enough to make them stand apart from each other, thankfully. The Salmonid hordes that try to overpower you are relentless and actually presented a challenge during some missions, especially the timed ones.

Even with the difficulty getting kicked up a notch during my demo, I had the time of my life blasting them out of existence, jumping on top of my big bot assistant to get some extra air time and picking up all the currency and items I need to create more offensive and defensive tools. Trust me when I tell you that you'll need all the help you can get, as this game presents a worthy challenge with its unique boss fights and time trials that throw even more enemy hordes your way.

Co-op raids will keep me occupied for months (or years?) to come

Linking up with three other players to go on some treasure hunts proved to be just as fun (if not MORE fun!) than my solo treks. Seeing my three other Inkling squadmates equip entirely different loadouts resulted in playthroughs where our combined weapons and gadgets cut through our fishy foes with ease. I knew it was time to switch up my loadout when I watched one of my co-op partners slash through an army of swarming Salmonids with their “Splatchet” gadget (it felt so satisfying to do some slashing for myself once I finally used it).

Here’s hoping plenty of substantial endgame content and a nice DLC rollout will accompany Splatoon Raiders to expand its co-op suite.

Bottom line

Call me crazy if you want, but the likes of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Pokopia weren’t enough to compel me to get Switch 2.

As the odd man out with that opinion, Splatoon Raiders stands out as the killer app that will make me finally pick up a Switch 2. Am I slightly disappointed that the PvP competitive ink-splatting isn’t featured? Yeah. But am I still excited to go treasure hunting with the Deep Cut idols, eliminate Salmonids that dare to approach me, jump into the colorful ink fray with three other Inklings and unlock new pieces of gear?

Absolutely!

More from Tom’s Guide

• I just finished Star Fox on Switch 2 — and it’s better than the game I imagined I was playing as a kid
• I played Star Fox on Switch 2 in Mouse Mode and with an N64 controller — here's the one I'd recommend
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Despite GTA 6 pre-orders stealing the headlines this week, another game you can play right now actually just hit store shelves. Of course, I’m talking about Nintendo’s Star Fox remake, which I recently gave a glowing review.

I still remember inserting the Rumble Pak into the back of my N64 controller and booting up Star Fox 64 for the first time almost 30 years ago. Now, though, I get to experience one of my favorite childhood games with modern graphics, crisp 4K visuals, and new cutscenes that help fill out the story even further.

Playing Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been an absolute blast so far, and I even managed to take the hard path that eluded me as a child. Still, after several playthroughs ahead of my review, I wasn’t done yet.

Besides being able to play with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, you can also detach your Joy-Cons and play Star Fox in Mouse Mode. I definitely had to take this new, more precise, fully first-person way to take the game out for a spin. However, I also have one of Nintendo’s modern N64 controllers on hand, so I decided to give that a try too out of sheer nostalgia.

Whether you’re playing Star Fox for the first time or revisiting one of your favorite childhood games like I am, both of these control schemes completely change the experience — but one definitely stands above the other.

Precision meets sheer terror

If you haven’t upgraded to a Switch 2 yet, Mouse Mode is one of the new console’s more interesting features. With your Joy-Cons detached, you can use a desk mat — or any surface for that matter — to engage this new mode and control one of your Joy-Cons like a mouse. This gives you a much greater level of precision and is especially useful in first-person shooters.

Speaking of which, the first game I tried Mouse Mode out on was Metroid Prime 4. What I like about that game’s implementation of this new mode is that you can instantly switch back and forth between it and using your Joy-Cons the standard way. Thankfully, Star Fox does the exact same thing.

The second you flip one of your Joy-Cons on its side, Mouse Mode is enabled. However, in Star Fox, this also switches the game from using its normal third-person perspective to a first-person one. It felt like I was Fox McCloud myself, sitting inside my Arwing with all of its various screens and dials visible in the ship’s central console. This adds a new level of immersion you just don’t get in third-person.

I’ll admit, getting the hang of using Mouse Mode in Star Fox did take me a bit. I think that’s because of how high-stakes and fast the game’s flying and shooting feels. After I finished the game’s first level, though, I had the hang of it. Well, for the most part.

With a Joy-Con held normally in my left hand, I was able to control the yawing of my Arwing while most of the work was done with the Joy-Con in my right hand, which handled shooting, boosting, braking, and aiming my laser’s reticle. It definitely takes some getting used to, but there are on-screen prompts to help you with the more difficult controls.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how different playing the game in first-person would make some of the levels feel. For instance, the asteroid field in Meteo and the enemies that pop out behind them had me on the edge of my seat. While not necessarily scary, when playing in first-person, everything felt a lot more spooky. The same was true on the planet Solar, as it really felt like the waves of lava were coming right at me.

In retrospect, it makes perfect sense, but I was elated when I realized I could play through the Macbeth stage in first-person. Controlling the Landmaster tank has never come naturally to me, and during my first playthroughs, I got stuck on this level longer than I care to admit. In Mouse Mode with a first-person perspective, though, I was able to not only clear it but also shoot down the eight switches to divert the train fairly easily.

I bypassed Aquas completely during my Mouse Mode playthrough, but seeing the ocean and all the various creatures underwater from the cockpit of the Blue Marine has me excited about starting another run already.

Single-stick nostalgia

Given it was my first introduction to using an analog stick instead of a D-pad, I bought one of Nintendo’s modern N64 controllers when they first went on sale. I mainly did so to re-experience playing Super Mario 64 this way, but I also played through a bit of Star Fox 64 too. Controlling my Arwing the old-fashioned way was just as awkward as I remembered it, though.

With Star Fox on the Switch 2, you can use an N64 controller if you want to relive that exact same experience, just with modern visuals. In the game’s on-the-rails levels, I felt like I was right back in 1997, sitting on the floor in front of the TV.

Even the game’s boss fights — like when I took on the Gorgon in Area 6 — felt great and were easy enough to handle. The old control scheme came right back to me, even if I did miss using my Switch 2 Pro Controller’s extra GR button (which I had mapped to A) to shoot. Once I switched to All-Range Mode, however, that’s when things got tricky.

Just like in Star Fox 64, you point the analog stick down and press either the down or left C-button at the same time to do a somersault or U-turn, respectively. During the second fight with Star Wolf and his crew, these old controls made things quite difficult.

If I held down and pressed one of the C-buttons after, nothing happened. Instead, I had to press down on the analog stick while hitting the C-button at the exact same time to pull off the maneuver. With Star Wolf hot on my heels, my Arwing took a lot more damage than it did when using modern controls with my Switch 2 Pro controller.

Even if All-Range Mode was just as difficult as I remember with an N64 controller, it was still a fun experiment testing it out in Star Fox on the Switch 2.

Now it truly feels like summer

If you’re a seasoned player who knows all the hidden paths, you can finish Star Fox in around an hour. With other Nintendo games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom taking 60+ hours to finish, Star Fox’s campaign may feel short, but that’s only at face value. The beauty of Star Fox 64 and this reimagined outing is that you’re supposed to replay it, as that’s the only way to find hidden paths and earn medals.

Star Fox on the Switch 2 is fun enough on its own to warrant multiple playthroughs. However, if you want to mix things up a bit, I highly recommend giving Mouse Mode a try. Even if you don't, you can still experience the entire campaign in first-person mode just by hitting the Minus button on your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller.

Personally, I had a ton of fun during my first-person, Mouse Mode playthrough, and I can’t wait to go back to Corneria for another run. In fact, the timing of this release brings me right back to the summer of 1997, and Nintendo made an excellent choice by releasing Star Fox when it did.

Whether you grew up playing Star Fox on the Nintendo 64 or this is your first time saving the Lylat system from Andross, Star Fox on Switch 2 is this summer’s must-play game — just like it was all those years ago.

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Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 is the rare remake that managed to exceed my expectations while feeling instantly familiar. While the original formula remains intact, Nintendo, alongside developer Velan Studios have modernized every aspect of this classic game from the visuals down to the controls.

Fox McCloud and the rest of the Star Fox crew look better than ever, as do all of the 15 different stages. Of course, due to the game’s branching paths, you will have to complete multiple playthroughs if you want to see them all. You definitely will, though, thanks to the new, more cinematic cutscenes between each stage.

Controlling your Arwing felt great in the original, but on the Switch 2, it’s even more satisfying. The controls are snappy and responsive when playing in handheld mode or with a Switch 2 Pro Controller. However, you can also detach your Joy-Cons to play in Mouse Mode, which shifts your perspective from third to first-person, making gameplay feel even more immersive.

If this is your first time saving the Lylat system, you’re in for a treat. For seasoned Star Fox players, though, the game and its stages play out almost exactly as you remember them, for better or worse. While there is a new multiplayer mode, it doesn’t feel extensive enough to justify picking up this remake for it alone.

Star Fox for the Switch 2 is still the best way to experience this classic starfighter. Read on for my full Star Fox review.

Star Fox: The Basics

• What is it? Star Fox is a sci-fi rail-shooter and space combat game with high-speed aerial dogfights and branching paths where you fight to protect the Lylat system.
• Who is it for? Star Fox fans who want to re-experience Star Fox 64 on the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware with improved controls and visuals.
• What's the price? Star Fox costs $49 if you buy it digitally or $59 if you buy a physical copy.
• What other games has the developer made? Star Fox for the Switch 2 was developed by Velan Studios alongside Nintendo. They previously worked together on the mixed-reality racer Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, but the studio also created the dodgeball brawler Knockout City.
• What games is it similar to? Given it’s a modern remake, Star Fox feels a lot like Star Fox 64 as well as other space combat and flying games such as Star Wars: Squadrons and Ace Combat.

Seeing the Lylat system with new eyes

I still remember popping the rumble pack into the back of my N64 controller and booting up Star Fox 64 for the first time. While the original set the bar quite high, this reimagining of Nintendo’s classic space opera immediately hooked me once I saw how stunning it looked on the Switch 2.

From the menus to the cutscenes to the levels themselves, Star Fox shines in a crisp and buttery smooth 4K resolution at 60fps on Switch 2. Gone are the blocky and low-polygon structures of the original as they’ve been replaced with top-tier graphics you’d expect to see on the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

By upgrading and optimizing its proprietary Viper Engine, Velan Studios has managed to deliver impressive visuals and a locked framerate of 60 fps. The HDR implementation is another big highlight here as laser fire and bombs shot from your Arwing stand out brilliantly against the deep blacks of outer space.

Whether I was flying alongside the water outside Corneria, navigating through space debris in Sector X or submerged in the Blue-Marine in Aquas, all of the various environments in Star Fox had my eyes glued to the screen. In fact, I took different paths throughout several playthroughs just to see them all.

Fantastic Mr. Star Fox

From the opening scene after the updated tutorial, when the crew takes off their VR headsets, it’s clear we’re dealing with a familiar yet entirely different Star Fox. Instead of the dated character models of the original, we’re now met with ones that feel more like the cast of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox film. I like them personally, but they have divided the series’ loyal fanbase somewhat.

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Fox, Slippy, Peppy and Falco, too, as there are now beautifully rendered cinematics in between missions. They help fill out the story and show the inner workings of the Star Fox crew in ways I could only imagine when playing the original.

There are changes during the missions themselves, too, when it comes to the story and especially dialogue. While some fan favorite sayings like “Do a barrel roll” remain, the lines delivered by the crew mid-combat feel more intentional and add an extra layer of depth to the overall story.

For instance, during the first level, you’re tasked with saving Falco as he’s having trouble with his ship’s G-Diffuser. In the original, after you helped him out, that was that. Now, though, in the Switch 2 version of Star Fox, Slippy chimes in saying that’s why you don’t want to rush a systems check.

There are little extra bits of dialogue here and there throughout the story, and alongside the new cinematics, I felt more immersed in the world of Star Fox than ever before.

By air, land and sea

Even though the levels themselves are on-rails, your journey to take on Andross is more flexible thanks to Star Fox’s branching paths. Depending on which teammates you save, how many hits you deal out to enemies and a few other conditions, new paths and different levels become available.

This adds some much-needed variety to the core game while also giving you a reason to replay its campaign. While you pilot Star Fox’s iconic Arwing craft for a majority of the game, it’s not the only vehicle.

For instance, if you take the easy path to Venom, there’s a level where you take command of the Landmaster tank. The tank features the same controls as your Arwing, but since you’re on the ground instead of in the air, it’s a welcome change from flying.

Alternatively, if you take the hard path to Venom, there’s an underwater level where you pilot the Blue-Marine submarine. Built by Slippy from spare parts, the submarine works just like your Arwing, too. Having missed this section as a kid, it was a nice surprise, and the enemies and environment of Aquas were absolutely worth another run of the campaign.

Although Star Fox’s campaign only takes about an hour and a half to finish, revisiting levels to look for secret paths does add a bit more to the game. Still, I wish there were more new levels besides the prologue to really round out this upgraded package.

From tactical to all-range

If you’ve booted up Nintendo Switch Online and tried to play through Star Fox 64 recently, you’re in for a welcome surprise on Switch 2 as Velan Studios has modernized the game’s controls. Instead of using a single analog stick and the C-button, Star Fox now features dual-stick flight.

The left stick handles your Arwing’s positioning while the right stick controls your reticle. This separation gives you far greater precision when aiming your lasers.

Alternatively, you can take things a step further by detaching your Joy-Cons and playing in Mouse Mode. Though I found the first-person perspective does take some getting used to.

In addition to this new control scheme, there’s an overall snapiness when it comes to pressing buttons to boost, brake and deploy bombs, as well as when you’re using the triggers to shoot or the bumpers to barrel roll. Suffice it to say, piloting an Arwing has never felt this good.

Star Fox: Verdict

Star Fox on the Switch 2 marks the triumphant return of Fox McCloud, though it’s also an excellent showcase of what Nintendo’s latest console is capable of. The upgraded graphics and improved visual fidelity make this the best way to experience this classic adventure, while the snappier and more modern controls make piloting your Arwing just as satisfying.

Although I wish we could play the full campaign together with a friend in co-op mode with our own ships, at least Nintendo does give you a way to do so as pilot and gunner. Likewise, there are a lot of great ideas in the new multiplayer modes, but let’s face it, we’re here for the single-player campaign. Whether you’re just saving the Lylat system for the first time or you’re a seasoned mercenary who knows all the hidden paths, this is the best Star Fox has ever looked and played.

The Nintendo Switch 2 turned one earlier this month, which means we're far enough away from launch to finally have great deals to talk about. Last year's Prime Day came just a bit too soon in the Switch 2's life for any truly noteworthy deals, but in 2026, there are definitely good deals available.

If you're looking to upgrade from Switch 1, the Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle is a great way to get a console alongside one of three exclusive games. If you already have a Switch 2, there are plenty of big savings on essential software, alongside useful accessories to upgrade your console.

These are the best Switch 2 deals I've spotted this Prime Day, and be sure to check back. Amazon has made its annual sales extravaganza a multi-day event, so I'll be adding new deals as they appear.

Quick links

• Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle: $499 @ Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2: $449 @ Amazon
• Sonic X Shadow Generation: was $49 now $24
• Star Wars Outlaws: was $59 now $24
• Mario Tennis Fever: was $69 now $49
• Kirby Air Riders: was $69 now $49
• Resident Evil Requiem: was $69 now $52
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• PDP Afterglow Wave Wired Controller: was $29 now $19
• RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Carry Case: was $29 now $26
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card 256GB: was $79 now $39

Nintendo Switch 2 console deals

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deals

We're approaching the halfway point of 2026, and it's already shaping up to be another truly fantastic 12 months for new video games. And we haven't even got to the ludicrously crowded September/October period yet, and the small matter of the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, either.

But before all of the exciting games to come, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the games already released in 2026 that have seriously impressed us. Across all major platforms, there's been plenty of must-play experiences ranging from new installments in beloved franchises to original IPs, and one of the best licensed games ever made!

If you skipped any of these games when they launched, the summer months (which are a little quieter for new releases) are the time to circle back. These are the best video games we've played in 2026 so far.

Resident Evil Requiem

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

I expected Resident Evil Requiem to be a good time, but what I didn’t expect was for it to be one of my favorite Resident Evil titles of all time. It masterfully blends the gameplay of its two protagonists to offer an experience for fans of both action and horror, and makes both characters interesting to play as (although, admittedly, I always looked forward to Leon).

Being able to catch on to things or open new paths with Leon after progressing through an area with Claire made exploring areas a second time feel interesting instead of cumbersome, and the post-game content made me replay the game not once but twice, and that is saying a lot for someone who has never replayed a game or gone for platinums before.

Whether you’re playing on PS5 Pro or Switch 2, the game runs really well, and Capcom deserves credit for this when some studios (I’m looking at you, Bethesda!) haven’t done the best job at optimizing their games.

Requiem reminded me of what makes Resident Evil one of the best horror franchises ever made, and my personal favorite series in the genre. I am really excited for future RE titles and any DLC Requiem has to offer. Just give me more Leon Kennedy, Capcom. Just give me more Leon Kennedy. — Phil Rodrigues

Read our full Resident Evil Requiem review

Pokémon Pokopia

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2

As someone who’s never been a fan of Animal Crossing, Pokémon Pokopia was my biggest gaming surprise of 2026 — and it’s a game I can’t get enough of. It’s a cozy yet surprisingly deep life-simulation adventure where I’ve built and rebuilt habitats, restored ecosystems and created thriving communities for my favorite Pocket Monsters.

Playing as a Ditto who can craft and gain abilities to help with terraforming has been extremely fun. Each Pokémon’s personality and funny dialogue have made me fall in love with the franchise all over again. The gameplay loop is addictive, as is the creative freedom you’re given. Pokopia effortlessly blends elements of building sims, sandbox games, and classic Pokémon exploration into a seamless experience.

What perhaps surprised me the most, though, was the strong storytelling and writing revolving around a post-apocalyptic world. It’s surprisingly deep — and I certainly wasn’t expecting the scattered notes you find (or the ending) to hit that hard. Pokopia feels refreshingly new but unmistakably Pokémon at the same time. I can’t wait for the DLC! — Nikita Achanta

Read our full Pokémon Pokopia review

Pragmata

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

It’s amazing how much a strong demo can do in making someone like me see the vision. Before I took Hugh and Diana into rooms full of rampaging robots, I followed Capcom’s brand-new IP closely. The painfully long wait for a final release date took my hype levels down a peg, but I still maintained a sliver of hope that Pragmata would pull through and deliver a quality experience.

After replaying the demo way more times than I can count, I was fully convinced that Capcom had a new smash hit on their hands. Thankfully, that sentiment of mine stayed true once I reached the end of Hugh and Diana’s emotional journey. The genius way the developers at Capcom mashed up traditional third-person gunplay with a grid-based hacking system that’s controlled by the face buttons roped me in immediately. And I was always excited to see all the new weapons and mods I could tap into to take down waves of disgruntled bots.

I was shocked to see how much post-game content Pragmata had in store for me, which gave me plenty more reasons to bring my best loadouts to ever more challenging combat scenarios. While Pragmata’s story could have been a lot stronger, I still got a ton of enjoyment out of Hugh and Diana’s warm relationship. Here’s hoping we get a sequel that expands on this game’s clever approach to shooting and hacking. — Elton Jones

Read our full Pragmata review

Forza Horizon 6

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S (PS5 TBD)

I mean, this one’s an obvious pick, right? Easily one of the best racing games over the past decade and the greatest in the Horizon series. Forza Horizon 6 puts you in a drop-dead gorgeous recreation of Japan, gives you a ton of incredible cars to drive in, and an almost-infinite wealth of things to do from fun short storylines and stunt events (like racing a Gundam) to full-blown high-octane racing action.

And while I could go into the upgrades here to visual flair, the huge improvement in audio with a banger soundtrack and cars that sound so much more alive, the versatile driving physics giving you either arcade accessibility or sim-level immersion, or the variety of events keeping the game feeling alive for a long time to come.

But the real thing that keeps it head and shoulders above the competition is how it's the first racing title I’ve played to truly capture the essence of car culture. Every single tiny detail comes together to form a love letter to the automobile unlike anything you’ve played before. Just do yourself a favor, buy it now, and thank me later. — Jason England

Read our full Forza Horizon 6 review

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S (Switch 2, September 18)

I’m a Batman fan, and I’m a Lego fan, so I already knew I’d dig Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. However, I didn’t expect it to be such a thoroughly captivating and enjoyable experience. It’s a title I’ll absolutely have in my top 10 games of the year. Yes, it’s that good!

So what’s so special about Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight? Aside from the usual Lego charm, this game is a true love letter to various Batman media— particularly the big Hollywood movies. You play through all of the Caped Crusader’s biggest moments, from falling into a batcave as a child all the way through his rise as Gotham City’s dark avenger. Naturally, the tone is silly, but it retains enough earnestness not to be a complete joke.

Gameplay-wise, it feels like a stripped-down version of the Batman Arkham games, with similar combat and traversal mechanics in a relatively large open world. You even get those games’ versions of puzzles. The Lego parts involving building items and the slew of collectibles, including costumes, vehicles, and more, also make this game highly addictive.

If you’re looking for a game that’s pure fun, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a must-own title. — Tony Polanco

Read our full Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review

007 First Light

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S (Switch 2 TBD)

007 First Light is the best James Bond video game ever made. That’s really saying something considering the pedigree of N64’s GoldenEye, and my own childhood nostalgia for 007: Nightfire on the PlayStation 2. However, First Light trumps them both by delivering a remarkable, ridiculously cinematic main campaign that had me hooked from start to end.

Rather than cast you as a Bond in his prime, you experience his origin story, playing as a fresh-faced spy (voiced/mod-capped expertly by Patrick Gibson). As any good Bond game should, your 15-hour adventure takes you all over the world, from Malta to Mauritania, and has you unraveling a villainous plot that feels highly relevant for our times.

The authentic presentation is spot on, complete with a fitting Bond tune written/performed by Lana del Rey, but none of this would matter if First Light weren’t also a joy to play. Fortunately, with Hitman developer IO at the wheel, that was never in doubt. The game’s blend of espionage exploration, and thrilling combat encounters (the melee animations are phenomenal); you really do feel like the world’s most suave secret agent.

It also packs set-piece moments that rival the best of Uncharted and the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy. And it culminates in a finale that feels fitting for such an epic Bond tale. The bar for licensed games has been raised in recent years, but 007 First Light sets a new standard. — Rory Mellon

Read our full 007 First Light review

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Yoshi and the Mysterious Book isn’t the kind of game I would typically pick up. I like Yoshi enough as a character, but I’m not a huge fan of 2D platformers — I haven’t even played Super Mario Bros. Wonder yet.

When I do play 2D platformers, I really enjoy fast-paced and/or collection-focused levels. So, when I got the chance to try out Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, I was wondering whether it would hold my attention. Spoiler alert: I enjoyed the game more than I expected to, but it took a while for the ball to get rolling for me.

My verdict on Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a solid way for young or casual gamers to dip their toe into platforming games. Rather than testing your fine motor skills with difficult jumps and obstacles, the levels are built on a sense of mystery and discovery. They are all bite-sized, and you can enter and exit them as you please. The graphics are gorgeous and emulate a hand-drawn style. And there are no time limits or health bars to worry about.

Low-stakes gameplay has its place (I've put 700 hours into Animal Crossing: New Horizons). So, if you want to try a platforming game but find them to be too challenging or stressful, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a good choice.

But I’ve played several platformers before, and during Yoshi’s opening stages, I found the stakes to be so low that it made the game feel inconsequential. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is all about making discoveries, but it took me a while to discover anything that excited me.

Yes, the ducks play music when you bounce on them and the frogs blow bubbles. I discovered these facts as the game intended, but they didn’t ignite a feeling of joy within me — they felt like things I’d seen before in other video games.

I felt like I was looking for more depth that the game just didn’t have. I lingered in levels for ages looking for more to do. On several occasions, I thought for a moment that I’d found a secret, but I was actually just completing the level in the intended way because there was nothing else going on in the stages.

But the longer I played, the more my opinion started to change. When my Yoshi jumped on a creature’s back, causing it to freak out and run across the map at light speed with me still in tow, I cracked a smile. And I was disappointed at not finding anything extra in any of the levels — until I had Shy Guys telling me they needed me to find their hidden musical instruments so they could throw a dance party.

There is a lot of creativity to be found in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. The further you get in the game, the more the experience builds — since your actions in and knowledge of previous levels influence how you play going forward. Those rocks that always looked oh-so-breakable are even more fun to smash once you finally get the right tools. And I had a lot of fun using a bug-munching net to eat all the bees that were rude enough to sting me at the very beginning of the game.

I wish Yoshi could have grabbed me from the get-go rather than being a slow burner. But it was worth sticking around to see the surprises the game had to offer. Just be prepared for a more mellow experience.

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• 7 games I’m looking forward to this year that aren’t GTA 6
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So, as the smart glasses guy on the Tom’s Guide team, my main beef has always been with the Nintendo Switch just making things awkward with its video out on the USB-C connector.

With literally any other gaming handheld, it’s a seamless dream — plug your AR glasses in, and see the picture in front of your eyes. The Switch (and Switch 2) requires jumping through hoops of tricking your console into thinking it's in docked mode to bypass the complicated encryption.

Well, when I tested Xreal Aura some more here at AWE 2026, the team literally mentioned in a passing conversation that they’d cracked Switch compatibility in Android XR. Before they could say another word about local AI, I stopped the talk in its tracks and asked for a demo.

And hot dang, they did the thing! Not only is there full Switch support over USB-C, but with no real noticeable latency, and you can use Gemini to ask questions about the games you’re playing!

Fixing the problem with brute force

So the problem is one of compatibility and protocols (boring, I know). 99% of the market uses DisplayPort Alt Mode through that USB-C socket, which natively supports just plugging the glasses straight in. Meanwhile, Nintendo is using Mobility DisplayPort (MyDP) — a standard that was typically used with micro-USB ports back in the day. Why? God knows.

For years now, the fix has been something like the Viture Switch Dock: trick the Switch into thinking it’s in docked mode via a big battery pack to keep it alive at higher wattages and simulate an HDMI connection.

And now, a simple USB-C connection into the Aura’s compute puck does the trick… “HOW!?” I excitedly asked Qualcomm’s team, to which they couldn’t help but chuckle and give me cheeky grins.

Truth is, they can’t tell me exactly how they did it, so all I can do is theorize. You’ve got a strong, open, and versatile development platform like Android XR, paired with a monster spatial computing chip in Snapdragon Reality Elite. I think it’s not too much of a stretch to assume that this high-performance chip is able to transcode that signal in real-time in a well-written Android XR app.

What does it feel like to play?

One common issue with this workaround for the current Switch docks for AR glasses is latency. It’s not terrible, but it can be noticeable in faster titles. None of that exists here, and in my time playing Zelda, it all felt nicely responsive.

On top of that, given it’s a floating window within Android XR, there’s the Gemini Live edge too! Fire it up, look at your screen, and ask away — Gemini was quick to let me know where to go next in the forest.

That is a real value-unlocker vs going to GameFAQs for the answer I need to get ahead in my gameplay whenever I’m stuck.

Take that, Nintendo!

Yes, I know the Switch 2 is great and everything, but this whole USB-C compatibility issue is a pet peeve I’ve been super vocal about for a long time now! Whether it’s so that Nintendo can make its own AR glasses, I don’t know. But the fact that I can’t save myself from neck pain playing the damn thing on long-haul flights seems crazy to me when it’s literally the easier (and better) standard to support.

However, with some brute force of Snapdragon Reality Elite and some coding know-how in Android XR, that’s no longer a problem, and not only that, it’s latency-free compared to the other workarounds we’ve seen.

Low key, this is the biggest winning feature I’ve seen for Xreal Aura. I know there’s so much more to talk about here in what Android XR can do in an optical see-through (OST) environment vs a VR headset, and Gemini’s capabilities in spatial computing. But to 1-UP Nintendo’s limitations? You just love to see it.

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If you've been looking for the right moment to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, now's the time to strike — the in-demand handheld/console hybrid is currently discounted by 10% on Amazon, bringing its price down from AU$699.95 to AU$629.

I get it — 10% doesn’t sound like a huge discount, even if it is Amazon's lowest price on the Switch 2 yet. But with Nintendo planning to bump the Switch 2 up to AU$769.95 from September 1, that “small” saving suddenly means you’re paying AU$140.95 less if you buy now. In other words, it’s a pretty great moment to jump in.

While we can't know for sure if the Switch 2 will get an even bigger discount between now and September — maybe during next month’s Prime Day sale — there's no question that this current deal is a great opportunity.

In our Nintendo Switch 2 review, we described the hybrid console as "ultimate version of the Switch concept", noting that it offers "impactful upgrades across the board," such as a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display and redesigned, magnetic Joy-Cons.

Admittedly, battery life could be better, and a more ergonomic design would've made it more comfortable to play during longer gaming sessions. Still, the Switch 2 holds its own against the likes of Valve's Steam Deck, even managing to outperform it in some areas, boasting a higher resolution display and support for DLSS upscaling.

Honestly, you'll be kicking yourself later if you sit on this opportunity — it's the best EOFY Switch 2 deal we've seen to date, and we don't expect it will get any cheaper before the financial year comes to a close.

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If you're one of the lucky ones who managed to get your hands on a Switch 2 (or have plans to snag one before the impending price hikes in September), congrats. Nearly every Nintendo Switch 2 review sings the console's praises, highlighting its beautifully large 7.9-inch display, smoother performance than its predecessor, and the upgraded Joy-Con 2 design.

To truly appreciate what a gorgeous, powerful, and versatile console the Switch 2 is, though, you need some accessories. I've tried to cover all the bases here, to give you a good variety of necessary add-ons and ones you might not have considered yet.

Here you'll find accessories to extend the life of your Switch 2, like a carrying case and a screen protector. I threw in a few functional accessories, like an 'Express' microSD card (because the plain old version that worked with the original Switch won't work with the Switch 2) and a power bank to battle its abysmal battery life when you're away from an outlet. Then, some accessories are just for fun. Scroll on to see all 12 of the items I'm adding to my wish list.

Prime Day is coming — Amazon's summer savings event will start June 23. But in the meantime, prices are already dropping on Nintendo Switch games and accessories.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike in the U.S., Canada and Europe, and unfortunately, I think the U.K. will follow the trend. We're still waiting to see what the new price in the U.K. will be — but in short, if you want to get a console, now is the time to do it.

You can get a Nintendo Switch 2 for £380 at Amazon and save £15 off the RRP. And to get your console kitted out, Amazon has Nintendo Switch 2 games and accessories on sale from £10.

I've listed all the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games and accessories I recommend buying below. For more, see our Amazon promo codes coverage.

Quick links

• shop all Prime Day deals at Amazon
• Jsaux Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2 (3-Pack): was £9 now £8
• Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Gaming Headset: was £19 now £13
• Minecraft: was £24 now £19
• Yakuza Zero Director's Cut: was £44 now £25
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: was £49 now £37
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: was £66 now £54
• Nintendo Switch 2 Console: was £395 now £380

Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles

Nintendo Switch accessories

Nintendo Switch games

During this week's June Nintendo Direct, you may have missed when the company quickly revealed two new Joy-Con 2 colorways: blue and light yellow. The new colors are inspired by Deep Cut from the Splatoon series.

For the unfamiliar, Deep Cut is a band that pops up in Splatoon 3 composed of two octolings and a manta ray. The octolings wear the blue and yellow colors.

Really, it feels to me like it's just one new color since the blue is just a slightly darker shade compared to the light blue that comes bundled with the Switch 2.

It's honestly a reminder to me that Nintendo has dulled the vibrancy of the Switch 2 hardware, especially compared to the original Switch.

Yes, there are light purple and light green variants of the Joy-Con 2 controllers... but the only pop of color is the strip that connects to the Switch display and a single ring under the joysticks. A strip that disappears when you click the controllers into the Switch 2 console. The rest is just plain black.

Conversely, the original Switch featured controllers where the whole body was one color. And the Switch Lite came along in a choice of multiple delightful hues.

Compared to the black box that is the current Xbox (retro special edition aside), and the spaceship that is the PS5, Nintendo has always represented fun and playfulness with its console(s).

The Switch 2 feels like it's slipped into a professional suit and is beckoning you into its office to discuss a spreadsheet. Am I the only one who's a little disappointed by this?

The original Switch could be a loud contrast of colors, depending on how much you want to mix and match your Joy-Con controllers. Some of the best were inspired by Splatoon, itself a splashy series.

Just look at these practically neon controllers below, especially compared to the boring grey handles on the Switch itself:

Nintendo like many companies is facing economic uncertainity between the varying tariffs — which seem to have settled after multiple lawsuits — and the ongoing memory crisis affecting every bit of tech globally.

Nintendo markets itself as the playful system for everyone, which the design of the Switch 2 seems to elide. Here's hoping that the gaming legend finds its way into the future of the Switch 2 with some whimsy in more than just pops of color that hide.

How to get the new colors

If you're interested in picking up a set of the blue and light yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers, you can pre-order them now for $99 from Nintendo.

The Nintendo site and the images shown during the Nintendo Direct list July 23 as the release date.

Meanwhile, if you want more, there are Switch 2 third-party options that actually highlight a rainbow of colorways.

More from Tom's Guide

• Finally got a Switch 2? These are my 12 must-play Nintendo-exclusive games
• I played an hour of Rayman Legends Retold — and I need to play more
• I played Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and haven’t had this much fun playing a Yoshi game since the Super Nintendo

Nintendo has wrapped up its Nintendo Direct event today (June 9) with 50 minutes of Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games.

The biggest announcement was a full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 as well as new games in the Switch Sports and Kingdom Hearts franchises. There's also some new Joy-Con colors, too.

Following the main Nintendo Direct, a Nintendo Treehouse stream revealed a more in-depth look at some of the upcoming games, such as a Star Fox.

You can look back through our coverage of the event below and make sure you leave us comments at the bottom of this article about what impressed you the most!

Nintendo Direct June 2026 — How to watch

Watching today's Nintendo Direct couldn't be much easier. All you need to do is head over to Nintendo’s YouTube or Twitch channel.

In fact, you don’t even need to go anywhere to watch live, as I’ve embedded the direct feed above.

Today's event is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST.

Live — Latest updates

Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to Tom's Guide's coverage of today's Nintendo Direct. I'm here to cover all the pre-show build up and discuss what we expect (and what we'd like) to see once the event gets underway.

As a reminder, we're expecting Nintendo to kick things off at at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST.

Got something you're particularly hyped to see land on the Switch 2? Let me know in the comments below.

Another Legend of Zelda remake?

One of the biggest rumors about today's event comes from known leaker Nate the Hate, who claims Nintendo is working on another The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.

This makes sense given how it’s the franchise’s 40th anniversary this year. Nate was correct about Star Fox remake and generally has a good track record — so this claim could very likely be accurate.

What's on the Switch 2 slate for 2026?

Hopefully today will give us a clearer picture of what's coming to Nintendo Switch 2 over the remainder of the year. Details aren't clear on a lot of things yet, but we know Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Duskbloods are both confirmed for a 2026 release.

Meanwhile, Star Fox is out on June 25, and Splatoon Raiders drops on July 23.

Nintendo has to overcome the sting of the price hike

Nintendo is going to have to regain a little bit of customer support with this Direct after revealing it will be increasing the prices of the Switch 2.

From September 1, you'll be paying $499 for a Switch 2 instead of the original launch price of $449. So if you haven't pulled the trigger on buying Nintendo's latest console, now is the best time to do so.

The games we know about in June

Of course Nintendo hasn’t let anything slip in terms of the specific titles we'll see in today’s Direct, so we’re flying blind until the show gets underway.

I'll get round to some of the titles I'm hoping to see later on today but for now, a look at the official Nintendo UK page (where I'm based) confirms these are the games coming our way in June.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - releasing 6/3/26
eFootball: Kick-Off! - releasing 6/3/26
Unrailed 2: Back on Track - releasing 6/11/26
to a T - releasing 6/11/26
and Roger - releasing 6/17/26
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales - releasing 6/18/26
R-Type Tactics I/II Cosmos - releasing 6/18/26
Star Fox - releasing 6/25/26

Will we get an update on The Duskbloods?

A lot of Nintendo fans will be hoping to see their next look at From Software's upcoming Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods at today's Direct.

We haven't seen anything from this game since the big Switch 2 reveal event last spring, and it was announced with a vague 2026 release window. If it's not slipped into 2027, surely Nintendo needs to give us an update today.

Expedition 33 could be announced for Switch 2 today

We've got a little bit of time before the event gets going, so I think it's time for a prediction. I would be very surprised if today's Direct didn't include the news that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is coming to the Switch 2.

The cinematic RPG was easily one of 2025's defining games, and a Switch 2 version would make all the sense in the world. A lot of people who have already played through the game on another platform may be tempted to double-dip and get it again, so they can experience it all over again on Nintendo's portable console.

More rumored games — including the next 3D Mario

It's been nearly nine years since Super Mario Odyssey gave us the plumber's last fully 3D outing and it's high time for a new game. According to reliable Nintendo leaker Nate the Hate, we may get a first look at one today. Last year's Donkey Kong Bananza set the stage for a first-party Switch 2 3D platformer and I can't wait to see what Mario's next outing looks like.

Other hints from Nate the Hate include potentially a new WarioLand game and a new Switch Sports game.

Don't expect GTA VI

Look, it's not going to happen, ok? While it feels like the entire gaming world is desperate for any scrap of information about Grand Theft Auto VI, it feels like the safest of safe bets to say it's not going to show up in today's Nintendo Direct.

Genshin Impact could *finally* arrive on Switch 2

Genshin Impact was first announced for Nintendo Switch during a 2020 Direct. And six years later, we're still waiting for it to arrive. Well, the wait might be over, according to recent posts on X claiming there's been an update ahead of today's Direct.

In the post, X user genshinmains posted: “Nintendo Switch account login manager has been added to the game. New Nintendo Switch account user, need to bind HoYoverse account. Nintendo Direct live stream in 8 hours.”

Allowing users to log into the massively successful gacha game from a Switch 2 would be a strong indication it may finally be ready for primetime.

A ton of ports are coming

Capcom keeps cooking. Now, it's bringing Devil May Cry 5 to Switch. Pre-orders start later today. Muramasa: The Demon's Blade, and Xenoblade Chronicles games are also coming

Xenoblade Genesis revealed

Xenoblade Genesis revealed. The graphics certainly look incredible, and the performance appears buttery smooth.

Switch Sports Resort announced

We now get a trailer for a Switch 2 sports game. There will be 12 games in total. If you're a fan of Wii Sports, this one will be for you. Naturally, you can use the Joy-Cons in various ways to play the game.

Thumb wrestling demo

We now see how thumb wrestling works in Switch Sports Resort. The in-game actions seem to correspond accurately to your movements. You have to shake the Joy-Con, which isn't exactly accurate but seems fun.

Runescape: Dragonwilds

Fans of survival magic games should be happy that Runescape: Dragonwilds is coming to Switch on September 15. Watch out, Wolverine!

Another look at Star Fox

Star Fox launches on June 25. There will be a demo on the Nintendo eShop later today, so definitely keep an eye out for it.

Final Fantasy Resonance

Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22 for Switch 2 and Switch 1. Final Fantasy fans on Switch are certainly getting the royal treatment this year.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World

A new Dragon Quest Monsters game is coming to Switch 2. It has the same art style that the series is known for. You can see the clear influence of Pokémon.

Duskbloods closed network test

The Duskbloods get a new trailer. A closed-network test will take place sometime this summer.

Splatoon Raiders trailer

We get another look at Splatoon Raiders. It has some of the same mechanics as the Splatoon games, but it's an action-adventure game with some exploration. Expect more info during the Splatoon Raiders direct on June 30th.

Metaphor: ReFantazio coming to Switch 2

Metaphor: ReFantazio is coming to Switch 2. This was a surprise hit when it released on other platforms a couple of years ago, and it will likely go over well with Nintendo fans when it releases on October 12.

Sizzle reel time

We now get a sizzle reel of upcoming games, including Warhammer, DayZ, and even Metal Gear Solid Master Collection 2.

Kingdom Hearts collection coming to Switch 2

Kingdom Hearts is coming to Switch 2 with a new collection. Those who own the Switch game can transfer their save data now.

Kingdom Hearts IV announced

Now, this is a surprise! Kingdom Hearts IV was just announced. This will likely be a multi-platform game, but it's awesome to see it here during this Nintendo Direct.

Ocarina of Time remake is official

Looks like the rumors were true, as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is indeed coming to Switch 2. Like the 3DS remake from years ago, this is a complete remake from the ground up. This will be a huge one for the Switch 2. Best of all, it arrives this year.

Nintendo of America head takes the stage

Devon Pritchard takes the (digital) stage to give fans a message. It seems she is prepping folks for the upcoming Nintendo Treehouse.

Nintendo Treehouse starts with a Star Fox gameplay demo

We've moved into the Nintendo Treehouse portion of today's event, and it's kicking off with a full gameplay demo of Star Fox, due to land on Switch 2 on June 25th.

I remember the original Lylat Wars back in the Nintendo 64 era so this is hitting me right in the nostalgia zone.

Star Fox looks pretty slick

If this gameplay walkthrough is getting you interested in trying Star Fox for yourself, then the good news is you can try it for free. Starting today, Switch 2 owners can download the demo that includes the tutorial and a full level from the full game.

The bad news is Star Fox is only available for the Switch 2. So if you're still sitting on an OG Switch you'll need to upgrade to join the crew.

Splatoon Raiders is getting a playthrough now

The team have moved on to Splatoon Raiders, the franchise's first single-player game. We're being shown how to customise characters with different gadgets and battle against Salmonids.

There are a bunch of new gadgets coming in this game that will let players gain bonus powers and attacks. Nintendo wants to get people excited for this title, it's planning to hold a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct on June 30.

Wrapping up

Ok, the Treehouse has moved on to a four-player game of Rhythm Heaven Groove and while they do that, let's revisit the biggest announcements from today's Direct:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is getting a full Nintendo Switch 2 remake coming this year.

Switch Sports Resort is the newest successor to Wii Sports and will come with 12 games in total, letting you use the motion-sensitive Joy-Cons to play.

Final Fantasy Resonance will launch on both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 on October 22.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is a new Dragon Quest Monsters game.

We got a new trailer for The Duskbloods, but no further details.

Xenoblade Genesis was revealed as the next entry in the major franchise that marks "a new beginning" for the series.

Kingdom Hearts is coming to Switch 2 with a new collection. Meanwhile, a brand new game in the franchise — Kingdom Hearts IV — was also announced.

Hot on the heels of Summer Game Fest, Nintendo has announced it will hold a Nintendo Direct tomorrow (June 9) at 10 am ET. A Nintendo Treehouse presentation will follow immediately after.

According to a press email, the Nintendo Direct will run for around 50 minutes and spotlight upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games. The Nintendo Treehouse event will last around 95 minutes and feature gameplay of select games featured in the Nintendo Direct.

This is the first big Nintendo Direct of the year, so it should hopefully shed light on what Nintendo plans to release during the latter half of 2026. I say that because, right now, we don’t have a firm grasp of what’s on the horizon. Some of the confirmed 2026 titles are Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Duskbloods. Star Fox is out on June 25, and Splatoon Raiders drops on July 23.

One of the biggest rumors from known leaker Nate the Hate is that Nintendo is working on another The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. This makes sense given how it’s the franchise’s 40th anniversary this year. Nate was correct about Star Fox and generally has a good track record, so this rumor is likely accurate.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 has generally been successful, it isn’t anywhere near as popular as its predecessor. However, with enough games to get folks excited for the fall season, perhaps Nintendo can turn things around—even if the Switch 2 is getting a price hike in September.

You can watch the June Nintendo Direct and Nintendo Treehouse showcases on Nintendo Today!, YouTube, and Twitch.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nintendo Switch 2 getting replaceable battery in EU — but it should be for everyone
• Nintendo Music is now available in Apple CarPlay — letting you soundtrack your commute with Mario Kart
• I just played Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2 — here's how it compares to PS5 Pro

Prime Day is on the way. Amazon's biggest shopping event will return on June 23 and in the meantime, the retailer is already offering early discounts.

This is great news for Nintendo gamers, because a bunch of games and accessories are dropping in price. Reminder: the Nintendo Switch 2 console is going to get a price increase in September, so Prime Day will be your last major chance to score a saving on the console.

The most exciting deal of the bunch is definitely the Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle for $499. If you want to upgrade, now's the time, and this bundle is the best way to do it — you'll get a choice between three of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games and making a saving between $20 and $30.

There are lots more deals I'd highly recommend picking up, so check them out below. For more, see our gaming promo codes coverage.

Quick links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• NBA 2K26: was $19 now $17
• PDP Afterglow Wave: was $29 now $19
• Super Mario RPG: was $59 now $33
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card 256GB: was $79 now $47
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle: now $499 up to $30 off!

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch accessory deals

Nintendo Switch game deals

Nintendo has just announced that it plans to modify the Nintendo Switch 2 console and make it significantly easier to replace the battery. This is being done to comply with EU regulations about user-replaceable batteries, which will come into force in February 2027. Sadly, this doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will automatically be able to buy one of these modified Switch 2 consoles.

Nintendo's announcement isn't particularly forthcoming with details about how these new Switch 2 consoles will be distributed. Instead, it has only specified that future EU Switch 2 consoles will be sold with unique model numbers and an additional "OSM" code on the packaging, which marks them as distinct from existing models on sale. Those units have model numbers starting with "BEE."

What does this mean for future Switch 2s?

Nintendo specifically says that this is being done to differentiate "separate products for regulatory purposes." This suggests that the old design won't vanish overnight. I've emailed Nintendo to clarify this point, and will update when I hear back.

So the big question is whether Nintendo will restrict the sale of these new units to the EU, or if they will eventually start selling them in other regions as well. The company is certainly under no obligation to sell these modified units elsewhere, but it also doesn't make a whole lot of sense to manufacture entirely different hardware for a single region.

Typically, regional variations are limited to specific components, rather than whole new designs. Samsung Galaxy S26 phones utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset in North America, while units sold elsewhere have the Exynos 2600.

Similarly, all iPhones made the switch from Lightning to USB-C, rather than just the models within a specific part of Europe. It doesn't make sense to regionalize the manufacturing process to such an extent and go to the trouble and expense of producing such wildly different versions of the same product.

These rules weren't kept secret

The other big question is why Nintendo didn't plan for this eventuality. The subject of user-replaceable batteries in electronics has been going on for at least six years, well ahead of the Switch 2's release, and one would think that they would have seen this coming and adjusted designs accordingly. The whole point of this legislation is to allow users to replace batteries without any specialist skills or tools. This is not the case with the current Switch 2 design.

Instead, the task of replacing the Switch 2's battery is a long and fairly convoluted process. According to iFixit's repair guide, the Switch 2 battery isn't easily accessible, even after you remove the console's back plate. A bunch of disassembly is required to even access the battery, and you then have to repeat the process in reverse to put the unit back together again.

Replacing the battery in a Joy-Con 2 isn't nearly as complicated, but it's still not the simplest process in the world. Joy-Cons are going to be affected by the incoming rules, too, though Nintendo hasn't confirmed any plans at the time of writing.

So what's going to happen?

It's not entirely clear what Nintendo's plans are right now, only that it will have those modified replacement-friendly Switch 2 consoles on store shelves ahead of the EU's February 18, 2027 deadline. I expect that Nintendo will start distributing the new consoles ahead of that date and minimize the chances of any BEE consoles being sold when they're not supposed to be.

The intricacies of global trade, especially within the EMEA, also likely mean that the new OSM consoles will end up being sold elsewhere, too. Whether that will be restricted to EU neighbors like Norway or the U.K., or whether they will end up being shipped to the likes of North America and Asia, isn't something we can predict.

I hope that Nintendo will eventually wind down production of the original Switch 2 console in favor of making the OSM models more widely available. Having one console in production makes a lot more sense than two, after all. But since there's no hard deadline like there is in the EU, it would make sense for Nintendo to make this a more gradual process.

But no matter what ends up happening, it's worth noting that the new consoles probably won't be arriving before the Switch 2's price goes up in September. There's a $50 price hike in the U.S., bringing the console to $599, and a €30 price increase to €500 in the EU.

More from Tom's Guide

• I got hands-on with PS5 FlexStrike fight stick and Pulse Elevate desktop speakers — and I’m seriously impressed with one in particular
• The Steam Deck price hike and MSI's new Claw 8 EX AI+ Best Buy leak are just more evidence that handheld PC prices are out of control
• I just found the Sony Xperia Play tribute I've been dreaming of — this retro gaming handheld takes me back to 2012

Did you know that Nintendo has its own music streaming service? It first landed back in October 2024, and I completely forgot that it was ever a thing. But for those of you with an active Nintendo Online subscription, this service lets you listen to Nintendo soundtracks from throughout history. It saves you the trouble of looking for a YouTube playlist that hasn't been hit by a copyright strike yet.

I bring this up because Nintendo has just rolled out a bunch of updates to Nintendo Music. The first big change is that Nintendo has added web browser support to the service, which will let you listen through your desktop machine. A new tablet-optimized app should also offer a better quality big-screen experience, rather than contending with the stretched-out version of the phone app.

Perhaps most exciting is the fact that Nintendo has added support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This means you have better control over the app while you're driving, through your car's touchscreen display and via voice controls.

This means you can drive to work while bopping along to the Mario Kart soundtrack, or matching the weather with the appropriate tunes from Animal Crossing. You just have to remember that real life isn't like a video game, and it's not acceptable to start tossing banana peels at passing drivers simply because you don't want them to overtake you.

It's also probably not a good idea to get behind the wheel after eating a large portion of mushrooms. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Sadly, the service is not free, and you will need an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online if you want to take advantage of all the tracks Nintendo Music has to offer. You only need the basic subscription, which is $20 a year or $4 a month. That also comes with the ability to play games online, chat with friends, store saves in the cloud, and the ability to play classic games from the NES, SNES and Game Boy.

The $50 annual Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscription also comes with all those perks, plus access to games on new systems and free expansion packs for certain games like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8.

This is also a good time to mention that the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be increasing later this year. From September 1, the cost of a Switch 2 console will be rising by $50 in the U.S., meaning you'll have to pay $499, and you won't even get any games bundled in with the system.

Thankfully, you still have plenty of time to pick up a Switch 2 before that happens. You can also take advantage of the new $499 "Choose Your Game" bundle, which lets you pick up a console with one of three games: Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, or Pokémon Pokopia. That saves you $20 to $30 on the cost of buying one of those games separately.

More from Tom's Guide

• I love the Nintendo Switch 2 but I’m not a big fan of the Joy-Cons — here are the controllers I recommend instead
• Finally got a Switch 2? These are my 12 must-play Nintendo-exclusive games
• I've been buying Nintendo Switch games for 8 years and have never paid full price: 7 secret tips I use to save on video games

Back in January, I declared Final Fantasy VII Remake the “new Switch 2 showcase,” and I stand by that statement. But Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which launches on Nintendo’s hybrid console this week (on June 3), is a different beast. It’s deeper and denser in every way, offering a sprawling open world, hundreds of quests and more iconic characters to meet.

Before getting my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, I definitely had my doubts as to how Square Enix was going to cram this huge RPG into less powerful hardware than the PS5, where it initially released in 2024. Even more so because Rebirth had its share of performance and graphical woes on PlayStation’s flagship console.

After putting a handful of hours into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2, I’ve come away once again enthralled by this fantastic RPG and generally happy to recommend the version shortly releasing on Nintendo hardware. But with a few more caveats than I had when recommending Remake.

Here’s how FFVII Rebirth on Switch 2 compares to PS5 Pro

To set out my stall, my experience with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth so far has come with the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode. I’m aware some of the graphical hiccups I’m going to highlight might be alleviated by playing on a TV, but the vast majority of my Switch 2 playtime is in handheld mode. Plus, I’d argue that being able to take FFVII Rebirth anywhere is the selling point of the Switch 2 port compared to playing on PS5, Xbox Series X or PC.

On initial boot-up, FFVII Rebirth started promisingly on Switch 2. There is a clear hit to image quality, with textures in the distance noticeably fuzzy compared to PS5 Pro (I replayed the intro on PS5 Pro beforehand to give me a fresh comparison point). But in the largely linear opening that represents the first couple of hours of play, Rebirth looks pretty good.

The real downgrades to get the game running on Switch 2 become more apparent as you guide Cloud and his allies out of the city of Migard and into the first open-world section, the Grasslands. Just standing on the cliffside looking out over the lush field, the differences in image quality are stark. This was a show-stopping moment on PS5 Pro, but on Switch 2, the blurry, jaggied textures surrounding the foliage are undeniably hard to ignore.

Pop-up becomes increasingly apparent in this section, as little patches of grass in the distance pop into existence as you get closer. Character models also lose detail at a distance. I advise against swinging the camera around to face your party when running around the open areas, but when you get up close, they look good. However, the fuzzy hair problem, which was also very noticeable in Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, is definitely apparent.

One area that doesn’t suffer too much is the frame rate. Yes, you have to settle for 30 fps rather than having 60 fps like on PS5, but this is a trade-off Nintendo players are used to making, and I noticed only sporadic drops. Personally, I would always exchange a more consistent frame rate for reduced image quality, so Square Enix made the right decision in my book.

A quick word on FFVII Rebirth as a game: it’s frickin' epic, and well suited to playing on Switch 2. If I had one criticism of the game back in 2024, it was that it was almost too big, with bloated side activities padding the runtime. However, on Switch 2, I welcome all these little distractions, as they can be tackled in shorter play sessions when on the move or traveling.

Should you buy FFVII Rebirth on Switch 2?

If you want the best-looking and performing version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, then playing on Switch 2 obviously shouldn’t be your first choice. You’ll get the best visuals and frame rate on PS5, Xbox Series X, or one of the best gaming PCs. However, that’s a given. If you want the ability to play FFVII Rebirth anywhere, the Switch 2 version offers this USP, and while it does make sacrifices to get there, they’re not dealbreakers by any means.

Best of all, you don’t need to rely on my subjective judgement before committing your cash. Square Enix has released a pretty generously long demo on the Nintendo eShop, which allows you to check out FFVII Rebirth Switch 2 before you buy. And, as all good demos should, your progression will carry over into the main game. So there's no need to replay levels.

For the most part, I’ve been impressed with the quality of AAA ports on Switch 2, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth joins the list of blockbuster games that have found a new home (and new potential players) on Nintendo’s platform. I’ll be curious to see if the third and final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy lands on Switch 2 because if this series gets any bigger in scope, then the hybrid console might be tipped over its limits.

More from Tom's Guide

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review
• I played Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2, and it’s stunning
• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026

The original Nintendo Switch is no slouch. The console's first version debuted in 2017, but it still holds up well today. Depending on the model being sold — V1, V2, or OLED — and its condition, you'll typically see used models sell for anywhere between $100 and $300 on online marketplaces.

That said, the original console's internals and features pale in comparison to the new kid on the block: the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite the Switch 2's confirmed price hikes, it's hard not to love the new console. Compared to its predecessor, it has a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons, USB-C ports on top and bottom, an upgraded kickstand, and more.

Put simply, the Switch 2 is a worthy upgrade for Nintendo fans, even considering its high price tag. If you've finally made the decision to trade in your old Switch for a fancy new Switch 2 (or to dive into the world of Nintendo consoles for the first time ever with the Switch 2), the likelihood is high you won't regret it.

But with a new console comes a need for new games. The Switch 2 is backwards compatible with original Switch games, but there are a few Switch 2 exclusives and original Switch games that have been reworked to look and play better on the new console.

Ultimately, there's a huge catalog of games to choose from, both Nintendo exclusives and others. If you need help narrowing it down, here are my 12 favorite Nintendo-made games to play on the Switch 2.

For the past 20-odd years, I have loved easy, open-world gaming. Ever since getting my first Game Boy Color, to my beloved (and heavily used) Nintendo DS Lite, and to my current handheld console, a limited edition Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo Switch, I have always opted for fun, simple games with open-ended goals and low-stakes progression.

Enter the 2020s term 'cozy gaming' — which is essentially just that — low commitment games that ooze aesthetic visual appeal, satisfying mechanics (like fishing, foraging and in some cases, flying), and hours upon hours of stress-free entertainment.

Some of my favourite cozy games are ones I've continued to play in short bursts for years at this point — namely, Animal Crossing and Disney Dreamlight Valley — but I've also dabbled in newer entries over the past few months, including my current obsession, Tiny Bookshop. The name pretty much gives away the synopsis — you own a cutesy bookshop caravan in a seaside town, and you can customise almost everything about it.

If you're anything like me, you might be after a cozy game to try out. Whether it's to reinvigorate your love for gaming or you want a stress-free hobby to plug into every night, these 12 Amazon finds will provide that and more. Better yet, most of these games are available for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 or PlayStation consoles. So if you're after a new cozy game, scroll on to find my top-rated picks below.

Memorial Day sales are here, and I'm on the hunt for savings on Nintendo Switch 2 games and hardware. Fortunately, the holiday weekend is delivering with some discounts on excellent games, and a new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware bundle that puts the choice of game in your hands.

Today's best deals include the excellent Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, the overlooked Cronos: The New Dawn and the sprawling Assassin's Creed: Shadows. Plus, Nintendo's own titles are on sale, including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Metro Prime 4 Beyond.

There are also deals on Nintendo Switch 1 games, if you haven't upgraded to Switch 2 (or just wanted to catch up on some older titles). These are the best Memorial Day Nintendo Switch deals I'd buy with my own money.

Nintendo Switch Memorial Day deals - quick links

• Shop all Nintendo Switch deals @ Amazon
• Persona 5 Royal: was $59 now $29 @ Amazon
• Cronos The New Dawn: was $39 now $29 @ Amazon
• Star Wars Outlaws (Gold Edition): was $59 now $35 @ Amazon
• Zelda Breath of the Wild: was $59 now $43 @ Woot
• Pokemon Legends Z-A: was $59 now $44 @ Woot
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57 @ Amazon
• Switch 2 'Choose Your Game' Bundle: $499 @ Amazon

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle deals

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

Nintendo Switch game deals

I've spent over 1,000 hours gaming on my Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. And when I'm not gaming, I'm searching the web for the best discounts on Switch games.

This year's Memorial Day sales are a good chance to pick up some of the titles you've missed out on, and I'm sharing all the deals I would actually buy to kick off summer.

One of the deals I'm most excited about is the new Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle for $499. This will get you a Nintendo Switch 2 console bundled with either Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza or Pokémon Pokopia, and save you between $20 and $30, depending on your choice of game. (Mario Kart World offers the best saving overall, but Pokémon Pokopia gets my vote — it's incredibly addictive and cozy gameplay took the world by storm when it released.)

There are lots more deals I'd highly recommend picking up, so check them out below. For more, see our gaming promo codes coverage.

Quick links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• NBA 2K26: was $19 now $17
• Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack: was $39 now $24
• Stray: was $39 now $26
• Persona 5 Royal: was $59 now $29
• Super Mario RPG: was $59 now $34
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle: now $499 up to $30 off!

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

If you still haven't picked up a Nintendo Switch 2, or you realized you need to buy a second console for your home, then there's a brand new bundle you'll want to take a look at. Multiple retailers have started offering a "Choose Your Game" bundle, which lets you pick one of three different digital titles — saving you up to $30 in the process.

The bundle is being offered by multiple retailers, including GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon and Nintendo itself. Priced at $499, it gets you a Nintendo Switch 2 console (normally $449) and a choice of Donkey Kong: Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia or Mario Kart World. The first two games retail for $69, while Mario Kart is usually $79.

In other words, you're saving $20 to $30 compared to buying the Switch 2 and your chosen game separately. Not to mention the fact that the Switch 2's price is increasing to $499 later this year. So buying now could save you an additional $50, or net you a free game, depending on your point of view.

Switch 2 bundles are nothing new. A Mario Kart World bundle has been available since the console launched last year, for the same $499 price tag. So if you end up choosing Mario Kart with your bundle, nothing is actually changing. That said, the fact that you now get more choice on which game your console comes with can only be a good thing. Especially when those options are as good as Bananza and Pokopia.

Of course, none of the bundled games are available in physical form. Though this isn't a huge surprise, and I can't remember the last time a console bundle came with a physical game. Maybe the late Xbox 360/PS3 era? (Editor's note: PlayStation was still offering physical games in bundles as recently as 2018 with the Marvel's Spider-Man PS4 Pro bundle.)

You don't have to make your game choice right away, though. Rather than buying one of three bundles from the retailer, you'll get a 16-character code that can be redeemed for either of the three titles in the Switch 2 eShop. Redeeming your code is when you have to make the choice, and since you're only allowed one of the three, you should pick wisely.

The bargain-lover in me says that you should choose Mario Kart World, since it's the most expensive of the trio and will save you the most money. But if you're not a fan of virtual Italian plumbers or racing games, then one of the other two might be a better choice.

Pokopia is a fantastic little game that helped one Tom's Guide staff member finally see the appeal of cozy games, while Donkey Kong is easily one of the most unique platformers you can buy. Then, of course, Mario Kart World is another Mario Kart, and a great pick if you want to play with friends or online.

So if you've been holding off on buying a Switch 2, now might be the best time to buy. Not only will you get a fantastic game while paying slightly less money, but you'll also beat the price hike and get to enjoy Nintendo's latest hybrid console.

More From Tom's Guide

• I've been buying Nintendo Switch games for 8 years and have never paid full price: 7 secret tips I use to save on video games
• I played Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and haven’t had this much fun playing a Yoshi game since the Super Nintendo
• 21 Nintendo Switch game deals you could buy for less than the cost of Mario Kart World

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a return to form for Mario’s beloved sidekick, but with plenty of interesting areas to explore and discoveries to make along the way. It ditches the 2.5D visuals and more realistic look of recent Yoshi games for a new 2D, stop-motion animation style that makes the whole game feel like a giant pop-up book.

I have fond memories of playing the original Yoshi’s Island growing up, and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book made me feel the same way with its side-scrolling, 2D gameplay. In fact, even after completing a chapter, I kept coming back to find creatures and discoveries I missed the first time around.

Even though this is Yoshi’s first official outing on the Nintendo Switch 2, the game runs well and plays great. Controlling Yoshi feels smooth throughout, even on busier, more complex levels. However, I was a bit thrown off the first time I saw a loading screen before a level started, and I had to wait longer than expected.

Still, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the perfect cozy game for fans of the series, especially since you don’t take damage or lose lives. Instead, exploration and discovery are the main focus, which is a nice twist on the classic Yoshi formula.

Is this book and the creatures you’ll discover within its pages worth a read, though? Find out in my full review.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: The Basics

• What is it? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a 2D puzzle-platformer that focuses on exploration and discovery as you investigate new creatures.
• Who is it for? Yoshi fans who want a return to the series’ 2D roots but with a discovery-focused twist.
• What’s the price? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book costs $59 for the digital version or $69 for the physical edition.
• What other games has the developer made? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book was developed by Good-Feel . In addition to other Yoshi games like Yoshi’s Crafted World and Yoshi’s Woolly World, they also made Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Princess Peach: Showtime!
• What games is it similar to? With its 2D design, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book feels a lot more like Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. However, the game’s core exploration and discovery mechanics are similar to Pokémon Snap and Scribblenauts.

New book, similar foes

As the name implies, one minute the Yoshis are enjoying their carefree existence on Yoshi’s Island, and the next, a strange talking book who calls himself Mr. E — read mystery — falls from the sky. Since he’s forgotten what’s inside his own pages, he tasks the Yoshis with exploring his various chapters and the mysterious creatures found in them.

It wouldn’t be a Yoshi game without Bowser’s resident wizard, Kamek, making an appearance, though. However, instead of traveling with Baby Bowser like in past games, this time around, it’s Bowser Jr. who joins him instead. This makes sense as Yoshi and the Mysterious Book takes place in the present-day Mario timeline, but it’s also a nice tie-in with the recent Super Mario Galaxy movie.

While most of the game is spent investigating the various creatures found within Mr. E’s pages, you do have several run-ins with Kamek and Bowser Jr. They were some of my favorite moments in the game, as each boss fight sees Yoshi battle a massive creature alongside this meddling pair.

Later boss fights change up this formula entirely, though, and instead of fighting Kamek and Bowser Jr., you spend an equal amount of time saving them from danger.

Turning the page

Gone are the photorealistic textures and objects of Yoshi’s Crafted World, and in their place, we’re met with watercolor-like visuals. The levels within each chapter look as if they’ve been hand-painted, and I really liked how the start and end of each level appear as if they haven’t been colored in yet. The game really leans into the fact that it takes place within a storybook, which works quite well.

Whether you’re exploring a forest, the seaside, or even underground, the chapters and various levels within them in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book are filled with color and life. The game looks just as great in handheld mode as it does on a 4K TV with HDR enabled, too.

When you’re done exploring a level, all of the discoveries you’ve made on the game’s various creatures are quickly jotted down inside Mr. E’s pages. Then, instead of having a classic picture-book-style look, your discoveries appear more like journal entries.

That theme continues once you unlock Mr. E’s Exploration Tools, which you get by turning in Smiley Flowers. For every five you hand in, you get a new exploration tool you can pin to your screen. From showing stats like Yoshi’s current speed to how many eggs you’re currently carrying, they help mix up the gameplay while allowing you to give the game your own custom look.

Overall, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a beautiful game with a simple yet timeless art style.

Gotta study ‘em all

Exploration and then discovery are at the core of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book’s gameplay. First, you explore a new chapter by interacting with a lone creature on the page. Once you’ve studied and named said creature, another one will be revealed, and you can then study it in the next level. That sense of discovery kept me hooked, especially as there isn’t a time limit or damage to worry about. Instead, I was free to take my time and explore each level at my own pace.

Since you’re helping Mr. E study the creatures in his pages, he takes detailed notes throughout each level. One creature might taste delicious while another has Yoshi recoiling after sticking out his tongue. All of this info, along with the way creatures interact with Yoshi, each other, and their environment, is recorded.

Given how the game pushes you to experiment in these open sandboxes rather than follow a straight path, the level layouts can occasionally get slightly confusing when you're hunting for that last interaction. However, you’re rewarded with stars for uncovering new things about each creature, and subsequent chapters require a certain number of them to be unlocked for you to progress.

For a 2D puzzle-platformer, there’s a lot of thought that goes into each level, and I really liked how my past discoveries influenced how I approached later levels. For instance, knowing how a particular creature reacts to water might be the difference between missing a discovery and uncovering one on another level.

As you learn about new creatures, the Index at the back of Mr. E’s book begins to fill up. You can revisit your findings along your journey, and eventually, the knowledge you’ve gained about the game’s various creatures comes back into play. Along the way, though, you’re running, jumping, and flying through the air with a new creature in Yoshi’s mouth or perched upon his back. Yoshi’s movements feel very responsive, and just making your way through each level as you uncover hidden rooms and areas is a whole lot of fun.

Just one more discovery

Although I’d recommend taking your time and completing Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at your own pace, the game’s sense of discovery and exploration kept me playing longer than I intended to each time I played. Seeing the overworld of each chapter come to life with new creatures quickly got addictive, as did finding new discoveries in each level along the way.

Being that this is a Yoshi game after all, it’s not overly difficult. Yes, you do need to earn a certain number of stars to unlock each new chapter. However, as I worked my way through the five main levels in each chapter, I uncovered enough discoveries that I never needed to backtrack just for stars. Instead, when I did backtrack, it was because I wanted to.

Once you unlock the next chapter, nothing’s stopping you from progressing. I don’t even think you necessarily have to complete each boss fight to do so. However, as I mentioned before, the boss fights are some of the best I’ve seen in a Yoshi game yet. Likewise, you do learn a bit more about the game’s story and what’s driving Kamek and Bowser Jr. to explore Mr. E’s pages when you do.

Even after completing a chapter, though, I found myself going back and looking for new creatures to study on Mr. E’s pages. Those extra levels were a lot of fun, and adding to the index feels a lot like building out your Pokedex in Pokémon. It was only towards the end of the game that I realized just how important the discoveries I made along the way actually were.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review: Verdict

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a charming and surprisingly fun 2D puzzle-platformer. It makes excellent use of the Switch 2’s more powerful internals, even if those longer load times before each level did throw me off. The return to true 2D is a welcome change for the series, and I almost feel like Yoshi and the Mysterious Book reinvents the tried and true Yoshi formula in a similar way to Super Mario World.

If you’re looking for a more serious platformer where every dodge and jump counts, this game likely won’t be for you. However, if you want a return to Yoshi’s Island but with the freedom to explore and discover a whole host of unique and interesting creatures, then it’s an absolute must-play.

Mario Kart World is a great game, don't get me wrong. But at $79 it's undeniably expensive. If want to make sure you get the most for your money, there are dozens of other games you can pick up for less than the price of Mario Kart World — and I'm here to share the essentials you can get for less.

Whether you're a physical game collector (like me!) or want to load up on dirt-cheap digital games from the Nintendo Store, keep scrolling to see all the best value Nintendo Switch games for a fun-packed summer.

• Shop all Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon

There are loads of digital discounts as well

The Nintendo Store is the place to go for digital game discounts! Some of the best Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games are available for great prices over here. Check out the best cheap game deals here:

• Overcooked Special Edition: was $19 now $3
• Devil May Cry: was $19 now $4
• Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection: was $39 now $7
• Batman Arkham Asylum: was $24 now $9
• Clock Tower Rewind: was $19 now $11
• Blasphemous I&II: was $44 now $11
• Terraria: was $29 now $14
• Diablo Prime Evil Collection: was $59 now $19
• Dragon Ball FighterZ Legendary Edition: was $109 now $27

If you’re paying full price for your Nintendo Switch games — what are you doing? I’m an avid Nintendo Switch gamer, but at heart, I’m very stingy. So I’ve never paid full retail price for a Switch game in my over eight years of collecting.

But how, you might ask? Don’t worry, I’m here to share the secret tips I use to save money on Nintendo Switch game purchases.

Quick Links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch 2): was $49 now $24
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card (256GB): was $79 now $59
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Super Mario Galaxy bundle: was $519 now $499

Retailer discounts

One of the easiest ways to save on games is to check local and online retailers for discounts. On any day of the week, you’re likely to find Nintendo Switch games discounted at Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers across the web. In particular, I often find great price drops on Sega and Lego games this way.

Discounts are at their best during special events like Black Friday. You can also keep an eye out for retailer-specific sales, like Amazon Gaming Week which is typically held in April.

The most important thing to remember is to check prices at other sources before you buy — take a look at other game retailers (and the Nintendo Store’s digital prices) before you hit "purchase." Nothing stings more than realizing you could’ve gotten a better deal somewhere else if you hadn’t been hasty.

Digital game sales

Digital game sales are awesome — they make it easy to fill out your library with awesome games at extremely cheap prices. If you get lucky, you’ll be able to find some of the Switch’s best games on sale for dirt cheap over at the Nintendo digital storefront. I frequently see great sales on games from publishers like Capcom (think Street Fighter, Monster Hunter and Mega Man) and deals on popular sports games like EA FC and 2K.

The snag here is that the Nintendo Digital Store has just as many terrible games on sale as it does great ones. Stick to the “Best sellers” tab if you’re not sure what to pick, or check out reviews before you buy.

Early bird discounts

Patience is key when it comes to video game deals. In most cases, video games get cheaper over time. But if there’s a new release out there that you just can’t wait for, there are still ways to save.

Ahead of big game releases, retailers tend to compete to get your money, so you’ll want to shop around to see who’s making the best case for your dollar!

I was able to get 10% off my copy of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on release day — simply by choosing the retailer that had the best price. At time of writing, the game has been out for two weeks and the deal is currently unavailable. (But prices might drop again once a few more weeks have passed.)

These discounts can be hard to find. For example, Amazon sometimes hides discounts until you've added products to your cart — look out for a marker saying "Click to see price" or "To see our price, add this item to your cart." Right now Amazon is offering a hidden pre-order discount on Yoshi and the Mysterious Book — add it to your cart to get $10 off. These deals don't always last, so don't wait if you see them available.

Shopping pre-owned

Nintendo Switch games are generally a lot cheaper second hand — so if your goal is to save, don’t neglect second-hand game retailers. As long as you shop from a trustworthy source, pre-owned games will function the exact same way as brand-new ones. They just cost less, and as a bonus — someone else has already removed the plastic wrap from the game box for you.

GameStop is a good first port-of-call for pre-owned games. For example, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze is often praised as one of Nintendo’s best 2D platformers ever — Amazon charges $52 for a new copy, but you can grab it pre-owned for $39 at GameStop.

Woot

One of my favorite lesser-known game retailers is Woot. It offers discounts you simply won’t find anywhere else.

First-party Nintendo games starring Mario, Zelda and friends don’t go on sale often. Amazon and Best Buy tend to drop prices on Nintendo Switch games over time, so you can sometimes find them for $10 or so less than MSRP. Other than that, you’ll have to wait for big sales events like Black Friday to see discounts.

The exception to this rule is Woot. If I wanted to buy a first-party game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Bros. Wonder, I’d check Woot first. It’s a subsidiary company of Amazon, but Woot undercuts Amazon’s prices more often than not. For example, right now you can pick up The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild for $43 at Woot.

Make wishlists

This tip doesn’t actually involve spending money, and it’s a good way to keep an eye on the prices of the games you want to buy. When I see a game I want, I add it to my wishlist. Then I just check my wishlist every now and then to see whether the games I want are discounted.

Making wishlists helps me cut down on making impulse purchases, and means I avoid spending hours scrolling through Nintendo’s digital sales pages.

Return to your backlog

The best way to save money is by not spending any at all. Before you buy a new game, is there one you already own but haven’t finished yet, or an old favorite you haven’t returned to in a while?

Even though I get a dopamine hit adding new video games to my collection, I always try to focus on my backlog first and foremost. I’m guilty of buying lots of games I know I don’t really have time to properly finish. I even went on a buying ban in 2024, which extended through most of 2025. (I broke it when I went shopping on vacation and found some Japan-exclusive retro games I simply couldn’t pass up on.)

In addition, there are several ways to play games for free. You can download free games and demos from digital storefronts, swap games with friends, or check out video games from your local library if they’re available.

That thing we all feared would happen is happening. The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike. So now's the time to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 console, as it'll be going up in price in September.

Luckily, there are chances to save money while you do so. The best way to buy a console right now is the Nintendo Switch 2 + Super Mario Galaxy bundle for $499. This will get you a Nintendo Switch 2, and copies of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, all in one package. You'll save around $20 compared to buying everything separately.

There's no telling what else could go up in price this year, so I'm sharing the games and accessories I think are essential to make sure you can get your console kitted out without overspending. Check them out below!

Quick Links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma (Switch 2): was $49 now $39
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card (256GB): was $79 now $58
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Super Mario Galaxy bundle: was $519 now $499

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch accessories

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

The analysts predicted it, and investors were calling for it, but now it's official. The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is rising across the world, but the good news is that you have some time before those price hikes actually take effect.

This news has been confirmed following Nintendo's latest earnings briefing, and speculation that Nintendo would follow in the footsteps of rivals Sony and Microsoft. Nintendo revealed the new prices for various regions, including a $50 price hike for Switch 2 consoles sold in the U.S.

So, from September 1, you'll be paying $499 for a Switch 2 instead of the original launch price of $449.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes around the world

The U.S. isn't the only region affected by these price hikes, so you can be safe in the knowledge that Nintendo isn't explicitly targeting U.S. consumers. Prices in Canada are rising by $50 (CAD) to $680, while European buyers are getting a €30 to €500. Meanwhile, Australians will be paying AU$769.95 — a AU$70 increase on its price at launch. Like the U.S., those changes come into effect on September 1.

U.K. price hikes haven't been confirmed, but I would be surprised if a price hike wasn't also coming. The current cost of a Switch 2 is £396 for the console by itself, but I can realistically see the price rising to somewhere between £430 and £450. However, we'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days.

Japanese buyers don't have so long to enjoy the original Switch 2 price, since the price hike will take effect on May 25, and will affect multiple consoles. The Japanese-language Switch 2 price is rising by ¥10,000 to ¥59,980 (~$382), but the multi-language system price is confirmed to be staying at ¥69,980 (~$446).

Japanese buyers will also have to pay more for the first-generation Switch models The OLED model is rising by ¥10,000 to ¥47,980, while the standard Switch is going to be ¥43,980 — an increase of ¥11,002. The Switch Lite will be ¥29,980, an increase of ¥8,002.

Nintendo has also confirmed price hikes for Switch Online memberships in Japan, and that there are plans for a "price revision" in South Korea. Nothing has been mentioned about other regions, but that's something people should be mindful of if they're thinking of letting their Switch Online subscriptions lapse.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes: What this means for you

While none of us ever want the price of our gadgets and consoles to rise, especially so soon after release day, most of us saw this coming. There have been rumors surrounding a Switch 2 price hike for several months, and while Nintendo has stayed silent on the topic, global events mean that some sort of increase was inevitable.

Production costs have been rising across the board, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing RAMageddon memory shortages. It's reportedly got to the point where Nintendo is selling Switch 2 consoles at a loss, something it always avoided with the original Switch, and investors are apparently unhappy about that.

The fact that Nintendo is giving almost four months' notice about the price hike means there is still plenty of time to pick up the Switch 2 at its original price. In fact, it almost feels like an intentional decision to help push sales over the next few months.

So if you've been on the fence about picking up the hybrid console, now is the time to buy. Because odds are that other people will be having the same thoughts you are, and you don't want to be left out because a spike in demand caused shortages of the lower-priced stock.

More from Tom's Guide

• These 11 Switch 2 games drop in May and 2 are unmissable
• I love the Nintendo Switch 2 but I’m not a big fan of the Joy-Cons — here are the controllers I recommend instead
• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream gave me the island life Animal Crossing couldn’t — and a reason to play my Switch 2 every day

If you thought the Nintendo Switch 2 was already quite expensive, then you're probably not alone. Sadly, it seems that Nintendo's investors don't agree with customers. In fact, according to a report from Bloomberg, investors aren't happy that Nintendo isn't charging more for its latest console.

According to the report, Nintendo's stock price is still on the decline, sinking below its rival Sony. This is despite the fact that Nintendo is seemingly doing better than Sony, thanks to a slew of successful game releases, and data showing that the Switch 2 is apparently selling faster than any other games console in history.

It may be because Sony has been very willing to raise the price of the PS5, while the Switch has stuck with the same $450 price tag it debuted with last year. Apparently, investors are concerned that this price tag is unprofitable, especially in the wake of supply chain shortages and the continually rising cost of production.

Some analysts believe that Nintendo's stock price will continue to struggle without a price increase. Others believe that increasing the cost of the Switch 2 hardware will only alienate consumers, which is a risky move with the rising cost of living. If people are struggling to pay for basics, they're not going to pay out for pricey consoles and video games

So what happens now?

I'm firmly in the camp of keeping prices low because of the cost-of-living crisis. When existence gets too expensive to keep up with, there's very little room left for buying new video games regularly. That's doubly important when you remember that the best Nintendo Switch 2 games are quite expensive and rarely go on sale.

Bloomberg notes that game consoles are typically sold at a loss, with the games helping to subsidize the hardware gamers need to play them. That's why console games were always, historically, more expensive than PC games. The original Switch bucked that trend, and it sounds like investors would prefer it if the Switch 2 followed that same example.

Naturally, Nintendo needs to make the same calculations as all electronics companies right now. Either it keeps prices the same, to try and encourage people to buy consoles, or it raises them to boost its own margins at the risk of future sales.

With Nintendo's next earnings briefing happening on Friday, this is something that the company may have to discuss. The question of whether the price will actually change or not isn't something we can predict, so we'll be paying very close attention to what Nintendo has to say during the briefing.

In the end, it'll all come down to what Nintendo sees as more important right now: stock price, or ensuring continued consumer confidence?

More from Tom's Guide

• These 11 Switch 2 games drop in May and 2 are unmissable
• I love the Nintendo Switch 2 but I’m not a big fan of the Joy-Cons — here are the controllers I recommend instead
• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream gave me the island life Animal Crossing couldn’t — and a reason to play my Switch 2 every day

May is shaping up to be one of the busiest months the Switch 2 has had since launch, with these eleven games landing inside the next four weeks and a lineup that swings from new IP to long-awaited ports.

Two games stand head and shoulders above the rest. First is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a brand-new first-party platformer with the kind of art style that just makes you smile while playing with everyone's favorite green dinosaur. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on May 21st.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the other, finally bringing one of the most acclaimed adventure games of the last couple of years to Nintendo hardware. Indiana Jones arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on May 12th.

Elsewhere, there's some infuriating but rewarding platforming in Super Meat Boy 3D and the latest iteration of Farming Simulator. That said, whatever else you pick up in May, you really shouldn't sleep on Yoshi and Indy.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the best consoles of our generation, and I don't think many people will come at me with pitchforks for saying that. While I didn't pre-order it like a lot of people, I have been using it for the last seven months and I have to say: I'm hooked. I've replayed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and I've sunk over 200 hours into Pokémon Pokopia and nearly that many into Pokémon FireRed.

I love how portable the Switch 2 is, and the performance is something to behold. But I'd be lying if I said I love the Joy-Cons just as much. Don't get me wrong: I like that they're bigger and a little more ergonomic than the first-gen ones, but they still aren't perfect. So, when I'm playing in docked mode and not handled while traveling, I opt for one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers instead.

And there are quite a few to choose from. Not just first-party ones from Nintendo itself, but third-party ones too, from the likes of Turtle Beach, GameSir and 8BitDo. I review Switch 2 controllers for a living so you can take my word for the ones I'm going to recommend below.

How do I pick the best Switch 2 controller for myself?

So, you've decided you want to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 controller. Yay! But how do you choose you're practically spoiled for choice?

As with most products, the first thing you need to consider is your budget, so how much are you willing to spend? The good news is that most third-party Switch 2 controllers don't break the bank — unless you choose the first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller, of course.

If you choose not to go for the first-party option, you wouldn't go wrong with the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless or the GameSir Super Nova. Both have their own selling points. If you're after visual aesthetics, it might be worth going for the Rematch Wireless as it features a glow-in-the-dark Mario-themed casing. If you want pure performance, the Super Nova should be your port of call as it features Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks for pinpoint precision.

It's also worth considering the use-case. I, of course, mentioned Hall Effect sticks and triggers earlier, which deliver enhanced precision. They're also more durable than the analog sticks used by the Switch 2's Joy-Cons — I know nearly every Switch owner has experienced stick drift in their time.

If analog triggers bother you, you could even grab a controller like the GameSir G8 Plus. This is basically a mobile controller for on-the-go gaming, but the G8 Plus is wide enough to fit the Switch 2's screen, so this controller could potentially replace your Joy-Cons. I find this controller a lot more ergonomic than the Joy-Cons too, as it's got great weight distribution and chunky grips.

Battery life is another pre-purchase consideration. You can get up to 40 hours from a controller like the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless.

Once you've thought about the ergonomics, battery life, budget and use-case, you're ready to make the right decision. And regardless of the gamepad you pick from the aforementioned list, I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice (and my recommendations!).

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve finally found the perfect gamepad for the Switch 2 — and it isn’t the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
• I tried the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and it adds the one feature I’ve always wanted
• These are the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we've tested so far

Did you know Amazon Gaming Week has started? You'd be forgiven if you weren't aware, because quite honestly I had no idea up until this morning.

Amazon-themed discount weeks can often be underwhelming, especially when it's just a load of old stock the company is trying to offload before the next big Amazon Prime Day.

That said, I've scoured through Amazon Gaming Week and selected what I believe to be the best deals across Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox, so you can add a new game to your library just in time for the weekend.

Some of these games are physical releases while others are discounts on digital codes (check the product name to be sure). And while I've not played all of these games, I've checked reviews and made sure nothing on this list is filler.

If you want my personal recommendation, I suggest any of the Resident Evil games on PS5, Sonic X Shadow Generations on Nintendo Switch, or Doom: The Dark Ages on Xbox.

PS5 Games

Nintendo Switch games

Xbox Games

ChatGPT Tasks has quickly become one of my favorite features from OpenAI. From a productivity standpoint, it has worked as a reliable daily reminder system for work tasks, pushed me to find more creative ways to use AI tools and even helped me build practical nightly routines to protect my mental health after each workday. After seeing how effective Tasks could be in my professional life, I started wondering what other parts of my routine could benefit from the same kind of automated help.

That led me to gaming. My video game fandom knows no bounds. I bounce between genres and love both AAA blockbusters and indie gems. As the owner of a PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S and a Switch, with plans to grab a Switch 2 once Splatoon Raiders launches in July , I’m always hunting for the best prices on games I want to add to my growing collection (or backlog).

So I decided to use ChatGPT Tasks to do the searching for me. By setting up daily reminders focused on game discounts, I ended up finding three deals that were actually worth jumping on.

Finding the right prompts to find the right deals

To get the process underway, I initially asked ChatGPT for help on coming up with the right prompts that I could then turn into daily Tasks. These are the seven best ones that it generated for me to use, based on its memory of my past video game-themed questions and requests:

• The 'Only Tell Me When It’s Cheap' tracker: Check daily at [time] for discounts on [names of games]. Only notify me if any drop below $30. Include platform, current price, and percentage discount.
• The 'Best Deals' digest: Every [day] at [time], send me a roundup of the 10 best video game deals across the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Prioritize discounts of 50% or more and include links and prices.
• The wishlist watcher: Every [part of the day or evening] at [time], check for discounts on the following games: [insert your wishlist]. Notify me only if any are discounted by at least 40%. Include original price, sale price, and store.
• The 'Historical Low' finder: Check every [day] at [time] if any major video games (AAA titles from the last [number of years]) have reached or matched their historical lowest price. Notify me with the game name, platform, current price, and previous low.
• The platform-specific deal sniper: Every [day] at [time], check for PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop discounts on top-rated games with a Metacritic score of 85+. Only notify me if they are discounted by at least 50%.
• The flash sale catcher: Check every 6 hours for limited-time or flash sales on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Notify me immediately if any popular or trending games are discounted by 60% or more.
• The genre-based deal finder: Every [day] at [time], find the best deals on [genres] games across all platforms. Only include games rated 80+ and discounted by at least 40%. Provide a short description for each.

After taking note of these seven usable prompts, I told Tasks to work with the Weekly “Best Deals” Digest, Platform-Specific Deal Sniper and Genre-Based Deal Finder. For the three prompts I chose, I set them for Fridays at their respective times of 5 pm, 5:15 pm and 5:25 pm.

The three biggest discounts that caught my eye

This past Friday, ChatGPT alerted me to three deals I likely never would have spotted on my own. Better yet, each discount was tied to a game I had already planned to buy once the price was right.

One prompt flagged Dark Souls Remastered on the PlayStation Store for $19.99 (down from $39.99) and INSIDE on the Microsoft Store for $3.74 (down from $24.99). Another let me know the Metro Saga Bundle, which includes all three Metro games plus the DLC for Metro Exodus, had dropped from $59.99 to just $5.99. My third prompt highlighted the FighterZ Edition of Dragon Ball FighterZ for PS5 on the PlayStation Store, discounted from $89.99 to $14.39.

What I appreciated most was that each Task included the exact details I had asked for, including the discount percentage, Metacritic scores and a quick explanation of why each deal was worth considering.

Final thoughts

With me being in the mood to finally check out an old-school “Soulslike” experience, get immersed in the unnerving vibes of a highly-rated puzzle-platformer, finally experience the Metro series before its latest entry (Metro 2039) launches and pick up the PS5 version of one my favorite fighters to try out its latest DLC character, Tasks worked like a charm in finding me the best deals for those assorted gaming experiences.

Tasks isn’t just great at generating reminders for birthdays and work-related events—it’s also amazing at bringing you up to speed on can’t-miss deals on your favorite things. In my case, it helped me find the best discounts on games that had been in my crosshairs for years now.

More from Tom’s Guide

• 10 ChatGPT prompts to decode someone's personality in seconds
• I turned off Gemini Personal Intelligence for a week — and I’m not going back
• I applied Tim Cook’s ‘Simplicity Rule’ to my ChatGPT prompts — and it became a masterclass in creativity

After spending over 1,000 hours gaming on my Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, I feel pretty qualified to share the games and accessories I like the most.

Case in point? You shouldn't buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, you should buy the GameSir Super Nova for $49 at Amazon. Sure, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is comfortable, but the GameSir Super Nova is too — and it has Hall Effect sensors to combat stick drift, making it more reliable. It's also a lot cheaper.

I've been searching the web for the best Nintendo Switch deals this week, so keep scrolling to see my recommendations.

Quick Links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• Persona 5 Royal: was $59 now $24
• GameSir Super Nova Wireless Controller: was $59 now $49
• Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma (Switch 2): was $49 now $42
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card (256GB): was $54 now $63
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Super Mario Galaxy bundle: was $519 now $499

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch accessories

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

Playing Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for the past few weeks has made me feel as if I’m right back in the spring of 2020. Except this time, instead of being in debt to Tom Nook hunting for gold nuggets, my island is actually thriving. And the best part, I barely had to do a thing.

I too picked up Animal Crossing: New Horizons on release day but, unlike with my wife who’s sunk hundreds of hours into the game, it just didn’t come naturally to me. While she crafted with glee and had new residents moving in almost every day, I struggled with what to do next. Sure, I loved the game’s graphics and art style and watched her play for longer than I’d like to admit, but I just couldn’t make that island my home.

With the latest entry in Nintendo's Tomodachi series though, I’m picking up my Switch 2 on a daily basis just to see what happened on my island while I was away. I didn’t play the original Tomodachi Life on 3DS either, so I’ve gone into this new island-building experience blind and I’m glad I did.

Whether or not Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will help scratch that itch you didn’t know you had too is entirely up to you. For me though, it’s been one of the best Nintendo Switch games yet and an entirely new experience that only Nintendo could deliver.

From chores to chaos

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is entirely what you make of it, for better or worse. Instead of waiting for residents to randomly move onto your island, you’re creating them from scratch — the same way you designed Miis on the Wii. From their facial features to their names and even the specific pitch of their voice, every choice is in your hands the moment you boot up the game.

Rather than hitting trees to knock branches loose for crafting, Living the Dream rewards you with cold, hard cash just for checking in on your Miis. You start with a single resident, but as the game opens up, you’re able to add more and more of them to your island. From there, you spend your earnings at local stores to buy food, clothes, and items to give to your Miis, with the end goal of improving their happiness — and, as a result, the happiness of the entire island.

It’s fun, and unlike with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I haven’t felt stuck or unsure of what to craft next. As an outside observer rather than just another resident, the game provides subtle suggestions in the form of floating bubbles above my Miis' heads, nudging me to check in.

Beyond the lack of resource gathering, I really came to appreciate the "point and click" nature of the experience. I didn’t have to run across my island to get to a different store or a Mii’s house; in lieu of 3D traversal, I could move my pointing finger across the map to instantly check up on things. However, even when I didn’t, life kept on going.

The ants go marching

When I came back to my island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons after not playing for some time, life went on without me — but not in a good way. Instead of returning to a thriving community, I’d find a town overgrown with weeds and a carefully crafted home infested with cockroaches. In Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Though you still get more done while actively playing, your island keeps moving even when you’re away. Your Miis develop new relationships, get into altercations with one another, and your island even physically changes with the passage of time. It’s a rewarding reason to boot up the game at various hours of the day just to see how the island's mood has shifted.

For instance, after loading back into the game, I found a few of my Miis sitting in the grass, talking amongst themselves with no interaction on my part. This prompted me to zoom in and find out what they were discussing; like with a lot of the game’s dialogue, the discovery gave me a genuine chuckle.

Over time, your island develops its own lingo. Beyond seeing your ideas for new residents come to life, entering your own custom answers is a huge part of the fun.

After making myself and my wife, I created two Miis based on our dogs. The newest addition to our pack, Zelda, recently broke her toe. Since my wife is always stubbing hers, I decided to have the two talk about “hurting our toes.” To my surprise, it was a hit topic. Other Miis on the island wanted in on the action and, instead of being painful like in real life, everyone seemed to get a kick out of it (no pun intended).

I have to admit, seeing my realistic, virtual hands floating above the island was a bit disconcerting at first. However, once I got used to the idea of being an outside observer with a hands-on approach, it became a lot of fun. I didn't have to wait for my Miis to cross paths; I could literally reach into the scene, pluck a resident off the ground, and drag them across the island to hang out with a potential friend.

Watching my Miis dangling from my hand like pieces on a chessboard hasn’t lost its appeal yet. It’s even better when you pluck a Mii out of their house and drop them into someone else’s home in the middle of the night. On that note, with my busy schedule, I mostly played late at night—but even with half the island sleeping soundly, there were always things to do.

Just like actual people, Miis get lost in their thoughts, experience a ‘fuzzy’ brain when overwhelmed, or fall down and need help getting back up. Poking one of my Miis with my virtual hands while my real ones moved the joysticks on my Switch 2 Pro Controller instantly made me like the game a whole lot more. It wasn’t until later that I realized a hands-off approach could be just as rewarding, and that I could also send another Mii to check on a struggling friend in my stead.

Hearing your Miis say the names of other residents or discuss custom topics you’ve added — combined with this high level of interaction — is what really won me over. While Living the Dream can be cute, it’s the sheer wackiness of it all that kept me coming back night after night to check on my island and its completely customized populace.

My daily dose of disorder

Whether or not Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will be as good a fit for you as it’s been for me is easy to find out. Unlike with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there’s a playable demo you can download right now from the eShop. While you could watch gameplay videos on YouTube, I wouldn’t recommend it; this is an experience that needs to be felt first-hand.

You’re not constrained by waiting for specific residents to show up, either. Instead, it’s entirely up to you to create and name them. If you’re worried about getting lost in the Mii Maker, don't be — you can simply answer a few questions and the game will generate a custom resident for you on the spot. Looking back, if I had known just how hooked I’d get, I might have planned out my island’s population a bit more before getting started. Then again, that’s half the fun with a game like this.

I started by making myself and my family, and I just kept going from there. Since I usually play at night after everyone has gone to bed, it’s been a blast showing my son the highlights the next morning. Even with our actual dogs, Mario and Zelda, sitting right there on the couch with us, he still got a huge kick out of seeing their digital counterparts becoming best friends on the TV.

Although I’ve been playing for weeks now, my total play time isn’t as high as I expected it to be. I attribute this to just how much you can get done in a short amount of time, which makes this the perfect game to check in on every day. It’s high-density fun that doesn’t demand your entire afternoon.

I know I’ve only scratched the surface, but without Tom Nook breathing down my neck for his next payment, I can’t wait to boot up my Switch 2 tomorrow to see exactly what’s changed while I was gone.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried Genki’s new Covert Dock 3 and it beats the Switch 2's official dock for one big reason
• Just got a Switch 2? Here’s the 5 games you need to play first
• I tried playing Mario Kart World with a racing wheel on Switch 2 and it's perfect for cruising in Free Roam mode

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" sees Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom lot back on the big screen for what's already shaping up to be another blockbuster video game adaptation.

Nintendo and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" was one of the biggest movies of 2023 — it made over $1.3 billion and was second only to Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie at the box office — and the newly-released sequel's already gotten off to an impressive start.

Although it's landed less-than-stellar reviews from critics, moviegoers of all ages are clearly in the mood for more frenetic, colorful action from Mario and co., as "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" had the biggest box office opening of 2026 so far. At the time of writing, it's brought in over $372 million worldwide since it hit theaters on April 1.

With all that said, it might be a little while before you can watch Mario's second big-screen adventure at home, but that won't stop me from trying to predict when the sequel will be available digitally. You can find my best guess at a potential "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" streaming date below.

When is 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' coming to streaming?

At the time of writing, the only way to watch "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is by heading to your nearest movie theater. The film only hit the big screen on April 1, so it probably won't be streaming for several weeks.

The first place you'll be able to watch "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" at home will be via Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD) storefronts like Prime Video or Apple TV.

Right now, I'd guess that "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will be available to buy or rent digitally on or around Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

That guess is based on several factors, including the fact that new PVOD releases typically drop on Tuesdays, plus Universal Studios' recent commitment to a minimum five-weekend theatrical run for its new releases (which will extend to a minimum of seven weekends in 2027).

Five weekends after release would take us up to Monday, May 4, which would be 34 days after the movie first premiered in theaters. And since that's not too dissimilar from the wait for some of Universal's recent releases — "Wicked: For Good" took 40 days to come to PVOD, and the live-action "How To Train Your Dragon" took 32 days, for example — it seems like a decent enough prediction, until we hear anything different.

If you'd prefer to wait for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" to come to streaming, the first place it'll presumably be available is on Peacock, as that's where Universal's movies stream first.

Currently, my best guess is that "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will stream on Peacock in August 2025.

Again, that prediction's based on the fact that we wait roughly 3 to 4 months for Universal Pictures movies to come to Peacock. Case in point, "Wicked: For Good," "How to Train Your Dragon," and "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" all arrived on Peacock 120 days after their theatrical release.

If we assume the "Mario" sequel will follow that pattern, 120 days after April 1 brings us to Thursday, July 20, 2026, hence my August 2026 guess.

Of course, it pays to remember that all of this is my own speculation, and nothing official has been shared by Universal just yet. As soon as we get more info or a confirmed streaming date for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," we'll be sure to update this article, so keep checking back.

More from Tom's Guide

• Prime Video just added 5 gripping movies you can stream for free
• I've seen 27 new movies in theaters in 2026 so far — here's my 3 best and 3 worst
• 5 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, HBO Max and more (April 7-13)

Upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 finally let me play all of the best Nintendo Switch games in crisp 4K along with a ton of great new releases like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders. However, there was just one problem: I now only had one dock.

Don’t get me wrong, playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode or even with a pair of AR glasses is fantastic. However, when possible, I like to play on a larger display, whether that be the TV in my game room or on my 32-inch monitor at my desk.

Over the original Switch’s lifespan, I ended up with several official docks from Nintendo and quite a few unofficial ones from Genki. Besides its absolutely tiny size, what I love about the Genki Covert Dock Mini is how I can play my Switch on a TV or monitor with just a single USB-C cable. Likewise, as it wasn’t one of the first unofficial Switch docks, I wasn’t worried about bricking my console when using it.

I’ve been waiting for almost a year now, but Genki finally released the latest version of its Covert Dock for the Switch 2. After using it for a month now, it’s certainly lived up to the hype as just like with the original, I can dock my Switch using a single cable. However, while testing it out, I realized it actually beats the official Nintendo Switch 2 Dock in one big way that makes it perfect for households with multiple Switch consoles and even PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.

Now with more power (and personality)

Right off the bat, Genki’s new Covert Dock 3 immediately stands out thanks to its atomic orange accents. It features a similar design to the company’s previous Covert Dock and unlike the Mini, you also get a USB-A port for connecting wired controllers, USB adapters and other accessories.

In the box, you get the dock itself along with a braided USB-C to USB-C cable. However, this new cable is rated for up to 65W of power output (as is the dock itself) whereas the previous one topped off at 45W. This is one of my favorite USB-C cables overall and I also like to use it when connecting a portable monitor to my laptop or PC too.

On the front of the Covert Dock 3, you have easy access to all of its ports. The USB-C one at the top is used for connecting your Switch 2, Asus ROG Xbox Ally X or any of the best handheld gaming consoles for that matter. At the same time, you can also connect your smartphone or your laptop which comes in handy when traveling, especially if you want to watch YouTube or Netflix on the TV in your hotel room from your own devices.

The HDMI 2.1 port underneath the USB-C one connects to your TV or monitor and like I mentioned, the USB-A port on the bottom is for connecting extra wired accessories or for 2.4 GHz USB dongles when you don’t want to use Bluetooth.

Then around back, the Covert Dock 3’s plug folds out to make the 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.3-inch dock even more compact. Another nice touch for international travelers is that Genki also sells a set of Covert Dock Global adapters that slide on in the back so you don’t have to worry about plugging the device into a separate universal travel adapter. With the Covert Dock 2, Genki included these adapters in the box but now they’re only available as an optional add-on for $10 which isn’t that expensive if you plan on using this dock abroad.

Finally, a one-cable Switch 2 dock that works

To get the Covert Dock 3 set up, I plugged it into the outlet under my TV, connected it to an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and ran the included USB-C to USB-C cable up to my entertainment center. One other nice thing about that braided cable is that the end you plug into the dock is straight while the one you plug into your Switch 2 or other devices is angled to prevent any unnecessary strain on your device’s USB-C port.

With that done, I turned on my TV, booted up my Switch 2 and much to my surprise, everything worked on the first try. To test it out, I played a bit of the recently released Super Mario Galaxy as well as the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. When I checked my TV’s settings, my Switch 2 games were running in 4K at a smooth 60Hz with HDR enabled.

Now I’ve been meaning to upgrade to one of the best TVs with a higher refresh rate for a while now. Once I do though, on more powerful devices like a high-specced gaming laptop, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 or the ROG Xbox Ally X, you can actually push the Genki Covert Dock 3 all the way up to 4K at 120Hz. It also officially supports VRR or Variable Refresh Rate so you can enable AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync for incredibly smooth, tear-free gameplay.

As I’m the early adopter at home, I upgraded to the Switch 2 on launch day but my wife is still playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on her original Switch. Previously, I had the official Switch 2 dock set up for myself and a Genki Covert Dock Mini set up alongside it for when she wanted to play her Switch on the big screen. Now though, I only need one dock for both Switch consoles because when I plugged my wife’s Switch into the Covert Dock 3, it worked perfectly.

A truly covert Switch 2 dock

Since I first set up my Switch 2 after picking one up at a midnight launch, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Genki’s next third-party dock. I did have to wait nine months to get my hands on it but it’s delivered and even exceeded my expectations thanks to the fact that it still works with the original Switch.

Unlike Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Dock which launched at $90 and recently went up in price to $124, the Genki Covert Dock 3 now looks like a steal at $69 without those optional global adapters. If you want to play on an iPad or even your laptop’s screen and be able to stream your game sessions, Genki also recently released its new ShadowCast 3 Pro capture card too.

One of my favorite things about the Switch and now the Switch 2 is being able to bring the console from room to room or even house to house and still be able to play on a larger display. I considered picking up a second official dock at launch just to do this but since I knew Genki definitely had a new dock in the works, I decided to wait and I’m glad I did.

While I haven’t travelled with it yet, I’m definitely packing my new Covert Dock 3 when we head out on our family trip this summer. From Computex in Taiwan to CES in Las Vegas, Genki’s previous docks have been a mainstay in my tech travel bag for years now. Here’s hoping Genki follows up this release with a new smaller and hopefully, slightly cheaper Covert Dock Mini 2 with Switch 2 support later on.

For now though, I plan to use the official Switch 2 Dock at my desk where I’m the only one playing and keep the Covert Dock 3 plugged in underneath my TV so both myself and my wife or anyone that stops by with a Steam Deck can play on the big screen with it too.

More from Tom's Guide

• I played all 3 new Resident Evil games on Switch 2 — here’s the one you should buy
• Just got a Switch 2? Here’s the 5 games you need to play first
• I tried playing Mario Kart World with a racing wheel on Switch 2 and it's perfect for cruising in Free Roam mode

What a year for Pokémon, eh? I never thought I'd say that in the big 2026. As someone who loved the anime growing up and watched every episode religiously at 5PM when it aired, and had many figurines as a child, my love from Pokémon can't be overstated. So imagine my surprise when Nintendo announced Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch family of consoles.

Of course, that wasn't the only important Pocket Monsters game to arrive on the Switch in 2026. Who would have thought that Pokémon Pokopia would be so popular that most retailers ran out of physical stock during launch week? Not me, but then again, I've never been a fan of cozy games. And no, I don't care for Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.

But I'm not afraid to be proven wrong, and I finally get the hype behind cozy games, because after 150 hours spent trying to create the perfect island in Pokopia, I'm a believer. Pokopia is packed with over 300 Pokémon with individual personalities, quirky and funny dialogues that make you love them even more. I see it when I close my eyes, I think about it when I wake up. Call the 90s because I'm officially back in my Pokémon phase.

Giving my Pokémon the best lives they deserve

Similar to Animal Crossing and The Sims, Pokémon Pokopia is a social simulation game where you build houses and do whatever you want to the different landscapes. You play as a Ditto disguised as their trainer, and there are four different areas to explore which you unlock as part of the story. Along the way, you make habitats to attract different Pokémon, and unlock abilities that make it easier to make your islands better than how you find them (there's trash everywhere, plants are dead because they haven't been watered, etc.).

All the abilities you gain help you transform the landscape and make it look pretty — or brutalist, depending on the style you like. Your goal is simple: make habitats for your Pokémon, raise their comfort levels by asking them what they want, and increase each area's environment level to unlock new items, including furniture and decorations. Because all the Pokémon you encounter have their own personalities (more on this shortly), you want to give them the best life possible, and that's been my aim since I started playing the game.

While people online have been going crazy with builds (and I am envious), I've gone for a "Pokémon living in the wild, in the grass and amongst nature, but comfortably" kinda look for my islands. I've created tree-shaded habitats, installed campfires, built leafy statues, and... built a hot spring spa! My Pokémon seem to enjoy it too as, more often than not, that's where they're hanging out.

But I'm not done yet. I want to do so much more with my islands and the possibilities are truly endless. I'm currently planning on building a gazebo at the top of a hill with toys, decorations, lovely lighting, and comfy seats where my Pokémon can relax and unwind (after a day of making me 99 bricks and 99 gold ingots). Pokopia has a strange hold on me where it feels like an addiction. It's all I think about when I wake up or even as I fall asleep — I'm mapping out my islands and builds as I drift off.

Some of the best dialogue I've ever seen

Pokémon Pokopia wouldn't be what it is if it wasn't for the impeccable writing — and I'm not just talking about the main story. I won't be discussing the main story here to avoid spoilers, so instead, I'd like to talk about the dialogue. The developers were clearly looking to appeal to Gen Z and millennials who grew up watching Pokémon with the dialogue, as most of the Pocket Monsters love saying, "Yo!" I wasn't expecting that, if I'm honest, and it caught me off-guard when I first started playing. I also couldn't stop laughing when a certain legendary shows up and has... a Southern accent?

Even if you haven't played Pokopia (you really need to), you've probably seen many memes making the rounds online, and one of the most famous ones is of Charmander saying, "I... I frew up." Now, Charmander is one of my favorite Pokémon (he's always my starter) so I really wanted to get this dialogue. I hate to break it to you, but he never frew up. Instead, he says, "I... I tripped." While not as funny as the meme-ified version, it still cracks me up as he pulls a face like he's been kicked.

The dialogue is equal parts funny and heartbreaking, and remains true to the lore. From Lapras hinting at traveling the seas with Ash on its back to Cubone saying, "Mom prob'ly woulda liked a place like this too," there's plenty of nostalgia to be enjoyed by those, such as myself, who grew up with the Pokémon anime. Also, as someone who's favorite evolution is Pidgeot, I was brought to tears when mine told me that it loved me to pieces.

But I have one issue with Pokopia

By now, it should be clear that I absolutely adore Pokémon Pokopia, and there are very few things I'd change about it. But there's one aspect of the game that I find myself complaining about a fair bit, nearly every time I boot up the game, and that's the inventory management system. When you start, your backpack has limited space for items you pick up and craft. But as you progress through the game, rebuild Poké Centres and increase your trainer rank, you can buy "Packing Tips" from the PC at different points in your adventure.

"Packing Tips" essentially increase the number of items you can carry in your backpack, and I highly recommend buying these items if you find yourself complaining about space in your bag. But even so, it's easy to run out of space in your bag, and I find myself either dropping items in the overworld or stashing them away in storage boxes. But I have storage boxes all over the place, in all the regions. Do I remember where I put the seaweed? Nope. Do I remember which storage box has my 20 iron ingots that I now need to build this house? Nope!

There's no central storage management system. It's not like you can check the PC to see which storage box includes what item, and I so desperately wish there was as it would make the game much easier to play (and more enjoyable than it already is). I know people online have been getting creative with their own storage solutions, but I just want a central, easily accessible storage system, and I don't think that's a lot to ask for. I hope, fingers and toes crossed, that Nintendo puts out a patch to introduce it.

Regardless, Pokopia is still heaps of fun, and while the storage system isn't perfect, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying the game to its fullest. The writing is sublime; terraforming and building is effortless once you unlock all the abilities; and the peaceful soundtrack adds to the game's overall cozy appeal. I love how the areas bustle with life once Pokémon start spawning, and the way the Pokémon interact with one another either via dialogue or by playing together.

Though I don't like all cozy games, I understand the hype now. I'm a skeptic no more, and I've got my love for Pokémon to thank for that. After nearly 200 hours in, it has quickly become not only one of my favorite Pokémon games, but one of my favorite games full stop.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'Over 2.2 million copies sold over release weekend': Pokémon Pokopia hysteria is off the charts, and these 8 accessories will enhance your Switch 2 cozy experience
• Pokémon Pokopia review
• Can’t get enough of Pokémon Pokopia? Here’s 12 more cozy Nintendo Switch games I recommend playing this weekend

I’m not afraid to say it: the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t have long enough battery life. I don’t go out and about with my console often, but I hate not being able to rely on its battery life for more than two hours.

I recently tested the Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2, and it just about solved the problem of the Nintendo Switch 2’s poor battery life. However, it wasn’t all perfect — so when I heard a Pro version of the case was on the way, I was excited to try it out.

The positives

There are plenty of advantages to choosing the Belkin Charging Case Pro over the regular Charging Case. The biggest upgrade is arguably the faster 30W charging speed — that means less waiting around for your console to charge. The Pro case also feels more durable and I’d be more confident my console would survive an accidental drop in it. And if you’re going to play in tabletop mode frequently, the built-in stand on the power bank is handy.

Another big plus is the fact that you can both charge the power bank, and see how much juice the power bank has left, without opening the case.

Finally, the Nintendo Switch 2 fits better in the new Pro case. Getting it settled in the original Charging Case always felt like a very slight squeeze, but the Pro case has the perfect sink-in fit I look for.

And there are positives that have carried over from the original case, too. The 10,000mAh capacity is the same, and will recharge your console about 1.5 times — that was enough to get me five hours of playtime at minimum. (Nintendo's maximum battery life rating for the Switch 2 is 6.5 hours, so this accessory could extend your total playtime up to a possible 16.25 hours.)

You also get space for 12 game cards, a pouch for accessories, and a hidden AirTag pouch so you can attach a tracker and keep an eye on your console’s location.

The negatives

Unfortunately, my concerns with the original Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case haven’t really been addressed — in fact, some issues have gotten worse. The Charging Case Pro is still heavy, and it's even bigger than the already bulky non-Pro case. I also thought that the old case was already expensive at $69, and the Pro version costs even more.

It’s most definitely possible to get a 10,000mAh power bank and a regular Switch 2 case for well under $100. So with this product, you’re mainly paying for the convenience of an all-in-one solution. I’m just not sure it’s worth it.

For starters, it doesn’t feel comfortable to use. I struggled to remove my Switch 2 from the power bank — it felt like it got stuck every time. I had to angle the stand to the sweet spot, place the case on a steady surface and pull the console up with both hands to get it out, which was a hassle.

Second of all, every time you put the console in the case, you have to connect it to the power bank. The non-Pro version has a cable you can simply disconnect and stash away if you don’t want to charge your console, which isn't an option here. And there were a couple of times where I noticed the Pro power bank’s percentage was dropping, while not actually charging my console.

Verdict

I’ll be keeping an eye out for sales on the Belkin Charging Case Pro, since it’ll definitely provide better value for money if it drops in price.

In the meantime, I’d recommend it most to gamers on the go who mostly play in tabletop mode, and want an easy way to keep their console charged.

I'm a bit scared to calculate how much I've played my Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in total, but I know that it's well over 1,000 hours. Last year alone, I played my Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 for 550 hours, and I've also spent over 800 hours playing Animal Crossing New Horizons (spread over the six years since it released.)

So, you can trust me when I recommend my favorite Nintendo Switch games and accessories. This week Amazon's Big Spring Sale is on and I've been scouring the sale for the best deals for Nintendo gamers.

One of the deals I recommend most is the GameSir Super Nova for $47. The GameSir Super Nova is the best Switch controller I own, and right now it costs way less than the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. It also has Hall Effect triggers and thumb sticks — which make the controller feel more accurate, more comfortable and most importantly, less likely to develop drift (an issue that plagues Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers.)

Keep scrolling to see my favorite Switch and Switch 2 deals this season! I also recommend checking out the best PS5 spring deals.

Quick links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Switch): was $39 now $29
• Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma (Switch 2): was $49 now $39
• Samsung P9 microSD Express Card (256GB): was $54 now $42
• GameSir Super Nova Wireless Controller: was $59 now $47
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57
• Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Case w/Integrated 10,000mAh Power Bank Charger: was $69 now $59

Nintendo Switch accessories

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

One of my favorite things about upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 so far is being able to go back and experience original Switch games in a whole new way. From smoother framerates and upgraded 4K graphics to entirely new ways to play, there’s never been a better time to revisit the best Nintendo Switch games — and that’s certainly the case with Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

I have fond memories of playing the game when it first came out thanks to the more colorful direction Nintendo took with 2D Mario. The Talking Flowers made me chuckle every time I ran by one, the badges added new abilities to Mario’s arsenal, and best of all, the Wonder Flowers completely transformed a level each time you found one.

In my Super Mario Bros. Wonder review, I praised the game’s fresh take on the 2D Mario formula. However, it felt a bit on the short side, and the original Switch didn't always do the game’s impressive visuals justice. Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the new "Meetup in Bellabel Park" expansion address those minor gripes.

Whether you played the original and enjoyed it as much as I did or this is your first time stepping into the Flower Kingdom, it’s a must-play for 2D Mario fans. On the Switch 2, it feels more like a Director’s Cut than just another upgrade.

Now with more Wonder

With a total of 152 different levels across seven worlds (and a bonus one), there’s already quite a lot to do in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, especially when you factor in Wonder Flowers and how they change each level or even Mario himself. It took me about 12 hours to see the credits roll, though I did miss a few Wonder Seeds here and there.

Now with the Switch 2 Edition of the game and the new Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion, you get a chance to revisit those seven worlds and explore an entirely new one. While the game and its unique art style certainly stood out on the original Switch, it absolutely shines on the Switch 2.

Right off the bat, the jump from 1080p to 4K makes a massive difference. At that higher resolution, all of the details baked into each level really pop and gameplay just feels faster with a rock-solid 60fps. Likewise, levels load even faster and it takes even less time to jump back into the action.

The badges were one of my favorite parts of Super Mario Bros. Wonder when I first played it as they grant unique abilities and perks or can even instantly increase the game’s difficulty.

Now with the Switch 2 Edition, you can still equip any of the 24 badges from the original but there are also new, dual badges that grant the effect of two badges at once. For instance, one of them pairs my all time favorite badge, the Parachute Cap, with a Floating High Jump one. When equipped, it lets you glide through the air using Mario’s cap or hang in the air after a jump in a similar way to Yoshi’s signature flutter jump.

You aren’t just getting new dual badges though, as there’s also a brand new Flower Pot power-up. As the name suggests, just like with the Cat power-up in Bowser’s Fury, this one lets Mario don a flower costume while gaining some useful new moves. In flower mode, Mario can throw flowers that rise upward to either break items or take out enemies. Using this new power-up is a lot of fun and I’d even argue that it feels a bit better than transforming into Elephant Mario in the original.

Catching Koopalings

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder doesn’t just add visual and mechanical upgrades to an already excellent 2D Mario game. In fact, there’s a whole new area to explore and a story that sees you transform the abandoned Bellabel Park into a flower-filled getaway for up to four players locally or 12 online.

After learning of the Bellabel Park ruins discovered by Captain Toad, Mario and the gang set out to see the site for themselves. Before you can reach Attraction Central — the hub for the game's competitive modes — you have to pass through Camp Central. At its heart stands a grand arch where seven magical Bellabel Flowers once hung. Unfortunately, Bowser’s elite minions, the Koopalings, arrive and make off with every single one of them.

To get them back, you team up with Captain Toad and the Toad Brigade. What I really liked about this quest is that it scatters the Koopalings across the game’s seven main worlds. Finding and defeating them one by one gave me serious Super Mario Bros. 3 vibes, albeit with a modern, more stylized twist that looks stunning in 4K.

Joining the Brigade

Your time in Bellabel Park isn’t just spent hunting for clues to the next Koopaling's whereabouts. To sharpen your skills and earn some coveted Bellabel Water, Mario officially joins the Toad Brigade right at the start of the expansion.

Much like the search for the Koopalings, the Toad Brigade’s training exercises take you back to various levels throughout the game. While the early tasks are simple, some of the higher-difficulty training courses can be quite challenging, serving as a clever way to push you into mastering badges from the main game that you might have overlooked in 2023.

During my playthrough, I found that tackling a few training courses between each Koopaling boss fight was the perfect way to mix things up. Not only are they a blast to play, but they’re also the key to restoring Bellabel Park to its former glory. As you earn badges for your Toad Brigade backpack and collect Bellabel Water along the way, you can literally see the park blooming back to life around you.

Getting the band back together

The Talking Flowers were one of my favorite additions to Super Mario Bros. Wonder as they provide humorous commentary and make the game a bit more fun. However, these flowers can also encourage you to keep going when things get tough, while their red variants will actively discourage you — which can be pretty funny.

Flowers play a big role in Meetup in Bellabel Park, too. Throughout the Camp Central area and Attraction Central, there are plots of land that need to be watered. Pouring Bellabel Water on these spots causes new flowers to bloom. There are loads of different flowers to collect which you can use to customize both areas to your liking, but sometimes when you water several at once, you’ll unlock social greetings or even musical instruments.

As you collect more instruments, new members are added to the Poplin Band in Bellabel Park. In my experience, I mainly got new flowers or greetings when watering plots of land, but every now and then, I’d get an instrument instead. There’s a bit of a "gacha" mechanic here, but the gameplay loop of completing challenges, watering the ground, and having a chance to get a new musical instrument is pretty addictive.

I’ve played the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for an additional eight or so hours so far, and while I have managed to defeat all the Koopalings, I’m still a few members short of a full Poplin Band. Granted, I mainly played the expansion on my own, but by playing local co-op with friends or heading online, it’ll be a lot easier to earn the Bellabel Water needed to fill out the band and finally see the credits roll.

Flowers, flowers everywhere

The original Super Mario Bros. Wonder was easily one of the best Nintendo Switch games when it first came out. However, as that was well into the original hybrid console’s lifespan, I bet a lot of people skipped out on the game at the time which is a real shame given the breath of fresh air Nintendo added to the classic 2D Mario formula.

Now though with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the new Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion, Super Mario Bros. Wonder truly feels complete. Like with a Director’s Cut of your favorite film, you get to revisit the Flower Kingdom in crisp 4K with shorter load times to boot. And without giving too much away, the Koopaling boss fights are reason enough to pick up the expansion given how well designed and fun those extra levels are.

Just like how the Bowser’s Fury expansion takes Super Mario 3D World in a completely new direction, so too does Super Mario Bros. Wonder for 2D Mario. Whether you grew up playing the original Mario games or are just looking for your next local multiplayer fix, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has never looked nor played better than it does on the Switch 2.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nintendo Switch 2 just got a huge performance upgrade for Switch 1 games — here’s how to use Handheld Mode Boost
• I tried playing Mario Kart World with a racing wheel on Switch 2 — and it's perfect for cruising in Free Roam mode
• Amazon just slashed Switch 2 game prices as low as $24 for the Big Spring Sale: 17 deals I'd buy myself right now

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of storage built-in. That might sound like a lot (especially considering the original Nintendo Switch shipped with just 32GB storage,) but those digital game downloads stack up fast and eat up a ton of space.

There's a simple way to add more storage space to your console, and that's with a microSD Express Card. Samsung's 256GB card is currently on sale with $10 off, and it'll double your Nintendo Switch 2's storage! All that storage for less than the cost of a new Nintendo Switch 2 game like Mario Kart World isn't bad.

Video game file sizes just continue to get bigger, so the Nintendo Switch 2's default storage of 256GB really isn't a lot to work with. For example, I've been wanting to pick up the gritty action RPG Cyberpunk 2077 since it launched on Nintendo Switch 2, but it takes up a hefty 60.6 GB — with everything that's already stored on my console, I simply don't have enough space. That's when a microSD Express card comes in to save the day.

In addition to game downloads, you'll also need space on your console for save data, screenshots and videos. Basically, a microSD Express card is one of those essential accessories that I recommend every Nintendo Switch 2 owner get. (And you need a microSD Express card specifically, as a regular microSD unfortunately won't work with the Nintendo Switch 2.)

And while you'll be paying for the privilege of more space, this is also a sneaky way to save money on video games in the long run. Digital game sales are generally a lot cheaper than buying physical copies, especially during big sales events. So you'll want to make sure you have room for all those great titles once Black Friday comes around.

I finally took the plunge and got a Nintendo Switch 2 for my birthday in November, and I don't regret it one bit. I've already put an embarrassing number of hours into Hades 2, Pokémon Pokopia, and Pokémon Legends Z-A, while Mario Kart World has become a regular in our weekly game night rotation. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just around the corner, and I'm seeing some incredible deals on essentials titles to build out your Switch and Switch 2 library for less.

For example, the phenomenal The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for $43 at Walmart. I can't even begin to tell you how many hours I've lost exploring its vast open world, and it's the #1 Switch game I recommend to people who just got a new console. You can also snag Switch 2 games starting at just $24 at Amazon, with several hit titles slashed to half off or more. I'd definitely pick up Sonic x Shadow Generations for $24; it's exactly the kind of blast from the past I was looking for as a huge fan of the much-maligned Sonic Adventure games.

There are lots more deals to choose from, so scroll on for some serious savings. While you're at it, check out our round-up of all the best deals ahead of Amazon's big spring sale.

Quick links

• shop Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon
• NBA 2K26: was $59 now $19
• Rune Factory 3 Special: was $29 now $20
• Sonic X Shadow Generations: was $49 now $24 (Switch 2)
• Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered: was $29 now $23
• Assassin's Creed Shadows: was $59 now $32 (Switch 2)
• Yakuza 0: Director's Cut: was $39 now $34 (Switch 2)
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild: was $59 now $43
• Persona 3 Reload: was $59 now $36 (Switch 2)
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: was $69 now $57 (Switch 2)

Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles

Nintendo Switch 2 game deals

Nintendo Switch 2’s latest system update introduces a surprising but very welcome new feature: Handheld Mode Boost. And trust me, you’ll want to make use of it.

Admittedly, the name is a little clunky, but when enabled, it allows your Switch 2 to run compatible Nintendo Switch 1 games as if they were in “TV Mode.” Still confused? Essentially, the Switch 2’s extra power is used to boost the visual resolution of Switch 1 titles when played in Handheld Mode. This means you can play these games at 1080p, a noticeable upgrade from the original Switch’s 720p handheld standard.

This is a pretty significant upgrade, and it’s available for free to all Switch 2 owners via a system update. If you want to make use of this new feature, here’s how to enable it in just a matter of seconds.

How to use Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2

Are there downsides to enabling Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2?

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and there’s also no such thing as a Switch 2 performance upgrade without at least a few sacrifices. While Handheld Mode Boost will make Switch 1 games look better than ever when playing in portable mode, there are a few downsides.

Firstly, Nintendo states that the feature “may also increase the console’s power consumption during gameplay.” In short, your Switch 2’s battery could drain faster, and considering the hybrid console's battery life is already a sore spot for many users (including yours truly), this is a caveat to consider.

Other drawbacks include some on-screen instructions being incorrect (as the software is tricked into thinking you’re playing in TV Mode rather than in handheld), and the Switch 2's touch screen functionality is also disabled. Also, any attached Joy-Con 2 controllers will read as a Switch Pro Controller.

Finally, it should be noted that this feature has no impact on the performance of Nintendo Switch 2 software. The best Switch 2 games won’t get an upgrade if this option is turned on. It's solely to boost the visuals of Switch 1 games.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to set up parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2
• How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to your TV or monitor
• How to transfer data from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2

All Nintendo Switch 2 owners got a surprise upgrade this week with the launch of "Handheld Mode Boost," which allows games from the original Switch to play in Switch 2 handheld mode as if they were being played on a TV.

This new Handheld Mode Boost means that you get higher fidelity, better framerates, and overall a more enjoyable experience on lots of Switch games that haven't yet been optimized for Switch 2.

Over the last few days, I've been trying out my back catalog of Switch games and chosen some of the games that have gotten the biggest upgrade from the new Handheld Mode Boost.

As a huge Pokémon fan, I've found the upgrade to games like Legends: Arceus and Sword to be the real winners here, but honestly, any of these games on this list are excellent, and some like Xenoblade Chronicles X actually perform better in Handheld Mode Boost than with the dedicated Switch 2 upgrade.

Just remember, you'll need to turn on Boost Mode on Switch 2, so read on to find out how.

How to turn on Handheld Mode Boost on Nintendo Switch 2

1. Open System Settings
2. Select System and then System Update
3. Update to v22.0.0
4. Go back to System Settings, then System
5. Select Nintendo Switch Software Handling
6. Enable Handheld Mode Boost

Nintendo's disclaimer for this new mode reads:

"When enabled, this option causes the performance of Nintendo Switch software while undocked to run as if it were being played in TV mode. While this can result in improved visuals, it may also increase the system's power consumption.

The effect of Handheld Mode Boost will vary based on the software. Some Nintendo Switch software will be unaffected, and this option has no effect on software for Nintendo Switch 2.

Because this option forces TV mode operation, some instructions may be incorrect or fail to operate correctly.

Handheld Mode Boost may prevent Nintendo Switch software from using the system's touch screen, and will cause attached Joy-Con 2 controllers to be treated as a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

To use other controllers, first detach the Joy-Con 2 controllers from the console."

Pokémon Pokopia is probably the biggest cozy gaming release in years. A bunch of cozy gaming holdouts on the Tom’s Guide team have been converted — and I’m betting a lot of you guys have, too.

If you can’t get enough of Pokémon Pokopia, there are a ton more awesome cozy games I love on Nintendo Switch. Maybe you’ve finished Pokopia already, or you haven’t been able to get your hands on a game key card in stores yet? Or, you don't own a Switch 2 yet and are looking for alternative Switch games to play.

Whatever the case, you’re at home here because I have a bunch of cozy gaming recs you should check out.

• shop Nintendo Switch games at Amazon

If you love the cozy vibes of Pokémon Pokopia most, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is definitely the next game you should play — like Pokopia, you’ll move onto a sparsely populated island you can customize, decorate and share with your friends.

Meanwhile, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is the game I’ve played that’s most similar to Pokopia. It’s made by the same development team, after all! Dragon Quest Builders 2 features the same block-based building and decorating system as Pokémon Pokopia, as well as an excellent story, memorable characters and lots of quests to fulfill. It’s a spin-off of the Dragon Quest RPG franchise, so it also includes enemies and bosses to fight with action RPG combat.

If you want to branch into the main series Pokémon games for the first time, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu (or its twin, Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee) is my recommendation. This game is a Switch remake of the original Pokémon Game Boy games, Red and Blue. They feature turn-based RPG combat, like all the main Pokémon games — but the battles are generally easier than other Pokémon titles, and you get to interact with the super-cute Pikachu as your main companion over the course of the game.

Did you enjoy growing veggies in Pokémon Pokopia? You should try out a farming sim. I can’t get enough of farming simulator games, because they’re both relaxing and satisfying. Stardew Valley is one of the most popular cozy games out there, and it features retro-style pixel graphics and an extremely memorable cast of characters. I also love Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma: it includes lots of farmland you can decorate as you like, as well as action RPG combat.

Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is the best cozy game for The Legend of Zelda fans. Another cozy spin-off, it’ll take you on an adventure across Hyrule with an adorably cute chibi art style. You’ll need to copy magical objects to solve puzzles, similar to how you can copy your Pokémon friends’ abilities in Pokémon Pokopia.

Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition and Hello Kitty Island Adventure are a pair of games that I couldn’t stop playing. Both feature a big world to explore, lots of decorating and customization options and familiar faces to meet. If you like Disney, pick up Disney Magical World 2; if you like Hello Kitty and friends, you can’t miss Hello Kitty Island Adventure.

Miitopia is a bit of a rogue pick for this list, but the game’s sense of humor reminds me of Pokémon Pokopia. It’s a turn-based RPG where you can create your own cast of characters — fill out your adventuring team with your real-life friends and see what shenanigans they get up to.

MySims Cozy Bundle is the last game on this list I’ve played myself. Both MySims games in the bundle feature super-cute characters and lots of spaces to decorate. In particular, MySims is cool because you can build custom furniture exactly as you like, block by block — you can’t do that in Pokopia.

I’ve also added Tiny Book Shop and Dinkum to this list. I haven’t played them yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about them both. Tiny Book Shop lets you run your own book shop, as the title suggests — you’ll need to chat to customers to figure out what books they’ll like best. And Dinkum is a life simulation game with an Aussie flair. You can build, decorate, farm and customize the land similar to Pokopia. Just watch out, as some of the wildlife in the outback isn’t so friendly.