This last week, Nintendo had its latest financial reports along with investor briefings that detailed the state of Switch game sales and console sales along with Nintendo's plans for the future. Many interesting developments have come from these reports, including information regarding the next big 3D Mario game, the success of the Nintendo Switch Online service, and the release window for the next-gen Nintendo console.
In other news, the Pokémon Gen IV remakes leaked online, and Nintendo has pursued illegal activity with a vengeance. Lastly, Nintendo has already revealed its Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals. Let's dive in.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl leak
Over the last couple of weeks, several people have reported getting their hands on Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl over a week early, since the games aren't due to hit store shelves until November 19. These leaks have led the games to be dumped into emulators and even streamed on Twitch already.
Some people have even been able to play through the adventure completely and beat the game. Now, Nintendo is a company that doesn't let this kind of thing slide and has taken steps to legally pursue anyone who has obtained their games via shady means. This means it has also been pulling down any posted videos or images ahead of the games' release.
While some Pokémon fans are looking forward to the remakes, these leaks have led many players to complain about the games' art style, mechanics, and changes from the original Diamond and Pearl DS games. Now, it is important to note that there has already been 3GB day-one patch that went live on Thursday which added animations, opening and closing sequences, and post-game content. As you can imagine, these additions significantly change some of the things people initially complained about after viewing the leaked games. Considering the game wasn't supposed to be available to the public yet, it's really not surprising that the games weren't completely ready to go when they first leaked.
I'm not going to dive into everything that was leaked here, but be aware that you might stumble upon spoilers online in the time leading up to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's release. Regardless of whether or not all complaints are addressed, it's looking like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will have a successful release with how much attention they've gotten in the past few months.
Zelda Game & Watch
The retro-style Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda collectible announced in February was finally released on Friday. It has the same style as the original Game & Watch devices that made Nintendo a household name back in the 80s. Instead of only holding one game, it contains three classic Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
Additionally, it has a modified version of the classic Game & Watch game, Vermin, but with Link's face implanted on the main character. It also serves as a clock and a timer with moving Zelda elements. All of this together makes it a perfect collector's item.
Unlike the original Game & Watch devices, this one features full color (well black on green for the Game Boy game) and has a rechargeable internal battery that gets recharged via an included USB-C to USB cable. It will likely be a popular gift for Zelda fans this holiday season.
Four classic games
Take this awesome collectible with you wherever you go and have access to The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, along with a modified version of a classic Game & Watch game.
Next Nintendo console releases in 20XX
During an investor briefing last week, Nintendo reported the Japanese gaming company went over Switch sales, gaming schedules, and other information important to investors. The report ended by saying it would release its next console generation in "20XX".
The Nintendo Switch has been a gaming juggernaut pertinent to players of every preference due to its transportable nature. It's currently on track to overtake the Wii as the best-selling Nintendo console of all time. As such, it makes sense that Nintendo wouldn't want to move on from the highly-profitable Switch until they have to. Nintendo is sure to reevaluate as time goes on and move on to the next generation console once sales fizzle. One thing's for sure; they will likely continue the unique hybrid console design they created going forward.
Nintendo looking towards the next 3D Mario game
As yet another part of the Nintendo financial report, Shigeru Miyamoto was asked about the differences between 2D and 3D Mario games. As reported by Nintendo Life, he stated:
As for the difference between 2D Mario and 3D Mario, let me explain by describing the background for the development of the Wii game New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which was released in 2009. At the time, it felt like each time we created a new installment in the Super Mario series – which by then had expanded into 3D – it became more complicated. After the release of Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, the goal was to develop a more accessible 3D Super Mario game, and the result was New Super Mario Bros. Wii, a basic side-scrolling Super Mario game that even new players could easily play. That later led to the release of the even simpler Super Mario Run game (a mobile application released in 2016.) When we develop software, we strive to incorporate new elements, but at the same time we want to make it easy for even first time players to have fun. Recently, people of all generations have been enjoying the 3D Mario game Super Mario Odyssey (released in 2017,) so for 3D Mario going forward, we want to try expanding further in new ways.
It's kind of crazy to think that Super Mario Odyssey, the last big Mario game on Switch that wasn't a port, was released over four years ago in 2017. Nintendo has been hard at work creating the plumbers next adventure, though it's hard to say if it will come to Switch or if it will wait until the next-gen Nintendo console at this point.
As far as "expanding further in new ways" goes, Odyssey really broadened the plumber's skillset by including the sentient hat, Cappy, and his mind-controlling capabilities. It will be awesome to see what other abilities are in the pipeline. If nothing else, it would be awesome for a pseudo-sequel to Odyssey to allow us to control more characters like Parakoopas, a ghostly Boo, or maybe even Bowser himself.
Nintendo Switch Online has over 32 million members
Nintendo reported that as of September 2021, there are over 32 million members of the Nintendo Switch Online service. This is more than double what Microsoft reported for its Xbox Game Pass membership in January, but that's not too surprising given how much cheaper Nintendo's service is. Either way, these numbers are mind-boggling. It's worth noting that this data was from just before the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack launched, so we don't know for sure how the N64 and Sega Genesis games might have impacted membership.
Speaking of the Expansion Pack, Nintendo president, Shuntaro Furukawa, stated during the briefing that the company is working to improve the experience.
"Going forward, we will continue to improve and expand both Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, striving to provide services that satisfy consumers."
Hopefully, the company listens to fans' complaints regarding the Expansion Pack and works to improve things for its customers. At the minimum, adding remapping control options, including more games, and fixing any lag issues players have encountered are a must.
Sega had a successful financial year
Now, obviously, Sega isn't a Nintendo property. However, considering Sega's relationship with Nintendo and the number of Sega games on Switch, it's still worth talking about. While Sega owns IPs for several iconic gaming franchises, it hasn't always done so well for itself.
According to Twinfinite, Sega performed very well this last year and even "significantly exceeded expectations." According to the report, Sega plans to:
Invest roughly 100 billion yen ($880 million) by March 2026 to expand its development pipeline, strengthen global mobile and online games, strengthen its customer relationship management department to revitalize user communities, and invest in new business areas like NFT.
While the thought of yet another big media company jumping on the NFT bandwagon makes me want to hurl, the rest of these goals are good to see. Sega keeps talking about how it's working on its mysterious "Super Game," so it wouldn't be surprising if these changes are being put in place to help maintain that project once it releases.
Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals
The list of Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals has already been revealed on the Nintendo website. These deals include:
- Nintendo Switch bundle: A Nintendo Switch V2 bundled with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a three-Month Nintendo Switch Online Individual membership for just $300, a $70 savings. This is a common Black Friday bundle that has been around since the launch of the Switch, only now the Switch has been updated from the original Switch to the Switch V2 with longer battery life.
- $40 off Mario Kart Live Home Circuit: Players drive a real-world RC car that features a camera and can view AR enemies and obstacles on their Switch screens.
- $25 off Ring Fit Adventure: An exercise game that gets your heart pumping while distracting you with RPG battles.
Additionally, select Switch games will be reduced by $20 including:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Super Mario Maker 2
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
- Splatoon 2
- Paper Mario: The Origami King
- Kirby Star Allies
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Astral Chain
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
It's important to note that this does not include every single Switch Black Friday deal out there, as specific retailers might have unique sales options available this month as well. We at iMore will be keeping an eye out at Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers and will report if we see any other Switch consoles bundled with extra goodies at a discounted price.
What are you playing this weekend?
With so many huge updates in the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise DLC, I'll be busy this weekend upgrading my home, creating vacation homes for cute animals, and generally relaxing. I'm also getting close to beating The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time once again via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Just have to make it through Hyrule Castle and fight Ganondorf at this point.
I hope that whatever game you're playing this weekend brings you the challenge you are looking for or the relaxing getaway you need.
Until next time.
- Rebecca Spear
