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Pay pros for lessons on sucking less at video games
Losing to a 12-year-old in Super Smash Bros. can be a real downer, but there are a few ways to prevent that. You can challenge kids who aren't as good, practice and improve on your own, or, if you have a few bucks to spend, get a video game tutor from Japanese company GameLesson.
Here are all the trailers from the Nintendo Switch event
When Nintendo revealed its mysterious NX game console as the Switch in October, we still didn't know much. Yes, it was a hybrid portable game console with new games in the Super Mario, Legend of Zelda and Splatoon franchises -- but how much was it going to cost? When was it coming out? What else would we be able to play? Now that the console's official reveal is over, we have answers: $300, March 3rd and a whole lot. On top of teasing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo's Switch reveal event showed us trailers for a new Fire Emblem game, a second Xenoblade Chronicles, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and so much more.
'Splatoon 2' brings new weapons, stages and fashion to Nintendo Switch
When Splatoon announced its late July Splatfest would be its last online multiplayer event, there was a collective sigh from the Miiverse. The multiplayer shooter dragged Nintendo into a competitive-gaming space it had never competed in before -- it was fun, frantic and had a lot of personality. Thankfully, the franchise lives on. Today Nintendo announced the Switch version of Splatoon isn't a remastered port, but a full sequel.
The best games of 2016
The year is nearly over, and I don't think I'm alone in saying that I'm ready to leave behind the dark, twisted fantasy that is 2016. No matter your political persuasion, social status or country of residence, you'll have felt disquieted by events at some point this year. The sheer scale of 2016's failings allows for such blanket statements. Natural disasters, mass shootings and political events have left me buffeted by wave after wave of anxiety. Because of this never-ending cycle of unease, video games have been more important to me this year. Of course, they're always a form of escapism, but in 2016 they've had to function as a kind of digital cocoon. Gaming has been a place to retreat. A moment of respite. Whether passing the minutes on a mindless clicker or puzzle game, losing myself for hours in grand strategies and sport sims or taking a long weekend to head out on a fantastic adventure, gaming has helped me. A lot. Perhaps that's why I've been reacting to game delays with all the composure of a YouTube commenter. And, God, the delays have come thick and fast.
Skyrim, NBA 2K and new Mario are coming to Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch looks like an impressive piece of hardware capable of going from the living room to mobile with the swipe of a hand, but it's nothing without a lineup of acclaimed, high-quality games and fresh experiences. In the Switch's debut teaser trailer, we got a glimpse at some of the software hitting Nintendo's new hardware, including a new 3D Mario game, a new version of Splatoon (look at those hairstyles) and a new Mario Kart featuring King Boo and two item slots. Of course we saw The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as well, but it was the third-party support that really stood out.
'Splatoon' isn't dead, but it's still saying goodbye
Today at 5 AM EDT, the final Splatfest commenced for players of Nintendo's squid-kid shooter Splatoon. Players were asked to choose one of two teams representing the in-game hosts, Callie and Marie. At the end of the festival, members of the team with the highest score will get a prize, the losing team will get slightly less, and so will end Nintendo's active promotion of the game. It was inevitable, of course, as the game came out over a year ago. But Splatfests were one of the biggest ways for the company to foster community among Splatoon players, and their discontinuation is likely to bring about a sharp decline among active users. It's been a great run, but this is the end of an era for the game.
'Splatoon' celebrated with 'The Great British Splat-Off'
Splatoon is one of the most exciting games to come out of Nintendo in some time. The colourful team-based shooter, which follows squid-like "inklings" and their mission to cover the world (and each other) in paint, has garnered plenty of fans on Wii U. Now, Nintendo is celebrating that community with "The Great British Splat-Off," a series of online tournaments that form part of "The Summer of Splat." Matches will be held over four weekends, starting on July 16th, to find teams that can compete in "The Splatoon Fan Fest" at London's Gfinity Arena on August 27th.
The best way to play 'Splatoon' is with a hacked water gun
Researchers and makers over at Kougaku Navi in Japan have been working hard on a playable Splatoon gun since March, and the latest model really looks the part. It combines a Wii U GamePad, controls transplanted inside a Splatoon-themed water pistol and Sony's head-mounted display to give you at least a little bit of movement freedom. It's not perfect, but if you really want to play the game with a gun, it possibly the closest we'll get.
Nintendo is bringing 'Splatoon' gear to its 'Miitomo' app
Since its launch, Nintendo has held back from offering video game-related clothing in Miitomo. You can quickly earn a Mario hat, but otherwise there are few items to show off your love for a particular franchise, like Star Fox or The Legend of Zelda. That's now changing, however, as Nintendo readies its first batch of Splatoon-themed gear. From April 27th through to May 29th, users will be able to unlock inkling shoes, shorts, t-shirts and hairstyles through the app's Miitomo Drop mini-game. Colorful squid pins will also be redeemable using regular coins in the Miitomo Shop.
Nintendo Direct roundup: 'Mario Maker,' 'Splatoon' and more
Today's Nintendo Direct featured a light feast of sci-fi adventures and fantasy tales, including a new Star Fox game, the return of classic Super Nintendo games (exclusive to the New 3DS handheld), a new Kirby game and the announcement of Monster Hunter Generations for Western audiences. Phew. But that wasn't everything -- we've collected the best trailers and tweets from today's Nintendo Direct below. Feast on this:
Nintendo's profit slump shows the NX can't come soon enough
Nintendo didn't do too bad in 2015, but its latest financial report highlight's one thing: while the company's not struggling, it's depending too much on a handful of legacy titles. Overall, profits reported for the period ending last December were 40,558 million yen (about $336 million), down around a third from last year's 59,515 million yen ($493). A downward trend, but given Nintendo had struggled to make a profit since 2011, the company will be happy to have stayed in the black.
'Metal Gear,' 'The Witcher 3' lead game developers' nominees
You probably have a short list of favorite video games from 2015, but what do you think game creators would pick if given the chance? You don't have to wonder: the Game Developers Choice Awards has delivered its nominees, and there are a few clear front-runners this time around. For one thing, third-person action is definitely in vogue: Metal Gear Solid V and The Witcher 3 were both nominated for four awards each, including game of the year. A few other well-known games also received multiple nods, including Bloodborne, Fallout 4 and Splatoon.
Nintendo's 2015 was the best of times and the worst of times
Let's face it: In the world of video games, Nintendo exists in a state of constant scrutiny. More often than not, the Japanese company is targeted for being "behind the times" or "out of touch" with what its fanbase wants. Looking back, however, we see a more dynamic mish-mash of good and bad decisions. In 2015, Nintendo teased us by promising to build mobile apps, but pleased us by adding some unexpected classics to its digital game library and announcing a new game console. The company had breakout hits like Splatoon, but also fumbled on launch dates, failing to deliver Star Fox Zero and Zelda Wii U by year's end. How is Nintendo doing, really? Let's take a look back at the highs and lows of Nintendo's year and find out.Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images
Nintendo launched a multiplayer web portal for Splatoon stats
How do you get your Splatoon fix when you're away from your Wii U? With SplatNet -- the game's newly christened web portal, of course. Okay, it's not actually that new: Japanese players have had access to the website for months, but Nintendo only just recently got around to translating the portal for international audiences. It's a convenient online hub that lets users check their weekly ranking, plan future matches with friends, view equipped gear and more.
'Splatoon' is getting a 61-tune soundtrack in Japan
If you've even had a small taste of Splatoon, you know that the inky shooter is defined as much by its upbeat, irreverent music as its bright, Nickelodeon-circa-1995 visuals. Nintendo clearly knows this, too -- it's planning to release Splatune, a whopping 61-song original soundtrack. Most of it (37 tracks) will be straight-up music, but there will also be 10 jingles and 14 pieces based on sound effects. That's a lot, especially when you consider that many big-name movies don't get such a lavish treatment. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny to an importer if you want a copy, though. Nintendo is releasing Splatune as a ¥3,200 ($27) two-disc album in Japan (where CDs are still huge) on October 21st, and there's no word yet on a release elsewhere.
JXE Streams: #TeamEngadget's own Splatfest
Later tonight, Nintendo will celebrate Splatoon's latest update with an official Splatfest event, but forget that noise. Here at Engadget, we're having our own. Welcome to the Engadget Splatfest, a two hour squidtastic stream celebrating everything that makes the game's new update great. You'll see tweaked maps, new outfits, updated weapons and the feature that makes today's game possible -- enhanced matchmaking. It's everything the game needed in one fantastic package. Join us at 5PM ET (2PM PT) on Twitch.tv/Joystiq, right in this post or on the Engadget Gaming homepage, or right here in this post to watch a gaggle of Engadget editors tear each other apart as adorable squid-people.
Next 'Splatoon' update will fix matchmaking, increase level cap
Splatoon is easily Nintendo's breakaway game for 2015. The brightly colored post-apocalyptic third-person multiplayer shooter sold more than a million copies in its first month. It's tons of fun, but it also feels a little incomplete: the game launched with a low level cap, and a primitive, randomized matchmaking system that made it almost impossible to team up with friends. In a few days, that changes -- in August, Nintendo will be upgrading Splatoon with new weapons, new items, a higher level cap and more robust matchmaking.
Someone made real-life 'Splatoon' weapons
Sure, they're basically portable pressure-washer guns but they're still strong enough to knock a grown man on his ass.
Nintendo's adorable shooter 'Splatoon' sells 1 million copies
For the most part, Nintendo kept quiet during E3 2015 -- at least in comparison to PlayStation and Xbox. But today the company's celebrating a huge milestone for Splatoon, the magical third-person shooter that was recently launched on the Wii U. Nintendo announced the game has sold over 1 million copies since being released, making it one of the most successful Wii U titles to date. In a press statement, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said, "This milestone puts us in a nice position as we prepare to launch 11 more exclusive Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games before the end of the year, plus amiibo, digital offerings and games from our third-party partners." So, if you don't have a Wii U or a 3DS, now might be the time to reconsider.
The producer of 'Splatoon' on how to make a Nintendo original
If you're a fan of Nintendo, chances are you're also a fan of Splatoon producer Hisashi Nogami, although you may not know it. Nogami joined the famed Japanese video game giant in 1994 and has been an essential member of EAD, the first-party development studio responsible for some of Nintendo's most beloved games, ever since. Early in his career, Nogami worked primarily as an artist at Nintendo, designing some of the iconic imagery in games like Yoshi's Island and Super Mario 64.
