Wave 4 of the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be available March 9. Including eight new courses and a new playable driver, the DLC will be released in time to celebrate Mar10 Day. 

Seven of the courses are from previous Mario Kart games in the franchise. Yoshi's Island, however, appears to be new, and based off the Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island game. The Fruit Cup and Boomerang Cup are new inclusions in this DLC, each of them comprised of four of the new courses.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4 Courses

The courses included are: 

Fruit Cup

• Amsterdam Drift - Mario Kart Tour
• Riverside Park - Mario Kart: Super Circuit
• DK Summit - Mario Kart Wii
• Yoshi's Island

Boomerang Cup

• Bangkok Rush - Mario Kart Tour
• Mario Circuit - Mario Kart DS
• Waluigi Stadium - Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
• Singapore Speedway - Mario Kart Tour

New Playable Driver to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Included in the Wave 4 DLC along with the courses is Birdo, a new playable driver. Birdo originally made her debut in the Super Mario franchise as a villain in Super Mario Bros. 2. She first appeared in the Mario Kart series as playable character in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. 

The Booster Course Pass DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available as a direct download from Nintendo. Released in six waves, a total of 48 new courses will be added to the game by the end of 2023.  

Check back for more Mar10 Day updates and  keep up to date with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe news with our game page. 

Featured Image via Nintendo

For several years now, Nintendo fans have celebrated all things Mario on March 10, dubbing it Mar10 Day, or the more formal Mario Day.

This year, the Big N itself is getting in on the celebration with several promotional deals and discounts. Among other things, My Nintendo members can spend their points to redeem some unique Mario Day themed items to hold their own celebrations.

The flagship deal in the promotion is a Nintendo Switch system plus one of five Mario Switch games for $329.99. That amounts to 50% off the selected title, which is noteworthy for being the steepest discount Nintendo has offered on its own Switch titles since the system launched.

The games to choose from are:

• Super Mario Party
• Mario Tennis Aces
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Most major retailers are taking part in this promotion, including:

• GameStop
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Best Buy

Those who already own a Switch can still join in the fun, though. The digital versions of the five games listed above will be available for $39.99 from the same retailers, except GameStop.

These promotions begin March 10 and run until March 16.

There are other ways to celebrate Mar10 Day as well. Nintendo has added new My Nintendo rewards in honor of the day, and fans can redeem points for Mario-themed wallpapers and a Mario March calendar.

Also on offer are Mario-themed invitation cards and bingo sheets for those planning their own Mario Day gathering. Special Mario envelopes are available as well.

The Switch recently celebrated its second birthday and has succeeded beyond what many thought possible. Mario Day is a good way for Nintendo to celebrate that milestone and spread the message about its latest system to an even wider audience.

Doug Bowser, currently the Senior VP of Sales and Marketing (and future NoA president) said:

What better way to celebrate Mario Day than by playing some of the most popular Mario games on Nintendo Switch. This promotion is a great option for consumers who want to pick up Nintendo Switch and some hit games at a value price.

Looking at the list of games above, Bowser is right. Super Mario Odyssey redefines the platformer, Mario Kart 8 does the same for the kart racing genre, and while Mario Tennis Aces has a few drawbacks, it's the best Mario Tennis offering in years.

Fortnite

If for nothing else than just parachuting down with 99 other people Fortnite Battle Royale rounds out our list as a game we would love to see in VR. From building, to shooting, to hiding your way into the top 10, the cartoony Fortnite world would be an absolute delight to experience in VR. The PVE Save the World mode wouldn’t be half bad either. Fighting off wave after wave of cartoon zombies would be thrilling, and just the right amount of scary.

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That does it for our list of games we want to experience in VR! What other games do you want to see in VR? Do you think any games wouldn't work in VR? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to stick around GameSkinny for more lists, guides, and news about your favorite games!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

I haven't met a single person who doesn't like Mario Kart. It's easy to get the hang of, and you always feel like you have a chance to win the race. The levels are also delightful to drive through. I know, I know there’s already that Tokyo arcade that offers the VR Mario Kart experience, but if there could be a way for the common gamer to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from the comfort of their own home, it would dominate the VR market. Fans would come in droves to VR to play this game, if only because nailing your friends with a green shell would never be more satisfying.

Portal

This one might turn your stomach, but from the first inklings of VR, Portal was part of the discussion. This 3D puzzler that redefined the way we think about puzzles would be a natural for VR. Imagine going through a level and hearing someone like GLaDOS talking behind us or above us (which would be a great game to take advantage of sound in a 3D space) and trying to get under our skin as we try to beat a level.While we have Portal Stories: Mel, it’s not the same as the mainline, genuine Portal experience. We want to blast our portal guns and travel through disorienting dimensions and vomit-inducing infinite loops!

Overwatch

If any FPS would work well in virtual reality, Overwatch would. The gameplay is already favorable to VR: each character only has a few abilities to master, while movement is easy to master for most characters. As long as we had great wireless VR technology, so we wouldn’t trip all over ourselves, this arena shooter would be a fantastic way to spend a quick hour in VR. Players would get an opportunity to really challenge themselves against others and have a whole new way to compete with one another. Overwatch also has tremendous lore around it that people are in love with. Being able to go into a world you love and see your favorite characters (I'm looking at you Mei and Winston) would go a long way in bringing people real joy.

World of Warcraft

So many fantasy and sci-fi novels talk about being transported into virtual worlds and going on adventures with friends. When World of Warcraft came out in 2004 it was the virtual world everybody had been waiting for. Now that we have the technology WoW VR would be the epitome of virtual reality experiences if done right. Just imagine being transported into a fantastical world and cooperating with 24 other people to take down a dragon 30 times bigger than you. It would bring a whole new meaning to the term heroic mode. If any MMORPG should be made into VR it's this one.

Steep

Let’s face: it snowboarding and skiing in real life can be scary and downright dangerous for the inexperienced, not to mention relatively expensive. We're not all capable of going to the Olympics like Lindsey Vonn or Shaun White. Fortunately for us who are more risk-averse, but still love snow, Steep captures all that fun and excitement, without any actual risk of bodily harm. If we could be instantly transported to the peak of Denali and go for a high adrenaline race down the slopes in virtual reality, how could we possibly resist that temptation? Steep is highly acclaimed for how beautiful it looks, and in VR , I imagine we'd all be wondering why we can't see our breath while we trick our brains into feeling chilly.

For Honor

Ever wonder who would win a fight between a knight, a viking, and a samurai? If so, then this game is for you (and it probably still is, even if you never wondered). While it has its fair share of issues, like connectivity and microtransactions, For Honor has a very rewarding fighting system. If the game solved all of its issues and came out on VR, it would be a truly great experience. Who doesn’t want to grab the nearest sword and beat up on any unfortunate soul who dares come near them? The 3D environments in the game would be especially great to experience in VR, combat would bring entirely new challenges, it would be a great workout, and the arenas are small enough to traverse easily. There's almost no reason why this shouldn't work as a VR game.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn is breathtakingly beautiful. This action RPG features hunting, stealth, and a fantastic story, not to mention the landscapes in HZD are tremendous. Being able to experience that world in VR would make your jaw hit the floor. You would practically be able to feel the tall imaginary grasses while stalking your prey as Aloy. Imagine drawing back your bow and letting loose an arrow to see a monster fall before you. It's the thrill of the hunt -- except nobody actually has to get hurt. Which is good, since those machine monsters would probably be even more terrifying in VR.

Overcooked

Overcooked is fun, hectic, and easy to pick up. It's a game where friends work together in a restaurant to get out as many orders as quickly as possible (think diner dash done even better). Its simple controls make it a great candidate for VR. This co-op frenzy would guarantee laughs, as you see your friends bumble around while you try to get those meals out on time. So it's easy to speculate that being inside a crazy kitchen like the kitchens in Overcooked would lead to even bigger laughs then the game already produces in groups of friends. And of course, the best part is there's no risk of actually cutting yourself with that kitchen knife!

VR technology has been improving steadily, and dedicated VR gamers are always hoping for the next great experience. Virtual reality offers people the opportunity to immerse themselves into fantastic worlds and challenge their brains and bodies in new and exciting ways. The technology for virtual reality gaming is quickly improving, and after titles like Doom and Star Trek: Bridge Crew came to VR, the platform looks more promising than ever for gamers. To prepare for that glorious future, here are a few more games we hope to one day experience in VR.

It's-a me!

So what's next for Mario? 2017 has been a huge year, with perhaps the best major releases for everyone's favorite moustached plumber in quite some time. 

Mario surely has a bright future ahead of him, but 2017 will be a tough act to follow. If you're gift shopping for someone special this Holiday season, between the mobile game, 3DS titles, and the Switch entries, you won't be disappointed with any of this years Mario games.

Super Mario Odyssey

Platform - Nintendo Switch

Enter Mario's crown jewel of 2017 -- Super Mario Odyssey This is the first mainline Mario platforming adventure since 2015's Super Mario Maker, the first 3D Mario since 2013's Super Mario 3D World, and the first Mario of its kind since 2003's Super Mario Sunshine. Think Super Mario 64 but bigger, more challenging, and with tons more to do!

Bringing Mario back into a large, open-ended series of worlds, Super Mario Odyssey showcases new worlds of all kinds -- a city, a food kingdom, an ancient castle, and seaside world are just a few of the types of locales that Mario visits.

The gameplay consists of collecting moons with heavy emphasis on exploration. There are over 800 moons to collect in all, providing the player with many hours of jumping around, solving puzzles, and unlocking new worlds. During the adventure you can collect new costumes using regular coins and world specific purple coins which are hidden around each world.

A huge aspect of this game is the capture mechanic. During the game's opening, which I won't spoil, Mario comes to meet Cappy, who is floating hat with eyes. Together they are able to 'capture' creatures you meet throughout your journey, allowing you to use their abilities to solve puzzles and get to hard to reach areas. It's a wonderful mechanic that consistently surprises players, almost making some captured creatures feel like they're part of their own little indie games.

Super Mario Odyssey maintains a score of 97 on Metacritic and with over two million sales from the beginning of November, it became the fastest-selling Mario game of all time. Super Mario Odyssey was a contender for many Game of the Year awards, winning some, and losing out to others -- mostly to Nintendo's other 2017 smash hit, Breath of the Wild.

So whether you're dancing to music, entering pipes into the 2D world, or playing jump rope in New Donk City, Super Mario Odyssey has a slew of memorable moments, and is rightfully hailed as the best Mario game in a long time.

Mario Party: The Top 100

Platform - Nintendo 3DS

1999 saw the debut of the now prolific, Mario Party franchise. Each game in the series had a set of levels which played out as board games. Players took turns to roll a dice and move just like real-life board games, except you'd stop once per turn for a mini-game. The mini-games were vast and all featured their own mechanics, which made for a consistently fresh experience.

You and three friends competed in these games over and over, collecting coins and stars until a winner was decided. With ten mainline entries, as well as a few spin-offs across multiple Nintendo consoles, the series has seen nearly 20 years of action, earning the title of the longest running mini-game series in video game history. 

Mario Party: The Top 100 capitalizes on the series' massive library of mini-games by compiling remakes of, what Nintendo believes to be, the best hundred games. Remember Hexagon Heat, Bumper Balls, or Bounce 'n Trounce? Those are but a few of the titles that make it into this entry. You can also group up with four friends in local multiplayer and battle it out together.

While this is a fantastic idea, and I love that Mario Party still persists as a popular series, this release was somewhat soured by the fact that it wasn't released on the Switch. We can only hope that it's because Nintendo are hard at work on a new Switch exclusive mainline entry in the Mario Party series. After all, the Switch seems perfect for these types of party games.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Platform - Nintendo 3DS

The remake of the 2003 GBA title, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga returns the famous brothers to the Beanbean Kingdom to save Princess Peach's voice. Boasting beautiful visuals reminiscent of more recent 2D Mario outings like Dream Team and Paper Jam, Superstar Saga was rebuilt from the ground up. The Superstar Saga remake is as beautiful now as it was when it originally released.

Recreating the world of the Beanbean Kingdom, it features new animations, textures, and even an arranged soundtrack by Mario & Luigi series veteran composer, Yoko Shimomura, who also composed the soundtrack for Kingdom Hearts. Fun fact -- Shimomura also composed for Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the very first in the series.

The new Bowser's Minions mode revolves around a Goomba who wants to break the mold and become a leader to prove that not all Goombas are weak. To accomplish this, he builds a team of followers in an attempt to rescue Bowser. The battle system is completely different in this mode, where your characters and the enemies will butt heads before you go in for a finisher. Timing your hit is crucial, as it may make or break battles.

Some of the more recent Mario & Luigi titles have been less popular, largely due to odd gimmicks, fetch quests, overly long tutorials, or pointless padding. Superstar Saga foregoes all that to deliver a faithful recreation of the original title. The Bros. Attacks return, and are easier to master than ever, giving you access to Secret moves. You may also notice some subtle changes, such as NPCs from recent titles or even new pieces of music. For newcomers, Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions is the perfect entry-point into the series and for veterans, this may very well be the best in the series to date. 

Undoubtedly, Superstar Saga was one of the Game Boy Advance's finest titles, and it's 3DS counterpart only solidifies it's legacy.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

Platform - Nintendo Switch

What started as rumored crossover idea, became a dream come true. The Rabbids' return from obscurity was a huge surprise, especially since they've joined forces with Mario and friends in an epically insane adventure, filled with laughs and silly escapades. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a turn-based strategy game, not unlike the X-COM games, in which Mario groups up with two companions, choosing from Rabbids and classic Mario characters, to restore their merged worlds back to normal.

The gameplay is so far away from Mario's usual jumping based platforming, even going so far as giving him a gun. However, the strength of the gameplay is convincing enough that it let us expand our idea of what 'good Mario games' can be. It's a well-polished adventure that looks as gorgeous as it plays. Thankfully, it shipped with enough content to satiate fans until the DLC released in October which included new Ultra Hard challenge maps, new weapons, and some co-op missions. 

The wonderfully Nintendo score is composed by Grant Kirkhope, a veteran composer behind hits like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64. Kirkhope offers many memorable themes for a strangely memorable video game.

In what could have been a huge misstep on Nintendo's part, the risk of handing their most beloved property to Ubisoft has been a huge success. I, as well as many fans, am still trying to figure how this wasn't a complete disaster. Rabbids, huh. Who knew?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Platform - Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch's MK 8 Deluxe is the re-release of 2014's Mario Kart 8 which was originally available on the Wii U. Boasting native 1080p and 60 FPS when docked, the game's visuals are only drop in the ocean when it comes to the improvements made to the beloved racing game. 

Most notably is the addition of a more fleshed out Battle Mode which included a plethora of modes under it's umbrella. While there was a form of Battle Mode in the Wii U version, it wasn't the same type of open-map-balloon-blasting we all know and love. In addition to Balloon Blast, new game-modes have been introduced such as Shine Thief, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners and, Renegade Roundup.

Renegade Roundup, which is a spin on the cops and robbers game-type, is a particularly great addition to the game. One team is on the run, while the other chase them around with Piranha Plants to put them in jail. What makes this mode so fun is that the team on the run can actually release their team-mates from jail if they drive under the jail, which makes for some outrageously rewarding moments.

All DLC packs from the original Wii U version has also been included, as well as new characters exclusive to the Deluxe version including King Boo, Dry Bones, Inklings from Splatoon, and Bowser Jr. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has also received some balance tweaking. Lightweight karts are now more feasible for in high tier races, an additional level of mini-turbo boosting has been added, and various karts and tires' stats have been tweaked. 

Given the hefty expansion of content to an already great game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is considered among the very best of the Mario Kart series.

Super Mario Run

Platform - iOS, Android

Boasting dozens of stages, Super Mario Run's gimmick this time around was that Mario would continuously run through the level, only giving the player control over his jumping. As with traditional 2D Mario titles, you collect power-ups like Mushrooms and Stars along the way, vaulting on and over enemies to clear your path all the way to the top of the flagpole.

The coins that you collect throughout your time playing are spent on upgrading your Kingdom in the Kingdom Builder mode. This in turn allows you to unlock some of Mario's companions to play as, which is not only a refreshing cosmetic change of pace, but each character also has their own unique traits meaning you can choose the character that best fits your play-style or a certain level.

Completing levels also awards you with Toad Rally Tickets, which is a new game-mode introduced in Mario Run. In this mode you can race other players' best times on various stages, earning you coins and Toads, allowing you to even further build out your Kingdom.

Super Mario Run continues to be updated by Nintendo, with a noteworthy update recently being added to the game in September. A new world has been added as well as a new character to unlock. A more significant part of the update, however, is the Remix 10 game-mode. This allows you to listen to your own music while you blast through a random selection of 10 levels at a time. Your character even dons a pair of headphones to signify that you're not listening to the in-game music. Making your way to World 30 unlocks the new character, Daisy, who joins the cast alongside Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Toadette.

While Nintendo's first foray into mobile gaming wasn't the financial success they were hoping for, it was only the beginning of the year of Mario.

Mario has had many great games in the 30 plus years since we were first introduced to him in Donkey Kong. From 1985's Super Mario Bros, to 2007's Super Mario Galaxy, a year doesn't go by that doesn't feature a Mario game in some shape or form. Be it a classic platformer or one of the plumber's many 3D spin-offs, the Mario series has been a consistent source of quality games since the beginning of the video games phenomenon.

What makes 2017 so special is the multitude of different Mario games across various genres. These titles re-tell an epic RPG adventure, bring Mario to mobile devices for the first time, and break all new ground in the world of gaming by changing up everything we think we know about the series.

So let's take a look into Mario's illustrious journey this year, and find out why 2017 may very well be the year of video games for everyone's favourite Italian plumber.

Since its release in March, dozens of games have already been released on Nintendo's newest console. Some of those on the Switch are brand new games, while others are re-releases and ports. And while there are some games that are geared more toward teens and adults, there are still some great games that children of all ages can play.

This list will cover five of the best games for children on the Nintendo Switch. Of course, all of these games can be played anyone at any age, not just children. But these games are those that you'll definitely be able to pick up for your kids this holiday season. 

Let's dive in. 

5. 1-2-Switch

1-2-Switch is a great game to buy a child if you want them to spend time with the family. And although it is a multiplayer-only game, that means everyone in the family can (and probably should) play together. There are tons of mini-games to choose from, each one different from the last. These mini-games make use of certain features of the Switch controllers, such as the Joycons' improved rumble feature. It can also be fun to watch other people

Each mini-game makes use of certain features of the Switch controllers, such as the Joycons' improved rumble feature, motion control, and more. 1-2-Switch has everything from Quickdraw (family-friendly) Wild West shootouts and Samurai Training to Table Tennis, Boxing, Dance Off, and much more.  

You can buy 1-2-Switch on Amazon for $49.99

4. Rayman Legends Definitive Edition

Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is a Nintendo Switch remake of Raymon Legends. It is a fun platformer game where you play as one of four characters with different special moves. You guide these characters through various (zany) levels as they defeat enemies and rescue those in need. 

Each of these characters also has different outfits that you can unlock or purchase with in-game currency. The colors in the game work very well together, especially in regards to the different characters. And the sound design is impeccable.This is also a great game for multiple people since up to four people can play together.

Rayman Legends is also a great game for multiple people since up to four people can play together at the same time. This could very well be the perfect game to pick up for the entire family this holiday season. 

You can buy Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition on Amazon for $39.99. 

3. Lego Worlds

Lego Worlds is an open-world, Minecraft-style game solely made of Lego blocks. The player has the ability to change the world as they see fit. The player can create anything, including mountains and islands, and they can explore their world however they see fit, whether that be riding on the back of a dragon or riding around on a motorcycle. At the start of the game. they are an astronaut, but the farther they progress into the game, the more they can change their character. 

At the start of the game. they are an astronaut, but the farther they progress into the game, the more they can change their character. Needless to say, this is a kid- and family-friendly sandbox experience that will deliver hours and hours of entertainment. 

You can buy Lego Worlds on Amazon for $39.99.

2. Skylanders Imaginators

The Skylanders franchise has been around since 2011 -- and its popularity hasn't waned in all of those years, especially with kids. This specific variation allows for players to create their own Skylanders in-game, as long as they have the correct creation crystal for the type they want to make. 

So while it can be a bit pricey to get your child hooked on Skylanders, it's an investment that keeps giving back year after year. Activision provides massive support for the game and the figures double as toys -- so you're getting double the bang for your proverbial buck. 

You can buy the Skylanders Starter Pack on Amazon for $58.00. 

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart is always a big hit with children. This specific version is a re-release of the version for Wii U. However, the Switch version of Mario Kart 8 comes with all of the DLC characters and races from the Wii U version. With a large variety of tracks on which to compete, and a plethora of characters to race as, this game is highly replayable. And di we mention up to four players can face off to see who's the king of the track? 

You can buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Amazon for $59.99. 

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While all of these games vary in type from each other, they are all great for children. And even better? The whole family can get in on the action, too! 

Are there any games you think should have been included in this list? Let us know in the comments.

Though most of these characters are admittedly unlikely to make the cut, it's hard not to dream. As long as they stop adding koopalings and Marios, though, I'll be happy. 

We came up with eight characters that we wanted in Mario Kart and then even managed to think of seven more. So which characters, Nintendo or otherwise, would you like to see in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!

[Image: https://www.mariowiki.com/R.O.B.]

R.O.B.

This one is admittedly the most probable on this list due to R.O.B. having actually already appeared in Mario Kart DS. In fact, the robotic operating buddy even has the distinction of being the first non-Mario character to be playable in a Mario Kart game. Take that, Link.

Despite Mario Kart DS being R.O.B.'s first and only foray into the racing world, his renewal on the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U roster proves that he has not been forgotten. Perhaps someday we will get to see those innocent robo-eyes behind the wheel of a kart again. 

[Image: http://metroid.wikia.com/wiki/File:SSB4_Wii_U_Congratulations_Classic_Zero_Suit_Samus.png]

Samus/Zero Suit Samus

Not only could our favorite forgotten bounty hunter be included in the next Mario Kart, but we could even see two different characters: the armored and zero suit version, as heavy and medium weight racers respectively. That may sound silly, but don't forget that this is the same series that currently has five distinct playable versions of Mario. Now does anyone care to take bets on whether we'll see either of these two in a Metroid game or a Mario Kart first?

[Image: https://www.mariowiki.com/Nabbit]

Nabbit

Despite only being first introduced to the franchise in New Super Mario Bros. U in 2012, Nabbit has already gotten (or should I say stolen) a few turns as a playable character. After being playable in New Super Luigi U, Mario Golf: World Tour, and Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, it seems only logical for his next step to be stealing the spotlight in Mario Kart. 

[Image: https://www.mariowiki.com/Toadsworth]

Toadsworth

You may be tempted to count him out of racing due to his old age, but don't forget that Toadsworth was actually a playable character in both of the Mario baseball games. I don't know why he's never been included in anything besides baseball, but maybe it's time for him to put down the bat and pick up the...um...kart?

[Image: http://pikmin.wikia.com/wiki/Pikmin_family]

Pikmin

No, I do not mean a pikmin. I mean pikmin, as in the plural form of pikmin. Just like how a swarm of pikmin must band together to defeat a single large enemy, I want to see a team of these little guys working together to operate a single racing kart. That means three of them handling the steering wheel, four of them on item duty, another pair operating the glider, etc.

I think it would make for a very comical scene to watch seven or so little pikmin hopping around the seat of a kart trying to maneuver it through one of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's wild tracks, especially with Luigi staring daggers at them from second place.

[Image: https://www.mariowiki.com/Fawful]

Fawful

This recurring antagonist in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga just needs more attention all around. Everything you need to know about Fawful is in the image above. He's just...Fawful.

[Image: https://www.mariowiki.com/Geno]

Geno

The fan-favorite party member from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars hasn't received much screen time since his debut aside from a few cameos here and there, but that hasn't stopped players from begging for him to be in every Super Smash Bros. game since Melee. And while it may be even more of a long shot to see him behind the wheel of a racing kart, it would be fantastic nonetheless. 

With the addition of Link, the inklings, and Animal Crossing characters into Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo has really opened the door for a Smash Bros-esque collage of Nintendo IP to be playable in the popular racing game franchise.

We may have already broken down the 8 Characters That Should Be Added To Mario Kart here on GameSkinny, but the Nintendoverse is simply too huge to be compressed into just one small list; so here we are with 7 more characters that should be added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 

There are 5 main stats in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Speed, Acceleration, Weight, Handling, and Traction. But did you know there are Hidden Stats on characters and karts that wildly impact things like how well you drive underwater or how easily you build Mini-Turbo?

That's right, if you've ever had a hard time on a water track or found the new purple Ultra Mini-Turbos tricky to pull off, you may benefit from a better combination. Before you dive into the ocean of Hidden Stats, however, it helps to know what they can do to help you.

The Nuances of Speed & Handling in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

In the stats window that pops up when you press the + or - button while selecting your kart parts, you'll see a variety of attributes including Speed and Handling. If you've been racing repeatedly with a combination, you may start to feel like your Speed and Handling stats aren't reflected in every situation.

That's because the displayed value specifically depicts the combo's Speed and Handling while on the Ground. There are indeed different, hidden Speed and Handling stats attributed to other environments.

• High Water attributes help with your speed and ability to turn while underwater. Note that this doesn't affect your potential in shallow currents such as the ones found in Wild Woods and Big Blue.
• High Air attributes help with your Speed and Handling while gliding. This doesn't affect your potential on jumps and isn't really worth building a combination around.
• High Anti-Gravity attributes help with your Speed and Handling on Anti-Gravity sections of the course, where your wheels aren't touching the ground. Time Trials on tracks like Mute City, Rainbow Road, and Big Blue really benefit from combinations based on this stat.

For casual online racing, these stats aren't really too important. However, when you're working on Time Trials, it helps to create the best combination for each track if you hope to hit top speeds.

That doesn't mean all hidden stats are useless in casual play, however.

Why You Should Build for Mini-Turbo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The Nintendo Switch version of MK8D introduced a third, purple tier of drift boost: the Ultra Mini-Turbo. This new Mini-Turbo boosts your speed for a whopping 2.633 seconds -- which is truly monstrous compared to the orange and blue turbos that only boost you for 1.674 and 0.621 seconds respectfully.

The catch is that the level 3 Mini-Turbo is generally difficult to pull off on most turns. However, you can minimize the effort needed to pull off an Ultra Mini-Turbo by increasing the hidden Mini Turbo stat.

Mini-Turbo Build vs General Speed Build

This was never a good idea before, since getting a blue and orange Mini-Turbo is incredibly easy. But the purple drift boost makes it worth it. The higher your Mini-Turbo stat, the easier it is to achieve the lucrative purple spark boost.

Unfortunately, higher Mini-Turbo stats means sacrificing some Speed, so be careful to make the cuts where appropriate. Try to maximize the possible amount of Speed and Mini-Turbo you can get together -- the Rosalina build in the above picture is a decent example.

If you pump up your Mini-Turbo stat and still have trouble hitting purple drift boosts, then I suggest checking to make sure that you have Auto-Steering turned off. Otherwise, just work on extending your drifts and you'll get the hang of it eventually.

You can find a complete list of updated hidden stats on the Mario wiki.

Are you going to try any new combos? Share your best kart combinations in the comments below! Looking for more Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tips? Check out a few of our guides:

• How to Make the Best Character Kart Combos
• How to Unlock Everything in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• How to Set Up Your Own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe LAN Party
• 6 Tips and Tricks for Burning Rubber in 200cc

LAN parties are somewhat a thing of the past since players nowadays don't generally lug around entire computer setups or TV-Console combos to their neighbor's house. However, in the case of the Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe this might actually be a viable option since the console is portable, and so is the dock. Even without a TV setup, the Nintendo Switch can still benefit from LAN mode while at a friend's house since even a wired connection is quite a bit smoother than the Switch's wireless mode.

Without further ado, here's how you can set up a LAN party to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch!

The Setup

What you need to have...

• A Nintendo Switch
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Any kind of router
• Friends, rivals, or family with their own copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Nintendo Switch consoles
• OPTIONAL: USB compatible LAN adapters, Ethernet cables, Nintendo Switch Docks, and TVs

What you need to do...

To enable the "LAN Play" option, simply go to the main menu of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, hold down L and R, then press down on the left joystick. This will change "Wireless Play" to "LAN Play." From there, you can choose to play LAN games in either single player per console or two player split-screen. Before we can actually create a LAN room, you will need to be connected to a LAN server. This means getting yourself a router that you can connect all of your Nintendo Switch consoles to.

While Nintendo Minute released a video detailing that LAN parties require a wired connection via an Ethernet-based router, this is not the case. In fact, in my tests you can still create a LAN room with a wireless connection. However, Ethernet-based routers are much faster -- and more convenient thanks to lack of wireless setup -- so I would only do this if wired connections are out of the question or if you have an 802.11 a/c connection. You can still get some benefit out of an 802.11 b/g/n connection, but the lower frequency makes it only slightly better than the native wireless play.

Get Playing!

Once you have your LAN setup done, the process is the same as with a regular wireless or internet room. While a LAN party may not be the most efficient way to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it's certainly the way to play if you're looking to get extra competitive. So what are you waiting for? Let's race!

Will you ever find a use for LAN mode? Happy that LAN mode is actually included at all? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Even if you are not the biggest fan of video games, it would be hard to miss Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It has had one of the most successful marketing campaigns in a while for Nintendo -- even a trip to Target will show you just how much Nintendo put in effort for this release, with the shopping carts turning into karts from the game. Some of those red balls in front of the stores are covered with Luigi and Mario skins. 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has come in first place with its day one sales, selling just over 450,000 copies in the first 24 hours. It's the fastest selling Mario Kart game to date and only time will tell if it's the best selling Mario Kart game of all time.

That sales number includes both digital and packaged copies of the game and has an attach rate of 45 percent, which means that nearly half of all Nintendo Switch owners bought a copy of the game. Mario Kart Deluxe has also been given great reviews from almost every critic. Metacritic gave the game a score of 93, which ties the Mario Kart: Super Circuit previously held record.

What do you think is the best Mario Kart game of all time? Have you played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? State your favorite in the comments below!

The definitive edition of Mario Kart 8 -- the fastest selling title in franchise history-- is now available for the Nintendo Switch, with many console owners having already or planning to purchase it.

Although Mario Kart 8 DX has most characters, tracks, karts, and parts unlocked at the start, there are still a few which players will need to unlock themselves by playing through the game. Here are the various ways to access these unlockables.

Karts

Plenty of karts are already available at the start, but a few other karts are unlocked at random through collecting coins. Every 30 coins collected can win you a new kart, which increases to every 50 coins after passing the 500 collected coins mark.

In Mario Kart 8 DX, there are 23 different karts, which includes the new Switch exclusive Koopa Clown Kart, as well as 17 different bikes, including the Switch exclusive Splatoon themed vehicles, the Inkstriker and the Splat Buggy.

Parts

Like Karts, all parts unlock as you collect coins via the races you participate in. Parts will unlock at random with every 30 coins collected and increases to 50 coins once you've collected a total of 500. These unlockable parts include 21 different wheels and 14 different gliders.

Special Gold Parts

There are also two Gold parts and a special gold kart you can unlock.

The first and easiest of these gold items to unlock is the Gold Glider. To unlock it, you must have collected 10,000 coins in total, an easy feat if for any avid Mario Kart player.

To unlock the second of these gold items, the Gold Tires, you have to beat every Staff Ghost in Time Trial mode at 150cc. A bit more difficult to unlock than the Gold Glider, but still manageable for those who know what they're doing.

And finally, to unlock the Gold Standard Kart, you must win every Cup with a single star on both 150cc and Mirror Mode in Grand Prix. By far the hardest of these three items to unlock, but not quite as hard as the next, and perhaps biggest, unlockable...

Gold Mario

To unlock Gold Mario, which is just a skin swap for Metal Mario -- but still a separate character -- you must  get first place in all cups in the Grand Prix at 200cc. 200cc was first introduced in the original version of Mario Kart 8 and is not only the fastest but also the toughest difficulty in the game. Unlocking Gold Mario will prove to be an arduous task for even the best players.

Now you know the different methods to unlock everything in Mario Kart 8 DX for the Nintendo Switch, we hope this information helped. Is there anything we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is here, and now that we finally have the game on hand the question arises of whether or not it's worth shelling out the extra koopa coins on Nintendo's definitive Switch edition of the original Wii U title. Today, we'll look at everything Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has to offer to help you make that decision for yourself -- assuming you've had the chance to get your hands on the elusive Nintendo Switch in the first place!

New Characters and DLC Tracks

One of the benefits of playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe over its predecessor is the massive character roster. Whereas the original Mario Kart 8 had you slowly unlock its 30 character roster -- while 6 others were later released as DLC -- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has its entire roster of 42 characters unlocked from the start. The only exception to this rule is Gold Mario (highlighted on the right) who acts as a reward for completing all 12 cups in 1st place in 200 cc.

Otherwise, all the DLC characters, as well as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe exclusive characters (Inkling Boy, Inkling Girl, King Boo, Baby Bowser, and Dry Bones) are all unlocked from the start. DLC tracks and karts such as the Mercedes-Benz DLC are also included.  As such, this is certainly the definitive version to buy if you don't have the DLC on the Wii U version or never got it to begin with.

Battle Mode Returns

"Out with the new, and in with the old" is the sweet irony of the revamped battle mode for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While the original Wii U title had its own battle mode in the form of a race track balloon battle, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings back the chaotic feelings of old school battle modes. The modes reintroduced (among a couple of new ones) in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe include:

• Balloon Battle: Pop your opponents' balloons to win.
• Bob-omb Blast: Collect Bob-ombs and blow your opponents to smithereens.
• Renegade Roundup: One team tries to capture the enemy team by biting them with Piranha Plants.
• Coin Runners: Collect as many coins in the stage as possible.
• Shine Thief: Hold the Shrine Sprite for 20 seconds to win.

With these modes comes 8 dedicated battle mode maps consisting of:

• Battle Stadium
• Dragon Palace
• Lunar Colony
• Sweet Sweet Kingdom
• Wuhu Town (from Mario Kart 7)
• Battle Course 1 (from Super Mario Kart)
• Luigi's Mansion (from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)

If battle mode is important to you, then it might be worth trading in your old copy of Mario Kart 8 for the Switch version. After all, Battle Mode is a great causal game mode for friends or family who don't necessary have their racing legs grown in yet. This is particularly true of the Bob-omb Blast game mode as the chaotic fun of throwing Bob-ombs all over the map in an attempt to defeat your opponents is something everyone who loves Mario Kart should experience.

If you're not interested in Battle Mode, then you're not missing out on much as the racing is where most players will spend the bulk of their time, and at the time of this article's release Nintendo has not announced any plans for Switch exclusive DLC tracks.

60 FPS Done Right

While players most likely never noticed this during gameplay, Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U was actually locked at a strange 59 frames per second. This was due to a bug that went completely overlooked by Nintendo -- even to this day -- where the game would run a duplicate of a previous frame every 60 frames. Most people would likely never see this in their own title since you're immersed in the action, but as GameXplain puts it in their own coverage of the issue: "once you know about it, there's no going back."

What's more, the Nintendo Switch version of Mario Kart 8 will run at a native 1080p while docked instead of the Wii U's 720p. Once again, this won't seem like much to someone who doesn't note these things easily; however, the crispness of a native 1080p resolution is difficult to turn down once you've experienced it. Impressively, the game still runs at 720p on the Switch when used in handheld mode. As such, it's the perfect on-the-go game if you want to play while on the road.

Balance Changes

Shown above are the stats screens for Mario's standard Kart setup with Mario Kart 8 on the left, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the right.

Changes to individual character stats have been made in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as well. In the original Mario Kart 8, characters were divided into 3 classes that contained a total of 9 subclasses. While the divisions weren't the source of the reason for change, the Heavyweight class was particularly unbalanced since the distribution of acceleration, weight, and speed between classes was skewed to slightly favor Heavy racers.

This was primarily due to the fact that Lightweights -- which are supposed to have the advantage of near-instant acceleration to make up for their lack of speed and weight - had acceleration speeds that were far too low to warrant their use. This was doubly true for the medium class whose acceleration in some cases was low enough to be considered as a heavy class, but top speed was far too low to compensate.

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, characters have been further divided into 16 different subclasses. In the chart below I have compared the stats of the lightest, median, and heaviest classes to show just how much has been changed in terms of point distribution:

As clearly seen, there is a great difference between classes and their statistics now. There's also quite a bit of variety in between the extremes, so if you're interested you can check out the Mario Wiki for both Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to see not only these stats, but also various "hidden stats" ripped out from the game's code.

Fire Hopping

While Nintendo has done a good job of telling everyone what's new in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, what they haven't been so transparent about is what has been removed. This feature is none other than what the competitive Mario Kart scene refers to as: "fire hopping" or "bunny hopping."

Often used in time attack and higher MMR brackets of Mario Kart 8, fire hopping is the exploit where players can abuse the game's physics to gain extra momentum while boosting. This was done by hopping into left and right drifts in rapid succession as it holds the player in the air just a bit longer, and thus makes the most of the short boosts. This exploit has been removed from Mario Kart 8, most likely to lower the skill ceiling in a game that isn't originally intended to be highly competitive.

That's it Folks!

If you have a Nintendo Switch, it's hard to turn down Mario Kart 8 Deluxe since it's got everything you'd want from Mario Kart and more. That said, I personally wouldn't recommend picking up a Nintendo Switch based on this game alone unless you have other games in mind. I racked up hundreds of hours in Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, and I imagine it will be just as easy to do so in the Switch release -- if not easier due to the game's portability.

That said, will you be picking up a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Tell us why or why not in the comments section below!

If you ever wanted to experience a little Mario Kart mayhem in reality, you might want to pay a visit to your local Target store within the next few weeks.

The U.S. chain-store is currently promoting the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by kitting out their 650+ stores nationwide in a range of Mario-themed decorations.

You'll find that a number of their shopping carts have been upgraded to "Super Target Karts" -- made to look like the the games' vehicles, which allow you to "play" as Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach as you shop.

The promotion also decorates the stores' entrances, making them look like the starting line in the racing games. Rigged with a sensor system, the entrances set off flashing lights and play the infamous countdown timer from the Mario Kart games whenever customers walk through the door, followed by the Super Mario theme tune.

Outside the store, you'll be greeted by Mario and Luigi as Target's usual red bollards have been transformed into the likeness of the famous duo.

The promotion only runs for a few short weeks, so head to your local Target as soon as possible if you want to experience the fun for yourself!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is out on Nintendo Switch on April 28th.

Kart Racing in Style

There have been no additional DLC characters or new titles for the franchise announced yet, so it's hard to determine if any of these or other characters will be added in the future.

With plenty of unique tracks  and vehicles to be included alongside these wanted characters, it would be a shame if Nintendo didn't add at least a few of them to their popular kart racing franchise.

What characters do you think should be added to Mario Kart? Let us know in the comments!

Shigeru Miyamoto

Former Respesentative Director/Current Creative Fellow of Nintendo

Honorable Mentions: Satoru Iwata, Reggie Fils-Aime

Shigeru Miyamoto is perhaps one of the most well known video game creators of all time. From games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox, as well as a plethora of other games, Shigeru Miyamoto has become a household name for most gamers.

Of course, you could just make a Mii character of Miyamoto to use in the game and call it a day, but that would be a missed opportunity. At E3 2015, the Nintendo Direct presentation included puppets for Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata, and Reggie Fils-Aime, created by Jim Henson Studios. Muppet Miyamoto would fit right in as a Mario Kart character, and would easily translate to the games more cartoon like graphical style.

It may be a long shot, but it would be cool to see this acclaimed video game creator appear as a playable character.

Captain Falcon

Character in the F-Zero Series and Popular Super Smash Bros. Character

The Falcon Punching, anti gravity racing pilot may not have a new game in his own series to star in at the moment, but he could at least have a cameo in Mario Kart.

Putting Captain Falcon in Mario Kart also actually makes a bit more sense than it does for other characters. How does Link even know how a Kart works? There were never any cars in Hyrule. At least Captain Falcon is from a racing game, and he'd fit right in on any course in a 200 CC circuit, although that still may be too slow for him.

Hopefully Captain Falcon will show us his moves in Mario Kart someday soon.

Don-Chan

Character Mascot for Taiko Drum Master Game Series

This adorable Japanese mascot has recently had some cameo appearances in other Nintendo games, such as appearing in the most recent Super Smash Bros. as one of the characters Pac-Man can call upon at random when using his Namco Roulette taunt, and as a befriendable Yo-Kai in Yo-Kai Watch 2 for the Nintendo 3DS. Don-Chan has also appeared as a playable character in the Japan exclusive Mario Kart Arcade GP DX.

Don-Chan should be added to Mario Kart proper because of his cuteness, and as a way to gauge interest in the Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko: Drum Master in English) video game series. If Don-Chan became more popular and recognizable to gamers in the west, maybe a guest a appearance in Mario Kart could help the next game in the Taiko series get a western release.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Main Character of the Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise

Mario and Sonic seem to have plenty of fun in Super Smash Bros. and at the olympic games, so why not put the blue blur in Mario Kart as well?

Sonic himself has already been in two kart racing games, Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing, as well as the sequel, Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing Transformed, so he would be a welcome addition to Mario Kart.

With how fast the Mario Kart series has become, Green Hill Zone and Emerald Coast would be great additions to the selection of race tracks, especially with the addition of the 200cc mode introduced in Mario Kart 8.

Like Pac-Man, the Sonic Amiibo unlocks a Sonic Mii Oufit, but it's about time for the real blue hedgehog to start racing again.

Pac-Man

Main Character of Pac-Man Franchise

After appearing in a racing game of his own, known as Pac-Man World Rally, as a playable character in the most recent Super Smash Bros. title, and in the Mario Kart Arcade GP series, it's about time for Pac-Man to be added to Mario Kart proper. There are even race tracks in the Arcade GP series that can be added alongside Pac-man, such as the Pac Labyrinth and Pac Mountain tracks.

In the original Mario Kart 8, the Pac-Man Amiibo can be scanned to obtain a special Mii outfit featuring Pac-Man's classic sprite. But its time for fans to get the real thing.

Professor E. Gadd

Character in Luigi's Mansion Series

This popular character from the Luigi's Mansion series is long overdue for his appearance in Mario Kart.

This ghost hunting old man could have his own unique variation of the Poltergust 4000 kart and a special ability when getting the Boo item stealer.

There is apparently evidence in a prototype demo that the gibberish speaking inventor was to be a playable character in Mario Kart DS, but was replaced by Dry Bones in the final version, a character also returning in Mario Kart 8 DX.

Paper Mario

Main Character of the Paper Mario Video Game Series

Fans of the Paper Mario series haven't been as fond of the franchise in recent years, with the latest entry, Paper Mario Color Splash, releasing near the end of the Wii U's lifespan and releasing to mixed reviews.

The Paper Mario series may be on the decline, but maybe putting the titular character in Mario Kart will help satisfy some fans, if only temporarily.

They could even have his kart turn into a paper airplane when jumping off of ramps for long jumps.

Paper Mario may not be the most likely addition to a game in which several different versions of Mario are already playable, but maybe the paper plumber will make an appearance one day.

Goomba

Well Known Enemy in Super Mario Franchise

Yeah Goombas don't have hands, so what? It's about time they get the upgrade from obstacle to driver. How will it drive? Who knows? You're already playing a game where turtles, mushrooms, and squid people are kart racing, so is that really the question you should be asking?

Goombas are the first enemy encountered in the very first Super Mario Bros., before Koopas or ParaKoopas and long before King Koopa Bowser himself. As such, Goombas have become some of the most well-known and iconic enemies in the entire Mario series, appearing in almost every title.

Maybe Goombas don't have hands, but that just adds humor to them driving a kart.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the definitive edition of Mario Kart 8 released this week for the Nintendo Switch, and has been a highly anticipated title for most Nintendo fans.

Mario Kart 8  for the Wii U was the first game in the franchise to introduce new characters as DLC, which will all be included in Mario Kart 8 DX, along with a few added characters exclusive to the game.

Although Mario Kart 8 DX contains all the previous DLC from Mario Kart 8 and at this time no additional DLC has been announce for the DX version, here are 10 characters who should either be added to the next Mario Kart title or added to Mario Kart 8 DX as extra DLC.

Nintendo Direct is the place for all things Nintendo related -- and we just got treated to another one on April 12. During the sizeable stream, we got all the latest news on release dates, upcoming games, and more.

Here's a recap of tonight's live coverage:

Nintendo Switch

Since the release of the Nintendo Switch people have been speculating what games will come out and when. During the Nintendo Direct coverage, we got a glimpse as to what to expect in the next year.

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, according to Nintendo, allows you to:

Create, Explore and Survive alone or with up to 8 'crafters together online, while 4 can join each other in local multiplayer on the TV or in tabletop mode, supporting both split screen and the Pro Controller.

The game will be released on May 11, 2017 with Super Mario Bros. themed content such as: 40 themed skins (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, etc.), Super Mario World, islands shaped like Warp Pipes, Mario themed puzzles, etc.

Sine Mora EX

Sine Mora EX is a shoot-em-up game that has both a story and arcade mode. Story mode can be played in local co-op mode. This game has two story lines. In one, you are a father who seeks revenge against the Empire that murdered your son. In the second, you want revenge on the Empire for destroying your race -- known as Enkies. You are one of the few remaining survivors. The game is set in different eras on a planet similar to Earth.

This version has 7 diverse stages, risk and reward, a versus mode, and time extension based gameplay. It is set to release this Summer (2017).

Namco Museum

Namco Museum is essentially a compilation of several Nintendo games including: Pac-Man (1980), Galaga (1981), Dig Dug (1982), Tower of Druaga (1984), Sky Kid (1985), Rolling Thunder (1986), Galaga '88 (1987), Splatterhouse (1988), Rolling Thunder 2 (1990), and Tank Force (1991).

Nintendo has had success with this type of compilation in the past, so we'll see if it's the same for the Switch. Namco Museum is set to release in Summer 2017.

Battlechasers: Nightcrawler

According to Nintendo, Battlechasers: Nightcrawler is:

An RPG inspired by the classic console greats, featuring deep dungeon diving, turn-based combat presented in a classic JRPG format, and a rich story driven by exploration of the world.

In this game, you have a choice of playing one of three characters, who you must help survive. The game has a lot of exploration, and is known for its world building. It will be available for the Nintendo Switch during Late Summer of 2017.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic game that is beloved by most people -- when blood isn't being shed over who owns what property, that is.

In the Nintendo Switch version, set to release in Fall of 2017 there are three different 3D boards to choose from, you can play using 1 of 6 different sets of rules (no making it up like you do with the board game), and you can play with other people online. It's the game that keeps on giving.

Arms

Arms is a fighting game created by Nintendo themselves. It's a two player game in which competitors are able to choose a character and the type of arm that they wish to battle with.

Choose from characters like Minmin, who fights using ramen and martial arts, Springman, who is able to emit waves that deflect punches and powerful counterattacks, as well as a few others. Their arms vary as well including a glove type, multi-shot, curve, heavy, and whip. Each arm has special attributes like Fire, Electric, Wind, Ice, Explosion, Stun, and Blind.

One thing that might be interesting to see with this game is the two on two battle mode.

Although Amazon had released two different dates for the game, the official release date was confirmed as being set for June 16, 2017.

Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is a team based third person shooter that was created by Nintendo for the Switch. In this game, there can be up to eight players in online four-versus-four matches. This version contains a new boss known as a "Steelhead" and the goal of the game is to beat him while placing Golden Eggs in a basket to be harvested.

Along with Splatoon 2 is the release of three Splatoon Amiibo's including: Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, and Inkling Squid. Each of these figures can appear in game as friends. You can swap outfits with them, snap pictures, and they'll even remember your favorite settings. The game is even compatible with previous Amiibo models.

Although Amazon had two different release dates for Splatoon 2, rest assured that the official release date is July 21, 2017.

Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo Switch is not the only console worth covering on the Nintendo Direct page. The Nintendo 3DS is also getting an entire new set of games to be released this year. Below are a few of the titles mentioned.

Bye-Bye BoxBoy

Nintendo's Bye-Bye BoxBoy seems like it will be intense. Nintendo uses the following description as a way to lure players to the world where a box named Qbby is the only hope for the world:

Qbby is no ordinary box. Using his four startling new powers, you must solve hundreds of puzzles across 18 deadly worlds. Create boxes to climb, hover, warp, and bomb your way to salvation! Whether you're a newcomer or an old vet, thinking outside the box has never been more fun.

The game lets you visit 18 different worlds, create boxes that help you solve never before seen puzzles, and save something known as a QBaby. It is set to release tonight, April 12, 2017.

Team Kirby Clash

For the 25th Anniversary of Kirby, Nintendo has released Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, a free-to-start multi-player action game. You can play as four different characters: Sword Hero, Beam Mage, Dr. Healmore, or the Hammer Lord.

This version contains a ton of quests, new armor and weapons, and new amiibo figures! It was released today.

RPG Maker Fes

Have you ever wanted to create a game, but didn't have the know-how to do so? Enter: RPG Maker Fes. A game that allows you to create your very own RPG.

The easy to use tools, customized content, and the ability to play and share makes developing games look easy. Be ready for it on June 27, 2017.

Culdcept Revolt

Last on our list of Nintendo 3DS games is Culdcept Revolt. It's celebrating its 20th Anniversary in style. Nintendo had this to say about it:

...the addictive card game-meets-board game is back, bigger and better than ever with hundreds of new cards, inventive boards, and exciting multiplayer! 

In this game, you follow a character named Allen who is a recruit for a force known as the "Free Bat" forces. Your job is to fight for freedom and gain your independence from the dictator Count Krannis.

With its boasts of addictive fantasy gameplay, near endless strategy, and the ability to play solo or online Culdcept Revolt might just make it to the top of games to play. It will be on the market on August 29, 2017.

In Case You Missed It...

If you missed the Nintendo Direct coverage, don't fret. I've got you covered. Just check out the video below!

Happy Playing

Whether you decide to wait for the releases of Arms and Splatoon 2 or play a few games in between, I support your gaming decisions -- probably.

Happy Playing!

With E3 just a little over 2 months away, the buzz is starting to build for what should be an incredible 3 days of gaming. Sony and Microsoft will have their usual big conference and multiple companies such as EA, Ubisoft and Bethesda are sure to be on hand with announcements of their own. The 3-day electronic extravaganza should be filled with exciting announcements that will have gamers everywhere buzzing. The big question is who has the most to gain from a strong E3 conference? The answer is easily Nintendo.

With the Nintendo Switch starting off strong in the sales department, the future of Nintendo’s latest console/handheld hybrid is pretty bright at the moment. With games such as Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe all due to release this year, the Switch will have a very strong year 1 library. The lack of games argument for the Switch should die out by the time E3 rolls around. With a strong library full of great indie games as well as some big name titles, the Switch should remain a hot commodity for the long haul. What would truly cement the Switch in the eyes of the public and casual gamers? A strong E3 conference that announces some surprisingly big games would do just that.

No, not those big games 

Before you get ahead of yourself and start hoping for Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption 2, it would be wise to remember we are dealing with Nintendo. If you bought a Switch hoping for the aforementioned games then you are just setting yourself up for disappointment. As unfortunate as it is to say, big time AAA titles are just not ready for the Switch right now. A Skyrim port is a great start but it’s a 6-year-old game, they’re not just going to jump into the here and now with more ports such as this one. NBA 2K18 and FIFA are a good start but this will take time.

The Big Nintendo Games to think about

Nintendo already has games that they are ready to show off including the new Super Mario Odyssey (sure to be a focal point) as well as Splatoon 2 among others. These will not be neglected and are sure to be main attractions for the conference. However, there are big games that can be merely given a glimpse at E3.

So which games am I talking about? What would be a Nintendo property that would allow the Switch to sustain its hot start? A few games come to mind:

• New Pokemon game
• New Animal Crossing game
• New Metroid game
• Smash Bros for Switch
• New Mario Party game

Those are just 5 games that could really hype the Switch even more. Nintendo would be wise to bring at least 1 of these games to E3, as it would cause hype to go even further through the roof for Switch. While these are the big hitters that Nintendo should consider, a truly great conference for the big N will have a cherry on top.

Announce VC/Ports

There is not a single current owner of the Nintendo Switch that goes a day without wondering when Virtual Console will be announced. The thought of playing classic Nintendo games on the go has fans salivating. E3 is the almost too obvious time to announce that Virtual Console titles will slowly be rolling out week by week. I have no inside sources, I am not using anything concrete to base these claims off of, but color me shocked if VC is left out of the Nintendo E3 conference.

Next up for Nintendo will likely be to announce some ports of older games to the Switch. What games will be ported from earlier systems? Who knows, but Nintendo usually is good for at least 2 to 3 ports of big name titles and the E3 conference is the perfect time to unleash them.

Nintendo can steal the show

I can’t stress enough how important this E3 is for Nintendo and, more specifically, the Switch. This new piece of technology has the chance to become the standard form of gaming. Nintendo has built up a strong amount of support already for the Switch but if they truly want to reach Wii-like sales numbers then E3 is the time to shine. The demand for the Switch is greatly outweighing the supply at the moment. With a strong conference at the biggest gaming event of the year, it will remain that way.

The Nintendo Switch is a bit of a mess.

We've discussed it many times here on Gameskinny, with some opinions ranging from positive to ehh. So it's safe to say that the presentation of the device on January 12 was not the knockout success that many people, including members of the press and myself, were hoping for. And, as more and more information has slithered out from various news outlets such as Nintendo of America, Kotaku and more, it seems that the situation for the handheld/console hybrid is getting more and more grim as time goes on.

So, now what? 

PART ONE: The Marketing

First and foremost: Nintendo needs to stop marketing the Switch as a console.

If it were more powerful in its console form, I would understand. But it's not. Even the master of under-performing, the Xbox One (which I love dearly), is out-classing it. I did not pre-order the Switch because it is a home console that can compete with my Xbox and PlayStation. Instead, I pre-ordered it because it was a handheld that could play real games. Not some hacked-to-pieces versions of games we love, but actual games that could be played on console or PC. 

So the fact that Nintendo is trying to market the Switch as a console that runs at 1080p (sometimes) in a world of Scorpios and Pros has me worried. Do they understand what they've got here? It's the Shield, but better. It's the Vita, but with more support. It's the 3DS with more power under the hood. It is quite possibly the future of handhelds and consoles. But if they don't treat it like that, why should we?

PART TWO: The Games 

The common complaint among those who don't want to buy the Switch is the games. The launch lineup is, to put it nicely, abysmal. Is it as bad as the Nintendo 64? No. There were only two games for that launch, but that doesn't make it right. And if this thing is still being marketed as a console against systems like the Xbox One and PS4, then it makes this lineup even worse.

And while I wish I could go back in time and tell Nintendo to get third parties on board for launch so we could have games like Minecraft, Skyrim and Shovel Knight now instead of later, I can't. Their first-party content, while usually awesome, will not save them (just ask the Wii U). So if Nintendo wants to keep people like me around, who see the potential and want Zelda, they're going to need games. 

In an article that was published on January 16 by IGN, it was revealed that talks between Gearbox, the developers of Borderlands, and Nintendo have broken down. While this is bad news to begin with, it is important to remember that Borderlands 2 was on quite a few systems. I even played Borderlands 2 on my Macbook back in the day. It didn't look good, but it was playable. If they could make it work on a Macbook in 2012, they can make it work on a Nintendo Switch in 2017. But it's not there.

On top of that, the Virtual Console, a feature that really could be saving the Switch in its early days, has not really been discussed. And from what little we have heard, it's not sounding good. From several demonstrations of games like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8, it would appear that the Switch is not lacking in power on the handheld side of things. So the question becomes this: Who is holding Nintendo back?

PART THREE: The Software

I know what you may be thinking: Didn't we just talk about software? Yes, but this section refers to two other kinds of software: 

A. The OS/UI of the Switch

B. The Switch's applications 

With Subsection A, I want to start out by saying that, from the brief glances we've seen at the press conference, reveal and several demos, the UI itself looks great. Simple, functional and pretty, it appears that Nintendo was looking more toward Apple than Android for its design, which I think works better for a console. That being said, it seems that there are two functions of most modern consoles that the Switch is missing: voice chat and achievements/trophies. 

What about that mobile app that handles voice chat, you may ask? That is something that should have been baked in, rather than slapped on like some last minute addition that Nintendo forgot about. Xbox and PlayStation have voice chat built in. If this thing is a console you can move, why did you leave that out? And before Nintendo thinks they can just change their marketing and call it a day, both the Vita and 3DS have mics. This may be a pure hardware issue, but as I've said before in this very article, that doesn't make it right. 

Now, with the achievement and trophy deal, I can live with not having them. Do I like my gamer score on Xbox? Yes, I do. Do I like hunting for achievements every now and then, going back to games that I would have long forgotten about to get them? Yes. Does it give a longevity to games that they might not have otherwise? Yes. So why doesn't the Switch have them?

I have some ideas, but I'm saving them for later. So in the meantime, I will leave you (and hopefully Nintendo) with this: You can always add them with a software update. PlayStation did it, you might be doing it. But if you haven't started those plans, get them ready for E3. 

With the applications, it seems that Nintendo is missing something big. Something so big that very few devices do not have it. No, not tetris. They've got that. Sort of. No, I'm talking about Netflix and video-streaming services.

Sure, it's good to focus on games. We learned from Xbox One's botched announcement that too much entertainment will leave consumers, uh, less than pleased. However, there is such thing as a balance, and these kinds of apps are important to have on a system that you are supposed to be taking with you everywhere. While one of my colleagues believes that not having Netflix on the Switch at launch isn't that bad, I am inclined to politely disagree. It's one less thing that the Switch has to offer. And, as we've seen, the games are lacking, so this is not the time to be delaying features. 

So, if Nintendo's got Netflix in the pipeline, it would be best to get it and services like it on the system sooner rather than later. 

PART FOUR: Accessories

I could use this video to essentially summarize this entire article. It's not perfect, because I am not plagiarizing (please don't sue me), and our focuses are different. But it does a great job of nit picking the multitudes of missteps that Nintendo has taken with the Switch. One of the main points of this video, much like my article (still not plagiarizing) is the accessories for the Switch. 

This is an actual screenshot from Gamestop's website. One Joy Con is $49.99, before taxes. And that's just in the United States. What about in Canada, England, Australia, the EU and other countries with high taxes? 

If you lose a controller, or break it, you have to shell out anywhere from $50 to $80 to get it replaced. So why bother? Why not get an Xbox or PlayStation, get a controller with the console, and get another, full-fledged controller for $60? Sometimes they aren't even that much, if you get one used. The point is, we're paying for the tech inside of those controllers, whether we want to or not. I don't know about you, but I wasn't jonesing for HD-Rumble and evolved motion controls. 

On top of that, the system is launching with a meager 32 GB SD card. Sure, SD cards with higher storage might be easy to get, but that's another hidden cost that the system carries with it, unless you go all physical. So, Nintendo's got two options again: Stay the course, and scare people off, or, lower the prices, and make getting this "console" for birthdays/Holidays a little more affordable. 

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I hinted at this earlier in the Software section, so I wanted to come out with it here at the end: The Switch seems a little half-baked.

It has so much potential, and from what we've heard from those who've gone hands-on, it's a well put together machine. But from its dismal launch lineup to its lack of features, it is apparent that this launch is premature.

However, I do not have a time machine. I can't go back and, with my "decades" of "industry experience," and tell Nintendo what to do. This is the world we live in now, and if we want to see the Nintendo Switch survive and thrive, it falls on Nintendo to start righting its wrongs. 

TLDR: Nintendo need to come out swinging at E3. 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a member of the Games Industry, nor do I work at Nintendo. I do not claim to know how their business is operated or why they do the things that they do. I am also not claiming they are idiots. Nintendo hasn't been around this long because they're stupid. 

Earlier last week I explored 3 Things Everyone is Ignoring About the Nintendo Switch Launch to lure out the burning questions we should have about the quality of Nintendo’s upcoming console effort. This week we sit in an unusual position, as Nintendo has clarified many of the unanswered questions about the Switch during last Thursday’s live presentation, but also introduced some more questionable details. Yes, along with a bevy of complicated messages came some gag-inducing announcements that only serve to remind of the Nintendo of old -- the one with the long-antiquated visions of what makes for a modern gaming device.

Whether you found it to be a disappointing or typical affair, last week's Switch Event was a contentious reveal of the Japanese company's future plans. I’d even go as far as saying that there were several things that were left unsaid or portrayed in an obscure manner, things that were strategically omitted to perhaps confound your hype with something greater than the Switch will ever hope to be.

Nintendo told us that they would introduce a paid service for online features, but what they neglected to clarify is if we can use voice chat features without their proprietary mobile app.

Nintendo told us the price of the console, but what they waited to tell us was the egregious cost of the accessories.

Nintendo told us how beautiful and expansive the next Zelda is, but what they tried to hide is the fact that their 2017 console can't handle running such games in full HD.

Nintendo told us that the Joy-Cons are capable of HD rumble, but what they didn't tell us is that we’d need to purchase a separate grip to charge the controllers without the main dock.

Let’s take a look at these and other ambiguous announcements during and after Nintendo’s Switch Event.

1. You didn't want the bulky gamer headsets anyway

Going the way of PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, Nintendo announced that they plan to offer a paid service for their online network. During the presentation they were very clear that they will offer the service free of charge for a period of time, but beyond that, they had little else to say about the reasons for adopting the new paid model. We had to wait until after the event to hear that select NES and SNES games would be playable by subscribers during a period of one month between releases.

While it’s not a stretch to believe that Nintendo was headed down this route, it’s rather disturbing that they were shameless enough to tell fans that there would be a cost involved while not being able to explore any further details. Instead, Nintendo did little but explain that a smart device app would be used for inviting friends to play online and use voice-chat features.

How about giving us more details about the games we’ve purchased on our Wii U? How will the online account system work? Details like this weren’t given, and many left the conference thinking that Nintendo simply muddied there messaging about the voice chat features -- surely Nintendo doesn’t think that players would be okay with using only their phone for voice chat, do they?

Unfortunately, it was confirmed, after the presentation of course, that players would have to in fact use Nintendo’s proprietary application to chat with friends. Even worse is how the news was broken. Apparently, as stated by Nintendo of America’s president, we don’t like to wear big, bulky headsets and will have an easier time using the smart devices we usually have on hand. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m quite happy with my Astros and uninterested in relying on my phone incapable of holding a charge, plus being forced to be tethered to another device.

2. Accessories will hit you right in the coins

While the price of the Nintendo Switch may not be all that stellar, Nintendo was upfront about it and decent arguments could probably be made about the need to price it at $300. What Nintendo failed to mention is how pricey the accessories are, and some them are necessary to have a decent playing experience with the Switch.

Unlike typical games consoles where devices often serve to enhance the experience, I’d say that some of the Switch accessories -- namely the Pro Controller -- are more like necessary requirements. Because the Switch makes use of nontraditional controllers, the Joy-Cons, it’s not unlikely that you’ll want a traditional configuration for more involved games played at home or competitively. And, of course, Nintendo didn’t announce the aggressively high pricing for the pro controller, the separate Switch Dock, or the dual pack of Joy-Con controllers until after the presentation.

At $70 I just don’t see how the Pro controller hopes to be competitive with the traditional offerings of its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts. Maybe it’s the gyro controls coupled with the NFC capabilities and the, perhaps, superior rumble features? I’m not sure that that alone is worth the asking price.

3. Zelda cries for sub-par HD

Nintendo was reluctant to speak of the power of the Switch during the presentation, and while I’d say that fans shouldn’t concern themselves entirely with tech specs when it comes to Nintendo hardware, it wouldn’t be outlandish to ask for power close to that of the base models of the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, consoles that are now over three years old. Perhaps it is.

Right up until the presentation, reports swirled that the face of Nintendo’s console wouldn’t be able to handle a resolution of 1080p, instead opting for a humbler configuration of 720 vertical pixels. While it’s not a deal breaker to have a less capable screen, since said screen is compact, it’s a bit frustrating that Nintendo waited until after the presentation to speak of it. And that doesn’t even touch the fact that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as recently confirmed, won’t run in full HD resolution when in console mode.

There is no need to get up in arms over some titles dropping a few pixels in favor of performance, but I get a little wary at the fact that these issues existed with the Xbox One back in 2013 when it was a more understandable technological obstacle. Some gamers surely do care about performance drops like this.

Two things make the Zelda situation even worse; some industry experts have reported that Breath of the Wild didn’t run at a consistently smooth frame rate even with the pixels dialed down, and the latest Zelda game is in fact a Wii U title. If the Switch is unable to easily handle a title initially prepared for a predecessor console, what does that say about the power of the console going forward? Hopefully it’s just an inherent development hurdle of working to learn the architecture of new hardware.

4. The Switch grip that charges, and the one that doesn't

I had to keep this one separate from the unveiling of the accessory prices because it’s shocking enough to stand on its own. When Nintendo showed the contents of the Switch package, it was unclear if the Joy-Con Grip would charge the controllers within its housing, and it wasn’t mentioned until the next day of their event that a separate grip would be in need -- for probably copious Nintendo dollars -- to charge the controllers, the Joy-Con Charging Grip.

It’s fair to say that the dock charging method is good enough since the controllers have a long battery life, but would it have been that difficult for Nintendo to include a grip that charges? It’s infuriating that this wasn’t mentioned upfront. Nintendo certainly had me confused -- during the conference, I believed that the provided grip would come equipped with charging features, features separate from simply holding the two controller together.

5. The patience you'll need to play quality, original titles

This one really saddens me. As much as Nintendo tried to play up the launch lineup for the Switch and its subsequent months, there simply wasn’t enough clear messaging about third parties. And because I truly do enjoy gaming on Nintendo consoles, I’d hate to see the switch suffer from the same lack of 3^rd party support fate that the Wii U did. Perhaps the poor showing of supporting titles is a clear indication that third parties refuse to take another chance on Nintendo.

Take a look at the launch lineup and you will quickly see that it’s barren. Aside from the annualized Just Dance title, not even Ubisoft is supporting the system at launch. Yes, Nintendo did try to highlight all the support coming, in the form of things like a new Xenoblade and Fire Emblem hack-and-slash game, but these games won’t be releasing for some time. And if you look beyond the scarcity of games at launch and beyond, you’ll quickly find that many of the offerings are older or watered-down experiences, much like the initial titles brought to the Wii U.

Skyrim for example, a touted game during the press conference, seems to be nothing more than a port of the original game. That is, it doesn’t look to be the recent Skyrim Special Edition version of the game. Nintendo and Bethesda tried to parade the game as if it were going to set the world on fire, but the truth is that taking a game, offering a subpar version of it, and boasting its ability to be taken on the go, is simply not good enough. If the Skyrim release is a sign of what’s to come, Nintendo is in bad standing.

Now that things have begun to settle, what did you think about the Nintendo Switch Event last week? Are you looking to buy one at launch, or have some of Nintendo’s messaging woes deterred you from a previously decisive position.

Nintendo seems to be getting panned for multiple reasons after hype was at an all time high before their official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch on January 12^th. Some say Nintendo is being unfairly criticized and others say the company has earned the criticism. The following is a laundry list of what has been questioned online over the past several days: 

• The Switch launch lineup and first year window
• The pricing of accessories
• The apparent lack of 3^rd party support after it was touted by Nintendo
• Battery life
• Graphics and performance
• Paying for and online service
• Voice/party chat for online play
• No news on Virtual Console games
• Comfort of the controllers
• Charging the Switch
• The amount of units being shipped for launch

Those are only some of the questions people have asked less than a week from the conference, and most of these have been answered. Fans definitely have reason to be upset but they should take a step back and put down the pitchforks for a minute, and realize that we are still over a month away from the March 3^rd release date. Anything can happen and will happen between now and then. Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime has even said as much telling Nintendo fans to "stay tuned."

The New IP-Problem

Of all the possible complaints I listed above, only one stands out and it’s the first one. This is what Nintendo is having a recurring problem with. It’s why people are so up in arms about the lack of 3^rd party support after Nintendo said there would be plenty of it. It’s also why people were bummed to not hear anything about any ports other than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition. The outcry about the first year launch window, much less the launch day lineup, has been deafening. Can they still announce things as the year goes on? Sure. Will they definitely have an extremely hyped E3 conference? Absolutely. However, Nintendo has never been one to blow everyone away at E3. They don’t show up with all of these new games ready to be shipped out. People want a reason to buy the Switch and not releasing a solid title per month, if that, from March to the end of the year is troubling.

I believe Nintendo, a company who has created some of the most iconic video game characters of all time, is having a problem switching over from old characters to newer ones -- yes, the bad pun was fully intended. Nintendo has a reputation of milking its classic characters, which isn’t a problem for most part but it begs the question "can’t you do it again?" New IPs such as Arms and 1,2 Switch failed to generate a lot of interest after the initial reveal, and a few other reasons may have doomed them already -- 1,2 Switch not being included with the Switch at launch is one of them, and is rather ridiculous. It could have been the Wii Sports of this generation, but instead people will just wait to get it on sale. Arms would have been a great launch title too, the problem is, it isn’t a launch title. Can these two be solid as new games? Sure, but they have already been placed in a hole.

The same can be said for Snipperclips. Sure, it’s adorable but how long can a game like that really hold people over for? (Little Big Planet on the PlayStation is still going strong, so can Snipperclips?) I’m not saying Nintendo can't create exciting new games, Splatoon has been a testament that Nintendo still has what it takes to be innovative and fresh. They just need to stay that way and they haven’t been consistent in doing that.

The 3^rd party problem

 Rumors can truly doom a conference. That is what I learned while watching the January 12^th conference. Going into the event, rumors were rampant and, to be fair, overly optimistic about the possibility of strong 3^rd party support. However, it was Nintendo itself who was touting the presence of 3^rd party titles coming to the Switch. The below graphic shows the amount of partners Nintendo has when creating Switch games.

All of those were known prior to the conference. It is why people were left asking, "well, why are there only a smattering of 3^rd party titles in the first year launch window?" Again, it is wise to remember that Nintendo still has a little over a month before the system launches and then E3 will follow 3 months later. There is plenty of time in the first half of this year to announce more 3^rd party games, it just would have been nice to see a little more of that "support" Nintendo was touting.

It has always been about games

It’s in the name, people. Right there after video comes the games part. Of the list of complaints at the top, the games matter the most. Why would I buy a home/portable hybrid gaming console without any games that interest me? This question should be asked to every employee at Nintendo.

Reggie Fils-Aime did say to stay tuned, and I’m sure fans will do just that, but for how long can they get away with this? What if you don’t like Zelda? The next big title people would look for is Mario Kart 8, which comes out almost 2 months after the Switch's launch, and is a port of the WiiU version. The games have always been the focus and Nintendo seems to have lost that focus.

Last night was the night fans had been waiting for since the initial Nintendo Switch trailer was released back in October. This was the event that would tell us all the information about the Switch and confirm or debunk all the rumors that have been floating around. This event's sole purpose was to sell us on the new console and I don't believe they fully sold the console to everyone. 

The Actual Event

Let's start with the event itself. Wasn't it a little weird to see a live event from Nintendo? They have been doing their Nintendo Directs for the past couple of years and they do a great job at giving the fans the information right from the source. I was expecting a Nintendo Direct. They are clean looking and straight to the point. This event was a mess.

The translator for the Nintendo representatives wasn't on his game. You could tell that he was having some trouble translating and keeping up. It was a little hard for me to watch the event because the translator was sometimes behind on the person speaking.

I understand that Nintendo likes to have fun at their events, but the set up for the event wasn't as bright as the personalities on stage. The people on stage were excited for each and every announcement, but the one light they had on the stage just wasn't good enough to match the energy. If this was a Direct, it would've played much better due to the possibility of adding effects in post production.

The Games

On to the good stuff -- the awesome games available for the Nintendo Switch at launch.

Except.....there really aren't any.

Besides Zelda: Breath of the Wild being a launch title (which should be expected granted that this was supposed to come out last year), there wasn't much to cheer about. Sure there was 1, 2, Switch and Arms, but those aren't console sellers. 1, 2, Switch looks like it should be packaged with the console because it demonstrates how the Joy-Con controllers are used. Arms looks like fun, but it isn't a launch title and is being released in the spring.

Splatoon 2 will be a huge title when it comes out in the Summer, but what are the differences between this one and the original? The original Splatoon came out 2 years ago, so I'm sure just a port or a Deluxe Edition of the game would've been fine and be ready to go for launch.

Super Mario Odyssey looks incredible, and goes back to great Mario games like Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine (my two favorite Mario games). If that was a launch title, this would be the greatest console launch in video game history. But it isn't. It's being released around the holidays in 2017 -- which is fine, but not a way to sell a console at launch.

We have seen the long list of third party developers that are working on Switch games, and Nintendo even had some of those developers make appearances at the conference.

Bethesda finally admitted to releasing Skyrim for the Switch, but that apparently won't come out until the fall. Which means that even though the game has been out for a couple years and just got all kinds of updating for the remaster, they couldn't find a way to make it a launch title. Had Skyrim been among the launch lineup, I'm sure more people would have left the event with a better taste in their mouth.

Most of the games that Nintendo talked about for the Switch aren't being released this year, and some don't even have an actual title. Why announce a game that doesn't even have a name and won't be released until at least 2018? That's what E3 is for. This event was to sell the console when it drops on March 3rd -- but other than Zelda, there aren't many reasons to buy the Switch in March.

Price, Release, and Features

Have you heard of the phrase, 'two steps forward and one step back'? That's what the Switch event was in the first 5 minutes -- but with more than one step back.

Due to the many rumors, we expected the Switch to launch in middle to late March, with March 17th being the almost guaranteed release date. Once it was announced the console would be available on March 3rd, everyone was surprised and excited because that is in just 6 weeks. 

Time for the steps back.

Nintendo wants $300 for the console. No pack in game. 32 gigabyte storage (though the micro SD slot for expandable memory is awesome). $300 is more than the $250 price point many were expecting...but then again, what's an extra $50 when it comes to a console that let's you play Zelda on a plane?

The online service is another thing that fans need to be paying closer attention to. This is new for Nintendo and pretty bold of them to venture into the space that has been dominated by PS Plus and Xbox Live. One of the best features of the Wii U and 3DS was that you could play games like Mario Kart and Splatoon online without a membership. But those days are over. 

For the Nintendo Switch, there will be a paid online membership starting in the Fall. Nintendo is nice enough to give a trial of it that starts at launch, but there aren't any selling features of the service that would warrant whatever price point they decide to announce. Sure....we get to play online (which we did for the Wii U for free), so what else do we get?

We will get an NES or SNES game each month with online play for free. Yes, that is awesome! Oh wait, they take the game back at the end of the month. So I have to wonder if people really going to pay...lets say $60 a year (which is the going rate for services like Xbox Live and PS Plus) to get a month-long rental of a classic Nintendo game with online play and some discounts on the eShop?  I don't think so.

This was Nintendo's shot to start the Nintendo Switch era on the right foot and they messed up.

From an unprofessional event to the lack of launch games, some people are putting their money back in their wallets. I did pre-order it because I know I'm going to get one eventually, so why not have the excitement of getting it on launch?

But once I beat Zelda, there won't be much to play until the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition releases at the end of April. I'm sure the Nintendo Switch will still be a success, because there is still a lot of hype for it on Twitter and Reddit. Still, the reveal (and likely the launch as well) could've been so much better if Nintendo had lined up more games prepared to showcase the future of the Switch and the company behind it.

The Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 saw the announcement of the Switch and its upcoming and developing games that will be released in the future. The presentation is shown in full to incite opinion and conversation.

Important timestamps:

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• 33:31 -- Event Begins
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• 48:45 -- New game "1-2 Switch"
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• 53:53 -- New game "Arms"
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• 59:43 -- "Splatoon 2"
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• 1:04:56 -- New Game "Super Mario Odyssey"
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• 1:05:30 -- "Mario being a sociopath and ruining a perfectly good Taxi car" 1:09:30 -- New Sequal Xenoblade Chronicles 2
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• 1:15:02 -- New Game "Project Octopath Traveler"
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• 1:24:58 -- Montage of Games
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• 1:34:18 -- "Legend of Zelda Breathe of the Wild teaser"
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Other confirmed releases to be released on the Switch so far include:

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• 1-2 Switch
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• Arcade Archives
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• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
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• Cube Life: Island Survival
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• Disgaea 5 Complete
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• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
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• Dragon Quest X: The Five Awakening Races Online
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• Dragon Quest XI
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• Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2
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• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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• Farming Simulator
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• Fast RMX
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• FIFA
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• Fire Emblem Warriors
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• Has Been Heroes
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• I am Setsuna
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• Just Dance 2017
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• Lego City Undercover
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• Minecraft: Switch Edition
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• Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Edition
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• Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
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• NBA 2K18
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• No More Heroes
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• Project Octopath Traveler
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• Project Sonic 2017
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• Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
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• Redout
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• Rime
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• Shin Megami Tensei
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• Shovel Knight
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• Skylanders Imaginators
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• Snipperclips- Cut it out, together!
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• Stardew Valley
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• Steep
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• Super Bomberman R
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• Syberia 3
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• Ultra Street fighter 2: the Final Challengers
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• Yooka-laylee
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Which games are you most excited for? Any you're disappointed not to see in this list? Let me know down in the comments!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been announced for the Nintendo Switch. The trailer speaks for itself as fans await its arrival.

This is Nintendo's 18th installment of The Legend of Zelda franchise, following Link once more in his adventures across the ruined kingdom of Hyrule. Link will travel across the land and discover new destinations, lands, and shrines while fighting enemies, hunting game, and gathering for ingredients to sustain himself on his adventures.

In this installment, Link will also need the assistance of particular gear, outfits, and weapons that allow specific perks, skills, and special effects dependent on the task at hand. For example, specific outfits can make Link more stealthy and quick. And he'll have to wear different clothes dependent on weather; bundling up for cold weather areas as opposed to clothes better suited for the desert.

All weapons, food, and clothing must be obtained through playing the game by crafting and discovering these specific items while strategizing against new enemies with unique design and attack patterns.

In addition the game will allow amiibo support for several Legend of Zelda pieces, such as Wolf Link from Twilight Princess.

The incredibly beautiful sandbox world is being released on March 3, 2017 alongside the Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Odyssey

Mario jumps into several new worlds with Nintendo's newest installment, Super Mario Odyssey. (You can almost hear him say the title just like Galaxy.)

Mario returns to an open-world sandbox much like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, traveling to several new worlds populated by forest life, desert lions, and the most obscene of all...people!

Introducing a personified hat mechanic into the game, Mario can now throw his hat or climb on it in order to overcome obstacles. But this feature is only available on Switch according to Koizumi.

Be ready to break up the most awkward wedding of all between Bowser and Princess Peach when Super Mario Odyssey releases this holiday of 2017.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Not much can be said concerning the upcoming RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 2, except that it follows an all-new hero in a new world on a quest for Elysium.

The past Xenoblade Chronicles was an open world sandbox RPG, split into specific areas for exploration along with missions and side quests with a real-time battling system -- one that's hopefully making a return to its sequel in a more advanced format with updated battle systems, and new characters to learn about and develop.

Check out the trailer above to get a better look at the sequel, set to release this year. 

Sonic Mania

*Insert original Sega theme here*

Everyone's favorite Blue hedgehog, Sonic, has returned to his roots with the new Sonic Mania.

Sonic Mania brings Sonic the Hedgehog back to his 2D pixelated adventure with new zones and classic stages, along with his two friends and playable characters Tails "Miles" Prowler and Knuckles the Echidna. Sonic Mania also features a new drop dash feature in Sonic's new game celebrating his past roots.

Sonic Mania is expected to release in the Spring.

ARMS 

A new title has emerged from the presentation with Nintendo Switch's ARMS. 

DISCLAIMER  *Nintendo Switch does not have arms or is packaged with arms. I promise.*

ARMS is a play on boxing games with an obvious and significant twist -- elongated arms when fighting. Using targeting functions and allowing punches to hit an opponent, ARMS allows motion controls with the Joycon in both hands, where each controller acts independently of the other to create physical movement in the game.

ARMS has been announced with a projected release this Spring. It will be playable on split screen, online multiplayer, and Switch vs. Switch.

Splatoon 2 

Splatoon 2 has been announced to hit the Switch as the sequel to (you guessed it) Splatoon. The sequel is expected to be available this summer, packed with new weapons, fashion options, new arenas and more. 

The Splatoon Stage presentation also introduced the "Splat Duelies" and the super jump mechanic. These duel wielded weapons not only can shoot ink from each hand, but also propel you at a high rate of speed to outmaneuver opponents. The super jump allows you to instantaneously jump to a teammate after viewing the map and pressing the button assigned to that specific member.

The game can be played on the Joycon and Switch Pro controllers, with gyro aiming controls for play in addition to online and local multiplayer capabilities. Splatoon 2 can be played on a television screen as well as the Switch's handheld mode.

Splatoon 2 plans to continue continue the in-game events player got in the first game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Revving up this list is the announcement of the new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The deluxe version of Mario Kart 8 will still feature all tracks and characters from its Wii U predecessor but will add DLC tracks and characters as well -- such as King Boo, Inkling Boy and Girl, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. There are also new tracks including Urchin Underpass and the new battle stadium for balloon battle and Bob-Omb blast.

The game will feature a new item mechanic that allows players to hold to items at once and sees the return of the feather and boo items. In addition to the item mechanic, there is also a smart steering feature that will allow easy control for new players.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes this April.

Aftr a long way, the Nintendo Switch has finally been revealed during the Nintendo Switch Presentation -- with a confirmed release date of March 3, 2017. Along with the announcement of its technology, specs, and features, Nintendo has also announced some upcoming titles to the new console in the future.

This list just scratches the surface of the 80 games currently in development, according to the Nintendo conference.