Tag: Nintendo

August 11, 2025
PS5 Price Hike Unlikely as Sony Moves Production from China
Key Takeaways
1. Sony increased PS5 prices in some areas, but North American gamers avoided hikes due to tariffs being less impactful than expected.
2. PlayStation is shifting console manufacturing out of China, with plans to finalize the move by mid-2025.
3. Sony is following Nintendo’s lead by relocating production, despite ongoing U.S. tariffs affecting both companies.
4. Sony’s gaming sector saw a 4% increase in PS5 sales and has raised its yearly profit outlook, but concerns about future console competition remain.
5. The company aims to shift towards a less hardware-centric business model, potentially reducing exclusive game titles for the PS5.
When the U.S. imposed tariffs on China back in 2025, many people thought that the price of the PS5 would surely go up. Although Sony did increase the recommended retail price (MSRP) for consoles in certain areas in April, gamers in North America managed to escape these higher prices. Recently, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Lin Tao indicated that there might not be a need for more changes. He noted that the effect of the tariffs was less severe than anticipated, and PlayStation has relocated some of its console manufacturing out of China.
Production Shift
On social media, Genki_JPN shared a financial briefing where Tao elaborated, “We have already shifted the production for consoles. If we consider peripherals as well, we expect to finalize the move away from China by the end of the first half. Now, hardware sold in the U.S. is being sourced from outside China.” The CFO also mentioned that the production of PS5 accessories would soon be leaving China, too.
Following the Lead
PlayStation appears to be taking a page from Nintendo, which has started making Switch 2 handhelds in Vietnam. Even though Vietnam is also facing U.S. tariffs, the console was introduced without any price hikes. However, Nintendo did increase the prices for the original Switch and Switch 2 accessories afterward.
Sony is aware that the shifting economic landscape might still trigger a price rise for the PS5. Two major factors are yearly profits and how consumers react to pricing changes, which could influence their decisions.
Future Outlook
Tao’s remarks coincided with Sony’s announcement of a 4% increase in their yearly profit outlook. Their gaming sector performed well, selling 4% more PS5 consoles than they did during the same timeframe in 2024. Nevertheless, with the PS6 possibly in the works, not every expert is optimistic about the future of PlayStation consoles.
In a statement, Sony Senior Vice President Sadahiko Hayakawa revealed that the company aims to transition into a less “hardware centric business.” This aligns with rumors suggesting there might be fewer exclusive titles for PlayStation. Some gamers speculate that with a limited number of first-party PS5 games, there may be less incentive to buy one compared to a PC or Switch 2. However, the silver lining for Sony might be the reduced competition, as Xbox sales have already seen a significant drop.
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Tags: Nintendo, PS5, sony
August 9, 2025
Nintendo Patent Suggests Click Wheel and Crank for Switch 2 Joy-Con
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo has filed two new patents for accessories for the Joy-Con in the upcoming Switch 2: a crank and a clickable wheel.
2. The crank accessory is designed to convert rotational movement into on-screen actions, targeting the popularity of fishing games in Japan.
3. The purpose of the clickable wheel accessory is unclear, but it may enhance mouse functionality or serve as a steering wheel for racing games.
4. Nintendo has a history of creating quirky and unconventional accessories, though there’s no guarantee these patents will result in actual products.
5. There is criticism regarding Nintendo borrowing ideas from other companies while strongly defending its own intellectual property.
As observed by Nintendo Patents Watch (via Bluesky), Nintendo has filed 2 new patents that could potentially introduce a crank and a clickable wheel to the Joy-Con for the Switch 2.
Details of the Crank Patent
The crank, which was first submitted in February 2024 and was made public on August 7, 2025, appears to utilize a rotary disk that is tracked by the Joy-Con 2’s mouse sensor. This setup converts rotational movement into something that can be displayed on the screen. It seems to be designed as an accessory to capitalize on the popularity of fishing games in Japan. One can’t help but think of the Playdate when looking at this. It’s interesting to note that while Nintendo vigorously defends its own intellectual property, it seems to borrow ideas from other companies without much hesitation.
The Mystery of the Click Wheel
While the crank’s purpose is quite clear, the role of the click wheel accessory is not immediately apparent. If it’s meant to enhance the mouse feature of the Joy-Con, adding it to the part of the controller that faces down on the table during mouse mode feels illogical. Maybe this accessory could serve as a small steering wheel for racing games or be used in some mini-game context.
Nintendo’s Quirky Accessories
Nintendo has a history of unconventional accessories, and there’s no certainty that these patents will lead to actual products. However, considering Nintendo’s tendency to be litigious, it seems a bit unfair for them to mimic features from one of the most original handheld devices in recent years.
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Tags: Joy-Con 2, Nintendo, Playdate
August 6, 2025
Nintendo Games Excluded from Japanese Speedrunning Charity Event
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo requires prior approval for games showcased by streamers, impacting events like RTA Summer 2025.
2. The RTA speedrunning event in Japan has removed all Nintendo titles due to legal concerns and Nintendo’s requests.
3. RTA’s non-profit status does not protect it from potential legal issues with Nintendo in Japan.
4. Nintendo manages the promotion of its games tightly, which raises concerns for speedrunners using glitches or cheats.
5. The recent restrictions on RTA may challenge the assumption that Nintendo won’t disrupt charitable events, contrasting with previous events like Games Done Quick.
It’s well-known that Nintendo has strong opinions about how streamers showcase its games. However, for a lot of fans, when the gaming giant disputes a charitable event, it creates a worrying situation. Back in June, a speedrunning event in Japan abruptly removed all Nintendo titles from its lineup. Gamers are now aware that the company had warned the RTA Summer 2025 event not to include any games without prior approval.
Scheduling Changes
The RTA speedrunning event is set to occur in Japan from August 9th to August 15th. Nintendo’s flagship games, like Super Mario 64, are usually a big part of the showcase. But, according to Automaton, the event organizers have been forced to look for other options. On June 13th, Nintendo reached out to RTA, requesting that they seek permission for each game individually. With not much time left, the team decided to postpone the inclusion of Nintendo classics for future events.
Legal Complications
RTA might have sidestepped trouble with Nintendo’s legal team if it wasn’t recognized as a legal body in Japan. Because of this, RTA’s designation as a non-profit doesn’t shield it from potential legal issues. Still, as skilled gamers race to finish Nintendo games, the money earned from viewers is given to charities.
Nintendo often raises concerns about how and when its games are streamed. The company likes to manage the promotion of its intellectual properties through events like Nintendo Direct or the Nintendo Today! app. Despite this, speedrunners typically focus on older titles that have been around for quite some time. One potential problem could be their use of glitches or cheats to achieve new record times.
Impact on Events
Up until now, these restrictions haven’t impacted Games Done Quick (GDQ), a well-known speedrunning marathon in the United States. Their most recent event, held in July, included multiple Zelda titles, among other Nintendo classics. Fans speculated that Nintendo would hesitate to disrupt a charitable cause. However, after the recent events, that assumption seems to be in doubt.
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Tags: Nintendo
August 3, 2025
Nintendo Sells 6 Million Switch 2 Consoles Amid Mario Kart Success
Key Takeaways
1. The Switch 2 sold 5.82 million units in June, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling handheld.
2. The console surpassed 6 million units sold shortly after launch, outperforming Sony’s PS5 in initial sales.
3. Mario Kart World, the launch title for Switch 2, sold 5.63 million units in its first month.
4. The original Nintendo Switch sold 0.98 million units in Q1, bringing total sales to 153.1 million units.
5. Nintendo forecasts sales of 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, having already met 40% of this target.
Nintendo has released its latest financial results, revealing impressive details about the sales of the Switch 2. In June alone, the Switch 2 achieved remarkable success by selling 5.82 million units, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling handheld. After its launch on June 5, the Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units within just four days.
Sales Milestones
With sales data only up to June 30, it’s clear that the Switch 2 has surpassed the 6 million mark, breaking records in multiple markets right from the start. This performance stands in contrast to Sony’s PS5, which sold 3.5 million units in its first four weeks and 4.5 million in the first seven weeks following its launch.
Game Sales
Additionally, the launch title for the Switch 2, Mario Kart World, closely followed the console’s success, achieving sales of 5.63 million units in its first month. This statistic indicates that nearly every new Switch 2 owner bought the game, despite its inclusion in various Mario Kart Bundle Editions. The software sales overall have also shown strength, with 8.67 million units sold in the first month.
Original Switch Performance
The original Nintendo Switch continues to attract buyers, with 0.98 million units sold in Q1. This pushes the total sales of the Nintendo Switch to 153.1 million units, nearly catching up to the Nintendo DS’s 154 million units, which remains Nintendo’s all-time best-selling handheld.
Nintendo’s financial health has flourished along with the launch of the Switch 2. For Q1 FY 2025, net sales reached ¥572 billion, equivalent to $3.8 billion, marking an astonishing 132% increase year-on-year. Operating profits saw a rise of 4.4%, totaling ¥56.8 billion or $377 million. However, ordinary profit experienced a decline of 15.6%, down to ¥95.8 billion, or $636 million.
Future Projections
The debut of the Switch 2 has been notably strong, and Nintendo has maintained its sales forecast of 15 million units by March 2026. To provide context, the company has already met 40% of its conservative sales target thus far. With the holiday season approaching, which generally accounts for 40-50% of yearly console sales, it’s highly likely that the sales goal will be easily met.
Nintendo’s presence in the gaming market is as strong as ever, with both long-time and new fans excited about the upgraded hardware that comes eight years after the original Switch. Production is said to be increasing, positioning the company to reclaim its strength in the gaming industry.
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Tags: Mario Kart World, Nintendo, Switch 2
August 2, 2025
Super Mario Turns 40: Fans Anticipate Big Surprises in Switch 2
Key Takeaways
1. Mario is celebrating his 40th birthday, marking 40 years since the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985.
2. There are hints of a special Nintendo Direct to celebrate the anniversary, similar to the 35th birthday event in 2020.
3. A blurry logo for the 40th anniversary was reportedly seen in the Nintendo eShop, raising speculation about upcoming announcements.
4. Fans are excited about potential new games, including Super Mario Maker 3 or a new 3D Mario title.
5. The upcoming Super Mario movie may also contribute to the anniversary celebrations, with surprises likely from Nintendo.
If you grew up playing Super Mario, you might start to feel a bit nostalgic now: the beloved plumber is nearing a significant moment. Although the Italian character first showed up in Donkey Kong back in 1981, where he was known as Jumpman, his very own adventure, Super Mario Bros., debuted on the NES in Japan on September 13, 1985. This means that Mario will celebrate his 40th birthday in just a few weeks. But there’s a silver lining to this gaming midlife crisis – the possibility of some exciting surprises from Nintendo to celebrate the occasion.
Hints of a Special Direct
Nintendo celebrated Mario’s 35th birthday in 2020 with a special Direct, which now raises hopes for another event geared toward the milestone. Early whispers have started circulating on Reddit. A current thread from Germany talks about a logo for the 40th anniversary that supposedly showed up in the Nintendo eShop before disappearing shortly after. Some think Nintendo may have leaked it by mistake, while others are cautious, noting that the logo appears blurry, has an inconsistent design, and seems to be pieced together from existing graphics.
Anticipation Builds for Announcements
If Nintendo is indeed preparing a special Direct to honor Super Mario’s birthday this year, fans could be in for some thrilling news. Five years ago, the company was quite generous. The 15-minute presentation featured highlights such as Super Mario 3D All-Stars and the launch of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, an AR racing experience that introduced Mario into living rooms – still available on Amazon for about $170.
Speculation and Excitement
While Nintendo has not yet confirmed a 40th Anniversary Direct, excitement about potential announcements is already spreading. Fans are buzzing with ideas about the possibility of Super Mario Maker 3, a fresh 3D All-Stars collection, or even a completely new 3D Mario title. The upcoming Super Mario movie might also play a role in the celebrations. Naturally, Nintendo could always surprise us with something totally unexpected. If a special Direct is indeed on the way, we should hear about it soon – after all, the 35th anniversary event was held on September 3, not on Mario’s actual birthday.
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Tags: Nintendo
July 31, 2025
Nintendo Survey Compares Physical and Digital Switch 2 Games
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo is conducting surveys to understand player preferences for digital versus physical games for the Switch 2, while also considering Game-Key Cards.
2. Third-party developers are facing slow sales and many are avoiding expensive cartridge options, opting for digital formats instead.
3. Only physical cartridges can be resold or shared, which is a significant point of interest in the survey.
4. Despite the rise of digital releases, physical game releases still generate excitement among fans, as seen with titles like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
5. There are concerns about the cost of 64GB Switch 2 cartridges, and based on survey feedback, Nintendo may explore more affordable options for developers.
Nintendo has recently conducted a survey with Japanese gamers regarding the use of Game-Key Cards. Following this, Nintendo of America is now also doing a similar survey. While the new survey does not bring up Game-Key Cards, it is focused on finding out whether players prefer digital or physical games for the Switch 2. Some experts have pointed fingers at slow sales from third-party developers, saying that many are avoiding the expensive cartridge option.
Survey Insights
WOKENJJT shared the latest update from Nintendo on social media platforms. In this recent survey, Nintendo is asking participants about their preferences between digital and physical games for Switch and Switch 2. Additionally, it inquires about digital codes, digital downloads packaged in retail cases, and traditional cartridges. Importantly, the survey highlights that only cartridges can be resold or shared.
Game Sales Trends
Nintendo continues to release first-party games such as Mario Kart World on physical media, but a lot of third-party partners have shifted to digital formats. Third-party games have had a tough time finding success on the new handheld. According to data from June Circana, Nintendo’s titles have been leading the Switch 2 game sales, with the only exception being the port of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. Interestingly, its developer chose not to go for digital downloads and instead opted for Game Cards.
Game-Key Cards serve as a middle ground between digital codes and traditional cartridges. However, players still need to download most of a game’s files before they can actually start playing. While many publishers have taken this route, not all consumers are thrilled about it.
Consumer Preferences
Digital releases have seen some popularity, with Deltrarune topping the Nintendo eShop charts in June. Still, when new titles like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are released on cartridges, fans show their excitement.
The discussion over physical versus digital formats isn’t just a Nintendo issue. Microsoft initially decided to release Xbox Game Studios titles without physical discs. In what seems like a response to feedback, some versions of games like The Outer Worlds 2 will now come with physical options.
Though Nintendo might not fully dictate the format choices of its partners, rumors suggest that expensive 64GB Switch 2 cartridges could be the only available option. Depending on the feedback from the survey, Nintendo might consider developing more budget-friendly alternatives.
With the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase scheduled for July 31st, players will soon learn if publishers have already started to change their strategies.
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Tags: Game-Key Cards, Nintendo, Switch 2
July 30, 2025
Battlefield 6 Pricing Update: No $80 Plans from EA
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo’s $80 game pricing has sparked backlash and influenced other publishers.
2. EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that the company is not planning to raise game prices at this time.
3. Battlefield 6 is unlikely to be priced at $80, based on current pricing strategies.
4. Speculations suggest Battlefield 6 may be priced around $70 for consoles and $60 for PC.
5. EA aims to provide diverse pricing options to enhance player value without major changes in pricing.
Ever since Nintendo set the price of some of its games at $80, other game publishers have also started following suit, facing significant backlash from gamers. On the flip side, EA, one of the biggest names in gaming, appears to be holding off on raising its prices, at least for the time being. This suggests that Battlefield 6 won’t be priced at $80, which is a relief for fans and aligns with the latest rumors about pricing.
EA’s Pricing Strategy
As reported by IGN, during a recent earnings call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson addressed a question from an investor regarding the $80 price tag on games. He stated, “We’re not looking to make any changes on pricing at this stage.” Wilson elaborated that EA aims to cover a wide range of pricing options to provide players with the best possible experience. He added, “We’ll keep looking for ways to deliver great value to our players through various pricing structures over time, but no major changes are planned yet,” he concluded.
Battlefield 6 Pricing Speculations
While this doesn’t definitively set the price for the highly anticipated Battlefield 6, it implies that it won’t be $80. A recent leak suggested that the Standard Edition would be priced at €70 on PC and €80 on consoles. Conversely, the Phantom Edition is rumored to be €100 on PC and €110 on consoles. In terms of US pricing, it might translate directly, making the starting price around $70.
Comparing with Previous Titles
Looking at the pricing for Battlefield 2042, it is currently $60 on PC and $70 on console. Battlefield 6 might follow this trend, potentially being $10 more for console gamers, which would still place it at $80. However, given Wilson’s statement about no pricing changes at this moment, it’s possible the game will maintain the $60 PC and $70 console prices, which would be the best-case scenario for fans.
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Tags: Battlefield 6, EA, Nintendo
July 25, 2025
New Lego Game Boy Mimics Classic Handheld for Under $60
Key Takeaways
1. Lego has launched a new collaboration with Nintendo, focusing on a Lego set modeled after the classic Game Boy from 1989.
2. The Lego Game Boy features detailed design elements, including A/B buttons and a d-pad, but requires manual application of stickers for lettering.
3. This set is intended as a collector’s item and includes a presentation stand and three lenticular screens related to Game Pak cartridges.
4. The Lego Game Boy is priced at $59.99 and is available for order through Amazon and Lego’s website.
5. Pre-orders will not ship until October 1, 2023.
Lego has unveiled a new collaboration with Nintendo, following the success of their previous sets based on the Legend of Zelda and Super Mario franchises. This time, the focus is on the classic Game Boy, which first hit the market in 1989.
Impressive Details
According to Lego’s promotional content, the new Lego Game Boy showcases meticulous attention to detail. The bricks are designed to mimic the original handheld’s distinctive curves and recessed buttons. Additionally, this set is a 1:1 replica of the Game Boy, featuring A/B buttons and a d-pad. It’s important to mention that all the lettering comes as stickers that need to be added manually rather than being printed on the bricks.
Collector’s Item
While the Lego Game Boy does not have the capability to play actual Game Boy cartridges, it’s marketed as a collector’s item or a decorative piece. To enhance its appeal, Lego includes a presentation stand with the set. Interestingly, there are also three lenticular screens provided, two of which are connected to the Game Pak cartridges that can be constructed.
Availability and Pricing
Starting today, the Lego Game Boy is available for order at a price of $59.99 in the US, either through Amazon or directly from Lego’s website. However, it’s worth noting that Lego won’t ship any pre-orders until October 1. For further information, check out Lego’s official site.
Amazon & Lego via Retro Handhelds
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Tags: Lego Game Boy, Nintendo
July 20, 2025
Nintendo Highlights Strong Employee Retention Amid Xbox Job Cuts
Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft reduced about 9,000 jobs, significantly impacting Xbox Game Studios and highlighting industry unpredictability.
2. Nintendo has a much lower employee turnover rate, with less than 2% in Japan and 5.1% in America.
3. A positive workplace culture and attractive benefits contribute to Nintendo’s high employee retention.
4. Nintendo’s game development approach involves direct guidance from the company, unlike Microsoft’s global studio acquisitions.
5. Nintendo faced controversy in 2022 regarding contract-based workers’ benefits and advancement opportunities.
The reduction of about 9,000 jobs at Microsoft greatly influenced Xbox Game Studios. The gaming industry has become more unpredictable in recent times, impacting both publishers and developers. In contrast, Nintendo has managed to steer clear of this chaos, showing a lower employee turnover rate than the industry norm. New statistics support this, revealing that fewer than two percent of workers in Japan left their positions between April 2024 and March 2025.
Lower Turnover Rates
In other areas as well, the turnover rates were much lower than the average of 22.6%. Nintendo of America reported a turnover rate of 5.1%, while the European branch was at 6%. According to Nintendo Everything, once individuals are hired, they tend to remain with the company for a long time. In Japan, employees generally stay with the gaming leader for an average of 14 years, with slightly shorter durations in the U.S. and Europe.
Workplace Culture and Employee Retention
Experts have linked Nintendo’s positive workplace environment to the reason why its employees seldom seek other jobs. By concentrating on established successful intellectual properties, team members have a clear grasp of the company’s objectives. Additionally, Nintendo offers attractive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
Different Development Approaches
When it comes to game development, Nintendo operates differently than Xbox. Most first-party games for the Switch and Switch 2 are developed in Japan, and Nintendo takes a direct role in guiding its developers. On the other hand, Microsoft has acquired studios globally, but often ends up severing ties with many creators shortly after.
While the spotlight has primarily been on the job cuts at Microsoft, Nintendo has faced its own share of controversy. In 2022, the company dealt with allegations related to contract-based positions at Nintendo of America. Temporary employees raised concerns with the National Labor Relations Board, citing inadequate benefits and limited opportunities for advancement when compared to full-time staff.
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Tags: Nintendo, Xbox Game Studios
July 20, 2025
Japanese Survey Raises Concerns for Square Enix and Final Fantasy
Key Takeaways
1. The average age of gamers in Japan is 30, with notable older players for franchises like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, averaging 42 years old.
2. Square Enix continues to invest in its older titles despite acknowledging sales shortfalls in 2025.
3. Final Fantasy 16 did not attract as broad an audience as earlier games, while remakes like Final Fantasy 7 Remake appealed to nostalgic players.
4. New gamers in Japan prefer multiplayer games on mobile platforms, with Brawl Stars being particularly popular among younger audiences.
5. Nintendo effectively engages both younger and older gamers, with titles like Splatoon, Mario, and Pokémon appealing to diverse age groups.
GEM Partners conducted a survey involving 180,000 gamers in Japan, shedding light on age and gender demographics. The general average age of 30 may not be striking, but there are some interesting findings. Notably, the oldest participants were fans of Square Enix games, particularly titles like Final Fantasy, which don’t seem to attract younger players.
Age of Players
The survey indicates that the average age for players of Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy is 42. These franchises, which started in 1986-87, naturally have a loyal, older fan base. Nevertheless, Square Enix continues to invest in these games, with both remasters and new releases on the horizon. However, the company acknowledged in 2025 that it was falling short of its sales targets.
Recent Game Releases
In 2023, Square Enix shared insights on Final Fantasy 16, the latest main entry in the series. A subsequent financial report revealed that this action RPG failed to capture as wide an audience as earlier titles. While games such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth resonated with nostalgic players, they did not significantly alter the average age of gamers surveyed in Japan.
Additional Insights
The GEM Partners report contains a wealth of other information worth exploring. As noted by the Kultur website, new gamers tended to favor multiplayer games on mobile platforms. The MOBA title Brawl Stars was particularly popular, with an average player age of 18.
Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 titles also enjoy substantial popularity in Japan. The company is well-known for appealing to both younger and older audiences with its family-friendly games. Players of Splatoon average 27 years old, while fans of Mario and Pokémon are typically in their early 30s. These findings highlight Nintendo’s ability to engage various demographic groups.
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Tags: Final Fantasy, Nintendo, Square Enix