As the final weekend approaches before the launch of Switch 2, gamers worldwide are racing against time to clear their gaming backlogs. This fleeting window offers a last chance to indulge in beloved titles before a fresh wave of launch titles floods the market, promising new adventures and experiences. Let’s make this weekend count with a memorable gaming send-off, shall we?
Initially, this week seemed poised to be a quiet prelude to the storm of upcoming releases. However, the gaming scene has been bustling with activity. We received the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A (set for October 16), along with sneak peeks at its pre-order bonuses and pricing details. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that the next Pokémon Presents showcase is scheduled for July, heightening anticipation among fans.
Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app underwent a rebranding, offering a fresh look and new features. On the hardware front, several leaks have surfaced revealing details about Switch 2, including its boot screen, user interface, and more. Furthermore, the Nintendo 64 expansion within the NSO app received a glimpse of upcoming titles, promising more retro gaming delights.
All in all, it’s been a whirlwind week for Nintendo enthusiasts. So, how are you planning to enjoy your remaining time with the current Switch ecosystem before the new console arrives?
Jim Norman, Staff Writer
This weekend’s weather looks promising, and with the upcoming week packed with gaming events, I intend to take it easy on my play sessions. I’ve been revisiting Feudal Skies, a point-and-click adventure that’s been a delightful distraction. Additionally, I plan to dive into the classic GBA title, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars, to keep myself entertained during potential delays and server issues that might crop up with new releases.
Beyond gaming, I’ll be enjoying some outdoor activities-soaking up the sun, firing up the barbecue, and periodically checking my account to confirm that my pre-ordered Switch 2 has shipped. It’s a quiet, yet satisfying way to prepare for the excitement ahead.
Ollie Reynolds, Staff Writer
My gaming time has been somewhat limited lately, as I’m savoring the final moments before the Switch 2 launch. I’ve been reading extensively-Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park (thanks to a beautiful Folio Society edition I picked up some time ago) and Jeff Guinn’s The Road to Jonestown on my Kindle. Balancing fiction and non-fiction keeps my mind engaged, and I find that variety makes the wait more bearable. Here’s to a calm, yet anticipatory weekend for all of us!
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
Last weekend marked a significant milestone: the return of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a game I’ve long considered a hidden gem on the Wii U. Its potential sequel has been a topic of speculation for years, and the possibility of a true follow-up remains tantalizing. Meanwhile, my physical collection grew with the arrival of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Strive in Destiny Remastered-an entirely new experience for me, as I never owned the original on Vita. Additionally, I picked up Capcom Fighting Collection, a treasure trove of classic arcade fighters that promises hours of nostalgic fun. This weekend, my arcade stick will be getting a serious workout.
My gaming highlight of the week? The anticipation of the Switch 2’s arrival. I’ve meticulously prepared my setup, with the new TV ready to go, and I plan to spend the weekend immersed in Mario Kart World, ensuring everything is perfectly in place for next week’s launch. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be posting a flurry of “Mario Kart World!!!” updates-proof that my preparations are on track.
Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
I finally succumbed-I’ve started playing Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, and I can’t put it down. The upcoming Switch 2 version was the final push I needed to dive in. Interestingly, I never played the original 3DS version, so this is my first experience with Fantasy Life, and it feels tailor-made for my tastes.
Another game that’s stealing my attention is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which I’ve just begun and am thoroughly enjoying. With the weather forecast promising sunshine next weekend, I’m looking forward to enjoying these games outdoors, perhaps with a Switch in hand, as the final days before the new console arrive. Sunshine and gaming-what more could I ask for?
Kate Grey, Contributor
My current obsession is Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time-my life literally depends on it. Well, at least my gaming life does. It’s a fitting choice, given the game’s focus on different lives and adventures. Do you feel the same? Are you as hooked as I am?
On a different note, I recently finished Expedition 33, and I must say, it’s such an engaging game that I’m reluctant to leave it behind. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of post-game content to explore, including a New Game+ mode that promises to reveal new storylines and horrifying twists I missed the first time around. Plus, I get to keep all my hard-earned Pictos, which adds to the replay value.
Still, I’ve been meaning to revisit The Hundred Line, a game by Uchikoshi and Kodaka, creators of Zero Escape and Danganronpa. It’s surprising I haven’t played it yet, given my love for narrative-driven puzzle games. Perhaps I’ll find time for it soon-after all, I adore a good execute game!
Gavin Lane, Editor
By this time next week, the gaming world will be abuzz with the launch of Mario Kart World, and we’ll be knee-deep in discussions about the next generation of consoles. Before diving into the excitement, I plan to take a moment to relax. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been revisiting classic titles like 51 Clubhouse Games with my kids-Ludo can be surprisingly lengthy-and I also intend to finally explore Thank Goodness You’re Here, a game I doubt will benefit from the Switch 2’s 4K capabilities. Let’s hold off on the hype for a moment and catch up again once the new hardware is in our hands.
That’s our plan for the weekend. How about you? Share your gaming intentions in the poll below-what titles will you be booting up in the coming days?
