Andrew Webster
Gotta go fast.
Nintendo is about to show off its big Switch 2 launch exclusive Mario Kart World. The event is expected to last around 15 minutes, and you can watch it right here.
Nintendo Archive
Archives for April 2025
Jay Peters
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer: “I want to support Switch 2.”
From a big Variety interview published yesterday: “I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them,” Spencer said. “And getting the support from them for our franchises, I think, is an important part of our future.”
Wes Davis
Some great original Nintendo art is going up for auction.
Time Extension writes about Stephen Peringer, the freelance artist who made 12 pieces of video game available for bidding at Heritage Auctions, starting on May 5th:
Throughout both the 80s and ‘90s, Peringer contributed a frankly stunning amount of iconic art for some of the biggest video game companies around...
You don’t need childhood memory of poring over video game box art at the rental store seared into your head as much as I do to appreciate the work, but it doesn’t hurt.
1/4Promo artwork for Super Mario 64. Image: Stephen Peringer / Heritage Auctions
Ash Parrish
Ready for more Mario Kart?
Nintendo has let us know that tomorrow is all about Mario Kart World. The Mario Kart World direct takes place April 17th at 9 A.M ET and will last for 15 minutes. You can watch the livestream on mobile devices via the new Nintendo Today! app or...on YouTube like everyone else. See you there.
Dominic Preston
Switch 2 preorders might open in the US next week.
Emphasis on “might.” Leaker billbil-kun, who previously tipped April 23rd preorders for Canada, says US retailers could begin taking orders from either April 21st or April 30th.
Nintendo delayed preorders in both countries in the wake of Trump’s tariffs, and despite recent speculation still hasn’t confirmed when it will be ready to take your money.
Andrew Liszewski
8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 controller with anti-drift sticks now supports the Switch.
After launching the Ultimate 2 controller last February with TMR joysticks and support for Windows and Android devices, 8BitDo has released a new version compatible with the Switch.
The $69.99 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, available in white or black, is functionally the same as the original (which also supported Bluetooth) but now plays nice with Nintendo’s portable console and features an alternate button label layout for Switch gamers.
Jay Peters
Canada’s Switch 2 preorders might go live on April 23rd.
That’s according to billbil-kun, who digs up unannounced information about games.
Nintendo delayed its planned April 9th preorders to “align with the timing” of the also-delayed US preorders.
Andrew Liszewski
It’s dangerous to go alone. Play this.
You’ll already find the soundtracks for A Link to the Past, The Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, and Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Music app. But this week Nintendo has finally added music from Link’s first Hyrule adventure on the NES, composed by the legendary Koji Kondo.
There are 12 tracks from The Legend of Zelda, but also 12 alternate versions from the Japanese Famicom Disk System version which are definitely worth a listen.
Cameron Faulkner
Jay Peters
Nintendo still hasn’t said when Switch 2 US preorders start.
Despite now-corrected articles about Switch 2 preorders, Nintendo of America’s Charlie Scibetta confirms to The Verge that nothing has changed since its April 4th statement, which reads:
Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.
Andrew Liszewski
Three more Sega Genesis games have been added to the Switch.
Looking for a way to vent some frustrations this weekend? Nintendo has added the classic 1991 beat ‘em up Streets of Rage to the Switch Online Expansion Pack so you can help rescue Wood Oak City from Mr. X’s criminal organization.
Also added today are 1988’s helicopter-based shoot ‘em up Super Thunder Blade, and the side-scroller ESWAT: City Under Siege that originally debuted on the Genesis in 1990.
Sean Hollister
