The Big N made a big splash in this week’s video game news recap. But there’s also a bunch of other smaller news too, so pay attention to that as well.

The Big Picture

The Nintendo Switch 2 console and its current lineup of launch and upcoming games is a sign that the company is reiterating than just innovating this time around. 

Nintendo has never followed trends; it just goes off its own beaten path and reap the rewards out of doing so. 

That’s not to say they had their share of failed attempts (the Virtual Boy, the GameCube, the Wii U). But when they make a splash, everybody listens. As of now, the company is the first to price its new titles like Mario Kart World at US$80+, which is quite expensive but shows the ever-increasing cost of making video games. 

Why do you think the original Nintendo Switch ran for so long despite using outdated hardware when compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series? In the end, it is all about the games and software. As controversial as its new console’s price hike will be, Nintendo has cultivated enough of a culture & passionate fanbase, that consumers are just going to suck it up and take the wallet hit. 

Short Beats

Donkey Kong champion & high scorer of retro games Billy Mitchell won a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Karl Jobst.

Nintendo has announced the launch date and price tag of the Nintendo Switch 2: 5th June in the United States and Japan, with the base console costing US$449.99. Its launch title Mario Kart World will cost US$79.99.

Nintendo has also announced a slew of new first-party titles. Donkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D platformer slated for 17 July. Kirby Air Riders is a new 3D racing game featuring characters from the Kirby series, out in 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be out in Southeast Asia starting July, and only for four countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. 

A Minecraft Movie, a live-action film adaptation of the hit game Minecraft,  is out now in Malaysian cinemas. The movie is currently sitting at an average critic’s score of 53% according to film review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. 

Devil May Cry, the anime series from Netflix based on the hit Capcom character action series, is out right now, produced by Studio Mir of Avatar: The Legend of Korra fame. It is currently at 92% on Rottoen Tomatoes. 

Op-Eds

We interviewed Mobile Legends pro player Soloz about MOBAs, his career, and his thoughts about the movie named after his callsign. 

We asked a number of Indonesian game developers their theories and thoughts on why the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t launching in the country. 

Games Out This Week

South of Midnight is a new action-adventure title from Compulsion Games, and takes place in the American Deep South. As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world.

The game is technically coming out in 8th April for PC and Xbox Series, but you can pre-purchase the Premium Edition to play the title right now. 

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is out for PC. The former PlayStation 4 exclusive title is set in a post-apocalyptic world and continues the story of survivor Ellie after dealing with life-altering events. This version of the game features new modes like Guitar Free Play and the No Return roguelike mode. 

Recommended Viewing

For some reason, SNK is putting in DJ Salvatore Ganacci as a fighting game character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Here is the promotional video to go along with it, which is all kinds of bizarre. 

We made a video pointing out the easter eggs and references from the Devil May Cry anime series on Netflix.