On May 08 2026 08:18 JimmyJRaynor wrote: I know this is not an NES thread, but this probably belongs in here. Tecmo is prolly the most under rated 3rd party Nintendo publisher.
Tecmo Pro Wrestling is not on this list, but it deserves a mention. Its grapple mechanic was great. At this point in video game history the winner of a grapple was random. Tecmo created the first skill based grapple mechanic.
Tecmo really does have quite the library, originally running strong for three straight decades (80s, 90s, 00s), and obviously after the Koei Tecmo merger they've continued to put out a diverse bunch of interesting games in the 2010s and 2020s:
Nintendo has officially announced that they will be increasing the price of the Switch 2 around the world, as well as the Japanese version of the Switch 1:
"In light of changes in market conditions, and after considering the global business outlook, Nintendo will revise the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) of the Nintendo Switch 2 system and Nintendo Switch systems in Japan ... Given that the impact of various changes in market conditions is expected to extend over the medium to long term, price revisions are also planned outside Japan" https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2026/260508.html
Things may change over the next few months, but it seems we can eventually expect a $50 increase in the U.S. and Canada, and a €30 increase in Europe. For example, in the United States the Switch 2 will be $500 instead of $450. The link above has other before/after prices.
Also:
"Effective Date of MSRP Revisions in Japan: May 25, 2026 Effective Date of Price Revisions in the United States, Canada, and Europe: September 1, 2026"
in a lot of retail places the PS5 didn't go up in price. Sony's MSRP went up.
I would not be at all surprised to see another Switch 2 "Christmas Bundle" for $500 USD. Also, Nintendo increased the MSRP of the Switch1 in Canada about 18 months ago from $400 to $420. The IRL street price changed by $10. On the street, the new higher MSRP in Canada included 1 or 2 games and 3 months of Nintendo Online time. In reality, the street price of the Switch1 went up 2% in Canada. The street price of the OLED didn't go up at all even though the MSRP went up by $40.
So, people should not get overly excited about a future MSRP change. People can just focus on the street price.
On May 09 2026 23:25 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: Those are good points. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price may not necessarily be the exact price at the store.
I should add to my previous post...
I think the price in Japan is absolutely going up. The Switch2 was $315USD in Japan. There is no way Nintendo was making a profit on that price.
Nintendo Stock is at a 5 year low due to low profits. Nintendo must appear to be doing something about these low profits. Announcing a price increase for the holiday buying season is a great way to appear to do that.
CORRECTION: Nintendo Stock is at a 52 week low due to the lowest profit margins in 5 years.
Anyone into Beat 'em ups here? I bought Maximus 2 recently and although the graphic layering can get a little messy, it's a lot of fun to get some D2 element in there where you can use a skill tree and buy/equip items. Also many enemy units are references to characters/units in other fighting or beat 'em up games.
So if you like SoR4, I can recommend grabbing this one on sale.
Edit: My only pain point is that the auto/jump buttons are not the same as in SoR4. Maybe controls can be changed though, I didn't check yet.
Thanks for the recommendation! I confess that the majority of my experience with "beat 'em up" games was playing (and eventually beating) that infamous Simpsons arcade game, where Maggie gets kidnapped because she thinks a diamond is her pacifier.
Besides Streets of Rage 4 and Maximus 2, some popular Switch "beat 'em up" games include TMNT Shredder's Revenge, River City Girls, and Absolum.
On May 13 2026 18:51 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: Besides Streets of Rage 4 and Maximus 2, some popular Switch "beat 'em up" games include TMNT Shredder's Revenge,
River City Girls, and Absolum.
In 1989, River City Ransom pioneered persistent RPG character-building and safe-zone "resting mechanics" in the beat 'em up genre. It mainly included eating certain foods in restaurants. This is such an enduring mechanic that AEW Fight Forever included almost IDENTICAL RPG-resting-combat mechanics in 2023.
To quote everyone's favourite A.I. pal: " The game's main career campaign, `Road to Elite,` heavily mirrors the structural loop pioneered by River City Ransom" .... in uhhh .. 1989. 1989, what a great year.
River City Girls seemed too flashy to me. My choice was Wulverblade, my gf didn't like either of those deeming the latter one too violent (for her taste). We played Asterix & Obelix Slap 'em All a bit which she enjoyed, but imo it was a bit ass. It's too monotonous and the story is so boring(ly presented). Even my Asterix & Obelix nostalgia didn't help me care.
Maximus 2 seems like quite a better game than Asterix and Obelix imo, not as good as SoR4, but SoR4 replayability is about 15-50 hours with the DLC playing the weekly survival mode, but we're def done with that one. I might try the TMNT Shredder's Revenge, as we enjoy the scroller games. I did find another TMNT game in the store, but it was like a bird view type so that one already didn't make the cut as my gf isn't that great with controllers/games in general.
I'm still excited to try Wulverblade one day myself, and Absolum also seems cool! Thanks for that list, DPB.
On May 13 2026 18:51 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: Besides Streets of Rage 4 and Maximus 2, some popular Switch "beat 'em up" games include TMNT Shredder's Revenge,
River City Girls, and Absolum.
In 1989, River City Ransom pioneered persistent RPG character-building and safe-zone "resting mechanics" in the beat 'em up genre. It mainly included eating certain foods in restaurants. This is such an enduring mechanic that AEW Fight Forever included almost IDENTICAL RPG-resting-combat mechanics in 2023.
To quote everyone's favourite A.I. pal: " The game's main career campaign, `Road to Elite,` heavily mirrors the structural loop pioneered by River City Ransom" .... in uhhh .. 1989. 1989, what a great year.
JJR with the history lesson and the connection to wrestling, very cool!
On May 13 2026 23:28 Peeano wrote: River City Girls seemed too flashy to me. My choice was Wulverblade, my gf didn't like either of those deeming the latter one too violent (for her taste). We played Asterix & Obelix Slap 'em All a bit which she enjoyed, but imo it was a bit ass. It's too monotonous and the story is so boring(ly presented). Even my Asterix & Obelix nostalgia didn't help me care.
Maximus 2 seems like quite a better game than Asterix and Obelix imo, not as good as SoR4, but SoR4 replayability is about 15-50 hours with the DLC playing the weekly survival mode, but we're def done with that one. I might try the TMNT Shredder's Revenge, as we enjoy the scroller games. I did find another TMNT game in the store, but it was like a bird view type so that one already didn't make the cut as my gf isn't that great with controllers/games in general.
I'm still excited to try Wulverblade one day myself, and Absolum also seems cool! Thanks for that list, DPB.
No problem! Hopefully some of those games have free demos or helpful video reviews
Next month will begin another Switch 2 bundle/sale, possibly the last one before the suggested price increases:
Starting in early June, participating retailers will offer the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle for the suggested retail price of $499.99, which includes a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a download code that can be redeemed for a digital version of one select game ... a choice of Mario Kart™ World or Donkey Kong™ Bananza or Pokémon™ Pokopia.
On May 13 2026 18:51 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: Besides Streets of Rage 4 and Maximus 2, some popular Switch "beat 'em up" games include TMNT Shredder's Revenge,
River City Girls, and Absolum.
In 1989, River City Ransom pioneered persistent RPG character-building and safe-zone "resting mechanics" in the beat 'em up genre. It mainly included eating certain foods in restaurants. This is such an enduring mechanic that AEW Fight Forever included almost IDENTICAL RPG-resting-combat mechanics in 2023.
To quote everyone's favourite A.I. pal: " The game's main career campaign, `Road to Elite,` heavily mirrors the structural loop pioneered by River City Ransom" .... in uhhh .. 1989. 1989, what a great year.
JJR with the history lesson and the connection to wrestling, very cool!
video game and technology history is the only history I like.
AEW FF was trashed pretty hard ... But for Switch1 owners it is the only decently performing title aimed at the Switch1 capabilities. For 2 years online play was solid... Low lag. Competitive matches against knowledgeable opponents.
Hardly any "influencer" stood up against the crowd to vouch for the game's really solid, but not super flashy, online play.
This Thursday: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. This Friday: Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn. Next Friday: My Little Puppy. June 3: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. June 18: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. June 25: Star Fox. July 9: Granblue Fantasy Re:Link - Endless Ragnarok. July 10: Digimon Story: Time Stranger. July 23: Splatoon Raiders.
I expect another Nintendo Direct by July, to provide updates for the second half of 2026.
On May 13 2026 18:51 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: Besides Streets of Rage 4 and Maximus 2, some popular Switch "beat 'em up" games include TMNT Shredder's Revenge,
River City Girls, and Absolum.
In 1989, River City Ransom pioneered persistent RPG character-building and safe-zone "resting mechanics" in the beat 'em up genre. It mainly included eating certain foods in restaurants. This is such an enduring mechanic that AEW Fight Forever included almost IDENTICAL RPG-resting-combat mechanics in 2023.
To quote everyone's favourite A.I. pal: " The game's main career campaign, `Road to Elite,` heavily mirrors the structural loop pioneered by River City Ransom" .... in uhhh .. 1989. 1989, what a great year.
JJR with the history lesson and the connection to wrestling, very cool!
On May 13 2026 23:28 Peeano wrote: River City Girls seemed too flashy to me. My choice was Wulverblade, my gf didn't like either of those deeming the latter one too violent (for her taste). We played Asterix & Obelix Slap 'em All a bit which she enjoyed, but imo it was a bit ass. It's too monotonous and the story is so boring(ly presented). Even my Asterix & Obelix nostalgia didn't help me care.
Maximus 2 seems like quite a better game than Asterix and Obelix imo, not as good as SoR4, but SoR4 replayability is about 15-50 hours with the DLC playing the weekly survival mode, but we're def done with that one. I might try the TMNT Shredder's Revenge, as we enjoy the scroller games. I did find another TMNT game in the store, but it was like a bird view type so that one already didn't make the cut as my gf isn't that great with controllers/games in general.
I'm still excited to try Wulverblade one day myself, and Absolum also seems cool! Thanks for that list, DPB.
No problem! Hopefully some of those games have free demos or helpful video reviews
Next month will begin another Switch 2 bundle/sale, possibly the last one before the suggested price increases:
Starting in early June, participating retailers will offer the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle for the suggested retail price of $499.99, which includes a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a download code that can be redeemed for a digital version of one select game ... a choice of Mario Kart™ World or Donkey Kong™ Bananza or Pokémon™ Pokopia.
about that last part....I've seen retailers around here going up to 419 SW2 + MKW for Mario day this year. One of them had an overlapping store event that let it be at 399 which was a killer price.
They will come around even more and I can still hold, with renewed interest in d2 and my kid being into SW now, there is no rush. my first big fomo will probably be W&W in 2027 :D
This game is not a 10/10 like Mixtape though. Mixtape is obviously a much better game. IGN and the mainstream press told me ... so its verified.
Anyhow, one does not require new fangled advanced technology to enjoy a great game. Teenagers seem to be rejecting unendingly complex games that take 14 minutes to boot up, load, weekly patch and then find your group. Just stick the cartridge in the damn box... play it for 20 minutes and then go do something else.
Industry data from gaming research firms like Newzoo highlights that while older generations play retro games strictly for nostalgia, younger players are the fastest-growing demographic purchasing retro hardware and emulation devices. They are driven by an active rejection of modern gaming’s ecosystem.
Please note another Switch1 game in the top 10. #7 is Super Mario Galaxy combo pack. That's two, 19 year old games.
2. Nintendo is going to be significantly ramping up production of the Switch 2, indicating that they're extremely confident with their upcoming releases and predicting even more success:
"Nintendo is looking to produce a whopping 20 million Switch 2 consoles during fiscal year 2027, according to a report from Bloomberg. This number is significantly higher than the 16.5 million unit sales forecast it delivered during its end-of-year financial report. After the company succeeded in shifting 19.86 million consoles during the launch year, the conservative forecast was particularly notable thanks to an upcoming price hike in Japan and the West." https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/05/nintendo-reportedly-producing-20-million-switch-2-consoles-in-fy2027
3. The general response to Yoshi and the Mysterious Book seems to be that if you're looking for a low-stakes, relaxing, cute, colorful, exploratory, simple-puzzle-type, beginner-friendly platformer, this game is the game for you (or your kid). There aren't really any of the traditionally "difficult" challenges, combat, or damage to worry about. I think this review does the best job at summarizing the game's intentions and target audience:
On May 22 2026 20:06 DarkPlasmaBall wrote: 2. Nintendo is going to be significantly ramping up production of the Switch 2, indicating that they're extremely confident with their upcoming releases and predicting even more success:
"Nintendo is looking to produce a whopping 20 million Switch 2 consoles during fiscal year 2027, according to a report from Bloomberg. This number is significantly higher than the 16.5 million unit sales forecast it delivered during its end-of-year financial report. After the company succeeded in shifting 19.86 million consoles during the launch year, the conservative forecast was particularly notable thanks to an upcoming price hike in Japan and the West." https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/05/nintendo-reportedly-producing-20-million-switch-2-consoles-in-fy2027
they had to buy massive #s of components to get the prices they wanted. that is why they are making 20M. these systems are not avocados or bananas. they can sit on shelves for a while.
The 16.5M estimate isn't sandbagging. You don't sandbag when your stock is at a 3 year low.
Also, Switch2 3rd party software is not selling well. So they have to jam out as many systems as possible to keep 3rd parties interested.
People saying "only rich people are buying video games now" are off the mark with Nintendo. People are buying the system along with 1 or 2 Switch2 games and then playing their old games on it. These mythical rich 5%-ers the doomers talk about can buy a Switch2 and then buy a bunch of Switch2 games. That is not happening though.
Here is a good look at why profits at Nintendo are way down. It also explains why the stock has fallen a lot since a few weeks after the Switch2's release.
This guy provides fascinating insights and he goes overboard with the negativity IMO. There is too much money out there for Nintendo to fail.
And, As a consumer .. I don't care. Video game spending is at an all time historic high worldwide and in the USA. I don't care if EA or Activision or Sony or Nintendo falls on harder times. The money is out there.
"The money is out there boys. You pick it up ... It is yours...you don't ... I got no sympathy for you", Blake in GlenGary Glen Ross, 1992.
EPT
