Latest news with #NintendoSwitch
The Verge
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Verge
The Nintendo Switch was an indie game haven, until it was overrun with slop
The first several months after Nintendo released the Switch in 2017 have been described as a 'gold rush' for independent game developers. The Switch's eShop wasn't exactly barren, but early on there was a lot of room for new releases. To put it into perspective, Nintendo announced in 2018 that around 1,000 games were added to the platform in its first year or so. The number of games released each year just adds to the number of games available on the eShop; in 2024, GameDiscoverCo reported that 50 games were added per week, leading to more than 2,300 new games in 2024 by November. What started as a gold rush for indie developers slowly spoiled, and eventually the eShop became overrun with slop. This pushed some developers to the margins, while platform degradation soured the experience as a whole. Coming out of the so-called indiepocalypse, the period after the indie golden age from 2008 to 2015 — think Fez, Braid, and Super Meat Boy — developers were reeling from the massive influx of competition and a decline in discoverability. The eShop, for some time, was a reprieve to that. Nintendo itself seemed poised to support that period of growth; days ahead of the Switch's launch date, the company announced that it had already locked in more than 60 'quality indie games' for 2017. PC Gamer reported in October 2017 that 'almost every indie release on Switch' had sold better on Switch than on other platforms. Enter the Gungeon sold more than 75,000 copies in just two weeks, developer Dodge Roll Games said, while Team Meat posted in January 2018 that Super Meat Boy 's first day on Switch had 'shockingly close' numbers to its Xbox 360 debut. SteamWorld Dig 2, one of the titles Nintendo was boasting about, sold between five to 10 times more copies on Switch than it did on Steam, per a PC Gamer report. Rodrigue Duperron of Spiritfarer developer Thunder Lotus says that the studio 'missed the gold rush' when it published Jotun on the Switch in April 2018, but was still 'quite pleased' with its performance. (It was published on Wii U in 2016.) 'I don't believe it's a coincidence that monthly releases to the eShop still numbered in 'mere' dozens in early 2018,' he says. Thunder Lotus expected its next game, Sundered, to sell better, but Duperron said the team was 'mildly disappointed' — and pointed to the massive increase of games released monthly. 'It didn't feel at the time that shovelware or bargain basement titles were yet flooding the platform, but this was more of a low simmer which would come to a boil over the next few years,' he says. 2020's Spiritfarer saw increased success outside of the 'indie boom' for several reasons, one of which was that Nintendo included it in its featured section. 'More visibility led to more sales, led to being included in the Best Sellers section,' Duperron says. Abhi Swaminathan, founder of Venba developer Visai Games, echoes this sentiment. The game, which was released in 2023, was featured in two Nintendo Indie Directs, which he partly attributes to success on the platform. (Sales remain 'almost neck-to-neck with Steam sales,' he says.) Over the eight years since the Switch launched, the platform became crowded. It began looking a lot more like Steam, which is blasted daily with new games. The Switch, clearly, is not immune from the low-effort games that muck up the market. In recent years, they've gotten a name: eShop slop. As IGN put it in February, slop games are distinct from the otherwise 'unremarkable games' that get released every day. They're rarely what they're advertised as, are based on popular or trending concepts, and are rife with technical issues. It's not really that the eShop has started to rust, just that it wasn't 'particularly sophisticated from a discovery point of view to start with,' GameDiscoverCo author and industry analyst Simon Carless tells The Verge. 'I don't know if any store is free from the eventual onslaught of 'slop games.'' Among Us studio Innersloth CEO Forest Willard tells The Verge that the process of getting games onto the eShop is more specific and time-consuming than with other platforms, like Steam. 'Many games on the eShop are ones that have gamed the system and streamlined their processes to churn out content (slop), while developers who go through the process with care and intent aren't necessarily rewarded by the algorithm,' he says. But it's not an easy fix — nor is it a problem unique to Nintendo. 'I don't know if any store is free from the eventual onslaught of 'slop games' unless they're highly curated or gatekeep-y, which would present its own problems,' Innersloth communications director Victoria Tran adds. Nintendo has made tweaks to its system over the years, but its biggest one happened recently, likely in anticipation of the Switch 2. Nintendo updated how it ranks games in its top-sellers category, changing the ranking from number of sales to highest sales. Carless said this is a shift from three-day revenue to 14-day downloads, a way of pushing out highly discounted games that sell a lot. (Nintendo declined to comment.) James Barnard of Let's Build a Zoo developer Springloaded says this system 'could help to reduce certain titles climbing the charts solely through continued deep discounts.' But he warns that it's not a total fix. 'The new system still isn't perfect, as it seems that the charts instead favor games with higher price points,' he says. 'This means we would potentially need to sell three times as many copies as a AAA game to feature as highly in the listings.' Game developers The Verge spoke to agree that there are improvements Nintendo can make to help indies shine on its new eShop. Duperron suggests user reviews, while Barnard and Willard would both like to see better performance overall — load times, curation, and search functionality can be an issue. 'It's fine to know exactly what you want to play, but there's no 'You might like' that would get me from Hollow Knight (easily found on the best seller lists) to Unsighted or Iconoclasts (incredible and similar games, but not evergreen sellers),' Willard says. Nintendo is trying something like this with its 'Game finds for you' feature so that players don't have to 'search every nook and cranny' of the eShop, Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto said in an Ask the Developer interview from April. In that interview, Nintendo senior director Takuhiro Dohta addressed performance on the eShop, too, stating that it will run more smoothly even with a huge amount of games. He added that the act of finding a game to play is an important part of the Nintendo Switch 2 experience. Nintendo is clearly thinking about the problems of the past, and has implemented some fixes to support the eShop on its new hardware. The key detail, however, will be how it continues to tweak the platform — developers and analysts hope Nintendo won't simply set the shop then forget it. 'Nintendo has made some much-needed changes to both Switch and Switch 2 eShop ahead of launching the Switch 2, but we'd like to see iterations more often than 'once per platform cycle,'' Carless said.
Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: How to preorder and get free gifts? See release date, platforms, setting, game cover, and Pokémon Presents date and where to watch
The Pokémon Company International has announced the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A summer Pokémon Presents video presentation has also been scheduled. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The game will be available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders begin on June 5 through the Nintendo eShop. Buyers can choose a digital or physical version. Those who buy the Nintendo Switch version can later upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pack. The upgrade packs will be available on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. Also Read: GTA 6: Is upcoming game worth waiting for? Here's release date, map, global release time, gameplay and platforms The game's cover art has been revealed. It shows the lead characters and their Pokémon in Lumiose City. A Mega-Evolved Pokémon appears in the scene, which takes place at night. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is different from past games. It includes real-time battles and takes place in one city. Players will explore the city and experience the story with their Pokémon next month, those who preorder the game from Pokémon Center in the US, Canada, or the UK will receive a free plush. The plush will be one of three Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Supplies are limited, and the plush is selected at Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4: Release date, time, new weapons, maps, modes and maps The next Pokémon Presents video presentation will stream on Tuesday, July 22. Fans can watch the broadcast on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. When will Pokémon Legends: Z-A be released? The game will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. What do I get for preordering from Pokémon Center? Preorders include a random Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile, while supplies last.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: How to preorder and get free gifts? See release date, platforms, setting, game cover, and Pokémon Presents date and where to watch
The Pokémon Company International has announced the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A summer Pokémon Presents video presentation has also been scheduled. Release Date, Platforms and How to Preorder Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The game will be available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders begin on June 5 through the Nintendo eShop. Buyers can choose a digital or physical version. Those who buy the Nintendo Switch version can later upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pack. The upgrade packs will be available on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Davao Del Sur - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Also Read: GTA 6: Is upcoming game worth waiting for? Here's release date, map, global release time, gameplay and platforms Game Cover and Setting The game's cover art has been revealed. It shows the lead characters and their Pokémon in Lumiose City. A Mega-Evolved Pokémon appears in the scene, which takes place at night. Live Events Pokémon Legends: Z-A is different from past games. It includes real-time battles and takes place in one city. Players will explore the city and experience the story with their Pokémon companions. Free Gifts Starting next month, those who preorder the game from Pokémon Center in the US, Canada, or the UK will receive a free plush. The plush will be one of three Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Supplies are limited, and the plush is selected at random. Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4: Release date, time, new weapons, maps, modes and maps Pokémon Presents Presentation Date and Where to Watch The next Pokémon Presents video presentation will stream on Tuesday, July 22. Fans can watch the broadcast on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. FAQs When will Pokémon Legends: Z-A be released? The game will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. What do I get for preordering from Pokémon Center? Preorders include a random Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile, while supplies last.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'NBA Bounce' set to release on September 26, 2025, bringing custom avatars and all 30 NBA team mascots
(Image Source - Outright Games) Outright Games, teaming up with the NBA, is gearing up to release 'NBA Bounce' on September 26, 2025. This fun-filled game for the whole family is sure to provide an exciting experience with customizable avatars and all 30 official NBA team mascots included. Outright Games and the NBA team up to deliver a family-friendly basketball experience with 'NBA Bounce' Outright Games, known for its family-friendly interactive fun, has teamed up with the NBA to launch 'NBA Bounce', a basketball video game made for players of every age. Created by Unfinished Pixel, the game is set to drop on September 26, 2025, and will be accessible on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam. 'NBA Bounce' features four unique game modes, from fast matches to complete seasons, plus 32 challenges that give players trophies and unlockable collectibles. The game focuses on being user-friendly, with tutorials, easy-to-use controls, and three difficulty settings to suit players of all skill levels. One cool thing about 'NBA Bounce' is that you can make your own male or female avatars with all sorts of customizable options like head size, skin tones, facial features, outfits, and accessories. Plus, players can unlock and play as real NBA mascots from teams like the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wuppertal: Kostenloses Casinospiel (Jetzt ausprobieren) Lounge 777 Jetzt spielen Undo The game allows for up to four players to join in on local multiplayer, making it perfect for family game nights. Stephanie Malham, the Managing Director of Outright Games, shared her excitement about this partnership, saying,, "Collaborating with the NBA, an association with such an important legacy and wide reach into other genres of entertainment, marks a new milestone for Outright Games as the first sports organization we have worked with. For 'NBA Bounce', it is a privilege for us to bring our expertise in creating playable games for younger players to foster a love of basketball, sports, and sports video games to the next generation of fans." Also Read: NBA trade rumor heats up: Clippers eye Jrue Holiday to build elite backcourt with Harden 'NBA Bounce' is set to provide a fun and easy basketball gaming experience for everyone, no matter their age. Featuring customizable avatars, all 30 NBA team mascots, and local multiplayer support, the game is designed to unite families and friends for some exciting basketball fun. Save the date for September 26, 2025, and prepare to jump into the NBA basketball universe. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pokémon Legends Z-A Release Date, Preorder Details and More
Image via: Nintendo Get ready for the next big leap in the Pokémon franchise with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, launching October 16, 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2. With exciting new gameplay innovations, a more developed urban landscape, and an almost overwhelming emphasis on Mega Evolution, this release might just be the turning point the revered series has been waiting for. Dual Platform and Upgrade Path In a first for the series, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released in two versions, one for the existing Nintendo Switch and another built specifically for the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2. Players who buy the standard edition digitally or physically will be able to pay for an upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition, a decision that represents Nintendo's effort to seamlessly transition fans to its new hardware. Preorders for the digital version begin June 5 on the Nintendo eShop, with physical preorders starting on July 23. Nintendo's staggered approach is likely no accident, with the hope of building momentum heading into this summer's most gigantic Pokémon experience. New Vision for Lumiose City Taking place almost exclusively in Lumiose City, the game takes this bustling capital of Kalos and remakes it into something far beyond a mere backdrop. This time, the city is a character in its own right, vibrant and alive, changing based on players' actions and their interactions with Pokémon. The game features a dynamic real-time battle system blended with RPG narrative in a way that finally leaves the series' turn-based roots behind. Fans can hope to explore an all-new immersive, living and pulsating world of city life as they face new urban challenges and witness the influences of Pokémon-human existence unfold in a gigantic, ever-evolving international metropolis. Pokémon Presents Scheduled for July 22 The Pokémon Company International further made anticipation last week by announcing a new Pokémon Presents livestream, set for July 22. As per sources,the livestream will be focused on Legends: Z-A, potentially showcasing fresh Pokémon, gameplay mechanics, and narrative threads. With just five months left until its scheduled launch, this announcement is bound to become a major touchstone in the game's pre-release marketing blitz. Pokemon Legends Z-A Release Date & Presents Surprise! Mega Evolution Merchandise Drops Early To get ready for Z-A, Pokémon Center locations across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. have already rolled out a special new line of Mega Evolution-themed merchandise. Beginning May 28, fans can pick up giant, collector pins of Mega Charizard X and Y, along with a good capsule collection that includes Mega Venusaur, Gengar, Lucario and more. Watch for more merchandise drops all summer long, likely timed with preorder bonuses or seasonal/featured areas of the store. Armed with a city-centric narrative, thrilling new open-world gameplay, and cross-generational support for both the Nintendo Switch and series spinoff hardware Pokémon Switch-N-Match, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is easily one of the most ambitious titles in franchise history. Whether you're in it for the Mega Evolution swag, or the evolving story of Lumiose, October 16 can't come soon enough. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
