Nintendo has shared some interesting insight into how it approached Metroid Prime 4 and has discussed why the game isn’t open-world.
It seems the company noticed at least some fan interest in seeing the franchise adopt that approach. However, rather than going full open-world, Nintendo and Retro Studios created a hub of sorts, which has drawn some comparison to the older 3D Zelda games. Although Nintendo “realized that players’ impressions toward open-world games had changed”, the company didn’t want to backtrack on development again (as the project was already rebooted once) and “resolved to move forward with our original vision.”
Just before the end of the new year, Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has released. You can grab it digitally right now.
Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is largely the same game as the original, but with some extras. It features mouse controls, four-player split-screen, and GameShare support. On the original Nintendo Switch, splitscreen was limited to two players.
It’s time for the newest North American Nintendo Download Switch report for the week of December 25, 2025. The latest releases on the Nintendo eShop include Pritto Prisoner and more.
Here’s the full roundup:
Nintendo has announced a new promotion for Switch Online in which it’s bringing back a series of icons that were released throughout the year.
Eight games will be featured in total. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, F-Zero 99, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders are all making a return. So if you missed out on these designs previously, you’ll have another chance to pick some of them up.
December 3: Nintendo has just added Metroid Prime 4: Beyond themed icons to Nintendo Switch Online. Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch owners can grab them now.
Characters and backgrounds are currently available based on the game. For the former, it’s 10 Platinum Points each on My Nintendo. Backgrounds go for 5 Platinum Points each. You’ll always be able to keep them, even if your Nintendo Switch Online membership ends.
Jurassic Sunset Games secured crowdfunding for Vice: Magic City Mayhem on Kickstarter a little while back, and in doing so, the team intends to bring the title to Nintendo Switch. The project is tentatively slated for 2026.
Vice: Magic City Mayhem, a top-down 8-bit retro action adventure game, has cited The Legend of Zelda and GTA: Vice City as inspirations. You’ll be fighting enemies, collecting new items, and upgrading your character as you go on a quest to rescue your one true love.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land just made it to Switch, and players can take advantage of several Present Codes. When registered in-game at Waddle Dee-liveries, they provide a variety of different items.
We have a complete list of all current Kirby and the Forgotten Land Present Codes below. End dates are also noted where applicable.
It’ll take a little longer for Tanuki: Pon’s Summer to launch, as the game is seeing a delay. The title will now head to Nintendo Switch in 2026.
The news won’t come as a big surprise. While the original target was 2025, there’s only a week remaining in the year.
