As reported by VGC, Banjo-Kazooie’s name has ties to former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi.
Yamauchi has a grandson called Banjo Yamauchi. His son is named Katsuhito Yamauchi, otherwise known as ‘Katsuhi’ for short. When they’re combined, you get ‘Banjo-Katsuhi’. That sounds a whole lot like Banjo-Kazooie, doesn’t it?
Series creator Greg Mayles says that the part about ‘Banjo’ is spot on while composer Grant Kirkhope says the story is true:
Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have started distribution of the latest Fire Emblem Heroes update. Version 4.2.0 is live, featuring the introduction of the Feh Pass and more.
Below are the full details:
The twin-stick action roguelite Last Encounter was announced for Switch just over two years ago. Publisher Silesia Games and developer Exordium Games provided an update today, and have passed along word that it will release on February 28. It will be sold digitally on the eShop.
We have the following overview and trailer for Last Encounter:
The interactive adventure ELEA: Paradigm Shift launches on Switch on February 8. While we wait for the upcoming release, you can find a new launch trailer below.
Some lengthy gameplay has emerged showing off Kunai on Switch, which officially launches tomorrow. Get a look at the footage below.
Publisher Big Sugar and developer Steel Mantis have announced that a free “Full Metal Mode” update is out now for Valfaris, the heavy metal action-platformer. It’s live in the digital version, though a patch will be made available for the physical release “in the coming weeks.”
Full Metal Mode, which is a version of New Game+, “provides players who complete Valfaris with a more formidable challenge by remixing various aspects of gameplay”. Specifically, it includes:
Kingdom Rush Frontiers was recently rated for Switch, suggesting that a release on Nintendo’s console is in the cards. Developer Ironhide Game Studio made it officialy today and confirmed that the tower defense game is slated for February 27 on the eShop. Pre-orders go live on February 13.
Here’s an overview of Kingdom Rush Frontiers, along with a trailer:
Arcade Archives has launched on the Japanese Switch eShop, with the western release following tomorrow. Have a look at some footage from a Famitsu live stream recording below.
Kotaku has shared another round of quotes from the developers of Luigi’s Mansion 3. The site was able to speak with lead producer Kensuke Tanabe, producer Yoshihito Ikebata, and director Bryce Holliday.
During the discussion, the developers weighed in on why there aren’t floor puzzles in the final game, the decision behind not adding an upgrade system, and how the Virtual Boy made it in. They also shared a bit of lore for the main colored ghosts and the classic Boo ghosts we’ve come to know.
You can find excerpts from these topics below. For the full interview, head on over to Kotaku.
Nintendo isn’t one of Microsoft’s main competitors, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said.
Speaking with Protocol, Spencer instead pointed to Amazon and Google as primary threats. Despite having “a ton of respect” for Nintendo, he feels that the Big N is “somewhat out of position” due to a lack of investment in the cloud space.
Spencer noted:
