Nintendo has shared with us the top 20 most downloaded games during the month of June 2023 for the Nintendo Switch in Japan, and no surprise that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom once again dominated the list. For the new releases, Pikmin 2 took the second spot while Pikmin 1 is at No.4. Check out the full list below.
1- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo) [12.5.2023] {7 900 Yen}
2- Pikmin 2 (Nintendo) [22.6.2023] {3 000 Yen}
3- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Capcom) [21.2.2019] {2 990 Yen}
4- Pikmin 1 (Nintendo) [22.6.2023] {3 000 Yen}
5- Overcooked! 2 (Team17) [07.8.2018] {2 750 Yen} (75% off until July 11th)
6- Persona 4 Golden (Atlus) [19.1.2023] {1 980 Yen}
7- Etrian Odyssey III HD (Atlus) [01.6.2023] {4 467 Yen}
8- Master Detective Archives: Rain Code (Spike-Chunsoft) [30.6.2023] {6 980 Yen}
9-The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo) [03.3.2017] {7 678 Yen}
10- Monster Hunter Rise (Capcom) [26.3.2021] {3 990 Yen}
11- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo) [20.3.2020] {6 578 Yen}
12- NBA 2K23 (Take-Two) [09.9.2022] {6 600 Yen}
13- Splatoon 3 (Nintendo) [09.9.2022] {6 500 Yen}
14- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo) [28.4.2017] {6 578 Yen}
15- Etrian Odyssey HD (Atlus) [01.6.2023] {4 467 Yen}
16- Etrian Odyssey II HD (Atlus) [01.6.2023] {4 467 Yen}
17- Minecraft (Microsoft Japan) [21.6.2018] {3 960 Yen}
18- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo) [07.12.2018] {7 920 Yen}
19- Human: Fall Flat (Teyon Japan) [28.12.2017] {1 530 Yen}
20- We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie (Bandai-Namco) [01.6.2023]
Pokémon HOME has been updated to version 3.0.1, which fixes some of the bugs that were present; check out the full patch notes below.
- Fixed an issue in which Spinda would only appear with one specific pattern of spots when viewed on the status screen.
- Fixed an issue in which Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Legends: Arceus would be shown as unregistered in the National Pokédex under certain circumstances.
- Fixed an issue in which ribbons were not being displayed correctly on Pokémon status screens.
Other issues have also been addressed in order to ensure a user-friendly experience.
Pokémon HOME is available now on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and Pokémon Masters EX have all received a content update. Check out the full details for each game below via perfectly-nintendo.com.
Fire Emblem Heroes
- [Summoning] A new Summoning Focus Revival is now live: Summer Returns (4 ★SHSR). It features the following Special Heroes: Helbindi (Seaside Scourge), Gunnthra (Beaming Smile), Laegjarn (Burning Sun), Laevatein (Bonfire’s Blaze) (available until July 14th)
- [Coliseum] Season 159 of Resonant Battles is now live. The bonus titles are: Fire Emblem Awakening and Fire Emblem Fates (available until July 11th)
- [Coliseum] The latest Season of the Arena is now live. It features the following Heroes: Guinivere (Queen of Bern), Shamir (Heartbeats United), Shez (Mercenary Shine), Ephraim (Sunshine Valiant), L’Arachel (Summer Princess), Shez (Mercenary Shade), Muarim (Raw Instinct), Nagi (Dragon Avatar), Eldigan (Lionheart), and all Heroes from Ver. 1.X (available until July 11th)
- [Aether Keeps] Season 228 of Aether Raids is now live (available until July 11th)
- Bonus Heroes (HP+10, Atk/Spd/Def/Res+4 + Lift+20 and Double EXP and SP if you win a battle): Freyja (Lady of Nightmare), Hel (Death Sovereign), Fir (Swordmaiden), Dorothy (Devoted Archer), Noah (Mercenary-Errant), Saul (Loving Shepherd), Murdock (Loyal General), Panne (Proud Taguel), Eirika (Graceful Resolve), and Alfonse (Prince of Askr)
- Bonus Structures (Level +1): Armor School (O, D)
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
- [Cookies] A returning Fortune Cookie and related set of Stamp Trade rewards are now available: Marina’s mermaid cookie (available until July 7th)
Pokémon Masters EX
- [Events] The latest refresh of the Battle Villa is now live (available until July 18th)
CRYMACHINA is coming to Switch in North America on October 24th, 2023. That will be followed by an October 27th, 2023 release for Europe and November 3rd, 2023 for Oceania. Ahead of that release, another video has been shared that showcases Noah, voiced by Miyuri Nemoto.
Noah is a peddler who appears and disappears without prior warning. He shows up out of the blue and offers to trade psyches. He doesn’t seem hostile or malicious, but his true identity (and therefore his ultimate goal) remains shrouded in mystery.
Dive into a serenely dark action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world and become “Real Humans.’’ But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?
2000 years after the extinction of the human race, synthetic beings known as Dei ex Machina have been tasked to bring mankind back. Join three E.V.E., the recreated psyches of deceased humans instilled in synthetic bodies, as they seek their full-fledged humanity while exploring the dark world of Eden to discover the secrets hidden within.
Nintendo France and Benelux have now merged with Nintendo of Europe
Two Nintendos make a Super Nintendo, right?
Back in November 2022, Nintendo announced plans for a considerable shift in how they handle their business in Europe. During that initial announcement, Nintendo announced the schedule for these mergers and shifts, and today officially brings us into phase 1.
As of today, Nintendo France and Nintendo Benelux have been absorbed into Nintendo of Europe. Coming over a year later in August 2024, Nintendo Ibérica will join that collective. All of these branches of Nintendo will operate under Nintendo of Europe SE moving forward.
Nintendo says they are making this change to improve business efficiency and accelerate decision-making. NOE’s corporate form will be changed to Nintendo of Europe SE as the new central regional headquarters in Europe.
An update is available for Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. You can see the patch notes for this update below.
Settings
- A ‘MegaMan Voice’ option has been added to Language Settings.
- A new (black) border has been added.
MMBN 1-6
- The online battle Custom Screen time limit has been changed to 30 seconds.
- Fixed errors in in-game messages for both Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
MMBN 3-6
- Fixed an issue in which comparing libraries would cause issues with P.A. Memo registration status and display.
MMBN 4 & 6
- Fixed an issue in which using WindRack on an opponent during an online battle at a specific time would cause them to be forced off-screen.
MMBN 5 & 6
- Fixed an issue in which performing certain actions on the Custom Screen would cause a portion of that screen to remain visible even after the start of the next turn.
MMBN 1
- Fixed an issue in which an error would occur when jacking in at the Power Plant under certain conditions.
MMBN 4
- Fixed an issue in which speaking in the WaitingRoom to a Navi with certain characters in its entry name would cause an error to occur.
- Fixed an issue in which fulfilling certain conditions in the battle against ShadeMan SP would cause unexpected behavior to occur.
- Fixed an issue in which activating AntiRecv with certain Chips in an online battle would cause the skill to deal more damage than intended.
MMBN 5
- Fixed an issue in which unnatural imaging and performance drops would occur in Drill Comp 4.
- Fixed an issue in which unnatural behavior would occur when speaking to NPCs, after researching Mystery Data, etc. at a certain point in the story.
MMBN 6
- Fixed an issue in which pressing the jack out button when riding a cloud in MrWeathrComp or Pavilion Comp 3 would allow the player to fall off the cloud.
- Fixed an issue in online battles where, depending on network strength, spent Crosses and Chips would be available again at the start of the turn.
- Fixed an issue in which the initial reward for completing a virus battle while playing in English differed from that when playing in Japanese and Traditional/Simplified Chinese.
- Fixed an issue in which performing certain actions after setting Swordy in a Virus Battle would trigger a drop in performance.
Atelier Ryza 1 & 2: Official Visual Collection set for Dec. 5th, 2023 release
Two books perfect for the coffee table
The Atelier Ryza 1 & 2: Official Visual Collections were announced roughly one year ago, and most of that time since has been radio silent. Today we finally get a new shred of information, thanks to the official Amazon listings for both books being updated.
According to the Amazon listings, Atelier Ryza 1 & 2: Official Visual Collections will see release on Dec. 5th, 2023. Each books is priced at $36.51 a piece, and pre-orders are live right now
Atelier Ryza: Official Visual Collection 1 & 2 compile the gorgeous artwork behind this refreshing entry in the Atelier series. Included are key illustrations, character concepts, and weapon & monster designs. Also, no JRPG fan will want to miss an exclusive interview with the game’s developers, plus a new short story set in the world of Atelier Ryza.
You can take a look at the listing for Atelier Ryza 1 here and Atelier Ryza 2 here.
Plant the seeds for battle when Pikmin 4 joins Tetris 99
A new reason to Pik up Tetris
The Tetris 99 34th MAXIMUS CUP event runs from 12 a.m. PT on July 7 to 11:59 p.m. PT on July 10. To participate, any Nintendo Switch Online member* just needs to play the Tetris 99 online mode during the event period. Players will earn event points based on their placement in each match. Once players have accumulated a total of 100 event points, a new theme will unlock, featuring background art, music and Tetrimino designs inspired by Pikmin 4.
In Pikmin 4, you’ll raise a crop of plantlike Pikmin and guide them on an endearing expedition. Create your own explorer and navigate a big planet from a pint-sized perspective. You get a space dog, too! Oatchi can help with things like smashing obstacles and carrying Pikmin throughout your adventure.
You can even download a free demo of Pikmin 4 to start playing now. Then, if you decide to buy the full version, your save file will transfer over when the game launches on July 21. This means you can keep the character you created and pick up where you left off on your journey. The Pikmin 4 demo and the Tetris 99 34th MAXIMUS CUP are great ways to spend some time with these plucky pals until the game launches!
In addition to Tetris 99, with a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can enjoy online play with compatible games, growing libraries of classic games and several other benefits and special offers. For more information, and to learn about a free seven-day Nintendo Switch Online trial, go to the Nintendo Switch Online section on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.
Nic Cage almost played Dracula in a Castlevania movie adaptation
A truly cursed project
You may remember rumors from years ago about Konami working on a Castlevania movie. Well, it turns out those rumors were true, and we almost got one hell of an actor in a main role.
Quite a few years back, director James Wan was attached to a Castlevania big screen adaptation. That project obviously didn’t come to be, but Wan has recently revealed that he had chats with none other than Nic Cage about a role in the film.
According to Wan, he was talking to Cage about taking on the role of Dracula in the Castlevania movie. That film never got off the ground, but Cave did eventually make it to the role of Dracula with the recently-released Renfield.
Meet the 2023 Pokémon North America International Championships Winners
Congrats to all the winners!
The Pokémon North America International Championships took place over three exciting, match-filled days in Columbus, Ohio, from June 30 to July 2, 2023. As the final International Championships event of the 2023 Championship Series season, the event featured heated competition across the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Video Game Championships, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE.
North America played host to the final International Championships of the 2023 season, but the competition isn’t over yet! The 2023 Pokémon World Championships are set to take place in Yokohama, Japan, from August 11–13. Players from around the globe will compete for the title of World Champion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Video Game Championships, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE.
NEKO-NIN exHeart Touches Hearts on Switch in 2023, rest of series will follow soon after
The Love Fest won't Stop!
NEKO-NIN exHeart, a romantic visual novel is coming to Switch in 2023. Sekai Project has announced that the Whirlpool developed game will not only come with Interface and U.I. updates but that the rest of the NEKO-NIN series will also come to the platform at a later date.
Below is a summary of the game from it’s Steam page.
Japan. From time immemorial, there are those who possess superhuman abilities. These beings who looked like a cross between man and beast are called Demi-Humans. They acted as Ninja and served those in power.
And so time passes to present day—.
“We have come from the Fuuma Village to fulfill an ancient contract. To serve you! Nin~.”
Yura and Tama. These ninja cats made their dynamic entrance. These cats approached our hero with their loving aura in full bloom. Their adorability and will causes our hero to be taken by them.
But how will he support them? How on earth do you use ninja in this day and age? As he ponders this question, the sense of being a master begins to sprout in our hero when he interacts with these lovely cats.
But who is spying on them from the shadows…?
A heartfelt tale of cat ninjas who won’t shut up about loyalty. With a bit of action thrown in the mix.
At Anime Expo Sekai Project announced that they will releases the illuCalab developed Metroid-vania ‘Alice Escaped!’ to Switch in the Third quarter of 2023. The game is currently in Quality Assurance testing, we will keep you updated when an exact release date is announced.
Below is a summary of the game from it’s Steam page.
About
Alice Escaped! is an exploratory 2D action Metroidvania. Follow the adventures of Usada and Kotora, who have wandered into a strange wonderland of grimoires and must chase after a mysterious girl named Alice in order to return to their own world.
What awaits them in this mysterious world are strange yet familiar characters, such as Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and Humpty Dumpty. Are they friends or foes? And why does the white rabbit Usamura have a zipper on his back?
And who exactly is this enigmatic girl hiding Alice in the deepest part of the world? Why is everyone trapped here, and— Well, you’ll have to play it to find out the rest!
A Stylish, Tag-Team Battle System
Swing Usada’s giant hammer to pulverize your enemies with powerful melee attacks, or use Kotora’s submachine gun and bombs to take out enemies froma distance. Switch between the two to chain impressive combos!
Taking out enemies builds up your Chance Gauge, which can be used to perform supporting attacks and devastating ultimate attacks. (Feature not included in the demo.)
The intensity builds in boss fights: whittle down their Shield Gauge to break their shields, letting you unleash a flurry of attacks. But beware: they’ve got a variety of powerful attacks to hit you back!
Characters
Usada and Kotora – Two friendly girls who have wandered into a mysterious world
Usamura-san – A strange rabbit with a zipper on his back.
Cheshire Cat – A cryptic feline who appears before Usada and Kotora and enjoys testing her skills against them. Perhaps she has another goal aside from just getting in their way…?
Story
One summer’s day, Usada and Kotora go to the library to do their homework. While Kotora takes her studies seriously, Usada has her head in the clouds. She wanders over to a bookshed deep inside, returning with a big, thick book.
“I found this interesting-looking book!”
Kotora looks back at her quizzically. Suddenly, a slip of paper falls out from the book. The letter reads:
“Find Alice.”
As soon as they read the words, the two are enveloped in a blinding light.
Key Features
- Character illustrations by the talented PicPicGram (Ninja Girl, Japanese School Life) (Ninja Girl, Japanese School Life).
- Developed by illuCalab (A Magical High School Girl).
- Two playable characters.
- Two difficulties to choose from.
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown delayed to 2024
A royal disappointment
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown was originally announced all the way back in 2020, but the game has suffered multiple delays since. Last we heard, the title would be seeing release sometime in 2023, but apparently that’s no longer the case.
An updated financial report for publisher Nacon has stated that Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown is now set to arrive sometime in the first quarter of 2024. Outside of that, no other information is given on the delay. If this is indeed the case, hopefully the game finally makes it out the door this time around.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is an open world driving and lifestyle experience in a real-world location built at 1:1 scale. Grab your keys and live your life of luxury. Remember, social status is everything in the world of TDU.
With confirmed marques so far being Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Koenigsegg, Apollo, Dodge and Bugatti, you’ll have to really work your way up to have the privilege to drive them. Customisation is not reserved for your cars only, but for your avatar as well and even better than ever. You’ve got to dress to impress.
Super Mario RPG's original director not involved with the remake
Well that's a shame
During the most recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed that they were working on a remake of Super Mario RPG for the Switch. Fans were no doubt happy to see this remake announced, but now we know that a major team member from the original game is not returning for this project.
Chihiro Fujioka was the director of Super Mario RPG when it released on the Super Nintendo all the way back in 1996. Unfortunately, Fujioka will not be returning to handle Super Mario RPG on Switch. As a matter of fact, it sounds like Fujioka didn’t even know the project was in the works.
When a fan asked Fujioka on Twitter if he’d be returning for this remake, Fujioka responded by saying he wasn’t involved, but he was “very surprised and pleased” to see that the project was in the works.
LEGO Super Mario "Larry's and Morton’s Airships" Expansion Set up for pre-order
LEGO takes to the skies
The Nintendo and LEGO collaboration has brought forth a massive wave of LEGO Super Mario content, and soon enough you’ll be able to expand your collection once more with yet another offering.
LEGO and Nintendo have revealed the LEGO Super Mario ‘Larry’s and Morton’s Airships Expansion Set,’ which launches on August 1st, 2023. If you want to make this expansion set your own, you’ll have to cough up $80.
Take the LEGO® Super Mario™ action into the skies with Larry’s and Morton’s Airships Expansion Set. It features brick-built versions of these 2 Koopalings’ airships. Place LEGO Mario, LEGO Luigi or LEGO Peach (figures not included) in the cockpits and ‘fly’ the airships to activate sound effects and fight a virtual cannon battle. Morton’s airship can also be opened up to create a battle zone in a LEGO Super Mario level. Note: the 71360, 71387 or 71403 Starter Course is required for interactive play.
This playset, which makes a fantastic gift for kids aged 8 and up, includes 3 LEGO Super Mario figures: Koopalings Larry and Morton, and a Goomba.
Includes the following:
2 iconic airships for play and display – Kids can add flying fun to their LEGO® Super Mario™ levels with this 71427 Larry’s and Morton’s Airships Expansion Set
3 LEGO® Super Mario™ figures – Larry, Morton and a Goomba
Cannon battle – Place LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™ or LEGO® Peach™ (figures not included) in the cockpits and ‘fly’ the airships to activate sound effects and fight a virtual cannon battle
Fly and battle – Morton’s airship measures over 9 in. (23 cm) high, 7.5 in. (19 cm) long and 5 in. (12 cm) wide and opens up to create a battle zone where you must topple Morton to defeat him
This 1,062-piece building set makes a fun birthday present, holiday gift or treat for kids who own a LEGO® Super Mario™ Starter Course and any Super Mario™ fan
If you’d like to get a closer look at this expansion set or place your pre-order, you can do so through this link.
