Nintendo has officially launched its Virtual Boy app on Switch Online, bringing back a selection of games from one of its most infamous consoles. Players can now dive into nostalgia with seven titles available at launch, including classics like 3D Tetris and Virtual Boy Wario Land. However, to access these games, users will need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and a physical Virtual Boy accessory, which can be purchased separately.

Japan’s console game market has experienced a staggering growth of 138.8% in 2025, reaching an impressive 418.13 billion yen (approximately $2.64 billion USD). This remarkable surge is largely attributed to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which sold nearly 3.8 million units by the end of the year. The data, sourced from Kadokawa Game Linkage and Famitsu, highlights the significant impact that hardware sales have on the overall gaming landscape, with physical software sales also seeing a notable increase of 121.

Japan’s console game market has experienced a remarkable surge, growing by 138.8% in 2025, largely fueled by the highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. According to data from Kadokawa Game Linkage and Famitsu, the market reached an impressive 418.13 billion yen (approximately $2.64 billion USD) by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone for the gaming industry in Japan. The growth can be attributed to a staggering 149.

In an exciting turn of events for gamers and Nintendo fans alike, both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. This recognition not only highlights the incredible lineup of the newly launched Switch 2 but also showcases the enduring popularity and innovation of Nintendo’s flagship franchises. With Mario Kart World competing for ‘Best Multiplayer’ and Donkey Kong Bananza nominated for ‘Best Audio Design’, these titles are up against some stiff competition, including heavyweights like Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Ytei.

Nintendo has just announced that the beloved GameCube classic, Luigi’s Mansion, will be making its way to the Switch 2’s Nintendo Classics library on October 30, just in time for Halloween. This iconic title, originally launched in 2001, has players guiding Luigi through a haunted mansion in search of his missing brother, Mario, armed with his trusty Poltergust 3000 vacuum. This addition is particularly exciting as it marks the first time all three Luigi’s Mansion games will be available on a single console.

In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has officially denied claims made by Japanese politician Satoshi Asano regarding the company’s alleged lobbying against generative AI. Asano’s assertion that Nintendo was avoiding the use of generative AI to protect its intellectual property rights led to a swift and unprecedented response from the gaming giant, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding their IP without any government influence. Nintendo’s formal statement clarified that they have not engaged in any discussions with the Japanese government about generative AI.

Nintendo has just rolled out a significant update for Mario Kart World, and one of the most impactful changes is the adjustment of CPU opponents’ difficulty. With the Version 1.2.0 patch, players will find that the AI has been made weaker in most modes, making it easier to achieve those coveted three-star ratings in Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. This change is a welcome relief for many players who found the previous difficulty level frustratingly high.

In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo’s mobile game, Mario Kart Tour, is set to receive its first major update in years. This update, dubbed the Sunshine Tour, will roll out starting July 22, 2025, and aims to celebrate the recent release of the highly anticipated console game, Mario Kart World, on the Nintendo Switch 2. After being officially wound down in 2023, fans are excited to see new content making its way back into the game.