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Mika Tanaka

Mika is our go-to writer for everything Nintendo and the broader Japanese gaming scene. From the latest from Tokyo Game Show to niche JRPG announcements that fly under the Western radar, Mika brings deep knowledge of Japanese gaming culture and an infectious enthusiasm for the art form. Fluent in the language of both Kyoto’s game designers and their global fanbase.

Sega Addresses Underwhelming Sales of Sonic Racing and Shinobi Titles

Sega has acknowledged that the recent titles in the Sonic Racing and Shinobi franchises have not performed as well as anticipated, according to their latest financial report for June 2026. As first reported by Nintendo Life, the company revisited Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ sales performance, revealing it fell short of the sales targets set by the publisher.

Capcom Announces Spotlight Broadcast for June 25, Promising New Reveals

Capcom has confirmed plans for a Spotlight broadcast on June 25 at 2:00 p.m. PT, inviting fans to tune in for a plethora of new game announcements and updates. As first reported by Gematsu, the event will be streamed live and is expected to shine a light on some of the company’s most beloved franchises, alongside potential new titles that could excite gamers worldwide.

Celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog: Our Top Levels, Music, and Memorable Moments

Sonic the Hedgehog has been a gaming icon for over 35 years, capturing the hearts of fans with his speed, charm, and a rich history that spans multiple eras and game genres. As first reported by Nintendo Life, the franchise’s enduring appeal lies not only in its fast-paced platforming but also in the unforgettable levels, catchy soundtracks, and memorable experiences that have defined generations of gamers.

Star Fox Plush Toys Launch Ahead of Series' Comeback in Europe

Just in time for the return of the iconic Star Fox series, Nintendo has unveiled a delightful line of plush toys in the UK and European stores. This announcement marks an exciting moment for fans who have followed Fox McCloud and his team through various adventures in the vastness of space. As first reported by Nintendo Life, these plush toys not only serve as charming collectibles but also promise to be great companions for play and decoration.

Kick Off the World Cup with EA Sports FC 26 Free Trial on Switch Online

Nintendo is celebrating the World Cup season with a special treat for its Switch Online members. As first reported by Nintendo Life, players can now access a free trial of EA Sports FC 26, which launched for the Switch and Switch 2 systems this month. This limited-time offer allows fans of the beautiful game to build their ultimate squad and engage in exhilarating matches, both locally and online.

Free Update for Digimon Story: Time Stranger Introduces New Features on July 9

Fans of the beloved Digimon franchise have something to look forward to this summer. Bandai Namco and developer Media.Vision have announced that a free update for Digimon Story: Time Stranger is set to launch on July 9. This update promises to enhance gameplay with a range of new features, including the introduction of a charming new assistant, Terriermon, and a selection of graphics mode options.

New Pokémon Pokopia Event Kicks Off Next Week with Jirachi-themed Surprises

The Pokémon Company is set to enchant players once again with the upcoming event in Pokémon Pokopia, titled “Wish Upon A Jirachi.” As first reported by Nintendo Life, this delightful event is set to launch next week, offering players a chance to befriend the famed Wish Pokémon, Jirachi. This coincides with the announcement of the Pokémon Pokopia Switch 2 bundle, which is scheduled for release in Europe this July.

Limited-Time Offer: Snag the Nintendo Switch 2 for Just $434 at Woot

The Nintendo Switch 2 is making waves in the gaming world, and if you’ve been eyeing this next-gen console, now might be your best chance to snag one at a discount. As first reported by GameSpot, Woot is currently offering the Nintendo Switch 2 for $434, a $15 reduction from its regular price of $449. This deal is available for a limited time, running through June 19, and is exclusive to new Woot accounts, so you will need to create an account and apply the promo code NEW at checkout to take advantage of the savings.

EverQuest Legends Set to Launch on PC This July

EverQuest Legends, the latest entry in the storied EverQuest franchise, is officially launching for PC on July 28, with a price tag of $19.99. As first reported by Gematsu, this new installment aims to expand the rich lore and gameplay that fans have come to love.

Nintendo Boosts Original Switch Experience with Major eShop Update

Nintendo has officially rolled out a significant system update for the original Switch, much to the delight of fans who have long endured sluggish eShop performance. As first reported by Eurogamer, this update marks a turning point for the platform, enhancing the overall user experience in a way that many players have been eagerly anticipating.

Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure Shown to Help Combat Early Depression Symptoms

Recent research suggests that Nintendo’s popular fitness game, Ring Fit Adventure, could play a significant role in alleviating early symptoms of depression. As first reported by VGC, the study highlights the potential of “exergaming” as an engaging method for mental health support, particularly among younger audiences who may benefit from interactive and physical gameplay.

FFVII Rebirth Takes a Tumble as FC 26 Rises to the Top of UK Charts

The latest UK charts reveal a significant shake-up in the gaming landscape, as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has experienced a dramatic drop from its initial high. Last week, the beloved RPG made a strong debut at number two, but recent data shows it has plummeted to the 30th position, as first reported by Nintendo Life. This sharp decline has raised eyebrows, but it may not come as a surprise to many.

Final Update for Assassin's Creed Shadows Set to Launch on June 16

Ubisoft has announced that the final update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on June 16, bringing with it a new story quest and an array of end-game features. As first reported by Gematsu, this update marks a significant moment for fans of the franchise who have followed the journey of the Assassins and Templars through this installment.

Modder Fixes Stuttering Issues in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth Ahead of Revelation Launch

As fans eagerly await the next installment of the beloved Final Fantasy VII saga, titled Final Fantasy VII Revelation, a significant breakthrough has emerged for PC players. A newly released mod by a talented modder named Phroster has effectively addressed the frustrating shader compilation stuttering issues that have plagued both Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth since their launches. This development comes as first reported by Wccftech, allowing players to experience the titles much more smoothly ahead of the upcoming release.

Nintendo's Legal Struggles: Palworld Developers Pocketpair Poised for Victory

In a significant shift in the ongoing legal tussle, Nintendo appears to be on the brink of a setback against Pocketpair, the developers behind the beloved creature-collecting game Palworld. As first reported by Wccftech, the long-running legal battle, which began soon after Palworld’s reveal in 2024, seems to be closing in favor of Pocketpair, leaving Nintendo with minimal gains.

Apple's M5 Max Chip Sparks Display Issues on MacBook Pro, Calls for Improved Cooling Solutions

Apple’s M5 Max chip has raised eyebrows among MacBook Pro users after reports of display discoloration due to excessive heat. As first reported by Wccftech, a user shared their experience of the MacBook Pro struggling with demanding tasks, particularly when running large language models (LLMs). This incident has prompted discussions about the necessity for enhanced cooling mechanisms in Apple’s flagship laptops.

Visual Novel Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker Launches Amid Major Gaming Event Chaos

In an unfortunate twist of timing, Gentle Troll’s much-anticipated visual novel, Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker, launched on June 9. Just a day prior, Nintendo announced a significant Nintendo Direct that captured the attention of gamers worldwide, leaving Little Room for the indie title to shine. As first reported by Nintendo Life, many fans were so focused on the Direct that they may have overlooked the release of this intriguing game.

Nintendo's Fanbase: A Journey from Resistance to Adoration

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, understanding what players desire can be a daunting task, particularly for a powerhouse like Nintendo. As first reported by GameSpot, the relationship between Nintendo and its fans is a fascinating exploration of expectations, nostalgia, and eventual acceptance.

Denshattack! Release Pushed to July for Polishing by Undercoders

Fans of indie gaming, especially those with a penchant for Japanese titles, have received a minor disappointment as the release of Denshattack! has been delayed. Originally set to launch on June 17, 2026, the game will now arrive a month later on July 15, 2026. As first reported by Nintendo Life, the decision was made by the developers at Undercoders to allow more time for polishing and ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.

Valor Mortis Release Pushed Back to October 13, 2023

Fans eagerly awaiting the release of Valor Mortis will have to exercise a bit more patience, as publisher Lyrical Games and developer One More Level have announced a delay for the game. Originally set for an earlier launch, Valor Mortis is now scheduled to hit the shelves on October 13, 2023, as first reported by Gematsu.

Nintendo Takes Action Against Fraudulent Orders Amid Switch 2 Speculation

Nintendo has recently announced measures to combat fraudulent transactions concerning the highly anticipated “Nintendo Switch 2 (Multi Language model)” on its Japanese online store. As first reported by Xcancel, the gaming giant is implementing stricter purchasing regulations, including minimum account playtime requirements and a limit of one unit per account. These steps are aimed at curbing potential scalping practices that have emerged as excitement builds around the next generation of Nintendo consoles.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Set for Digital Preorders on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo fans have something to look forward to, as the highly anticipated Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is now available for digital preorder on the Nintendo Switch 2. As first reported by GamesPress, this edition allows players to immerse themselves in the expansive and intricate world of the Lands Between and the Realm of Shadow, an experience that has captivated players since its original release.

Vanillaware's Muramasa: Revenant Blades Set to Enchant Switch Players in Early 2027

In a thrilling announcement during the recent Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that Vanillaware’s cherished classic, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, will be making its return as Muramasa: Revenant Blades for the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 in early 2027, as first reported by Nintendo Life. This revamped version promises to elevate the original experience with breathtaking 4K visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics, reigniting the love for this renowned 2D action RPG.

Stellar Blade Set to Launch on Switch 2 This Year

Fans of Japanese action games have something to look forward to with the announcement that Shift Up’s Stellar Blade will be making its debut on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. This news, first reported by VGC, has sparked excitement among gamers eager to see how this visually stunning title will perform on Nintendo’s latest hardware.

Street Fighter 6 Hits Milestone of 7 Million Copies Sold

Capcom has announced that Street Fighter 6 has officially crossed the remarkable milestone of 7 million copies sold. This news was first reported by Nintendo Life, marking yet another achievement for the iconic fighting game franchise. Released in 2023, Street Fighter 6 has made significant waves in the competitive gaming scene and continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.