Switch Success →

From Aaron Souppouris, Senior Editor at Edgadget.

I've had the Switch for just under two weeks. I was always going to like it, but recently, I've grown to love it.

I traveled away from my home in London to New York a couple of days ago, and the Switch has made a great travel buddy. Typically, I take a 3DS or a Vita (or both) to pass the time on the eight-hour flight and scratch my gaming itch after late nights writing in hotels. This time, though, I essentially have a home console always within arm's reach.

A home run from Nintendo!

If Super Mario Run Was Free →

Mario now only has a certain amount of energy, and the poor lad gets tuckered out whenever you play a level. If you run out of energy you'll have to pay up, wait around, or bother your social media pals to keep playing.

If Nintendo charged $9.99 up front instead of making a portion of it free, they would have less complaints. It's already an awesome free game but "unlocking" it works for me. Think of the hours that were put into development of this game. It's wonderful and enjoyable and the more I play it, the more fun I'm having. Looking forward to see what other games Nintendo has up their sleeves in 2017 and onward.

Mario Kart 8's Magic

“Nintendo Magic” — sums up the awesome review by Polygon. I'm also assuming that it's exactly what Nintendo is betting on. I'm grabbing a copy. How about you?

Mario Kart 8 LOOKS AMAZING!!!

So far my Wii U had been collecting a bit of dust up until the new Super Mario World which was and is still awesome. Simultaneous up to 5 players?!?! Now, after a long much anticipated wait, a new Mario Kart 8 trailer landed today! Check it out! In case you didn't already know, May 30th is the North American launch date for the Wii U! Party at my house! You know you wanna play it!

Some details included are that this new game has 32 total courses -- 16 are new and 16 are remakes but two of which will be the Rainbow Road! Also, 4 player simultaneous but up to 12 online! I can't wait!

http://youtu.be/lYBz6HWBw3A

via GameSpot

Beat Zelda: A Link to the Past in 5 mins!

Wow. Speechless. Just watch and be amazed. Also, while we're at it, anyone have a spare SNES and ZALTTP copy that I can borrow for a bit? http://youtu.be/tiNe-okXMGU

Mega Man X for ONLY $2.00

Yesterday morning, December 16th 9am PT, and lasting until December 18th 8:59pm, you can capitalize on an awesome game for only $2.00! The game you're wondering? Mega Man X! It's normally priced at $7.99 so at 75% off, it's even more of a steal. I just wish it was also made for the 3DSXL, which might just push me over the edge not to mention that Target has all Nintendo 3DSXL consoles for sale at $149.99!!! That's a $50 savings! Best Buy also will price match too so if you've been waiting to pull the trigger, have at it. If you haven't heard, it's all about the latest Zelda: A Link Between Worlds which received a 9.4 on IGN. Of course, there's always Pokemon X or Y which also received rave reviews!

Minimalism Doesn't Favor Nintendo

Jon Gruber of Daring Fireball brought up valuable points in his latest rebuttal in the ongoing Nintendo vs. RIM Blackberry saga. I'd like to highlight these two sentences where I agree heavily.

Today, though, someone deciding to buy a dedicated handheld game device is, more likely than not, deciding whether to buy something to carry in addition to the mobile device they already carry everywhere.

The App Store is, practically speaking, an infinite source of new games.

I bought Nintendo's Wii U out of impulse and somewhat regretfully so. I haven't powered up the system since the initial update and have yet to buy any games.  The last time I felt that way about a console was Playstation's PSP.  It was deemed "portable" but I found it bulky when it came to bringing more than a few games plus extra batteries. Fast forward just a few months later, I ended up only bringing a single game, no battery, then eventually only used it as a media device until I purchased Apple's iPhone 3G.  Prior to that, I was using both my Palm Treo 650 and PSP.  Chargers in tote, it was a lot to bring on my person especially when I would only access the PSP at the hotels or on the plane commuting back and forth.

I have yet to buy a Nintendo 3DS/3DSXL (I wouldn't actually consider the 2DS) only because, when it comes down to it, I don't want to carry anything more than I already do. I've been considering it for a while now but my current lifestyle of being an airline pilot who commutes from San Diego to Atlanta Dallas on a weekly basis is best when paired with minimalism.  Two bags; one for lunch the other for clothing.  To further establish the fact that I don't need one,  75% of my gaming is on an iOS device.  It's on me, it's with me wherever I go, and it's quick and dirty.  No power-up loading times or lag.  It's instant gratification.  I wish only the best for Nintendo and I truly am rooting for them.

Jumping thoughts, when it comes to consoles / dedicated gaming, I don't foresee any regret in the near future with Sony's latest Playstation 4. Heck, I might even get a Vita (not sure on the OLED version vs. the LCD one) if it means I can play remotely and have access to my PS4!  Yea, I reserved one and will be there at midnight at the local Best Buy.

Apple New iPod Touch

If you want an iDevice sans cellular network, this is your answer.  Granted Nintendo's 3DSXL and Sony's Playstation Vita come in at $100 less and up to $50 less causing me to question Apple's price point.  Is this new iPod Touch more valuable than the other two gaming companies current offerings?  I personally don't think so but that's because I already have an iPhone 5.

If you’re looking for a device like the iPod touch, buying this year's model is an absolute no-brainer, but I’d bet more people are going to think twice before laying out $300.

via David Pierce, The Verge