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Pro-Style GameCube Controller For Switch 1/2 & PC Is Only $40 This Weekend
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Pro-Style GameCube Controller For Switch 1/2 & PC Is Only $40 This Weekend

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A few of the best GameCube-inspired controllers for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC are on sale for their best prices of the year at Amazon. NYXI’s Warrior and Wizard wireless controllers combine the GameCube form factor with modern features like Hall Effect sticks, remappable back buttons, microswitch triggers, and other customization options. The Warrior Lite Bluetooth Controller released earlier this year with the GameCube’s iconic purple color scheme. Normally $50, you can grab this versatile gamepad for $40, which is the best price yet.

If you also want 2.4GHz Wireless support for original GameCube and Wii hardware–and PC with the included adapter–you can step up to the Warrior for $55 (was $69).

NYXI Warrior Lite Bluetooth Controller for Switch 2, Switch, PC

And after being sold out for most of the year, the NYXI Wizard is back in stock and discounted to $56 (was $70). On the original Switch and Switch OLED, the Wizard can replace your left and right Joy-Con in handheld mode. It’s also a traditional wireless controller for Switch and Switch 2 when both sides are connected to the included bridge. It does not work in handheld mode on Switch 2.

We’ve tested the Warrior Lite, Warrior, and Wizard on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and PC. Take an in-depth look at each model below.

$40 (was $50)

Key Features

  • Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
  • Hall Effect sticks and triggers
  • Modern trigger and bumper design
  • Adjustable trigger locks
  • Two remappable back buttons
  • Swappable back button module
  • Swappable sticks and gates
  • Microswitch face buttons
  • 8-way microswitch D-pad
  • 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
  • Adjustable dual-rumble motors
  • Turbo function
  • Up to 5 hours of battery life

The Warrior Lite replicates the general shape, layout, and color scheme of the original GameCube controller. It’s a bit chunkier and wider than the real thing, so it doesn’t have the same exact form factor, but it adds several compelling features that make it a versatile option for GameCube games on Switch Online as well as modern Nintendo games.

Beyond offering conventional bumpers and triggers, the Warrior Lite has two remappable back buttons. The right and left back buttons have a one-piece panel design that can be removed and switched with an alternate panel inside the box. The main difference between the two styles of back buttons is that one of them is textured and slightly raised for increased tactile feedback.

The Warrior Lite is equipped with anti-drift Hall Effect sticks. The right stick mimics the GameCube’s yellow C-stick, but you can swap it out for a yellow stick with a more conventional, larger grip. Similarly, you can switch between octagonal stick gates inspired by the GameCube controller and regular stick gates with a circular range of motion.

Face buttons, the 8-way D-pad, and shoulder bumpers are actuated by microswitches, giving them a mouse-click feel. Like the sticks, the triggers are activated with Hall Effect sensors, and can be set at two different stopping points with the locking switches on the back. Other core features include built-in, adjustable rumble and 6-axis motion controls.

The main downside here is battery life, as the Lite version has a smaller battery that only runs for up to five hours on a full charge. Like many Bluetooth controllers for Switch 2 and Switch, you can use the Warrior Lite on PC, mobile, Steam Deck, and other devices.

$55 (was $69) | Adds support for original GameCube hardware

Key Features:

  • Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
  • 2.4GHz Wireless: GameCube, Wii, PC
  • Available in Purple, Orange, Black
  • Hall Effect sticks and triggers
  • Modern trigger and bumper design
  • Adjustable trigger locks
  • Two remappable back buttons
  • Swappable back button module
  • Swappable sticks and gates
  • Microswitch face buttons
  • 8-way microswitch D-pad
  • 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
  • Adjustable dual-rumble motors
  • Turbo function
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life

NYXI released the original Warrior controller last year. The Warrior has the added benefit of working as a wireless controller on actual GameCube and Wii hardware. The included 2.4GHz receiver plugs into the GameCube’s controller port and can also be used on PC with the included USB adapter. The Warrior also has a larger battery that can run for up to 10 hours between charges, which is a nice perk.

While the Warrior Lite is only available in purple, the original Warrior has purple, black, and orange color options. All three are eligible for Amazon’s discount.

$56 (was $70) | Switch 2 – Docked Only / Switch – Handheld & Docked

Key Features

  • Replaces Joy-Cons in handheld mode on Switch & Switch OLED
  • Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
  • Available in Purple, Black, Silver, Orange
  • Hall Effect sticks
  • Mechanical triggers and bumpers
  • Two remappable back buttons
  • Octagonal and round stick gates
  • Illuminated ABXY buttons
  • 4-way D-pad
  • 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
  • Adjustable dual-rumble motors
  • Turbo function
  • 6-8 hours of battery life

The NYXI Wizard works on Nintendo Switch 2, but you can only use it for docked or tabletop modes. On the original Switch and Switch OLED, the Wizard can replace your Joy-Con in handheld mode. The left and right sides detach from the center bridge and connect to the console via sliding mechanisms. The Switch 2 uses a magnetic connection method for the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, which makes the Wizard incompatible with Nintendo’s new console for portable play.

If you’re picking up one of NYXI’s GameCube-style controllers specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, most players should opt for the Warrior or Warrior Lite. But if you still use both consoles, the Wizard is potentially the more intriguing option. There are a few differences between the Warrior and Wizard controllers, though.

The Wizard has slimmer, mechanical triggers and bumpers. Unlike the Warrior, it doesn’t have dual trigger modes; all four shoulder buttons are activated via microswitches. These feel great, but you can’t switch to the traditional trigger pull action like you can on the Warrior. The two built-in, textured back buttons are located in natural spots and feel great.

The ABXY face button labels have customizable lighting effects, which is a cool addition, though the buttons and the 4-way D-pad ditch the microswitches for traditional membranes.

Regardless of which base color you choose, the Wizard comes with one gray and one yellow Hall Effect stick. Round and Octagonal stick gates are included inside the box, but if you want the smaller C-sticks, you’ll need to buy a thumbstick kit from NYXI for $10–unless you have one of the Warrior controllers, as they use the same sticks and gates.

Other features include 6-axis motion controls, adjustable rumble, and turbo buttons on each side. Battery life falls between the Warrior and Warrior Lite.

It’s worth noting that NYXI recently launched the Wizard 2. Just like the Wizard, the second-gen model works in handheld mode on Switch and Switch OLED. If you buy it for Switch 2, it will only work in TV mode. The Wizard 2 has upgraded TMR joysticks, dual trigger modes, and microswitch face buttons. Essentially, NYXI implemented some of the features found in its Warrior controllers, which are newer than the original Wizard. The Wizard 2 retails for $90 and hasn’t received any discounts yet.

NYXI Wizard in handheld mode on original Switch.

More GameCube Controllers for Switch 2 & Switch

From a customization perspective, the Warrior series is the most impressive GameCube-style controller we’ve tried, but there are other GameCube controllers for Switch 2 that offer a more authentic experience. As mentioned, Nintendo’s wireless GameCube controller for Switch 2 is as close to the original as you’ll find. It feels almost exactly like the original, just without the cable and with a few extra small buttons on the top: C button for GameChat, home/menu buttons, and a small ZL button to make up for the fact the GameCube controller only had one shoulder button. But while this is best option for GameCube games on Switch Online, the aforementioned tiny ZL button makes it less than ideal for modern games.

Unfortunately, the price of the official Nintendo Switch Online GameCube controller recently increased to $70.

Officially licensed GameCube-style controllers from PowerA and Hori add Nintendo-inspired designs and have modernized shoulder and trigger layouts. The form factor of these controllers is closer to the original GameCube controller, as they have slimmer profiles compared to the NYXI Warrior. PowerA also recently raised the price of its GameCube-style controller to $70.

Looking for a conventional Switch 2 or PC controller? Check out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and brand-new 8BitDo Pro 3 Wireless Controllers, both of which are discounted at Amazon this weekend.



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8BitDo Pro 3 Controller For Switch 2 Gets First Price Cut, But It Won't Be Available For Long
Game Updates

8BitDo Pro 3 Controller For Switch 2 Gets First Price Cut, But It Won’t Be Available For Long

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8BitDo’s newest Nintendo and PC controller is on sale for the first time during Labor Day weekend. The 8BitDo Pro 3 Ultimate Bluetooth Gamepad for Switch 2, Switch, and PC is discounted to $63 (was $70) until September 1. Make sure to click the coupon box next to the price; the $7 discount will be applied at checkout. The Pro 3 just launched August 12 and already feels like a bargain at full price, so it’s possible the controller will sell out before the coupon expires. It’s worth noting that the Pro 3 sold out at full price during launch week.

The caveat to this deal is that only the Gray and G Classic editions of the 8BitDo Pro 3 are eligible for the 10% coupon. The GameCube-inspired purple edition–the most popular of the three colors–is still selling for the full $70. Amazon also has great deals on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controllers. PC players can get the Ultimate 2 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition for $50 (was $65), and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is down to $60 (was $70).

Editor’s Note: Article updated August 29. Read our original 8BitDo Pro 3 review and buying guide below:

$63 (was $70) | For Switch 2, Switch, PC/Mac, Mobile, SteamOS

Here’s a rundown of the 8BitDo Pro 3’s specs, components, and customization features.

8BitDo Pro 3 Specs & Features:

  • Available in: Purple, G Classic, Gray
  • Includes matching charging dock
  • Connections & Supported Platforms:
    • 2.4GHz Wireless: Switch 1/2, PC
    • Bluetooth: Switch 1/2, SteamOS, Apple, Android
    • Wired: Switch 1/2, PC, Android
  • 4 extra remappable buttons:
    • 2 back triggers
    • 2 microswitch shoulder buttons
  • Swappable TMR Joysticks (Tunnel Magnetoresistance)
  • Wear-resistant metal stick rings
  • Extra pair of ball-top arcade stick caps
  • Change trigger type by flipping switches:
    • Hall Effect Triggers
    • Non-linear Microswitch Triggers
  • Tactile D-pad
  • Textured grips
  • Magnetic ABXY face buttons:
    • Swap A/B & X/Y for Nintendo or Xbox layout
  • Extra set of unlabeled face buttons
    • Super Famicom-inspired red, yellow, green, blue
  • Turbo Button
  • Profile Button
  • Input mode switch: D/S/X
  • Dual-motor rumble
  • 6-axis Motion Controls
  • Battery: 1,000mAh
  • Battery life: Up to 20 hours
  • Weight: 242.4 grams
  • Dimensions: 153.6 x 100.5 x 64.55mm

Customize controls with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:

  • Remap inputs
  • Create custom profiles
  • Calibrate dead zones
  • Adjust stick/trigger sensitivity
  • Adjust rumble intensity
  • Adjust motion control sensitivity

8BitDo Pro 3: G Classic / Gray / Purple

Gallery

I’ve found the Pro 3 to be as big of an upgrade as the Ultimate 2 was compared to its predecessor. The D-pad is noticeably better than the one on the Pro 2, and it’s awesome to have the extra pair of remappable claw buttons on the shoulders and the two trigger modes. Engaging the trigger locks turns R2 and L2 into microswitch buttons that are great for rapid fire or for when you want to map face button actions to the triggers. With six buttons on the shoulders, you can really mix-and-match control schemes to fit your personal preferences. The microswitches used for the back buttons also feel nicer and faster than the ones on the Pro 2.

8BitDo’s TMR sticks are smoother and more precise than the already-good Hall Effect sticks found on the Pro 2 and other older models. TMR electromagnetic sticks consume less power, and the tech is supposed to hold up better over time compared to Hall Effect. TMR is often presented as Hall Effect 2.0, as both operate via magnetic sensors, which eliminates the risk of stick drift. For an added layer of durability, 8BitDo’s sticks also have wear-resistant metal rings.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 costs $20 more than the Pro 2, but the $70 price point aligns with the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, the manufacturer’s flagship controller that supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections. The Pro 2, meanwhile, only supported Bluetooth wireless and didn’t come with a charging dock. The new version is the first non-Ultimate controller with a charging dock. A 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is stored in the bottom of the dock. The addition of 2.4GHz Wireless is certainly welcome, as it offers a faster and more stable connection with higher polling rates.

Like the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 can be viewed as an alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Nintendo’s official controller feels great and even has a pair of back buttons, but there’s no denying that 8BitDo’s pair of premium gamepads are more versatile thanks to its suite of physical modifications and programmable customization options.

8BitDo Pro 3 has magnetic ABXY buttons

There are a couple of differences between the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series has rings around the sticks with adjustable RGB lighting effects. The Pro 3 has an upgraded D-pad with improved tactile feedback. Interestingly, the G Classic edition has a series of raised ridges–three in each direction–whereas the purple and gray models have the familiar directional arrows instead. I didn’t test the G Classic, so I can’t comment on any tangible differences, but the D-pad on the purple Pro 3 feels better to me than the Ultimate 2’s D-pad.

The Pro 3’s coolest new customization option is the ability to swap face buttons. On the bottom of the charging dock there’s a storage compartment for the 2.4GHz adapter. On the inside of the cover, you’ll also find the four extra face buttons and a small plunger-like tool used to remove the buttons. It only takes a second to swap out the full set of buttons.

Beyond changing up the look of your controller, you can make a practical change: Swapping A/B and X/Y to align with the Xbox button layout. Considering the Xbox button layout is often viewed as the standard on PC, this is a great customization feature for those who play on PC/Mac, Steam Deck, and mobile. The Pro 3 doesn’t support Xbox consoles, but you can use it for Xbox Cloud Gaming. And since you can fully remap the controls using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, you could even the swap the buttons and alter the controls so that when a Nintendo game prompts you to press Y, you are still pressing Y even if it’s up top instead.

With the Ultimate 2 series, the Bluetooth model will work on all of the same platforms as the Pro 3, but it has the Nintendo button layout. To get the Xbox layout, you’d need to purchase the Ultimate 2 without Bluetooth. This saves you 10 bucks, but the 2.4GHz model of the Ultimate 2 isn’t compatible with Nintendo consoles. The Ultimate series has always had a separate 2.4GHz model for PC players and a slightly more expensive model that adds Bluetooth and Switch support. There’s nothing wrong with that release model, especially for those who aren’t interested in Nintendo consoles. But it’s cool that 8BitDo created a built-in solution for those who have issues with Nintendo’s control layout on other platforms.

The ball-top stick caps match each controller’s theme.

Gallery

The ball-top stick caps feel more like a throw-in bonus as opposed to a feature 8BitDo expects to become a popular alternative to conventional sticks. The manufacturer said they designed the caps “purely for fun.” After trying them out, I actually think they are pretty cool for short spurts, but the spherical shape naturally isn’t the best from an ergonomics perspective. Your thumbs would probably start to hurt if you used them continuously like traditional joysticks. I also experimented by placing the controller on my desk and holding the stick like a (tiny) arcade stick while playing Galaga. Again, not as bad as I expected, but the ball-top sticks really are more of a novelty than a practical alternative for the very good traditional stick caps.

With 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 app, you can adjust stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivities, create dead zones, modify rumble intensity, and remap inputs. Up to three unique control configurations can be saved directly to the controller, and you can cycle through them on the fly by pressing the profile button. I haven’t experienced any issues mapping

8BitDo is having a big year

8BitDo Pro 3 | 8BitDo Ultimate 2

The Pro 3 is just the latest major addition to 8BitDo’s impressive accessory lineup in 2025. As mentioned, the Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth both launched earlier this year. Before that, 8BitDo kicked off the year by introducing a transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse that are officially licensed by Xbox. The Retro R8 Mouse was 8BitDo’s first 2.4GHz gaming mouse, and an alternative NES-inspired model followed a few months later.

Just last week, 8BitDo launched its first traditional Xbox controller with wireless support. Officially licensed by Microsoft, the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3-Mode Controller has a stylish blue-and-gold color scheme, a metal D-pad, two back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, and a matching charging dock. Check out our restock guide for more details–the controller has sold out multiple times since launch.

The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition arrived just a few weeks after 8BitDo’s last collaboration with Microsoft: a new version of the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller that supports iPhone and Android. The $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is licensed by Xbox and can hold all iPhone editions as well as most Android phones. In mid-July, 8BitDo launched a pair of all-button fight pads for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC.

8BitDo’s Pro 3 and the All-Button Arcade Controller work with Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box, but if you buy the Ultimate 2 or one of the other 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 support, you may still need to update the controller’s firmware to get it to sync with the console. You can check out the Amazon hub we created for 8BitDo’s Switch 2 controllers. We included multiple of the same model because 8BitDo controllers often have several store pages hosted by different reputable sellers with Amazon fulfillment, and the prices can vary from day to day.

The latest addition to the hub is 8BitDo’s reimagined N64 wireless controller, which was designed in partnership with retro hardware manufacturer Analogue. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is also compatible with Switch, PC, and Switch 2 (with a firmware update).

If you want to compare the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth to Nintendo’s official controller, Amazon finally has the Switch 2 Pro Controller in stock for $89–one buck below the controller’s new $90 MSRP.



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Over three quarters of Cyberpunk 2077's Nintendo Switch 2 sales were physical
Game Reviews

Over three quarters of Cyberpunk 2077’s Nintendo Switch 2 sales were physical

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Earlier this year, the team at CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2077 would be a Switch 2 launch title. Not only that, the studio was going to offer those interested a physical game cartridge to purchase, with the actual game on it.

This decision put CD Projekt in the relative minority, as many other third party studios were instead favouring ‘key cards’ for their own Switch 2 releases. These key cards don’t actually contain game data, and instead trigger a download from the Nintendo eShop when they are popped into the device.

And, this move has paid off. Last night, CDPR released its latest financial results and it turns out that the Switch 2 community really does like its physical media. Of Cyberpunk 2077’s Switch 2 sales in June, over 75 percent were physical.

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As you can see in the image below, only 24.6 percent of the games Switch 2 sales were digital.

While we don’t have sales figures for Cyberpunk 2077, back in June it was reported CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 was the “best-selling third-party game during the launch of Switch 2”, and did “reasonable numbers” on Nintendo’s latest console.

Prior to its Switch 2 debut, CD Projekt’s VP of business development Jan Rosner said having Cyberpunk 2077 as a “cartridge with a plug and play experience” on Switch 2 was “the right thing to do”. At this time, the studio exec noted that physical games remain vital to Nintendo’s player base, and developers should not “underestimate” this.

CDPR isn’t the only studio to buck the third-party ‘key cards’ trend. Earlier this year, Sega announced Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ release will have the full game on the Switch 2 card.

This is a news-in-brief story. This is part of our vision to bring you all the big news as part of a daily live report.



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US hardware revenue reaches $384m driven by Switch 2 sales | US Monthly Charts
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US hardware revenue reaches $384m driven by Switch 2 sales | US Monthly Charts

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US hardware revenue jumped 21% to $384 million in July, driven by sales of the Nintendo Switch 2.

That’s according to data from Circana, which noted that this increase in hardware spending was the highest in a July month since 2008, when revenue reached $441 million.

The Switch 2 was the best-selling hardware for the month and year-to-date, and has surpassed two million units in the US since its June 5 launch. Unit sales of the Switch 2 are also 75% ahead of those set by the original Switch.

Looking at the charts for July, the Top Five consisted of four new titles. Electronic Arts took the top two spots with EA Sports College Football 26 and EA Sports MVP Bundle 2025, while Donkey Kong Bananza ranked in third.

The latest Switch 2 sat in the same spot as Mario Kart World’s debut in June, and was the best-selling title on Nintendo’s platform-specific charts. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, developed by Iron Galaxy and published by Activision, came in at No.4.

The latest remake in the Tony Hawk franchise was also in the Top Four best-selling games of the month across the individual charts for console and PC.

Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos-Montréal’s Grounded 2 also debuted in the Top 20 at No.8, while Death Stranding 2: On the Beach dropped from No.2 to No.12 and Elden Ring: Nightreign fell from the top spot to No.16.

Elsewhere, video game content spending was up 4% to $4.5 billion. According to Circana, this result was driven by a 7% growth in mobile to $2.3 billion and non-mobile subscriptions, which were up 21% to $0.5 billion. Growth from these segments offset a 9% drop in console spending.

As for consumer spending, this rose by 5% to $5.05 billion compared to $4.1 billion during the same period last year.

Looking at mobile content, the Top Five consisted of Monopoly Go, Royal Match, Last War: Survival, Candy Crush Saga, and Whiteout Survival.

Most notably, Garena’s Free Fire moved up seven places to No.6, which has been “skyrocketing US revenue since last year” according to Sensor Tower’s Sam Aune.

Aune also described July as an “explosive month” for mobile, “with 7% of consumer spend growth over July 2024”.

Here are the top 20 selling games from the period July 6 to August 2, 2025, data courtesy of Circana:

Rank
Last month rank
Title

1
NEW
EA Sports College Football

2
NEW
EA Sports MVP Bundle (2025)

3
NEW
Donkey Kong Bananza*

4
NEW
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4

5
4
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

6
8
Minecraft^

7
6
Forza Horizon 5

8
NEW
Grounded 2

9
15
Red Dead Redemption 2

10
9
Grand Theft Auto 5

11
7
MLB: The Show 25^^

12
2
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

13
19
WWE 2K25

14
13
Elden Ring

15
14
NBA 2K25

16
1
Elden Ring: Nightreign

17
11
Split Fiction

18
12
EA Sports FC 25

19
21
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

20
20
F1 25

*Digital sales not included for marked titles

^Digital sales on Nintendo platforms not included

^^Digital sales on Nintendo and Xbox platforms not included



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Bloober Team has plans for more horror games on Switch 2 - could Silent Hill 2 be next?
Game Reviews

Bloober Team has plans for more horror games on Switch 2 – could Silent Hill 2 be next?

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Bloober Team has plans to release more horror games on Nintendo’s Switch 2, following the release next month of its latest game Cronos: The New Dawn.


“I’m trying to make my personal dreams come true,” Bloober CEO Piotr Babieno told The Game Business. “I am a huge Nintendo fan. I grew up with Nintendo consoles. The most important horrors, like Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4… were available on Nintendo GameCube. It was a gold time for Nintendo fans. In some ways, we would like to be the one to open a new chapter for Nintendo right now.”


He continued: “We have some plans. We are not able to share our vision for the future yet. But definitely Nintendo fans could take a look at Bloober Team.”

Cronos: The New Dawn – Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025Watch on YouTube


Babieno also hinted Bloober has an eye on cosy games, citing the Luigi’s Mansion series as an example of how the genre can cross over with horror.


“The best [example] is Luigi’s Mansion,” said Babieno. “What [Nintendo game director] Kono-san did with this title was pretty impressive. And I believe that there is a huge possibility to repeat such an idea in the future.”


Could we see the Silent Hill 2 remake on Switch 2. It’s currently a console exclusive on Sony’s PlayStation 5, but that exclusivity ends after the game’s first year on sale – that’ll be 8th October.

Image credit: Sony


If Cronos: The New Dawn is coming to Switch 2, then perhaps Silent Hill 2 could follow suit in the future. Otherwise there’s an opportunity for ports of Bloober’s previous games (there’s a film adaptation of The Medium on the way), or whatever else the studio is working on in the future.


Cronos: The New Dawn is out on 5th September across Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and macOS. Eurogamer’s Ian Higton went hands-on with Cronos back in July, but found it a little derivative.

This is a news-in-brief story. This is part of our vision to bring you all the big news as part of a daily live report.



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Why are Switch 2 dev kits so hard to get? | Opinion
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Why are Switch 2 dev kits so hard to get? | Opinion

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Nintendo’s Switch 2 has leapt out of the gates at a stunning pace.

Circana’s latest figures show that it’s running 75% ahead of the sales of the original Switch – itself no slouch – at the same point in its lifespan. Those are US numbers, but most estimates from other markets suggest that the success is global.

Pent-up demand for a Switch successor and impressively good inventory and supply chain management on Nintendo’s part has created a runaway hit. If the company can stay on top of the supply chain and keep shelves well-stocked through the winter, it’ll almost certainly chalk up the strongest opening year of any console in history.

All the reporting of that soaraway success is probably only rubbing salt into the wound, however, if you’re one of the developers that hasn’t been able to get their hands on a Switch 2 dev kit.

Hard numbers on this are impossible to gauge, but much of the industry chatter around Switch 2 coming out of Gamescom has been about how many studios, including some with significant releases under their belts, are still waiting to receive development hardware.

Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the highest profile third-party titles at the Switch 2 launch

Most developers are extremely tight-lipped about anything to do with Nintendo, which is notoriously touchy about anything related to its behind-the-scenes business ending up in the press. Hence, even if it’s off-the-record, it is nonetheless noteworthy how many people seem willing to vent privately to journalists over the lack of access to dev kits, as Digital Foundry and others reported this week.

Of course, this being such an opaque situation, it could just be that there’s a big shipment of dev kits on the way, and everyone will be happy as can be in a few weeks. But that doesn’t entirely ring true, especially given that some studios are reportedly being told to focus their efforts on Switch 1 development and rely on backwards compatibility to reach Switch 2 players.

Conspiracy theories have swirled around the reports of the dev kit shortage, with many comments online speculating that it’s an attempt to control access to the hardware in order to protect its security from would-be hackers.

This doesn’t make a lot of sense in practical terms – it’s largely just a reflection of consumers’ ongoing focus on Nintendo’s heavy-handed efforts to crack down on unauthorised uses of the system.

A more believable explanation would be that the company is trying to exert some kind of quality control over early third-party Switch titles by prioritising dev kit access for teams that have passed some kind of internal vetting process.

That might be true, but it’s using some highly unusual criteria if so. Quite a few small studios with very limited track records have dev kits in hand, while some much more well-established teams have seemingly been left out in the cold.

Perhaps more compelling, then, is the notion that Nintendo is trying – a little chaotically – to control the transition between Switch and Switch 2, and to ensure that the early success of Switch 2 doesn’t result in a complete drought of third-party software for the original Switch (which still has a huge active userbase).

Given that it’s entirely possible to develop Switch titles that benefit from the higher specs of Switch 2 to deliver an enhanced experience, it’s credible that the company would want to push developers down that path for the first year or so, especially given that Switch sales were relatively strong right up to the launch window of its successor.

The thing is, though, that all of these explanations rest on an assumption that may be entirely unfounded – namely, that there’s actually a strategy in play here. It is equally likely that this is just Nintendo falling back on old habits.

Worries about third-party support swirled around the Wii U

Supporting third-party developers, especially smaller and independent studios, has not historically been the company’s strong point, and you only need go back to coverage in the trade press around the launch of Nintendo systems prior to the Switch to find complaints that are eerily similar to those now being heard.

Unlike Sony and Microsoft, which built their console business around encouraging and providing for third-party developers prior to developing their own strong studio line-ups, Nintendo has historically been primarily focused on developing first-party software for its own platforms, with third-party releases being, if not quite an afterthought, then certainly a distant second place.

That prioritisation is understandable when you look at the breakdown of software sales on Nintendo consoles, where first-party games absolutely dominate. With much of the remaining minority of third-party sales being accounted for by large publishers’ franchises, support for smaller partners is well down the list of the company’s priorities in the early stages of its consoles’ lifespans.

This has often resulted in limited access to development hardware, and some developers complain of weak support even for those studios that have the kits.

Nintendo has historically been primarily focused on developing first-party software for its own platforms

Even if looking at it from Nintendo’s point of view makes the under-resourcing of third-party developer relations make some commercial sense, that’s little comfort to studios that are unable to start working on Switch 2 titles even as the console sells by the millions. The solid commercial prospects for releasing on Switch 2 make it very hard to ignore for developers choosing target platforms – but for now at least, the path to bring software to market on the device seems to be a deeply frustrating and uneven one for many studios.

The light at the end of the tunnel, at least, is that on previous Nintendo platforms, these issues have largely been resolved over time, with access to dev kits becoming more plentiful and less haphazard as the months wore on. Although that’s cold comfort to those studios with games that are well-suited to Switch 2, but that are currently watching the days tick away without the hardware they need to start development in earnest for the system.

Nintendo will always march to the beat of its own drum. We can only hope that the coming months see that drumbeat start to move things along in its handling of third-party developers.



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Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Set Is Only $39 At Walmart Right Now
Game Updates

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Set Is Only $39 At Walmart Right Now

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If you’re lucky, you can snag a pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers for only $39 at Walmart. This absolutely wild deal isn’t available in all regions across the US. If you’re eligible for the deal, you can click that magical “Add to cart” button and complete your purchase like normal.

We would not be surprised if Walmart updates the price soon. Unless the retailer is trying to clear this particular Joy-Con model from its inventory, the massive price cut may have been a mistake.

$39 (was $80) | MSRP is $90

Along with the vibrant Neon Purple and Neon Orange controllers, the 2-pack comes with Nintendo’s Joy-Con Attachment sets. The removable wrist straps are recommended when playing games with motion controls. They are also useful for games that support single Joy-Con controls, as the attachments include larger shoulder buttons.

Original Switch Joy-Con cannot be used in handheld mode on Switch 2, but you can still play wirelessly in docked or tabletop modes with the first-gen Joy-Con.

At $80-$90, we definitely wouldn’t recommend buying original Switch Joy-Con Controllers specifically for Switch 2, but for $39? You could do a lot worse.

You’ll probably want to buy a grip, so you can turn the pair of controllers into a traditional gamepad. Walmart has the officially licensed Joy-Con Comfort Grip for $11.49.

Unsurprisingly, Walmart’s $39 deal is an all-time low for Switch Joy-Con Controllers at a major retailer. The deal comes on the heels of Nintendo raising the price on original Joy-Con 2-packs to $90, so you’re technically saving $51 compared to Nintendo’s official price.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers now cost $100, an increase of five bucks compared to the $95 launch price. That said, Amazon still has Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con sets for $95 as of August 29.



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Mario looks back while racing to Waluigi's casino.
Game Reviews

Mario Kart 8 Just Can’t Stop Topping Nintendo Switch Sales Charts

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Mario Kart 8: Deluxe was one of the top-selling games in the U.S. last month across Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. Huh? Now in its 11th year, the racing game refuses to go gently into that good night even with a next-gen sequel available. Mario Kart World may be the franchise’s future, but Mario Kart 8 continues to hold on like no Nintendo game ever has before.

MK8 was ranked the seventh best-selling Nintendo platform game in June when the Switch 2 launched. In July, it shot up to the fourth spot with Mario Kart World falling to sixth, reports Circana game research director Mat Piscatella. A few things are going on here to explain the bizarre swap. First, Nintendo only shares physical sales data, so we don’t know how much either game sold relative to the other in terms of digital downloads. Plus, the digital version of Mario Kart World is part of a discounted Switch 2 bundle, and none of those unit sales are getting tracked either.

So is Mario Kart 8 actually outselling Mario Kart World? Almost definitely not. But it is still selling surprisingly well at a time when you’d think everyone who doesn’t already own the game would just wait to jump directly into Mario Kart World. Mario Kart 8 sold around 600,000 copies globally last quarter, which included the Switch 2’s launch month. It seems likely to continue selling into the holiday season. Another million copies before the end of the year doesn’t seem out of the question, which would probably make it a more popular game in that time period than most of the third-party releases publishers raced to port to the Switch 2.

Switch 2 is selling way ahead of the original

Despite only two months on the market, Switch 2 is already the best-selling console year-to-date in the U.S., according to Piscatella. And it’s already far ahead of where its predecessor was at the same time in its launch cycle. “Nintendo Switch 2 has now surpassed 2 million units sold in the US life-to-date,” he reported. “It is currently 75% ahead of the unit sales pace set by the original Nintendo Switch.”

But many Switch 2 games have already dropped off the best-sellers list. June included Cyberpunk 2077, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Street Fighter 6, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster all in the top 10. None of them are still there in July. While Donkey Kong Bananza and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 both dominated, every third-party game is gone besides Minecraft and Hogwarts Legacy, neither of which are Switch 2 exclusives (Minecraft doesn’t even have a Switch 2 version).

With over 150 million Switch 1 consoles sold, it’s not surprising that cross-platform Nintendo exclusives are continuing to own the board. But it comes amid fresh reports that the company has been slow to get Switch 2 dev kits to third-party developers, suggesting they just release their game on Switch 1 instead. For now the Switch 2 is still mostly another Nintendo machine for playing Nintendo games (and Minecraft). And in that arena the company’s back catalog continues to have a major edge, with Mario Kart 8 still taking the crown.



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Romancing SaGa 2 Gets Major Price Cut For PS5 And Switch
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Romancing SaGa 2 Gets Major Price Cut For PS5 And Switch

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Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is on sale for only $30 for Nintendo Switch and PS5 at Amazon this week. Though not technically part of Amazon’s Labor Day Sale, the retailer is matching deals offered in competitor promotions, and the fully rebuilt remake of this Square Enix classic is one of them.

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can buy the Switch physical edition for $30 and purchase the official upgrade from the eShop for $10. The Switch 2 edition is $50 on the eShop, so you’re still saving 10 bucks overall with the physical edition.

Romancing SaGa 2 Remake Deals — $30 ($50)

$30 (was $50)

The impressive remake of the Super Famicom JRPG released last October. In a year filled with great JRPGs, Romancing SaGa 2 flew a bit under the radar, but Square Enix’s lovingly crafted turn-based RPG is a unique experience that’s well-worth the roughly 40-60 hours it takes to complete the mainline campaign.

Romancing SaGa 2 is a ground-up remake of the 1993 Super Famicom classic. An HD remaster of the original launched in 2017, but the remake introduces full 3D graphics and overhauls the turn-based battle system to match the new “timeline” system featured in recent titles like SaGa Emerald Beyond. There are also a few quality of life updates to make the game more approachable for new players, including multiple difficulty options.

You play as members of a royal family who need to fight to maintain control of their empire and curb world-ending threats. In addition to a deep and nuanced battle system, Romancing SaGa 2 also boasts an entire castle building mechanics where you construct and manage fortresses around your kingdom. Like other games in the series, where you go, who you talk to, and which side quests you complete can have drastic changes on how the story unfolds. It’s a surprisingly open-ended experience, even by modern standards, and the lovely remake is the perfect opportunity to give it a go, or revisit it and try for an entirely different story path.

The remake earned an 8/10 in our Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven review.

$30 (was $50)

If you have a PS5 and Nintendo Switch 1/2, the PS5 version looks and runs better, but Revenge of the Seven is a solid experience on Nintendo handhelds. On original Switch, it runs at a fairly stable 30fps with 720p resolution in handheld mode and 1080p when docked. Load times can feel a bit long in some instances, and you may experience some brief frame rate dips.

As mentioned, Square Enix released a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game at the end of July. Priced the same as the original, the Switch 2 edition is only available on the eShop. That said, those who own a physical copy for Switch can purchase the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for $10.

The Switch 2 edition is markedly better from a visual and performance perspective. It maxes out at 1440p resolution and 60fps when playing in docked mode. In handheld mode, you can play in 1080p resolution. Along with visual improvements, Switch 2 users get faster load times.

The Switch and Switch 2 versions aren’t the only options for playing on a portable device. Romancing SaGa 2 is also Steam Deck-verified. You can save 15% on a Steam key with promo code AUG15 at Green Man Gaming.

$45 | Releases December 9

SaGa fans can also preorder the upcoming physical edition of Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered International for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. This superb remaster originally released in 2022 on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile.

Like Romancing SaGa 2, the boxed version of Minstrel Song Remastered is only available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Square Enix partnered with publisher Red Art Games to bring the new physical edition to stores.

Romancing SaGa Remastered International is slated to launch December 9. If you’re interested in adding a copy to your RPG collection, it’d probably be wise to preorder this one, as it’s likely to have a small print run.

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch and PS5 physical editions are available for $45 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

More JRPG Deals at Amazon

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

If you’re looking for more deals on role-playing games, major retailers are offering nice discounts on a variety of other hits and recent releases. Multiple other notable Square Enix releases are on sale, including Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition for $30 off, the reprint of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade for PS5 for $30, and the Amazon-exclusive version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for $40.

Another Square Enix JRPG that didn’t receive as much attention as it deserved is Fantasian Neo Dimension. First released back in 2021 as an Apple Arcade game, Fantasian is a turn-based RPG from Mistwalker, the independent studio founded by original Final Fantasy director Hironobu Sakaguchi. The enhanced console and PC version launched last December for $50; Amazon’s $20 discount is the best yet for Fantasian Neo Dimension.

Nintendo Switch Game Deals

PS5 + PS4 Game Deals

The SaGa Franchise

Square Enix has been slowly revitalizing the SaGa series over the past few years with remasters, remakes, and brand-new entries in the series, including SaGa Emerald Beyond, the latest new entry in the series. Steam keys for SaGa Emerald Beyond and a bunch of other games in the series are available at Green Man Gaming. With promo code AUG15, you can save 15% on any of the games listed below.

Save 15% with promo code AUG15

While the series started as a Final Fantasy spin-off called Final Fantasy Legend, the SaGa series quickly evolved into its own unique franchise. Unlike many other JRPGs of the 90s, the SaGa games are notable for offering non-linear storylines and complex character building systems that were more akin to 90s computer RPGs.



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Save $20 Or More On Mario RPGs For Nintendo Switch This Week
Game Updates

Save $20 Or More On Mario RPGs For Nintendo Switch This Week

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If you’re looking to fill the gaps in your collection of Nintendo Switch exclusives, you should check out the assortment of game deals at Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy this week. Each retailer is offering discounts on several Super Mario games, including traditional platformers, role-playing games, and arcade sports titles. A handful of Nintendo Switch games outside of the Super Mario umbrella, including Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Emio – The Smiling Man, are featured in the sales, too.

Multiple games on the list below can be purchased for lower prices if you opt for an international edition from the UK or other regions. The Switch and Switch 2 are region-free consoles, so the only tangible difference a lot of the time is the ratings board logo on the cover. The one key thing to keep in mind is that DLC from the eShop must match the game’s region, so if you bought a UK edition of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you’d need to use the UK eShop if you wanted the Fighters Pass.

Video Game Deals: Nintendo Switch Exclusives

  • Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
  • Mario & Luigi: Brothership
  • Mario Strikers: Battle League
  • Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
  • Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
  • Super Mario Maker 2
  • Super Mario RPG
  • Yoshi’s Crafted World

Super Mario RPG

Turn-based RPG fans can save at least $20 on the Switch remakes of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Super Mario RPG. The Thousand-Year Door is a beautiful and thoroughly faithful enhanced version of the 2003 GameCube classic. Amazon and Walmart are sold out of the $40 deal, but Best Buy still has copies for $40.

Many Mario fans view The Thousand-Year Door as the pinnacle of Mario role-playing games. Its main competition for the crown is Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the 1996 SNES classic that was remade for Nintendo Switch in 2023. This is one of those deals that’s even better if you don’t mind picking up an international edition. The imported edition of Super Mario RPG is $36.50 at Amazon, whereas the US release is $40 at Amazon and Walmart. North American edition for $40, while the imported edition is $36.50.

Just like Mario RPG, an international copy of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is $36.50 at Amazon, and the US edition is $40 at Best Buy. Brothership has some rather unfortunate performance issues on original Switch hardware. If you own a Switch 2, however, the game runs noticeably smoother despite not receiving an official Switch 2 update. The roughly 40-hour adventure has some pacing issues and clunky design choices, but it’s still an enjoyable game. For transparency, I stopped playing it at launch due to the performance issues, but I liked it quite a bit when I gave it another try on Switch 2.

Best Buy is the only retailer with deals on Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition – Deluxe Set, Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club. The Deluxe Set of Nintendo World Championships is bundled with a replica NES cartridge, a collection of art cards featuring cover art from the 8-bit era, and a set of enamel pins with pixel art.

For more Nintendo collectibles, check out our roundup on the discounted Legend of Zelda and Street Fighter 6 Amiibo figures. All seven figures that launched the same day as the Switch 2 console are on sale for $20.

On the Mario side of Amiibo, fans can get the Koopa Troopa and Goomba figures directly from Amazon for $16 each. Nintendo recently raised the MSRP of pre-Switch 2 Amiibo to $20, so you’re saving 20% on each. These figures launched way back in 2017 a few weeks before Super Mario Odyssey hit stores. Prior to this year, Amazon had been sold out of both figures since 2018.



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