Latest Nintendo switch, multi-platform Game News & Updates
☁ Nintendo switch, multi-platform News
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Star Ocean: The Second Story R Gets Switch 2 Edition, But With The Usual Square Enix Caveats
!Star Ocean The Second Story R Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Square Enix(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/16/9731159c/staroceanthesecondr.jpg.webp) Square Enix has surprise-released a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Star Ocean: The Second Story R(https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-ocean-the-second-story-r), its sci-fi RPG(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2023/06/21/star-ocean-the-second-story-remake-announced) that launched on Switch (and PlayStation and PC) in 2023. This Switch 2 version boasts 1080p resolution, both docked and in handheld mode, with a 60 FPS frame rate, making it a big improvement over the significantly lower resolution and 30 FPS frame rate of the Switch version. But, this edition comes with the usual Square Enix caveats. Similar to the Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II Switch 2 editions(https://gameinformer.com/node/127099) announced earlier this week, anyone who wants to play this Star Ocean remake on Switch 2 will have to pay $49.99; there is no upgrade path for owners of the Switch 1 version, and your save data does not transfer. It's another step down this disappointing trend for Square Enix, which expects players to fork over more money to play a game they already own on a new system – the company doesn't even opt for low-cost upgrade paths, something even Nintendo itself(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2025/04/02/metroid-prime-4-tears-of-the-kingdom-and-more-get-enhanced-switch-2) does with games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom(https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/such-great-heights) and more. Maybe Square Enix is seeing enough purchases to justify it, but it's not a player-friendly practice either way. Check out the Star Ocean: The Second Story R Nintendo Switch 2 edition trailer below: Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of the original Star Ocean: The Second Story, which launched on PlayStation in the U.S. in 1999. It's about a Federation officer named Claude C. Kenny who is mysteriously transported to a mystical planet. There, he searches for a way home but is drawn into a quest to save the planet by a young girl who lives there, becoming wrapped up in an ancient prophecy in the process. Star Ocean: The Second Story R is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch 2, Switch, and PC. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to remove mention of Star Ocean: The Second Story R being an HD-2D game, as that is incorrect How do you feel about the way Square Enix handles Switch 2 re-releases? Let us know in the comments below!
Mario Tennis Fever gets Super Mario Galaxy-themed 1.1.0 update
Nintendo's first big patch for the Switch 2 tennis game includes a new Fever Racket, a new court, a new Special Match, and GameShare support
Culdcept Begins brings the Sega Saturn era to Nintendo Switch 2
Culdcept Begins revives a cult-classic series with strategic deckbuilding and a whole lot of luck.
Your First Chance To Play The Duskbloods Early Is Next Month
From Software's upcoming game The Duskbloods looks be quite the departure from the studio's previous work, and if you want a chance to play it ahead of its official launch, you'll soon have your chance. The game will be running a closed network test(https://campaign.theduskbloods.jp/p/event/networktest/?region=theamericas&locate=US&lang=en) in August, with registration for a chance to participate starting very soon. The Duskbloods' closed network test will run from August 21-23, and will feature support for eight-player multiplayer sessions. An application period will run from July 22-28, and participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 system and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0ij2uQ87nc From Software says the closed network test will be focused on a few key areas: server load, multiplayer problem-solving, and game balance. It's not clear exactly how much of the game will be available during this test, but given how different The Duskbloods looks compared to From Software's traditional single-player RPGs, it's a great opportunity to see if you want to buy the full version later. The Duskbloods is planned to launch in 2026 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Though looking at screenshots may have you convinced it's a similar game to something like Bloodborne, the focus on multiplayer should make it quite different.
You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2025/04/02/952050c7/nintendoswitch2theduskbloodsscreenshot-51.jpg.webp) Elden Ring developer revealed during a June Nintendo Direct that its upcoming Switch 2 exclusive action game, The Duskbloods(https://www.gameinformer.com/product/the-duskbloods), would be getting a closed network test sometime this Summer(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/06/09/the-duskbloods-a-nintendo-switch-2-exclusive-rpg-from-elden-ring). Now, the studio has revealed the test will take place next month, from August 21 through August 23. Applications to take part in the test will open up next week on July 22, and you will have until July 28 to complete the registration. A network test like this isn't uncommon for From Software, which also held one for Elden Ring, and considering The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2025/04/02/the-duskbloods-from-softwares-next-game-is-a-switch-2-exclusive), it makes sense that the Tokyo-based studio wants to test online play and connectivity ahead of the game's eventual launch. Speaking of launch, there's still no release date for The Duskbloods, but it is set to launch sometime this year. From Software says the primary goals of this network test are as follows: - Game server load test: We will connect large numbers of players simultaneously to verify gameplay while putting a load on the game server. - Multiplayer test: We will test for various problems that may occur when multiple people play together in different network environments, and various phenomena that may occur by having many users participate. - Game balance test: When real players test the game together, the developers can gather data about how well the game is balanced. From Software says this network test allows for "up to eight players to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches while the game is still in development," and asks for understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay as a result. In order to take part in the test, you must apply next week, be accepted, have a Nintendo Switch, and have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The application period starts on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 a.m. PT and lasts until Tuesday, July 28, at 6:59 a.m. PT. The selection announcement will happen on Friday, August 7, at 6 a.m. PT. The network test schedule is listed below: - Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT - Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT - Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT - Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT - Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT For more about The Duskbloods, check out the latest trailer here(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/06/09/the-duskbloods-a-nintendo-switch-2-exclusive-rpg-from-elden-ring), and then check out the reveal trailer for The Duskbloods(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2025/04/02/the-duskbloods-from-softwares-next-game-is-a-switch-2-exclusive). Good luck!
Pokémon Winds & Waves' surprising leaks involve the professor
A series of leaks all suggest Game Freak's Switch 2 Pokémon game is taking the concept of evolution to the next level
Nintendo’s Switch 2 bundle that includes a game is $50 off
Discounts on the Nintendo Switch 2 are rare, but they do happen on occasion. There’s one happening now, actually, on the company’s $499.99 console bundle that includes a digital game (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia). Usually, the bundle saves you $20 or $30, depending on the game you choose, but for &8230;
Nintendo Exploring A Switch 2 OLED, But Is Worried About Price – Report
From the moment the current Nintendo Switch 2 launched with its LCD screen there have been questions around whether or not Nintendo would release an OLED version in the future. It's the strategy it followed with the original Switch to great success, but could still be a while away for its follow-up. According to a report by ZDNet Korea(https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20260713182948) (via Digital Foundry(https://www.digitalfoundry.net/news/2026/07/report-nintendo-mulling-switch-2-oled-with-samsung-display-panel)), Nintendo could be looking at an upcoming 1080p OLED panel from Samsung Display as an option for the potential Switch 2 OLED. The concern currently, according to the report, is not with the hardware itself, but the potential premium the upgrade would demand, and whether consumers will be willing to purchase an even more expensive console in today's memory-strapped market. Nintendo has already announced plans to increase the price of the current LCD Nintendo Switch 2(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-nintendo-switch-2-is-officially-getting-a-price-hike-in-september/1100-6539854/), and there's no guarantee that it won't have to hike the price further in the near future. That makes a potential Switch 2 OLED releasing in 2028 at the earliest a difficult product to predict, and even tricker to try and price before development kicks off by the end of this year. An OLED panel would present a big upgrade over the current LCD panel, which is ill-equipped for the Switch 2's more capable hardware. Its HDR capabilities are sorely lacking, and its distractingly-bad motion clarity has been a sore point for many users, especially those migrating over from the inky blacks and smooth response times of the older Nintendo Switch OLED. While 2028 is far away, Nintendo is planning to launch a new version of the Switch 2 in the European Union(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-2-is-getting-a-consumer-friendly-upgrade-in-europe/) soon, which will feature a replaceable battery in order to comply with it latest consumer regulations. As a result, it will also discontinue the original Switch in the region.
Best tactics RPGs to play like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
Tactics RPGs including Mario + Rabbids, Triangle Strategy, and the Banner Saga offer tactical gameplay in the lead up to Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave.
Square Enix Once Again Skips Switch 2 Upgrade Path For Octopath Traveler Collection
The Octopath Traveler(https://www.gamespot.com/games/octopath-traveler/) games established a new line of "HD-2D" games at Square Enix, and fans of the series can look forward to a new Switch 2 release of the first two entries in the series--with a catch. While Octopath Traveler and its sequel have been available on the original Switch for years now, there'll be no upgrade option for players to continue their journey on Switch 2, meaning no discount or transfer their saves across. Both games are lengthy experiences, full of optional detours and challenging quests, so starting from scratch isn't a tempting proposition. Throw in the fact that they still look pretty great for their age thanks to the timeless HD-2D design, making it likely that current players could skip the Switch 2 editions. https://youtu.be/CbWT5KUr3FU While numerous Switch games offer upgrade packs(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-game-getting-switch-2-edition-enhanced-versions/2900-6398/) for their Switch 2 editions--some free, others costing a few bucks--the lack of one for Octopath Traveler could make it a very hard sell for fans of the RPG series. Some people online have labeled this as an anti-consumer move on Square Enix's part, as this move rules out the idea of purchasing a cheap secondhand copy of Octopath Traveler and grabbing the upgrade. It also doesn't allow for anyone who purchased the game previously--digitally or physically--to cheaply upgrade. Square Enix has been in hot water in the past for offering zero upgrade paths for several of its HD-2D games. Octopath Traveler 0(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/octopath-traveler-0-wont-even-let-you-pay-to-upgrade-from-switch-to-switch-2/1100-6533602/) and the physical versions(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/upcoming-dragon-quest-remakes-wont-upgrade-from-switch-to-switch-2/1100-6533168/) of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake all required players to commit to one Switch platform to play them, choosing either a last-gen or a current-gen version. If you are planning to get Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 for Switch 2--and you're jumping in for the first time--there are some nice technical upgrades in this version. The package will be available in both digital and physical editions, with improved frame rates and resolutions on Switch 2 when it launches on October 1.
The First Two Octopath Traveler Games Are Coming To Switch 2 In October, But There's No Upgrade Path Or Save Data Transfer
!Octopath Traveler II(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2023/02/15/c434e257/ot4.jpg.webp) Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II are coming to Switch 2 on October 1. The move coincides with the series 8th anniversary. Both games will be available separately, digitally and physically, as well as in a digital-only bundle. Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II, first released in 2018 and 2023, respectively, feature improved frame rates and resolutions on Switch 2. Unfortunately, reading the fine print of the announcement trailer states that if you own the original Switch versions of these HD-2D RPGs, Square Enix is not offering an upgrade path for the Switch 2 editions. Furthermore, save data is not compatible between the two versions, meaning you cannot transfer a Switch save to the Switch 2 version, and vice versa. To learn more about these games, be sure to read our original reviews for Octopath Traveler(https://gameinformer.com/review/octopath-traveler/an-arduous-but-rewarding-journey) and Octopath Traveler II(https://gameinformer.com/review/octopath-traveler-ii/two-is-better-than-one). You can also read our review of the most recent entry, Octopath Traveler 0(https://gameinformer.com/review/octopath-traveler-0/going-from-zero-to-hero).
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera drops to an all-time low price
A GameSpot deal is offering the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for just $10 right now, so you can use one of Star Fox's funniest features