New for Nintendo this Week (7/23/17-7/29/17): Hey! Pikmin & New Nintendo 2DS XL

There is a lot coming to Nintendo’s consoles this week! While most of the titles are smaller indie games, or third party games, Nintendo is launching two of its major first party games for the 3DS in the next 7 days. The Nintendo Switch is still riding high with last week’s release of Splatoon 2, but they are not slowing down as a couple more high quality games are hitting the system. The Switch and 3DS are getting plenty of support, meanwhile, the Wii U is still continuing its slide into obscurity. There is a lot to go over this week, so let dive into it!

Hardware

Launching alongside the upcoming 3DS titles Miitopia and Hey! Pikmin, Nintendo’s newest member of the 3DS family of systems is arriving on July 28^th. Early reviews of the New 2DS XL have been largely positive, citing only minor problems, like an overly glossy screen. The 2DS looks as if it could be on par with its New 3DS XL counterpart, but at a budget price. Offering the now classic clamshell design, a lightweight, kid friendly structure, and internal specs that compete with the 3DS, the 2DS XL is likely a great choice for kids, or for someone looking to dive into the handheld’s massive library of games at a great price. You can pick up a New Nintendo 2DS on July 28^th for $149.99 USD! Note: This release date is specifically for the North American and European regions. Australia/New Zealand received the system on June 15^th, while Japan received the system on July 13^th.

Switch

·         Qbics Paint: $4.99 USD eshop, puzzle (July 27^th)

·         Ultra Hyperball: $9.99 USD eshop, party/sports (July 28^th)

·         Infinite Minigolf: $TBA, sports/multiplayer (July 25^th)

o   Play on a near endless amount of uniquely diverse minigolf courses, or create your own. If you are interested in minigolf of creating courses, then this title may interest you!

·         Namco Museum: $29.99 USD eshop, various genres/retro (July 28^th)

o   Probably the most exciting release on the Switch this week, Namco Museum brings back some of Namco’s greatest classics. This game allows players relive classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, many more! If you are a fan of classic gaming like I am, then this title is a must for you!

·         Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star: $59.99 USD eshop/retail, action (July 25^th)

o   This is the big release on the Switch for this week. Unfortunately, due to following closely in the footsteps of the launch of Splatoon 2, The Umbral Stars seems as though it may get overlooked by many. However, the game received favorable reviews during its release on the PS4 back in January, and an essentially equivalent gameplay experience seems to be promised for the Switch. Add on the possibility of making this a portable action game, and it is sure to make plenty of fans happy! Be sure to check out plenty of reviews and trailers for yourself before buying, though, as this title is a fully priced retail game at $59.99. See Nintendo’s official trailer here.

3DS

·         Swipe: $1.49 USD eshop, puzzle/strategy (July 27th) 

·         Miitopia: $39.99 USD retail/eshop, RPG (July 28^th)

o   Miitopia is a perfect example of Nintendo’s charm. Coupling the adorable world of Miis with traditional, turn-based RPG mechanics, Miitopia looks to be an incredibly bizzare, yet fun adventure. It is hard to describe what Miitopia is, but to briefly describe it, it is a non-traditional RPG with traditional turn-based mechanics. The unique twist of the game is that the characters in your party are your Mii and the Miis of your friends. There is also a relationship building aspect to the game, as the relationships you build with the people in your party can impact how they perform in battle. Therefore, keeping your party members happy is crucial to success. Miitopia is a silly little game that will likely satisfy fans of Nintendo’s charm, but may actually appeal to hardcore RPG fans as well.

·         Hey! Pikmin $39.99 USD retail/eshop, puzzle/adventure 2D platformer (July 28^th)

o   This is not your typical Pikmin game! Consider yourself warned. It has to be noted, though, that being atypical is not always a bad thing. While Hey! Pikmin is not likely to astound longtime fans of the franchise, it looks as though it will hold its own as an adorable spin off that will serve as a great entry point to the main line games. Hey! Pikmin is unique from the other entries in the series in that it ditches its usual multitasking gameplay mechanics in favor of simpler puzzle/adventure platforming. Whether you are a diehard fan looking to scratch a Pikmin itch, or a parent looking to ease your kid into the franchise, Hey! Pikmin is worth looking into!

Wii U

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but there is sadly nothing to mention on the Wii U for this week.

Nintendo is offering a library that should cater to nearly every type of gamer this week. The games being released over the next 7 days are all over the board in terms of quality, size, and genre. With offerings from indie developers, third parties, and Nintendo themselves, it isn’t hard to find something in every price range. The genres covered this week span from classic arcade to big action, small puzzlers to a personalized RPG. Therefore, this week is as good as any to get out and explore the eshop on your current Nintendo devices! Well, except your Wii U, sorry. 

Edit: Overcooked: Special Edition was just announced to be dropping on the Switch's eshop this Thursday, July 27th!