Many millennial gamers would recall having their own Nintendo Gameboy handheld. In recent years, a number of companies have made a name for themselves creating handheld gaming devices that come with a heavy serving of nostalgia. One of these companies is Analogue. The company has become renowned for its nostalgia-fueled Pocket handheld console.
Source: Analogue
The company has recently unveiled a limited-edition series that oozes sophistication – the Aluminum Limited Editions. Ditching the standard plastic shell, these new Pockets boast a sleek and sturdy precision-machined aluminium chassis, transforming the device into a premium collector’s item.
The Aluminum Limited Editions of the Analogue Pocket go beyond aesthetics. Crafted from high-grade, solid billet 6061 aluminium, these Pockets exude a sense of quality and durability. Imagine the classic Game Boy design, but sculpted from a luxurious, cool-to-the-touch metal – a far cry from the original’s utilitarian plastic. This build quality should ensure your cherished retro games are enjoyed for years to come.
Source: Analogue
The Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Editions are also beautifully designed. Analogue offers the Pocket in four distinct anodized finishes: Natural, Noir (dark grey), Black, and Indigo. The Natural option stays true to the raw aluminium look, while the other colours provide a touch of understated elegance. The Indigo hue, in particular, evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the Atomic Purple colour scheme of the beloved Game Boy Color.
Source: Analogue
Source: Analogue
Source: Analogue
Despite the luxurious makeover, the core functionality of the Pocket remains unchanged. It retains its ability to play a wide range of retro cartridges from various consoles with the help of additional adapters (sold separately). The powerful internals ensure smooth gameplay and flawless emulation, making it a joy to revisit classic titles.
Pricing & Availability
Here’s the not-so-retro part: the Aluminum Limited Editions come at a premium price tag. Each unit retails for a hefty $499.99 (approximately RM2,220). Considering the standard Pocket starts at $220 (approximately RM970), the aluminium upgrade comes at a significant cost.
TOKYO, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its hit 3D action game Bleach: Brave Souls is available on the Nintendo Switch from today, Thursday, July 11. See the original press release (https://www.klab.com/en/press/) for more information.
KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its hit 3D action game Bleach: Brave Souls is available on the Nintendo Switch from today, Thursday, July 11.
The Nintendo Switch version of Brave Souls supports English, Japanese, French, and Traditional Chinese, and can be enjoyed by players from around the world (excluding mainland China and other specific regions) with access to the Nintendo eShop.
*Please note that campaign contents and the campaign period are subject to change without notice. *Please check the news on the official website for more details.
New Payment Service “Bleach: Brave Souls Game Store” Available from Thursday, July 11
The Bleach: Brave Souls Game Store will be available from Thursday, July 11 as a new payment service where players can find good deals for purchasing in-game currency and more.
A campaign is being held to celebrate the launch.
Campaign Period Thursday, July 11 19:30 to Thursday, July 18 15:59 (JST/UTC+9)
How to Enter
Click on the Newsletter Registration Campaign notice in the Bleach: Brave Souls app.
Click on the link found in the notice and register a personal email address with KLabGames Info.
Rewards
Super Rainbow Link Slot Potion x250, Rainbow Link Slot Potion x1000
Bleach: Brave Souls Game Store 10% Discount Coupon
Prize
100 winners will be selected from those who made a purchase on the Bleach: Brave Souls Game Store during the campaign period to receive Brave Souls original merch.
Brave Souls Original Acrylic Block (10 winners) Brave Souls Original Desk Mat (20 winners) Brave Souls Original Magnet (30 winners) Brave Souls Original Clear File (40 winners)
*Please note that campaign contents are subject to change without notice. *Further details on the campaign will be announced at a later date on the official website. *Bleach: Brave Souls Game Store is not available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Therefore, players on these platforms cannot participate in this campaign.
Nintendo is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of its next-gen console, currently dubbed ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ by the internet. If rumours are to be believed we could be seeing the Switch 2 hit markets in 2024. However, while the official name remains shrouded in secrecy, details about its power and performance have begun to surface, thanks to insider information from Activision.
But before we get into those details, it looks like the upcoming console made its debut behind closed doors at the recent Gamescom. In this sneak peek, Nintendo discreetly unveiled tech demos to specially invited developers, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what the future might hold for the gaming giant. During this closed-door showcase, it’s been reported that Nintendo showcased several games including an enhanced version of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”; all of which were running with high frame rates. However, what’s more interesting is that the console also ran the “Matrix Awakens” tech demo powered by Unreal Engine 5 which was used to demonstrate the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in 2021. It was able to deliver graphics on par with current-gen consoles complete with DLSS and ray tracing.
Keep in mind that Nintendo had filed patents back in March 2020 that hinted at potential AI upscaling technology, similar to the Switch’s core functionality. These patents, made public in 2021, describe a process where a game can run at one resolution while the device operates on battery power but can upscale to 1080p when plugged into a power source or connected to a TV. The patent even suggests that other upscaling processes, including upscaling to 4K, could be possible.
Recent developments, including Activision’s potential acquisition by Microsoft, have led to the revelation of confidential Activision emails that shed light on the Switch 2’s capabilities. Chris Schnakenberg, Head of Activision’s Platform Strategy and Partner Relations, delivered a briefing about the “Switch NG” (Switch Next Generation) to top-tier Activision executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick. In this briefing, Schnakenberg compared the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance to that of “Gen8 platforms,” referring to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The information provided in these documents stems from Schnakenberg’s direct interaction with Nintendo in late 2022, giving weight to its credibility. Furthermore, Bobby Kotick leveraged this information as part of his preparation for a meeting with Nintendo’s CEO and President, Shuntaro Furukawa, on December 15, 2022, further reinforcing the reliability of these insights.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s performance, closely aligned with that of the PS4 and Xbox One, may raise questions about its competitiveness with current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, this should not be a cause for concern for Nintendo enthusiasts. The unique appeal of the Nintendo Switch lies in its hybrid nature, allowing players to seamlessly transition between handheld and TV modes. Attempting to match the raw power of the PS5 would be an impractical endeavour for a portable device.
Nintendo has a track record of prioritizing gameplay experiences over cutting-edge graphics. The original Switch itself was technically a generation behind when it debuted over six years ago, yet it continues to thrive in the market. For Nintendo, graphical prowess has never been the primary focus.
Nintendo’s success lies squarely in Switch 2’s improved performance and its potential to attract third-party developers. Currently, the Nintendo Switch struggles to handle modern games that are optimized for higher-end hardware, often necessitating significant compromises in graphics and performance. The Switch 2 has the potential to resolve this issue, making it a more attractive platform for developers and offering gamers a broader selection of titles.
Moreover, Nintendo has a rich library of exclusive franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong, and Metroid, which have consistently driven sales regardless of the console’s graphical capabilities. However, without third-party developers working on the new Switch 2, it would be a tough battle ahead for Nintendo. That said, the Nintendo Switch has already proven itself as a capable console even with its limited hardware. More and more developers are adopting the hardware as it gains popularity thanks to its hybrid nature.
Missing something? Seeking excitement at home? Look no further than these Detective Games.
1. The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Developer: SEGA Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS Price: Free to play
If you’re a fan of Sonic The Hedgehog then this is the game for you!
It is Amy’s birthday party! Things are swell and dandy until her beloved Sonic is murdered! From there it’s up to Tails and Amy to investigate this train murder-mystery theme party gone wrong and who’s the culprit among the guest. Look for clues, interrogate familiar faces, and piece together what has happened to find out who is the murderer.
This interactive novel, point-and-click mystery game is filled with many comical, suspenseful moments, and clues that will make you scratch your head. It’s bound to keep you busy as you venture forth in the game.
The best part of it all? It’s free! The game is free with no in-cost and if you are a Sonic fan it puts a twist to the normal platform with a fun twist.
Developer: Frogwares Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S Price: PC: RM 139, PlayStation: RM169, Xbox: RM156
Want something with more action and suspense then why not go for a classic with some monstrous additions?
Frogwares’s take on Sherlock Holmes isn’t like any other. It’s a bone-chilling game that will puzzle you as you delve deep into Lovecraftian lore. Play as Sherlock and his sidekick to investigate mysterious cases of missing people plaguing Europe and the United States with the horrifying Cthulhu at the core of it all.
This game is story-rich with a horrifying twist and suspenseful revelations at every corner. The amazing graphics will have you on the edge of your seat.
Developer: Capcom Platform Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, Steam Price: PCRM 69, PlayStation: RM 129, Google Play: RM 59.90
Doesn’t any of this sound good to you? If you like Law and Order and other shows about lawyers, you’ll like this game
This is a visual novel series that fans of colourful characters and dramatic courtroom scenarios won’t want to miss out on! Play as Phoenix Wright and appear in court to advocate on behalf of your clients. But before that, make sure you know the case through and through as what you do and say could affect your outcomes.
Play all 14 episodes spanning the 3 games and become the best lawyer in court! With quirky characters and fun and exciting scenes, each one is more intense, and dramatic and will put your problem-solving skills to the test.
It’s that time of year again – new(ish) Nintendo Switch bundles are here. Starting from October 6, you can dive into the world of Super Mario with the Nintendo Switch™ Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe Bundle. This bundle includes a digital copy of the thrilling racing game and a three-month individual membership to Nintendo Switch Online, providing you with all the essentials to embark on your Super Mario adventures.
However, one massive thing you have to take note of is that we’re not talking about the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch. We’re talking about the regular Switch which also means that the bundle is technically the same bundle that we’ve seen from Nintendo previously.
But that’s not all! October 6 also marks the arrival of two enchanting Nintendo Switch Lite system bundles. These bundles feature charming designs inspired by the beloved Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game and include a digital version of the game itself.
If you’re a fan of Animal Crossing, you’re in for a treat. The exclusive Nintendo Switch Lite bundles are inspired by the charming world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Here’s what you can expect:
Nintendo Switch Lite Isabelle’s Aloha Edition – Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle (Target Exclusive): This bundle includes a coral-coloured system adorned with a leaf design on the front and a white leaf motif on the back.
Nintendo Switch Lite Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition – Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle (Walmart Exclusive): Only available at Walmart, this exclusive bundle features a cool turquoise-coloured system with the same leaf-inspired design.
While these bundles are exclusive to the U.S., it wouldn’t surprise us to see these bundles come to Malaysia in stores like Impulse Gaming, Atlas Gamers and M4G.
It’s the perfect time to get your Switch or Switch Lite if you don’t already have one. Nintendo has had one of the best lineups for their hybrid console this year with games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Prime Remastered. Let’s not forget the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Wonder game, set to launch on October 20.
Nintendo is hyping up its upcoming release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder with a brand new edition of the Nintendo Switch OLED. The Mario Red Edition Nintendo Switch OLED is slated for release on October 6, 2023, in select markets.
The new edition of the Nintendo Switch OLED was revealed during the Super Mario Bros. Wonder Direct. It will be released just in time for the highly anticipated Super Mario Bros. Wonder game, set for release on October 20. For Mario fans and Nintendo enthusiasts, the new colourway might just be that push to embrace OLED technology or dive into the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
The Mario Red Edition Nintendo Switch OLED is just… unghhhh… so pretty. The console, dock, and Joy-Con controllers are drenched in Mario’s signature red colour, with subtle details in a deeper red. The dock features a silhouette of Mario in action, while the back boasts a charming touch – a set of hidden golden coins. It’s a nod to the classic allure of Mario’s adventures.
This design is exclusive to the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch, aligning with Nintendo’s strategy of offering themed consoles alongside major game releases. While the package doesn’t include a copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, it’s a perfect way to welcome Mario back in his original 2D platformer glory.
Pricing & Availability
Pre-orders are available directly through Nintendo, and fans in the UK and Australia can expect availability soon. The new Mario Red Edition of the Nintendo Switch OLED will be priced at $349.99 (MYR1,626.47).
The Nintendo Switch was launched in 2017. The global release of the world’s most revolutionary handheld gaming console was on the 3rd of March in 2017 specifically. Counting today, the Nintendo Switch, considering its v1 iteration, is now six years, three months, and 25 days old. To put that into context, the PlayStation 4 Pro, with significantly more powerful hardware than the handheld, was launched on the 10th of November 2016, just about four months prior to the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation 5 was announced on the 4th of April 2019, about three years after the upgraded PlayStation 4 was released, and officially launched on the 12th of November of 2020, about a year later and four years after PlayStation 4 Pro. While it is fair to say that the gap between the original PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5 is about seven years, you must consider that the PlayStation 4 Pro came with a significant update enough that it looked more like the next-gen console over the original hardware. So yes, the Nintendo Switch is old even with the consideration of the OLED variant they announced just a few years ago, with no realistic announcement or indication of a replacement coming anytime soon.
While it is not Nintendo’s most successful hardware, it is one that really put Nintendo on the main map of mainstream gaming consoles while also pushing their own exclusive titles and existing assets to the next level. In that case, despite Nintendo’s poor history in product continuity, it only makes sense for Nintendo to prolong and expand the Nintendo Switch line-up especially with updated hardware. Their shareholders meeting notes from last week seems to confirm that, which is a relief to those of you that have been patiently waiting for Nintendo to update the Switch.
In the meeting notes, the President and CEO of Nintendo, Shuntaro Furukawa mentions that the next-generation console, whatever it will be called, will support games from the aging Nintendo Switch. That also means that if you have a Nintendo account with the switch, you should be able to transition to the new hardware system as smoothly as just signing in, pretty much like PlaySation and Xbox. Whatever you have bought from the Nintendo eStore will be carried over to the new system.
The same cannot be said with the cartridges you have bought previously though. They also did not reveal any specifics on the hardware of the next-generation console. There are also no real dates that have been mentioned for the next-generation console. Nintendo just had their Nintendo Direct announcement as well that showcased plenty of new games and DLCs for older games, which is further indication that the next-generation console will not make it to the shelves anytime soon. The meeting notes are confirmation though that they are working on a next-generation console, a consolation at least.
It is official, E3 2023 has been cancelled. There are plenty of speculations to the real reason to the cancellation. IGN reported that the organisation behind E3 has cited that companies interested in E3 and supposed to attend the conference were not ready and will not be ready to showcase their games in the committed timeline.
While E3 2023 was something gamers was looking forward to, the same cannot be said about the gaming industry as a whole. Ubisoft very recently announced that they will not be attending E3 2023 and will host their own hybrid event instead. Nintendo and many other developers have also not expressed interest or even committed to attending E3 2023. In this case, many speculates that the lack of interest in the conference is the main contributing factor for the cancellation.
E3 used to be the biggest platform for the gaming industry to make their announcements and demos for their upcoming games. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit though, E3 took a hit too. They had to cancel their E3 conference in 2020 forcing the gaming industry to make their announcements on their own and leverage streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Ever since that first cancellation, E3 has not been physically held until they scheduled their June 2023 date, which has since been cancelled too: another year without E3.
That is not to say that the gaming industry is asleep and is facing difficulties though. Ubisoft announced that they are holding a separate event on their own. We expect more announcements from Sony’s PlayStation camp and even Microsoft’s Xbox camp. We are expecting Nintendo to make some sort of announcement in June about upcoming games. Ubisoft and Microsoft have, in fact, announced that they are holding their own announcement event also in June 2023.
This year’s E3 cancellation raised some questions for the gaming industry. Firstly, is E3 coming back for 2024? Secondly, is E3 even relevant anymore?
To the first question, the people behind the scenes have reported that they are still “committed to provide an industry platform for marketing and convening”. The answer vaguely says that E3 is looking to come back in 2024, but is also filled with plenty of uncertainty. Us gamers obviously hopes that E3 makes a come back in 2024 in some capacity.
To the second question, there are a few things to think about. Larger developers like Sony’s PlayStation Studios, Microsoft’s Xbox, Ubisoft, Nintendo, and even Epic Games have realised that they do not really need to rely on E3 to make their own announcements. They also have enough funding to manage and create their own announcement events without constraining to space and tight schedules. Instead of announcing everything within a specified time frame, they can even space their announcements out. While having to learn to leverage online platforms for their announcements, they perhaps learned that they can hit a larger audience at a lower cost cap too. In that case, it is perhaps a more sensible platform to leverage on than having a physical presence in E3.
There is a lot of unknown for E3 in the coming years. The only thing we know is that they will not make a 2023 comeback. At the same time, we think that E3 might still have a place in the gaming industry since Gamescom and the Summer Game Fest will still be happening as scheduled. For now, we can only hope that the people behind E3 have not given up just yet.
Pokémon UNITE is already hitting its first anniversary! It’s been a year since the Pokémon Company’s first jab at a MOBA game hit the e-stores. It also marks the second successful mobile game that the franchise has launched. The game has garnered a solid player base over the past year with over 70 million downloads worldwide.
https://youtu.be/Lf3XsDaYgys
To celebrate its first anniversary, the Pokémon Company is partnering with K-Pop band, ITZY. The partnership will see the release of a new, worldwide TV commercial featuring Yeji (예지), Lia (리아), Ryujin (류진), Chaeryeong, and Yuna (유나). In addition to the new commercial, there will be a Pokémon UNITE/ITZY Special Show that has been broadcasted in Japan. The 29-minute special is also available on YouTube.
Together with the partnership, Pokémon UNITE is also having an in-game event to celebrate its first anniversary on the 21st of July. The event kicked off on the 7th of July. As with all in-game events, there will be special in-game items and characters available during the campaign. Players will also have different missions to unlock freebies and characters.
https://youtu.be/t_ogBgNGsmU
In addition to this, players may be able to take on ITZY with the girls appearing in-game!
Pokémon Day commemorates the initial release of the, now, multimillion-dollar franchise. This year’s Pokémon Day was a little special with the unveiling of the next generation: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
The two new games mark the franchise’s 9th entry in its mainstream games. More significantly, it’s the first mainstream game to adopt an open-world adventure format. Before this, mainstream games had strict, linear gameplay that guided players from one town to another advancing the game’s plot. However, this changed with Pokémon Sword and Shield with small open world areas known as “wild areas”. Following this, Pokémon Legends Arceus advanced the franchise further into open-world gameplay. However, Scarlet and Violet will be the first to do it in a mainstream game.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will take players to a brand-new region inspired by the real-world Iberian region which consists of Spain and Portugal. The Pokémon Company hasn’t yet revealed the name of the region. However, early game footage shows a vast, open-world with buildings and landmarks inspired by the Spanish and Portuguese. Together with these landmarks, we’re also treated to some familiar faces including Pikachu, Psyduck, Lucario, Stonjurner and Larvitar.
Meet Sprigatito, Fuecoco & Quaxly
However, the hallmark of any new generation announcement is the three “starter” Pokémon. Players will choose between them as they start their journeys. The ninth generation of mainstream games sees three new Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. While they still follow the Grass-Fire-Water type triangle, the new starters give us a little insight into the style of the new series.
Source: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Official Website/The Pokémon Company
Sprigatito is a new cat Pokémon and the grass starter for the region. The official description lists it as the “Grass Cat Pokémon”. It’s the second feline starter in the franchise so far; the previous one being Litten of the Alolan region.
Fuecoco is a new crocodile inspired Pokémon and is the fire starter for the region as the name suggests. The new “Fire Croc Pokémon” is also the second crocodile starter in the franchise after Totodile in the Johto region.
Source: The Pokémon Company
Quaxly, on the other hand, is the first duck starter Pokémon to date and is the water starter Pokémon of the new region.
That’s about all the information we have so far about the ninth generation Pokémon games. However, we can expect more information in the coming months as the game is slated to release on the Nintendo Switch later in 2022. Yep – that’s right, this year.
