As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the results of the 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards, two standout titles from the Nintendo Switch 2 library have made a significant impact. Both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have been nominated for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ award, showcasing the strength of Nintendo’s latest console and its exclusive offerings. The nominations highlight not only the competitive nature of this year’s gaming landscape but also the innovative gameplay and design that Nintendo continues to deliver.

The upcoming free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to revolutionize the gaming experience by introducing LEGO furniture and playable retro Nintendo games. This exciting collaboration not only enhances the aesthetic of players’ islands but also taps into nostalgia, allowing gamers to relive classic titles from the NES and Game Boy eras. Scheduled for release on January 15, 2026, the update will elevate the game to version 3.0, featuring a pier-side hotel that will house a souvenir shop selling iconic Nintendo products.

Nintendo Switch Online has just made a significant addition to its SNES library, introducing three classic games, including the long-awaited release of “Mario & Wario” outside of Japan. This marks a pivotal moment for fans of retro gaming, as it brings a unique puzzle platformer developed by Game Freak, known for its pre-Pokmon era innovations, to a global audience for the very first time. The addition of “Mario & Wario,” alongside titles like “Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind” and “Fatal Fury Special,” elevates the total number of SNES games available on the platform to 77.

In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has publicly denied claims made by Japanese politician Satoshi Asano regarding its stance on generative AI. Asano suggested that Nintendo was lobbying against the use of generative AI to protect its intellectual property (IP), prompting the gaming giant to issue a formal denial. Nintendo clarified that it has had no contact with the Japanese government on this matter and emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its IP rights, regardless of the involvement of generative AI.

LEGO Japan has officially announced the launch of the “LEGO Game Boy,” a remarkable tribute to Nintendo’s iconic portable gaming console, set to release on October 1, 2025. This adult-oriented LEGO set, available for pre-order since July 25, captures the essence of the original Game Boy with an impressive 421 pieces, making it a must-have for both LEGO enthusiasts and retro gaming fans alike. The attention to detail in the LEGO Game Boy is truly commendable, featuring intricately recreated elements such as the D-pad, A and B buttons, and even the volume control.

In a recent interview, Kosuke Yabuki, the producer of Mario Kart World, shared intriguing insights into the game’s design philosophy, particularly the decision to exclude crossover characters from other Nintendo franchises. Yabuki emphasized that the development team felt it was unnecessary to introduce characters from games like Arms, as they believed that the essence of Mario Kart is best captured within the Super Mario universe. This focus allows for a richer experience, drawing on the vast array of characters and lore that fans already cherish.