Reggie: Pokemon and Smash Bros. pre-sale trends are the best so far for Switch, “brand new surprises” in 2019

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are undoubtedly Nintendo’s biggest games of the year. Sometime after their release, Nintendo could be inclined to share sales figures directly. But early reports indicate that both will be lighting the sales charts on fire.

Speaking with The Verge, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said that the pre-sale trends for Pokemon and Smash Bros. “are tracking to the best we’ve ever seen on Nintendo Switch.” He added, “The consumer engagement through all of our digital activity has been exceptionally strong.”

Reggie also spoke about Nintendo’s momentum for the little time that remains in 2018, stating:

“As we look at our momentum right now that we’ve been able to drive with Super Mario Party, as we look at Pokémon about to launch this Friday, Super Smash Bros. on December 7th, we believe we’re exceptionally well positioned to drive through the holiday season to have a very strong quarter. That’s the key for us.”

If you’re looking for a Switch this holiday, chances are you’ll be able to find one. Reggie said Nintendo has “worked really hard to make sure that we have enough systems, enough accessories, enough games.” However, he did caution that there’s always a possibility that things can still sell out.

As fans start looking forward to 2019, Reggie teased that Nintendo has “brand new surprises that that we haven’t yet shared”. Nintendo is looking to “surprise and delight our fans in ways that they didn’t even think of.”

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Media Create sales (11/5/18 – 11/11/18)

The latest Japanese hardware sales from Media Create are as follows:

Switch – 54,235
PS4 – 8,154
PS4 Pro – 7,927
New 2DS LL – 4,243
Vita – 1,869
New 3DS LL – 1,681
Xbox One X – 360
2DS – 294
Xbox One – 46

For comparison’s sake, here are the hardware numbers from last week:

Switch – 43,747
PS4 Pro – 8,847
PS4 – 8,693
New 2DS LL – 4,226
Vita – 1,945
New 3DS LL – 1,775
2DS – 273
Xbox One X – 129
Xbox One – 61

And here are the software charts:

1. [3DS] Luigi’s Mansion – 27,370 / NEW
2. [PS4] Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII – 25,740 / 443,731
3. [NSW] Super Mario Party – 23,333 / 324,685
4. [PS4] Red Dead Redemption 2 – 16,819 / 184,061
5. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
6. [NSW] Minecraft – 7,562 / 357,898
7. [NSW] Splatoon 2 – 6,783 / 2,690,893
8. [NSW] Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 5,706 / 1,153,183
9. [PS4] Tetris Effect – 4,372 / NEW
10. [NSW] Super Mario Odyssey – 3,780 / 1,841,692
11. [PS4] Marvel’s Spider-Man – 3,771 / 301,895
12. [3DS] Pokemon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon – 3,349 / 1,756,810
13. [PS4] Deracine – 3,086 / NEW
14. [NSW] Kirby Star Allies – 2,963 / 639,247
15. [PS4] Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2,832 / 85,706
16. [NSW] Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun – 2,481 / 223,236
17. [NSW] Neko Tomo – 2,148 / 6,298
18. [PS4] Warriors Orochi 4 – 2,025 / 153,214
19. [PS4] Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix – 1,977 / 198,896
20. [PS4] Soulcalibur VI – 1,824 / 35,590

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POKEMON LET’S GO PIKACHU/EEVEE SCORES 82 ON METACRITIC

The review embargo for Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee has lifted today worldwide, so we are starting to see reviews streaming in today.

Video game review aggregator Metacritic has given Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee 82 out of 100 points. The score is derived from the 22 critic reviews the game has received so far.

Check out some of the reviews below:

GamesRadar+ – 90

Pokemon Let’s Go is a superb surprise, a fully-fledged Pokemon RPG with interactivity that brings the series to life in a way that’s never been done before.

Vooks – 90

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! is likely to be a divisive game. It has many of the hallmarks of a main-series game, but also features many aspects taken directly from GO. But surprisingly, against all odds, this grand experiment in Pokémon’s core mechanics delivers an experience that feels as fresh and unique. It’s not perfect, and it won’t be for everyone, but if you’re willing to put aside your preconceived notions of Pokémon for just a second, you’ll find an excellent game that’s fun, approachable, and even a little magical.

Wccftech – 88

My nostalgia for this series is strong and could’ve destroyed the fun I had with Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, but instead galvanised it. This is the classic original generation of Pokémon, but it looks better, plays better, and feels incredibly refreshing. Pokémon on Nintendo Switch isn’t just a Pokémon GO companion piece, it’s a fantastic RPG in its own right, and with any luck, will spawn its own series of Pokémon games for the future. A great Pokémon game for veterans and newcomers. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Pokédex to complete.

Pocket Gamer UK – 80

Pokemon: Let’s Go! has a lot of offer on the whole. It’s family friendly and makes it easy to pick up with a pal, meaning that parents can jump on to help out their kids and leave when needed. It’s also brimming with charm, character, and animations that you can’t help smiling at. I’ve got no doubt you’ll enjoy the game if you pick it up, but how long for depends on how much you loved the classic era of the Pokemon franchise.

TheSixthAxis – 80

Pokémon: Let’s Go’s nostalgic charm and interactive gameplay will have both newcomers and returning trainers hooked as they explore the beloved Kanto region. Let’s Go mashes together these two different styles of Pokémon game into one streamlined format, and despite some slight annoyances, these remakes provide an intimate take on the classic Pokémon journey, especially when played with the Poké Ball Plus accessory. If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the Pokémon RPG, then this one may keep you invested until you catch ’em all. It probably won’t take long though.

Telegraph – 80

While those opening hours can feel like a languid tutorial, Game Freak know that the challenge will need to climb. And if anything there is a sudden spike that might come a little hard for newcomers, given the breeziness of the early game.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe includes a host of new features (play as Mario in New Super Luigi U, and more)

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe may be a port of a Wii U game, but Nintendo has added in some new features to go along with the rehashed content. We already know about things like the Super Crown, but it turns out there's more going on with the collection.
- any character can be used in single player
- Mario can be played in New Super Luigi U Levels
- New Super Luigi U levels start at 200 sec instead of 100
- Buttons can be remapped at the pause menu

Lucina, Robin, Ike, Mewtwo, and Greninja amiibo restocks likely inbound

Nintendo has been on a hot streak as of late when it comes to preparing for amiibo restocks. We’ve seen a bunch of different child’s safety certificates that have been updated, pointing to re-releases. 

Next up on the list are Lucina, Robin, Ike, Mewtwo, and Greninja. All of these figures had a new run of manufacturing in October.

As usual, there is no specific date for amiibo restocks. Just keep an eye out on your local retailer or online shop to see if they resurface soon. 

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Blizzard “very open-minded” regarding possibility of bringing Overwatch to Switch

At BlizzCon last weekend, Eurogamer spoke with Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan. One of the questions asked concerened the possibility of bringing the game to Switch. While there still isn’t really any news either way, Kaplan did say the team is “very open-minded”.

Here’s the full exchange:

Talking of technical complications: have you explored putting Overwatch on Switch (Diablo launched on Switch today)? Could it work?

Jeff Kaplan: Our philosophy has always been we want as many players playing Overwatch as possible, and we want to reach as many possible Overwatch players as are out there. We will always explore a platform if we think we could make it viable – both the technology and the business relationship. We would love to do it.

We don’t have anything to announce or any plans with Nintendo or Switch at this time, but –

It’s a possibility?

Jeff Kaplan: It’s something we’re very open-minded about.

Blizzard has been asked about Overwatch on Switch a few times. The most recent comment came from Diablo III senior producer Pete Stilwell, who said that the game would be technically “feasible” on Nintendo’s console. 

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Katamari Damacy Reroll will have a demo at launch

If you’re on the fence when it comes to Katamari Damacy Reroll, you’ll be happy to know that Bandai Namco intends to offer a demo. This week’s episode of Nintendo Minute confirms that the demo will be going live on December 7. Of course, that’s the same day that the game launches.

Katamari Damacy Reroll is a new version of the original game. It’ll support gyro controls, split Joy-Con multiplayer, and more.

Trine Enchanted Edition Switch footage

Yesterday, Frozenbyte brought Trine Enchanted Edition to Switch – with the second and third games to follow soon. Get a look at some footage below. 

YouTube app now live on Switch

A few days ago, we first started to hear that a YouTube app for Switch could be launching today. As it turns out, the app has indeed been released.

Head on over to the eShop to download YouTube on Switch for free. The download takes up 89.0MB of space.

Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection official trailer

Ahead of the December 20th release date for Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection on Switch in Japan, Arc System Works has put out an official trailer for the assortment.

The footage showcases the 18 classic Kunio-kun titles that are part of the collection, as well as the 19th game that is bonus for early buyers. Be sure to check out the video below.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Switch boxart

Thanks to Amazon, we now have the boxart for Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster on Switch. Get a look at the packaging image above.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster can be pre-ordered on Amazon here.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a new Adventure mode, World of Light

Nintendo has revealed a brand new Adventure mode for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This will draw comparisons to the Subspace Emissary from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but director Masahiro Sakurai has indicated that it’ll be different. Today’s Nintendo Direct closed with a special sequence – complete with some voice acting – showing what happened to the fighters and the “spirits” theme behind the game. 

Known as World of Light, the mode will have special game-themed maps, boss battles, and more.