Switch Weekly - Pokemon's not so Brilliant Shine

REVIEW Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl — A rather middling review here from Nintendo Life that notes the new art style along with "a few other stumbles make this pair of games a somewhat disappointing retread of Generation 4". Chris Scullion for VGC noted that these are faithful and worthy remakes but the improvements may not be quite as drastic as some would like.

Jordan Middler // Nintendo Life

GameCube at 20: Nintendo insiders on the failed console that changed the industry —A really rather superb read in which developers, engineers, and marketing bosses share their memories of Nintendo's 'purple box with a handle'.

Andy Robinson // VGC

▶ Grand Theft Auto 3 Definitive Edition tech review: Is it really that bad? — This video does an excellent job of highlighting the unfortunate missteps of this recent remaster. Digital Foundry do their usual in-depth analysis, and they've also done a similar vid looking at the Vice City and San Andreas ports too. Following the launch, Rockstar have shared an update to say multiple fixes for the game are on the way (the first of which is already available). 

Digital Foundry // YouTube

Nintendo's enormous Cyber Switch Sale is now live, more than 1,000 games discounted —Lots of stuff discounted — the folks at SwitchUp did a video round-up looking at some highlights too.

Ryan Craddock // Nintendo Life

Microsoft gaming chief calls for industry-wide game preservation — I've found myself agreeing with a lot of what Phil Spencer has had to say lately. Now yes, this isn't strictly a Nintendo related piece, but it's a much needed high-profile spotlight on the very real issues this industry has in preserving its past.

Stephen Totilo // Axios

In a twist, Nintendo is actually supporting Smash Bros. Melee now — Big news for the competetive Smash scene as Nintendo announce a new tournament for next year featuring not only Ultimate, but also 2001's much-loved Melee. 

Ethan Gach // Kotaku

REVIEW Animal Crossing New Horizons Version 2.0: A great update that's arrived a little too late — "breathed an additional portion of life into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The initial excitement is there, but after a handful of days, the game feels like more of the same all over again". Kate Gray at Nintendo Life also shared her thoughts on the new update, noting how easy it's been to return, and sharing how much it feels like the early days again.

Kelsey Raynor // GFinity

REVIEW Grow: Song of the Evertree 

Jason Capp // Nintendo Link

REVIEW Epic Chef 

Ollie Reynolds // Nintendo Life

The Wii is 15, so here’s 15 Wii games that deserve Switch ports or sequels

Alex Donaldson // VG247

Does Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity live up to its predecessor? 

Michael Beckwith // TechRaptor

Nintendo 'hotliner' life in the 90s: Manning phones during the console wars 

Keith Pullin // Nintendo Life

PREVIEW Asymmetrical co-op puzzler Zorya: The Celestial Sisters hits Switch in February 

John Friscia // Nintendo Enthusiast

INTERVIEW Monster Rancher dev on IP’s return with 1 & 2 DX on Switch 

Nintendo Everything

Kotick's poor decision-making has only deepened Activision Blizzard's crisis
Rob Fahey // gamesindustry

Bobby Kotick must resign
Chris Plante // Polygon

🎮 Upcoming Releases

All releases are digital, Europe & U.S. unless otherwise stated. 
Release data sourced in collaboration with Switch Scores.
⭐️ = Ones to Watch | 📦 = Physical release | 🎮 = Demo available

⚡️ Quick Links:

• The new Kirby game has been rated, suggesting its on track for launch early next year.
• This excellent vid from 'Critical Kate' digs into the influences of Metroid, beyond Alien.
• The mixed-reality 'Mario Kart Live' has gotten a new update with split-screen multiplayer and new courses.
• Chinese tech giant Tencent has bought a stake in Yooka-Laylee devs Playtonic.
• A collection of bundled Pac-Man games is coming to Switch early next year.
• LoL fans — Riot surprise launched turn-based RPG Ruined King this week.
• Disco Elysium should run better on Switch now, as the 1.02 patch is now live.
• Our pals over at Premium Edition games have a neat selection of new physical Switch releases up for pre-order. I like the look of Cathedral.
• Morning Brew delivers the top business stories to millions of readers each morning. #AD
• Playing the new Pokemon games? Here's a complete guide to help you through.
• Ok, this YouTuber is pretty late to the party on this one, but I enjoyed this look back at just what makes Breath of the Wild so darn compelling.
• Summoning Salt fan? Here's a new video looking at Wii Sports world records.

Curated by Chris Brandrick | Support Switch Weekly on Patreon

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