Nintendo is running a limited-time promotion that knocks $20 off when you buy a Nintendo Switch 2 alongside Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2. The offer runs from 12 April to 9 May 2026 and is available at participating retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart, both online and in-store at select locations.

What The Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle Deal Includes

The promotion is straightforward: purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 console and a copy of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 at the same time, and you save $20 on the total. The discount applies to both the physical and digital versions of the game package, which bundles both Galaxy titles together. That brings the combined cost down from roughly US$520 to US$500 before tax.

It is worth noting that this is not a traditional hardware bundle with the game packed in the box. You need to buy the console and the game together in a single transaction at a participating retailer for the discount to apply. Nintendo has posted full terms on its retail offers page for anyone who wants the fine print.

What’s New With Super Mario Galaxy On Switch 2

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not just a straight port of the Wii originals. The collection includes enhanced resolution, improved UI, additional Storybook Chapters, and a new Assist Mode designed to make the games more accessible. A free update on Nintendo Switch 2 also unlocks 4K resolution support and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for a second player, giving the co-op experience a notable upgrade.

For anyone unfamiliar, the first Super Mario Galaxy follows Mario on a journey across the cosmos to recover stolen Power Stars from Bowser, with Rosalina lending a hand along the way. The sequel adds Yoshi to the mix as Mario travels through space aboard a starship shaped like his own head. Both games are widely regarded as some of the best 3D Mario adventures ever made, and they hold up remarkably well on modern hardware.

Read More: Mario Kart World Hori Racing Wheel For Switch 2 Revealed

Why Nintendo Is Doing This Now

The timing is clearly tied to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which is currently in theatres. The film has had a mixed critical reception, but it is doing exactly what Nintendo likely hoped: putting the Galaxy brand back in the spotlight and introducing the games to a new audience. Rather than launching a brand-new Mario title to coincide with the movie, Nintendo appears to be banking on nostalgia and the strength of the Galaxy games themselves to drive console sales.

It is also worth remembering that Nintendo very rarely discounts its own hardware or first-party software. Any price reduction on a current-generation console, even a modest $20, is unusual for the company. For anyone who has been on the fence about picking up a Switch 2, particularly families with kids who enjoyed the movie, this is one of the few concrete incentives Nintendo has offered so far.

The Switch 2’s Growing Library

Beyond the Galaxy games, the Nintendo Switch 2 is building a solid lineup heading into the back half of 2026. Pokémon Pokopia has already generated significant buzz, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is due within weeks, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is expected to be a major technical showcase for the console. The platform is still early in its life cycle, but the release calendar is filling out quickly.

If you have been waiting for a reason to jump in, the $20 saving is modest but the timing is arguably ideal. You get two of Mario’s best adventures running in 4K on new hardware, with a growing catalogue of exclusives on the horizon. The deal is live from 12 April and runs through 9 May, so there is a decent window to take advantage of it.

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A new January 2026 study has revealed the most popular video game characters on the internet, and it is a familiar face sitting firmly at the top. According to fresh research from studio Galaxsys, Mario is officially the most recognisable gaming icon online right now, beating out decades of competition from across consoles, genres, and generations.

The report analysed 25 famous playable characters, measuring how often they appear and are searched for across five major online platforms. These included Google searches, Instagram hashtags, TikTok trends, and YouTube videos and channels. Each character was then given an overall Engagement Score based on their combined popularity across the web.

The results paint a clear picture of which gaming legends still dominate online culture in 2026, and which newer icons are quickly catching up.

How The Rankings Were Calculated

Galaxsys tracked online popularity using a mix of social and search data to reflect how players actually engage with gaming characters today. The study looked at Instagram hashtags for fan art and community posts, TikTok hashtags for viral trends, YouTube videos and channels for creator activity, and monthly Google searches for overall interest.

By combining all of this data, each character received a single Engagement Score, making it easier to compare long running legends with modern era favourites. You can access the complete research methodologies and findings here.

The Top 25 Most Popular Video Game Characters Online

Why Classic Characters Still Dominate

Commenting on the findings, Galaxsys CEO Hayk Sargsyan explained why characters like Pac-Man and Mario continue to outperform many modern icons. He noted that Pac-Man was one of the first games to reach everyday people, not just dedicated gamers, thanks to its simple and fun design. Mario followed a similar path but evolved continuously over decades, allowing Nintendo to build something even bigger around the character.

While newer characters may trend heavily on social media, this research shows that long standing icons still hold unmatched recognition and staying power online.

The post Mario Tops The List As The World’s Most Popular Video Game Character Online appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

Starring Chris Pratt (voice of Mario), Charlie Day (voice of Luigi), Jack Black (voice of Bowser), Seth Rogan and many more stars, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one for fans of the games and all of the family to see.

Thanks to Universal Studios, STG was able to have a virtual chat with Jack Black about the film, games and his character, Bowser.

Photo credit: Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins Photo

Shane: Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. is the most popular game in history. What is your connection to it?

Jack: I started playing Nintendo back in the eighties. I think I was 13 years old when I stumbled upon Donkey Kong in the arcade at the corner market. I remember the magic of that game, and thinking, “This game leaves Pac-Man in the dust!” There was something very hypnotic and charismatic about the character of Mario and his battle against Donkey Kong, throwing the barrels down the street, because you had to bounce and jump at the perfect time. Grab that hammer, hit those barrels to get the points and rescue Princess Peach up at the top. And that was it! Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, and Mario were like The Holy Trinity. And I just remember playing it for hours and hours. I put so many quarters into that machine!

Shane: Were you excited to tackle the role of the villain Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Jack: Bowser is one of the most iconic villains in the entire history of video games! Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to bring him to the silver screen? He’s terrifying, powerful, and filled with insecurities; a great character to explore.

Shane: How did you approach the character?

Jack: I approached this character as the most powerful, evil, and also sort of sensitive and insecure monster that he is. You know, it’s really fun to play such a horrible character with no redeemable qualities, who is just vicious. And I think all of us have a little Bowser inside somewhere, hopefully buried deep. That was a cool thing to explore, as I don’t get to play a lot of super evil characters.

Shane: Why would you say it is important to show the softer side of him too?

Jack: Bowser is scary, strong, and a monster; but what’s funny about him is that he’s sensitive and insecure too, and that’s great to play with because they don’t normally go together. You don’t think of this big fire-breathing monster also being kind of romantic, falling in love and wanting a fairy tale wedding with Princess Peach. That juxtaposition is funny.

Shane: He has always been in love with Princess Peach.

Jack: Yes, but it’s unrequited because she never loved him back, which only drives him more insane with love. Maybe he was denied the love of his parents and he thinks if he can find love in Princess Peach, perhaps it will heal the wounds of his fire-breathing childhood. Who knows? Bowser has always loved Princess Peach from afar, but he doesn’t know how to approach her. Anyway, how could she ever love him? He’s such a beast.

Shane: How do you relate to him?

Jack: Well, it would be really embarrassing to admit that I am in any way like Bowser; but I also think everyone has a little Bowser inside them: a little anger, a little rage. Whenever you are driving down the road and you want to yell at someone in traffic, that’s your Bowser coming out. Whenever you are jealous or want something that someone else has, that’s Bowser. Whenever you find the darkest parts of your soul, you find Bowser, because he hides in the shadows. I dug deep to find my inner Bowser.

Shane: They say it’s fun to play the villain because you can go more out of the box with the character. Do you agree?

Jack: Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. And let’s face it, many times a movie is only as good as its evil villain. What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader? You’ve got to have them; you’ve got to have the dark. To have the good, you need to have the evil. So, it feels great to flex that evil muscle. It’s a necessary and powerful ingredient in the soup; it’s the spice.

Shane: Why do you think Bowser is so obsessed with Princess Peach?

Jack: Why is anyone obsessed with anything? I mean, obviously he’s taken by her beauty, her tenderness; but also, she’s a badass! She can really hold her own in a fight, and Bowser respects that.

Shane: So, in what way are Bowser and Princess Peach different as rulers of their respective kingdoms?

Jack: Princess Peach rules with love, respect, and compassion; whereas Bowser rules with an iron fist and rage. He controls his population with fear and intimidation. Bowser also enjoys heavy metal music, and he rules with the power of rock. He shall destroy all in his path! When Princess Peach and Bowser face on the battlefield, it will be an explosion of colored lights the likes of which have never been seen.

Shane: Illumination is an animation studio like no other.

Jack: Well, you know, Despicable Me is one of my favorite animated films of all time. Illumination has done it again and again over the years, just cranking it out of the park with incredible creativity and humor. They just get it! I don’t know how they do it or what the secret ingredient over there is, but the brain trust in charge of those projects continues to amaze. I’m super psyched to be part of an Illumination masterpiece.

Shane: And what to you believe makes Nintendo characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach of Bowser so enduring?

Jack: Nintendo has a magic, and their characters all strike a chord. Their games are just fun to play! I think there’s something about the Nintendo world that goes way back, even before video games.

Shane: Nintendo and Illumination just seem like a perfect match then.

Jack: It’s a great collaboration, and I’m glad of it because here we are. I saw the movie and it kicks serious butt, and I’m stoked to unleash it on the world. It’s like when peanut butter and chocolate first came together. Hmm, delicious…

Shane: What was it like to work with directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic on the project?

Jack: Awesome! We got into a good rhythm, always trying to crack each other up and find fresh approaches to every scene.

Shane: So, how would you describe The Super Mario Bros. Movie then?

Jack: As exciting, hilarious, romantic, thrilling, psychedelic, nostalgic… This movie is going to be rad no matter where you see it, but I highly recommend you check it out on the big screen because the worlds you see, like the Mushroom Kingdom, are so beautiful. In any case, it’s going to blow your mind!

You can see The Super Mario Bros. Movie in cinemas from April 5th, 2023.

The post Interview w. Jack Black – Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

Starring Chris Pratt (voice of Mario), Charlie Day (voice of Luigi), Jack Black (voice of Bowser), Seth Rogan and many more stars, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one for fans of the games and all of the family to see.

Thanks to Universal Studios, STG was able to have a virtual chat with Chris Pratt about the film, games and his character, Mario.

Shane: Hey Chris, great to be able to chat to you again. What appealed to you about the opportunity to play Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Chris: Yes, it’s been too long! So, I signed up to be Mario before I fully knew the entire idea, which was nice because I was able to be part of the collaborative process of fleshing out the story. We knew we were going to go to the Mushroom Kingdom, but I think the details of exactly what would happen were all sort of wet cement that was still hardening as I signed up. So, I was thrilled to be Mario. It’s awesome to be part of this project.

Shane: What was your reaction when you first read the script?

Chris: I thought, “Wow, that’s great!” I was given the script incrementally, and I thought it was a fantastic take on the Super Mario universe.

Shane: Were you a fan of the game?

Chris: Super Mario Bros. is the best-selling video game around the world, and I was one of the hundreds of millions of people who have played it. I was nine years old when we got the Nintendo Entertainment System at home, and I also used to play the arcade game at a dry cleaner by my house. I was absolutely obsessed!

Shane: So, was this project a dream come true for you then?

Chris: Yes, this is one of those moments. What’s interesting is that there was a wishing well in my town, and I think that one of my wishes came true when I became Mario. Maybe I slipped and hit my head at the wishing well, and this whole life has been a dream that I am about to wake up from. That would be crazy…

Shane: There is something magical about the game.

Chris: I believed in magic as a young person, and I still do. And there was certainly magic in the game of Mario. A quarter was a lot of money for me when I was a kid because we were pretty broke most of the time; but if I found a quarter or if I could scratch together two dimes and a nickel, I was right off to play Mario, and it was magic for me. Everyone’s got that nostalgic moment in their childhood that they hold on to. And, you know, I think Super Mario Bros. is that nostalgic moment for a lot of people across many generations because there have been so many iterations of the game.

Shane: Who is Mario in your eyes?

Chris: Mario is a wide-eyed dreamer who’s devoted to his brother and his family, and I really like. That was me. I was a bit of a wide-eyed dreamer myself, very close with my own brother; although I think back in the day, I was maybe more like Luigi. But I’m Mario now.

Shane: What do you like about him?

Chris: Who doesn’t love a guy that never gives up? I love a guy that faces insurmountable odds and says, “Bring it on!” And his loyalty to his brother, his desire to please his father, and the idea that he wants to do something bigger than what he’s been doing are all very relatable aspects of his personality that drew me to the character. There are many elements of Mario that I think people will identify with, whether it’s his sense of justice or his willingness and perseverance to keep trying, feeling like the little guy that got an unfair shake.

Shane: Can you talk about his journey in this story?

Chris: He wants to save Brooklyn through low prices and friendly service, but little does he know he will be given an opportunity to do just that.

Shane: Do you have a favorite moment in the movie?

Chris: I really love what we do at the beginning of the film. You’ll see this commercial that Mario and Luigi have spent their life savings cutting together, which is for their plumbing business. It’s how we meet the characters.

Shane: What would you say you have in common with Mario? And how are you different?

Chris: I think that our spirits are similar. I’m tall and he’s short, so in that way we’re different. And he has a better mustache than me. Even when I grow my mustache, it’s not as robust as Mario’s. He’s handy, and I’m handy as well, but I probably wouldn’t be able to start a plumbing business. We both desperately want to impress our fathers and our families, and we’re dreamers. We also both stepped out of comfort zone to chase a dream (albeit acting, 20 years ago, for me). At the time, it was scary to become an actor, and there were enough people in my life who ridiculed it to make me periodically question whether or not it was the right idea. So, I think Mario and I have that in common too.

Shane: So, you are good at fixing things too?

Chris: Yes, I can fix things around the house. My father was a remodeling contractor and put my brother and I to work for him. So, there’s little things like sheetrock, patching holes in the wall and replacing light fixtures that I can do. I’m good with tools.

Shane: Who is the Luigi to you in real life?

Chris: Well, I guess my brother is kind of in a way. We’ve always traded back and forth who’s Mario and who’s Luigi through the course of our lives. In any case, I’d say he’s certainly the one that I would want to defend and whom I’m so close to that feels like the Mario-Luigi relationship.

Shane: In the video games, the character of Mario was introduced through Donkey Kong.

Chris: Yes, Mario was introduced in the Donkey Kong video game; but in this cinematic world of Mario, the character of Donkey Kong is introduced through The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and we get to see a lot of Kong’s kingdom. They are an automobile-loving race of apes living in the Jungle Kingdom, and if Mario can beat Donkey Kong, then they’re going to get Kong’s army to face Bowser. Kong is strong, and he is funny. He’s got a wicked laugh and, despite constantly prodding and poking at Mario, ultimately has Mario’s back.

Shane: What does Mario bring to the table?

Chris: Mario has gumption, drive, confidence, and some pretty sick skills – especially when he gets to power up.

Shane: How is Princess Peach in the movie?

Chris: Peach is pretty much a total badass, and she has an entire army. She’s incredibly agile and a great driver. Princess Peach is just kind of flawless – which is sort of annoying, to be honest.

Shane: And what can you say of Toad?

Chris: Toad is knowledge. He has sage wisdom and advice and familiarity with the world of the Mushroom Kingdom. He’s a defender of the toads, and he’s hilarious. Toad brings the laughs.

Shane: We will see them all now like never before in one of the most anticipated films of the year: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. What do you believe makes Illumination such a unique animation studio?

Chris: Illumination is a great name for the company because it carries a light and polishes each of its projects until they truly shine. They have an amazing team of animators and collaborators that all have an incredible vision. With animation, you polish and polish and polish until something is perfect. It’s very different to live action, where you are kind of married to whatever you capture in the camera; but with animation, you can continue to work until it’s perfect. And what Illumination have is that steadfast dedication to just sticking to a vision and adhering to very high expectations for themselves.

Shane: Nintendo, a true powerhouse in the gaming world, has managed to create these truly beloved and enduring characters.

Chris: Yes, they started it all, and these characters are the cornerstone. If you had a Nintendo at your house, it was because you wanted to play Mario. And that, of course, spawned off into so many other games and has brought trillions of hours of joy to countless children. But it all started with Super Mario Bros., and they’ve endured because that game is the goat. It’s the original. And, you know, there’s nothing like your first time.

Shane: Illumination and Nintendo have formed a great team.

Chris: They are two giants that have come together and formed a super band. They are like the dream team: the very best of the very best in two different mediums coming together to create something. It’s incredible, and it seems unprecedented. In fact, I can’t think of the goats of each of their mediums coming together in a way like this ever before. There is going to be a certain synergy and magic, and you’ll see it when you watch the movie. I have a feeling this is not the last time you’re going to see a Super Mario Bros. movie, and that it’s also not the last time you are going to see a Nintendo and Illumination collaboration. I believe this is just the beginning.

Shane: So, what did you think of the finished film when you finally saw it?

Chris: I loved it! Actually, I cried because I was so proud of it. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is funny, beautiful, has a lot of heart and touches on all the nostalgia. I’m very excited about it. It’s fantastic!

Shane: And what have you learned about Mario through this whole experience?

Chris: I’ve learned stuff that you can’t learn playing the game, as it’s two different mediums. So, there is a lot of discovery and creation in the story of Mario here. We kind of know who Mario is, because with the game he is whoever’s playing the character and has the controller in their hand. When you play the game, he’s a guy named Mario who’s in the Mushroom Kingdom and you don’t really know why. Here you learn that he is a little guy from Brooklyn who’s got a brother and has started his own business. He invested his life savings in a stupid commercial that his whole family makes fun of him for, and he’s desperate. Mario wants to do something big and be somebody special, which happens when he gets sucked into this magic world. So, I learned a lot and helped discover and even be part of the collaborative force creating what his real story is. Mario is beloved by fans all over the world, and I definitely wanted to do the character justice. I did a lot of research about the history of the franchise, the games and the character, and I hope that comes across on screen. I also wanted to make sure that the character appeals to fans of all ages and backgrounds, and even to those who aren’t as familiar with the games. I hope that everyone who sees the film has as much fun watching it as we had making it.

You can see The Super Mario Bros. Movie in cinemas from April 5th, 2023.

The post Interview w. Chris Pratt – Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

Starring Chris Pratt (voice of Mario), Charlie Day (voice of Luigi), Jack Black (voice of Bowser), Seth Rogan and many more stars, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one for fans of the games and all of the family to see.

Thanks to Universal Studios, STG was able to have a virtual chat with Charlie Day about the film, games and his character, Luigi.

Photo Credit: Image Press Agency / NurPhoto / Shutterstock

Shane: Were you a fan of the game growing up?

Charlie: Yes, I loved it. I’m a child of the eighties, and this was a big shift in in our childhood landscape. When you got the Nintendo – at least the one I got – it came with Mario. For any kid at the time, it felt fairly life changing. So, it was the game that we all played, and that we all loved and still love. I remember my older sister was better at it than me, and precisely because she was older, I had to play second and was usually Luigi.

Shane: What was your reaction when you read the script?

Charlie: I was thrilled that I was just getting a chance to be in this. Let’s be honest, Luigi is an iconic character. And then I was laughing out loud reading the script.

Shane: So, how does it feel to get the opportunity to be a part of The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Charlie: It means a lot to me, and I know how much it means to the fans of the characters. It’s just an honor to be asked to do this.

Shane: Who is Luigi in this film?

Charlie: He is the Luigi that we all know and love. Maybe not the bravest of the two brothers, but he certainly has a big heart and he’s good at getting himself into some tight spots. He is just a die-hard loyal brother to Mario, and he’s along for the ride.

Shane: What drew you to the character?

Charlie: Well, besides the wonderful outfits and the world-class mustache, I think that any sort of character that lives in constant fear is one I can totally relate to.

Shane: What is his journey in this story?

Charlie: When we meet Luigi, he’s very cautious about some risks that Mario is willing to take; but being the loyal brother that he is, he follows Mario down the literal and figurative pipe. And then, you know, after quite a harrowing experience, we have a slightly braver and more confident Luigi by the end of the movie.

Shane: How do you relate to him?

Charlie: Well, I think I’m pretty good at plumbing; so, we definitely have that in common. And I also love Italian food. He’s big sweetheart, and it’s nice to play a good guy sometimes. Bad guys are also fun to play, but Luigi just has a big old heart. He is extremely loyal, and I feel we are alike in that too.

Shane: What are your favorite moments with Luigi?

Charlie: I think some of the scenes right in the very beginning, when we get to see the dynamic with his brother Mario in the family. It was fun for me to get to act that.

Shane: What values do you believe Luigi has that make him a good plumber and a hero?

Charlie: Well, Luigi doesn’t quit or run away, and I don’t want my plumbers to quit or run away either. I want them to fix the plumbing.

Shane: With a history of great movies like Despicable Me or The Secret Life of Pets, were you looking forward to working on an Illumination project?

Charlie: I have watched all the Despicable Me movies with my son multiple times. They’re endlessly re-watchable. And the same with The Secret Life of Pets. So, being in Illumination’s hands with this project was a great comfort for me. And not just that, but also an exciting proposition as a performer, knowing you’re working with a company that makes such great movies.

Shane: Here they have teamed up with another powerhouse of their medium, Nintendo.

Charlie: Who doesn’t want to work with Nintendo? I think I grew up with Nintendo, and it changed my life. I love all those old games. And, of course, the new games are fantastic too. So, it’s a neat thing to be a part of this. And, you know, the video games themselves are stories, so they translate great into movies.

Shane: And how was it to work with directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic?

Charlie: I think they did a fantastic job. They were in France, and I was in America, so that was interesting; but other than the time difference, it was great. You know, they were very confident with what they wanted. So, I would come in and give them the lines, and they were very specific about wanting this or that or the other thing. And they were really knowledgeable about the history of the characters and the franchise. I think they knew the movie they wanted to make from day one, and they were very good at steering us into the vision they had. And they also did a good job balancing making something new while being respectful to something that’s so beloved. I believe the fans will be pleased with their work. For me it was a pleasure from the first session to the last, and I hope I get to do it again one day.

Shane: What would you say are the challenges in embodying a character from a video game?

Charlie: The main challenge is coming up with a little bit more than a video game can provide. In this case I think some of that groundwork had already been laid as these characters have been around for such a long time. And then the rest is seeing how far you can take them without seeming like they’re not the characters the audience knows and loves.

Shane: So, what do you hope the audience will take away from The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Charlie: At the end of the day, this is all just entertainment; so, I hope that people are thoroughly entertained from the first frame to the last. I think they will laugh and be on the edge of their seats, itching to see more.

Shane: And how do you feel about being a part of it?

Charlie: It just feels exciting to me. It’s nice to be a part of something with such a massive fan base.

You can see The Super Mario Bros. Movie in cinemas from April 5th, 2023.

The post Interview w. Charlie Day – Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Music Label Curaga Records has just announced that they’re jumping into the world of Nintendo’s very own Mario with a brand new LoFi album, Video Game LoFi: Super Mario 64.

From artists 88bit and Save Point, Video Game LoFi: Super Mario 64 is a nostalgic tribute to Koji Kondo’s beloved soundtrack. With gorgeous piano arrangements, warm analog synths and colorful re-harmonization, the album features 11 tracks that fuse cozy beats and reimagined melodies with jazzy LoFi undertones.

“This was a truly collaborative effort,” says artist 88bit, “I’m so glad Save Point approached me about making this with him. This album gave me an opportunity to take the Super Mario 64 songs and reshape and present them in a new light – chill lo-fi.”

88 bit goes on to say how the album has given the songs a unique transformation while staying true to the original. “I’m excited for many of my friends in the VGM community to listen to these tracks. And I’m hopeful that these songs will find their way to people all over, and that those who love the music from Super Mario 64 (and even those who may not be familiar) will enjoy these recordings as much as we’ve enjoyed making them.”

Artist Save Point had this today about this collaborative album, “We wanted to be as authentic as we possibly could with this album and I love the final result. We only used analog synths, the Prophet 5 and Novation Peak, to really capture that warm feeling. Each track has live piano, guitar, and percussion. I wanted these tracks to feel like you’re having a genuine conversation with an old friend. It really felt like 88bit and I were on the same page from the beginning with our goal to craft something unique and comfy.”

Video Game LoFI: Super Mario 64 is available on streaming services right now, or want to level up and get a physical copy? The album is available for pre-order on CD and cassette tape from The Materia Store or Bandcamp.

The post Save the Princess and be Chill appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

During the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, Ubisoft announced Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

Bowser will join returning favorites Rabbid Peach, Luigi, Rabbid Mario and Princess Peach to form a motley team and prevent Cursa, a malevolent cosmic entity, from plunging the galaxy into chaos. 

Mixing turn-based tactics and real time action, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s innovative combat system will have players use their Heroes to dash at enemies, team jump on allies, hide behind covers, or take advantage of their special abilities in order to get the most out of every turn.  With its innovative gameplay, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be a fun tactical adventure for new players and experts of the genre alike.

Determined to consume all the energy in the galaxy, Cursa and its minions are hunting the Sparks, uncanny creatures formed by the fusion of Lumas & Rabbids, and will destroy all who stand in its way. Players will have to locate and save the Sparks to have them join the adventure, opening up new tactical possibilities to help Heroes get the upper hand in battles. In addition to leveling up and customizing their Heroes, players will have the opportunity to pair them with Sparks to unlock additional abilities! They all have a distinct power and personality, ranging from energy shields to powerful elemental attacks.

As they embark on an epic journey through the galaxy, players will get to explore a variety of planets, meet their curious inhabitants and complete one-of-a-kind quests to free them from Cursa’s evil influence. Familiar enemies from the Nintendo universe, exceptional Rabbids enemies and surprising bosses will cross the Heroes’ path.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022, and is available to preorder.

The post MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE LAUNCHES THIS OCTOBER appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

I know what you are thinking, how can the beautiful game of football get any better?

Well first of all get rid of the current implementation of VAR. Yes I am still salty about the loss to Costa Rica and I am going to be mad for the next 4 years.  But not looking at officiating, how can the sport itself get any better?  Well, Nintendo has had a solid crack by Mario-fying the sport and… yea it’s pretty damn good.

Mario Strikers: Battle League is football, but not as you know it. Obviously players can pass the ball to each other, shoot and score their way to victory, like a football game right?

Well how about an electric fence around the sideline? How about Hyper Strike kicks that are worth 2 points? How about tackling your own player so they smash into an opponent’s player?

Are you interested yet?

First things first.

When it comes to Mario sports games they tend to be relatively easy to pick up and play.  If you have played a FIFA game recently and struggled a bit with the complexity, Mario Strikers: Battle League will be appealing.  Blasting through the tutorial makes it really clear how easy it is to start playing. Simple passing shooting and other actions like that are as simple as pressing the button, or holding it to aim and fire in a specific direction.  This is really crucial to the game being fun.

Then there are the classic Mario tweaks. Being able to tackle your own player and then slamming into an opponent with the ball is fun as hell to do once you master the execution. Mario slamming Bowser into Donkey Kong in a game of football is a series of words I never thought I would write.

Then there are the Hyper Strikes.

Here if you manage to get an orb that drops on the field, you power up. Get the ball and do a powered up strike and you get a bar that pops up on the screen. The power bar moves on the screen and you need to hit the button in one direction, then hit the second bar on the way back.

The closer you get to hitting those, the harder it is for the goalie to defend. Hit it perfectly and it is guaranteed to beat the keeper. On top of this, the goal is worth 2 points, so it can be a real game changer.

The good news is it is pretty hard to hit it perfectly, and if one of these goals is hit against you, you have to mash a button to block it.

So yea, this makes the game a little more arcadey and Mario-like, but that aint all.

It isn’t a Mario game without question mark boxes right?

Well they drop on the field and give you power ups like shells to throw at other players, mushrooms to make you super fast etc.  Some drop for your team, some drop for the opponents and some for anyone. Nabbing your opponents one doesn’t give you a power up, but it stops them getting it.

What really works is there are the silly ways that the game can turn, but also underlying this is the solid base gameplay. As mentioned, hitting passes and goals is relatively easy to learn which is what allows you to smash the tutorials, be full of confidence, and jump straight into a cup challenge. This is where my ego was immediately smashed to the ground. I got my ass kicked so bad in the cup on my first go. You get 2 losses before you are knocked out, so my cup campaign lasted … 2 matches.

Getting schooled on my first crack was great because the second time around I just scraped into the final which I just managed to win 1 all. The game is a classic, easy to learn, difficult to master style of game. It doesn’t take long to feel like you are pretty good, but it takes ages to actually get good. To be fair, I am far from being actually good.

With sports games, Mario titles have had some mixed results for campaign modes. This game hasn’t even bothered, it just instead offers online modes, and offline quick matches or cups. As someone who likes offline modes I spent most of my time in the cups, which as mentioned earlier gives you 2 loses before you get knocked out.  It’s simple, fun and a great way to play the game offline.

Mario Strikers: Battle League is a great game.

The mechanics make the game fun, the aesthetic keeps it super light hearted, and it’s just the right balance of stressful and relaxing. Another banger on the Switch.

The post Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

My first dabble with the Mario Party series was Super Mario Party on Switch.

Having not experienced the series before I had a blast getting to experience playing aboard game loaded with mini games and having fun with the family on the couch.  Little did I know that the long series of Mario Party games had so much more to offer me.  Well now I get to experience some of them via the new Mario Party Superstars.

If you haven’t played a Mario Party game yet, basically it is a board game.  What you do is move around the board collecting stars.

Only one star appears on the board and once that has been collected a new one appears and the scramble continues.  Sounds pretty easy, and it kinda is in concept which is what makes it easy to play.  Winning on the other hand can be a different kettle of fish because when you get to the star you will need enough coins to buy it.

Coins are where the majority of the game’s strategy comes about.  You get them each turn, but can use them in multiple ways.

If you hit a shop then you can buy something like a triple dice which will get you across the board faster.  If you get there faster, but don’t have enough coins because you bought that dice, then you won’t be able to collect the star anyway… hence the challenge.  I did come across the stars multiple times with insufficient coins and that is infuriating.

The board game is a cool idea and a great premise for the game, but the real stars are the mini games.

Every round of the game ends with a minigame where you go head to head and try to score some more coins by winning.  These come in different shapes and sizes including having 2 v 2 games, all against all, or even 1 v 3.

A 1 v 3 game has you trying to move a platform to get the others to fall down a hole.  A 2 v 2 game has you trying to traverse a course which requires acting like a team to beat the other team.  An all v all game has you staying on a platform that rocks back and forth as long as possible.

I won’t go into all of the mini games as there are over 100 of them.

They vary from meh to excellent but that variety is essential.  The game only has 5 boars to play on so that variety really is the chaos of random events and mini games.  The Superstars part of the title is named after it taking some of the best from previous games, so it would have been good to see more game boards, but it is what it is.  Maybe we will get more via DLC.

If you haven’t played a Mario Party game before then this will be an absolute banger to start with.  If you have then this will likely be a nostalgia fueled romp.  Either way it is a consistently fun game that is well worth your time.

Especially if you have some family holidays coming up and you don’t want to go out and be exposed to that sun thing.

The post Mario Party Superstars (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

With the Olympics coming up it is time to talk about one of the greatest cross code sport stars of all time.

From Tennis and motorsports, to fighting or the Olympics themselves, Mario is one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the virtual earth.

So now it is time to take a step back and enjoy some leisurely Golf, as leisurely as a game called Mario Golf: Super Rush can be anyway.

Jumping in I was so down for Mario Golf because I hadn’t played any of the entries on 3DS. Jumping straight into a quick play version of the game I was greeted with what I expected. That is a relatively simple to start golf game akin to Everybody’s Golf, with the Mario aesthetic.

After giving that a quick jam the next step was to see what the single player campaign Golf Adventure would be like. Here you set up a Mii style character who goes to the Golf Village where you need to win your way into the competition and rank up against Mario characters.

There is a lot to like about this mode, and some to not like.

As you compete in matches you will gain experience.

This means when you get your butt kicked in a match it is never at waste because you may get to add some skill points on your character readying you up for the next attempt.

One thing I liked about this is sometimes when you get a skill point, one of the stats will have a negative added to it which is cancelled out if you choose to put your point on that stat. So if it pops a negative on spin, you can still put your power stat up one but lose one on spin, or you can put it on spin and still go up one point.

This incentivizes spreading your skills around.

One thing I didn’t like was the character creation function. I wanted to play the campaign as a Mario character playing against Mario characters.

The Mii doesn’t have the same vibe or style as the Mario characters so it felt weird playing like that. Some people may have connections to Miis, so have that as an option, but let me play the campaign as Yoshi please.

One neat aspect of the game is the running to your ball feature. Not every match uses it but after you hit the ball you can run to the ball to do your next swing.

Along the way you can collect coins but the best part of this is some game modes emphasise this such as speed golf where the goal is to sink it faster, not in fewer shots. This is also crucial to the best mode, Battle Golf.

Battle Mode is the biggest winner here and I wish they had a bunch more maps. This has you in an arena and you need to sink three holes first.

Once someone sinks it the hole closes and a new one opens up. Oh, and the whole arena is filled with things like Womps and Chain Chomps.

There is nothing more annoying than after managing to chip your ball to the top of a ramp after 12 attempts for someone to beat you to the hole so you have to turn around and run the other way.

Mario Golf is a great package. I can’t speak for fans of the franchise before but newbies should absolutely pick this one up. Like other Mario sport games, there is a short learning curve to get started but heaps to learn to nail it.

Battle mode could have more arenas though.

The post Mario Golf: Super Rush (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.