Nintendo Wiretap (8/23/17)

Welcome to the Nintendo Wiretap! Each day the team here at Nintendo Wire works tirelessly to bring you the best, most relevant late-breaking Nintendo news this side of the Mushroom Kingdom. To help make ingesting all these meaty stories easier than Kirby hopped up on Miracle Fruit, we’ve compiled a handy list of noteworthy announcements and general industry happenings regarding the Big N in the last couple days. Without further ado, here’s a few things we’ve picked up over the wire:

MARIO KART MEETS ROCKET LEAGUE

While we already knew the Switch version of Rocket League would have Mario-themed hats, we’ve learned via the Rocket League blog that it’ll have cars based on two of Nintendo’s biggest properties, as well. While a couple paint jobs themed after the Mushroom Kingdom’s dynamic duo comes as no surprise, it’s the third vehicle imported from a galaxy far, far away that leaves our heads spinning with excitement.

SNES CLASSIC EDITION PRE ORDERS SET THE INTERNET ABLAZE

Whether one of the lucky few who snagged one in time or part of the mass of unfortunate souls left in its 16-bit wake, yesterday no doubt proved a trying time for Nintendo fans nationwide. While we inevitably wait for more pre orders to flicker back and forth in the coming weeks, remember that there’s still hope to pick up the coveted dream machine on release day at your local retailer, with Toys”R”Us guaranteed to have a limited stock at the very least. Unless you live in Quebec, that is.

LOLA POP WADDLES INTO ARMS’S ROSTER

The veil has finally been lifted on last week’s candied caper. Enter Lola Pop: ARMS’s latest gummy brawler and whimsical use of wordplay. Have a taste of the what’s to come in the version 3 update with the official announcement trailer.

Watch here: New ARMS fighter Lola Pop announced

THE NEXT WAVE OF SPLATOON 2 UPDATES SPLASHES FORTH

Splatoon 2 is receiving three fresh new updates over the next two weeks. Alongside new stages Manta Maria and Lost Outpost setting sail for Inkopolis Square comes a brand new weapon that will have you bursting with joy. Get the full scoop below, including a synopsis of patch notes for upcoming weapon tweaks.

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS IGNITES EUROPEAN BATTLEFIELDS THIS OCTOBER

European tacticians itching to slaughter hordes of mobs, listen up: Fire Emblem Warriors is bringing the fight to Switch on October 20th — alongside a snazzy collector’s edition, to boot! The game also received an exciting new trailer at Gamescom yesterday, confirming yet another slew of Fates characters entering the fray. I’d leave you in suspense, but you probably already guessed fan favorites Takumi, Hinoka and Camilla would make the cut eventually.

Watch here: Fire Emblem Warriors gets another English trailer at Gamescom

POKKÉN TOURNAMENT DX DEMO SUCKER PUNCHES THE ESHOP TODAY

That’s right, fellow Poké Maniacs: a demo for the enhanced Switch version of Pokkén Tournament is currently live in the Nintendo eShop! While limited to only three Pokémon (Pikachu, Empoleon and Charizard) and 15 battles between single and local multiplayer modes, it should still prove plenty of fun for novice fighting fans seeking to get a grasp over Pokkén’s unique, dual-planed battle mechanics.

Watch here: Pokkén Tournament DX Demo | Empoleon vs. Pikachu

THE REGALIA TAKES THE SCENIC ROUTE ON SWITCH

Ask and ye shall receive, Final Fantasy faithful: FFXV Director Hajime Tabata suggested Final Fantasy XV could be heading to Switch. Here’s hoping it’s not simply the recently-announced Pocket Edition making its way to mobile devices.

HAL LABORATORY TO DIP ITS TOES IN THE MOBILE SPACE

HAL Laboratory launched a new brand just for smart device applications, dubbed HAL Egg. While little is known about what’s planned, the first app under the new branding is set to launch later this fall. While I wouldn’t get my hopes up for any Nintendo IPs making the cut, it’s hard to deny a game like Box Boy feeling right at home on mobile platforms.

A PASS! A PASS! MY MUSHROOM KINGDOM FOR A SEASON PASS!

Earlier today, Ubisoft continued the industry’s tried-and-true tradition of announcing future DLC plans for games before they’ve even launched. Look forward to more weapons, challenges, and story content slapping the whimsical world of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle throughout the year for an additional 20 coins.

Watch here: (Video) Rabbid Peach is front and center in this latest Mario + Rabbids character trailer

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS ARE YESTERDAY’S NEWS

Looking for a more secure way to pay for games in the Nintendo eShop? Lucky for you, PayPal is now an acceptable way to transact on the Nintendo Switch! In theory, it should also help you purchase all those Japanese eShop goodies without dealing with the hassle of region specific eShop cards. Monster Hunter XX, here I come!

RISKY BOOTS SETS THE POOP TOOT ON COURSE FOR ADVENTURE

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero backers got some envious news as download codes for the infamous pirate queen’s quest were sent out today. To tide everyone else over as you wait for its official release on August 29th, check out the first half hour of her swashbuckling misadventure in action below.

OUR DREAM FUTURE POCKET PAL ADDITIONS FOR POKKÉN TOURNAMENT

While it’s unlikely Pokkén Tournament DX will be adding new fighters to the mix post launch, that didn’t stop Ricky Berg from having his dreams of duking it out as one of Kanto’s finest and fattest eaten up by Darkrai. Check out the first round for his most desired picks in pocket pal fighting below.

NINTENDO WIRE’S POKÉMON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 EXTRAVAGANZA

This past weekend the Pokémon World Championships found a home at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Our very own Poké Fanatic Jennifer Burch was fortunate enough to attend, all the while snappin’ photos, snatchin’ merch and catchin’ Kangaskhans. Take a tour through everything you missed below, including a glorious gallery of pop-up shop swag available for purchase.

That’s all for today! For all your future Nintendo news, stay plugged in to Nintendo Wire.

Written by Matthew Weidner

When it comes to playing and writing about video games, Matthew aspires to be the very best, like no one ever was. Writing for Nintendo Wire and the thought of one day finally achieving a perfect, no death Super Meat Boy run fills him with determination.