As always, when it reaches this time of the day, we take the liberty of presenting multiple deals to you for your consideration. Each deal is designed to instantly save you money on some of the technology that you know and love and which you have maybe been putting off buying.
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Campo Santo’s Firewatch is coming to the Nintendo Switch sometime this spring. Here’s what you need to know!
The critically-acclaimed story-based adventure game Firewatch is headed to the Nintendo Switch! Originally released in February of 2016 for PC, Mac, Linux, and PlayStation 4, Firewatch is the latest announced indie game getting set to debut on the Switch.
Whether you’ve already played the game or have never heard of Firewatch before, here’s everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch version.
Firewatch is a story-based adventure game that has been praised for its superb story-telling, realistic characters, and gorgeous game design since it was first released in 2016.
Firewatch, at its core, is a mystery game set in the Wyoming wilderness. You play as Henry, a man who decided to give the simpler life a try by joining a fire lookout team. Set in 1989, you watch for smoke during an especially hot, dry summer, aided via radio by your supervisor, Delilah. However, something draws you out of your tower and into the woods, where you must explore the unknown wild, making choices that could make or break your relationship with Delilah. What starts as a simple game of watching for forest fires becomes a strange, twisty-turny, mystery-filled rabbit hole with new discoveries at every turn. It’s like a book you just can’t put down.
If you’re looking for more than just a game — an experience — then Firewatch should be at the top of your to-play list. The iMore writers (including me) love it so much, it even made our best games for Mac list.
No exact release date has been announced just yet, but Campo Santo’s blog post did suggest they are working on hard at porting the game over.
“When will it be out? All we can say is “soon!” Reengineering the sprawling meadows and towering trees of Firewatch’s wilderness to play perfectly on new hardware is no small engineering task. We’ve been hard at work stripping much of Firewatch’s tech down to the studs and rebuilding it to render the world more quickly, to stream and load faster, and to generally be more responsive. Nearly everyone in the Campo Santo office has a Nintendo Switch (and the rest want one). We know what a good Switch game feels like, and want to make sure Firewatch feels like one too.”
It’s nice to know that developers love Nintendo’s newest console as much as everyone else, and are planning on making the experience of Firewatch just as memorable on the Switch as it was on other platforms
While plenty of games have been ported to the Switch with no changes at all, lots of other games have been changed to include fun extras for the Nintendo Switch version.
As of right now, nothing official has been announced, but Campo Santo did leave us with a tantalizing tease of info in the blog post
“We’re hoping to throw in a couple surprises just for the Switch release.”
No idea what those surprises could be, but I’m super excited to find out!
As more information about Firewatch for the Nintendo Switch becomes avaiable, will be updating this article with new information. Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss out on any details!
The folks at Campo Santo are bringing Firewatch to the Nintendo Switch. The developers have been busy stripping the game "down to the studs" to improve performance. Specifically, optimizing load times for textures and geometry. "We know what a good S…Adding power to your console has never been so easy, but there are a lot of options to consider.
The early days of owning a Nintendo Switch wasn’t easy for those of us who wanted to power the console with something other than a wall outlet. Most battery backups didn’t provide enough power fast enough, and what few options were available came at a substantial cost. Fast forward a year and manufacturers have stepped up in a big way with batteries of all shapes and sizes. This, of course, presents a unique new challenge for those who want the best battery for their needs.
Before you figure out things like capacity and price, you need to take a look at which kind of battery is best for your needs. Would you rather have a battery backup you connect to your Switch with a cable, or a Nintendo Switch case with a battery backup baked right in? Here’s our look at both options to help you decide.
In much the same way some companies make battery cases for phones, the Nintendo Switch now has a variety of cases you attach to the outside of the console to both protect the body and offer additional power while playing. These battery cases connect to the power port on the bottom of the Switch as you seal the case around it, allowing you to turn the battery on when you want to charge the battery in the console. When the battery is depleted, you still have a protective case around the console in case of drops or bumps.
Because the battery is attached to the console I can charge the Switch when it is in its travel case, so every time I pick up the console I know it has a full battery.
Adding a battery case to your Switch adds weight and complexity to your set up. If you like playing your Switch in handheld mode with the Joy-Cons attached to the sides, you will feel the added weight of the battery immediately. This design also makes it so you have to remove the case every time you want to put the console into its TV dock, which can be a little tedious. What you gain in convenience is worth it, in my opinion. Being able to drop the Switch into this case and know you have a full day of battery no matter what you do feels great. Because the battery is attached to the console I can charge the Switch when it is in its travel case, so every time I pick up the console I know it has a full battery.
I’m also a big fan of how many manufacturers have taken the added bulk of the battery case and used it to provide additional kickstand features. These kickstands are a great deal more sturdy than the one included on the Switch, and several designs allow for multiple tilt angles of the console so you can play comfortably in different seating positions. My personal favorite is the Antank Battery Case for Nintendo Switch, which offers quite a bit for the $ 42 price tag. If you’d rather your battery be attached to the console and don’t mind the added weight, this is what I would recommend.
People all over the world use battery backups for all kinds of things. Many come with multiple USB ports so you can charge multiple things at the same time, and if your battery is capable of charging a Switch quickly it is also capable of fast charging your phone or tablet and in some cases even your laptop all from the same battery. These are versatile, capable batteries with a ton of juice and usually a couple of unique, handy features.
The best Switch battery backups can charge the console more than once without needing to be recharged itself, as well as charge just as fast as the wall outlet.
But like everything else, you have to remember to bring your battery backup with you. The right cord needs to be with you as well, and it needs to be charged separately from the Nintendo Switch. These batteries are also usually a touch on the heavy side, and usually too big to slip into a pocket or alongside the Switch in a small travel case. You also can’t use your Switch in the Kickstand mode when charging from a battery backup, because the Switch power port is on the bottom of the console. You have to use a special stand or use the console in Handheld mode when doing anything. When all of this works, it’s a great option to have. When it does not work, these batteries can be seen as an expensive hassle.
The biggest benefit here is sheer power. The best Switch battery backups can charge the console more than once without needing to be recharged itself, as well as charge just as fast as the wall outlet. I’m personally a fan of the Mophie PowerStation USB-C XXL battery. For $ 150 you get the ability to charge your Switch at least three times before the backup needs to be recharged, and you can charge tons of other things at the same time. It’s also compact enough to slide into a back pocket if you are in a rush, but given the weight of the box I would recommend stashing it in a travel case instead.
There are some serious pros and cons to each. The battery backup is more likely to keep your Switch going for multiple days if you’re travelling, but the battery case can be used more conveniently in more places. Most of the battery cases won’t charge the Switch as fast as the battery backups either, but you are paying for that privilege with the noticeably increased price tag.
Ultimately I think it comes down to how you use your Switch. If you know you’re coming home to charge it every day and just want something to guarantee you can make through the whole day with no power anxiety, the battery case is the more functional, practical solution. If you keep your Switch away from its dock for multiple days at a time and want to be able to play no matter what, get a great battery backup. But for most people, a good battery case is probably more than enough.
Here’s a recap of the last few Directs and when the next one will be.
Nintendo Direct is Nintendo’s newest way to update you on what is coming to their consoles, but they have changed routes and made it mostly Nintendo Switch content. With these updates, Nintendo tells us about what plans they have for future games and about any updates that may be coming sometime soon. Here is a recap of the past Directs and when we expect the new one to come.
In April of last year, we witnessed one of the first Nintendo Directs that had information about the Nintendo Switch as well as amiibos. There were game announcements and advancements announced last April, and it was only the start of the improvements we would see for the Nintendo Switch.
This is the second Nintendo Direct to include information on the Nintendo Switch, including game releases and amiibo. There was far less to announce this time around since it wasn’t a few mere months since the release of the Switch.
This Nintendo Direct isn’t a full video like we’re used to, but just a small update to keep us in the know with all the new things happening with Nintendo and the Switch. This quick update was all about Nintendo Switch, including all of the games announced to release in 2018.
The first official Nintendo Direct of the year is jammed packed with news of goodies for both DS and Switch.
Nintendo doesn’t give out information for the Direct videos in advance, but there is a pattern that seems to be happening with these videos. Every month, around the first week, they send out a video to update on the smaller games and what updates producers have put out. The big videos that highlight new games and big updates tend to come out every three to five months. Make sure to keep an eye open for the next Nintendo Direct within the coming weeks.
Let us know down in the comments what your thoughts are!
It’s that time of the day again when you have the opportunity to purchase wonderful technology without having to pay full price. As always, peruse through the deals, find something that you like, and make sure you have your cart checked out before the deal ends.
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Since its inception, Nintendo has made a concerted effort to maintain a somewhat squeaky clean image. With the occasional Rare exception, a Nintendo console has always been a place where parents didn’t have to give a second thought about what their kids might be playing.
Well, times are changing, and just as society is changing, its views about what media should and should not be consumed so is Nintendo. It has been reported that Nintendo is encouraging developers to make some less family-friendly fare for the Switch. I for one welcome our new M-rated Switch overlords and look forward to what may be coming down the pike when it comes to mature content.
With an eye toward this brave new world, let’s take a look at a few of the least child-friendly games currently available on the Nintendo Switch. Using my own experience, a little help from Common Sense Media and the ESRB I worked up this list of the games that a parent may not want their kids getting their hands on. There is no last word on what is and is not appropriate. Every kid is different, as is every parent. With all the caveats out of the way, let’s get on to the gore and swearing.
Rated M by the ESRB
The Grandaddy of gory first-person shooters has made its move into the world of Switch. Smashing Doom down to fit in the palm of your hand is quite the achievement. Just as big of an achievement is the very idea that you can engage in the splatter-fest on a Nintendo branded system. This may be one to keep the young-uns away from until they’re a bit older.
The violence may be unrealistic but it’s most decidedly not cartoonish. Doom is pretty robust nightmare fuel which could ensure that your kids won’t want to sleep alone for months to come.
Rated M by the ESRB
Just as one might expect, the main course of Resident Evil: Revelations is a heapin’ helpin’ of blood, guts and exploding viscera. This entry into the Resident Evil franchise made its debut on the Nintendo 3DS and now it can be played on the Switch. Not unlike Doom this is a game whose imagery and story could leave a young one with some horror induced insomnia.
As if all that violence wasn’t enough, I hear tell that there is exactly one swear word uttered in the dialog.
Rated M by the ESRB
I have probably spent hundreds of hours ensconced in the world of Skyrim. There is no denying that it is a fantastic game. There is also no denying that characters will, on occasion, have their heads removed from the rest of their bodies. Skryim does not lean into the gore in the same fashion that Doom or Resident Evil might but there is still a measurable amount of dismemberment all the same.
Aside from the occasional decapitation, Skrim does handle some fairly adult themes. I am far from the last word here but I would think that if you were ok letting your kids watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy then they will probably be ok wandering around Skyrim.
Rated M by the ESRB
Developer Rockstar Games is hardly known for their family-friendly output. The house that Grand Theft Auto built is never one to shy away from adult content and L.A. Noire is no exception.
It really ticks all the adult-themed boxes. Blood and gore, nudity, sexual themes, strong language, drug use, and violence all come together to make a hell of a game but something you should probably keep the kids away from until they’re a bit older.
Rated M by the ESRB
My best guess is that this is a bit of a non-issue, as I can’t imagine many kids would have much interest in playing a strategy management game where you take on the role of a police chief in a corrupt city. That being said if your little one loves stylized art and resource management they may just be dying to play This Is The Police.
Just imagine any gritty film you have watched about dirty cops and that’s what you will find in the game. Strong language, reference to drugs, and violence abound.
Rated M by the ESRB
Bayonetta pretty much does it all when it comes to the sort of things that would get you a Mature rating from the ESRB. There’s enough blood, guts, and viscera to make Sam Peckinpah blush. On top of all that, you ought to be prepared for female characters that suggestively gyrate and wear outfits that leave little to the imagination.
This is definitely a game to play when you’re sure that the kids aren’t around. If you do choose to play with the kids present, be ready to have some conversations in order to put it all in context.
Rated M by the ESRB
Don’t let the charming pixel-based graphics fool you. The Binding of Issac is plenty mature. There is enough blood spatter and dismemberment to go around. Aside from that, however, the themes present are adult enough to creep some out. While it may not be shown directly, the story deals with a violent and abusive mother and your attempt to escape from her.
On top of that, be prepared to wade through all sorts of bodily fluids as you make your way through this 2D dungeon crawl.
If you’re worried about the content that your child is consuming on their Nintendo Switch, research is your best friend. There are plenty of outlets available to parents which will help you decide which games are right for your kids. Nintendo offers pretty extensive options when it comes to parental controls on the Switch and even give you the option of controlling those settings from your phone.
Now, if you are looking for even more mature content for your Switch you could always connect to the Japanese Switch store and see what’s on offer to Japanese gamers.
Updated March 2018: Added Bayonetta and Binding of Isaac.
Technology and new products are always better when you don’t have to pay full price in order to own them. In fact, that really goes for any form of shopping. The bigger the discount, the sweeter the purchase. As always, our daily tech deals are designed to ensure that you simply do not need to pay full price in order to get some new gadgetry or tech-based hardware in your life.
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Here’s your daily dose of tech deals, including the iPhone 7 Plus, SanDisk Ultra 200GB SD card, Google Home Mini and Chromecast Audio, Anker wireless charging pad, and more.
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Looking for an edge in Hyrule Warriors? Do it with amiibo!.
On May 18 the Nintendo Switch will welcome the release of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive edition. If you want to know more about how it compares to Breath of the Wild you can go check out this article. One of the great little additions to previous editions of Hyrule Warriors was the ability to use amiibo to receive cool little in-game items. If you want to start putting together amiibo to use with the Switch release, then here is a great way to start.
With all of the following characters, you will receive an in-game spinner weapon.
The following characters will grant you a weapon that is three stars or higher, twice a day.
All other amiibo will grant you a Rupee bonus, a crafting material bonus, or a weapon ranked three stars or lower.
When you’re hacking and slashing your way to victory in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition on your Nintendo Switch, you are going to want all the help you can get. The addition of amiibo can offer you that extra edge you may be looking for. Get ready to tap and hack and slash on May 18, 2018. You can pre-order Hyrule Warriors at Amazon for $ 60
Are you going to be using amiibo with Hyrule Warriors on your Switch? Let us know which ones you’re going to be picking up or which ones you already have!
