And we’re back for the February edition of the Nintendo Life Mailbox. Time is moving slowly for those of us jonesing for that Switch 2 Direct, but we’ve had games like Civ 7, Laika, and Citizen Sleeper 2 to keep us busy, and we’re all looking forward to Xenoblade Chronicles X – it would just be nice if it launched on 20th February rather than 20th March.
Anyhow, it’s time for our monthly letters page feature. Got something you want to get off your chest? We’re ready and waiting to read about your game-related ponderings.
Each month we’ll highlight a Star Letter, the writer of which will receive a month’s subscription to our ad-free Supporter scheme. Check out the submission guidelines at the bottom of this page.
Letters were very light this month (or filled with total irrelevancy), so make sure to send your video game-related missives and doodles our way for next time!
Okay, let’s a-rummage.
Nintendo Life Mailbox – February 2024
“a bad thing” (***STAR LETTER***)
First of all, my favorite game of all time is Earthbound, and if you disagree, well, let’s just say…that’s very understandable and I respect your opinion. I always tell people my second favorite game, however, is “Mega Man”. Which one? Well, it’s probably either Mega Man 2, 3, X, or X2. But there’s nothing wrong with 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, X3, and X4. Heck, even 1 and 8 are okay. Did I mention the Game Boy games? It’s always difficult to parse out the order, because when you get down to it all of the games are all so very similar, yet all so very great.
When did that become a bad thing?
When did it become an absolute crime to make an iterative sequel? You know if Mario Kart 9 doesn’t reinvent the wheel (potentially literally) that some people will be up in arms. “How DARE the new Assassin’s Creed be exactly like the previous one!?” “Tears of the Kingdom should have been DLC for Breath of the Wild!” I’m all for taking risks and creating something fresh. Pokemon for sure was/is in desperate need of a status quo shakeup, and if something didn’t work the first time why would you go back to the same well? But sometimes, with some franchises, coloring inside the lines is more than okay, and thinking outside the box gets you a Mega Man X7. Maybe there’s a reason restaurants keep serving the same menu, and maybe it’s okay for games to serve us more of the same.
Splash_Woman
The sheer amount of games these days — great ones! — makes it harder to get excited about sequels that barely change things up, I’d say. With all the brilliant genre homages we get, a new Mega Man should aim higher than just another ‘one of those’, no? If a series goes totally off the rails, a solid, back-to-basics entry gets things back on track, but minor tweaks to the same formula, forever? It’s not a crime, it’s just boring.
Iteration is essential, but so is experimentation and reaching for something new. We can’t move for quality Metroidvanias, so an actual Metroid or Castlevania should be something a bit special. Otherwise, what’s the point? – Ed.
“wise to arrive”
So, I’ve never gotten a launch console before. In fact, I’ve had my PS5 for less than a year. However, I’m now in a position to be able to afford the Switch 2 when it comes out. I would love to get my hands on a launch Switch 2 (although, my local GameStop guy hinted at a Pokemon Edition that I’m assuming won’t come out at the same time). My question is: How early do you think it would be wise to arrive at any store offering preorders when they begin taking them? Thanks!
Ethan
Hmm, not to cast aspersions on the wisdom of GameStop guy, but I wouldn’t expect any themed SKUs in the launch year.
In terms of pre-orders, get there as early as is practical, but also remember that one of Nintendo’s primary goals with the launch is to satisfy demand. So unless they totally fail on that front, you should be able to get hold of one if you’re keeping half an eye on things. You shouldn’t need to camp outside the store to get your pre-order in, at least.
But hey, I’m a guy who improbably got the last Wii from Woolworths in December 2006, and randomly wandered into a department store and picked up a Switch off the shelf on launch day in 2017. Maybe I’ve just been lucky. Some people love setting up the tent on the sidewalk for these kinds of things. If that’s you, crack on! – Ed.
And now onto the Bonus section! See, I told you it was a light month.
Bonus Letters
“I was wondering if you’d consider not linking to X anymore? For example, if a story comes from a tweet, you could repost the content or use a cropped screenshot without including a link. ” – Twilite9
This came in too late to make the last Mailbox, but it’s worth highlighting my response to a comment back towards the end of January – check that out for a little more depth.
TL;DR: We’re dismayed at the turn things have taken and we’ve made various changes in our approach to that platform. Right now it remains a common tool for announcements and discussion from industry players, so you’ll still see it sourced appropriately when no other sources are available. Any questions, our contact form is the best place for them. – Ed.
“I think Zeno Robinson might join The Sonic the Hedgehog current voice cast starting in the next 3D Sonic game, Sonic Adventure 3 or Sonic Frontiers 2 or whatever I call it. He would voice a new Hedgehog with powers inspired by Shazam, Hercules and the flash and take inspiration to Adult Gohan from Dragon Ball Z.” – Scottdevine53
I enjoy these little prognostications, Scott. – Ed.
“Are we going to copy PlayStation and start calling the Switch the NS1 now?” – Munchlax
No, no – it’s Sw1tch, darling. – Ed.
Nintendo is tempted to list out all super AAA hits of -1 Sony/MS consoles from recent generation and order studios to make Switch ports, then offer it on super expensive price – Jakub
The Last of Us: Switch Edition. $99 or $120 for the Collector’s Edition with the Joel and Ellie amiibos which unlocks the HBO skins. Yes, I need more Pedro in my life. PP ftw.
Hang on, that came out wrong. – Ed.
(The Bed Bath & Beyond is still up, just wanted to make my letter about candles more interesting ) – MarkSeteth72
‘Interesting’ is a word. – Ed.
That’s all for this month! Thanks to everyone who wrote in, whether you were featured above or not.
Got something you’d like to get off your chest? A burning question you need answered? A correction you can’t contain? Follow the instructions below, then, and we look forward to rifling through your missives.
Nintendo Life Mailbox submission advice and guidelines
- Letters, not essays, please – Bear in mind that your letter may appear on the site, and 1000 words ruminating on the Legend of Heroes series and asking Alana for her personal ranking isn’t likely to make the cut. Short and sweet is the order of the day. (If you’re after a general guide, 100-200 words would be ample for most topics.)
- Don’t go crazy with multiple correspondences – Ideally, just the one letter a month, please!
- Don’t be disheartened if your letter doesn’t appear in the monthly article – We anticipate a substantial inbox, and we’ll only be able to highlight a handful every month. So if your particular letter isn’t chosen for the article, please don’t get disheartened!
How to send a Letter to the Nintendo Life Mailbox
- Head to Nintendo Life’s Contact page and select the subject “Reader Letters” from the drop-down menu (it’s already done for you in the link above). Type your name, email, and beautifully crafted letter into the appropriate box, hit send, and boom — you’re done!
