Nintendo turned down a Ubisoft Zelda pitch starring Ganondorf, while the Switch 2 experiences both discounts and developmental hurdles.
Today brings an intriguing peek behind the curtain at Nintendo’s decision-making regarding its iconic Zelda franchise. According to a report by Tom Henderson on Nintendo Life, Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind the Mario + Rabbids series, pitched a Zelda spin-off project. The twist? The game’s protagonist was not Link, but rather Ganondorf. However, Nintendo apparently did not greenlight the project under this concept, preferring to see Ganondorf in a different role. This insight into Nintendo’s tightly held franchise underscores their strategic curation of character roles and storylines in revered series.
Switch 2 Sees Price Cuts Amidst Hiccups
The Nintendo Switch 2 is under some scrutiny and simultaneously on offer in the UK. Nintendo Life reports that after a previous price increase due to component shortages, the console is currently available at a significantly reduced price of £354.99, down from £419.99 at major retailers like Argos and Smyths. This temporary discount could indicate strategic pricing adjustments in response to competition or inventory management needs.
Meanwhile, one of the latest titles on the Switch 2, “RuneScape: Dragonwilds,” launched with visual issues. As reported by Nintendo Life, the developer Jagex has acknowledged the graphical shortcomings and pledged ongoing “incremental” improvements. This acknowledgment comes after player feedback highlighted blurry visuals, reflecting the challenges developers face when optimizing for new hardware.
Classic JRPG Sequel’s Lukewarm Reception
Square Enix’s “Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition” on the Switch 2 has received mixed reviews. As noted by Nintendo Life, despite the game’s historical significance as an acclaimed title on the original Switch, its port to the Switch 2 feels underwhelming in terms of graphical enhancements. This highlights an emerging trend—or challenge—for developers transitioning games between successive console generations, emphasizing the industry’s expectations for meaningful upgrades.
