January is flying by, and so are the gaming releases! With the month already halfway gone, Nintendo Switch players are spoilt for choice with a plethora of new and exciting titles. But here’s where it gets interesting: which of these games will truly stand the test of time, and which will fade into obscurity? Let’s dive into the latest updates and see what the team is buzzing about this weekend.
This week marked the highly anticipated arrival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch 2, a title that has already captured the hearts of many, including our very own Alex, whose review you can check out here. Alongside it, the critically acclaimed Despelote finally made its way to the Switch, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon delivered epic RPG action on both Switch 1 and 2. It’s a gamer’s paradise!
In other news, while things have been relatively quiet, there are a few highlights worth mentioning. A leaked look at a new Zelda Lego set has fans buzzing (though, let’s be honest, who has the budget for 10 of these?). Meanwhile, Sophie Turner’s stunning portrayal of Lara Croft in Amazon’s Tomb Raider series has us all hoping for more Tomb Raider games on Switch 2. And, of course, we can’t forget to welcome Mai, the newest member of the Nintendo Life YouTube team! If you haven’t said hello yet, now’s your chance.
But here’s where it gets controversial: With so many games vying for our attention, how do we decide which ones deserve our time? Is it the nostalgia of a classic like The Wind Waker, the thrill of a new release like Star Wars Outlaws, or the cozy charm of Animal Crossing? Let’s see what the team is up to this weekend and maybe it’ll spark some inspiration.
PJ O'Reilly, Staff Writer
This weekend, I’ll be racing around on Switch 2 for an upcoming review, but I’m also making time for Absolum, a game I’ve been meaning to dive into seriously, and The Rogue Prince of Persia, which has been an absolute delight so far. No wonder it scored a 9! Between all the gaming and some sausages for tea, I’m set for a relaxing weekend.
Ollie Reynolds, Staff Writer
I’m completely hooked on Star Wars Outlaws right now. If I’d started it earlier, it might have made my top five games of 2025. The world feels so alive, and sneaking around syndicate hideouts is a blast. I’m also itching to dive back into a Zelda game, but I’m torn between The Wind Waker via NSO and giving Tears of the Kingdom another shot. Decisions, decisions!
Mai Ladyman, Video Producer
This week has been incredible for me, joining the Nintendo Life team and celebrating the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update. I’ve spent every spare moment collecting hotel tickets, tidying my island, and upgrading my house storage. I’ve also been exploring demos on the eShop, including Reanimal, which, as a fan of Little Nightmares, was pure adrenaline-pumping joy. I can’t wait to get creeped out when it releases!
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
It’s amazing that I’ve finally gotten around to playing Halo 4’s campaign, and I’m having a blast as Spartan 117. I should wrap it up this weekend, completing all the single-player campaigns from Halo: The Master Chief Collection. On a more somber note, the cancellation of the TV show still stings. Meanwhile, I’m struggling in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, wandering into high-level zones instead of focusing on the main plot. I need to get serious before I trade it for Final Fantasy VII Remake next week. On a lighter note, I’ve picked up the 2014 remake of Cinemaware’s Wings!, a nostalgic trip I’m excited to complete. And, of course, Bomb Jack Twin from the Arcade Archive is a delightful surprise for fans of the original.
Alex Olney, Video Producer
This weekend, I’m breaking the mold with some friends—we’re playing Dungeons & Dragons! Yes, you heard that right. And, of course, I’ll probably squeeze in some Animal Crossing: New Horizons too. Who says gamers can’t be versatile?
Gavin Lane, Editor
Animal Crossing has me hooked once again. Between stripping Kapp’n’s islands and crafting like a capitalist, I’ve acquired some genuine artworks from Redd. Now, I’m eyeing the incomplete wing of my museum, wondering if this update is my chance to finally complete my collection. I’m also looking forward to Despelote, which I’ve heard is short, sweet, and perfect for a kickaround.
Kate Gray, Contributor
This weekend is all about Hundred Line for me. I’m only 1% in, but it’s already wonderful, even if the current section is a bit hands-off. I’m also planning to play some Ball x Pit and another game I can’t talk about yet—shhh! It’s all hush-hush.
And this is the part most people miss: With so many diverse gaming experiences, from RPGs to visual novels, what does your ideal weekend look like? Are you team Zelda, team Animal Crossing, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to vote in our poll. Here’s to a weekend filled with gaming goodness!
