This week’s roundup brings a lot of retro love to our favorite hybrid console. Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 – available together or separately – came as a surprise announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct. This is your chance to catrch up on the series before Pikmin 4 hits the Switch next month.

Meanwhile, Fire Emblem fans will be pleased to see Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blaze join the Switch Online library. This Game Boy Advance title was the first in the series to launch outside of Japan, bringing its usual blend of tactical and strategic role playing to the Switch. Just remember, permadeath is real (just check out last week’s podcast to hear all about it!).

There’s also a huge sale on the eShop to tempt your digital wallet, plus new Mario+Rabbits DLC to keep you busy while waiting for Pikmin 4 to drop next month. Speaking of Pikmin 4, a demo will be released next week to appease those who just can’t wait to try it out.

Check out the long list of eShop releases below. Which games will you be playing this weekend?

Nintendo Switch

  • Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 – HD versions of the first two Pikmin games, originally released on the Nintendo GameCube system, are available now for the Nintendo Switch system! The games can be purchased individually or as a digital bundle that contains both games at a discounted price. With the inclusion of these two games on Nintendo Switch, all four main games in the Pikmin series – Pikmin 1, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3 and, as of July 21, Pikmin 4 – are playable on one system.
  • STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life – Put down roots on your new farm in the peaceful town of Forgotten Valley and forge precious memories as you weave your own generation-spanning tale of friendship, family and farming. Bring life to the land by cultivating crops and raising animals, find love among the town’s friendly folk and make lasting memories with a family of your very own in this reimagining of a beloved farming classic. Start your farm on June 27, pre-orders are available now!
  • Fire Emblem – Also known as Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, the Fire Emblem game for the Game Boy Advance system was the first installment in the series to launch outside of Japan and features all the fierce tactical combat and rich, intrigue-filled storytelling the series is known for.  The nation of Lycia stands on the precipice of war after centuries of peace, and now Lyn, Eliwood and Hector must amass their own army to fight back against the forces that would destroy everything they hold dear. Gather heroes to your side, hone their skills on the battlefield and lead your units to victory. Fire Emblem is available now.

DLC

  • Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter – Introducing the newest paid DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – in The Last Spark Hunter, Mario and friends journey to a musical planet, filled with new areas to explore and new enemies to battle. Discover the wonders and dangers that await you in this world of melodies. The Last Spark Hunter launches later today! A demo of the main game is also available now in Nintendo eShop.

Demos

  • Pintsized Creatures on Parade in Pikmin 4 – Meet Pikmin, small, plantlike creatures you can grow, pluck, guide and send into battle with enemies multiple times their size! These loyal, curious helpers come in different types, including fire-resistant Red Pikmin and new Ice Pikmin. The fate of your Pikmin is yours to decide – will you carefully avoid danger or rush into situations despite potential losses? Beginning June 28, a demo of Pikmin 4 will be available in Nintendo eShop. Raise a crop of plantlike Pikmin and guide them on an endearing expedition before the full game launches on July 21!

Nintendo eShop sales

  • Save up to 50% During the Hyper Max Sale! – Burst into deals on a mega selection of games and DLC** for the Nintendo Switch system! For a limited time, you can save to the max on games like Metroid Dread, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and so much more. Remember, you earn 5% in My Nintendo Gold Points*** for your purchases. You can then redeem your Gold Points toward the purchase of other eligible games, DLC, Nintendo Switch Online memberships and more. Get the jump on it – this sale ends June 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Shop online at Nintendo.com and Nintendo eShop on your device.

Also new this week