In an exciting turn of events for gaming enthusiasts, both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. This recognition not only highlights the impressive launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 but also showcases the innovative gameplay and engaging experiences that Nintendo continues to deliver. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the results, these nominations reflect a broader trend in the industry where quality and creativity are being celebrated.

In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has publicly denied claims that it is lobbying against the use of generative AI in Japan. This statement comes after Satoshi Asano, a member of Japans House of Representatives, alleged that the gaming giant was avoiding generative AI to safeguard its intellectual property (IP). Nintendo’s swift denial highlights the company’s commitment to transparency and its proactive approach to IP protection. Nintendo emphasized that it has not engaged with the Japanese government regarding generative AI, reinforcing its stance on protecting its IP rights regardless of the technology in question.

The buzz around the next Super Mario Bros movie has intensified with recent developments suggesting that its title may have leaked. An image of limited-edition Old Spice deodorant cans featuring Luigi and Yoshi, branded with the title “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” surfaced two months ago, but many dismissed it as a hoax. However, new domain registrations by NBCUniversal have lent credibility to this leak, indicating that the title might indeed be legitimate.

In a significant legal victory, Nintendo has secured a $2 million settlement from Ryan Daly, a Michigan-based seller of modded Switch consoles. This case underscores the serious implications of selling modded gaming hardware, especially when it involves circumventing copyright protections. Daly, who operated under the name Modded Hardware, initially denied wrongdoing but ultimately agreed to the settlement, which includes a permanent injunction preventing him from engaging in any future sales of modded devices.

Nintendo has officially launched its new stop-motion animated series, “It’s Me, Mario!” This innovative approach to storytelling brings the beloved character to life in a fresh and entertaining format, showcasing the charm of stop-motion animation. The first three episodes are now available on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, making it accessible for fans of all ages. Each episode, lasting around a minute, features a stop-motion Mario toy in various humorous scenarios. From combing his ever-changing moustache to retrieving his cap from a high Question Block, the series captures the whimsical essence of Mario’s adventures.

Nintendo’s relentless fight against piracy has taken a significant turn with the recent seizure of a major Nintendo Switch piracy site by the FBI. This operation, executed under a seizure warrant from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, underscores the ongoing challenges Nintendo faces in protecting its intellectual property. The site, which boasted thousands of pirated Switch games, had already been flagged by the EU’s piracy watchlist earlier this year, highlighting the global nature of this issue.

For over 35 years, Nintendo has delighted fans with a musical easter egg known as Totaka’s Song, and it has recently made its 25th appearance in Mario Kart World. This catchy 19-note melody, crafted by sound designer Kazumi Totaka, has been cleverly hidden in numerous Nintendo titles, making it a beloved secret among gamers. The latest discovery involves players waiting on the character select screen until Yoshi begins to hum the iconic tune, blending nostalgia with the thrill of discovery.

The anticipation for Pokémon Legends Z-A is reaching new heights as My Nintendo Store UK unveils its enticing pre-order bonuses. Gamers who secure their copy early will be treated to a delightful partner Pokémon figurine featuring fan favorites Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile. But that’s just the beginning; several themed bundles, including Mega Evolution, Trainer, and Champion’s Choice, will also offer exclusive items like pins, a baseball cap, a mug, and a figurine of the iconic Mega Charizard.