Nintendo Releases Update – December 5, 2024

Last week, a few things slipped our radar: North America saw a surprise addition with a +19 week, featuring the unexpected release of Ironfall Invasion, that 3DS treasure fans have been eager to see. We’ll have a detailed review from John soon, fingers crossed it’s free from any major security issues this time around. Also, the elusive classic, Fantastic Night Dreams Cotton, dropped as part of the Archives collection.

With this +19 boost, we’ve officially wrapped up the week with 65 games in North America, pushing us past last year’s total, and bringing our grand tally to over 2,500 releases so far. And just in time for what I like to call “Hell Months” at work—a period infamous for its sheer madness and, in my case, the only break I ever got was due to a hospital stay. It’s safe to say my patience is running thin.

As for the week’s headliner, it’s a big one: Hironobu Sakaguchi, the mind behind Final Fantasy, might have one last hurrah with Fantasian Neo Dimension now making its way to consoles. This once-exclusive Apple Arcade title is rolling out alongside a Nintendo-published debut of Fitness Boxing 3 outside of Japan. Meanwhile, the classic Roller Coaster Tycoon games promise revamped controls for console users. And the eagerly awaited Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age, showcased at numerous events over the past couple of years, is finally here. Keep an eye out for AntonBlast too, although the pricing details are still under wraps.

On the smaller scale of things: EggConsole’s Riglas is here, a side-scrolling RPG reminiscent of the original Ys III. It’s supposedly user-friendly, even without a background in Japanese, and originally hit the shelves in Japan through Random House’s mysterious distribution. Plus, there’s what might be the first-ever console-licensed MasterChef title, staying true to Gordon Ramsay, looks as risky as “exotic tartare.”

In North America, the lineup includes:

– Fantasian Neo Dimension – $49.99/C$66.99
– Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – $49.99/$64.99
– Dog Man: Mission Impawsible – $39.99/$49.99 (Friday)
– Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age – $29.99/$41.99 (Tuesday)
– Stella of the End – $24.99/$33.24
– Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic – $24.99/$32.50
– Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island – $24.99/$29.39
– Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop – $19.99/$25.99

…and many more ranging from $1.99 to the mid-twenties.

Notable sales and price cuts include Sega’s late additions to the Black Friday deals, offering 75% off 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and a 60% discount on Persona 5 Royal, valid through Thursday. Check out sites like PSPrices and DekuDeals for more information.

For Europe, the prices are somewhat similar, with titles like:

– Fantasian Neo Dimension – €59.99/£49.99
– Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – €49.99/£39.99
– Dog Man: Mission Impawsible – €39.99/£34.99 (Friday)
– Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age – €29.99/£24.99 (Tuesday)

And as always, the Japanese market has its own lineup, including:

– Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – ¥6578
– Fantasian Neo Dimension – ¥6500
– Himitsu no AiPri: Atsumete! Secret Memories – ¥6380

With so many releases and deals, it’s clear that this week’s lineup is as packed as it is diverse. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a JRPG fantasy or explore new territory with experimental releases, it’s the perfect time to dive into the gaming world.