The Input Lag
@theinputlag.bsky.social
The Input Lag is an independent, Nintendo-focused site where our authors cover news, reviews, rankings, and editorials.
What’s on your gaming backlog this weekend?
For me, it’s Mario Tennis Fever, finally finishing Skyrim, and waiting for Pokémon Pokopia.
What are you playing?
For me, it’s Mario Tennis Fever, finally finishing Skyrim, and waiting for Pokémon Pokopia.
What are you playing?
February 15, 2026 at 1:57 AM
What’s on your gaming backlog this weekend?
For me, it’s Mario Tennis Fever, finally finishing Skyrim, and waiting for Pokémon Pokopia.
What are you playing?
For me, it’s Mario Tennis Fever, finally finishing Skyrim, and waiting for Pokémon Pokopia.
What are you playing?
Mario Tennis Fever is a strong return for the series.
The gameplay is fast and polished, and the new Fever Rackets are a genuine improvement.
But a shallow Adventure Mode and a $70 price tag keep it from greatness.
I scored it an 8/10.
Full review:
theinputlag.com/mario-tennis...
The gameplay is fast and polished, and the new Fever Rackets are a genuine improvement.
But a shallow Adventure Mode and a $70 price tag keep it from greatness.
I scored it an 8/10.
Full review:
theinputlag.com/mario-tennis...
Mario Tennis Fever Review – Great Tennis, But Is It Worth $70?
Mario Tennis Fever delivers great tennis, but a shallow Adventure Mode raises questions about its $70 price. Our 8/10 review.
theinputlag.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Mario Tennis Fever is a strong return for the series.
The gameplay is fast and polished, and the new Fever Rackets are a genuine improvement.
But a shallow Adventure Mode and a $70 price tag keep it from greatness.
I scored it an 8/10.
Full review:
theinputlag.com/mario-tennis...
The gameplay is fast and polished, and the new Fever Rackets are a genuine improvement.
But a shallow Adventure Mode and a $70 price tag keep it from greatness.
I scored it an 8/10.
Full review:
theinputlag.com/mario-tennis...
Early Pokémon Pokopia previews are surprisingly consistent.
It’s not shallow.
It’s not lazy.
And it’s definitely not just “Animal Crossing with Pokémon.”
The more hands-on impressions I read, the clearer the pattern becomes.
Are we underestimating this spin-off?
It’s not shallow.
It’s not lazy.
And it’s definitely not just “Animal Crossing with Pokémon.”
The more hands-on impressions I read, the clearer the pattern becomes.
Are we underestimating this spin-off?
February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Early Pokémon Pokopia previews are surprisingly consistent.
It’s not shallow.
It’s not lazy.
And it’s definitely not just “Animal Crossing with Pokémon.”
The more hands-on impressions I read, the clearer the pattern becomes.
Are we underestimating this spin-off?
It’s not shallow.
It’s not lazy.
And it’s definitely not just “Animal Crossing with Pokémon.”
The more hands-on impressions I read, the clearer the pattern becomes.
Are we underestimating this spin-off?
A playable Pokémon Pokopia demo is happening this weekend at EUIC London. 👀
That’s sooner than expected.
Quiet confidence move—or just a teaser before Pokémon Day?
That’s sooner than expected.
Quiet confidence move—or just a teaser before Pokémon Day?
February 10, 2026 at 7:26 PM
A playable Pokémon Pokopia demo is happening this weekend at EUIC London. 👀
That’s sooner than expected.
Quiet confidence move—or just a teaser before Pokémon Day?
That’s sooner than expected.
Quiet confidence move—or just a teaser before Pokémon Day?
🎮 What’s on your gaming backlog this weekend?
Weekends are usually the only real chance to sit down and play. With Mario Tennis Fever launching this week, I’ve been revisiting Mario Tennis on N64 Online and Mario Tennis Aces.
What are you hoping to play — or finally finish — this weekend?
Weekends are usually the only real chance to sit down and play. With Mario Tennis Fever launching this week, I’ve been revisiting Mario Tennis on N64 Online and Mario Tennis Aces.
What are you hoping to play — or finally finish — this weekend?
February 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
🎮 What’s on your gaming backlog this weekend?
Weekends are usually the only real chance to sit down and play. With Mario Tennis Fever launching this week, I’ve been revisiting Mario Tennis on N64 Online and Mario Tennis Aces.
What are you hoping to play — or finally finish — this weekend?
Weekends are usually the only real chance to sit down and play. With Mario Tennis Fever launching this week, I’ve been revisiting Mario Tennis on N64 Online and Mario Tennis Aces.
What are you hoping to play — or finally finish — this weekend?
Was the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase actually that bad…
or were expectations just out of sync with what a partner showcase is meant to be?
It didn’t have big first-party reveals, but it did say a lot about where third-party support and Switch 2 might be headed.
Curious how others felt. 👀
or were expectations just out of sync with what a partner showcase is meant to be?
It didn’t have big first-party reveals, but it did say a lot about where third-party support and Switch 2 might be headed.
Curious how others felt. 👀
February 6, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Was the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase actually that bad…
or were expectations just out of sync with what a partner showcase is meant to be?
It didn’t have big first-party reveals, but it did say a lot about where third-party support and Switch 2 might be headed.
Curious how others felt. 👀
or were expectations just out of sync with what a partner showcase is meant to be?
It didn’t have big first-party reveals, but it did say a lot about where third-party support and Switch 2 might be headed.
Curious how others felt. 👀
Pokémon Pokopia is a month away, and reactions are clearly split.
Some fans are excited for a cozy, life-sim Pokémon game. Others aren’t sold.
I get the hesitation — but I can’t wait to play it.
Some fans are excited for a cozy, life-sim Pokémon game. Others aren’t sold.
I get the hesitation — but I can’t wait to play it.
February 6, 2026 at 3:41 AM
Pokémon Pokopia is a month away, and reactions are clearly split.
Some fans are excited for a cozy, life-sim Pokémon game. Others aren’t sold.
I get the hesitation — but I can’t wait to play it.
Some fans are excited for a cozy, life-sim Pokémon game. Others aren’t sold.
I get the hesitation — but I can’t wait to play it.
Oblivion is officially confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 — complete with both story expansions and a 2026 release window.
The real test won’t be nostalgia — it’ll be execution.
🔗 theinputlag.com/the-elder-sc...
The real test won’t be nostalgia — it’ll be execution.
🔗 theinputlag.com/the-elder-sc...
Oblivion Remastered Coming to Switch 2
Oblivion Remastered comes to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, bringing Bethesda’s classic RPG and included story expansions.
theinputlag.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Oblivion is officially confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 — complete with both story expansions and a 2026 release window.
The real test won’t be nostalgia — it’ll be execution.
🔗 theinputlag.com/the-elder-sc...
The real test won’t be nostalgia — it’ll be execution.
🔗 theinputlag.com/the-elder-sc...
Nintendo’s Partner Showcase wasn’t a full Direct — but it still felt like a statement.
Oblivion Remastered, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth… that’s real third-party confidence for Switch 2.
Full recap 👇
theinputlag.com/nintendo-dir...
Oblivion Remastered, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth… that’s real third-party confidence for Switch 2.
Full recap 👇
theinputlag.com/nintendo-dir...
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Recap for Switch 2
A Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase recap covering every game announced and what it means for third-party support on Switch 2.
theinputlag.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Nintendo’s Partner Showcase wasn’t a full Direct — but it still felt like a statement.
Oblivion Remastered, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth… that’s real third-party confidence for Switch 2.
Full recap 👇
theinputlag.com/nintendo-dir...
Oblivion Remastered, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth… that’s real third-party confidence for Switch 2.
Full recap 👇
theinputlag.com/nintendo-dir...
Another Partner Showcase tomorrow.
30 minutes, third-party games, Switch and Switch 2.
What’s the one announcement that would make this Direct a win for you?
theinputlag.com/nintendo-ann...
30 minutes, third-party games, Switch and Switch 2.
What’s the one announcement that would make this Direct a win for you?
theinputlag.com/nintendo-ann...
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Announced for Tomorrow
Nintendo has announced a new Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase airing tomorrow, featuring third-party games for Switch and Switch 2.
theinputlag.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Another Partner Showcase tomorrow.
30 minutes, third-party games, Switch and Switch 2.
What’s the one announcement that would make this Direct a win for you?
theinputlag.com/nintendo-ann...
30 minutes, third-party games, Switch and Switch 2.
What’s the one announcement that would make this Direct a win for you?
theinputlag.com/nintendo-ann...
The Nintendo Switch has officially become Nintendo’s best-selling console ever — surpassing the DS.
It’s more than a milestone. It helps explain why Nintendo’s hybrid future now feels locked in, and why the Switch era isn’t ending abruptly.
🔗 theinputlag.com/nintendo-swi...
It’s more than a milestone. It helps explain why Nintendo’s hybrid future now feels locked in, and why the Switch era isn’t ending abruptly.
🔗 theinputlag.com/nintendo-swi...
Nintendo Switch Becomes Nintendo’s Best-Selling Console
Nintendo Switch becomes Nintendo’s best-selling console. We explain why it matters for players and what it means for Nintendo’s future.
theinputlag.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:04 AM
The Nintendo Switch has officially become Nintendo’s best-selling console ever — surpassing the DS.
It’s more than a milestone. It helps explain why Nintendo’s hybrid future now feels locked in, and why the Switch era isn’t ending abruptly.
🔗 theinputlag.com/nintendo-swi...
It’s more than a milestone. It helps explain why Nintendo’s hybrid future now feels locked in, and why the Switch era isn’t ending abruptly.
🔗 theinputlag.com/nintendo-swi...
Nintendo didn’t need another trailer to keep Tomodachi Life top of mind.
Dropping the original soundtrack on Nintendo Music is a quiet, nostalgia-driven move — and it’s kind of brilliant.
theinputlag.com/nintendo-isn...
Dropping the original soundtrack on Nintendo Music is a quiet, nostalgia-driven move — and it’s kind of brilliant.
theinputlag.com/nintendo-isn...
Tomodachi Life Soundtrack Hits Nintendo Music as Nintendo Keeps the Hype Alive
Nintendo quietly released the Tomodachi Life soundtrack on Nintendo Music, using nostalgia to keep Living the Dream top of mind ahead of launch.
theinputlag.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Nintendo didn’t need another trailer to keep Tomodachi Life top of mind.
Dropping the original soundtrack on Nintendo Music is a quiet, nostalgia-driven move — and it’s kind of brilliant.
theinputlag.com/nintendo-isn...
Dropping the original soundtrack on Nintendo Music is a quiet, nostalgia-driven move — and it’s kind of brilliant.
theinputlag.com/nintendo-isn...
I can’t wait to learn more about Peakychu. What could this mysterious Pokémon bring to Pokémon Pokopia?
February 2, 2026 at 4:25 AM
I can’t wait to learn more about Peakychu. What could this mysterious Pokémon bring to Pokémon Pokopia?
Preorder bonuses can be a fun part of a game’s launch — when they actually feel special.
Amazon’s Pokémon Pokopia preorder bonus doesn’t quite match the game’s cozy charm, especially next to the Pokémon Center’s offerings. Our thoughts 👇
theinputlag.com/amazons-poke...
Amazon’s Pokémon Pokopia preorder bonus doesn’t quite match the game’s cozy charm, especially next to the Pokémon Center’s offerings. Our thoughts 👇
theinputlag.com/amazons-poke...
Pokémon Pokopia Preorder Bonus Feels Like a Missed Opportunity
Pokémon Pokopia’s preorder bonus feels generic compared to the Pokémon Center’s more creative physical extras.
theinputlag.com
February 1, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Preorder bonuses can be a fun part of a game’s launch — when they actually feel special.
Amazon’s Pokémon Pokopia preorder bonus doesn’t quite match the game’s cozy charm, especially next to the Pokémon Center’s offerings. Our thoughts 👇
theinputlag.com/amazons-poke...
Amazon’s Pokémon Pokopia preorder bonus doesn’t quite match the game’s cozy charm, especially next to the Pokémon Center’s offerings. Our thoughts 👇
theinputlag.com/amazons-poke...
More Nintendo games should have demos.
If a game’s great, let it speak for itself.
Agree or disagree?
If a game’s great, let it speak for itself.
Agree or disagree?
February 1, 2026 at 4:11 AM
More Nintendo games should have demos.
If a game’s great, let it speak for itself.
Agree or disagree?
If a game’s great, let it speak for itself.
Agree or disagree?
Revisiting Mario Tennis after a Zelda weekend, and still unsure about Mario Tennis Fever.
What’s coming off your gaming backlog this weekend? 🎮
theinputlag.com/whats-on-you...
What’s coming off your gaming backlog this weekend? 🎮
theinputlag.com/whats-on-you...
Gaming Backlog This Weekend: Mario Tennis, Zelda, and What to Play Next
Revisiting Mario Tennis, reflecting on Zelda, and deciding if Mario Tennis Fever is worth it—what’s coming off the gaming backlog this weekend?
theinputlag.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Revisiting Mario Tennis after a Zelda weekend, and still unsure about Mario Tennis Fever.
What’s coming off your gaming backlog this weekend? 🎮
theinputlag.com/whats-on-you...
What’s coming off your gaming backlog this weekend? 🎮
theinputlag.com/whats-on-you...
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream isn’t a must-have for everyone — and that’s okay.
It’s not about progression or control. It’s about checking in, watching weird stories unfold, and letting Miis do their thing. That’ll click for some players and completely miss for others.
It’s not about progression or control. It’s about checking in, watching weird stories unfold, and letting Miis do their thing. That’ll click for some players and completely miss for others.
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream isn’t a must-have for everyone — and that’s okay.
It’s not about progression or control. It’s about checking in, watching weird stories unfold, and letting Miis do their thing. That’ll click for some players and completely miss for others.
It’s not about progression or control. It’s about checking in, watching weird stories unfold, and letting Miis do their thing. That’ll click for some players and completely miss for others.
Miis aren’t just back — they’re back on purpose.
Nintendo’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct felt less like a nostalgia play and more like a confident statement about chaos, self-expression, and letting Miis be weird again.
Our full take 👇
theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Nintendo’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct felt less like a nostalgia play and more like a confident statement about chaos, self-expression, and letting Miis be weird again.
Our full take 👇
theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and the Return of Miis
Nintendo’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream isn’t just a sequel—it signals the return of Miis, chaos, and self-expression on Nintendo Switch.
theinputlag.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Miis aren’t just back — they’re back on purpose.
Nintendo’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct felt less like a nostalgia play and more like a confident statement about chaos, self-expression, and letting Miis be weird again.
Our full take 👇
theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Nintendo’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct felt less like a nostalgia play and more like a confident statement about chaos, self-expression, and letting Miis be weird again.
Our full take 👇
theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Nintendo Direct speculation is picking up again — and February keeps coming up for a reason.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything, but history and timing help explain why fans are once again watching the calendar.
theinputlag.com/why-a-februa...
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything, but history and timing help explain why fans are once again watching the calendar.
theinputlag.com/why-a-februa...
Why a February Nintendo Direct Feels Plausible
February Nintendo Direct speculation is heating up. Here’s why the timing makes sense in 2026, even without an official Nintendo announcement.
theinputlag.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Nintendo Direct speculation is picking up again — and February keeps coming up for a reason.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything, but history and timing help explain why fans are once again watching the calendar.
theinputlag.com/why-a-februa...
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything, but history and timing help explain why fans are once again watching the calendar.
theinputlag.com/why-a-februa...
Virtual Boy is coming to Nintendo Switch Online on Feb. 17 👀
Seven games launch day one, modern features like save states are included, and more titles are planned.
What’s your Virtual Boy memory—or is this your first time trying it?
theinputlag.com/virtual-boy-...
Seven games launch day one, modern features like save states are included, and more titles are planned.
What’s your Virtual Boy memory—or is this your first time trying it?
theinputlag.com/virtual-boy-...
Virtual Boy Comes to Nintendo Switch Online on February 17
Virtual Boy joins Nintendo Switch Online on February 17 with seven games at launch, plus features like save states and Rewind.
theinputlag.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Virtual Boy is coming to Nintendo Switch Online on Feb. 17 👀
Seven games launch day one, modern features like save states are included, and more titles are planned.
What’s your Virtual Boy memory—or is this your first time trying it?
theinputlag.com/virtual-boy-...
Seven games launch day one, modern features like save states are included, and more titles are planned.
What’s your Virtual Boy memory—or is this your first time trying it?
theinputlag.com/virtual-boy-...
Kirby Air Riders Update 1.3.0 is live. 🏁
Grand Prix, GameShare, City Trial balance tweaks, and lots of bug fixes. This feels more like a wrap-up than a routine patch.
Details:
theinputlag.com/kirby-air-ri...
Grand Prix, GameShare, City Trial balance tweaks, and lots of bug fixes. This feels more like a wrap-up than a routine patch.
Details:
theinputlag.com/kirby-air-ri...
Kirby Air Riders Update 1.3.0: Patch Notes & New Modes
Kirby Air Riders Update 1.3.0 is live with new Grand Prix modes, GameShare support, balance changes, and extensive bug fixes.
theinputlag.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Kirby Air Riders Update 1.3.0 is live. 🏁
Grand Prix, GameShare, City Trial balance tweaks, and lots of bug fixes. This feels more like a wrap-up than a routine patch.
Details:
theinputlag.com/kirby-air-ri...
Grand Prix, GameShare, City Trial balance tweaks, and lots of bug fixes. This feels more like a wrap-up than a routine patch.
Details:
theinputlag.com/kirby-air-ri...
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is getting its own Nintendo Direct 👀
Nintendo confirmed a ~20-minute presentation on January 29, giving us our first real deep dive into the sequel.
Feels like a release date might finally be close.
Nintendo confirmed a ~20-minute presentation on January 29, giving us our first real deep dive into the sequel.
Feels like a release date might finally be close.
January 27, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is getting its own Nintendo Direct 👀
Nintendo confirmed a ~20-minute presentation on January 29, giving us our first real deep dive into the sequel.
Feels like a release date might finally be close.
Nintendo confirmed a ~20-minute presentation on January 29, giving us our first real deep dive into the sequel.
Feels like a release date might finally be close.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream Nintendo Direct Announced For Thursday January 29th, 2026 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream Nintendo Direct Announced For Thursday January 29th, 2026
A dedicated Nintendo Direct will showcase roughly 20 minutes of new details for the long-awaited sequel Nintendo announced via Nintendo Today that
theinputlag.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream Nintendo Direct Announced For Thursday January 29th, 2026 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is getting its own Nintendo Direct on January 29 🎉
Nintendo has confirmed ~20 minutes of new info—release date incoming?
🔗 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Nintendo has confirmed ~20 minutes of new info—release date incoming?
🔗 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream Nintendo Direct Announced For Thursday January 29th, 2026
A dedicated Nintendo Direct will showcase roughly 20 minutes of new details for the long-awaited sequel Nintendo announced via Nintendo Today that
theinputlag.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is getting its own Nintendo Direct on January 29 🎉
Nintendo has confirmed ~20 minutes of new info—release date incoming?
🔗 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Nintendo has confirmed ~20 minutes of new info—release date incoming?
🔗 theinputlag.com/tomodachi-li...
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Ranked Battles Season 6 is on the way 👀
Rewards, Mega Stones, and how to compete—everything you need before it begins 👇
theinputlag.com/pokemon-lege...
Rewards, Mega Stones, and how to compete—everything you need before it begins 👇
theinputlag.com/pokemon-lege...
Pokémon Legends Z-A Ranked Battles Season 6: Rewards
Ranked Battles Season 6 is coming to Pokémon Legends Z-A. See rewards, Mega Stones, and how to compete once the season begins.
theinputlag.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Ranked Battles Season 6 is on the way 👀
Rewards, Mega Stones, and how to compete—everything you need before it begins 👇
theinputlag.com/pokemon-lege...
Rewards, Mega Stones, and how to compete—everything you need before it begins 👇
theinputlag.com/pokemon-lege...