PN playlist: the Nintendo games we’re playing this week

Wondering what the Pure Nintendo team is playing at the moment? Our latest playlist includes everything from the latest TMNT outing to some pre-Splatoon 3 fun.

With the Cowabunga Collection recently released, it’s no surpise this assembly of classic titles caught our attention. It boasts no less than 13 TMNT games, from the NES original to fan favorite TMNT IV: Turtles in Time – both the SNES and arcade versions.

Meanwhile, we’ve been prepping for the imminent release of Splatoon 3 with some Splatoon 2 love, as well as enjoying the recent Splatoon 3 demo. We wonder if our own Splatoon specialist Nyleak can match her hours with the latest entry in the series when it hits the Switch later this week!

Whether you’re seeking inspiration or simply curious about what we’re playing recently, check out our playlist below to see which games we can’t put down lately. But more importantly – what are you playing right now? How’s your own playlist progressing? Let us know in the comments section!

Pure Nintendo playlist

Roger

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (Switch) – One of my favorite games is TMNT: IV Turtles in Time, so it was a no brainer to pick up The Cowabunga Collection. I never played the arcade version of the game, but it’s quite different than the console version; I prefer the console one. I never played any of the Gameboy games, so it’ll be interesting to see how those hold up.
• Splatoon 2 (Switch) – Last weekend, I played quite a bit of Splatoon 3, and I can’t wait for the game to release. In the meantime, I’ll be honing my skills in Splatoon 2.

Ted

• Idol Manager (Switch) – currently reviewing this for PN. It’s too early to give any real initial thoughts, but I’m afraid that I might become a little bit addicted…. gotta get my stars to #1!
• Fall Guys & Fortnite (Switch) – I’ve managed to get a few of my friends and my fiancée into both, which has made both a go-to most evenings. Whether than be on my Switch or PC (as my fiancée has become a little obsessed with Animal Crossing). If anyone wants to squad up on Fortnite or Fall Guys – lemme know!

Jes

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (Switch) – I grew up playing these games on the NES and SNES and boy, is it a blast to go back to the! It’s taking me a few minutes to remember just how challenging the games can be, but how rewarding they are as well. The amazing music and abundance of games means I’ll be sticking with this collection for sometime.
• Wave Race 64 (Nintendo Switch Online) – I have a lot of fond memories of playing this game endlessly back on Nintendo 64 and so it’s been fun going back to this title. It’s another example of a game that’s harder than I remember but once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast to go back and play. We’ll see how well I do in the latter Grand Prix races though..

Nyleak

• Pokémon Legends Arceus (Switch) – I know I’m late to the party, but I finally borrowed a friends copy of Pokémon Arceus and I have been playing it non-stop. I’ve had a lot of fun exploring and trying to complete my Pokédex. I’m coming up on the end of the main story but I’m trying to prolong as much as I can before beating the game. I REALLY wish some more Pokémon from gen 1 would make an appearance. Especially the starters.

Kirk

• The DioField Chronicle (Switch demo) – Need to work through this demo to determine if it’s worth buying this month. I’m more of a turn-based battle guy than real time, but the high melodrama, grandiose scope, and flamboyant unit design (not to mention the ridiculous character names) are pushing the right buttons so far.
• Little Orpheus (Switch) – They had me at “…inspired by classic movies like Flash Gordon…” I have yet to see any bore worms in this action platformer, but we’ll see if they show up before the game releases on September 13. Watch for my PN review at that time.
• Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch) – I just finished the story this week, so I’ll cool off on Xenoblade for a bit. The lure of the post game content, however, is bound to draw me back very quickly. There are a certain couple of heroes I need to unlock. (edited)

Trev

• Nintendo Switch Online – I finally upgraded to the expansion pack, so I’ve been playing a trio of N64 games. Solo, I’ve been enjoying Yoshi’s Story and Mario Kart 64. Online, I had fun playing Dr. Mario 64 with Justin and Jemma.
• PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC (Switch) – My latest review game, and a good one. I’ve always been a fan of ol’ Pac, and his first 3D platforming adventure grew on me the longer I played.
• Super Kirby Clash (Switch) – Another game I enjoyed online recently with the PN crew. I played this quite a lot on 3DS, and it’s still fun on the Switch.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (Switch) – I grew tired of waiting for Target to begin processing my order. So after a quick cancelation and drive to GameStop, I’m finally enjoying the “heroes in a halfshell.” The amount of content plus the nostalgia is vast, so I expect this will stay in my Switch for a while.

Jemma

• Dr. Mario 64 (Switch Online Expansion) – Like Trev, I recently upgraded my subscription – finally! – to include the Expansion Pack. Justin, Trev and I spent some time playing Dr. Mario online, which was super fun and very competitive.
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Switch) – My family and I went away for the weekend, which usually means a few rounds of this Mario platformer. Despite completing it many times, it’s still enjoyable, though I do wish for a new entry in the series!
• River City Saga: Three Kingdoms (Switch) – I’m currently reviewing this beat ’em up, which takes the classic River City Saga characters and thrusts them into ancient China. Part RPG, part brawler, there’s a fun journey ahead, despite a few flaws.
• Dyna Bomb 2 (Switch) – Another review, this platformer provides more than I expected as you blast your way through 60 devilishly difficult levels on an absolute colelctathon. Watch for my upcoming review!

What’s on your playlist this week? How often would you like to see our playlist? Let us know in the comments section below.