Nintendo

Xbox, PS, Nintendo: Choosing The Perfect Console

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As one navigates the uncharted waters of choosing a games console, deciding between the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo might seem overwhelming. All three have their unique pros and cons to consider. It can be tricky to decide which machine is best suited to your individual gaming needs. Fortunately, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that outlines each console’s exclusive perks and drawbacks. Plus, don’t miss our breakdown of which system has superior exclusive titles to read up on.

Nintendo: Switch & Switch OLED

Nintendo Switch is a revolutionary console with an ingenious design. It also serves as a fully-fledged handheld and a traditional gaming machine. At $299, the Switch offers kid-friendly titles like Super Mario, Pokémon, and The Legend of Zelda. The Switch’s stellar library is home to legendary titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo’s first-party offerings, such as the vast Super Mario Odyssey and the tranquil Animal Crossing: New Horizons, certify that this console will never remain idle for long.

For those seeking more complex experiences, the console hosts many stimulating indie games and third-party ports, from Doom to The Witcher 3. Moreover, the newer $349 OLED Switch provides enhanced audio and visuals, a larger 7-inch OLED display, 64GB storage, a dock with a wired LAN port, and an adjustable stand. For more budget gamers, the Nintendo Switch Lite at $199 is perfect for on-the-go fun. With its groundbreaking dual-setup feature, the Switch enables gamers to experience entertainment wherever they go.

The Nintendo Switch, the oldest of the current-generation consoles, is the least powerful compared to its newer counterparts. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X offer gamers 4K/60 FPS resolutions and graphical prowess, the Switch lags with a mere 720p display at handheld mode and 1080p when placed in docked mode, with most games running at 30FPS. These hardware limitations mean that owners of UHD TVs cannot take full advantage of their setups, making an upgrade imminent. 

The Switch OLED is only capable of 1080p resolution and offers no real improvement in performance over the standard model. As developers push for more power-hungry games, those with a Switch may miss out on some of the best titles due to the aging hardware.

Xbox: Series X

Packing more power than its competitors, the Xbox Series X offers a standout gaming experience. Boasting a sleek black finish and disc drive on the front, this console offers a variety of ports for enhanced accessibility. With Xbox’s game-saving feature, you can continue your progress across other Xbox devices or Windows 10 PCs and mobile devices. Priced at $500, the full-featured console is also sold alongside its less expensive all-digital twin, the Xbox Series S, which retails at $300.

Boasting the most formidable power of all the consoles, the Xbox Series X is the ultimate destination to experience popular multi-platform series such as Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed. You will find hours of entertainment with Microsoft exclusives like Halo, Gears, and Forza and an array of acquired studios offering single-player treasures. 

With full backward compatibility, you can replay almost every Xbox One title and many Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Above all else, it’s the option to avail yourself of the convenient and affordable Xbox Game Pass that could be the true game changer. For only $15 per month, you gain access to a library of over 300 titles across your Xbox console or PC. Additionally, you can stream them to an Android or iOS device with progress transferring effortlessly.

Xbox Series X may lack the beloved exclusives of its stablemates, with Halo, Gears, and Forza still too far off to make an appearance. However, its multiplatform games are available via the economical Xbox Game Pass subscription. Moreover, its absence of USB-C ports detracts from its reputation as a future-proof device. Though a minor issue, it nevertheless warrants consideration.

PS: PS5

As Sony’s flagship console, the fifth generation PlayStation – the PS5 – offers gamers a spectacle of power and potential. Its two-toned, unappealing exterior may be deceiving, yet it belies the core focus of this device: gaming. Enjoy exclusive titles such as Horizon Forbidden West and Deathloop. Alternatively, harness the PS5’s backward compatibility to play previous PlayStation titles. Boasting comparable specs to the Xbox Series X and an 825 GB SSD that blasts through load times.

The PS5 is an incredible powerhouse in the gaming world, with two unique features that set it apart. Those are the exclusive licenses to the acclaimed Sony series and its innovative DualSense Controller. The Ratchet and Clank, God of War, Horizon, Last of Us, Spider-Man, Demon’s Souls, and Gran Turismo franchises—to name just a few. Such titles have gained widespread admiration over the past generation due to their impeccable game design and production value.

The DualSense also deserves mention, as it boasts impressively detailed haptics, unlike any other controller on the market. Instead of being limited to basic vibrations, the DualSense can simulate footsteps, currency collection, and other obstacles encountered in game. Adaptive triggers provide a level of realism when playing a variety of games.

The PS5 is a unique game console requiring you to stay within your local network when streaming. Its difficulty in obtaining and its limited streaming apps and subscription services make it a less desirable option. Moreover, its large size and lack of upgradable storage space pose logistical problems for many users. Nonetheless, if you can manage the practicalities, there are still noteworthy benefits from investing in a PS5.

Xbox, PS, Nintendo: Which One Should You Get?

From mobile gaming to retro revival, gamers have no shortage of options these days. Nevertheless, the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch remain the most popular consoles on the market. They are your best bet unless you need something vastly powerful or affordable.

[Via]

The post Xbox, PS, Nintendo: Choosing The Perfect Console appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jack Black Performed ‘Peaches’ From The ‘Mario’ Movie Live For The First Time

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Jack Black Peaches Super Mario Bros Screenshot
YouTube

Jack Black had the biggest hit of his career with “Peaches,” Bower’s yearning ballad for Princess Peach from The Super Mario Bros. Movie (coincidentally, the biggest movie of 2023). Over the weekend, at the Game Awards’ 10–Year Concert, the Tenacious D member performed the song live for the first time.

Black was accompanied by a full orchestra, but no Toad on the maracas. A real missed opportunity there. Still, you can watch it below.

Also during the show, Black’s band Tenacious D performed their own Mario-adjacent song, the recent single “Video Games.”

Black was initially hesitant to sing in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is maybe the first time he’s ever be hesitant to break into a tasty jam.

“We had already had a few sessions; I think we were a year in when [directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic] first sprung it on me,” he told IGN. “They were like, ‘How would you feel about Bowser singing a song?’ And I was like, ‘Ooh, I don’t know.’ I’m very protective about my singing career with my band, Tenacious D.” But once he heard “Peaches,” Black “couldn’t deny that it was funny. I was like, I get it. I see why you want Bowser to do this, tickling the ivories and singing a love song to Peaches. It was undeniable.”

Also undeniable: “Peaches” deserving an Oscar nomination. Tenacious D was robbed once before; don’t make it twice.

(Via Nintendo Life)

“The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom” Gets Final Trailer

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The Legend Of Zelda is easily one of the greatest video game franchises ever. Over the decades, this franchise has released countless games on various Nintendo platforms. Gamers of all ages appreciate the series, and overall, some would argue that Link is one of the most iconic characters ever. Consequently, Nintendo is always looking to have new games developed. The previous Legend Of Zelda game, Breath Of The Wild, was one of the biggest successes of the series. Now, they are following that up with Tears Of The Kingdom.

Considering how good the last game is, it is going to be very difficult for Nintendo to appease everyone and their expectations. As we know, gamers can be very difficult people. One just has to go on YouTube and Twitter to understand what we mean. However, in various trailers, the new Legend Of Zelda game has looked absolutely fantastic. In fact, today, Nintendo launched the final pre-launch trailer for the game. As you can see below, this is the kind of trailer that will drum up the hype.

A New “The Legend Of Zelda” Game

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom appears to have an epic storyline. The map of the game is going to be expansive, and we can just imagine some of the gameplay improvements that will be made. Much of Breath Of The Wild’s success came from the fact that it was open world. Consequently, Nintendo has taken note, and we should see some of those same elements in the new game. Overall, there seems to be a lot here for gamers, especially those who are longtime fans of the series. Whether or not it lives up to the hype, remains to be seen.

Additionally, it should be noted that this game is set to be released on May 12th through the Nintendo Switch. If you want to get your hands on it, then you can pre-order it through the Nintendo web store, or through your local GameStop. Let us know what you think of this new trailer, in the comments section below. Moreover, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the tech world.

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Is The Latest Film To Rely On One Of Pop Culture’s Most Overused Needle Drops

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mario fight
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So much of the worry about The Super Mario Bros. Movie before the film came out was about Chris Pratt and his Mario voice surrounding like, well, Chris Pratt. It turns out: he did fine! He wasn’t the Oscar-worthy MVP (that was always going to be Jack Black, and it was), but he wasn’t the low point of the otherwise fun animated movie. No, that would be the use of a certain song during the scene where Mario and Peach are in the Jungle Kingdom.

The time has come to shut the door on “Take on Me” by a-Ha.

As explained by Henry Gilbert of the Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts, “Drivin’ Me Bananas,” a better, more Mario appropriate song, was swapped out to make room for the overplayed 1980s hit. “No joke, this awesome piece of music isn’t in the movie,” he tweeted. “It was cut to instead play ‘Take On Me.’ That obvious song choice was one of the most painfully lazy moments in the film, and it’s even more annoying knowing they previously had a great score it replaced.”

The scene works much better with “Drivin’ Me Bananas.”

A note to studio executives, soundtrack producers, and 1980s-loving film editors everywhere: it’s 2023. Can’t we be done with “Take on Me”? It’s a fine song and all, but it’s been overused to the point of exhaustion. Since 2018, “Take on Me” has been heard in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Last of Us (to be fair, it served a narrative purpose there), something called My Best Friend’s Exorcism, Love Island, The Goldbergs, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Single Parents, Bumblebee, Riverdale, America’s Got Talent, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, Beat Shazam, Deadpool 2, Ash vs. Evil Dead, and Antiques Road Trip. Antique is right — at least Bones and All had the guts to use a different a-ha song.

“Take on Me,” originally released in 1984 and re-recorded in 1985, wasn’t always a cliché, however. It had to start somewhere. According to IMDb, the first use of the song in a scripted TV show or movie was… Beavis and Butt-Head! It’s supposedly in season two’s “The Butt-Head Experience,” but the episode isn’t available anywhere online. The streaming model works again.

(There’s also a compilation album called The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience with songs from Nirvana, Megadeth, and White Zombie. Let’s replace every “Take on Me” with “I Hate Myself and Want to Die.”)

If Beavis and Butt-Head doesn’t technically count (they are just watching and commenting on the music video, after all), the first non-diegetic “Take on Me” needle drop is 1997’s Grosse Pointe Blank, the John Cusack assassin movie with a score from Joe Strummer. So if you want to blame anyone for the exhausting use of “Take on Me” in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, blame the lead singer of The Clash (please do not do this, he didn’t pick the soundtrack).

As for the best use of “Take on Me”: to paraphrase Steven Yeun in Nope, Kattan crushed it.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” Skates By On Charm (But Not Much Else)

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The character of Mario‘s storied history has spanned over 200 video games, several animated adaptations, myriad comics, and now a trio of feature films. Since his creation in 1981 by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, a gaming figure hasn’t been as recognizable as the red overall-wearing plumber. Like characters such as Superman and Mickey Mouse, Mario is part of the cultural zeitgeist due to the sheer volume of media output featuring his likeness and his innate charisma. With The Super Mario Bros Movie, directed by filmmaking duo Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go! To the Movies), the omnipresence of the titular turtle-stomping elder brother continues to grow, for better and worse.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, produced by amination powerhouse Illumination (Minions, The Secret Life of Pets), manages to distill over forty years of pop culture into a tight ninety-two-minute run time. This truncation sacrifices any meaningful storytelling to please the broadest of audiences. The film’s plot centers around a pair of scrappy Italian American plumbers struggling to make ends meet in modern-day Brooklyn. Meanwhile, the villainous Bowser (Jack Black) is ravaging through a fantastical realm to court Princess Peach (Anna Taylor-Joy). After a botched job back on Earth, Mario and Luigi (voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, respectively) find themselves entangled in the conflict.

“Super Mario Bros” Was All Vibes; No Filler

The soon-to-be super brothers are separated early in the film, leaving Luigi stranded in the Dark Lands. Mario trains to become a hero to help Peach defeat Bowser, save her Mushroom Kingdom, and reunite with his brother. It’s all pretty textbook stuff. There isn’t going to be much in the way of shock and awe here. The Super Mario Bros Movie might be rote and simplistic, but where it lacks creative storytelling, it more than excels in charm and wit.

The film appeals to fans no matter when they may have fallen in love with these characters. Sadly, this appeal is often akin to rattling keys at an infant. You can be a 10-year-old who brags about the number of moons they have acquired in Super Mario Odyssey. Or rather, an aging millennial who knows every word of “The Mario Rap” from the 1989 animated series The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! The film provides something here for everyone.

Myriad callbacks aside, a few sequences are clever from both a narrative and visual standpoint. Illumination’s soft-edged animation style lends itself well to the plush visuals of Mario’s world (both the grounded and fantastical). The film takes moments to illustrate how the once 2D environments of Mario and Luigi would play out in the real world to houmous effect. There are wonderful creative side-scrolling cartoon gags employed that are fast-paced and beautifully rendered. Yet, some viewers well-versed in the franchise may find these segments a bit grating or downright silly…even if that’s the point.

Introducing The Cast

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Chris Pratt attends special screening of Universal Pictures’ “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at Regal LA Live on April 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/FilmMagic)

The voice cast here is mostly solid. Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as the titular brothers are charming, if not terribly inspired. Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele, Schmigadoon!) is almost unrecognizable as the pint-sized hero Toad. Additionally, Seth Rogan (Pineapple Express, This is the End) is infectiously hilarious as Donkey Kong. The only weak link is Anna Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit, The Menu) as Princess Peach. She comes off as disinterested and somewhat bland, which is a huge disappointment considering her immense talent and captivation as an on-screen presence.

Khary Payton & Jack Black Steal The Show

Jack Black (School of Rock) as Bowser is the biggest standout in the voice cast, who gets to flex his vocal range by growling through insane dialogue. There are even a couple of musical numbers that might take some fans out of the film but will delight most movie-goers. The other vocal highlight is Khary Payton (The Walking Dead) as the adorable Penguin King. There’s something magical about Payton’s stern timbre coming out of the mouth (beak?) of an adorable blue flightless bird. It is immensely charming and magnetic…but when is Payton’s presence not charming and magnetic?

Ultimately, The Super Mario Bros. Movie manages to be entertaining despite not being terribly engaging. There isn’t a lot of depth here. The film relies mostly on nostalgia and pretense from audience members of all ages. Casting such a wide net makes it a great time for kids and a sweet, albeit vapid, experience for more discerning fans. It’s hard to call this one a wash, but it is far from being a benchmark for video game adaptations. It suffers from the same rudimentary trappings as films like Uncharted and Sonic the Hedgehog, which came before. However, if you can look past the simplicity of the film’s narrative and predictable plotting, you might just find yourself “h-hooked on the brothers.”

The Writer Of The ‘Worst Rap Track In The History Of Rap’ Is Thrilled That His Song Might Be In The ‘Mario’ Movie

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dk rap
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Grant Kirkhope composed the scores for some of the most well-known video games ever, including GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie. But his greatest contribution to culture is rhyming “dudes” with “mood” — and he’s OK with that. Kirkhope penned the lyrics to the Donkey Kong 64 intro song “DK Rap,” which Seth Rogen, who voices Donkey Kong in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, called “objectively one of the worst rap songs of all-time.”

In response, Kirkland tweeted, “If you’d told me in ‘97, when I wrote the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks, that it would go on to be in a Mario Bros movie I’d would’ve burst with excitement! Long live the DK Rap!”

Let’s give it up for Kirkland for resisting the “my name is [BLANK] and I’m here to say” cliché. Although now I want to know what Lanky Kong is here to say…

Rogen discussed his opposite of method acting approach to voicing DK in the Mario movie (let Jeremy Strong voice Diddy Kong). “I was very clear, I don’t do voices,” he told Comic Book. “And if you want me to be in this movie, it’s gonna sound like me and that’s it. And that was the beginning and end of that conversation.” He is the leader of the bunch, after all.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie opens on April 5.

The Most Anticipated Video Games For 2023

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Every year there is always a list of the most anticipated video games. Release dates approach with everyone itching to test out new titles across all platforms. This year is no different, as the schedule for what will be released throughout 2023 is nothing short of thrilling. While there are certainly chances that some of these games will experience delays, most of these dates are set in stone. I know I can’t wait to sit down on a couch late night and grind out some of these upcoming titles! Below, we will take a look at the most anticipated titles releasing later this year.

Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

For Resident Evil fans, this has been long awaited. As of recent years, Capcom have put out two other remakes of older games, both being well received and quite enjoyable to playthrough. Key moments from the originals are kept in the game, but graphics, mechanics, and other elements receive an upgrade. Therefore, when they announced the fourth installment was getting a remake, fans couldn’t be more excited.

That excitement seems to hold up still as well. As the date approaches, the details and trailers that have dropped showcasing the game have pleased without a doubt. The release date being March 24th, soon enough everyone will be able to get their hands on the highly anticipated classic remake of Resident Evil 4. If you are a survival horror fan, this looks to be a much more eerie take on the original material.

Dead Island 2

Zombies. Who doesn’t love a good zombie game? The story behind this game’s release is a extensive and complicated one. They planned to release it all the way back in 2015. Yes, eight years later, finally within weeks of playing this long awaited title developed by Dambuster Studios. The gameplay that has been revealed is promising as well. The project looks to be a step up from its predecessor, adding more action and gore than before.

Set to release April 21st, the game has high expectations. Waiting as long as we have for Dead Island 2, fans want it to be a solid sequel to the original. Based on the gameplay shown, we will not be left disappointed with this compelling sequel that is just around the corner.

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

I can remember Nintendo as being a huge part of my childhood. Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, Tom Nook. These are just a few of the many iconic faces that they are responsible for creating. However, the focus is on one specific one. That one character being Link. Protagonist of the series The Legend Of Zelda. A series that has existed since the 80s. Naturally, that is why it is one of the most anticipated video games of 2023. It comes after Breath Of The Wild, a masterpiece of it’s own, the follow up is going to please fans everywhere.

With a May 12th release date, Zelda fans won’t have to wait too much longer to play Tears Of The Kingdom. It doesn’t appear much is known about the upcoming Nintendo game. However, this won’t stop fans of the series from being ecstatic for what is to come in May. As a Nintendo Switch exclusive, it is a must have.

Starfield

Bethesda steals the show yet again. Countless successful games such as Skyrim and Fallout. Todd Howard is setting up what could be yet another iconic title. Starfield. Arguably THE most anticipated video game for 2023. Skepticism will unfortunately follow the game until fans can be certain it is at least playable. On the other hand, it’s Bethesda. Creator of some of the most iconic modern games. Fallout 76 had it’s rough outing, many didn’t enjoy it, including myself.

Past mistakes can help build a brighter future. Personally, I believe this one will be MASSIVE. A popular description comparing it to Skyrim, but in space. It is a game that definitely peaks interest, and the highest profile releasing this year. September 6th is the expected date that every Xbox player will be able to play. Additionally, it is almost certain that more about the game will be revealed at E3.

Marvel’s Spider Man 2

Little is known about the sequel to the very successful original. Insomniac has come out to say that the game is expected to release in fall of this year. As for what to expect? It will be a blast. Peter Parker and Miles Morales swinging through New York always makes for a good time. In addition, the only trailer revealed for the project showed off Venom, a classic Spider Man villain. The game is being released only on the PS5, so it will not appear on last generation or other platforms initially. I know I will have to buy a PS5 so I can play this. It is for sure one of the most anticipated video games for 2023.

“Call Of Duty” Secures New Deal With Nintendo

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Call Of Duty is one of the most popular video game franchises in the entire world. Throughout the years, this game has sold millions of copies. Overall, it is one of those titles that get a brand-new game, every single year. Although some fans are sick of these games, it is clear that most people like picking up the latest title. After all, Call Of Duty is a great way to stay connected with your friends through gaming. Those late-night COD sessions have always been amazing, regardless of the quality of the game itself.

Over the years, Activision has had a deal in place with Microsoft to make it so that the Xbox gets certain COD perks first. However, this has ultimately hurt fans of other consoles. This is especially true for those who have the Nintendo Switch. The Switch has gotten COD games on occasion, however, they game usually gets released months later. Moreover, fans don’t get all of the same DLCs and content packs. Now, though, that looks to be changing as Microsoft and Nintendo have entered a new agreement.

“Call Of Duty” x Nintendo

Brad Smith, the vice chair and president of Microsoft revealed on Tuesday that Nintendo has entered a 10-year deal with Microsoft. This deal makes it so that all future Call Of Duty games will be released on the Switch at the exact same time as the Xbox. Additionally, gamers will be able to every single content pack that Activision and its developers have to offer. Overall, this is a massive win for Nintendo gamers who are oftentimes forgotten about. Over the years, the console has been seen as a vessel for family-friendly games, which leaves little room for first-person shooters.

Hopefully, this deal works out for everyone. Ten years is most definitely a long time, however, Call Of Duty is one of those franchises that will never go away. Activision has covered a lot of ground with this franchise, so we are curious to see where they go next. Let us know what you think of the latest COD games, down in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the video game world.

[Via]

So Many Fans Are Making The Same Nintendo-Related Joke About Rihanna’s High-Wire Super Bowl Performance

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rihanna smash bros stage
Getty Image

While it seems that plenty of fans are divided about Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show performance (some loved it, some were disappointed, and many were distracted by her baby bump reveal), one group of viewers is having a field day with Photoshop thanks to her high-wire act.

Rihanna began and ended her set standing on a platform that was suspended high over the field. Her dancers flanked her on similar platforms. And for a certain kind of fan, the whole setup wound up looking vaguely familiar…

That’s right: Rihanna’s a Super Smash Bro. now (give us the DLC, Nintendo!).

For those who don’t know, Super Smash Bros. is a Nintendo fighting game series that brings together characters from the company’s most popular properties (Super Mario Bros., The Legend Of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Starfox, to name a few) to beat the hell out of each other on… suspended platforms hovering over a bottomless pit. The goal of the game, unlike many fighting games, is for fighters to throw their opponents off the stage — the last man (or Pokémon or anthropomorphic animal or whatever-the-hell-Kirby-is) standing wins.

So many fans had a ball making the same Nintendo-related jokes and adding graphics from the game, but there’s one, clear winner here:

Check out more fans enjoying Rihanna’s high-flying Super Bowl performance below.

Microsoft, Nintendo Reach 10-Year Deal For Call Of Duty Rights

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A new 10-year agreement has been reached between Microsoft and Nintendo. The deal will ensure that the Call of Duty video games are available on Nintendo consoles if Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard closes. 

According to reports from The Verge, the deal is a clear attempt to pressure Sony into accepting a similar offer. The decade-long length is similar to what Microsoft offered Sony earlier this week.

Robert Griffin III attends Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II event at the 2022 NFL Draft on April 27, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Activision)

Now that Nintendo has agreed to the deal, Microsoft hopes that Sony will follow suit. If they do agree to the deal, each new Call of Duty release will also be available on PlayStation consoles the same day as XBox.

However, Sony has reportedly been warning regulators of its concerns surrounding the future of the first-person shooter video game franchise. A recent 10-year commitment by Sony followed a public back and forth between the Japanese corporation and Microsoft.

Additionally, Microsoft has promised to continue offering new versions of the video game franchise on Steam. These will launch simultaneously with the Call of Duty launches on XBox consoles.

On January 18, Microsoft officially announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion.

If and when the acquisition closes and becomes official, the video game franchise will essentially belong to Microsoft’s corporation. 

The first self-titled Call of Duty game was published and launched by Activision in 2003. Since then, the company has released 19 titles in the game’s main series. 

The franchise remains one of the most popular in the world. According to a report from Paste Magazine earlier this year, the first-person shooter series is the third best-selling franchise of all time.

I think it’s safe to say that no matter the agreements in place, Call of Duty will continue to be played and enjoyed by gamers all over the world. With 425 million sales in 19 years, it beat out Super Mario and Grand Theft Auto for the third spot.

What do you think of the new agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo? Will Sony follow suit? Comment down below.

[via][via]