Handheld Gaming News week 41

Back again, for another week of Handheld Gaming News. Come on in, and let’s talk about the news that stood out to me this week. This doesn’t mean by the way, that this is the most important news in gaming. I do know that Super Mario Odyssey is close, and that many of you are enjoying Splatoon 2 enormously. Yet, this site is about casual handheld gaming of the kind that appeals to me, those are the perks of running your own website, haha! And maybe you will find a snippet of news that you hadn’t seen before! So let’s get started.

Nintendo stock rising to its highest since the Wii

If you follow the exploits of the Big N in the gaming world you won’t be surprised that the Switch is a hug hit. So much so, that their stock is rising and has reached its highest point since the days of the Wii. Last Friday their stock closed at ¥ 44.150.

Although that hasn’t happened in almost 10 years, their stock was way higher in November 2 2007. Their worth was 70.500 ¥ then, so still a ways to go. But, things are going well! Demand for Switch has been strong since the console launched worldwide back in March and quickly became the fastest-selling system in Nintendo’s history.

Etrian Odyssey V release

Next week, Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth can be downloaded in the 3DS eShop in North America and Europe on October 17, 2017. Europe will get the physical release on November 3, 2017. I had some good gaming times with Legends of the Titans (game IV) and Untold: The Millennium Girl, so this new one is on my wish list too. If only there were more gaming hours in a day! 

New Build-a-Bear Pokémon

I’ve featured them here before, and because my daughter is absolutely in love with this one, I’ll feature it again: Build-a-Bear has a new Pokémon to add to your collection. This is the sixth member of the BaB Pokémon family! Here’s the description:

Vulpix alone is $28, and you can get it in-store or via the official website. There is also a Poké Ball sleeper for $12.50 that it can wear. The online exclusive bundle is $60 and includes Vulpix, a Poké Ball Sleeper, a Vulpix Cape, and a 6-in-1 Vulpix sound. (The cape is only available inn that bundle.) Both options include an exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game card.

Yono and the Celestial Elephants is in the Switch eShop

Indie developer Neckbolt has released RPG puzzler Yono and the Celestial Elephants in the Switch eShop. Yono, who is a baby blue Celestial Elephant, is waiting for you to help the people, robots and undead who are having trouble living together in harmony. The Celestial Elephants visit the earth in the game once in a thousand years, coming to help people and to bring joy.

The game is rather short, but it definitely isn’t short on charm. I was lucky to get an early access code for a review, and if you want to know more about the game, you can find it here.

Original Tamagotchi is back

Remember how I mentioned the Tamagotchi I nurtured way back when I was younger in the article about the mobile game AR Dragon? Earlier this year, Bandai rereleased a variation of the very first Tamagotchi in Japan in honor of its 20th anniversary. For ¥ 1,900 (about $17), the Japanese could buy a smaller version of the original virtual pet in one of the six original shell colors. Now, this version of the Tamagotchi is coming to U.S. The 20th anniversary Tamagotchi will be released on November 5, 2017.

Shu Uemura and Nintendo are blushing

If you want to feel like a real princess you could give this make-up line a chance. Shu Uemura, the cosmetics company founded by make-up artist Shu Uemera, has a holiday collection on their website inspired by Mario and his company. Or rather, by Princess Peach and her friends. If you feel like shining like a star this Christmas, check out their website here.

Animal Crossing merchandise: oh my…

No secret that I love my Animal Crossing games. And I love the merchandise too, as you might remember I had a lovely keychain of Mabel attached to my handbag. I hardly ever lose anything, but sadly I lost this one. I think somewhere on the flight from Amsterdam to Honolulu. The keychain that is, fortunately not the handbag.

So you can understand how eager I am to score some of this AC merchandise. TThe Japanese retailer SAN-EI CO., LTD is exclusively offering a great variety of Animal Crossing themed items. Pencils, notebooks, keychains and more will be available at 3 of their locations in Japan, some of it will be sold online as well.

The fact that it’s released now, and the fact that the subtitle of the Japanese name Doubutsu no Mori shows “Animal Crossing” (which it normally never does in Japan, as my reader Jack mentioned) is a sign. Or so I think. Call it a hunch but I feel the mobile game is close! (Read my thoughts here)

Enough for this week! I’m currently really into Stardew Valley, I guess the gaming bug finally got to me again. I restarted the game by the way, and chose the Riverside Farm layout this time. Really liking that one, and my first spring is almost over. What game are you playing at the moment, and which one do you look forward to most?

Thanks for reading!