Author: Leslie Jacobson

Now that everyone has had a good two months to play Echoes of Wisdom, we’ve had a lot of time to experiment with echoes. Of course, part of the gameplay itself is experimenting and trying different combinations of echoes to complete the quests. Still, I’ve run into some unusual properties of certain echoes that do not necessarily affect gameplay. For example, Zelda can lift quite a few of the enemy echoes. In the early part of the game, it’s easier to…

Nintendo’s Japanese stores have a new gacha collection of magnetic toys featuring Zonai Devices from Tears of the Kingdom! According to the official X account for Nintendo’s Japanese stores, these Zonai Device figures (published by Bandai) will receive a wide release in Spring 2025. Meanwhile, they will be available at Nintendo Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto and at a pop-up location at the Kanazawa Forus Shopping Mall. Leslie JacobsonLeslie is a mom, a cosplayer, an educator, and a fervent fan of The Legend of…

The term “black sheep” comes from the natural phenomenon that a sheep may be born with black wool instead of the typical white. The wool of a black sheep cannot be dyed as easily. Therefore, people valued the black wool less than the white wool. Eventually the phrase “black sheep” became an expression given to those who did not fit in amongst the flock. In more modern use, a black sheep is simply an oddity that does not fit in…

“Why do I always have to babysit?” I muttered to myself. Just because I was the oldest, I had to take care of my sisters whenever my parents had company from other tribes. The delegation from the Gerudo tribe had arrived late yesterday, had some refreshments, and retired early to the guest chambers. This morning, they were discussing a potential alliance with my family and tribe, the forest people. I had to keep my sisters out of my parents’ way…

The two most recent Zelda series titles have such different announcement-to-release timeframes that it makes me wonder how Nintendo decides when to announce a game.  The game that eventually became Tears of the Kingdom was first announced in 2019 and released in 2023, about four years after its initial announcement.  Of course, the pandemic is one factor for why the game may have taken as long as it did. Compare that to Echoes of Wisdom, which was announced in June 2024…

In a recent edition of Ask the Developer, Echoes of Wisdom developers shared insights into what it was like creating the game. Those interviewed include The Legend of Zelda Series Producer Eiji Aonuma, the Director for Echoes of Wisdom from Nintendo Tomomi Sano, and the Director from the Grezzo side of production Satoshi Terada. Grezzo is the company behind many Zelda remakes, including the 2019 version of Link’s Awakening. In Part 2 of the interview, the developers spoke about the development…

In just a couple of years, The Legend of Zelda for the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System — the game that started it all — will be 40 years old! In that time, fans of multiple generations have been able to share with their peers the secrets they’ve found, the best strategies for tricky bosses, and the lore that ties the games together. And as the rivers of time flow on, those who grew up with The Legend of Zelda…

Just about a month ago, Nintendo announced that in October there will be a new two-way charging stand for Joy-Cons. Shortly after the announcement, some questioned Nintendo’s decision to release this two-way charging stand so late in the Switch’s life cycle. The Switch is seven years old at this point, and Nintendo has already said they’ll make an announcement about the Switch successor sometime before March 2025. Why would Nintendo release a charging stand for a system that will be…

Nintendo of America will officially be a part of the Expo Hall at this year’s PAX West, “a celebration of gaming and gaming culture” taking place in Seattle, Washington August 30th through September 2nd. Nintendo will be at booth 1939 in the Expo Hall at the Seattle Convention Center. The information page for exhibitors currently has general information about Nintendo and Nintendo of America. As of this writing, Nintendo has not announced any specifics for what they will bring to…

There is something about gaming and collecting that goes hand-in-hand. Nintendo games are known for rewarding players who patiently search out and collect every item, whether they be Korok Seeds or Lights of Blessing. And outside of their games, Nintendo rewards customer loyalty with exclusive merchandise as well. Today, we have My Nintendo Rewards, in which fans and customers can trade Coins earned from purchasing games for physical merchandise, digital games, and discounts. But from 2002 to 2015, there was…