Nintendo’s Big Week: Zelda Toys, Cozy Games & Galaxy Tennis Courts!

There’s something about mid-July that feels magical in the world of Nintendo. Maybe it’s the way the summer sun casts long shadows over your backyard as you clutch a Switch 2, or perhaps it’s the quiet hum of anticipation for the next big thing. This week, Nintendo didn’t just deliver—it sparkled. Between cozy new adventures, nostalgic throwbacks, and bold partnerships, the Big N proved once again why it’s the heartbeat of gaming. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s dive into the week’s biggest Nintendo news!

🎮 New Games, Updates & Downloads: What’s Hot This Week

Nintendo’s eShop updates always feel like opening a treasure chest, and this week’s haul is no exception. Whether you’re playing on a shiny new Switch 2 or rocking the OG hybrid, there’s fresh joy to unpack. Let’s break it down.

🏝️ Lou’s Lagoon Swims to Switch 2 (July 2026)

If you’ve been craving a game that wraps you in tranquility like a warm beach towel, Lou’s Lagoon is your next obsession. This upcoming cozy exploration and crafting adventure is making waves (pun intended) on Switch 2, promising players a serene escape where creativity meets adventure. Imagine building your dream island, fishing with the neighbors, and uncovering the secrets of a vibrant lagoon—all while the ocean breeze carries the sound of your own personalized soundtrack.

What we know:

Release window: Soon™️ (exact date TBA)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 (and presumably Switch for continuity)
Developer: To be revealed—stay tuned!

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the eShop for the launch trailer—it’s rumored to be packed with soothing ASMR-like visuals.

🎾 Mario Tennis Fever Gets a Galaxy-Infused Free Update

Nintendo just dropped a free update for Mario Tennis Fever that’s straight out of a dream. The update introduces a brand-new, Super Mario Galaxy-themed tennis court—complete with floating platforms, cosmic debris, and gravity-defying serves. But that’s not all! The Fever Racket has arrived, a power-up that lets you hit through obstacles like they’re butter.

Here’s the full scoop:

New Court: Galaxy Grand Slam Stadium
New Feature: Fever Racket (temporary invincibility + power shots)
Release: Now available in the game’s update section
Bonus: Rumors suggest more themed items are coming in future updates!

Watch the trailer here—your inner child will scream.

🎲 Once Upon a KATAMARI Rolls In (With Mouse Controls!)

Once Upon a KATAMARI Rolling Live Highlights DLC

The King of All Cosmos is back—this time with a twist. Once Upon a KATAMARI is rolling onto Switch 2 in October, and it’s bringing brand-new mouse controls for PC gamers who prefer precision over touchscreen chaos. Plus, the Rolling Live Highlights DLC promises to capture your most chaotic, glorious moments in-game.

What’s Included:

Mouse support (finally!)
Rolling Live Highlights DLC (share your best rolls with friends)
New challenges (think "collect 500 items in one run")

Pre-order bonuses hint at exclusive rolling soundtracks—because nothing beats Katamari with a side of J-pop.

🏆 Upcoming Switch 2 Games to Circle on Your Calendar

Switch 2’s library is filling up fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be its breakout year. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming down the pipeline:

| Game | Genre | Release Window |

|-------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------|

| Splatoon Raiders | Tactical Shooter | Late 2026 |

| Fire Emblem (Unannounced) | Tactical RPG | TBA |

| The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past | Action-Adventure | Holiday 2026 |

| Star Fox (Remake) | Rail Shooter | Now Available |

Full list and deeper dives: GamesRadar+

🧸 Hasbro’s New Zelda Toys: A Toy Box Made in Heaven

Calling all Hyrule heroes: Hasbro and Nintendo just announced a massive licensing partnership to bring The Legend of Zelda to life in toy form. This isn’t just any old Merch—we’re talking highly detailed figures, playsets, and interactive toys that’ll make your inner child (and maybe your gamer kid) jump for joy.

What’s on the horizon:

Link & Zelda Action Figures (articulated, with accessories)
Master Sword Replica (sword and display stand combo)
Kokiri Forest Playset (complete with movable vines and a working lantern)
Ganondorf & Epona Starter Packs

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (July 16, 2026) — Hasbro and Nintendo are teaming up to create a toy line that captures the magic of Hyrule like never before. Production begins this fall, with the first wave hitting shelves in early 2027.

Why it matters: This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about passing the torch. Imagine your little sibling (or your future self) falling in love with Zelda the same way you did, but with toys that feel like they stepped right out of the game.

🎂 Nintendo’s 43-Year Legacy: The Day the Famicom Changed Everything

Today marks 43 years since Nintendo launched the Famicom in Japan—a console that didn’t just compete with the gaming landscape; it rewrote it. In an era where arcades ruled and home consoles were clunky novelties, the Famicom (short for Family Computer) arrived like a bolt of lightning. It wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a revolution.

Why the Famicom mattered:

Affordability: At ¥14,800 (about $100 at the time), it was accessible to families.
Library: Games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda weren’t just hits—they defined genres.
Longevity: The Famicom’s design influenced everything, from the NES to the Switch.

"There was no other path but this one," Chip Tanaka reflects. Tanaka, one of the Famicom’s original engineers, recalls the uncertainty: "We didn’t know if it would work. But we had to try."

Fast-forward to 2026, and Nintendo’s DNA—curiosity, resilience, and a touch of whimsy—still thrives in every joycon click and amiibo scan. The Famicom wasn’t just a console; it was the spark that lit the fire of modern gaming.

💰 Prime Day Nintendo Deals: Still Time to Snag a Switch 2 Bundle!

Amazon’s Prime Day may be over, but some Nintendo Switch 2 deals are still smoldering like a fresh toasted marshmallow. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, now’s your chance to save big. Here are the hottest bundles still available:

| Deal | Price (USD) | Where to Buy |

|------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------|

| Nintendo Switch 2 ‘Choose Your Game’ Bundle | $349.99 | Amazon |

| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Smash Bros. bundle | $299.99 | Best Buy |

| Pokémon Scarlet/Violet + Pro Controller combo | $379.99 | Walmart |

Pro tip: Act fast—these discounts won’t last forever!

🎯 The Week in Review: Nintendo’s Pull on the Gaming World

It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of new releases, updates, and deals, so let’s take a breath and appreciate what this week’s news says about Nintendo’s philosophy:

✅ Nostalgia with a twist – Galaxy tennis courts, Katamari with mouse controls, and Zelda toys prove Nintendo’s not just resting on its laurels.

✅ Accessibility – Cozy games like Lou’s Lagoon and Prime Day deals ensure gaming stays inclusive.

✅ Community love – Free updates, DLC, and interactive toys show Nintendo values its fans as much as its IP.

✅ Legacy-building – The Famicom’s anniversary reminds us that Nintendo’s journey is still just beginning.

As we look ahead to August and beyond, one thing’s clear: Nintendo isn’t just keeping up with the times—it’s defining them. Again.

🔮 What’s Next? Our Crystal Ball Gazing

Based on this week’s announcements, here’s what we’re really excited for:

🔹 The Mario Tennis Fever Galaxy update – Because nothing beats serving a tennis ball into a black hole.

🔹 Hasbro’s Zelda toys – Imagine your future kid’s first "sword fight" with a Master Sword replica.

🔹 Splatoon Raiders – If Nintendo’s taking Splatoon to the tactical realm, we’re in.

🔹 More Prime Day deals – Retailers love Nintendo; we love saving money.

What are you most hyped for? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

📢 Final Score: Nintendo’s Week in Gaming (Out of 10)

| Category | Score | Why? |

|--------------------|-----------|----------|

| Innovation | 9/10 | Galaxy courts, mouse Katamari—Nintendo’s thinking outside the (joy)con. |

| Nostalgia | 10/10 | The Famicom’s anniversary and Zelda toys hit just right. |

| Community Impact | 8/10 | Free updates and cozy games show Nintendo cares about players. |

| Hype for Future | 9.5/10 | Switch 2’s library is filling up fast—and we’re here for it. |

Total: 9.1/10 – A week that proves Nintendo’s magic isn’t fading—it’s evolving.

🎬 Leaving You with This

If you take nothing else away from this week’s Nintendo news, remember this: great gaming isn’t just about pixels and polygons. It’s about the feelings—the cozy vibes of Lou’s Lagoon, the nostalgia of Mario Tennis Fever’s Galaxy update, and the pure joy of holding a Zelda Master Sword replica.

So go ahead—dive into that new game, set up that playset, or just breathe in the nostalgia. Nintendo’s here to make every moment count.

What’s the first thing you’re playing on your Switch 2 this weekend? Let us know below—and don’t forget to share your high scores on social media! #ModVCGaming #NintendoMagic

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ModVC Staff brings you the pulse of Nintendo’s world—one update, toy, and anniversary at a time.