Daily Deals: Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and More
This weekend is kicking off with plenty of deals, especially for Nintendo Switch owners. The Target Circle promotion is still ongoing, with loads of discounts that you can still take advantage of. Ahead of Prime Day this week, now is the time to cash in on some sweet discounts. The best deals for Saturday, July 13, include Super Mario RPG, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, Super Mario Odyssey, and more.
Super Mario RPG for $39.75
The remake of Super Mario RPG is $39.75 at Amazon right now, which is the lowest we've seen this classic title. If you've yet to either play the original or check out the remake, this is the perfect time to do so. Composer Yoko Shimimura returned to compose the remake's original soundtrack, and each boss and environment has been expertly recrafted for the Nintendo Switch. It's the perfect Mario title to check out if you're looking for a fun title while awaiting Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door next week!
Super Mario Odyssey for $34.99
Super Mario Odyssey is still one of the best games available on Nintendo Switch. From the stunning Kingdoms to the numerous new gameplay elements, this is a title any Switch owner should have in their collection. Odyssey is best known for its Capture mechanic, which allows Mario to use Cappy and take over different enemies and objects in the environment. This title doesn't go on sale too often, so pick up a physical copy at a discount this week!
Tekken 8 for $34.99
Walmart currently has Tekken 8 at $34.99, which matches the previous all-time low. Tekken 8 is the latest major fighting game to be released for the current generation of consoles. Over 32 characters are already playable, far surpassing titles like Street Fighter 6 or Mortal Kombat 1. The online modes far surpass their predecessors, with good netcode and many different ways to play.
Pikmin 4 for $34.99
This week at Target, you can save on Pikmin 4, with copies available for just $34.99. As the latest title in the Pikmin series, Pikmin 4 brings loads of new features for fans, new and old alike, to discover. In our 9/10 review, we stated, "Pikmin 4 adds variety to the series' traditional gameplay by offering options other than the grab-and-throw formula of the past, and brings an extra helping of top-tier levels after the credits roll."
Splatoon 3 for $39.99
Splatoon 3 is available right now for just $34.99! If you have yet to pick up a Splatoon game, Splatoon 3 is a perfect starting point. As it is still the latest game in the series, content updates are still releasing alongside Splatfests. You can also play through the Side Order DLC, offering a fun new campaign!
HyperX CloudX Headset for $29.99
The CloudX is officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, so you can play worry-free knowing you're getting a reliable headset. HyperX prioritized sound with this headset, with enhanced bass reproduction and clear highs, lows, and mids for all-around immersion. It's worth noting that the CloudX can be used on PC, but you'll need a splitter to get both microphone input and audio output due to the design of this headset.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for $34.99
Arguably one of the best platformers available on Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a must play for the platform. Created by Retro Studios, there are six different worlds you can traverse through as you fight against Lord Fredrik and his army of Snowmads. You can play with a friend and choose between Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, and even Funky Kong!
Sonic Superstars for $24.99
Sonic Superstars is available for just $24.99 this weekend at Amazon, making today a great time to pick up a copy. This title is the latest 2D Sonic entry, with new multiplayer features like never before. Now, you can play with up to three friends and traverse through the story mode together as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
https://www.ign.com/articles/daily-deals-super-mario-odyssey-splatoon-3-pikmin-4-and-more
Daily Deals: Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and More
This weekend is kicking off with plenty of deals, especially for Nintendo Switch owners. The Target Circle promotion is still ongoing, with loads of discounts that you can still take advantage of. Ahead of Prime Day this week, now is the time to cash in on some sweet discounts. The best deals for Saturday, July 13, include Super Mario RPG, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, Super Mario Odyssey, and more.
Super Mario RPG for $39.75
The remake of Super Mario RPG is $39.75 at Amazon right now, which is the lowest we've seen this classic title. If you've yet to either play the original or check out the remake, this is the perfect time to do so. Composer Yoko Shimimura returned to compose the remake's original soundtrack, and each boss and environment has been expertly recrafted for the Nintendo Switch. It's the perfect Mario title to check out if you're looking for a fun title while awaiting Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door next week!
Super Mario Odyssey for $34.99
Super Mario Odyssey is still one of the best games available on Nintendo Switch. From the stunning Kingdoms to the numerous new gameplay elements, this is a title any Switch owner should have in their collection. Odyssey is best known for its Capture mechanic, which allows Mario to use Cappy and take over different enemies and objects in the environment. This title doesn't go on sale too often, so pick up a physical copy at a discount this week!
Tekken 8 for $34.99
Walmart currently has Tekken 8 at $34.99, which matches the previous all-time low. Tekken 8 is the latest major fighting game to be released for the current generation of consoles. Over 32 characters are already playable, far surpassing titles like Street Fighter 6 or Mortal Kombat 1. The online modes far surpass their predecessors, with good netcode and many different ways to play.
Pikmin 4 for $34.99
This week at Target, you can save on Pikmin 4, with copies available for just $34.99. As the latest title in the Pikmin series, Pikmin 4 brings loads of new features for fans, new and old alike, to discover. In our 9/10 review, we stated, "Pikmin 4 adds variety to the series' traditional gameplay by offering options other than the grab-and-throw formula of the past, and brings an extra helping of top-tier levels after the credits roll."
Splatoon 3 for $39.99
Splatoon 3 is available right now for just $34.99! If you have yet to pick up a Splatoon game, Splatoon 3 is a perfect starting point. As it is still the latest game in the series, content updates are still releasing alongside Splatfests. You can also play through the Side Order DLC, offering a fun new campaign!
HyperX CloudX Headset for $29.99
The CloudX is officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, so you can play worry-free knowing you're getting a reliable headset. HyperX prioritized sound with this headset, with enhanced bass reproduction and clear highs, lows, and mids for all-around immersion. It's worth noting that the CloudX can be used on PC, but you'll need a splitter to get both microphone input and audio output due to the design of this headset.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for $34.99
Arguably one of the best platformers available on Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a must play for the platform. Created by Retro Studios, there are six different worlds you can traverse through as you fight against Lord Fredrik and his army of Snowmads. You can play with a friend and choose between Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, and even Funky Kong!
Sonic Superstars for $24.99
Sonic Superstars is available for just $24.99 this weekend at Amazon, making today a great time to pick up a copy. This title is the latest 2D Sonic entry, with new multiplayer features like never before. Now, you can play with up to three friends and traverse through the story mode together as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
https://www.ign.com/articles/daily-deals-super-mario-odyssey-splatoon-3-pikmin-4-and-more
Summer 1989 Had Batman, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, Freddy, and More, and the Box Office Was Never the Same Again
The 25 biggest movies of Summer 1989 really had it all, from Batman to Ghostbusters II to Indiana Jones, Freddy, Jason, and more!
How to Watch The Boy and the Heron - Where to Stream Online in 2024
You can now watch the film online.
https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-watch-the-boy-and-the-heron-studio-ghibli
The 2024 65" Hisense U7N 4K Smart TV Is a Great Choice for Your PS5 or Xbox for Only $798
Early Amazon Prime Day deal
Studio Ghibli Steelbooks Are Buy 2 Get 1 Free With an Early Prime Day Sale
Check out these limited edition discounts.
https://www.ign.com/articles/studio-ghibli-steelbooks-blu-ray-anime-deals-prime-day-2024
Save $200 Off the 32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K OLED Gaming Monitor
As part of its Black Friday in July Sale, Dell is taking $200 off the 2024 Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD OLED gaming monitor. It's normally $1199.99, but today you can get it for $999.99. This is one of the very few 4K QD OLED gaming monitors under 42" on the market, and at this price it is easily one of the least expensive. If you're looking for the best gaming monitor for 2024, this should definitely be on your short list.
32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K OLED Monitor for $999.99
The Alienware AW3225QF is a 32" monitor with a true 4K (3840x2160) resolution and a slight 1700R curve. The AW3225QF is one of only two Alienware monitors that is equipped with a quantum dot OLED panel. QD OLED panels are brighter than traditional OLED panels without losing the color accuracy and range and wide viewing angles that OLEDs are known for. The AW3225QF boasts a 99.3% DCI-P3 color range and is factory calibrated with a Delta E less than 2. It is HDR True Black 400 certified with up to 1,000nits of peak brightness. It's one of the few OLED 240Hz gaming monitors. It's also a certified G-SYNC gaming monitor. Connectivity wise, the AW3225QF has two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) and one DisplayPort 1.4 port, all of which are capable of 4K at up to 240Hz. There are also a couple of USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for attaching peripherals and a single USB Type-C port for charging. Dell backs their monitor up with a generous 3 year warranty that includes burn-in protection.
Until other manufacturers start to release their own 32" 4K OLED gaming monitors at a similar price point, the Alienware AW3225QF looks to be the best that you can buy, period. Keep in mind that if you want to play games in 4K, especially at frame rates of up to 240fps, you'll have to make sure your gaming PC is properly equipped with something like a GeForce RTX 4070/3080 at the minimum. If you've got a GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090 or a Radeon RX 7900 XTX, then this monitor is calling your name. If you need to upgrade your gaming rig, you can check out the best Alienware deals that are available right now.
For more options, check out the best gaming monitor deals today.
https://www.ign.com/articles/save-200-off-the-32-alienware-aw3225qf-4k-oled-gaming-monitor
Forgotten Gems: Kirby’s Brother From Another Mother
Forgotten Gems is a regular column about notable games that have moved out of the public eye and may not be easily accessible anymore. To see all the other games I've covered so far, be sure to check out the 12 previous issues of Forgotten Gems in our Columns section.
In an alternate universe, HAL and Nintendo’s beloved Kirby series never made it out of Japan. As the pink puffball conquered one platform after the other with his adorable pals, the Kirby games slowly emerged as the more forgiving, kid-friendly alternatives to Mario. If Mario missed a jump, he was a goner. Kirby? Just pump the button to float and you’ll get another chance at redemption. Kids had no problems jumping into Kirby games and completing the main campaigns – but older players looking for a little more also found some surprisingly devious challenges on the path to 100% completion.
But in our timeline, Kirby’s Dream Land hit Game Boy in the US and Europe a mere months after Hoshi no Kirby debuted in Japan in 1992. While the original game was a huge sales success that subsequent releases couldn’t quite replicate, Nintendo stuck with Kirby. The faith it placed in the franchise designer Masahiro Sakurai (of Smash Bros. fame) built paid off. A full 30 years later, Kirby Star Allies and then Kirby and the Forgotten Land blew up on Switch, selling almost 12 million copies between them.
The Legend of Starfy: The Diminished Chap
Which brings us to The Legendary Starfy. The series shares more than a passing resemblance to Kirby's. Its cute, starfish-like hero looks like he’s ripped straight out of a Kirby or Mario game. The developer, Tose – like Kirby’s creators at HAL – appear to share rights to the character and games. And Starfy games are very easy to get into and easy to complete. But unlike Kirby, Starfy has been one of those Nintendo franchises mostly released and promoted in the Japanese market.
My first experience with Starfy goes back all the way to the year 2000. At Nintendo’s annual Space World expo, also known as Shoshinkai, the publisher showed a playable demo of a game named "Densetsu no Stafy" for Game Boy Color. I recall playing it briefly at the time, of course unaware that that game would never see the light of day. With the release of its next handheld hardware a mere year away, the developers retooled the game for release on GBA instead.
I Know Your Face
Starfy may have the shape of a Luma, the face of Kirby, and the color of Pikachu, but you may have spotted him before via his cameos in Mario & Luigi: Super Star Saga, Super Mario Maker, and Super Princess Peach. But he's likely most familiar to many a Nintendo fan thanks to his appearance as an Assist Trophy in the Super Smash Bros. games. The entry reads: "Starfy is the absentminded prince of the Pufftop Kingdom, and the hero of The Legendary Starfy. Is he a star? A starfish? His commitment to helping you when summoned is obvious, even if his species isn't. He'll use a Star Spin attack, which isn't all that powerful. It's the thought that counts!"
Developer Tose ("toh-seh"), headquartered in Kyoto not far away from Nintendo’s own HQ, has been around for more than 40 years. IGN’s database lists more than a hundred titles across a dozen platforms that Tose has worked on, from wrestling games to anime-licenses, to titles Nintendo fans will instantly recognize, like Game & Watch Gallery and Super Princess Peach. Many publishers, such as Square, enlisted Tose’s help during the GBA and DS eras to help port their classics to the handhelds, including Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Front Mission, and Dragon Quest.
But the real tally of games Tose has worked on is likely much higher. Tose is one of a few Japanese development studios that have signed away their development credit on games it’s worked on – a practice that essentially obfuscates the real authors of games in favor of pushing the publisher brand. See also my piece on Sky Odyssey, a game that was in greater parts made by phantom devs CAProduction and Future Creates. This sometimes leads to awkward gameography entries on their Japanese corporate pages, listing their past works as “action game for major publisher” or “game design for PlayStation 4 game”.
This is all to say, Tose may not be a household name, but it’s an experienced team with more than four decades of experience designing games or working on adapting and converting games. That experience shows in the Starfy games. They feel and look like Nintendo games – or, more accurately, a mixture of HAL games and Capcom’s SNES platformers. If you haven’t played one of them yet (which, you likely haven’t – this is Forgotten Gems, after all), you’ll notice how much Starfy looks like Kirby’s brother from another bubblegum mother.
Yellow Submarine
Instead of relying on the ability to float, Starfy’s adventures are mostly aquatic. You pump the A-button to swim faster underwater, use spins to destroy blocks, and you can of course dash upwards to catch some air and soar above the waves as well. What starts with simple block-pushing and platforming puzzle challenges eventually gets more complex, with Breakout-style mini-games, auto-scrolling stages, and even vehicles. You’d be hard-pressed to call the first Starfy game – Densetsu no Starfy (or Stafy, see sidebar), a top-tier platformer in Nintendo’s overall library, but it’s competently made and enjoyable.
Densetsu no Starfy was successful enough in Japan to get a sequel. And another one. And another one. Despite not seeing a release in the west, Starfy gained some appreciation from import gamers, with the third GBA game in particular turning heads and leading to questions why the series continued to be landlocked in Japan despite the popularity of platform games on Nintendo’s handhelds and consoles. With Densetsu no Starfy 3 in 2004, Tose had seemingly perfected its formula. Although developed in record time in just a year, Starfy 3 feels like something HAL would’ve made – from the clever puzzles and adorable characters (Starfy’s sister is playable in this one – and looks even more like Kirby!) to mini-game multiplayer challenges and even Wario appearing and giving Starfy quests. There’s no doubt that Starfy 3 would’ve released to positive reviews in the west, but Nintendo made us wait another four years for his stateside debut.
Stafy Becomes Starfy
Starfy – and the confirmation that, yes, there’s an “r” in his name – started his world tour in earnest in 2009 with The Legendary Starfy for Nintendo DS. Despite the title being a literal translation of the first game’s name, it is not a remake. First released in 2008 in Japan, The Legendary Starfy for DS is an all-new quest that uses the dual screen setup for tutorial and character interactions on the bottom screen as well as for expanded playfields during mini-games, but other than that, it’s vintage Starfy gameplay. Our reviewer loved it when he first played it and said that it unified the “best elements from games like Kirby, Donkey Kong Country, Little Nemo, and Mario himself”. But there were already signs that Nintendo hadn’t forgotten about Starfy when the little yellow star made his debut as assist trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Is it Stafy or Starfy?
The short answer is: both. While the name is an obvious take on the English word "starfish", fans -- and later Nintendo itself -- started to refer to the character as Stafi and Stafy in localized material. But it's not just in Super Smash Bros. Brawl (which predates the DS game's official western debut) that you can still see the "Stafy" spelling. Even though NOA's marketing material calls the character and games "Starfy" now, in line with the DS title, the Nintendo Online copy still refers to the games as Densetsu no Stafy 1, 2, and 3. Meanwhile, Starfy's sister Starly, is known as Stapy in Brawl. If your head hurts after all this, try spin-smashing into some rocks for a cure.
Despite the positive reviews, Starfy did not ascend to become a mainstream hit on Nintendo’s DS. In Japan, it sold fewer copies than its predecessors – perhaps a sign that interest in lesser-known, traditional platformers was waning in favor of new, touch-screen-centric experiments. Or perhaps the mascot platformer genre was just too crowded on Nintendo’s handhelds. Whatever the reason, instead of being the start of a beautiful friendship, the Legendary Starfy ended up becoming the last bow for the series.
The surprise is that all three also got added to the US and European GBA collections on Nintendo Switch.
But don’t count a good platformer out. This week, Nintendo surprisingly added the first three GBA Starfy games to its Nintendo Online with Expansion Pack tier. The surprise isn’t that these games returned to the spotlight in Japan – after all, nostalgia is fueling an ongoing barrage of rereleases, remasters, and remakes the world over.
The surprise is that all three also got added to the US and European GBA collections on Nintendo Switch.
Where can you play it now?
As of July 11, 2024, Densetsu no Starfy is back in active distribution after more than two decades. Pour one out for game preservation, folks! Physical copies of the five existing Starfy games are not hard to find via auction services on eBay, but with the exception of the 2008 Nintendo DS release, you should know that they’re all in Japanese and do contain quite a bit of Japanese text. Now, the Nintendo Switch Online releases aren’t localized, either. Nintendo is expecting players to put up with quite a lot of expository text from NPCs in Japanese, but the core game is easy to grasp even if you don’t read kana. So this is definitely an instance of not looking at the proverbial gift horse’s teeth too closely. And if you’re looking to learn Japanese, know that the language used in the games is simple: you don’t need to learn kanji to be able to read what is being said.
Giving Starfy wider exposure is a wonderful thing to see. I wish it was a more concerted and serious effort – surely, localization of games without voice acting and cartridge space constraints isn’t all that expensive. Plus, dropping three very similar games at once isn’t exactly a carefully curated introduction to an unknown franchise. But as a lover of the obscure and forgotten, I’m excited to see Nintendo experimenting with its back catalog more and daring to bring back the stuff of even the tiniest legends.
Peer Schneider heads up IGN's Guides, Tools, and Map Genie teams and is excited about Nintendo's recent additions to Nintendo Online. Not every game's a gem, but preserving games, even by adding them to subscription services, is a welcome trend.
https://www.ign.com/articles/forgotten-gems-kirbys-brother-from-another-mother
The Real Story Behind Captain America: Brave New World's Isaiah Bradley
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier introduced Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) to the MCU, and now Captain America: Brave New World will be further exploring the character who shines a spotlight on the dark side of Marvel's patriotic icon.
PlayStation Stars Seems to Be Back Online for Some After a Month-Long Hiatus
PlayStation Stars appears to be be working once again after being mysteriously out of commission for over a month.
Elden Ring Mod Basically Turns It Into Bloodborne
An Elden Ring modder is basically turning the entire game into Bloodborne through the implementation of trick weapons, parrying firearms, quick steps, a permanent night, and more spookiness.
https://www.ign.com/articles/elden-ring-mod-basically-turns-it-into-bloodborne
Introducing the Syndicates of Star Wars Outlaws - IGN First
A look inside Star War Outlaws’ criminal underworld.
https://www.ign.com/articles/introducing-the-syndicates-of-star-wars-outlaws-ign-first
Deadpool & Wolverine: 30 Spoiler-Filled Details From the First 35 Minutes
Here's every spoiler-filled detail we spotted after watching the opening half an hour of Deadpool & Wolverine.
https://www.ign.com/articles/deadpool-wolverine-30-spoiler-filled-details-from-the-first-35-minutes
The Boys: Did Homelander Just Unintentionally Screw Up Sister Sage's Plan?
The penultimate episode of The Boys sees Homelander make a potentially devastating mistake that could put an end to Sister Sage's grand plan to win him America. Can they recover before the deed is done?
https://www.ign.com/articles/the-boys-did-homelander-just-unintentionally-screw-up-sister-sages-plan
Switch Now Longest Running Nintendo Console Without Being Replaced
The Nintendo Switch is now the longest running Nintendo home console ever after overtaking the Nintendo Entertainment System's record without being replaced.
https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-now-longest-running-nintendo-console-without-being-replaced
Steam Hit Once Human to Make All Purchased Cosmetics Accessible Across Multiple Characters Following Backlash
The developer of Steam hit Once Human has responded to a backlash about how cosmetics work and promised changes to the game.
Steam Hit Once Human to Make All Purchased Cosmetics Accessible Across Multiple Characters Following Backlash
The developer of Steam hit Once Human has responded to a backlash about how cosmetics work and promised changes to the game.
3 New Game Boy Advance Games Previously Only Available in Japan Drop Onto Nintendo Switch
Nintendo has added three new Game Boy Advance games previously only available in Japan to the Nintendo Switch.
Exploding Kittens Season 1 Review
Watching Netflix’s awkward adaptation of the hit card game feels like coughing up a hairball.
https://www.ign.com/articles/exploding-kittens-season-1-review-netflix
Wild Pre-Prime Day Bargains Have Appeared, Free Shredder's Revenge, Alex Kidd, KOTOR, and More!
Thank your own personal deity—possibly Radahn—it's Friday! If you somehow didn't know, Amazon Prime Day is kicking off early next week, but the deals are leaking out early (as they almost always do). I'm also seeing Ubisoft kick off a Summer Sale that has a few 90% off bargains, too. Until the next week of great savings, do stay safe, save often, and see you then.
In retro news, I'm celebrating the 11th birthday of Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, a 3DS purchase I'm glad I didn't sleep on. Released in The Year of Luigi (a 30th anniversary celebration), this sequel to 2009's Bowser's Inside Story had a higher focus on the lanky L capped one. Beyond the always addictive level and gear grinding, I remember digging Luiginary Attacks, Luiginoids, and Giant Luigi boss fights, plus a bold new artstyle that became the template for all future entries, like the forthcoming Mario & Luigi: Brothership which I'll probably play the crotch out of, too.
This Day in Gaming
Aussie birthdays for notable games.
- Freedom Force (PC) 2002. Get
- Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS) 2013. Ebay
- Wii Sports Club (WiiU) 2014. Sequel
- The End Is Nigh (PC) 2017. Get
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Table of Contents
Nintendo Switch
PC
Xbox
PlayStation
Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch
Expiring Recent Deals
Hardware Watch
How much to make the switch to Switch?
Back to top
Purchase Cheaply for PC
Expiring Recent Deals
Hardware Watch
Slay your pile of shame.
Back to top
Exciting Bargains for Xbox
Expiring Recent Deals
Hardware Watch
How many bucks for a Box?
Back to top
Pure Scores for PlayStation
Expiring Recent Deals
Hardware Watch
How much you'll pay to Station.
Back to top
Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.