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Thumbsticks

@thumbsticks.bsky.social
51 followers 133 following 89 posts

Interesting articles about video games. www.thumbsticks.com

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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
As The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time gets spruced up for Switch 2, we revisit 10 successful video game remakes/remasters/retools/revivals/restorations/rebuilds/resomethingorothers.
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Remake/Remodel: 10 video games that reinvented the classics - Thumbsticks
As The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time gets rebuilt for Nintendo Switch 2, we revisit 10 video game remakes that got the job right.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
...and, here are our thoughts on an upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive: The Duskbloods. www.thumbsticks.com/the-duskbloo...
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The Duskbloods is shaping up to be an unusual and ambitious Switch 2 exclusive - Thumbsticks
The Duskbloods, FromSoftware’s upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 experiment, is a strange multiplayer experience that just might make me a convert.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Oops. We forgot to post some recent, erm, posts.... so let's catch up. Starting with our review of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition! www.thumbsticks.com/xenoblade-ch...
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Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition review - Thumbsticks
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 returns with a welcome Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade that brings technical enhancements and new gameplay elements.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Splatoon Raiders reinvigorates Nintendo’s shooter franchise with style, substance and salmon. #splatoon #videogames #nintendoswitch2 www.thumbsticks.com/splatoon-rai...
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Splatoon Raiders review - Thumbsticks
Splatoon Raiders reinvigorates Nintendo's colourful shooter franchise with style, substance and salmon.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The final first-party game for #NintendoSwitch proves that if you want to send a system off in style, rhythm is the answer. www.thumbsticks.com/rhythm-heave...
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Rhythm Heaven Groove review - Thumbsticks
Rhythm Heaven Groove, the final first-party game for Nintendo Switch, proves that if you want to send a system off in style, rhythm is the answer.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Star Fox for #NintendoSwitch2 suggests Nintendo has found a new way to revisit its classic games, preserving what made them great while finding space for something new. www.thumbsticks.com/star-fox-rev...
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Star Fox review - Thumbsticks
Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 suggests Nintendo has found a new way to revisit its classic games.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
The PlayStation Portal may be a luxury, but its excellent ergonomics, haptics, and Remote Play performance make it the perfect PS5 companion.
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PlayStation Portal Review (2026) - Thumbsticks
The PlayStation Portal may be a luxury, but its excellent ergonomics, haptics, and Remote Play performance make it the perfect PS5 companion.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
IO Interactive's First Light delivers an ambitious origin story for James Bond with sharp sandbox missions, blockbuster set pieces, and a 007 still finding his feet.
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007 First Light review - Thumbsticks
IO Interactive's First Light delivers an ambitious origin story for James Bond with sharp sandbox missions, blockbuster set pieces, and a 007 still finding his feet.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Star Fox returns in a remake for #NintendoSwitch 2, but what does the future hold for the franchise? www.thumbsticks.com/star-fox-for...
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Star Fox for Switch 2 could set the series on a new course - Thumbsticks
Star Fox returns in a new remake for Nintendo Switch 2, but what does the future hold for the storied franchise?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Nintendo’s oddball life sim returns with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. We visit Thumbsticks Island to check in on its residents, spill the tea, and ask why everyone keeps demanding hats and home makeovers. (It's a review!) #nintendo #videogames www.thumbsticks.com/tomodachi-li...
thumbsticks.com
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream review - Thumbsticks
After more than a decade away, Nintendo’s oddball life sim returns with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
What a blast this game is. Inventive combat, memorable characters, and a gloriously strange setting make Pragmata a bold new IP for Capcom.
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Pragmata review - Thumbsticks
With inventive combat, a memorable characters, and a gloriously strange setting, Pragmata gives Capcom a bold and brilliant new IP.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Our final write-up from #GDC explores how Indiana Jones and the Great Circle approaches cultural accuracy, and why it matters. 🤠 #IndianaJones #GDC #GameDev
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Indiana Jones and the Making of a Culturally Accurate Video Game - Thumbsticks
At GDC, Kate Edwards revealed how meticulous research and cultural rigour helped shape Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
This was a great #GDC talk on logos, branding, and design systems, and how they’re used in the Horizon franchise. #PlayStation #gamedev
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How PlayStation built a brand system for the Horizon franchise - Thumbsticks
At GDC Festival of Gaming, PlayStation Studios Creative revealed how it built a flexible brand system for Horizon.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Is the #NintendoSwitch2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder a meaningful upgrade, or like getting cramp while swimming? www.thumbsticks.com/super-mario-...
thumbsticks.com
Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park review - Thumbsticks
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder a meaningful upgrade, or an unnecessary remix of a near-perfect platformer?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
At #GDC, Sucker Punch revealed how narrative reshaped the open world of Ghost of Yōtei. Introducing… the Cone of Entry! #gamedev #ghostofyotei www.thumbsticks.com/how-ghost-of...
thumbsticks.com
How Ghost of Yōtei got a 'good old dose of narrative design' - Thumbsticks
At GDC Festival of Gaming, Sucker Punch’s Ariadna Martinez revealed how narrative reshaped the open world of Ghost of Yōtei.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
A little late to the party on this one, but yes, it's true, #Pokémon Pokopia is wonderful! www.thumbsticks.com/pokemon-poko...
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Pokémon Pokopia review - Thumbsticks
Pokémon Pokopia is a spin-off that swaps catching for crafting and turns out to be one of the best Pokémon games ever made.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
At #GDC 26, Julián Cordero spoke about the inspiration behind #Despelote and how the sounds of home became integral to its identity. #GameDev www.thumbsticks.com/the-sounds-a...
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The sounds and memories that made Despelote - Thumbsticks
At GDC 2026, Despelote creator Julián Cordero explored the game’s inspiration and how the sounds of home shaped its identity.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
At GDC 2026, Obsidian's Robert Donovan revealed the framework behind combat in The Outer Worlds 2. Super interesting stuff. #GDC #TheOuterWorlds2 #GameDev www.thumbsticks.com/how-obsidian...
thumbsticks.com
How Obsidian fixed combat in The Outer Worlds 2 - Thumbsticks
At GDC 2026, Obsidian's Rob Donovan revealed the framework behind combat in The Outer Worlds 2.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
GDC Festival of Gaming introduces a new format for the industry’s biggest conference. But does the rebrand solve its biggest challenges? Here's our report from #GDC26. #gamedev #gaming #GDC
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GDC Festival of Gaming: a reset for the industry’s biggest conference - Thumbsticks
GDC Festival of Gaming introduces a new format for the industry’s biggest conference. But does the rebrand solve its biggest challenges?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
The legendary Don Daglow reflects on his career and the lessons learned along the way. Our report from #GDC2026. #gamedev #gdc
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Don Daglow on art, business, and surviving the industry - Thumbsticks
At GDC 2026, veteran game designer Don Daglow reflected on his career and the lessons he learned along the way.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
GDC returns next week with a new name and a shift in direction. The schedule is still sprawling, however, so we've picked some session highlights. #gdc #gamedev @officialgdc.bsky.social www.thumbsticks.com/conference-c...
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Conference call: What to expect from GDC 2026 - Thumbsticks
The Game Developers Conference, now rebranded as the “GDC Festival of Gaming”, expands beyond its traditional conference roots.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Thoughts from @olddannew.bsky.social on how the Sega Master System shaped a love of video games, and the friendship that came with it. #Sega #VideoGames #RetroGames
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How the Sega Master System changed the way I play - Thumbsticks
The passing of hardware designer Hideki Sato has made me reflect on how the Sega Master System shaped the way I enjoy video games.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Mario Tennis Fever bins the nostalgia baggage and delivers a genuinely excellent #NintendoSwitch2 tennis game. Here's our review: www.thumbsticks.com/mario-tennis...
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Mario Tennis Fever review - Thumbsticks
Mario Tennis Fever puts the nostalgia debate to bed and succeeds on its own terms as an excellent tennis game for Nintendo Switch 2.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
When Nintendo released the Game Boy Color, players didn’t just get a new system with new features. They got an upgrade that instantly refreshed the games they already owned. www.thumbsticks.com/the-cool-tri... #nintendo #gameboy
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The cool tricks behind backwards compatibility on the Game Boy Color - Thumbsticks
When Nintendo released the Game Boy Color in 1998, players didn’t just get a new system with new features.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
No one could say the ZX Spectrum version of Double Dragon was good, but it was a genuine learning experience for @olddannew.bsky.social. #gaming #arcadegames #zxspectrum
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The massive influence of Double Dragon (on ZX Spectrum) - Thumbsticks
Arcade-to-home conversions in the 1980s often left a lot to be desired. Especially on the ZX Spectrum. And especially if it was Double Dragon.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
VROOOM!!! Grid Legends races to Nintendo Switch 2, but can Feral Interactive repeat its porting magic? Read our review and find out, if you like. 🏁 #NintendoSwitch2 #videogames #GRIDLegends
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Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 review - Thumbsticks
Grid Legends races to Nintendo Switch 2, but can Feral Interactive repeat its porting magic with this Codemasters classic?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Is the forgotten Nintendo 3DS game Mario Sports Superstars a home run hidden in plain sight? Find out in our latest From the Backlog. ⚾ #Nintendo #SuperMario #Baseball #TorontoBlueJays #Retrogames www.thumbsticks.com/from-the-bac...
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From the Backlog: Mario Sports Superstars - Thumbsticks
Mario Sports Superstars is a forgotten Nintendo 3DS game, and a home run hidden in plain sight.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Google has officially ended support for updating Stadia controllers, but I'll be using mine for a long time to come. #google #stadia
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The best thing Stadia gave us is still going strong - Thumbsticks
Google officially ended support for updating Stadia controllers at the end of 2025, but I'll be using mine for a long time to come.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Metroid Prime 4 evolves a classic formula into something bigger, stranger, and more ambitious… and a little more uneven. Here’s our review. #metroidprime4 #nintendo www.thumbsticks.com/metroid-prim...
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review - Thumbsticks
Metroid Prime 4 evolves a classic formula into something bigger, stranger, and more ambitious, but does it hold together?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Balatro looked like an overnight indie success, but it took planning, strategy, outreach, and a little luck. Read our report from #MIGS25 to find out how Playstack brought the game to a wider audience. #balatro #indiegames #indiedev #gamedev #videogames
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Poker, Pixels, and Persuasion: The Marketing Bets Behind Balatro - Thumbsticks
Balatro looked like an overnight indie miracle, but the game's success took planning, strategy, outreach, and a little luck.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a surprisingly rich companion to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, pairing sharp, satisfying Musou combat with a story that actually feels essential. Here's our review... www.thumbsticks.com/hyrule-warri... #NintendoSwitch2 #LegendOfZelda
thumbsticks.com
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment review - Thumbsticks
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment tells a sweeping war story that makes the Musou formula feel essential.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Can Canada stay one of the best places to make video games? Here's our report from the 2025 Montréal International Game Summit. #MIGS25 #gamebusiness #gamedev #indiedev #canada
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Inside MIGS25 and the Future of Canadian Video Games - Thumbsticks
The Montréal International Game Summit (MIGS25) charts a path forward for the Canadian video games industry.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Today’s mood.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Nintendo’s suite of mobile apps is great, but do we really need so many? 🤔 #Nintendo #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #NintendoToday #Android #iOS #Apple #SuperMario #NintendoGames #smartphones #apps
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Nintendo's mobile apps need fixing - Thumbsticks
Nintendo needs to streamline its messy ecosystem of smartphone apps to match its otherwise impressive online services.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
#migs25 is here. Don’t forget your boots. (Like we did) #gamedev #montreal #gamebusiness
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
All set for the Montréal International Game Summit? Here’s our preview of this year’s event, including some session recommendations and an interview with the organizing team. #MIGS25 #gaming #gamedev #canada #gamebusiness #videogames #b2b #MIGS
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Conference Call: What to expect from MIGS25 - Thumbsticks
The post-pandemic landscape hasn’t been kind to video game conferences. While global giants rethink their futures, MIGS is doubling down.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is uneven, but it’s also inventive, surprising, and often brilliant. #nintendoswitch #nintendoswitch2 #pokemon
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A review - Thumbsticks
Can Pokémon ever truly reinvent itself? Pokémon Legends: Z-A makes a compelling case that it can.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 return. But is a visual polish enough for these cosmic masterpieces? #supermariogalaxy #supermariogalaxy2 #nintendoswitch #nintendoswitch2 #videogames #nintendo
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Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 review  - Thumbsticks
Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 return. But is a visual polish enough for these cosmic masterpieces?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment impresses ahead of its release on Nintendo Switch 2. It’s preview time! #nintendoswitch2 #videogames #nintendocanada #nintendo #zelda #thelegendofzelda #gaming #hyrulewarriors #totk
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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment preview - Thumbsticks
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment impresses ahead of its fall release on Nintendo Switch 2.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Nintendo players finally get a modern, competitive version of EA Sports FC, though some compromises remain. #nintendoswitch2 #nintendoswitch #eafc26 #football #westham #easports #switchgaming #gaming #videogames
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EA Sports FC 26 - Nintendo Switch 2 review - Thumbsticks
Nintendo players finally get a modern, competitive version of EA Sports FC, though some compromises remain.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
How many platforms does it take to finally start a game? For Yakuza 0, our answer is: 3! Here's the first article in our new From the Backlog strand. #NintendoSwitch2 #Sega #Yakuza0
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From the Backlog: Yakuza 0 - Thumbsticks
Yakuza 0 mixes crime drama, absurdity, and unexpected heart. After years on the backlog, it’s well worth the wait.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Ubisoft brings Star Wars Outlaws to Nintendo Switch 2 in an ambitious and surprisingly successful port. #starwarsoutlaws #nintendoswitch #nintendoswitch2 #starwars
thumbsticks.com
Star Wars Outlaws - Nintendo Switch 2 review - Thumbsticks
Ubisoft brings Star Wars Outlaws to Nintendo Switch 2 in an ambitious and surprisingly successful port.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
A sparkly update proves Kirby still has plenty of puff. Here's our review of, deep breath, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World! www.thumbsticks.com/kirby-and-th...
thumbsticks.com
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World review - Thumbsticks
A sparkly update proves Kirby still has plenty of puff.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Is Split Fiction on Nintendo Switch 2 a blockbuster or bomb? Here’s our review of Hazelight’s latest co-op action game. #splitfiction #nintendoswitch2
thumbsticks.com
Split Fiction - Nintendo Switch 2 review - Thumbsticks
Split Fiction is an exuberant, cinematic co-op adventure that thrives on shared moments, scraped victories, and magic moments.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
While some games are broadly memorable, others can stick in your head for the most trivial of reasons. One such game is the classic 1995 PC sim, Grand Prix Manager. #videogames #pc #grandprix #f1 #gaming
thumbsticks.com
Do you remember... Grand Prix Manager? - Thumbsticks
While some games are broadly memorable, others can stick in your head for the most trivial of reasons. One such game is Grand Prix Manager.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Now that we’ve had more time to get to know the Nintendo Switch 2, is it everything we hoped it would be? Here’s our review… #nintendoswitch2 #nintendo
thumbsticks.com
Nintendo Switch 2: The Thumbsticks Review - Thumbsticks
Now that we've had more time to get to know the Nintendo Switch 2, is the difficult second album everything we hoped it would be?
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Donkey Kong Bananza is a bold and brilliantly messy outing for Nintendo’s original video game icon. #nintendo #donkeykong www.thumbsticks.com/donkey-kong-...
thumbsticks.com
Donkey Kong Bananza review - Thumbsticks
DK steps back ‒ or rather, smashes through a brick wall – into the spotlight in Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2.
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Reposted by Thumbsticks
Daniel New @olddannew.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Now pay attention, #007! I’m working on a new project and looking to connect with players and fans of GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64. Find out more here (and all shares appreciated!) ❤️ #Nintendo #JamesBond #GoldenEye007 #n64
olddannew.com
Pay Attention, 007 - OldDanNew
I'm working on a cool new project and would like to connect with players and fans of the video game: GoldenEye 007. Rare’s game was released for the Nintendo 64...
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
In today’s climate, a video game about pressure washing feels like fantasy. www.thumbsticks.com/in-todays-cl...
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In today's climate, a video game about pressure washing feels like fantasy - Thumbsticks
In the face of another summer of extremes, heatwaves, droughts, and hosepipe bans, PowerWash Simulator feels like fantasy wish fulfillment.
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Thumbsticks @thumbsticks.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Boxed in and outfought by Sony, Microsoft is navigating #Xbox beyond the traditional console landscape. www.thumbsticks.com/microsofts-b...
thumbsticks.com
Microsoft's big bet to unbox the Xbox - Thumbsticks
Boxed in and outfought by Sony’s all-conquering PlayStation, Microsoft is navigating Xbox beyond the traditional console landscape.
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