Save Point: Pokémon Returns, Xenoblade Surprise Drops, and the Virtual Boy Is Back

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Save Point: Pokémon Returns, Xenoblade Surprise Drops, and the Virtual Boy Is Back

G’day Legends, Sarge here from whatsitlike.com.au with the return of our weekly Save Point, covering all things Nintendo in the week that was. This week has been huge. We have Pokémon returning, Xenoblade upgrades, a slew of game announcements, and the Virtual Boy making a comeback? What happened this week? Fill up on health kits, restock your ammo, and breathe a sigh of relief. You’ve reached the Save Point.

Pokémon returns!

The biggest news this week is Pokémon announcing that Leaf Green and Fire Red are coming to Switch next week. For many players, these were the definitive versions of the original Kanto journey. They were not just ports of Red and Blue. They were full remakes with updated mechanics, cleaner visuals, and a much more polished structure. For an entire generation, this was their first real Pokémon adventure. The power of nostalgia is clearly strong. Both Leaf Green and Fire Red are already at the top of the charts, showing that fans are eager to revisit Kanto.

While the news has been welcomed by players worldwide, it has not been without controversy. The $30 AUD price for each game has drawn the ire of some players. These titles are not coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Instead, they will be standalone releases, with Pokémon Home features to be added in the future. The real question is how often players will revisit these. Nostalgia is powerful, but Pokémon is a series many of us have replayed countless times. Will you be jumping back in next week, or have you already done everything there is to do in Kanto?

Xenoblade Shadow Drops

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Switch 2 Edition launched this week, complete with an $8 paid upgrade path. This was a shadow drop without warning, and it had many Xenoblade fans whipped up into a frenzy. For those who already own the March 2025 version, the upgrade pricing is relatively modest. The bigger question is whether the improvements meaningfully change the experience. The update brings the game to 60 frames per second and upscales the resolution to 4K.

Some early players are reporting muddled or softer image quality in handheld mode. At this stage, these are reports rather than confirmed widespread issues. I will be testing this thoroughly. I will be publishing a re-review alongside a full graphics breakdown soon, focusing specifically on whether the Switch 2 upgrade delivers tangible improvements over the existing version. Rather than speculate, I want to put it through proper testing first.

Quick Save: Rapid-Fire News

A few other announcements landed this week, and they are worth keeping on your radar.

Grid Beat Gets a Release Date

Grid Beat now has a confirmed release date. In GRIDbeat!, players take on the role of a hacker who has breached Knoss.OS, the planet’s most heavily fortified corporate network, is escaping with priceless data. Trapped within the digital labyrinth of the Mainframe, every keystroke becomes part of a rhythmic fight for survival, combining precision timing with a tense, immersive narrative.

Wax Heads Announced

Wax Heads was also revealed this week. Blending puzzle design with visual storytelling, Wax Heads explores music culture through conversational and social cues. The game includes over 80 in-game records to discover, more than 60 hand-drawn characters to meet, and 30+ original songs performed by the developers, their family, and close friends.

Two Point Museum: Zooseum DLC Is Out Now

Two Point Museum received the Zooseum DLC this week. The expansion adds new themed exhibits and management challenges for returning players. I’ve put my best curator on this one, so you can expect her review of the DLC going live soon.

The Virtual Boy Returns

The Virtual Boy is making a comeback, selling out in many markets overseas. I’ve had mine arrive and have been enjoying it, diving into one of Nintendo’s most infamous experiments. It is fascinating to see this piece of gaming history brought back to life, but I do worry that requiring the device could gatekeep a lot of players from experiencing it. Not everyone will be able to get their hands on it, and it raises questions about accessibility for those curious about this unique console. I’ll be putting it through its paces and sharing my full thoughts next week. Expect a hands-on look at the replica, including how it feels to play, how the games hold up, and whether this nostalgic return is worth the effort beyond novelty.

Special Mention: Zelda’s Anniversary

The 10 Best Zelda Games Wind Waker

This week also marks an anniversary for The Legend of Zelda. The series first debuted in 1986 on the NES, introducing players to the land of Hyrule, its puzzles, secrets, and the iconic hero, Link. From the top-down adventures of the original to the revolutionary 3D exploration in Ocarina of Time, Zelda has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design, storytelling, and player freedom. Over the past 40 years, the series has evolved from simple dungeons and pixelated worlds to richly detailed 3D landscapes, open-world exploration, and even innovative motion controls. Games like Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD brought these classics to modern audiences, while Breath of the Wild redefined what an open-world adventure could be on the Switch.

Nintendo hasn’t said anything publicly this week, but it’s my favourite game series, and I’m sure they’re quietly working on something. Could we see more HD remasters, or maybe a new Hyrule adventure? This is a series that always has surprises in store, so until then, this gamer can dream.

Signing off.

Before we wrap up this week’s Save Point, a few personal notes. First off, thank you to everyone who has helped us hit 18,000 subscribers. It is incredible to see this community grow.

A special shout-out to the Caves of Qud community. Switch players are being welcomed with open arms, and it has been amazing to see such respectful and passionate discussions happening in the comments section. I really appreciate the effort everyone puts into making this space positive and engaging.

And finally, one last shout-out to my very first Patreon supporter, Dankii. I appreciate the support, mate. It really means a lot to me and helps keep What’s It Like? running.

Thanks again for stopping by. Until next week, restock your health kits, check your inventory, and enjoy everything Nintendo has to offer. You have reached the Save Point!

Enjoyed our Save Point?

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Managing Editor
Joshua has been gaming since the NES era. A lifelong fan of immersive worlds, with Skyrim as his all-time favorite, he believes games should be celebrated for their stories, creativity, and the joy they bring.

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