Wow, where to start? It’s official, though. It’s been 20 years since I sat down and cobbled together the somewhat infamous ‘Our Nintendo Life Begins…’ article back in late 2005, a world before iPhones, iPads, Fortnite, and YouTube wasn’t even a year old yet.
How times have changed. Both generally and specifically, the video game industry.
When I wrote that first article, we were technically still in the GameCube era. I had really enjoyed my brief stint putting together ‘GameCube UK’, a website all about… (you guessed it) GameCube in 2001-2002. Then, with the Nintendo ‘Revolution’ on the horizon, I was getting the itch to get back into running a website about games, and Nintendo Life was born.
Back when the site turned 10, I penned an article that details the early years of Nintendo Life, if you are interested in that.
The site’s name truly is fitting, though, considering that over the years it has become a bigger and bigger part of my life, dominating my entire adult existence. There can’t be many days over the last 20 years that I haven’t interacted with it in some way or at least read/replied to a related email.
Anyway, enough self-indulgence. I’m incredibly proud of Nintendo Life reaching this milestone. It is a testament to all the lovely people who have been on our team, both the amazing staff we have today and all who have come before over the decades. Without them, the website would simply be a shell.
Nintendo Life (mega)evolved from a hobbyist project into a fully fledged business and helped launch the careers of lots of people, most of whom are still working in the games industry today.
We also have to thank Nintendo itself for simply doing what Nintendo does. Given the turbulent times they have faced over the last two decades, I think this particular anniversary finds them in a pretty good position, all things considered. They’ve clearly evolved during the Switch 1 era, mainly for the better, but like any corporation driven by profits, they still have some negative aspects that concern me, as a fan.
Nintendo UK and Nintendo of America have been very supportive of Nintendo Life over the years, and we continue to appreciate their cooperation and respect.
Last but certainly not least, we have to thank you. Yes, you, the reader, the viewer, the user, the watcher. If you are reading this, you are part of our journey. Some of you have been around since the beginning, and for some maybe this is your first ever article. Without you, our audience, there would be no Nintendo Life. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for visiting.
Everything may have started with Nintendo Life, but in those 20 years, we also started a family. Our company name became Hookshot and spawned new sites that you all (hopefully) know and love with Push Square, Pure Xbox, and Time Extension. Although each site has its own dedicated staff, Hookshot itself is one big team, something we are all incredibly proud of.
Only yesterday, the Hookshot team grew once more as we launched the new Digital Foundry website, a new partnership between the newly independent Digital Foundry and Hookshot.
It’s hard to know where Nintendo Life will be in another 20 years’ time; uncertain times are almost certainly ahead. Right now, the internet is clearly evolving, and so must we.
Support from our audience is required now, more than ever. If you enjoy our work, it’s easy to support us. Visit the website (without an adblocker) or become a paid supporter – then, if you can, spread the word to your friends, and finally, tell us how Nintendo Life can serve you better.
Today, though, is for celebration, and whilst 7th November 2025 is the official birthday/anniversary of Nintendo Life turning 20, we will be putting together various mini projects and articles over the next 12 months to fully celebrate the occasion. Watch this space!
Thanks for playing!
~ Ant
If you’ve got any ideas for things you’d like to see, please let us know in the comments below.
Site News: Nintendo Life Turns 20 Today!
Celebrating 20 Years of Nintendo Life
Today,Nintendo life proudly commemorates its 20th anniversary,marking two decades as one of the premier sources for Nintendo gaming news,reviews,features,adn community interaction. Since its inception, Nintendo Life has evolved alongside the gaming industry itself, becoming an indispensable hub for fans across the globe eager for reliable and timely Nintendo coverage.
The Evolution of Nintendo Life: A Journey Through Two Decades
From humble beginnings in 2003, Nintendo Life has expanded exponentially, embracing new platforms, technologies, and trends while maintaining its commitment to Nintendo-focused content. Key milestones include:
- Launching in-depth reviews for every generation of Nintendo consoles.
- Introducing dedicated coverage of the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
- Growing an active community with forums,reader mail,and interactive features.
- Expanding into video content and live streams to complement written articles.
- Covering exclusive events and Nintendo Direct announcements as a trusted source.
What Makes Nintendo Life Stand Out in the Nintendo News Arena?
in a crowded space of gaming websites, Nintendo Life continues to shine as of its:
- dedicated Nintendo Focus: Exclusive coverage ensures deep knowledge of all Nintendo news and products.
- High-Quality Journalism: Expert reviews that balance critical insight with fan enthusiasm.
- Engaged Community: Readers contribute regularly through comments, mailbags, and social media.
- Timely Updates: Keeping fans informed about everything from eShop deals to major game launches promptly.
Retrospective: Notable Highlights Over 20 Years
| Year | Event | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Site Launch | started as a dedicated Nintendo news and reviews portal |
| 2006 | Wii Launch Coverage | Established itself as the go-to source for Wii news |
| 2017 | Switch Coverage Begins | Pivoted to focus on Nintendo Switch,skyrocketing readership |
| 2021 | Expanded Video Content | Launched a YouTube channel and live streaming events |
| 2023 | 20 Million Monthly Visitors | Achieved a massive global audience |
Reader Mail & Community engagement: A Two-decade Tradition
Every October,Nintendo Life opens its Mailbox to share the best reader letters and fan messages,fostering a unique connection between the site and the Nintendo community. This interactive approach has helped shape the site’s content and growth, creating a vibrant online discussion space cherished by fans worldwide.
Fans regularly send in:
- Questions about upcoming Nintendo releases
- Game recommendations and reviews
- Fan art and storytelling
- Discussions on Nintendo history and lore
This feedback loop has been vital for the site’s evolution and keeps content fresh, relevant, and deeply connected to its user base.
Benefits of Following Nintendo life for Nintendo Fans
- Comprehensive Nintendo News: Stay ahead on all hardware and software announcements.
- Expert Game Reviews: Informed opinions help you choose the best Nintendo games.
- Exclusive Features & Interviews: Insightful content from industry insiders and creatives.
- Community Interaction: Engage with like-minded gamers and share your passion.
- Deal Alerts: Never miss out on eShop discounts and bundle deals.
Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Nintendo Life
To maximize your Nintendo Life experience, consider the following tips:
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Receive daily or weekly updates directly in your inbox.
- Participate in Forums: Join discussions on your favorite titles and hardware news.
- Monitor eShop Deals: regularly check for curated discounts and exclusive offers.
- Follow Social Media Channels: Engage in live conversations and event coverage.
- Submit Reader Mail: Share your thoughts and get featured in Nintendo Life’s exclusive mailbags.
Exclusive First-Hand Experience: Navigating Nintendo’s Latest Releases
Over the years, Nintendo Life’s expert writers have provided early access game reviews-from the legendary Super Mario series to innovative titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Metroid Dread. This helps readers:
- Understand gameplay mechanics through detailed analysis.
- Gauge overall game quality before purchase.
- Discover hidden Easter eggs and tips.
- stay informed on post-launch updates and DLC deals.
Table: Popular Nintendo Console coverage by nintendo Life
| Console | Launch Year | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo DS | 2004 | Revolutionized handheld gaming articles, early reviews |
| Wii | 2006 | Extensive launch & accessory coverage, motion control features |
| 3DS | 2011 | 3D gaming deep dives & indie spotlight |
| Switch | 2017 | Massive game coverage, hardware revisions, eShop sales |
| Switch OLED | 2021 | Display quality breakdown & exclusive game previews |
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Nintendo Life?
As Nintendo Life hits its 20-year milestone, it continues to innovate and expand its offerings with plans for:
- More video content and podcasts focusing on Nintendo culture.
- Collaborations with Nintendo insiders and developers.
- Enhanced mobile experience for gaming on-the-go.
- broader coverage of retro and classic Nintendo franchises.
Whatever the future holds, Nintendo Life remains the definitive destination for Nintendo news, reviews, and community interaction.
Join the celebration and explore everything Nintendo Life has to offer at Nintendo Life[[2]] and enjoy two decades of Nintendo news excellence.
