Nintendo has emerged with an unexpectedly strong reputation this summer, not through any major announcement of its own, but because rivals Sony and Microsoft have suffered damaging setbacks. Sony revealed that PlayStation games will become digital-only from 2028, effectively ending physical media support, while Microsoft's Xbox division announced a fresh wave of mass layoffs. The contrast has left Nintendo, despite its own criticisms over pricing, looking comparatively like the more stable and ethical choice for consumers.

Sony's shift to digital-only games follows the layoff of 292 full-time Bungie staff the previous week, while Microsoft has cut 1,600 jobs with another 1,600 expected later this fiscal year, continuing heavy losses from 2025. Meanwhile, Nintendo has quietly released low-key titles such as Rhythm Heaven Groove and Star Fox, with Splatoon due next week, alongside comments from president Shuntaro Furukawa on nurturing talent internally. Nintendo isn't without controversy, notably a looming Switch 2 price increase and the $80 cost of the latest Mario Kart, but against the scale of its rivals' job cuts, the company is being viewed more favourably by comparison.