Pikmin 4 has you controlling an army of tiny plant-like creatures, Clash of Heroes has you controlling armies of soldiers, and an update to the Razer Nexus software makes it easier to stream your favourite games to your mobile handset.

Pikmin 4 is a charming game that is all about being a manager

The latest charm offensive from Nintendo is Pikmin 4, a Nintendo Switch game that is perfect summer fare.

You play as a novice explorer on a planet – it looks a lot like Earth – where your fellow explorers have gone missing. Your main mission is to find the crew and parts of the space ship that needs to be repaired so you can all return home.

You accomplish this with the help of pikmin, small, plant-like creatures that you collect, assemble, and direct to do your will. These tiny little workers will attack dangerous creatures, knock down obstacles, carry heavy objects to your ship, and so much more.

The fun comes from collecting these pikmin, which come in different types that are suited for different tasks, and knowing which types to take with you when you go exploring (you can have three types with you at any time).

There’s a time limit of sorts that’s in play here, although not as draconian as in the original Pikmin. The daily time limit serves to constrain exploration without providing the panic of a race against the clock.

While figuring out how best to deploy your pikmin, you’ll also be looking to keep the little creatures alive. They can be replaced, but it’s time consuming to do that.

You also have the assistance of a companion, the dog-like Oatchi, which can carry you and your army of pikmin as well as attack on your behalf.

Pikmin 4 is available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Rated everyone 10+.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes debuts on the Nintendo Switch

One of the best games I’ve ever played, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes. Originally developed by Toronto’s Capybara Games and published by Ubisoft back in 2009 for Nintendo’s DS handheld, it’s recently been remade by Dotemu and I arranged to get a copy for our Nintendo Switch.

The game is just as good as I remember. You play your way through a melodramatic story about lost children going up against a demon lord with the world at stake.

What makes this game so intriguing is the puzzle mechanic that makes up the turn-based combat. You need to arrange and order troops to battle against opponents, creating groups of three that can become attacking units or can turn into defensive ramparts.

The trick is finding out how you can damage the enemy while keeping enough in reserve to protect yourself against attack.

This new definitive edition features new artwork and is also available for PS4, PS5, and Windows.

Razer updates Nexus software for Kishi controller and Edge portable

Kishi is Razer’s controller for mobile handsets. Available in models for Android devices and iPhones, Kishi provides the kind of gaming controls you’d expect on a console controller.

The idea is that you can stream games to your handset from your Nvidia, Playstation, Steam, or Xbox library, and the Kishi controller makes it a better experience.

And paired with the Razer Nexus software, which was recently updated to version 3.0, you can easily launch into your games, too. The Nexus software allows you to add games from your various streaming accounts, providing you with a single library of games you can play on your handset.

The Nexus software is also at the core of the Razer Edge portable, a purpose built Android system with a 6.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen display that comes with a Kishi V2 Pro controller.