Become A Nintendo Game Reviewer: Get Paid To Play!

Nov 11, 2025 by Admin 51 views

So, you want to become a Nintendo game reviewer? Awesome! Who wouldn't want to get paid to play the latest and greatest games on the Switch, reminisce about the classics on the NES and SNES online, or dive deep into the lore of Zelda or Mario? It sounds like a dream job, right? Well, it can be! But like any dream job, it takes effort, dedication, and a genuine passion for all things Nintendo. This guide will walk you through the steps, the skills you'll need, and how to increase your chances of landing that coveted role as a Nintendo game reviewer.

What Does a Nintendo Game Reviewer Do?

Before we dive in, let's clarify what a Nintendo game reviewer actually does. It's not just about playing games (though that's a big part of it!). A good reviewer is a skilled communicator, a critical thinker, and someone with a deep understanding of game design. You're not just saying whether you liked a game or not; you're providing insightful analysis, objective critiques, and helping potential buyers make informed decisions. Think of it as being a consumer advocate, a journalist, and a gaming expert all rolled into one.

Gameplay Analysis: A reviewer meticulously plays through a game, paying close attention to the mechanics, controls, level design, and overall flow. They analyze how well these elements work together and identify any strengths or weaknesses. This involves understanding the target audience and whether the gameplay aligns with their expectations.
Story and Narrative: For games with a strong narrative component, the reviewer assesses the plot, characters, dialogue, and world-building. They consider how engaging the story is, how well the characters are developed, and whether the narrative contributes to the overall experience. Spoiler-free is usually a must!
Graphics and Sound: A crucial aspect of any modern game is its presentation. Reviewers evaluate the graphics, art style, sound design, music, and voice acting. They consider the technical aspects, such as resolution and frame rate, as well as the artistic choices made by the developers. Does the game look and sound good? Does it fit the tone and genre?
Performance and Bugs: Nothing ruins a game faster than technical issues. Reviewers are responsible for identifying and reporting any bugs, glitches, or performance problems they encounter. This could include anything from minor visual imperfections to game-breaking crashes. They'll usually state what hardware they were playing on too.
Overall Score and Recommendation: Finally, the reviewer synthesizes all of their observations into a comprehensive review, assigning an overall score and providing a recommendation to potential buyers. This is where their personal opinion comes into play, but it should always be supported by evidence and logical reasoning. The goal is to provide a fair and balanced assessment of the game's quality and value.

In short, being a Nintendo game reviewer is about more than just having fun; it's about providing valuable insights and informed opinions to the gaming community. It's a responsibility, but one that can be incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about video games.

Skills You'll Need

Okay, so you know what a reviewer does, but what skills do you need to become one? Here's a breakdown of the essential skills you'll need to hone:

Excellent Writing Skills: This is non-negotiable. You need to be able to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Your reviews should be well-structured, easy to read, and free of grammatical errors. Practice your writing regularly, and get feedback from others. Consider taking a writing course or joining a writing group. Strong writing is key!
Critical Thinking: You need to be able to analyze games objectively, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and form well-reasoned opinions. This requires a deep understanding of game design principles and the ability to evaluate games within their specific genre and target audience. Don't just say you didn't like something; explain why.
Gaming Knowledge: This might seem obvious, but you need to have a broad understanding of video games, including different genres, platforms, and historical trends. Familiarize yourself with the history of Nintendo and its iconic franchises. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to provide insightful reviews.
Communication Skills: Reviewing isn't just about writing; it's also about communicating your ideas effectively to others. Be prepared to discuss your reviews, answer questions, and engage with the gaming community. Social media skills are also super important.
Objectivity and Fairness: It's important to be objective and fair in your reviews, even if you personally dislike a particular game or genre. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the target audience and evaluate the game based on its merits, not your own biases. Remember, you're providing a service to potential buyers.
Patience and Persistence: Breaking into the world of game reviewing takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep practicing your writing, building your portfolio, and networking with other reviewers. Persistence is key to success.

Building Your Portfolio

Now that you have the skills, you need to showcase them! A strong portfolio is essential for landing a job as a Nintendo game reviewer. Here's how to build one:

Start a Blog or Website: Create your own online platform to publish your reviews. This gives you complete control over your content and allows you to build your brand. Use a free platform like WordPress or Blogger to get started. Make sure your site looks professional and is easy to navigate.
Write Sample Reviews: Choose a variety of Nintendo games to review, including both new releases and classic titles. Aim for a mix of genres and styles to demonstrate your versatility. Focus on quality over quantity. It's better to have a few well-written reviews than many mediocre ones.
Contribute to Existing Websites: Look for opportunities to contribute guest reviews to existing gaming websites or blogs. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain valuable experience. Start small and work your way up. Even smaller sites can give you credibility.
Create Video Reviews: Video reviews are becoming increasingly popular. Create a YouTube channel and start posting video reviews of Nintendo games. This allows you to showcase your personality and communication skills. Don't be afraid to be yourself!
Engage on Social Media: Use social media to promote your reviews and connect with other gamers and reviewers. Share your reviews on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Participate in online discussions and build your network.

The key to building a strong portfolio is consistency and quality. Keep writing, keep creating, and keep engaging with the gaming community. Over time, your portfolio will grow, and you'll become a more skilled and confident reviewer.

Finding Opportunities

Alright, you've got the skills, and you've got the portfolio. Now, how do you actually find opportunities to get paid to review Nintendo games? Here are some avenues to explore:

Apply to Gaming Websites: Many gaming websites, both large and small, hire freelance reviewers. Look for job postings on their websites or social media channels. Be prepared to submit your resume, portfolio, and writing samples.
Pitch to Editors: If you have a great idea for a review or article, pitch it to the editor of a gaming website or magazine. This is a more proactive approach than simply applying for jobs. Make sure your pitch is well-written and tailored to the publication's audience.
Network at Gaming Events: Attend gaming conventions and conferences to meet other reviewers, editors, and industry professionals. This is a great way to make connections and learn about potential opportunities. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations and introduce yourself.
Monitor Job Boards: Keep an eye on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for game reviewing positions. Use keywords like "game reviewer," "Nintendo writer," and "gaming journalist" in your searches. Be prepared to apply for many jobs before you get a response.
Start Local: Don't overlook local newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may be looking for local game reviewers to cover events and games in your area. This can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Landing a job as a Nintendo game reviewer can be competitive, but with the right skills, portfolio, and networking efforts, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient, persistent, and passionate about what you do.

Tips for Success

So, you've landed your first gig as a Nintendo game reviewer! Congratulations! But the journey doesn't end there. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your new role:

Be Professional: Treat your reviewing work like a job. Meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and maintain a professional attitude. This will help you build a good reputation and increase your chances of getting more assignments.
Be Thorough: Take your time to play through the game thoroughly and pay attention to detail. Don't rush your review, and make sure you've covered all the important aspects of the game.
Be Honest: Be honest in your reviews, even if it means giving a negative critique to a popular game. Your readers will appreciate your honesty and trust your opinions more.
Be Engaging: Write your reviews in a way that is engaging and entertaining to read. Use humor, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions to keep your readers interested.
Be Respectful: Even if you dislike a game, be respectful in your criticism. Avoid personal attacks and focus on the game's flaws in a constructive way.
Be Open to Feedback: Be open to feedback from editors, readers, and other reviewers. Use their feedback to improve your writing and your reviewing skills.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Nintendo game reviewer is a challenging but rewarding career path. It requires a combination of skills, passion, and dedication. But if you're willing to put in the effort, you can turn your love of Nintendo games into a fulfilling and lucrative profession. So, grab your Switch, brush up on your writing skills, and get ready to embark on your journey to becoming a Nintendo game reviewing superstar! Good luck, and have fun!