In the gaming industry, Nintendo stands out not only for the quality of its games and its evergreen catalog of classic characters, but also for its focus on community. Whether through software that connects people of all ages, hardware features like StreetPass, or the local multiplayer functionality built into every single Switch console, Nintendo is especially great at driving positivity for gaming and giving like-minded fans a reason to come together to play and celebrate the games they love. That’s why we’re here writing about them, and why you’re here reading about them. Various Nintendo-focused communities have formed around the world over the years, and in the UK, Nintendo Gamers UK is the biggest.
An independent ‘umbrella’ network of Nintendo fans, NPUK organizes physical gatherings for gamers in the UK and Ireland, and is made up of 29 individual regional communities. Jen Griffiths is part of the NPUK board and chief administrator of this inclusive games hub, which is fast approaching its 10-year milestone this August. “Our ethos,” Jen tells us via email, “is simply to provide free events that are inclusive and family-friendly spaces for Nintendo fans to meet and play games with each other.”
The idea of a more united collective of British Nintendo enthusiasts began earlier, in fact, starting as an attempt to exploit a feature of the 3DS that we’re close to, before blossoming into something more.
“A few individual groups emerged around the release of the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, and initially it was all about getting those StreetPasses. Nintendo has always been about bringing people together to simply enjoy their favorite games. We wanted to put that on a local level, and over the course of 2012 . by 2013, James Bowden set himself the task of tying it all together and connecting the dots for what became StreetPass UK and later Nintendo Players UK.”
While NPUK serves as an umbrella for all Nintendo fan groups, Jen believes one of its strengths is the diversity of each member group. “The beauty of Nintendo Players UK is that everyone’s group comes together around the same ethos and ideals, but each group has its own identity,” she continues. “Some groups are more sporadic than others, but the most active groups tend to target monthly events and some even weekly events. We are all volunteers and our passion for Nintendo and the community shines through everything we do.”
Events organized and connected under the banner of NPUK range from smaller regional meetings (such as the recent Mario Movie “Mini-encounter” run by Nintendo North Wales (NNW) and upcoming TOTK meeting Nintendo Dundee) to larger multi-group ejections. Jen mentions Smash final in January 2015 at the Custard Factory in Birmingham and Mario Kart Final / Splatoon Invitational last year as a special emphasis.
Your evergreen Mario Karts, Smashes, Pokémons, and Splatoons are regular events at social events, though that doesn’t mean lesser-known, smaller games don’t make an appearance as well. “We often see Good Job being played!” says Jen from NNW, her local group. The Switch’s local focus on multiplayer has also helped more players join the NPUK community. “More people in the family environment have switches, and younger generations are starting to turn on again.”
And then there’s the tantalizing possibility for 3DS fans like us — and our wonderful video producer Zion — to collect some of those sweet, sweet StreetPass hits. For 3DS-Lifers who still fly the flag for the wonderful social feature from the previous generation of Nintendo’s handhelds, organized and safe events like these are a real boon. “The last time I personally got a StreetPass was on April 15th,” Jen tells us. “We always ask/remind our members to bring their 3DSs in case someone needs puzzle pieces!”
Our ethos is simply to provide free events that are inclusive and family-friendly for Nintendo fans to meet and play each other’s games.
It goes without saying that the past few years have presented significant barriers to in-person encounters for Nintendo fans and everyone else. While online alternatives are better than nothing (something we’ve all learned during the pandemic), there’s really no substitute for meeting people face-to-face, something that goes against the old ‘lonely gamer’ stereotype.
“After the pandemic forced everyone online, we couldn’t wait to get back to doing what we love. With a board of some of the core founders in place, we’re able to do more and reach more people with our love for all things Nintendo. It’s truly ironic that many gamers are assumed to be isolated in their bedrooms, when our mission is actually to network with other gamers and make connections in person.”
Bonding in groups like this also has potential benefits that go beyond just boosting the social skills department. “Once lonely people can find their soul mates, and for event organizers it’s also a great boost to CVs and job prospects.”
Looking back on the past decade, Jen mentions North vs South Wales match from June 2015 as a significant achievement, “but establishing a full committee to help run NPUK is also worse. September 2020 was a focal point for NPUK.”
As a national hub, one of the great things about the network is how widespread it is — 29 regional groups and growing. NPUK connects local gaming communities into a larger whole. Sure, you can travel halfway across the country to meet like-minded Nintendo fans if you’re willing and able, but there’s probably a Nintendo community to join much closer to home, and Jen encourages you to do just that.
“Find out where your local community is, get involved; and if there is nothing in your area, call and ask about starting your own community!”
There are plans for a 10th anniversary celebration this summer, but that’s still a few months away. “First we have a campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week in mid-May, so all I can say at the moment is ‘Watch this place’!”
Thanks so much Jen for talking to us. Let us know below if you are part of one of NPUK’s regional groups! And if you’re interested in finding a friendly Nintendo-centric community near you, go for it Nintendo Players UK website and take a look Upcoming events in your area.
