Recently people became aware of a hidden version of Nintendo's Golf game from the NES hidden inside each and every Nintendo Switch. With the NES emulator naming of 'flog' on one side it showcases the ability for the console to play NES games. But, it also raises the question as to why it was there in the first place. And inaccessible to players.

Golf for the NES was a launch title, and was programmed by future Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata. Who tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 55. A beloved figure to Nintendo fans and the gaming community at large, for many years Iwata was the public face of the company.


To play NES Golf on Switch, according to the people at SwitchBrew who discovered the game, you need to set the date to July 11 - the day that Iwata passed. Not only that but you need to complete a motion with the Joy-Con controllers in hand similar to a motion used by Iwata in one of his Nintendo Direct presentations.

A sweet and touching tribute that enters the realm of the truly heart-warming once you become aware of the Japanese tradition known as Omamori. Which are Japanese amulets that are said to provide various forms of luck or protection, and keep those you lost close at heart. The Japanese press are reporting the appearance of NES Golf on the Switch as a form of Omamori. Nintendo's way of keeping Satoru Iwata's memory and spirit alive in each and every Nintendo Switch.

Yeah, a touching story of a hidden game and a tribute to an industry icon.