3DS eShop - News
May2014
Hands On Photos with Mario and AR Card Fun
Koopa Troopas invade your living room!
How long has it been since you thought about AR (augmented reality) gaming on your 3DS? If the stack of AR cards that came with your system is gathering dust in a corner somewhere, go dig 'em out, because Nintendo has finally released a new AR game; it doesn't even seem to want you to know about it. Photos with...
Great things in small packages
With one exception, which is also making its way to the 3DS Virtual Console, all of the Game Boy Mega Man games take two of the NES titles and rework them a bit. Some old faces in new places, so to speak. A sprinkling of unique bosses and weapons help to carve out identities for these portable experiences but, by and...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 19th May
Yet more games make the cut for Wii U
It's been a busy week in the world of Kickstarter funding, with plenty of positive news for Nintendo gamers. There are three projects that have hit Wii U targets, a new entry that looks promising for the 3DS, and unfortunately some that have failed to make their mark. Plenty to consider, then, so let's get to...
News Photos With Mario Available for Free Now in North American eShop
Not exactly a high profile launch
Photos With Mario, previously released in Japan alongside AR cards sold at retail, has dropped onto the 3DS eShop in North America; it's free, so no complaints here. This is rather like a dedicated and improved version of the original AR card app, as you simply pose and snap pics of various characters for your...
Nintendo Download 22nd May (Europe)
A SQUIDS Odyssey, Swords, Klonoa and much more
It's another Monday morning, which means we have a juicy Nintendo Download update for European gamers. This week includes plenty of options on both Wii U and 3DS, with brand new and Virtual Console titles on both systems. Without further ado, let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: SQUIDS Odyssey (The...
Nintendo Download 15th May (North America)
Wii Party U(?!), Scram Kitty, Chronicles of the Moon and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week certainly brings decent variety and some much anticipated games. There are two exclusives across Wii U and 3DS that stand out, along with some other downloads and Virtual Console entries on both current systems. Let's get to...
News HTR High Tech Racing 3DS Development Update Brings Good News
Vroom vroom
In summer 2013 we told you about HTR High Tech Racing, which aims to recreate Scalextric-style fun on the 3DS eShop. It's not a concept that's particularly common in the video game market, which may mean it'll be unique and fun enough to grab the attention of download game fans. There's a '+' version approaching release on PC and Mac,...
News Goodbye Galaxy Games Now An Approved Nintendo Publisher
Studio aims to self-publish and support other indie developers
Goodbye Galaxy Games, a name possibly familiar to download fans of the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop, has confirmed that it's now in possession of a publishing license from Nintendo. Previously the studio has worked with publishers such as CIRCLE Entertainment and others to bring games such as...
Back it up and dump it!
There are so many driving games on the market today, we've been oversaturated with choice; whether you want a hardcore racing sim, a lighthearted arcade game, a futuristic hovercraft racer, or all your favourite corporate characters go-karting together, there's something out there for you. But you know what the driving game...
News The Band of Thieves & 1000 Pokémon is a Free 3DS eShop Title Coming to Japan
Uses StreetPass and ties into upcoming movie
Pokémon XY The Movie - The Cocoon of Destruction & Diancie is coming to Japan in July, and CoroCoro magazine (via Serebii has announced that a free 3DS eShop game will be released to tie in with the film. The Band of Thieves & 1000 Pokémon is due on 5th June in Japan and will only be available...
Third time's the charm
After the fun but flawed Dr. Wily's Revenge and the almost thoroughly disappointing Mega Man II on Game Boy, Capcom made a serious and substantial course correction. The result is Mega Man III, and we couldn't be happier about that. Retaining the template from Dr. Wily's Revenge (two sets of Robot Masters, a new Mega Man...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Updated for May, Physical Items Return
Super Metroid! 3D Classic! Brain Age! Mario Kart 64!
During April Nintendo of America took away physical rewards from Club Nintendo ahead of maintenance work, and it's now reintroduced its standard range a day ahead of schedule. Little has changed, though it's worth checking out the updated options on the official website, with Mario and Luigi 3DS...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 12th May
Some fresh projects to consider
It's that time again when we provide updates on a batch of Kickstarter projects currently doing the rounds for Wii U and 3DS. It seems that there's some momentum around the Wii U eShop, in particular, as we're consistently being pointed to fresh projects that have included Nintendo's home console in their funding...
Nintendo Download 15th May (Europe)
Scram Kitty, Kirby, GBA's Wii U return and more
It's another Monday morning, Europe, but we have the European download update to remind us of what treats await later this week. It's a small batch this week that nevertheless has some potential crackers, with major releases — download-only and retail — across both Wii U and 3DS. Let's get to the...
Get equipped with tarnished legacy
Ask any fan of the Blue Bomber to name their favourite game in the series and the odds are good that they will say either Mega Man 2 or Mega Man 3. That's to be expected, though; both of those games are among the best on the NES, a system that had no shortage of great platformers and action games. What's less...
Review Moon Chronicles: Episode 1
Down the hatch...
Renegade Kid originally released first-person shooter Moon on the DS with publisher Mastiff in 2009, though sales were relatively modest — this episodic digital re-release, retitled Moon Chronicles, will be the first time many players experience the game. The 3DS isn't always considered ideal for first-person shooters, but Moon...
News Moon Chronicles Lands on the 3DS eShop in North America on 15th May
First episode to cost $8.99
Moon Chronicles, the enhanced and episodic remake of Renegade Kid's DS retail title Moon, will make its 3DS eShop début on 15th May in North America. As previously revealed this will be released in four parts, with the opening section costing the most and including a sizeable chunk of the storyline. It is a "season",...
Nintendo Download 8th May (North America)
GBA Wario, more Mega May, Denpa Men, Grinsia and much more
It's download update time, North America, and this week brings a diverse mix of old and new, including a fresh Game Boy Advance offering on the Wii U Virtual Console. There are three brand new games on the 3DS eShop, two more Mega Man "Mega May" games and, unbelievably, three DSiWare...
News Download Sales On Nintendo Formats Have Trebled In The Last Two Years
$235 million in digital sales gained in the past 12 months
Nintendo has confirmed that digital revenue across its consoles has tripled in the past two years. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed the statistic at the recent investor's briefing, explaining that during the financial period between April 2013 and March 2014, around 24 billion Yen...
Cross your pis and mind your queues
As its title suggests, Picross e4 is not Jupiter’s first trip to the intellectual rodeo. The developer has been releasing collections of the classic puzzle at a steady pace, adding small tweaks to an already reliable formula. This latest instalment identifies itself with sunny hues, and fans of the series may...
News Arc Style: Baseball 3D Is Up to Bat on 3DS Next Week
Full-scale baseball on deck for 15th May
Did Rusty's Real Deal Baseball's bite-sized minigames leave you hankering for a full-on baseball title? You're in luck, as Arc System Works is bringing Arc Style: Baseball 3D, released last year in Japan, to the North American 3DS eShop on 15th May. Following in the footsteps of Arc Style: Soccer 3D and Arc...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 5th May
Ups and downs
We're a day later than normal, but we haven't forgotten our regular Kickstarter project update; the previous week has brought quite a few notable updates. We have successes and failures to consider, and some additions over which to cast our eye. As always the focus is on current campaigns or those that have been completed in the past...
Xtreme Mediocrity
Mega Man X is often touted as one of the best games the SNES had to offer, which is certainly saying something. Its first sequel is further from consensus, but it's still safe to say that it's a great followup to its predecessor. If you've played either of these games — and, if you haven't, stop reading right now and do that —...
News Renegade Kid Moving On To A "New Experimental 2D Game for 3DS" After Kickstarter Failure
"It has pixels and stuff"
Renegade Kid is one of the best known download developers on the 3DS, in particular, with Mutant Mudds perhaps the most popular of its titles to date. There are also exciting things on the way, with Moon Chronicles bringing episodic play to the the 3DS eShop and Treasurenauts looking like a colourful 2D romp. There are...
Nintendo Download 8th May (Europe)
Return to the Abyss, more Denpa men, discounts galore and more
Monday brings the beginning of another week, and Nintendo of Europe has once again served up details of the download goodies on the way this week. The stand-out is possibly the third entry in a popular AR series on 3DS, though there's a tempting budget title on Wii U, NES titles on both...
News Cult County Kickstarter Ends Without Success, Developer "Discussing Other Options"
Jools Watsham thanks 1492 backers
For those that have been following the project closely, it should come as no surprise that Renegade Kid's Cult County Kickstarter campaign has fallen short of its target. The project was to come to Wii U, 3DS and host of platforms, but ended well short of its target with $46,736 raised of the $580,000 goal. It's...
Review Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst
Never go back
Publisher Big Fish Games has certainly got the hang of porting its old PC games to the Nintendo 3DS. After releasing many of them as retail games in PAL regions, it has started to hawk them on the 3DS eShop as well. The original Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst was released in 2008 for the PC and is an evolution of the Mystery...
Nintendo Download 1st May (North America)
Triple Kirby, Mario Golf, Mega May begins and more!
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and two major retail titles also make an appearance. Let's get to the...
News Harvest Moon 3 And Lufia: The Legend Returns Rated For 3DS Virtual Console Release
New Game Boy Color games incoming
If you're looking forward to playing more handheld classics on your 3DS then you'll be pleased to learn that the Australian Classification board has handed out ratings for two new Game Boy Color games. Harvest Moon 3 and Lufia: The Legend Returns have both been given a "General" rating, which is a good sign that...
April2014
News Parking Star 3D swerving on to the North American 3DS eShop 8th May
What do you do if you see a space, man?
It’s time to fill that empty space on your SD card as Parking Star 3D will soon be heading to the 3DS eShop. EasyTech and CIRCLE Entertainment have today announced that their parking simulator will be released in North America on 8th May, although there’s currently no word on a European release date. The...
Review Me & My Furry Patients 3D
Diagnosis: a little hairy
There's a certain nostalgic charm to Me & My Furry Patients 3D's early-1990s PC game aesthetic – the rudimentary isometric 2D graphics, crude character models, heavy reliance on walls of text and menus resembling Windows 95 pop-up boxes are a nice change of pace from the ubiquitous FarmVille-esque cartoony graphics we...
Matters of Import Sega 3D Classics Races Ahead With 3D OutRun
Is it a Magical Sound Shower or just a Passing Breeze?
Sega’s 3D Classics range just keeps on going — in Japan, at least — with this latest offering being OutRun, one of the biggest hits of them all. Like Super Hang-On and Space Harrier before it, OutRun used Sega’s impressive Super Scaler arcade tech to wow arcade gamers and deliver some...
News New Version Of Petit Computer Will Allow For SNES Or PlayStation Standard Games On 3DS
Smileboom president Takaki Kobayashi starts the hype train
Smileboom's Petit Computer is a DSiWare application which allows you to program games using a variant of the Beginners All-purpose Standard Instruction Code — or BASIC — programming language, which incredibly turns 50 this year. Speaking to John Szczepaniak — the guy behind
Review Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Join the fang club
Looking back, it's incredible to think that Konami took such a risk with the Castlevania series during its formative years. Having tasted critical and commercial success with the original NES outing, the Japanese company decided to give its direct sequel a different spin. The result was Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, a game which...
Nintendo Download 1st May (Europe)
Mario Golf, Cave Story, Child of Light and Simon goes on a quest too
This week brings a Euro Nintendo Download packed full of tantalising downloadable delights. 3DS retail: Mario Golf: World Tour (Nintendo, £34.99/€39.99) - Grab your clubs and bring fun to the fore in Mario Golf: World Tour! Join Mario and friends for engrossing golf action on...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 27th April
Confirmed Wii U games and tough campaigns
It's time for another Kickstarter campaign summary, with quite a few details that have changed since last week. We have two notable success stories, including a campaign that looked like a close call but secured success late in the day; there has also been a cancellation and others that look doomed to...
Highlights low eShop sales and policies lagging behind Sony and Microsoft
Brandon Sheffield is, arguably, just the sort of developer Nintendo should be wooing — he produces games through his own studio Necrosoft, is an editor on Gamasutra and is a familiar face at industry events such as GDC (Game Developers Conference) and IDF (Independent Games...
Interview A Look Through the Periscope at Steel Diver: Sub Wars
No actual link to Star Fox despite Peppy's cameo, sorry...
Steel Diver: Sub Wars will go down in Nintendo history, an honour perhaps exceeding its status as a very good download game — this is because it represents the big N's first full dalliance with free-to-play. Its February arrival on the 3DS eShop caused plenty of fascination, as a result,...
Tokugawa Mew Mew
Imagine, for a moment, that you are a cat. What would you do for a can of delicious cat food? What about a can of delicious, destiny-altering Super Cat Food? If you're anything like the feline cast of Smash Cat Heroes — the latest eShop title from Escape from Zombie City studio Tom Create — you'd grab a kitten-sized katana and...
News The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll Hits North America and Europe on 8th May
Demo next week, progress transferred to full game
Earlier this year we shared the news that Genius Sonority was bringing The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll to the West, the third entry in the quirky but rather excellent augmented reality RPG series. It was previously announced that there'd be a demo in May, and the developer wasn't kidding —...
Train with aliens, play a friendly against Spain or compete in a tournament
Supporters of the newly released 3DS eShop title Nintendo Pocket Football Club will be pleased to discover the official website has recently been updated to include European rankings, tournament and SpotPass distribution schedules, as well as add-on content details...
News Grinsia Heading To The North American 3DS eShop On 8th May
No news on a European release date as yet
Kemco’s well received iOS and Android title, Grinsia, will finally be arriving on the 3DS eShop next month. The port of the classic JRPG-style game is being published by Nicalis, which has previously brought us indie games such as Cave Story and VVVVVV; it's recently confirmed the release date on its...
News Tappingo Gets a 30% Discount in Early May
Figure it out
Hugo Smits, the man behind Goodbye Galaxy Games, has been in touch to confirm that he has a treat on the way for puzzle fans with a 3DS. His latest eShop title, Tappingo, will be reduced by 30% from 1st to 15th May — in this period it'll cost €1.99 / £1.75 / $1.99. As is expected of titles from the developer, it takes some...
Nintendo Download 24th April (North America)
NES is remixed, Child of Light, Yoshi's back, a golfing demo and more
It's that time again, North America, for your Nintendo Download update news. This week brings two high profile titles to the Wii U eShop, along with the latest Game Boy Advance Virtual Console offering. It's more of a mixed bag on the 3DS, though there is a demo for a major retail...
Video We Put The Pedal To The Metal In Sega's 3D OutRun
Can M2 keep up their winning streak?
It hardly feels like Japanese 3DS owners have finished with Fantasy Zone, but M2 is back on the eShop and granting gamer wishes once again, this time bringing Yu Suzuki's OutRun into the palms of arcade fans. As we've come to expect this is yet another fantastic port with just the right balance of hardcore...
News North American Club Nintendo Update Closes Down Physical Rewards Until May
More game downloads added in the interim
Club Nintendo patrons in North America who were saving up their coins for some tangible Nintendo memorabilia will apparently have to wait a while before doing so as the program undergoes a system update. Visitors to the Club Nintendo rewards page will be met with the following message: Orders for physical...
Review Tiny Games - Knights & Dragons
The dark knight
Taking the title of this game at face value, one could understandably conjure some exciting images of brave warriors setting off to battle in a land teeming with adventurous opportunities. The medieval setting is well-established by this point, and is versatile enough to appeal to even the very young demographic that Tiny Games...
News Picross e4 Confirmed For North American 3DS eShop Release In May
Mega Picross puzzles await
It might be slightly later than expected, but Picross e4 is finally making the leap to the west. The game has been confirmed for a May 1st release on the North American 3DS eShop. The game launched in Japan last year, and publisher Jupiter Corporation has previously stated that it will also see release in Europe in the...
News Hidden Object Puzzler Azada Is Spooking The North American 3DS eShop Next Month
Brain training
It has been confirmed that the 3DS puzzle title Azada will be hitting the North American eShop on May 1st. Originally released in physical form back in 2012, Azada is a port of a preexisting PC, Android and iOS title and comes from the creator of the Mystery Case Files series. You have to assist the hapless Titus in his escape from a...
News Possibility of SNES Remix and Other Remix Titles Depends on Fan Support
NES Remix director: "Does the marketplace want it or need it?"
In an interview with IGN, NES Remix and NES Remix 2 director Koichi Hayashida explained that the possibility of a SNES Remix, Game Boy Advance Remix, or other Remix brand titles will depend on the market's support and fan outcry. There could even be a Remix title based on third-party...
Lock the box and throw away the key
With a huge assortment of puzzle titles on the eShop, PouncingKitten's Boxzle doesn't do nearly enough to set itself apart from the rest of the litter. With three variations on the "sliding box" mechanic the potential for clever and satisfying puzzles is there, but poor visuals and sound, generic presentation and...
News Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call Is Serenading The West Later This Year
Music to our ears
If you've been following our coverage of the Japanese version of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call then you'll probably be wondering if and when the game is coming to the West. Thankfully, we can now confirm that a western launch is indeed happening, and it takes place at some point this year. To celebrate the announcement,...
News The Nintendo eShop Is Like Paradise, Says Image & Form's Brjann Sigurgeirsson
"The gamers are REAL gamers who pay for quality"
As we're all well aware, the Nintendo eShop isn't the only digital marketplace out there right now. Sony and Microsoft have their own storefronts for downloadable titles, and the iOS App Store and Google Play market offer developers to chance to reach millions of potential customers. However, for...
News Gaijin Games' Woah Dave! Reportedly Coming to 3DS
Whoa, that’s awesome!
According to a recent GameZebo interview with Jason Cirillo of Robotube Games – a sub-label of Gaijin Games – retro-inspired platformer Woah Dave! is set to make an appearance on the 3DS in the near future. No doubt in the form of an eShop release. During the recent PAX East, one extract of the GameZebo interview...
Nintendo Download 24th April (Europe)
NES Remix returns, Yoshi on GBA, Yumi by another name and more
A day later than normal due to a Holiday Monday, we finally have this week's Nintendo Download information for Europe. We've got a Wii U sequel to a popular remix, more GBA goodness, a mix of good and not-so-good on the 3DS and a new DSiWare title. Plenty to consider, so let's get into...
News Koichi Hayashida Explains Absence of NES Remix 1 & 2 on 3DS
Extra grunt of Wii U made it preferred platform
During an insightful exchange with IGN, NES Remix 1 & 2 Director Koichi Hayashida has explained how previous work with Super Mario 3D World, along with the power of Nintendo’s Wii U – and his own familiarity with the system's architecture – led to the development of the classic compilation...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 20th April
Cancellations and close calls
In recent weeks we've produced Kickstarter summaries to show how campaigns are progressing, and this entry includes successes, cancellations and some close calls. Considering the fact that some exciting games have arrived and are on the way from successfully crowdfunded campaigns in the past, it's certainly worth...
Aquatic amusements
All prefaces about there being too many match-three puzzle games available on the 3DS eShop have been exhausted. While it still rings true that there is an overabundance of them on the digital marketplace, there's no use beating the dead horse that this genre and joke have become. The fact is that people love tile matching games,...
Kubi, you blockhead...
It's been almost five years since Bit Boy!! graced the WiiWare service, providing a generation-spanning adventure through the history of video games. Unfortunately the execution of that game was middling at best, leaving a great concept — the guiding of a single hero on a nostalgia-tinged journey through the past — sorely...
News Turtle Tale Slowly Moves Closer to the eShop on 3DS and Wii U
Turtle power
There's some 2D platforming action getting closer to both the 3DS and Wii U eShop; those that want to be a heroic water gun-wielding turtle will soon be able to fulfil that fantasy in Turtle Tale. Announced last year and taking its cue from action platformers of the NES and SNES era, it's the work of Saturnine Games — the studio is...
News Game & Watch Gallery 3 Rated for 3DS Virtual Console Release
More Game Boy Color goodness for the 3DS Virtual Console
The 3DS Virtual Console has, in recent times, been somewhat dominated by NES games, rather than the Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles that typified its early months. While Capcom is preparing a Mega May which will bring us retro portable Mega Man games, it looks like Nintendo's also looking...
News Cave Story is Finally Coming to the 3DS eShop in Europe and Australia
It's time
Some regional release sagas roll on and on, with publishers on tight budgets or with limited resources sometimes deciding not to jump through the hoops for ratings and approval in Europe and Australia, particularly. One example has been running for so long that those asking for it gradually forgot to complain any more — Cave Story on the...
Nintendo Download 17th April (North America)
Classic Mario, GBA treats, HD Flowerworks, smashing cats and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and a major retail title also make an appearance. Let's...
News Australian Classification Board Rates Xtreme Sports for 3DS Virtual Console
The WayForward Game Boy Color classic appears headed to the eShop
It looks like one of WayForward Technologies' early classics will be arriving on the 3DS Virtual Console in the near future. The Australian Classification Board has rated Xtreme Sports, published by Infogrames in 2000 on the Game Boy Color exclusively in North America. Europe would...
News 3DS Release Added to Cult County's Core Kickstarter Target
"You spoke. We listened."
In early April Renegade Kid launched a Kickstarter campaign for Cult County on home consoles (including Wii U), Vita and PC. It was a title that had been announced for 3DS in early 2013, but as the studio's co-founder Jools Watsham told us, the shift to using the Unity engine and focusing on greater scope had shifted
News 3D OutRun Given a Release Date and Details for Japan
We want it yesterday
The 3D series of classics from Sega were, in the Nintendo Life office at least, among the highlights on the 3DS late last year. With a mix of arcade and Mega Drive / Genesis games getting the impressive remastering treatment from M2, it was pleasing that Sega had made the investment to localise that first run outside of Japan...
News Atlus Confirms Conception II DLC Details and May European Release
The start of a beautiful relationship
Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars is now available in North America, which is great news for fans of quirky JRPG games as we gave it a strong recommendation in our comprehensive review. With a mix of dungeon crawling and dating sim elements, and Star Children that can become killer mechs, it's certainly...
News Nintendo Shows Off Kirby's Awesome New Abilities on a Snazzy Triple Deluxe Website
Archer! Beetle! Bell! Circus! Hypernova!
Kirby: Triple Deluxe isn't far away now, arriving in North America on 2nd May and in Europe on 16th May. We've seen some of the mascot's new abilities in action, attractive new footage and plenty of snippets to raise our anticipation. Nintendo UK is wading in with a new dedicated website, and one of the best...
3DS eShop exclusive, arriving April 24th
Agatsuma Entertainment has confirmed that it is bringing Sayonara UmiharaKawase to Europe on April 24th as a download-only 3DS eShop exclusive. The price will be 24.99 Euros. The game — which follows on from the Japan-only Super Famicom and Nintendo DS editions — recently hit North America under the...
News Australian Classifications Out Western Releases For Mighty Final Fight And Mega Man Xtreme
More vintage classics coming to the 3DS Virtual Console
New ratings from the Australian Classification Board have revealed that Capcom's Mighty Final Fight and Mega Man Xtreme are both bound for the west. The former was originally launched on the NES back in 1993. It takes the basic gameplay of the original Final Figh
Deep in the debt of Texas
Imagine that Donald Trump stole the DeLorean from Back to the Future. He warps to the Wild West, but instead of saving the Doc like in Part III, he creates a form of government in which you rule by simply owning every building in sight. It’s a monopolocracy, if you will, and everyone crams the saloons to play poker for...
Review Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove
Dire, dire docs
You know the drill. Mysterious, seemingly-abandoned location. Haunting atmosphere. Looming tragedy that unfolds through documents you find scattered around. It's a formula that works well for video games in general. As an interactive medium, the scares can be taken to a whole other level in the right hands. The mere fact that you...
News Nintendo of America is Cutting the Price of Five Top 3DS Games
All for $29.99 on the eShop and in stores
In a move that's sure to tempt those yet to pick up all of the hottest titles on 3DS, Nintendo of America has announced a price cut — starting on 22nd April — on five major retail games; these include the three biggest-selling games of all-time for the system in the region. All five games will drop to...
Interview Tom Create on Past Projects, Smash Cat Heroes and the Download Transition
"The eShop is somewhere where we definitely want to be involved"
The increasing importance and role of the download game market is often attributed to development studios based outside of Japan, with a perception that the home of Nintendo and many other prominent industry names is playing catch-up in embracing that segment of the market. There is...
Nintendo Download 17th April (Europe)
Pocket football, GBA goodies, big-name demos, discounts and more
Nintendo is once again brightening our Monday morning with the European Nintendo Download update, which this week includes a variety of genres covering three systems — yep, DSiWare is back. There are some promotions — present and future — to consider, new games and Virtual...
News Guacamelee! Developer Stirring Up A New Title, Severed
Hitting virtual shelves some time in 2015
DrinkBox Studios as a company has only existed for around 6 years, but in that time has produced some amazing titles, with a new addition coming down the pipes. The developer of Guacamelee! and Mutant Blobs Attack has announced Severed, a new title coming in 2015; it tells the story of a distraught warrior...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 13th April
Successes and failures
Last week we ran our first weekly Kickstarter summary, which aims to keep us all up to date on the progress — and otherwise — of projects currently seeking funding that are targeting Wii U and/or 3DS. We're relatively selective in terms of focusing on projects that seem to have either a certain level of quality, a...
En Passable
VooFoo Studios took on a tough challenge in not only producing cross-platform online chess multiplayer, but achieving it on both the Wii U and the 3DS. Pure Chess immediately earns credit right away, in that case, as a technical example of what can be achieved on what is relatively old tech with the 3DS. Bonus points are due, then, but...
A forgotten gem from the NES launch library
Mach Rider is an impressive feat for an NES title — a faux-3D motorcycle combat game with dozens of courses, an endurance mode, and a track editor. Not only was Mach Rider an NES title, but it was an October 1985 NES launch title. Namco's Pole Position had only hit arcades three years earlier, and...
Nintendo Download 10th April (North America)
More Wii U GBA treats, farming, poker, puzzles, discounts and more
Nintendo's Download Update for North America has arrived a lot later than normal, but now we know what's landing on your Wii U and 3DS systems this week. There's more GBA goodness on Wii U, new titles on both eShop stores and an NES title on the portable's Virtual Console; on top of...
News You Can Now Pre-Order eShop Games Via Nintendo UK's Online Store
The future is now
If you wanted any more proof that Nintendo is moving with the times, it's now possible to pre-order eShop titles online — for those living in the UK, at least. Drop onto the Nintendo UK online store listing for Nintendo Pocket Football Club and you'll see the option to pre-order the title, with the download code being dispatched...
News Citizens of Earth Coming To Wii U And 3DS eShops This September
Charming, chivalrous, charismatic and charitable
Atlus will be bringing the Earthbound-inspired Citizens of Earth to the Wii U and 3DS eShops this September. The Kickstarter project which failed to reach its original goal was picked up by Atlus shortly after, who offered to publish the game. Developed by Eden Indus
Video This Nintendo Pocket Football Club Trailer Goes For Silverware
From strugglers to winners
Nintendo Pocket Football Club arrives in Europe next week on 17th April, and based on its development time and attention to detail it's certainly one to consider for football fans in the region. Some of you may have missed the fact that our review gave it a strong recommendation, as its publication time clashed with a...
News Subtle Character Design Changes Spotted for North American Version of Azure Striker Gunvolt
Ponytail and midriff mysteriously removed
Keiji Inafune and Inti Creates must think North Americans don't appreciate masculine heroes with luscious locks and bellies showing. NeoGAF user Rockman ZX noticed a subtle difference between the Japanese and North American artwork for Inafune-san's upcoming Mega Man X-style action platformer Azure Striker...
Review Nintendo Pocket Football Club
Back of the net
Although they are perhaps a little alien to those outside of Europe, soccer management titles have a long and respected pedigree among those who commit weeks, months and even years of their lives to playing them. In the United Kingdom especially, such games have existed since the days of the 8-bit microcomputers, with franchises like...
News 3DS eShop Exclusive Nintendo Pocket Football Club Will Be On Special Offer Until May
Become a sporting legend for slightly less cash
Nintendo Pocket Football Club — the European localisation of the Japanese title Calcio Bit — is almost with us, and Nintendo has revealed that the game will launch at a special reduced price this month. Early adopters will be able to pick up the soccer management simulation for £10.79 until May...
News Nintendo eShop Developers Teaming Up in Plan for 'Ninty Indy Con'
An online event to bring download gamers and devs together
Expos and conventions are certainly a major part of any gaming year, whether public events that allow gamers to try new games or industry-based alternatives that allow developers, publishers and platform holders to forge relationships. In an increasingly connected world, however, not all of...
News Official English Azure Striker Gunvolt Site Is Live
Progress towards a Western release
One month ago, Japanese studio Inti Creates announced it's collaborating with Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune on a new futuristic action-platformer for the 3DS eShop, titled Azure Striker Gunvolt. We still haven't heard anything about a firm release date outside Japan for the game but today Inti Creates launched an...
News The Club Nintendo Rewards Are Confirmed for April
Classic Mario! Arty learning! Mario Golf! Trajectile!
It's been a whole month since the last update, so Club Nintendo in North America has confirmed the latest batch of downloadable treats that are available in exchange for your hard-earned and treasured coins. This time we have two Virtual Console games available on Wii and Wii U, joined by two...
News Two Tribes Highlights Sales Increase Following Permanent Discounts on Classics Range
EDGE on 3DS enjoys the biggest boost
One of the most significant issues with both the Wii and DSi online stores were the fixed price points, locking game publishers into their launch rate. As we've seen on the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores, however, Nintendo's decision to drop that requirement has brought us regular promotions and discounts on a...
Review I am an Air Traffic Controller Airport Hero Hawaii
Come fly the frazzled skies
All right, let’s address the 500-ton jumbo jet in the room: I am an Air Traffic Controller Airport Hero Hawaii is a long and silly name. Although IAAATC is actually an established series in Japan, it’s not the kind of title that tends to inspire great confidence in the West. That’s too bad, in a way, as Airport Hero...
Nintendo Download 10th April (Europe)
Batman, GBA goodies, The Hobbit, poker, discounts and more
It's that time again, Europe, as Nintendo kicks off our Monday with news of the download goodies that we can look forward to later in the week. This time around we have new games on the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores, more GBA treats on the home console, a major retail release across both...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 6th April
A summary of potential Nintendo releases
Kickstarter is the crowdfunding platform loved by all — OK, maybe not all. It remains a fairly divisive platform, with some heavily delayed projects and certain multi-billion dollar sales of formerly crowdfunded products causing consternation; these negatives are arguably countered by a range of exciting...
Video Nintendo Shows Kirby's Silly Side in Triple Deluxe Trailer
Tickled pink
While April's confirmed and expected mix of GBA Virtual Console games on Wii U and eShop treats will have bank managers peering with interest at spikes in payments to Nintendo, we suspect May will be a strong month at retail. The 3DS kicks us off with Kirby: Triple Deluxe on 2nd May in North America — 16th May in Europe — while...
Review Rusty's Real Deal Baseball
A dog's life
To start with a key point, the actual games in Rusty's Real Deal Baseball are window dressing for Nintendo's rather quirky interpretation of the free-to-play microtransaction craze. A collection of ten baseball-themed minigames start out at $4.00 each, but players are encouraged to haggle with the eponymous middle-aged dog Rusty to get...
News Bit Boy!! Arcade Expected to Launch on North American 3DS eShop on 17th April
European release to follow
Kubi and friends will soon be making a return in their upcoming 3DS eShop title, Bit Boy!! Arcade. According to a software listing on Nintendo’s website, the eShop action game will be available from 17th April onwards in North America, with a European release expected shortly after. The game tracks the adventures of...
News Sin & Punishment Developer Treasure Working With Capcom On Sequel To Gaist Crusher
Still no sign of a Western release
Japanese video game developer Treasure, best known for critically acclaimed titles such as Sin and Punishment and the Sega Mega Drive classic Gunstar Heroes, is working with Capcom on a sequel to the 3DS action game – based on the manga, animation and toy series of the same name – Gaist Crusher. Gaist Crusher...
News Skypeace on 3DS Looks Like a Rival For Bird Mania 3D
Don't stop flying
There is a small but dedicated group of gamers in the Nintendo Life community that particularly enjoys Bird Mania 3D and its superior seasonal sequel Bird Mania Christmas. They're simple, budget priced endless runners — or fliers, to be more accurate — where the only task is to navigate the treacherous route and set a new high...
News 3DS eShop-Exclusive Harvest December Visual Novel Series Set To Be Localized
CIRCLE Entertainment is behind the translation
What do you get when you pull a Tokyo native from the city and drop him smack-dab in the middle of a snow-covered small town with an insane love triangle involving a goddess? Harvest December, a 13-part visual novel series from Japan, of course! Now, if CIRCLE Entertainment has its way, gamers in the...
Nintendo Download 3rd April (North America)
Rusty's the real deal, GBA on Wii U, Batman and more
It's that time once again, North America, when you can see what download delights are available on your Nintendo systems. There are two new titles on the Wii U, three GBA games on the home console, Rusty's free-to-play baseball, discounts and more. Let's get to it. Missed the European Download...
3DS eShop - Features
Most Read
Popular 3DS eShop Games
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past SNES
- 21st Nov 1991 (JPN)
- 13th Apr 1992 (NA)
- 24th Sep 1992 (UK/EU)
- 2nd Dec 2006 (JPN)
- 22nd Jan 2007 (NA)
- 23rd Mar 2007 (UK/EU)
- 12th Dec 2013 (UK/EU)
- 30th Jan 2014 (NA)
- 12th Feb 2014 (JPN)
- 10th Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 14th Apr 2016 (NA)
Atlus / Agatsuma Entertainment
- 19th Apr 2012 (JPN)
- 9th Oct 2012 (NA)
- 3rd Jan 2013 (NA)
- 28th Mar 2013 (UK/EU)
- 21st Oct 1994 (JPN)
- 17th Nov 1994 (NA)
- 13th Dec 1994 (UK/EU)
- 30th Oct 2014 (NA)
- 15th Jan 2015 (UK/EU)
- 8th Dec 2016 (NA)
- 15th Dec 2016 (UK/EU)
- 14th Nov 2013 (NA)
- 27th Feb 2014 (UK/EU)
- 28th Feb 2014 (UK/EU)
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse NES
- 22nd Dec 1989 (JPN)
- 1st Sep 1990 (NA)
- 10th Dec 1992 (UK/EU)
- 31st Oct 2008 (UK/EU)
- 12th Jan 2009 (NA)
- 21st Apr 2009 (JPN)
- 16th Apr 2014 (JPN)
- 17th Apr 2014 (UK/EU)
- 26th Jun 2014 (NA)
- 4th Sep 2014 (UK/EU)
- 22nd Aug 1987 (NA)
- 15th Nov 1987 (UK/EU)
- 19th Nov 2006 (NA)
- 2nd Dec 2006 (JPN)
- 8th Dec 2006 (UK/EU)
- 22nd Dec 2011 (JPN)
- 12th Apr 2012 (UK/EU)
- 5th Jul 2012 (NA)
- 28th Aug 2013 (JPN)
- 29th Aug 2013 (UK/EU)
- 29th Aug 2013 (NA)
- 13th Sep 1985 (JPN)
- 17th Nov 1985 (NA)
- 15th May 1987 (UK/EU)
- 2nd Dec 2006 (JPN)
- 25th Dec 2006 (NA)
- 5th Jan 2007 (UK/EU)
- 5th Jan 2012 (JPN)
- 16th Feb 2012 (NA)
- 1st Mar 2012 (UK/EU)
- 5th Jun 2013 (JPN)
- 12th Sep 2013 (UK/EU)
- 19th Sep 2013 (NA)
- 10th Aug 1999 (JPN)
- 15th Oct 1999 (NA)
- 26th Oct 1999 (UK/EU)
- 3rd Oct 2012 (JPN)
- 11th Oct 2012 (NA)
- 29th May 2014 (UK/EU)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons GBC
- 27th Feb 2001 (JPN)
- 13th May 2001 (NA)
- 5th Oct 2001 (UK/EU)
- 27th Feb 2013 (JPN)
- 30th May 2013 (UK/EU)
- 30th May 2013 (NA)
The Pokémon Company / Game Freak
- 21st Nov 1999 (JPN)
- 15th Oct 2000 (NA)
- 6th Apr 2001 (UK/EU)
- 22nd Sep 2017 (UK/EU)
- 22nd Sep 2017 (NA)
- 23rd Oct 1988 (JPN)
- 12th Feb 1990 (NA)
- 29th Aug 1991 (UK/EU)
- 5th Nov 2007 (NA)
- 9th Nov 2007 (UK/EU)
- 11th Dec 2007 (JPN)
- 1st Jan 2013 (JPN)
- 25th Dec 2013 (JPN)
- 26th Dec 2013 (UK/EU)
- 17th Apr 2014 (NA)
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 GB
- 21st Jan 1994 (JPN)
- 7th Feb 1994 (NA)
- 13th May 1994 (UK/EU)
- 14th Dec 2011 (JPN)
- 16th Feb 2012 (UK/EU)
- 26th Jul 2012 (NA)
- 27th Aug 1994 (JPN)
- 2nd Jun 1995 (NA)
- 20th Mar 2013 (JPN)
- 18th Jul 2013 (UK/EU)
- 18th Jul 2013 (NA)
- 3rd Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 24th Mar 2016 (NA)
- 31st Oct 1991 (JPN)
- 4th Dec 1991 (NA)
- 23rd Nov 1992 (UK/EU)
- 2nd Dec 2006 (JPN)
- 25th Dec 2006 (NA)
- 29th Dec 2006 (UK/EU)
- 11th Sep 2013 (JPN)
- 31st Oct 2013 (UK/EU)
- 31st Oct 2013 (NA)
- 8th Sep 2016 (NA)
- 20th Oct 2016 (UK/EU)
- 21st Apr 1989 (JPN)
- 31st Jul 1989 (NA)
- 28th Sep 1990 (UK/EU)
- 6th Jun 2011 (NA)
- 7th Jun 2011 (UK/EU)
- 3rd Aug 2011 (JPN)
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest NES
- 19th Oct 2007 (UK/EU)
- 29th Oct 2007 (NA)
- 28th Oct 2008 (JPN)
- 27th Mar 2013 (JPN)
- 16th Jan 2014 (UK/EU)
- 16th Jan 2014 (NA)
- 5th Mar 2014 (JPN)
- 1st May 2014 (UK/EU)
Aksys Games / Technos Japan Corp.
- 8th Apr 1988 (JPN)
- Jun 1988 (NA)
- 1990 (UK/EU)
- 25th Apr 2008 (UK/EU)
- 28th Apr 2008 (NA)
- 24th Feb 2009 (JPN)
- 6th Feb 2013 (JPN)
- 5th Dec 2013 (UK/EU)
- 12th Dec 2013 (NA)
- 22nd Jan 2014 (JPN)
- 13th Mar 2014 (UK/EU)
- 21st Nov 1994 (NA)
- 24th Nov 1994 (UK/EU)
- 8th Dec 2006 (UK/EU)
- 12th Dec 2006 (JPN)
- 19th Feb 2007 (NA)
- 16th Oct 2014 (UK/EU)
- 26th Feb 2015 (NA)
- 24th Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 24th Mar 2016 (NA)
- 27th Aug 1992 (JPN)
- 1st Sep 1992 (NA)
- 21st Jan 1993 (UK/EU)
- 9th Jun 2009 (JPN)
- 23rd Nov 2009 (NA)
- 2nd Apr 2010 (UK/EU)
- 19th Jun 2013 (JPN)
- 27th Mar 2014 (UK/EU)
- 6th Aug 2014 (NA)
- 17th Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 24th Mar 2016 (NA)
- 19th Mar 1994 (JPN)
- 18th Apr 1994 (NA)
- 28th Jul 1994 (UK/EU)
- 20th Aug 2007 (NA)
- 20th Sep 2007 (JPN)
- 12th Oct 2007 (UK/EU)
- 15th May 2013 (JPN)
- 15th May 2013 (NA)
- 16th May 2013 (UK/EU)
- 10th Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 14th Apr 2016 (NA)
- (NA)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap GBA
- 12th Nov 2004 (JPN)
- 12th Nov 2004 (UK/EU)
- 10th Jan 2005 (NA)
- 16th Dec 2011 (UK/EU)
- 16th Dec 2011 (NA)
- 30th Apr 2014 (JPN)
- 29th May 2014 (UK/EU)
- 5th Jun 2014 (NA)