3DS eShop - News
August2016
News Pokémon Shuffle Has Passed 6 Million Downloads on 3DS
Oh yeah, that other Pokémon game…
Long before Pokémon GO was everywhere, Pokémon Shuffle was released on Nintendo 3DS to a curious audience. Free to play games aren't too common on the dedicated portable, so it came as with a somewhat different flavor to your typical 3DS game. We thought the in-app purchases were a bit much, but found it to be...
A-maze-ingly strange
Without a plot, purpose, or any real explanation for what exactly is going on, Puzzle Labyrinth on 3DS lives up to its title by unceremoniously dumping the player into a complex maze filled with monsters, traps and strange riddles. Your only hope of escape lies squarely in your ability to complete each puzzle and unlock a...
Video Ambition of the Slimes Looks Weird and Potentially Wonderful on 3DS
"From the mouth... Slime goes inside..." is actual dialogue
If you read our Nintendo Download Update details for Europe recently you'll have seen Ambition of the Slimes in the 3DS eShop category, a turn-based RPG in which you control slimes of various abilities. Developed by Altair Works and being published by CIRCLE Entertainment, it certainly...
Nintendo Download 11th August (Europe)
Super Paper Mario! Frankenstein! 2 Mega Man games! Discounts galore! More!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update details, giving us the heads up on what treats to expect. Highlights this week include a puzzle adventure game with some potential on Wii U, an enjoyable Wii download and a couple of SNES Mega Man...
Video Check Out Asrock's Stage in Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
Showing off some neat moves
Inti Creates came upon a terrific formula with Azure Striker Gunvolt on 3DS, a title that looks fantastic on the portable and importantly plays just as well. We're pretty keen to try out Azure Striker Gunvolt 2, as a result, and thankfully it's due this year. It's only a few weeks away in Japan, though, so it's been...
News Legend of Kusakari Releases in the West on 25th August
Link would be proud
If you've played any conventional Zelda games, then you no doubt understand Link's sisyphean struggle to battle the long grasses of Hyrule. Considering that grass contains rupees, hearts, magic, and other helpful items, it's always worth your while to go and clear out a patch of grass just because. Evidently, Librage really likes...
Nintendo Download 4th August (North America)
More Pokémon Ranger! Dragon Skills! Stickman Athletics! Demos! Stuff!
It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week brings another retro Pokémon game to the Wii U Virtual Console, while there are some new download games to consider on both the home console and 3DS. Throw in a couple of demos and some...
Nintendo Download 4th August (Europe)
Alien on the Run! Stickman Athletics! Pinball discounts galore! More!
It's the start of another week, and with that come the details for the upcoming European Nintendo Download Update. This week only has a couple of new arrivals on the 3DS, with much of the update dedicated to discounts and HOME Themes; if you're a pinball fan there's plenty to...
July2016
News Citizens of Earth Has Returned to the 3DS eShop
Passed the residency test
Back in mid-May Citizens of Earth was taken off the 3DS eShop as a result of it being used for a homebrew exploit. As per Nintendo's current policy, exploits released online are rapidly (often within 24 hours) counteracted by the removal of any apps or games that are being utilised. The developers in question are,...
News Quest of Dungeons Confirmed for 1st September Wii U Release in Europe, Includes Cross-Buy
StreetPass also confirmed for 3DS version
A while ago we told you about Quest of Dungeons, a turn-based dungeon crawler that utilises procedurally generated environments. It has permadeath, too, so that when you die you start again with a new hero - yep, with a retro look it offers a retro-style level of challenge. The Xbox One version's trailer is...
Nintendo Download 28th July (North America)
Lots of Kirby! Gotta Protectors! 3Souls! Vektor Wars! More!
It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week celebrates the Birthday of a certain pink puffball with a few retro treats, while there are some varied and intriguing new download-only releases on both Wii U and 3DS. There are some promising options...
Almost paw-fect
If the success of Neko Atsume proves anything, it's that cats are popular and will not be losing their appeal any time soon. That said, The Battle Cats POP! is not your regular kitty game, incorporating tower defence strategy and delivering something truly unique. Battle Cats POP! lacks a storyline and throws you into the craziness...
Nintendo Download 28th July (Europe)
Secret Files Tunguska! 3 Street Fighter Games! 3 TurboGrafx-16 games! More!
We're a little later than normal with the European Nintendo Download Update details today thanks to a bit of confusion, but in any case our pals at Nintendo Insider have helped us out, so a big hat-tip to them. This week brings plenty of Virtual Console goodness across both...
News Metroid Prime: Blast Ball Gets Surprise Release, for Free, on the 3DS eShop
Blast away today
Though Metroid Prime: Federation Force is still a little while away on 3DS, Nintendo has surprised owners of the portable with the sudden release of Metroid Prime: Blast Ball as a free download on the eShop, giving players an early chance to try out the controls of the new entries and to engage in some futuristic sci-fi sports. The...
Nintendo Download 21st July (North America)
Pokémon Ranger! Buddy & Me! Star Fox demos + Battle Begins! More!
The time has come, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has a range of promising download-only releases on both the Wii U and 3DS, while some high profile demos also nudge their way into view. Throw in some discounts (including some that...
Nintendo Download 21st July (Europe)
Buddy & Me! A Shadow's Tale! Wind-up Knight 2! Demos! FE DLC! More!
With the start of another week we have the usual batch of details for the goodies due in the European Nintendo Download Update. Coming up on Thursday we have a range of promising download-only titles across Wii U and 3DS, including a New 3DS exclusive. We also have a new Wii...
News Power Disc Slam Spins Closer to Release on 3DS
New trailer shows it off
As reported late last year, Power Disc Slam is the debut game from UK based Chequered Cow Games, which is run by former Argonaut man David McEwen. This 3DS title is, in spirit at least, a modern take on Neo Geo title Windjammers, albeit with modern features and 60fps stereoscopic 3D. The game now h
Fits in the pocket more comfortably than the original cube, at least
The 3DS eShop has been host to some quirky releases, and a virtual portrayal of the Rubik's Cube certainly fits the bill. Cypronia aims to give you the puzzling experience on the go and at home with a dual release, no doubt hoping that nostalgia and a taste for a challenge will...
Nintendo Download 14th July (North America)
Monster Hunter Generations! Tumblestone! 3 TurboGrafx-16 games! Much more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. We'd suggest that this week is a good 'un - there are promising download-only titles on both Wii U and 3DS, while the Virtual Console also has some tasty options. There are also two major...
It's still hip to be square
Life may be good when you're a ninja block, but the original BOXBOY! possibly ended up doing a bit too much sneaking around when it released last year. The HAL Laboratory puzzle-platformer went completely under the radar for some people, never gaining widespread attention or shaking the eShop up with its monochromatic...
News Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow Virtual Console Releases Getting Discounted in Europe
30% off for two weeks
With the current mania around Pokémon GO, there's no doubting that Pocket Monsters are hot property right now. The good news for European fans of more traditional 'mon experiences is that they will soon be able to grab the original classics at a discount. Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that, between 14th - 28th July,...
News SmileBASIC Gets Taken Down from the 3DS eShop Due to A Homebrew Exploit
FrownBASIC
This year has seen multiple game takedowns on the 3DS eShop, all following the same pattern. A hacker creates an exploit using a game, Nintendo spots this, the game is taken off the eShop mere hours after the exploit is posted online. Games that have gone offline in recent weeks and months include VVVVVV, Citizens of Earth and the...
News The Option to Buy More Movies and Shows is Coming to the Nintendo Anime Channel
That's neat
Just recently Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva appeared in a European Nintendo Download Update, purchasable as a download for €3.99 / £3.59. The movie for the iconic Level-5 series may not be well-known to all fans of the games, so it's another chance for it to find an audience. The good news for 3DS owners in the region is that...
News Adventure Labyrinth Story Begins Its Quest on the 3DS eShop Soon
A spin-off for Adventure Bar Story
Adventure Bar Story was a quirky and enjoyable release on the 3DS eShop, and now developer Rideon Japan - with publisher CIRCLE Entertainment - is bringing a spin-off to the West called Adventure Labyrinth Story. Described as a rogue-like RPG, you set off into a randomly generated dungeon with the goal of...
Nintendo Download 14th July (Europe)
Monster Hunter Generations! Disney Art Academy! Tumblestone! Much more!
Another week begins, and we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to sink our teeth into. This week has plenty to offer with some major retail releases, some rather nice New 3DS Virtual Console offerings, a range of promising download-only options and some fantastic...
News We're Digging This Shovel Knight Cameo In Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
Didn't see that one coming
Shovel Knight has made his fair share of cameo appearances, but this latest one has to be his most left-field. The legendary warrior will be joining the cast of Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 thanks to some amiibo-scanning magic. Scan in the NFC-enabled figure and you'll be able to face off against him in a one-on-one battle...
Infinitely Decent
Kemco has found a comfortable niche on the eShop; over the past few years, the publisher has been steadily putting out budget JRPGs ported from mobile, from Grinsia to Justice Chronicles. They vary in quality, but their mission remains the same: to provide low-priced, nostalgia-tinged JRPG goodness. As the latest in the lineup,...
News Gotta Protectors Looks Like an Amazing and Quirky Throwback to '80s Gaming
Music from great composers like Yuzo Koshiro
The 3DS eShop has hosted plenty of retro-styled games, a number of which have been excellent. We're rather optimistic about another that's on the way - Gotta Protectors by Ancient Games. Known as Protect Me Knight 2 in Japan, this one arrives in North America on 21st July and will cost $12.99. That's an...
An inconvenient truth
When I was a child, I once told my mother that I wanted to work at a gas station when I grew up. I don't know why this was my aspiration at the time, and I don't remember my mother's response, but I never did live up to that goal. I went on to do other things: I went to college, worked a few different retail and customer...
Nintendo Download 7th July (North America)
Legend of the Mystical Ninja! Flying Dragon! TAP TAP ARCADE 2! More!
It's time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download update, and this week goes heavy on Virtual Console offerings in particular. The Wii U has two Culture Brain titles, including one that hasn't previously had a VC release, while the New 3DS gets a classic SNES game...
News Digger Dan DX Dispute Settled, Will Be Back On Sale "As Soon As Possible"
"We have already settled this issue to our mutual satisfaction"
At the weekend we reported on the news that the likeable title Digger Dan DX had been removed from the 3DS eShop due to a takedown notice from First Star Software, the company which owns the rights to the thematically similar Boulder Dash. It would appear that this problem has now been...
News Faux-Retro Survival Horror Back In 1995 64 Shuffles Menacingly Towards The Nintendo 3DS
Party like it's 1995
Japanese indie title Back In 1995 launched on Steam in April, and whisks you back in time to the '90s when consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 ruled the roost. This 3D action game uses deliberately outdated visuals to recreate the authentic feel of the period, and at this year's BitSummit event in Japan, developer...
Feature The Biggest Wii U and 3DS Games of 2016 - Summer Edition
Yes, we're combining the lists...
Summer is pouncing upon us and at the time of writing it's Independence Day in the US and a tad drizzly in this writer's part of the UK. It seems like a typical early July day, but we are shaking things up a little in this latest quarterly entry of the 'Biggest Games' series. We're combining the Wii U and 3DS...
Nintendo Download 7th July (Europe)
Splatoon discount! Professor Layton Movie! TAP TAP ARCADE 2! More!
With the start of another week we have the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe, and it's a relatively modest line-up this time around. Two new budget download-only titles arrive on the Wii U, while a fan-favourite also gets a timely discount. On the 3DS there's DLC, discounts...
News Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 Launches in North America on 30th September
Alongside a physical double pack that has both games
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 was announced a while back for Japan, but a release in other territories was subject to doubt for a time. Sure, Azure Striker Gunvolt performed pretty well on a global scale, but sometimes release schedules just don't make sense. However, a recent listing in Australia outed...
Video Maya Fey Stars in New Trailer for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
Just two more months...
We may not get all of the Ace Attorney games in the West, but we do have Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice to look forward to on the eShop. Capcom's releasing the localised version in September, and is slowly ramping up its efforts to promote the quirky entry in the series. It sees Phoenix Wright in a...
News Takedown Notice May Spell the End for Digger Dan DX
Nintendo plans to take the game off the eShop
Digger Dan DX is a recent arrival on the 3DS eShop, which revamped and expanded upon DSiWare title Digger Dan & Kaboom. We rather liked it in our review, appreciating its blend of puzzles and mining, comparing it to the likes of Boulder Dash and Digger T. Rock. That comparison may
June2016
Nintendo Download 30th June (North America)
Super Mario RPG! Zero Time Dilemma! Minecraft Story Mode DLC! LEGO! More!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has some rather tempting options, with major retail releases across both Wii U and 3DS, along with big name DLC to also consider on each platform. The Wii U Virtual Console...
News Prepare To Break Olympic Records In Stickman Super Athletics
Move over Daley Thompson
Are you looking forward to the Rio 2016 Olympics in August? If the recently released Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games didn't tickle your fancy, you might want to live out your olympic dreams in the upcoming Stickman Super Athletics by CoderChild for the 3DS eShop. If you want to get high competition scores,...
News Axiom Verge Creator is Looking into a 3DS Port
There's technical hurdles, but it's not impossible
Axiom Verge is a game that very clearly drew strong inspiration from the Metroid games of old, so it came as no surprise when the game was inevitably announced to be coming to Wii U. Tom Happ, the game's sole creator, even referred to it as the game coming to it's "home turf". While that Wii U port...
News Renegade Kid Titles Are Going Cheap On The North American 3DS eShop
Offers end this month, so get in quick
Prolific eShop developer Renegade Kid is holding a summer blow-out sale on the 3DS eShop in North America. Seven titles are included in the sale, and all but one is currently selling for half its typical price. The offer ends on June 30th. Here's the full list: Xeodrifter Mutant Mudds
News Pirate Pop Plus Is Like Anti-Gravity Pang, And It's Coming To Wii U And 3DS
13AM Games handling publishing duties
Update: 13AM Games has published an official response to this leak, which you can see below: We've had another little leak this past week (2016 is the year of 13AM leaks, it seems). But like all leaks, this is some exciting news! 13AM Games is no longer just 13AM Games! We have opened up to game publishing...
News Xydonia Is A Tribute To 2D Japanese Shmups, And Has An Outside Chance Of Making It To 3DS
The catch? 80,000 Euros
Gamers of a certain age will become visibly animated if you mention the names R-Type, Gradius, Thunderforce, Darius and Axelay to them - these 2D shmup classics are held in high esteem even by today's standards, despite the fact that they no longer command AAA status with the vast majority of players. In short, there's...
Reminder The Battle Cats POP! is Out Now in North America and Europe
Has us feline fine
Those of you that checked out the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier today may have spotted that one of the new releases, The Battle Cats POP!, is out today. In positive news for all cat fans it's also arrived early in North America, so it's available now on the 3DS eShop in both territories. Once known as 'that...
Nintendo Download 30th June (Europe)
LEGO Star Wars! BoxBoxBoy! Battle Cats! Zero Time Dilemma! DLC! More!
With the start of another week comes the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe. This week has some promising download-only releases across Wii U and 3DS, while there are also multiple retail titles to choose from including the latest in the LEGO and Zero Escape IPs. Beyond...
News MixedBag Bringing Metroid-Inspired forma.8 To The New Nintendo 3DS
And another undisclosed game for all 3DS models
Indie studio MixedBag has revealed that it is bringing forma.8 to the New Nintendo 3DS as well as the Wii U eShop. The game places you in the role of a probe sent to investigate a mysterious alien world in order to locate a special power source, and MixedBag have cited Metroid as a key influence. The...
Video Nintendo Minute Feels the Beat in Rhythm Heaven Megamix
Featuring cats in pants
One of the neatest moments of the Treehouse E3 broadcasts (if you're in North America) was confirmation that Rhythm Heaven Megamix had arrived on the 3DS eShop - it'll be released at retail in October in Europe. The quirky rhythm game had been on our wishlist for a while having arrived in Japan last year - it blends...
Nintendo Download 23rd June (North America)
Tokyo Mirage Sessions! Mario & Sonic! SNES Ghouls 'n Ghosts! Pokemon! More!
It's that time, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings a few major retail releases on Wii U, while the SNES is back on the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. Elsewhere there are three Pokémon games on the Wii U Virtual...
Reminder It's the Final Countdown on Nintendo of Europe's eShop Five Year Anniversary Sale
Grab 'em while they're hot
Two weeks ago Nintendo of Europe launched its eShop Five Year Anniversary Sale with more than 40 games getting discounts. It didn't have the same wow factor as the equivalent promotion in Japan, but it's nevertheless given gamers in the region opportunities to grab some quality games at a decent discount. Well, it ends...
News Yacht Club Games Bringing Azure Striker Gunvolt And Its Sequel To Retail In Australia
That was unexpected
Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games appears to be branching out into publishing, and its first title is Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack. The pack - which has been listed on the Australian Classification site - contains the first Azure Striker Gunvolt and i
News Yacht Club Games Provides Update on Future Campaigns and Content
Stretching development out
Shovel Knight has been a notable debut success for Yacht Club Games, and it's still ongoing. As a result of numerous stretch goals from the original Kickstarter campaign the studio has been working - for well over a year - on free updates. The studio has now sent out a status update to backers, also shared on its website,...
Hands On Exploring Blocky Worlds with Cube Creator 3D's New Update
Better with friends
Cube Creator 3D launched a little over a year ago for the 3DS, in a time when Minecraft on Nintendo systems was nothing but a pipe dream. We liked the game then and we still like it now, but the development team hasn't been content to simply rest on its laurels and leave the project as is. A free update is due out for Cube...
Hands On Dealing Death by a Thousand Cuts with SEVERED
The latest from DrinkBox Studios
Many of you will no doubt recall Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition, a wildly inventive and colorful 2D Metroidvania that set the eShop alight when it released back in 2014. We absolutely loved it, and if early impressions are anything to go by, it seems as though DrinkBox Studio's next game - coming to...
Nintendo Download 23rd June (Europe)
Tokyo Mirage Sessions! Mario & Sonic! Mighty No. 9! Nintendo Selects! More!
It's the start of another week, and though a little later than normal Nintendo of Europe has issued details on what we can expect in this week's download update. It's a week with multiple high-profile retail releases, including some tasty new discounts in the Nintendo...
News 2D Shooter And Adventure Mash-Up Starr Mazer Confirmed For Wii U And 3DS Release
Japanese company Playism handling publishing duties
Remember Starr Mazer? A curious mix of point-and-click adventure and 2D shooter, it took to Kickstarter a while back and looked so goshdarn amazing that it had us crossing every available limb in the hope that it would eventually find its way to Nintendo consoles. It looks like we can finally...
First Impressions Going Under the Gavel With Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
No objections here
Nestled between the rowdy Street Fighter V stage and a rather impressive Monster Hunter airship at Capcom's E3 2016 sat an orange-tinted oasis of calm, in the Tibetan-esque temple of justice dedicated to Phoenix Wright's latest lawyerly adventure: Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice. We had the chance to go hands-on with a 20-minute...
Too Burnt To Be Good
Remember when random encounters, grinding for money and to level up characters was a thing in RPGs? ASH sure does. ASH starts with some rather vague storytelling. The game drops players into the Empire of Aghaus with control over two characters, Nicholas and Damien. It's hinted that Nicholas is a former member of Aghaus'...
Nintendo Download 16th June (North America)
Super Paper Mario! Rhythm Heaven Megamix! Terraria! Much more!
As E3 enters its last day in LA it's time to go back to some old routines, with the North American Nintendo Download Update being one of them. This week seems to be a strong offering, with notable releases across Wii U and 3DS, along with some high-quality Virtual Console offerings on...
News Rhythm Paradise Megamix Is Getting Physical In Europe
You'll have to wait until October, though
Those of you in Europe hoping that Rhythm Paradise Megamix - which is out now in North America - might be coming to the 3DS eShop this week should be ready for some disappointment. Nintendo UK has just confirmed that the game won't be arriving until 21st October, which - if you watch the footage below -...
News Discount Picross Joins The Ranks of My Nintendo Rewards in Europe
Pick 'em out
The My Nintendo loyalty programme has already had something to offer Picross-loving members with the exclusive My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The latest update in Europe, though, adds a little extra grid-based action for members to consider. These two latest rewards are both available until 1st September:...
E3 2016 Rhythm Heaven Megamix is Available to Buy Right Now on the North American eShop
There's a demo, too
In a late surprise on day two of E3, Nintendo of America has released the charming Rhythm Heaven Megamix on the 3DS eShop. It combines rhythm levels from previous entries in the series along with all-new stages and 'remixes', and has a price tag of $29.99 in the US. In addition to the game going on sale there's also a demo...
E3 2016 Monster Hunter Generations Demo is Announced and Available Now (Sort Of)
In Humble Bundle, with free codes and eShop release also coming
Update 2: The European demo includes an offline tutorial and three challenges that can be tackled in co-op either offline or online. 'Slay the Great Maccao' (Beginner), 'Slay the Malfestio' (Intermediate), and 'Slay the Nargacuga' (Advanced). Update: If you're in Europe and have a...
E3 2016 BOXBOXBOY! is Coming to the 3DS eShop on 30th June
No longer boxed into the Japanese eShop
During the Nintendo Treehouse live stream from E3 we got a good look at BOXBOXBOY!, the sequel to the rather charming BOXBOY!. This HAL Laboratory follow-up has been available in Japan for a little while, so fans of the original will no doubt be glad to see it roll out in the West - it's coming to both Europe...
E3 2016 Nintendo Unveils Massive E3 eShop Sale in North America
Additional 10% off some titles with My Nintendo
Nintendo's presence at E3 also comes with eShop deals for Wii U and 3DS owners in North America. There's a focus on Zelda and Pokémon games, but other top titles including Super Smash Bros. and Splatoon are also up price cuts. Games from both Nintendo and third parties are on sale from 14-21 June...
E3 2016 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Get a Discount in Europe
With an extra discount for My Nintendo members
Nintendo of America has unveiled a hefty list of eShop discounts (we're compiling the list at the time of writing), and Nintendo of Europe has also pitched in. It's added two titles to its existing 5 year anniversary sale to give an extra retail treat for the region. Both iterations of the current-gen...
Feature We Chat to Drinkbox Studios About SEVERED for Wii U and 3DS
Swiping answers from producer Graham Smith on the touch-based dungeon crawl
Drinkbox Studios is perhaps best known for its beloved, rather cheeky lucha-themed exploration platformer, Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition, which hit the Wii U eShop in July 2014. We rather dug it in our review, but it's been two years now and we're itching for...
Feature 13AM Games Tells Us About Runbow Pocket, the New Nintendo 3DS Exclusive
Let's get ready to Runbowwwwwwwwwwwww
If you haven't gotten a big group of people together for a competitive game of Runbow then you haven't lived life in COLOURFUL CAPS LOCK yet. The competitive nine-player runner with a roster of original characters and borrowed favourites is a great way to make friends and alienate people. Thanks to the wonders...
News Runbow Pocket and SEVERED Confirmed for the eShop
Runbow Pocket is a New 3DS exclusive
During its appearance on the [email protected] show Nintendo focused on some exciting Nindie games on the way to the eShop later this year. Four releases were covered in total, covering 3DS, New 3DS and Wii U. The main reveal was arguably Runbow Pocket, which will be a New 3DS exclusive later this year. It includes...
For middling justice!
Kemco has been nothing if not busy lately, keeping 3DS owners occupied with a steady stream of eShop JRPGs, and Justice Chronicles is the latest in this line. Though it suffers from a number of common ails of its ilk — like awkward translation, a generic cast, and uneven presentation — Justice Chronicles does have some neat...
Nintendo Download 16th June (Europe)
Gunslugs! Fire Emblem Fates DLC! Twin Robots! Discounts Galore! More!
Happy E3 week to one and all; unsurprisingly we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to get it started. We have puzzle platforming on Wii U and frantic run-and-gun action on the 3DS as new releases, along with a retail download targeting young gamers. Fire Emblem...
Feature Developers' Perspectives on Five Years of the 3DS eShop
"Nintendo's had the door open to developers for a long time"
In the past week the 3DS eShop turned five years old, a notable landmark for a download store that triggered key evolutions from its Wii and DSi predecessors. Though Nintendo still has improvements to make in how it sells and handles download games, it's easy to overlook how vital the 3DS...
Review Epic Word Search Collection 2
For word nerds only
Epic Word Search Collection 2 is pretty much what it says on the tin, except possibly the 'epic' part. A modern day take on the classic Word Search, the game takes this popular puzzle and makes it paperless. There are no frills to make this a stand out video game, it is very simple in its approach and solely for those who want an...
News Two Short-Term Rewards Are Added to My Nintendo in Europe
Kirby and karaoke
We think it's fair to say that My Nintendo has had a mixed reception since launching as the new loyalty service from the big N. It's offered some unique rewards, including its own game with My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but has also failed to inspire with some of its other options. Its latest...
Nintendo Download 9th June (North America)
Kirby: Planet Robobot! Olympia Rising! Wario! Puzzles! More stuff!
It's that time again, dear reader, for the last Nintendo Download Update before E3. This week brings a fabulous Kirby retail release on 3DS, and beyond that there are some interesting download-only options across both the Wii U and 3DS. Without further pre-amble, let's get to it...
Review Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge
Tiny toys
Nintendo's track record in promoting amiibo through free apps isn't one that's always shown the company at its best. amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits, for example, was a bit rubbish and unsure of its audience. With efforts like that it's just as well that the range and compatible games mean the figures (and cards) practically sell...
Talking Point Five Years of eShop Progress Doesn't Mask Nintendo's Next-Gen Challenge
Gamers want a lot, it seems
Earlier this week the 3DS eShop - and the eShop as a broader brand - celebrated its 5th Anniversary, and we shared a rather cheerful article in praise of the progress made with the store. Though Nintendo was relatively early in the download scene with the Wii and DSi stores, both had a number of issues and over-stringent...
News Nintendo Announces E3 eShop Discount Plans and Miitomo x The Legend of Zelda Promotion
Retweet for wigs
Nintendo has slowly started to flesh out its E3 plans, and has now confirmed a couple of additional promotions to get us in the mood before and during the event. First of all, we're contractually obliged to share some handsome concept art that Nintendo including in its press release, as it's lovely. There's more Legend of...
Video Feast Your Eyes On This Footage Of Mighty No. 9's Boisterous Bosses
Feeling the burn
The much-delayed Mighty No. 9 might have taken a credibility hit thanks to its recent trailer, but this spiritual successor to Capcom's legendary Mega Man is still shaping up nicely - as the following gameplay footage attests. GameSpot has captured video of three different bosses from the game, proving that creator Keiji Inafu
Feature The 20 Best 3DS eShop Games
Combining our reviews with your user ratings
With the 3DS eShop celebrating its fifth anniversary, it's a good time to reflect on some of the best games that it has to offer. There have been hundreds of releases on the download platform, varying from major retail-grade titles to terrific bite-sized experiences, and they all play their part. Of...
Educational for all
CoderChild's WordsUp! Academy is another in a long list of puzzle games being released for the 3DS eShop recently. The game is like an electronic version of Scrabble, and sees you pitted against an opponent to find and spell out words. It's an OK puzzle game to test your brain during downtime, but it could prove very hard and...
News Nine SEGA 3D Classics Get Discounts in North America
Save a couple of bucks on some gems
The line-up of SEGA 3D classics / remasters on the 3DS is full of gems, with the occasional average titles thrown in. Showcasing some of the best SEGA titles of the arcade to 16-bit era, the range has been a great source of nostalgia while also - hopefully - introducing a new audience to some of the titles...
Talking Point In Praise of the 3DS eShop, Which is Now Five Years Old
A vital landmark for Nintendo's modernised download sales
Today (6th June) brings a notable landmark for fans of download games - the 3DS eShop has turned five years old. Five years with hundreds of game releases, most of them by CIRCLE Entertainment and EnjoyUp Games - we're joking, of course, but both of those publishers and more deserve a hat tip...
Just Dan-dy
Digger Dan DX is certainly effective at mining the past, pun not intended. Using the tried and tested formula seen in titles like Boulder Dash and Digger T. Rock, players must guide the titular Dan through a series of hazard-strewn mines by working out pathways and avoiding traps. Although it has been done before, the game works well as...
Nintendo Download 9th June (Europe)
Lots of Kirby! Fire Emblem Fates Revelation! Terraria on Wii U! Much more!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update details, and there are multiple promising arrivals this week. Kirby is on top form with the latest major retail release on 3DS, while on Wii U we have world-building and humorous adventure on offer...
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice
Enter the dragon
Just like its predecessor, Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice saw a dual release on both the 3DS and Wii U eShops. If you'd like a more thorough discussion of why we loved this classic-style JRPG, you can read more about it through here. For the purposes of this review we'll focus on what separates the 3DS version from the Wii U...
Nintendo Download 2nd June (North America)
Metroid Prime Hunters! DKC3! Kick & Fennick! More!
It's that time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week has a mix of genres and styles to choose from. New Wii U releases include some platforming and shooting, while the same can be said for the Virtual Console releases across the home console and New 3DS. Beyond...
News The First Rule Of Punch Club On 3DS Is You Don't Talk About Punch Club On 3DS
No shirts, no shoes
tinyBuild is porting sports management simulation Punch Club to the 3DS. Developed by Russian indie studio Lazy Bear Games, Punch Club takes inspiration from '80s pop culture icons to present a unique take on the tried-and-tested "boxing underdog" story. You assume the role of an up-and-coming fighter whose father is brutally...
News Antipole DX Aims to Flip Expectations in Its Latest Trailer
Development winding down for a release later this year
We've been closely watching Antipole DX, the rather promising dual release coming to the Wii U and 3DS eShop this year. It's an enhanced re-release of the rather good DSiWare title Antipole, with much-improved visuals, new levels, online leaderboards and Miiverse stamps. Developer Saturnine...
News Nintendo of Japan is Putting on a Massive 5th Anniversary Sale on the 3DS eShop
One hundred discounted games, no word on Western equivalent yet
When the 3DS first launched, it didn't initially have a functioning eShop (or Internet Browser) likely due to Nintendo's desire to get the system on the market quicker. The eShop launched a couple months later, and brought with it a whole new generation of digital game distribution for...
May2016
News Mega Man Legacy Collection Among Discounts in Capcom's North American eShop Spring Sale
Resident Evil games! Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate! More!
Discounts, we all love them, and it seems that Capcom has unveiled some as part of an eShop Spring Sale to tempt North American Wii U and 3DS owners to part with some cash in the coming week. The following price cuts are live and are only running until 6th June, so if you're in the Americas you...
News IronFall Invasion Studio Is Bringing RISE: Race The Future To Wii U, 3DS And Nintendo NX
Futuristic drift-based racing inspired by Sega Rally? Yes please
IronFall Invasion developer VD-Dev has lifted the lid on its next project, a racing game under the title RISE: Race The Future. An arcade-style racer which draws on Sega Rally for inspiration, RISE is coming to a wide range of systems, including the Wii U, 3DS and (eventually)
I choose you!
When you think of suave secret agents and covert crime fighting, 'Guess Who?' might not be the first thing that comes to mind. The board game classic is the kind of entertainment usually reserved for the occasional power outage or after a boozy Christmas dinner, but for Dan McFox it's his modus operandi when chasing down suspects. The...
Review Super Strike Beach Volleyball
The Family that Plays Together
You wouldn't be wrong in thinking that the art in Super Strike Beach Volleyball looks familiar. You also wouldn't be wrong in thinking that the art looks like it was ripped completely from games such as Family Tennis 3D or Family Fishing. Make no mistake, this latest all-ages outdoor sport title is part of the Arc...
Nintendo Download 2nd June (Europe)
Donkey Kong Country 3! Kick and Fennick! Fire Emblem DLC! More!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update, outlining what goodies are on the way in a few days. The new arrivals are low in number but have some quality nonetheless, while there are a range of discounts to consider. Let's get to it. Wii U eShop: Kick...
News Space Probe Aims to Bring Relaxing Exploration and Monster Collection to the New Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo's portable is part of a modest stretch goal
Kickstarter is still a notable source of funding for developers of various sizes, helping projects get over the finishing line. Now BRAMBLETYNE, a company with a track record in comic books and smart device apps, is seeking a small amount of funding to bring its next project to New 3DS. This...
News The Delusions of Von Sottendorff Has Been Chosen for the IndieCade E3 Showcase This Year
No delusions here
Some of you may remember The Delusions of Von Sottendorff and his Square Mind, an indie title released for the 3DS eShop in late December. The quirky puzzler from a Spanish developer called Delirium Studios centered around the struggles of a crazed baron trying to escape from his massive mansion. While we found it to be pretty...
News Inti Creates CEO Takuya Aizu Really Doesn't Like The New Mighty No. 9 Trailer
"Unforgivable"
Yesterday, we reported on a new Mighty No. 9 trailer which featured such gems as "combo on combo action" and gameplay that will "make the bad guys cry like an anime fan on prom night." The trailer hasn't gone down well, and currently has over 14,000 downvotes on YouTube. However, anime fans aren't the only people dissatisfied with...
Nintendo Download 26th May (North America)
StarTropics x2! Futuridium! Dragon Fantasy! Dual Core! Much more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week is undoubtedly a good one, with multiple promising releases across Wii U and 3DS. There are a couple of NES classics, a twin-stick shooter, a retro-styled RPG and a fast paced action title...
Video Latest Mighty No. 9 Trailer Dials Up The Ridiculousness
"Combos ON combos"
After several annoying delays, Mighty No. 9 finally has a release date, and to remind us that it's coming Deep Silver has released this action-packed trailer. Showcasing plenty of gameplay and some amusing daft commentary, the footage should hopefully stir up some excitement after months of wondering just when the game is...
News The League of Evil is Double-Jumping Over to Wii U and 3DS eShop
Get ready to pixel punch those mad scientists in the face
If you love games like Super Meat Boy, you'll be in for a treat with the impending arrival of League of Evil, which is headed to the Wii U and 3DS eShop at some point in the not-too-distant future. Publisher Ratalaika Games has teamed up the one-man Woblyware Studio from Finland to bring this...
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past SNES
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Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels NES
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Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream NES
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Aksys Games / Technos Japan Corp.
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Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse NES
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Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest SNES
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Castlevania II: Simon's Quest NES
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Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins GB
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The Pokémon Company / Game Freak
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Street Fighter II' Turbo: Hyper Fighting SNES
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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX GBC
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