3DS News

November2012

  • News 3DS Continues Hardware Sales Dominance in Japan

    Sony platforms dominate software, however

    The 3DS LL (or XL, as it is known over here) saw a massive sales spike in Japan last week, jumping from the previous week's total of 38,089 to 63,993 units sold, according to the latest chart information. It was followed by the standard 3DS model, which racked up just under half of its larger counterpart's...

  • News Shantae And The Pirate's Curse Announced For 3DS

    Your wish has been granted

    Brace yourselves, WayForward fans - the latest edition of Nintendo Power magazine (second to last, we should say) features the announcement of the 3DSWare title Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse on the front cover of the magazine, and is a direct sequel to Shantae: Risky's Revenge. Not too much information has been given...

  • Review Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)

    Stuck on you

    If there's one thing we can learn from its 3DS catalogue so far, it's that Nintendo is great at the safe sequel. Sure, there are out-there exceptions like Kid Icarus: Uprising, but by and large we've seen a whole lot of remakes or new entries in fan-favourite franchises that are more interested in paddling along leisurely than rocking...

  • News Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward Bug Infects Save Data

    Uh-oh

    Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is a recent 3DS release that — though unlikely to be a big-seller — will have attracted a committed group of enthusiasts that enjoyed 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors on DS. While a number of gamers are no doubt enjoying the experience and its many, many endings, it's emerged that a save-breaking...

  • News XSEED Hints at Rune Factory 4 Localisation

    The big tease

    The thing about developers and publishers being on social networks is that they have another means to poke and tease us gamers. Gone are the days of big announcements being exclusively in gaming magazines, and now we have pre-announcement hints of teasers. Still, it sure keeps us interested. The latest publisher to join in is XSEED,...

  • News Number-Crunching Reveals That Nintendo's Handheld Market Is "Stable"

    3DS matching the sales performance of both the GBA and Nintendo DS

    Lots of industry experts are arguing that the expansion of mobile phone and tablet gaming is having an impact on the fortunes of dedicated games consoles like the 3DS, but Gamasutra's Matt Matthews has taken a closer look at the figures and found that the truth is somewhat different...

  • News Limited Edition Pink 3DS XL Available Online In North America

    Pretty in pink

    Nintendo of America has announced on its Twitter feed today the availability of the Pink 3DS XL. The cute coloured system is available in limited quantities, and you must be a member of the shopping site Gilt to purchase it. The Pink 3DS XL will come as part of two bundles - one with Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask and the...

  • News Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney to Receive Director's Cut DLC

    There's no objection from us

    Siliconera has reported that Level-5 is planning to release a director's cut in downloadable content form for its upcoming puzzle adventure crossover, Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney. The DLC, which will be available some time after the game releases in Japan on 29th November, features an unedited script of the...

  • News Exclusive Chinese 3DS XL Models Revealed

    Feast your eyes on these bad boys

    Distributor of Nintendo products in China, iQue, have revealed 3 gorgeous 3DS XL models which will launch this December 2012 exclusively for the region. No price tag has been put on the models as of yet. Below you can check out the 3 models: Mario White, Mario Silver and Mario Red & Gold (Limited Edition), and...

  • News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate's Vocal Talent Has a Scottish Ring To It

    Meet the actors behind the Belmont clan

    As well as releasing a swanky new trailer for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, Konami has given a few more details on the basic story, as well as revealing the actors who will be lending their vocal talents to the game. Mirror of Fate focuses on Simon and Trevor Belmont, who - in the alternative...

October2012

  • News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate 3DS Trailer Appears Just In Time For Halloween

    Whip-cracking fun

    It's all about the timing. Konami has released a new trailer for its forthcoming 3DS adventure Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate - and guess what? Today is Halloween. What a spooky coincidence. The new trailer showcases the game's combination of whip-based action and platform exploration, and long-time fans of the...

  • Competition Nintendo Offering Real Gold To The Top New Super Mario Bros. 2 Coin Collector

    Real gold, you say?

    The crazy fellows over at Nintendo Germany are offering a solid gold coin — worth about €220 — to the country's gamer that's collected the most coins in New Super Mario Bros. 2 by 31st December 2012. It began with a small campaign, in which those that surpassed the one million mark and provided evidence would be awarded...

  • News Sin And Punishment Developer Treasure Working On 3DS Exclusive

    3D action shooter inbound

    Veteran studio Treasure - the team behind the amazing Sin and Punishment: Star Successor - has confirmed that it is working on a 3DS exclusive. Speaking to UK magazine gamesTM, Treasure CEO Masato Maegawa revealed the exciting news: We are making a new game on Nintendo 3DS now. Not multiplatform, but exclusive to 3DS...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 23: Revenge of the Halloween Hootenanny

    Best served as cold as a corpse

    Grab your bluntest instruments and aim for the head because NLFM has risen from its grave for the third annual Halloween Hootenanny! More spooky, more sinister and more deathly, this episode is best listened to in a dark castle dungeon while eating raw pumpkins. Failing that, anywhere else will do. 1. Masanao...

  • News Dragon Quest VII Set to Venture Onto 3DS

    If in doubt, release a re-make

    While Dragon Quest X for Wii U was shown off recently during a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast — though it's already been released on Wii in the Land of the Rising Sun — Square Enix hasn't yet finished re-releasing earlier entries in the series. According to JUMP magazine, at least. A scanned page from the...

  • Competition The Race To Be Australia's Fastest Mario Kart 7 Family Is On

    Get ready

    Think you've got what it takes to become the fastest Mario Kart 7 family across Australia? If the answer is yes then start your engines, as Nintendo is on a mission to find those who can prove they are the very best on the racetrack. There are some truly excellent prizes to be won: a Nintendo 3DS™ XL console signed by Charles Martinet,...

  • News Elminage Gothic Is Dungeon Crawling To The Nintendo 3DS

    Remixed and renewed

    Starfish's dungeon crawler Elminage Gothic is coming to the 3DS in 2013. A remix of the PSP edition, the developer hasn't yet said how this new version will differ from the original. It's not the first time the series has graced a Nintendo portable - Elminage DS Remix came out a while back in Japan, and was an update of a...

  • Nintendo Download 1st November 2012 (Europe)

    Monsters, samurai, spaceships and dragons

    It's that time again when we cross our fingers and hope for some downloadable treats from Nintendo, hoping against hope that we aren't subjected to tricks instead. This week is a mixed bag, with promising, awful and mystery downloads available across all platforms, so let's get to it. 3DS Download: Monster...

  • News Project X Zone Struggles At Japanese Retail

    Crossover RPG limps to 100,000 copies

    Namco Bandai's much-hyped tactical RPG Project X Zone isn't performing as well as expected in its native Japan, with just 12,450 sold during the week of Monday 15th October. That brings the game's total sales to 97,989 units since its launch a week before. In contrast, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy has managed...

  • News Iwata: We Must Make Smart Devices Our Allies, Not Our Enemies

    Nintendo President addresses the rise of mobile in recent investor Q&A

    Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata has spoken during an investor Q&A this week about the challenges Nintendo faces with mobile gaming on the rise. Iwata noted that devices like tablets and smartphones shouldn't be compared with traditional systems, as dedicated gaming...

  • News Professor Layton Puzzles His Way To Seventh Place in UK Charts

    Anything but puzzling

    According to UKIE's video games chart information for last week, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask has debuted in seventh place in the UK. The game, which is the fifth title in the beloved Professor Layton series, was released last Friday (26th October) in Europe, and has been warmly received by critics. While seventh...

  • News n-Space Not Happy With Heroes Of Ruin Sales Figures

    Sales were ruined

    n-Space co-founder Dan O'Leary has admitted that sales for Heroes of Ruin on the Nintendo 3DS have been very disappointing. The game was released for Europe in June and for North America in July, but the dungeon-crawler didn't captivate the hearts of many. We’re not satisfied with the sales. The 3DS attach rate is…...

  • News Animal Crossing: New Leaf Will Not Have "Unwholesome" Paid DLC

    No 99 cent purchases from Tom Nook, then

    Nintendo's spent a fair bit of time and effort this year taking steps forward in its download business on 3DS, with one notable area being in-game paid DLC. It's not as if extra add-on content is entirely new for the big N in 2012, but its profile undoubtedly increased with Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy and...

  • News New 3DS Sizzle Reels Show Their Wares

    Upbeat music included

    After yesterday's Nintendo Direct broadcast, we've seen a gradual release of trailers to show some of the biggest titles on the way. We've already enjoyed juicy footage from some prominent retail games, but we reckon that plenty of people still enjoy some good old-fashioned sizzle reels. Sometimes one game per trailer isn't...

  • News Prize Awarded To Brave Knight Who Completed Ghosts 'n Goblins On 3DS

    Capcom gave a Halloween challenge

    Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins hits the North American 3DS eShop this week, and it's sure to have many gamers throwing their consoles at walls in disgust - not because it's a bad game (far from it) but because it's harder than Arnold Schwarzenegger in a suit of titanium armour. So legendary is this game's toughness...

  • News Charizard 3DS XL Blasting Its Way To Japan

    A thing of beauty

    The Pokémon Company released a special Pikachu themed 3DS XL last month in Japan; now it has another similar Pokémon-themed 3DS XL coming soon, this one featuring Charizard. You're going to need a Masterball to catch this one, as it won't be so easy to obtain. Between 3rd November and 26th November, at Pokémon Center shops...

  • News 3DS eShop Title The Denpa Men 2 Is Coming To The West

    Skin tight delight

    The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave developer Genius Sonority has confirmed that the Japanese sequel will be localised for western markets. Speaking to Siliconera before the recent release of The Denpa Men 2 in Japan, Genius Sonority president Manabu Yamana revealed the good news: Yes, we are releasing Denpa Men 2 on the Japanese...

  • News Paper Mario, Fire Emblem and Rayman Legends Get New Trailers

    Now with 100% more Lums, goats, and arrows!

    Yesterday, Nintendo of America broadcasted a new Nintendo Direct, which focused specifically on upcoming 3DS titles and software. We already posted the brand new trailer to the newly-named Animal Crossing: New Leaf, but Nintendo also released fresh trailers for

  • News Nintendo Download Sales Increase With 3DS

    Online connectivity rate also on the rise

    With plenty of information coming out of Nintendo's recent financial results and briefings, one particularly positive outcome is confirmation that the company's download sales are increasing for the first time since 2010. Considering the fact that Wii and DSi are on the decline due to newer systems, the...

  • News Animal Crossing: New Leaf Turns Over Some New Footage

    Prepare to spend a lot of time on 3DS

    As part of today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, it was confirmed that the new Animal Crossing title due to arrive on 3DS next year will be called Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It seems like an apt title as the new entry will, of course, introduce new features and mayoral duties. There was a decent amount of new...

  • News Liberation Maiden Bringing the Fight to North America Right Now

    Reggie brings the good news

    Announced in today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, SUDA51's Liberation Maiden is now available in the 3DS eShop. This title arrived in Europe after a similar broadcast earlier this month, bringing its brand of shooting action and quirky storyline to the handheld. As expected, this is part of the plan to release three of the...

  • News Nintendo Direct October 2012: Watch The North American Presentation Live

    Tune in

    Nintendo of American is holding a Nintendo Direct presentation today at 7AM PT. You can watch the live feed right here. The video is expected to last around 30 minutes. Expect news relating to new 3DS titles, with a look at what the system has in store for 2013.

  • News Nintendo Reveals Its Version of iTunes For 3DS

    Music to our ears

    Nintendo has unveiled a new partnership with RecoChoku today during its Japanese Nintendo Direct which finally brings a music store to the 3DS console. The service is scheduled to begin this December in Japan, and looks set to be Nintendo's take on iTunes for your 3DS. RecoChoku has one million songs in its catalogue and 3DS users...

  • News Two New Super Mario Bros. 2 DLC Level Packs For Japan Today

    The Coin Rush lives on

    Two New Super Mario Bros. 2 DLC level packs will be available in Japan today after being announced during the Nintendo Direct broadcast. Both packs will be sold for 200 Yen. The first set of levels is known as the Gold Mushroom pack and will see the player collect valuable - wait for it - Gold Mushrooms. The second Challenge...

  • News Nintendo Releases Updated Global Release Schedule

    Time to mark your calenders!

    Nintendo has published an updated release schedule for all its big upcoming Wii U and 3DS games. Back in August, Luigi's Mansion 2 was listed for a 2013 release back in August but now we have a more definite release window for the spooky sequel. It's also good to see that Brain Age: Concentration Training is definitely...

  • Nintendo Direct Watch The Japanese Presentation Live

    Live analysis provided at no additional cost

    Nintendo of Japan will host a new Nintendo Direct presentation today at 8PM JST (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK). The presentation is expected to focus on both the Wii U and 3DS, and will last around an hour. It will be followed by a selection of trailers...

  • News Monster Hunter 4 Screenshots Stomp Into View

    Monster mash

    To neatly complement this morning's news regarding the European release of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, here's a large helping of Monster Hunter 4 goodness in the form of 24 entirely fresh screenshots, issued by those lovely folks at Capcom Japan. The 3DS exclusive is due to launch in Japan in March next year, with a western release...

  • News North American Nintendo Direct To Air on 25th October

    Come and spend some time with Reggie

    It might be a little late for the announcement, but Nintendo of America has announced a new Nintendo Direct broadcast, which is set to air tomorrow at 7am Pacific / 9am Central / 10am Eastern / 3pm British Standard and 4pm Central European time. As posted on its Facebook page, the stream will focus on upcoming...

  • News Penélope Cruz Has the Answer in Professor Layton Advert

    Cruz control

    Movie star, Oscar winner and one-time moustache-wearer Penélope Cruz has returned for another stint at Nintendo advertising, this time turning her considerable talents to Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask. During a break in filming, Ms Cruz and her sister Monica are playing the latest entry in Level 5's puzzle series. Penélope...

  • Talking Point The Message in "I'm Not a Gamer" Commercials

    Word-play, or hiding from being a gamer?

    A little over a month ago we mentioned a new series of commercials that Nintendo was planning to run, which it described as the "Play As You Are" campaign. The goal of these adverts was to show "how all kinds of women and young girls can explore their interests and express their individuality using the...

  • News Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Running Onto The Japanese eShop

    Game Gear returns

    The Game Gear version of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is coming to the Japanese 3DS Virtual Console next week. It'll be available for download on 31 October for 300 yen, so gamers in Nintendo's homeland can give themselves a treat this Halloween. This 8-bit version of the game was also released on the Sega Master System featuring...

  • News Japanese eBook Service Delayed For Nintendo 3DS

    Will be turning pages in the near future

    We reported last month that Librica was to launch a 3DS application - Bookstore Anywhere - for the 3DS this month in Japan. Sadly, it has since been confirmed that the service has been delayed. Librica has said the hold up is due to the team's desire to make further improvements to the app, and that a new...

  • News Iwata Asks Talks Up Style Savvy: Trendsetters as a Game For Everyone

    It's "like a fighting game! (laughs)"

    Style Savvy: Trendsetters is now available in North American stores and on the 3DS eShop, which may not be news to excite a large number of gamers. That said, we awarded this 8/10 in our review, suggesting that perhaps the theme shouldn't completely distract us from the quality of the gaming experience. We...

  • Review Style Savvy: Trendsetters (3DS)

    They see me stylin', they hatin'

    What's the hottest new fashion trend this fall season? Nintendo's hoping it won't be cobalt leg-warmers or autumn florals, but rather their newly released 3DS fashion sim, Style Savvy: Trendsetters. With engaging collection and customization-based gameplay and classy production values, they've certainly got a good...

  • News Don't Worry Europe, You'll Be Getting NightSky Soon

    November to be exact

    To everyone's surprise, Nicalis announced over Twitter earlier today that NightSky will be coming to the EU eShop 'sometime in November'. The indie developer revealed that the game has already been approved by Nintendo of Europe. The game releases stateside this coming Thursday (25th October). The full tweet reads: Hey EU,...

  • Nintendo Download 25th October 2012 (Europe)

    Heavy Fire and Mighty Bomb Jack make for slim pickings - thank goodness for Layton

    Ouch. Not much in the way of downloadable goodness this week, with just three games available - all of which are 3DS-based and one of which is a retail download. Aside from some downloadable videos and a smattering of DLC, there's not much else to report. 3DS Retail...

  • News This Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Soundtrack Packaging is Rather Special

    Pop up CD case, anyone?

    We've been paying a lot of attention to Bravely Default: Flying Fairy here at Nintendo Life, mainly because it looks like a high quality 3DS RPG from Square Enix. With an attractive art-style and seemingly plenty of interesting gameplay to offer, we're sure that others are also keen to see a Western release. One thing that's...

  • News Takumi: Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney Has a "Double Layered Story"

    Who could object to that?

    Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney arrives in Japan at the end of November, which will lift the lid on one of the year's most intriguing cross-over titles. Combining the two different worlds — and their distinctive styles — within a medieval setting may sound slightly crazy, and that's probably because it is. That...

  • News Nintendo Australia Goes Release Date Crazy

    Paper Mario dated, new 3DS XL bundle announced

    Nintendo of Australia has today confirmed some details on upcoming 3DS games such as Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, as well as a bunch of new downloadable games coming to the Nintendo eShop. Paper Mario: Sticker star will be available in Australia and New Zealand on the 8th of...

  • News Nintendo of Europe Offers Up Free Layton Swag

    A gentleman always travels in style

    With Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask just around the corner, Nintendo of Europe is rewarding early purchasers with some free swag! Starting on October 26 (at 8 AM BST/ 9 AM CST), those who register their copy of Miracle Mask will be eligible to win a free leather luggage tag, branded with Layton's signature...

  • News Aksys Releases Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward OVA

    "I want to play a game"

    Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is set to release next week in North America, and publisher Aksys Games has taken the opportunity to release the game's anime prologue. Dubbed in English, the video reveals how main character Sigma was kidnapped, and how he must work together with eight other captives to escape the Nonary...

  • News This Denpa Men Promotional Video Is Tight

    Skin tight, we mean

    As you'll no doubt be aware from our The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave review, it's a fantastic game that every North American 3DS owner should download right away. So fantastic in fact, developer Genius Sonority has decided that it's worthy of a trailer starring men in skin-tight bodysuits. In this video - which is being dubbed...

  • News 5th Cell Explains Lack Of Nintendo Characters In 3DS Scribblenauts

    It all comes down to 'timing'

    Just yesterday, Warner Bros. Interactive announced that a handful of characters from the Mario and Legend of Zelda series will be featured in the upcoming Wii U version of Scribblenauts Unlimited. However, the 3DS version of the game won't be getting in on the action. While an official explanation for this discrepancy...

  • News 3DS and Bravely Default Flying High in Japanese Charts

    As expected, really

    We've often reported that 3DS is performing particularly well in Japan, and that trend is continuing this week with the release of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, the eagerly anticipated RPG from Square Enix. When considered alongside recent positive news about 3DS software sales in North America, it seems as if Nintendo's...

  • News New Animal Crossing 3DS Details Reveal Streetpass Mode

    More reasons to become a recluse

    Fresh information about Animal Crossing: Jump Out has been updated on the Animal Crossing 3DS official website. A new Streetpass mode is included, where other players can view your badges that you obtain from Palotini, who rewards you for your hard work — that includes catching fishes, gathering a variety of stuff...

  • News Monster Hunter 3 G Traps an eShop Discount in Japan

    Re-packaged "Best Price" offer also on the way

    Fans of the Monster Hunter series that live outside of Japan have been a little hard done by, casting envious glances to gamers in Japan who are looking forward to Monster Hunter 4, while the rest of us wait for the expanded version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. While Ultimate is also coming to Wii U...

  • Review Code of Princess (3DS)

    A code worth cracking

    For a while now, hack-and-slash has been significantly undermined as a legitimate genre in video gaming, but Code of Princess doesn't care about any of that. Code of Princess spits in the face of modern 3D gaming and says “I can do things better,” and then goes out and does it. Being touted as a spiritual successor to Sega...

  • Events Nintendo Gala at the 56th BFI London Film Festival

    Nintendo Life takes to the red carpet

    It was a big night at the 56th BFI London Film Festival on Monday, as the much-anticipated Nintendo Gala took place at Odeon West End in Leicester Square. Hundreds of film critics, movie experts and even games journalists descended upon the renowned movie theatre to attend the premiere of Wayne Blair’s The...

  • News Ghosts 'n' Goblins Coming To 3DS eShop Next Week

    Ready to make your blood boil?

    It may not be that Mega Man game you were hoping for (and thank god it's not Mega Man Xover), but Capcom has just announced that the NES version of Ghosts 'n' Goblins will be making its way onto the 3DS eShop on 25th October in America. This soul-crushing side-scroller hit arcades ba

  • News Nyko Experiences Power Outage, No Longer Releasing 3DS Power Grip Pro

    Want more power? Well you're not going to get it

    Back towards the start of the summer we reported that Nyko had a 3DS accessory — dubbed the Power Grip Pro — in the works. The peripheral aimed to amend the current Circle Pad Pro with a case and a battery that offered triple the amount of gameplay time. Sadly, Nyko revealed on its Twitter...

  • Developer Interview Nnooo Talks About Working With Nintendo and Moving to the 3DS eShop

    Stepping into a new generation

    As the 3DS eShop continues to evolve and expand its library, Nintendo is currently preparing to introduce the Wii U eShop — it's assumed that'll be its name — and continue to expand its download gaming options. It's been a rocky road, of course, with the DSi and Wii online stores both being flawed in terms of both...

  • News Nnooo: Let us "Browse, Buy and Gift Content Outside of the eShop"

    Miiverse E3 preview suggests it may happen

    Most would agree that the 3DS eShop, as a platform, is an improvement over its predecessors on DSi and Wii. That's to be expected, of course, but for developers intent on publishing downloads with Nintendo the enhancements in layout, functionality and the easing of restrictive file size limits have all been...

  • Rumour Youkai Watch Coming To 3DS

    New Level-5 IP looks promising

    According to the latest edition of Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic, Youkai Watch is heading to 3DS; the game was first announced by developer Level-5 one year ago at its Vision event. Youkai Watch is all about a boy who wears a special watch that allows him to see and interact with ghosts, and similar to...

  • Review Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (3DS)

    It's Layton, so you probably know the answer

    While gamers in Japan are eagerly awaiting the final part of the Professor Layton prequel trilogy, those of us in the West are relieved to finally get our hands on what was a Japanese 3DS launch title, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask — originally known as Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle...

  • News Pikachu 3DS XL Now Available For Pre-Order

    Pokéballs on the ready

    Last week, Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata confirmed that the Pikachu 3DS XL would be coming to Europe later this year. Today UK retailer GAME has tweeted to its followers that the charming yellow handheld is now available for pre-order, with a price tag of £179.99. A release date for the device is yet to be...

  • Feature The New Dimensions of Pokémon

    Snap and Dream Radar change the perspective

    Trading cards and anime episodes aside, the Pokémon series is known for a long-lasting line of handheld RPGs. You've almost certainly played one or two of them — and we suspect that quite a few of you are already getting into Pokémon Black & White 2 — most likely followed by an obsessed state of...

  • News Watch Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's Newest Trailer Right Here

    Two hunters are better than one

    Capcom is kicking off New York Comic-Con with a brand new trailer for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which is set to release sometime in March 2013. While the trailer mostly focuses on the Wii U version and its online co-op, there are a few glimpses into the 3DS version, and the ability to play locally alongside the Wii...

  • News Soothsayers, Begone - 3DS Software Sales Rise 89 Percent Over Last Year

    Nintendo's handheld remains robust in the face of mobile competition

    Like a broken record, industry experts seem to delight in telling anyone that will listen that the 3DS is doomed. The rise of mobile phone gaming on iOS and Android seems to suggest to many that traditional consoles have no real future, but this anaylsis conviently ignores the fact...

  • News Nicalis Teases 3DS Ikachan Port

    2D classic from the same developer as Cave Story

    Had your fill of Cave Story already? Well prepare to get unreasonably excited, because it would appear that Daisuke Amaya's Ikachan is headed to the 3DS. Created in 2000 by Amaya (better known by the pseudonym Pixel) - 4 years before Cave Story, perhaps his most famous work - Ikachan focuses on the...

  • News Ubisoft Announces Rabbids Rumble North American Release Date

    Three extra days of Rabbid fun

    Last week we reported that the Rabbids would be rumbling on to European 3DS consoles on 16th November. Today Ubisoft has confirmed that Rabbids Rumble will be launching on 13th November in North America, three days before it hits European shores. Rabbids Rumble features over 100 crazy Rabbids to capture and collect,...

  • First Impressions Fire Emblem: Awakening

    Could this be the best entry in the Fire Emblem series yet?

    The Fire Emblem series has long been famous and hugely successful in Japan. With a long string of titles stretching back to the days of the Nintendo Famicom, the franchise is now starting to catch on in the west. Arguably the most famous tactical RPG in the world right now, Fire Emblem fans...

  • Nintendo Download 11th October 2012 (North America)

    Mario gets on the course, robots are rescued, the one true demo arrives and more

    Last week was a bit of a bumper week for the Nintendo Download update in North America, and we have another packed list for you. Every platform is covered in some form, and there's a demo and some videos to fill your time too; let's get right into it. 3DS Downloads:...

  • Review Crosswords Plus (3DS)

    A few cross words

    The 3DS is no stranger to puzzle games, with Japanese developer Nikoli being responsible for most of the puzzle games on the market. While games like Sudoku, Hitori and Kakuro have provided us with enough numbers to last a lifetime, there’s a distinct lack of wordplay on Nintendo’s newest handheld. Enter Crosswords Plus, the...

  • News Castlevania, Mega Man 4 And Donkey Kong Heading To Japanese eShop

    Popular NES titles making their way to the 3DS Virtual Console next week

    Japanese gamers are in for a treat next week, as Castlevania, Mega Man 4 and Donkey Kong will all be released for the 3DS Virtual Console on October 17th, priced at 500 yen each. Both Mega Man 4 and Donkey Kong are the original Famicom versions of the games, whereas...

  • Rumour Super C Coming to 3DS Virtual Console in The West

    Third party NES classics make it out of Japan?

    Up until now, Nintendo retro lovers have only had first-party NES titles to play on the 3DS Virtual Console. Although Japan has seen a steady stream of non-Nintendo games - including the awesome Mega Man 3 - those games haven't shown any sign of coming to the west - until now, that is. Konami has just...

  • News Mutant Mudds Free DLC Arrives in October

    20 new levels, entirely free of charge

    Mutant Mudds fans, take note: Renegade Kid has confirmed that it is releasing free DLC for the game this year. Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham has stated that the update will be released in Europe on October 18th and North America on October 25th. Here's a handy bullet point list of new features, courtesy of...

  • Review Boulder Dash-XL 3D (3DS)

    Rockford reborn

    Every system has little-known titles — packed with content and well-constructed gameplay — that fail to fly off shelves or, in some cases, even get into high street stores in the first place. If Boulder Dash-XL 3D suffers that fate it'll be a pity, because it takes its subject matter and goes beyond the basic requirements,...

  • Talking Point Nintendo Takes One Step Forward, One Back With Retail Downloads

    It's not quite right, yet

    During last week's Nintendo Direct broadcast in Europe, one eShop announcement that received relatively little fanfare was confirmation that a number of additional first-party titles were being made available on the platform. These titles stretch back to the earliest months of the system: now available on the European eShop...

  • News Activision Releases New Trailer For Transformers Prime

    Planes, trains and Autobots

    Based on the award-winning animated television show produced by Hasbro Studios, Transformers Prime lets you play as your favourite Autobot character and embark on an action-packed adventure to save the earth from the evil Megatron and his new secret weapon. Get a preview glimpse of the Wii U version in the video below,...

  • News Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Will Make Its Way To The eShop

    Paint the town red

    Disney Interactive Studios has revealed that those who wish to purchase Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion when it releases on 18th November across North America (the same day as Wii U arrives), have the choice of picking it up in stores or downloading from the Nintendo eShop. It looks like that'll make it the first third-party title...

  • News Cave Story Fix is "Coming Soon"

    Curly Story will be saved

    If you haven't read our Cave Story review, then let us sum it up for you: we loved it. The eShop version of the indie game that started it all is fantastic, except for one issue. It turns out that some people are having problems with the Curly Story mode. Specifically, they can't get past the first couple of screens...

  • First Impressions Dopamix

    Is this Japan-only eShop release going to be music to your ears?

    As games get more complicated, with motion controls and complex button layouts, is it still possible to have fun while playing a game using only one button? With the Japan-exclusive eShop title Dopamix (made by G-mode, the current owners of the Data East back catalogue, which includes...

  • Feature EB Expo 2012 Nintendo Booth Impressions

    Get N or Get Out

    As you may have noticed over the past few days, we have been posting our impressions of games that were available to play at the recent EB Expo. We've also got some impressions for you of Nintendo's impressive booth itself. Throughout the weekend, the line to get into the Nintendo booth was one of the longest. The line moved at a...

  • News File Sizes Revealed For 3DS eShop Retail Downloads

    Better stock up on those SD cards, this could get ugly

    Last week, Nintendo of Japan confirmed during a Nintendo Direct presentation that a list of current 3DS titles would soon be available for download from the Nintendo eShop. It's good to see Nintendo pushing their retail games as digital downloads, but just how much space will they actually take...

  • News Capcom Responds To The Lack Of Mega Man On 3DS

    Too good to be true?

    If we were to choose one franchise that is disappointingly absent from the 3DS library, it would have to be Mega Man. Following the soul-shattering decision to cancel Mega Man Legends 3, Capcom released Mega Man 1-3 on the 3DS eShop, but these Virtual Console titles have been limited to Japan. With fans clamoring for a Western...

  • News New Rabbids Rumble Trailer Shows European Release Date

    Let's get ready to rumble

    It has been just over 4 months since Rabbids Rumble was confirmed for the Nintendo 3DS, and Ubisoft has finally given us a release date for its wacky second outing on the handheld system. During a brand new trailer, it is confirmed that the 8th game in the series will be released across Europe next month on the 16th...

  • News 3D Classics: Urban Champion Is A Downloadable Reward On Club Nintendo

    Time to become a champion, again

    North American members of Club Nintendo have a new title to spend their valuable coins on, but it might not be what you were hoping for. 3D Classics: Urban Champion is available as a reward until October 21st, and will set you back 150 coins. This 3D Classics title first became available a little over a year ago on...

  • News Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask Release Date Confirmed For Australia

    On its way down under

    Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask was released as a launch title in Japan for 3DS on 25th February, and at a little over a year and a half old is finally being released in Europe on 26th October, arriving in North America on 28th October. Fear not, our Australian readers, as Nintendo has now lifted the lid on a release...

  • Review Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure (3DS)

    A royal pain

    Disney has a long history of using video games to place its familiar characters into unfamiliar contexts, often mixing several disparate worlds together for the sake of effect. The best part? It quite often works. From Mickey Mouscapade to the Kingdom Hearts series to the upcoming Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion, it's usually great fun...

  • First Impressions Paper Mario Sticker Star

    Stuck on you

    Tucked away on the roof of the ZombiU building in the Nintendo booth at the EB Expo were a few hidden 3DS gems. Among them was Paper Mario: Sticker Star, and as you can imagine we eagerly wrestled the closest copy from the display unit and dove right in. The version available to us appeared to be very close to the final build, as we...

  • Hands On Is New Super Mario Bros 2 DLC Worth Your Golden Coins?

    Should you download those Coin Rush levels? Read on to find out

    Nintendo may have produced paid DLC before, particularly on 3DS, but it’s now taken its first steps into worldwide DLC on a big-name title. We are of course talking about the DLC for New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the 3DS, which comes in the form of three new content packs for the...

  • News Hotel Transylvania Coming To Europe On Nintendo DS And 3DS

    Embark on a spooktacular journey with Hotel Transyvania this Halloween

    Avanquest Software Publishing has today announced the release of Hotel Transylvania for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, with a release date of October 26th 2012 for DS and November 9th on 3DS across Europe. The game is being released to tie in with Sony Pictures Animation’s...

  • News Monster Shooter is Locked and Loaded for 3DS eShop

    Another mobile port in the offing

    Gamelion has announced that it is preparing to unleash yet another of its mobile-to-3DS offerings. Monster Shooter is already available on iOS and Android - on which it has clocked up a respectiable 5 million downloads - and features "dual stick mayhem", apparently. Gamelion is also adamant that this is "one of the...

  • News Mobile Hit Gunman Clive is Shooting His Way to the 3DS eShop

    Mega Man-inspired action platformer is one to watch

    If you own an iOS or Android-based smartphone then you may have already experienced the excellent Gunman Clive. A homage to the classic action platformers of old, the game has been confirmed by its developer as a forthcoming 3DS eShop title. Speaking to Not Enough Shaders, creator Bertil Hörberg...

  • News Our Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct Translation Awaits Forest Folk Within

    A complete summary of the Japanese presentation

    Last week there was a special Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation covering the forthcoming Animal Crossing: Jump Out on 3DS. As usual, we've got a summary of the entire video, saving you the bother of having to actually learn Japanese in order to understand it. Iwata starts out by introducing us to...

  • News 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro Release Date Confirmed

    Like a pro

    Nintendo revealed the first image of the 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro back in September, but failed to give us information as to when the peripheral would be released. We can now announce that the 3DS XL's bulky buddy will hit Japanese shores on 15th November at a price tag of 1,500 Yen, which approximately works out at £12/€15. There hasn't...

  • Talking Point Nintendo's Focus on the 3DS eShop

    Gaming on a budget

    This week’s European Nintendo Direct prompted the usual range of predictions before the event, ranging from optimistic but unlikely hopes to pessimism and predictability. What Nintendo of Europe boss Satoru Shibata gave us, surprisingly, was a broadcast heavy with eShop exclusives, some new and surprising and others with...

  • Review Angry Birds Trilogy (3DS)

    Fowl play

    Something of a cultural phenomenon by now, Rovio's Angry Birds franchise is one of the few in gaming to capture the general public's eye, time, wallet and wardrobe, becoming the poster child for "the future" of the industry. It has been called quite a few things in its meteoric rise: Herald of the death of dedicated gaming handhelds...

  • News Nintendo: Phones And Tablets Aren't Games Devices

    UK PR director bullish about 3DS' forthcoming Christmas war against mobile

    Nintendo UK's marketing and PR director Shelly Pearce has spoken to MCV about the upcoming war for wallets this Christmas, and has stated that the company is confident that its 'true' gaming systems will hold their own against devices like smartphones and tablets. When asked...

  • Competition Test Your Professor Layton Knowledge Via This Facebook Quiz

    Enroll at Gressenheller University today

    To celebrate the forthcoming release of Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (or Mask of Miracle, depending on where in the world you happen to be) Nintendo has created a UK-based Facebook quiz which allows you to test your knowledge of Layton's world. If you're clever enough to solve all of the tests,...