3DS News

December2011

  • News Register 2 3DS Games and You Could Win a Mario 3DS

    Get 3D Classics: Kid Icarus free, too

    Nintendo Europe has just announced a new sweepstakes contest to encourage 3DS owners to purchase and register select 3DS software titles. Club Nintendo members who register two selected 3DS games between 1st November and 31st January 2012 will receive a free download of 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, and will also be...

  • News Join the Official Nintendo Life Mario Kart 7 Communities

    Let's see some skill

    Mario Kart 7 is out around the world this week, and to get you all playing together we've set up an official Nintendo Life community for you to join. To make sure everyone finds something to enjoy we've set up a range of game types, all in the 150cc class. To join the Nintendo Life community on Mario Kart 7, follow these steps:...

  • News Resident Evil Revelations Trailer Goes Back to Basics

    Dire-logue

    Resident Evil Revelations might be one of the best looking games on the way to 3DS but, as is the series' tradition, it's not just an exercise in graphical grunt: there's a nonsensical plot tying it all together too. Publishing partners Nintendo and Capcom just released a new trailer introducing Terragrigia, a European city that's central...

  • News Nintendo Doesn't Want a 3DS Price Situation on Wii U

    Of course

    The 3DS price drop has had an extremely positive effect on the system's sales, but it left some early birds wary of buying a Nintendo console at launch in case the same thing happens again. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime knows this, touching on it briefly in an interview with Fox Business. The Wii was priced for profit at...

  • News Nintendo UK Reconfirms GBA Ambassador Games for This Month

    It's all good

    After the GBA Ambassador games release date rumours of a delay, Nintendo UK has confirmed to Official Nintendo Magazine that the games are still on course to release this year. A spokesperson told the magazine's website: The forthcoming 10 GBA Virtual Console titles available for registrants of the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Programme,...

  • News 3DS Beats First Year DS Sales in Just 8 Months

    What problem?

    Nintendo made a lot of sales in the week running up to Black Friday: Mario and Zelda both hit record sales and the company sold over 500,000 Wii consoles in one day. The 3DS also hit a milestone on Saturday, overtaking the entire first-year sales of the Nintendo DS. Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed to Time that in its first eight month on...

  • News New Resi Revelations Screenshots Lurk Within

    Some scary, some not

    Early 2012 sees Resident Evil Revelations hit 3DS with some of the best graphics we've seen any portable console pump out in a good long time. Nintendo just sent over some fresh new screenshots showing off the game's Raid Mode, an online-enabled co-operative game type opened up after you finish the game. One enemy certainly has...

  • Rumour GBA Ambassador Games Delayed to 2012

    Ruh-roh

    Update: Nintendo UK has stated the 3DS GBA Ambassador games will still release this year. After the delay of the 3DS system update we've got another digital delay rumour: according to Nintendo Spain, the Game Boy Advance Ambassador games won't be available until 2012. The site says "disponibles a partir d

November2011

  • News Hori's Mario Kart 7 3DS Wheel Is UK-Bound

    Plastic fantastic?

    Mario Kart 7 launches in Europe this Friday, hoping to emulate the storming sales success of Mario Kart Wii, with a peripheral to match. Hori's Mario Kart 7 steering wheel will be available across the country in December. Essentially it works along the same lines as the Wii Wheel: clip your 3DS console into place, activate the...

  • Preview Mutant Mudds

    Muddin' makes you feel good

    For those who don't know, Mutant Mudds began life as a 3D polygonal platformer called Maximillian and the Rise of the Mutant Mudds that was to be released as a retail title on Nintendo DS. Sadly, the retail release and a pitched DSiWare rendition were never able to get off the ground, leaving developer Renegade Kid to...

  • News Luigi's Mansion 2 is Not Multiplayer After All

    It was all a mix-up

    Yesterday we reported that Luigi's Mansion 2 was listed as a two-player game on the Nintendo of Europe website. We've now received confirmation from Nintendo that this was an error and that the game is single-player only. Luigi's Mansion 2 is set for release in early 2012. Read our Luigi's Mansion 2 preview for an early...

  • News Circle Pad Pro Hits Europe in January 2012

    Resi bundle confirmed

    It's official: the 3DS Circle Pad Pro accessory is coming to Europe on 27th January 2012. The add-on launches on the same day as Resident Evil Revelations, one of the first games that supports the extra attachment to reach European shores. The accessory will be available on its own or in a limited edition bundle with the game,...

  • News Monster Hunter 3 G Demo Stomping to Japan's eShop

    You asked for it

    3DS-enhanced monster mash Monster Hunter 3 G is set to be one of the first 3DS games to offer a downloadable demo in Japan. The 169MB demo contains two quests and a choice of 12 weapons, with quests lasting around 20 minutes. Most interesting is Capcom's confirmation the demo is playable a maximum of 30 times before it becomes...

  • News Iwata Asks Sheds Light on Mario Kart 7's Creation

    Retro and Nintendo in harmony

    By now you've presumably read our Mario Kart 7 review, giving the latest 3DS racer a well-deserved 9/10 score. If you want to know more about how the game was put together, Nintendo's got you covered with an Iwata Asks interview all about MK7. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata spoke to series producer Hideki Konno and...

  • News Mario Kart Communities Intended for 3DS Operating System

    What happened?

    The online communities function in Mario Kart 7 was originally supposed to be a system-wide function, according to director Kosuke Yabuki in a new Iwata Asks MK7 uses communities to allow players to gather together and share times and progress, somewhat like a clan. According to Yabuki, this feature was supposed to be included in the...

  • News Nintendo Lists Two-Player Mode for Luigi's Mansion 2

    Update: no multiplayer

    Update: Nintendo of Europe has clarified that Luigi's Mansion 2 is not multiplayer, and that the game's information was updated incorrectly. Our original story continues below. We're all looking forward to the opportunity to bust ghosts in Luigi's Mansion 2, but we may not need to do it alone, as the game's official...

  • News 20 GAME Stores Gear Up for Mario Kart 7 Launch Contest

    Have you got what it takes?

    With Mario Kart 7 ready to speed off from the 3DS starting grid this week, Nintendo and GAME have teamed up to bring a contest to you this week. This Saturday, 20 GAME stores across the UK will offer an official fastest lap competition. The fastest player in each store at the day's end will win £25 to spend in GAME —...

  • Review Mario Kart 7 (3DS)

    Seventh heaven

    It's hard to believe that it's been almost two decades since Nintendo first unleashed the original Super Mario Kart on gamers back in 1992. Since then, we've seen a Mario Kart release on just about every game system Nintendo has released. Mario Kart 7 marks the debut of the series on Nintendo 3DS and while there are a host of new...

  • News Mario and Skyward Sword Set Series Sales Records

    Quick off the mark

    Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has told USA Today that the latest outings for Mario and Zelda have smashed series sales records. Super Mario 3D Land became the fastest-selling handheld Mario game in history, shifting over 500,000 units since it launched on 13th November. The plumber's long-awaited début gave 3DS...

  • News 3DS System Update Due Before 8th December

    A little delayed

    The much-anticipated 3DS system update has suffered a minor delay, and will now be available before 8th December. The update — previously thought to be available on 30th November — is now in the final stages of testing and will see launch within the next ten days. Once available, the update adds 3D video recording, the 3DS...

  • News Pearl Pink 3DS is North America Bound on 4th December

    The whole family's here

    Nintendo of America has just confirmed the pink 3DS console will launch across North America on 4th December for $169.99. Officially called Pearl Pink, unlike the European release the machine is available in two varieties: while both will come with Nintendogs + Cats, one carries the Toy Poodle and New Friends variety while...

  • Review James Noir's Hollywood Crimes (3DS)

    The big easy

    Since its debut, the DS console's (then) unique capabilities have presented developers with more than ample scope to push boundaries and explore new ways for us to interact and perceive handheld games. The touch screen has been hugely beneficial for Level 5’s Professor Layton series, which has proved to be so incredibly popular with...

  • Review Sonic Generations (3DS)

    Spin cycle

    A lot can change in 20 years. When the original Sonic the Hedgehog launched on 23rd June 1991 we didn't even have the Super NES in the West, and the thought that Nintendo and SEGA would one day work together was less than laughable. Yet here we are, two decades later, playing a celebration of Sonic's career on Nintendo's latest console. A...

  • News Send Your Friend a Mario Kart 7 Item to Brighten Their Day

    Here comes Bullet Bill!

    Mario Kart 7 is out next week, and to get you geared up (sorry) Nintendo has revamped the game's official website with new videos, information and social features. By visiting the items page you can send any of your Facebook friends an item from the series, so why not be the best friend ever and send them a Spiny Shell? We're...

  • News Solve the Mystery of the James Noir Launch Trailer

    Oh, that was easy

    One of the earliest third-party games revealed for 3DS James Noir's Hollywood Crimes finally makes it to Europe today, and we have a new launch trailer to show off. Originally called Hollywood 61, the game has one of the most bizarre plots we've ever heard in a game: as a contestant in a 1960s game show, you soon discover a...

  • News Nintendo Finishing Mario Kart 7 Was an "Act of Emergency"

    Calling all cars

    Mario Kart series producer Hideki Konno has revealed Nintendo saw finishing work on Mario Kart 7 as an "act of emergency", according to a new Japanese Iwata Asks article (via Eurogamer). Konno reveals the game started development with just eight staff attached, but that once team members were peeled off to wo

  • News This Is The Sonic Generations Storyline Comic Strip

    Try to keep up

    Sonic Generations is out in Europe today, and what better way to celebrate than a comic strip explaining the game's story? Using still shots from the game's rendered intro — only available in the HD version, sadly — the strip sets up exactly why two eras of Sonic find themselves racing through the same stages. It also contains...

  • News Mutant Mudds 3DS eShop Trailer Released

    Mudds in 3D!

    Nintendo has just released the first 3D trailer of Mutant Mudds on the 3DS eShop, so those who've wanted to see how the game looks in 3D, here's your chance. It's a short clip from the first world, but you can see how the different layers look with the 3D depth. You can find the clip in the "Coming Soon to Nintendo eShop"...

  • News Sneaking, Scoffing and Soccer in Rhythm Thief Trailer

    The game that has it all

    SEGA's Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure is one of the more... original looking titles on the way to 3DS in the coming months, as the new gameplay video below ably shows. From playing football (soccer) in the street to pulling poses to blend in with topiary, the game rivals even Elite Beat Agents for oddness, and looks...

  • News New Mutant Mudds Trailer Released

    Gets ESRB rated as well

    Few titles excited us back at E3 in June more than Renegade Kid's upcoming 3DS eShop platformer Mutant Mudds, so to say that we've been keeping an anxious eye on the project over the past few months would be an understatement. Thankfully, Jools Watsham, lead director of Mutant Mudds, has been kind enough to send over the...

  • Review The Sims 3 Pets (3DS)

    A new leash on life

    Porting life management simulator The Sims to handhelds has proven a mixed experience with more missteps than successes, but when The Sims 3 debuted as a 3DS launch title the series hit one of its lowest lows to date. The obvious rush job felt like a cynical slap to the face, EA having sped the title to store shelves in a direly...

  • News Try a Spot of Doctor Lautrec with Flash Demo

    What a challenging conundrum

    We don't have downloadable demos on 3DS yet, so Konami's free web-based demo for Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights is a nice chance to try before you buy. The Doctor Lautrec Flash game takes you through the game's 19th Century Parisian introduction with a little dialogue and puzzling to get your mental muscles...

  • News Miyamoto Not a Huge Fan of Mario Kart 7 Customisation

    But he came around

    One of the biggest additions to Mario Kart 7 is the ability to change up your racer to suit the surroundings: big tyres, little tyres, that sort of thing. That's not to say that everyone within Nintendo was keen on including customisation though, with gaming genius Shigeru Miyamoto revealing he was against it initially. Speaking...

  • News No Good at Monster Hunter? Buy Quest Rewards Instead

    StreetPass mode explained

    While every hunter this side of Japan anxiously awaits a release date for Monster Hunter 3 G, Capcom has revealed more of the game's StreetPass features including an intriguing method of clearing quests. StreetPassed players will appear in a tavern by the harbour; for a fee, you can send them out to clear any quest they've...

  • News New Harvest Moon: First Earth 3DS Videos Ripen Up

    Don't soil yourself

    North America has already had one Harvest Moon game on 3DS — Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns — but that was really a slightly different version of the DS original rather than a just-for-3DS deal. The console's first original entry in the series is Harvest Moon: First Earth, or Bokujou Monogatari: Hajimari no Daichi in...

  • News Nano Assault Delayed Until December 5th

    In case you were wondering

    We're currently enjoying a busy period of major Nintendo game releases, but one intriguing third-party title has quietly slipped off the radar. Nano Assault for the 3DS was thought to be due for release this week in North America, but publisher Majesco has confirmed to us that it is has been pushed back to 5th December. As...

  • News Sonic Generations 3DS Launch Trailer Gathers Speed

    Out this week

    SEGA's mascot just hit 3DS in North America today, and to celebrate here's a brand new launch trailer. The video shows off Sonic Generations' stages, bosses, multiplayer and StreetPass mode, so if you've been waiting to see which classic and modern Sonic moments are revisited in the 'hog's first 3DS outing then wait no longer. Sonic...

  • News Learn to Crush in 3D with New Training Trailer

    We've got a crush

    SEGA's CRUSH3D — the story of an insomniac who compresses three-dimensional space to cure his illness — isn't like other games. That's probably one of the reasons why SEGA just sent over a new trailer showing how you play the game, due out in early 2012. Let the silky-voiced narrator explain (in quite some detail) how to...

  • Rumour 3DS Video Update Lands on 30th November

    Get ready for launch

    Nintendo UK recently launched a large-scale advertising campaign for its 3DS, with one of the focuses being the upcoming 3D video recording feature. Several users have contacted us to report that the advert claims the feature will be available "from 30th November". Update: YouTube user hutch1081 has recorded the advert...

  • News Online Play Shown Off in Sonic Generations Shots

    Take on the best

    SEGA's just released a stack of new Sonic Generations screenshots ahead of its mascot's first 3DS first appearance this week, showing off the odd stage, boss and WiFi multiplayer too. While we won't spoil the stages or bosses — not that they're new, what with Generations being a compilation of Sonic's best bits and all — we can...

  • News Mario and Zelda Bundles Coming for Thanksgiving

    Special additions

    In news that probably just secured a sizeable chunk of Black Friday spend for Nintendo, two limited edition 3DS bundles are on the way to North America on Thanksgiving Day. Starting this Thursday, for $199.99 you can pick up a Flame Red 3DS with Super Mario 3D Land or the limited edition Legend of Zelda 3DS console bundle with The...

  • News Match Those 3D Animals in Zoo Keeper for 3DS

    Elephants all in a row

    Remember Zoo Keeper? Remember how many hours you lost to it? Want to play it again in 3D? Eager fans crying out "yes!" to all three questions, rejoice: Zoo Keeper is on the way to 3DS in early 2012. Siliconera spotted a listing at the Japanese website of retailer HMV, pitching the match-three-in-3D game for a 26th...

  • News EB Down Under Sells Super Mario 3D Land Early

    Ask and thy shall receive

    Australia's release delay woes have been well documented, but retailer EBGames is doing its best to take the sting out of it by selling Super Mario 3D Land early. While the game is down for an official release in Australia this Thursday, Vooks reports that branches of the retailer will sell the game as soon as it arrives in...

  • News Tekken 3D Packs In 40 Fighters at 60 Frames Per Second

    A contender?

    As the first Tekken game to grace a Nintendo console since Tekken Advance nearly ten years ago, Tekken 3D Prime Edition has a lot of catching up to do. Namco Bandai is certainly going all-out to bring a sizeable cast of characters to the 3D fighter, with over 40 characters crammed into the 3DS cartridge. As well as featuring 3DS's...

  • News Zelda and Mario Break Into UK Top Ten

    Strong showing

    In one of the most crowded release weeks in the gaming calendar, Nintendo's key players have performed well to enter the UK top ten chart. Super Mario 3D Land leapt into ninth place, while The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword grabbed seventh position. Further down the chart, the latest crossover between plumber and hedgehog, Mario and...

  • Out Today Super Mario 3D Land and Wallpapers

    Double whammy

    Talk about good days: Nintendo fans in Europe have a new Mario and a new Zelda to choose from today, as the much-anticipated 3DS release Super Mario 3D Land finally reaches European shores. To celebrate the plumber's first true 3D platforming game we've put together some awesome computer wallpapers to bring a touch of the Mushroom...

  • News Keiji Inafune's King of Pirates Trademarked in the West

    Things are looking up

    Remember when we brought you the first look at Keiji Inafune's Kaiyo: King of Pirates, the super-cute penguin pirate game coming to 3DS in Japan? Publisher Marvelous AQL just filed a trademark for the game's name in the West, strongly hinting at a release outside Japan. Siliconera spotted the trademark and reports that unlike...

  • News Resi Revelation's Online Mode is Locked Until Completion

    Earn your stripes

    One of early 2012's biggest 3DS games, Resident Evil Revelations, comes loaded with an online co-operative feature called Raid Mode, but now it's surfaced that you have to complete the game's campaign before you can access it. According to Andriasang, producer Masachika Kawata revealed you'll have to make your way through the...

  • Review Nikoli's Pencil Puzzle (3DS)

    Sharp?

    It's hard to believe, but there was a time before fancy Tanooki Suits, space-foxes and Lon Lon Milk defined a good game. It was an era without joysticks, Wii Remotes or Power Gloves. How could anyone possibly have had fun in such a world, you ask? Well, back then, people were satisfied with a simple pencil and pad of paper, and that was...

  • News Brush Up On Your Shinobi History in New Trailer

    How did we get here?

    3DS platformer Shinobi is the latest entry in one of SEGA's most loved franchises, but if you're new to the whole ninja thing you might find this new history trailer a useful catch-up on the activities of the Musashi clan and evil Zeed. Of course, if you want to know more about the most recent Musashi outing, be sure to read our...

  • News 3DS Heading for Bigger First Year Sales Than DS

    Picking up steam

    After its well-publicised troubles earlier this year, the price drop and extra colours seem to be having the desired effect on Nintendo's 3DS, with the console's sales increasing at such a rate it could overtake the first-year sales of its predecessor, the Nintendo DS. While an indication of the 3DS's improved sales, it's also a...

  • Rumour Limited Edition Zelda 3DS to be Released in North America

    Don't open the champagne yet

    Good news, we hope, for eager 3DS buyers in North America. It has been reported by Siliconera that the gorgeous limited edition Zelda 3DS bundle, already confirmed for release in Europe, is also on the way to North America. The source of the claim is a scan of an advert from major US retailer GameStop, clearly showing...

  • Review Shinobi (3DS)

    Shinobi returns for another slice of revenge

    Given the current trend of rebooting classic video game franchises it seems long overdue that SEGA should reinvent fan-favourite Shinobi, for both veteran ninja warriors and younger ninjitsu newcomers to enjoy. Entrusted with this great responsibility is developer Griptonite Games, no stranger to...

  • News More Mario Kart 7 Courses Revealed

    Dare you discover them?

    If you want to find out some of the retro courses that have made the grade in Mario Kart 7, the latest update to the game's official Japanese website might throw some light on the situation. The game's Shell, Banana and Leaf Cup courses and six battle arenas have now been unveiled, with selections from Mario Kart 64, Mario...

  • First Impressions Nano Assault

    Shin'en knows shmups

    Shin'en is certainly no stranger to the shoot 'em up genre, having already developed games in the Iridion and Nanostray series for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS respectively, but after taking a few years to work on other projects, many shooter fans were beginning to wonder if the developer would ever get back to its shmup...

  • News 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure Trailer Hits Europe

    Go pink

    If you can't wait until next Thursday to see 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure in motion, the 3DS eShop in Europe just updated with a brief video of Kirby's updated outing. As you'd expect, the game looks remarkably faithful to its 8-bit origins, with the 3D adding a seemingly subtle layer of depth to its still-impressive graphics. The original...

  • News Next Zelda on 3DS a "Continuation of Past Efforts" says Aonuma

    What does that mean?

    After the stellar success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D there have been many calls for a 3D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Series producer Eiji Aonuma has confirmed Nintendo is working on another 3DS Zelda game, but gave previous little else away. Speaking to The Guardian, Aonuma was typically cagey...

  • News Super Mario 3D Land Leaps to a Strong Start in Japan

    Bigger than galaxies

    By now you've read in our Super Mario 3D Land review that Mario's latest outing is very good indeed, but has it succeeded in lifting the console's sales in Japan? Yes, and how. In its first week the game shifted a staggering 343,492 copies, according to figures from Media Create (via Andriasang). That's nearly triple the amount...

  • Review Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)

    Tanooki time

    Super Mario has been a staple of Nintendo systems since the original NES over 26 years ago, and while the series has evolved to a great degree over time, one immutable fact remains: Mario games sell systems. That's why it comes as no real surprise that the plumber's first foray onto 3DS has been about as hyped as any game in recent...

  • Talking Point First-Person Shooters and the 3DS Circle Pad Pro

    Aiming down 3D sights

    It's old news that first person-shooters are bigger business within the industry now than they've ever been. Since the advent of online play on home consoles, they have inarguably become the most played genre on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with the latest Battlefield and Call of Duty titles dominating the market. However,...

  • Review Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (3DS)

    The great gig in the sky

    There's something magical about a good toy. Be it an action figure, doll, transforming truck, projectile-spitting dragon or a wooden block, it doesn't matter how many removable parts or points of articulation they have once burrowed into your imagination and destined for Great Adventure along with the rest of the toy chest...

  • News Mario and Zelda's Babies Would Play Like This

    The ultimate crossover chaos

    We found out after E3 that there's a Zelda-style level in Super Mario 3D Land, and now we have a video look. As you can see below, the game takes more than a few cues from old-school outings like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Link's

  • News Capcom Considering Monster Hunter 3 G Western Release

    Never say never

    Despite rumours to the contrary, Monster Hunter 3 G is still not confirmed for release outside of Japan. Does that mean it will never leave the Land of the Rising Sun though? Capcom fielded that exact question during a recent investor Q&A call, and although the answer isn't the life-changing announcement some might hope for it's...

  • News Zelda Top Brass Discuss Link To the Past in 3D

    It could happen

    The 3D Classics has taken in arcade games and 8-bit classics, but the potential for 3D remakes of games from the 16-bit era is mouthwatering. In a recent GamesRadar interview, Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma revealed that he and Shigeru Miyamoto have discussed bringing the 3D treatment to Super Nintendo classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link...

  • News Atlanta, You're On Mario's Touring Itinerary Too

    He gets around

    Atlanta, Georgia is the next stop on Mario's tour of the United States to promote Super Mario 3D Land. The plucky plumber is taking in the unique sights of the Atlanta Underground this Friday, 11th November, with a surprise performance by a gang of Marios in Tanooki tails and ears. ATLANTA ON ALERT FOR MASS MARIO SIGHTING AT ATLANTA...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 22: Mascots and Mixes

    New digs for old friends

    Our chip and game music podcast rears its lovely head this month with a collection of Nintendo mascot sounds new and old, from that new Kirby game to Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Metroid remixes. Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando — Cookie Country (Kirby’s Return to Dreamland)The Greatest Bits — Fear Factory (Donkey K

  • News Gaze At This Beautiful Limited Edition Zelda 3DS Console

    It's black and gold

    Got space in your collection for another limited edition Nintendo 3DS? How about a Zelda 25th Anniversary model with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D? Nintendo of Europe just revealed the new black model bearing the Hyrule crest and it's looking exceptionally beautiful. It's out on 25th November and will cost €199, with...

  • News GAME and Gamestation Give Away Mario 3DS Pouches

    But only if you pre-order

    With Super Mario 3D Land out next week and Mario Kart 7 hot on its heels two weeks later, GAME and Gamestation are stepping up their pre-order initiative with two giveaways. Pre-order customers will receive a 3DS pouch bearing artwork from the relevant game when they purchase their game. Neat giveaway items, but as we'd bet...

  • Review Centipede: Infestation (3DS)

    Covered with scorpions

    Modernised versions of old school arcade games are quite common; we've already seen two on 3DS so far, Frogger 3D and Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions, the latter comprising even more classic call-backs of yesteryear, but one game that hasn't seen much love in the remake department is Centipede. Bucking the trend, Centipede:...

  • Review Gem Smashers (3DS)

    Not so precious

    In 2003, explorers daring enough to venture deep into the recesses of that oppressive structure known as Generic-Looking Game Boy Advance Puzzler Mountain came across a small treasure – a mix between Bust-A-Move and Arkanoid that proved about as fun as it was unexpected. Now comes its successor of the same name, Gem Smashers, but...

  • Talking Point Nintendo's Plans to Fight Back

    Mario’s gloves come off

    If we were to summarise Nintendo’s year so far, we’d say that it’s been having a tough time. There have been moments of brilliance that have reaffirmed the faith of loyal gamers, but there have also been a lot of mis-steps, mistakes and bad publicity, some of which has been unjustified. In fact, despite the release of...

  • Review Nyko Power Grip

    Gripping or griping?

    Battery power. It is both the benevolent force that makes portable gaming possible, and the cumbersome reason some gamers choose to keep their games at home. Throughout gaming history, handheld consoles have been subjected to a slew of power-boosting peripherals promising more game time at the cost of extra bulk. The Nintendo...

  • Feature A Beginner's Guide to the World of BlazBlue

    Welcome, stranger

    Released in North America a few months ago, today marks the European release of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 on 3DS, the fighting series' first ever appearance on a Nintendo console (well, there was BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale, but that doesn't really count.) But what exactly is BlazBlue? With a pretty decent select...

  • News 3DS Update Lets You Join Your Friends' Online Games

    Just tap

    The 3DS friends list is severely lacking, but the upcoming firmware update should add a much-requested feature. A post at NeoGAF (via Eurogamer) reveals the update lets you join an online friend's game in progress, and also lets you organise your friends list by online status. The update is incl

  • Review Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove 3D (3DS)

    The story of the ghost

    This past May saw the release of Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix. We enjoyed it more than we expected to, and you can read why right here in our Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix review. In fact, you'd better read that review, because the retail sequel, Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove 3D, doesn't deviate much...

  • News Chicago, Mario is Coming to See You Too

    He gets everywhere

    Mario visits the Windy City next week to promote upcoming 3DS release Super Mario 3D Land, appearing at the John Hancock Center on 9th November. As with his other events in Austin, TX, New York City and San Diego, there'll be an army of Tanooki Marios making an appearance for a surprise performance. What city do you think will be...

  • News Rising Star Games Bringing BIT.TRIP to Europe

    Rejoice!

    Triumphant compilations BIT.TRIP SAGA and BIT.TRIP COMPLETE are on the way to Europe in 2012, courtesy of Rising Star Games. The publisher — ignoring its "Home of Japanese Games" slogan for just a little while — has confirmed it'll be releasing both compilations across Europe in the first three months of next year. Excellent...

  • News Austin, Texas Gets In On the Mario Launch Love

    Spreading far and wide

    After San Diego and New York, where else can Nintendo go to spread the word about Super Mario 3D Land? How about Austin, Texas? On 7th November Nintendo will take a host of Tanooki Marios to the Republic Square Park in Austin, TX for an impromptu (as in "extremely rehearsed") performance of a surprise nature. Still...

  • News F1 2011 Lines Up on 3DS on 25th November

    Start your engines

    Codemasters has just revealed the launch date for its first 3DS game: F1 2011 will reach Europe on 25th November. As with Codies' previous Nintendo F1 title, F1 2009 on Wii, experienced racing studio Sumo Digital has handled development so we should be in for a pretty solid representation of the sport: the first time it's gone 3D,...

  • News Iwata Unsure if Nintendo Will Sell Wii U At a Loss

    At a loss for words

    In stark contrast to Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo generally sells hardware at a profit, but the recent 3DS price drop has clearly caused the company to reconsider that stance. At a recent investor Q&A, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed he's not yet sure if Nintendo will sell Wii U at a profit from day one. I have no...

  • News Nintendo Promises 3DS DLC for Next Year's Titles

    Will we see any this year?

    The late November 3DS system update will add the ability for developers to release downloadable content for games in the 3DS eShop, but Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed there'll be no Nintendo DLC until 2012. Speaking to investors after the semi-annual financial report, Iwata said: Nintendo will also offer...

  • Feature What About Pikmin 3?

    The future of Captain Olimar's intergalactic journeys

    Last week marked ten years since the original Pikmin released in Japan. In the decade since we've had just a single sequel, but Olimar's adventures are far from over. The story of an alien who crash lands on a mysterious planet and must recruit tiny plants to work for him, like many of Shigeru...

  • Review Captain America: Super Soldier (3DS)

    Captain Average

    Superhero fans invariably have very little to look forward to or shout about when it comes to video games. Whether it be down to either a lack of respect for the source material on the part of the developer or a rushed development cycle so that the games can meet strict deadlines and release alongside their film counterparts, comic...

  • News Super Mario 3D Land Made for Snacking, Not Gorging

    Handheld finger food

    3DS might be as powerful as Wii, but it's in a very different setting, as Super Mario 3D Land director Koichi Hayashida explains in a recent Iwata Asks. According to Hayashida, if Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a grand imperial banquet, Super Mario 3D Land is fast food, designed to be consumed quickly in short bites: [Super Mario...

  • News Evidence Mounts for Circle Pad Pro Name

    Capcom in on the act too

    Last night's batch of new screenshots and videos for Resident Evil Revelations also came with an attached fact sheet, and it all-but confirms the Circle Pad expansion's official Western name. Alongside information about the co-op raid mode, the sheet also states: Compatible with Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro – Add a fourth...

October2011

  • News Super Mario 3D Land Launch Spreads to San Diego

    Nothing in between

    Mario mania isn't just taking in New York, as Nintendo has revealed San Diego California can expect a Mushroom Kingdom-themed party next week to celebrate the launch of Super Mario 3D Land. This Friday, "sometime between 12pm - 1:30pm" according to Nintendo, dozens of Marios in Tanooki ears and tails will race through...

  • News Resident Evil Revelations Blows Up With Multiplayer Raid Mode

    Trailer inside

    Remember when we told you that you wouldn't have to face the nightmare alone in Resident Evil Revelations? We meant it — Capcom has just sent over a trailer of the multiplayer co-operative Raid mode for you to digest. It seems the multiplayer component takes in specific missions rather than the regular story levels and in truth it...

  • News Two New Characters Take To the Mario Kart 7 Grid

    You may bee surprised

    Metal Mario and Lakitu are two of the already-confirmed characters joining the roster in Mario Kart 7 in December, but they're not the only new faces you'll be able to pick. Honey Queen from Super Mario Galaxy and Wiggler, first seen in Super Mario World have both signed up as competitors in Nintendo's big 3D racer. Last week...

  • News Rayman Origins Trailer Shows Ten Ways to Travel

    Q & A 2

    In all the excitement over Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, we almost forgot another iconic gaming character is due to return this Christmas. Rayman Origins on Wii and 3DS are both on the way before Christmas, and so it's time to learn a little more about them with a new trailer and a little Q&A with director

  • News Excavate the Pyramids Facebook Page for QR Levels and Tips

    Enjoy Gaming celebrates NA release with new stages

    Pyramids released last week on the North American eShop, and publisher Enjoy Gaming is celebrating with a new QR code stage, which you can scan below. The company also let us know that for those players who find themselves stuck in a particularly challenging spot, the team will happily provide...

  • Review Mahjong CUB3D (3DS)

    Fun to the third power?

    Mahjong solitaire has appeared on just about every console since the dawn of video games, though their developers generally remain content with sticking to the basic formula. Mahjong CUB3D takes a different path in exactly the way the title suggests – by wrapping the puzzle around a 3D framework. But does the new take on...

  • News Nintendo Developing New Game Genres to Revitalise 3DS

    No laurel-resting here

    Nintendo DS and Wii were hugely lucrative for many reasons, but part of their success is down to the innovative new games only possible on Nintendo's hardware: from Nintendogs and Brain Training to Wii Fit, these new genres really made the hardware into global phenomena. Of course, other hardware manufacturers and publishers...

  • News Explore Super Mario's 3D Land at New York Launch

    Tanooki tails mandatory

    For the North American launch of Super Mario 3D Land, Nintendo is going all-out by turning Times Square into a real-life rendition of the Mushroom Kingdom. From 12th November, fans will be able to pick up their very own Tanooki tail and ears to wear while leaping through Mario's world: green pipes, coin jumps and even the...

  • News Iwata: We Want 3DS Sales to Show Consoles are Here to Stay

    President comes out swinging

    One of the most anticipated 3DS games is nearly here: Super Mario 3D Land releases in Japan next week, and Nintendo president Satoru Iwata expects it to ignite 3DS hardware sales. Speaking to investors after the company's quarterly results, Iwata revealed that since the price drop the 3DS is selling at a better pace than...

  • News Iwata Reveals Big New Improvements for eShop

    DLC, web, demos and more

    At the recent financial briefing, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata discussed plenty of interesting new ideas to evolve the company's online strategy, revealing some big initiatives. Extra downloadable content for games will be available to game developers after the late November system update, letting studios and publishers...

  • News Nintendo's Latest 3DS Global Release Schedule

    Not many surprises

    After releasing its quarterly results, Nintendo always likes to share its upcoming games for the next few months. With the critical Christmas period fast approaching, here's the company's first party line-up for Japan, the United States and Europe. Western fans will note there's nothing in these lists we didn't already know about,...

  • News Go Beyond the Labyrinth With New 3D Screenshots

    RPG gets Japanese date

    Konami just revealed a release date for gorgeous 3DS RPG Beyond the Labyrinth, and bundled in a load of new 3D screenshots too. The game — developed by experienced RPG studio tri-Ace — will reach Japan on 19th January, and follows a mysterious and anonymous white-haired girl as she chances upon an ancient sealed magic...

  • News Colourful European 3DS Bundles Look Like This

    It's good to know what to expect

    The newly announced Ice White and Coral Pink 3DS consoles look nice enough on their own, but it's the retail packaging that really shines. The pink console in particular has some of the cutest artwork we've ever seen for a Nintendo console, decked out in puppies and kittens and a pink box. Ice White is slightly less...

  • News Mario and Sonic Have a Valentine's Day Date

    Look away, kids

    SEGA's continuing to support the 3DS strongly with an array of new and revamped games, and the famous publisher has just rubber-stamped release dates for some of its games due in the coming months. Here's the full list: Shinobi — 11th November (Europe), 15th November (North America)Sonic Generations — 22nd November (North...

  • News You Don't Just Play as Mario in Super Mario 3D Land

    Back to the land of intrigue once more

    There's still a lot of mystery surrounding Super Mario 3D Land — remember the Luigi statue spotted in the enormous panoramic artwork? It seemed to hint at an appearance from the nervous brother in Mario's next adventure. While we think you can probably see where we're going with this, our next sentence may...