3DS News

April2012

  • News Shaun the Sheep Reveals All in 'Raising the Baaaaa!'

    He's not too sheepish

    European 3DS owners have been lucky enough to enjoy weekly animated shorts of Shaun the Sheep in Nintendo Video for a number of weeks. From Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, these episodes each give about 60 seconds of charming animation and humour. Each episode involves...

  • News Frank West and Hsien-Ko Join Project X Zone

    Say 'cheese'

    Namco Bandai-SEGA-Capcom crossover Project X Zone already has a pretty sturdy line-up of characters, but it just got bigger with new faces coming in from Dead Rising, Darkstalkers, Resonance of Fate and more. Here's who's who out of the new faces: Gods Eater Burst: Alisa, SomaResonance of Fate: Leanne, ZephyrDarkstalkers: Hsien-KoDead...

  • Out Now 3DS System Update (Worldwide)

    Get your folders here

    The 3DS system update that adds folder support is available now. To get the update, simply follow these instructions: Make sure your 3DS is charged up or near a charger; it may take a while. Open System Settings — the spanner on your main menu. Select "Other Settings". Scroll to the page furthest to the...

  • News Take On Kid Icarus Multiplayer Masters at HMV Stores

    Consoles up for grabs

    Can't get enough of that wonderful Kid Icarus: Uprising multiplayer? Get thee to a select HMV store and take on Nintendo's team of crack players, and you could win a set of AR cards. The participating stores are: hmv Oxford Circus – Saturday 28th Aprilhmv Reading Oracle – Saturday 5th Mayhmv Birmingham Bullring – Saturday...

  • Talking Point Could AR Games Drive eShop Sales?

    Augmenting profit

    Nintendo made a big deal of augmented reality at 3DS' launch, but it's all gone a bit quiet on the gaming-on-your-table front aside from scant appearances as extra modes in titles like Kid Icarus: Uprising, or in its various uses in horror games that don't cut it. The 3D overlay technology, through which games and avatars can...

  • News Konami Announces PES 2013 for Wii and 3DS

    No PES for U

    Konami's confirmed its next football feast, PES 2013, will, reach Wii and 3DS later this year. Wii's had some pretty good versions of the beautiful game over the years and PES has already had two run-outs on 3DS, so fingers crossed for a quality soccer sim later this year. The press release doesn't mention a Wii U version, which is a...

  • News Heroes of Ruin is GAME-Exclusive in UK

    Table-turner

    It looks like the days of "GAME isn't stocking title X" are long behind us, as the retailer's announced Heroes of Ruin will be exclusively available through GAME and Gamestation in the UK. You can pre-order the game for £34.99 through

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Battles Hit the Stage

    No more fighting on table tops

    For those who've been able to get hold of some AR cards for Kid Icarus: Uprising, there may have been some fun had in pitching iconic characters against each other with a number of backdrops. Ultimately, though, a dull piece of furniture isn't necessarily the most epic environment for a battle of the ages. Readers of...

  • Review Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir (3DS)

    The ghost of a much better game

    There's something magical within Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir. Really, there is. You wouldn't know it by playing it, because the execution is downright terrible, but at heart, somewhere, deep inside this absolute mess is the germ of a great idea; that's the nicest thing we can say about it. Spirit Camera is an...

  • Feature Why AR Horror Just Isn't Cutting It

    We're not scared

    Horror, when it works, sticks with us. Bumps in the night, shadows in the dark, branches scraping against the windows...these are the things that keep us up at night when horror has correctly done its job. Whether it's a scary movie, a chilling ghost story or even a horror-themed video game, the best experiences are the ones we...

  • News It's a Heroes of Ruin Multiplayer Video

    Say no more

    Excited about Heroes of Ruin and its online multiplayer? This video is right up your alley, then. Square Enix has released a video showing the co-operative play in action, with a Gunslinger and Savage wading through the Frost Reaches to take down Ironfist, a giant Ghoul. It emphasises the drop-in nature of multiplayer, with support for...

  • News UK Chart Results Are Less Than Golden for Nintendo

    Not flying off the shelves

    Each week we have two sets of charts to bring you. On the one hand Nintendo's Japanese hardware and software sales are always through the roof and dominating its competitors, while the UK software charts often give a very different impression. Regular hardware sales for the UK aren't provided, but this week's software top...

  • News Nintendo UK Launches Repair Website

    One stop shop

    Nintendo console owners in the UK have a new resource at their disposal: Nintendo Service Centre. The website offers troubleshooting tips and also allows users to book in consoles for repair. Video tutorials also talk you through things like setting up parental controls, spending Nintendo Points and browsing digital stores. So there...

  • Talking Point What New Super Mario Bros. 2 Means for 3DS and Nintendo

    Aside $$$

    The biggest news that came out of Nintendo Direct yesterday was the announcement of New Super Mario Bros. 2 for Nintendo 3DS. To say that the revival of 2D Mario has been a gigantic success for Nintendo is somewhat of an understatement; both New Super Mario Bros. on DS and New Super Mario Bros. Wii sold over 25 million copies each worldw

  • News Return to the Castle in Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion

    Castle crashers

    Warren Spector joined in the fun of Europe's Nintendo Direct to hype up Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion. Developed by DreamRift in collaboration with Junction Point, the 2D platformer is due out on Nintendo 3DS in autumn. Though it's set in the same Wasteland as the console versions and lets you mess with the environment with...

  • News Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drops into Europe on 20th July

    Confirmation at last

    Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance hit Japanese stores on 29th March, even causing a jump in 3DS sales when it was released. After a long wait we finally have news on a release date outside of Japan, with the title set to land in European stores on 20th July. In his Nintendo Direct presentation Satoru Shibata reiterated some...

  • News Panini to Sell Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Cards in European Stores

    Start saving those pennies

    While fans of Kid Icarus: Uprising in North America have enjoyed a few different ways to acquire some of the title's AR cards, gamers in Europe have had limited opportunity to build a collection. It seems that Nintendo of Europe were on the case however, as Satoru Shibata today announced a partnership with Panini to sell...

  • News Europe, Your 3DS System Update Arrives 25th April

    Update: North American update on the same day

    You know that fancy 3DS system update that was announced earlier in Japan? Europeans can now look forward to grabbing it on the same day, 25th April. The update will come as a relief to those who have cluttered up their Home screens with the Ambassador games, demos and 3D trailers. You'll be able to give...

  • News Heroes of Ruin To Include Free Daily Challenges for a Year

    Hits Europe on June 15th

    Heroes of Ruin is one of the most intriguing 3DS titles on the horizon, especially as it's an RPG that will feature online multiplayer and voice chat. It seems that online play really is vital to this game, with details of downloadable content announced in today's Nintendo Direct. Nintendo Europe boss Satoru Shibata...

  • News Download Play Confirmed for Mario Tennis Open

    Share a set with friends

    The upcoming Mario Tennis Open was discussed in today's European Nintendo Direct, with some specifics announced on multiplayer and Mii customisation. The most significant detail for tennis players hoping to take on friends and family was the confirmed inclusion of Download Play for local multiplayer, allowing up to four...

  • News Animal Crossing Tobidase Reaches Japan This Fall

    Come inside

    Animal Crossing 3DS has an official title and release window for Japan, those lucky blighters. Its full Japanese title is Doubutsu no Mori: Tobidase. Tobidase means 'jumping out' of something, a phrase often used to describe the 3DS's 3D capabilities but which Nintendo president Satoru Iwata says also refers to the game's wireless...

  • News New Puzzle Panel Lands Via SpotPass

    Open for business

    3DS owners, make sure your wireless switch is on: Nintendo just sent out a new puzzle panel for StreetPass Puzzle Swap. The new picture of Mario Tennis Open is a 40-piece puzzle, which should last you a fair old while. We haven't heard of any other pictures coming through yet, but if you get a different image then be sure to let us...

  • News 3DS Gets Pokémon Black & White 2 AR Apps

    Gotta snap 'em all

    Pokémon Black & White 2 is coming to DS, but 3DS owners who want to beef up their experience can do so with the release of two new eShop applications. One is a follow-up to Pokédex 3D, updated with the new moves and information from Black and White 2. In Japan at least, the original Pokédex 3D will be removed from sale,...

  • News Organise Your Home Menu With New 3DS Update

    All the fun of folders

    If your Home Menu's looking a little cluttered these days, you might want to anticipate the new 3DS system update in a few days that adds folders to the mix. You'll be able to create folders to hold as many as 60 tiles each, which should certainly de-clutter that menu. You can name your folders too, which should make finding...

  • News Mario Kart 7 To Get Shortcut-Fixing Patch

    Part of new update

    Nintendo will add the ability to patch software later this month, with Mario Kart 7 due to get an update in July. Satoru Iwata revealed that Nintendo will release a patch to fix issues with shortcuts that cause problems with online play, though didn't specify which shortcuts would be affected. Previously Nintendo has said it has...

  • News Nintendo Direct April 2012 - Nintendo Reveals New Super Mario Bros. 2 for 3DS

    Wa-ha!

    We knew Nintendo is working on a new 2D Mario for 3DS, and now we know it's New Super Mario Bros. 2. Satoru Iwata revealed the game during the latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, pledging it'll see release in Japan this August. Nintendo of America has also confirmed an August release via Twitter. Iwata

  • News The World Ends With You Follow-up Teased by Square Enix

    Not quite the end

    The World Ends With You is one of those DS RPG titles that may not be well-known, but is critically acclaimed and loved by its fans. It's a gem of the DS library, which makes the recent tease of a sequel from Square Enix music to our ears. As reported by Andriasang, Tetsuya Nomura — a key figure in The World Ends With You and the...

  • News Pre-Order Theatrhythm, Get a Stylus and Stickers

    Hard to beat

    Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is out in North America in July, but if you're the kind of person who likes to get an order in early rather than wait and see, the game's pre-order bonus might be right up your alley. At the moment only available via Amazon but likely to reach our retailers soon, pre-order customers get a gripped stylus and a...

  • News Europe, Your Next Nintendo Direct Show is Tomorrow

    Meet Mr Shibata

    Nintendo Europe's regular series of Nintendo Direct online broadcasts gets another run out tomorrow afternoon at 1pm Central European Time/12pm midday UK Time. Whereas February's show was a translated version of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's Japanese presentation, this time around it'll be a unique broadcast hosted by Nintendo...

  • Feature Bargain Bin DS Games

    The best things in life are cheap

    With 3DS firmly established in the market for more than 12 months and the Nintendo DS entering what can be confidently called its twilight year, there is no better time to head to the (virtual or physical) bargain bin to nab yourself some overlooked DS gems to keep you entertained until 3DS releases pick up momentum...

  • News Shin Megami Goodness Coming to 3DS and DS in PAL Regions

    RPG fans rejoice

    Until now, some gamers in PAL regions have looked on enviously as their North American counterparts have enjoyed Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked on 3DS, an expanded and improved version of the DS original from 2009. There's good news as publisher Ghostlight, a specialist in bringing Japanese games to the PAL markets,...

  • News 3DS Stays on Top in Japanese Charts

    As you were

    Some things remain the same from one week to the next: there aren't enough hours in the day reserved for gaming, speculative Wii U rumours spread like wild-fire, and 3DS reigns supreme at the top of the Japanese hardware chart. As shown by the latest Media Create figures, provided by Andriasang, Nintendo's latest handheld is continuing...

  • News Skylanders Giants 3DS To Be 'Completely Different' Than Wii

    Wii U under consideration, of course

    When Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure became a sales hit, surprising some with the scale of its success, a follow-up was inevitable. The announcement of Skylanders Giants duly followed, and although Wii was confirmed as a platform the vague description of 'handheld and mobile devices' left a 3DS sequel as very...

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising Development Landed on Wii, Briefly

    Took in PC too

    Masahiro Sakurai started work on Kid Icarus: Uprising so long ago there weren't even 3DS development kits, according to a new Iwata Asks. Sakurai told Nintendo president Satoru Iwata that his Project Sora team made do with the other hardware available, including Wii: At first we didn’t have the Nintendo 3DS development kit, so we...

  • News Project X Zone Website Opens With a Bang

    Check out that music

    Last week we brought you the first screens of upcoming 3DS title Project X Zone, a project being produced by Capcom, Namco Bandai and SEGA. After an intriguing teaser involving a science lab, it was unveiled as a strategy RPG featuring iconic characters from all three developers, enough to get the blood pumping in many gamers...

  • News Camelot Justifies No RPG Mode in Mario Tennis Open

    It's not you, it's Mii

    Unlike most portable Mario sports titles, there's no roleplaying mode in Mario Tennis Open. Nintendo Power asked Hiroyuki Takahashi, one half of Camelot's boss brothers, about the omission. Takahashi explained that this time around, Camelot was trying to create a console-quality experience with features like online play and...

  • News Pandora's Tower Sneaks into UK Software Chart

    A lot of climbing to do

    There was one high profile retail release on Nintendo systems last week, with Pandora’s Tower arriving on Wii. Unlike Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure, which failed to break into the software top 40 in its debut week and missed out again this week, the final title in the so-called 'Operation Rainfall Trilogy' has...

  • News Super Mario 3D Land Director Shares Level Design Inspirations

    Similar to four-panel 'Kishōtenketsu' comics

    Super Mario 3D Land has been the recipient of critical acclaim and big sales figures. It was also the first 3D Super Mario title developed exclusively for a handheld, posing interesting challenges for Director Koichi Hayashida and his team, such as finding a way to provide short levels that are also...

  • News Sport Clips Set For a Home Run on Nintendo Zone in U.S.

    Yes, that means baseball, amongst others

    Nintendo Zone is one service specifically set up to encourage you to take your 3DS on the road, with connection spots in a variety of locations around the U.S. It already offers content such as demos and even discount coupons, and the latest offering from Nintendo of America is streamed sports videos...

  • News The U.S. Sales Results are in for Nintendo

    Not bad, not brilliant

    While Nintendo, or to be precise 3DS, continues to dominate in Japan, it's always interesting to see how the company is performing outside its homeland. In the UK our only regular insight is the weekly software chart, and courtesy of the NPD Group we now have our monthly insight into how the big N is performing in the U.S. In...

  • News Double Spooky Photo Action Hits Europe on 29th June

    Wii and 3DS owners beware

    Nintendo's planning a double dose of ghostly goings-on on 29th June, as augmented reality fright fest Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir and Wii spooker Project Zero 2: Wii Edition will both reach Europe. Nintendo UK slipped the Wii release date at the bottom of a press release about Spirit Camera — out today in North...

  • News Project X Zone Screens Burst Out

    More next week

    The first scans of Namco Bandai, Capcom and SEGA collaboration Project X Zone (pronounced "Project Cross Zone") emerged yesterday, but now we have crisp, clear stills of the game in action. The shots show the strategy RPG's combat team-ups: Mega Man and Zero, Ryu and Ken, Demitri and Dante, Akira and Pai and more are all in...

  • News The Louvre's 3DS Tour App Detailed in Video Form

    Yes, but is it art?

    The team-up between Nintendo and The Louvre sounds good, but what does it look like? A lot like this, in fact. Nintendo released a video of the museum touring application in action and it looks pretty good, with 3D models of sculptures, digital representations of paintings allowing you to zoom in on the fine detail and audio...

  • News Monsters Abound in Terry's Wonderland 3D Trailer

    When in Rome

    The very first Dragon Warrior Monsters is getting a full 3D makeover in the scaly form of Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D to give its full title. Square Enix just released a four minute trailer of the 3DS game, and boy is it full of monsters. Of course, being a Monsters title you're not just battling against the slimy...

  • News Namco, SEGA and Capcom Reveal Project X Zone

    3DS strategy RPG unveiled

    The teasing is over: the mystery Namco Bandai, Capcom and SEGA 3DS project is Project X Zone, a strategy RPG for 3DS. The countdown clock hasn't ended yet but Famitsu has led with the first details on the game. Characters from all three companies will fight in pairs: Ryu and Ken, Pai and Akira, Jin and Ling Xiaoyu to give a...

  • News Heroes of Ruin Alchitect Trailer is 3DS Gold

    Fresh from PAX

    3DS online action RPG hybrid Heroes of Ruin got another trailer today detailing the magic-based class that is the Alchitect. The walkthrough video below talks you through the class's abilities and battle strategies, which could come in handy if you're planning to deal out some lightning-based damage come June. There's also a bad dude...

  • News Nintendo and The Louvre Team Up

    The Rhythm Thief's invitation got lost in the post

    Gamers who fancy a musical adventure around the streets of Paris, including some shenanigans in the world famous museum the Louvre, can do so in Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure. For those who want to combine the handheld with the museum in real life, however, we have good news. We...

  • News Marth's Fire Emblem: Awakening DLC Debut Confirmed

    Ready to join your party

    Fire Emblem: Awakening arrives in Japan on 19th April, and as expected it will be the first Nintendo published retail title on 3DS to feature DLC (downloadable content). It's a game with plenty of potential for additional add-on content, such as maps and additional characters, and the debut DLC appears to feature both. As...

  • News Rhythm Thief Misses UK Charts

    Oh, Raphael...

    Funky Parisian 3DS game Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure has failed to land a foothold in the UK Top 40 charts in its first week. Price cuts and Easter promotions led to increased sales of older titles, which may have contributed to keeping Raphael's groove on the down low. Top of the charts was the much-hyped Kinect Star...

  • First Impressions Mario Tennis Open

    Nintendo serves up another winner

    The mustachioed plumber’s handheld tennis and golf outings have an RPG history able to trigger warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia in all who earned hand cramps from them at one point or another. Those feelings won’t be triggered by Mario Tennis Open on 3DS as it eschews levelling up solo in favour of...

  • News Add Tennis Balls to the List of Things Goombas Hate

    Everything's a weapon

    It's not just feet that pose a serious threat to eternal whipping boys the Goombas; tennis balls cause them serious harm too. Nintendo's new trailer for Mario Tennis Open showcases some of the new special games, from a Super Mario Bros.-inspired romp through World 1-1 and 1-2 to a Super Mario Galaxy face-off against a Luma. You...

  • News Pit and Pokémon Share Strong March Sales in Japan

    Not in the top spot though

    Pokémon Conquest — aka Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition in Japan — was the best-selling Nintendo title in the Land of the Rising Sun last month. The strategy crossover was released on 17th March, meaning it shifted 242,192 units in two weeks. In third place was Kid Icarus: Uprising, with 144,468 sales in the ten days...

  • Review Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure (3DS)

    It’s got the rhythm

    The early part of 2012 has brought us some blockbuster titles on 3DS that, in their own way, involve plenty of tension and shooting enemies. Perhaps it’s time to sit back and indulge in something a little more off the wall and unexpected, and Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure certainly fits the bill. Despite the...

  • News Customisable Miis and Online Standings Served Up in Mario Tennis Open

    Who wouldn't want a Bullet Bill outfit?

    Mario Tennis Open isn't far away, and details about the title's single and multiplayer options are continuing to emerge. The latest update from Nintendo teases us with some single player features that may keep us busy when not on the worldwide multiplayer courts. The Special Games mode will apparently include...

  • News 3DS Sales Jump in Japan Thanks to Kingdom Hearts

    Another big week

    Last week 3DS sales jumped 50% thanks to Kid Icarus: Uprising; this week it's Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance bringing about the rise. Square Enix's Disney crossover RPG sold 213,579 units in its first week. By comparison, Kid Icarus shifted 132,526 copies in its first seven days on sale, but this week dropped to fourth place...

  • News Namco, Capcom and SEGA Secret Countdown Starts

    It's on

    That mysterious SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai 3DS game just advanced to the next stage of teasing: the dreaded countdown site. After weeks of colour coded hints that seem to nudge towards characters ranging from Ken Masters to Bahn from long-dormant SEGA scrapper Fighting Vipers, the site's updated to include a new countdown will end at...

  • News More Gorgeous Epic Mickey 3DS Screenshots Revealed

    What a Beauty

    Like us, you were probably pretty excited when you heard about Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for 3DS, a new 2D platformer from Monster Tale studio DreamRift. Now Disney has released a few more details on this intriguing upcoming title. The previously revealed painting mechanic involves sketching on the touch screen before the...

  • News Fire Emblem: Awakening Pops The Question

    Will you marry me, Wyvern Rider?

    The release of Fire Emblem: Awakening is getting ever closer in Japan, with European gamers awaiting further clarification on the 'summer 2012' window and North American compatriots eagerly hoping for any news. Now that it's almost arrived in Nintendo's homeland the title has been the subject of an Iwata Asks column,...

  • News Boulder Dash-XL 3D Wants to Rock 3DS in July

    Budget retail release revealed

    Reef Entertainment has revealed it's bringing Boulder Dash-XL 3D to 3DS this summer. A 3DS retail release of last year's PSN and Xbox Live Arcade game, it features 150 brand new maps and the ability to share high scores and unlocked items via StreetPass. it's set to hit Europe on 20th July for a budget price of...

  • News Square Enix Pegs Heroes of Ruin for 26th June

    Casts level 2 Intrigue

    3DS's online action RPG Heroes of Ruin is due to land on 26th June, Square Enix has revealed. The title was originally promised for 'early' 2012 but has now seemingly slipped to the middle of the year. Hopefully that means its ambitious online multiplayer, including voice chat and regular new content via SpotPass, will make...

  • News N-Space Would "Love to Work" on a New Geist Title

    Talk about Heroes of Ruin, too

    N-Space is a developer that is becoming a regular on Nintendo systems, perhaps best known for producing the DS port of Call of Duty: Black Ops. It's currently in the process of developing Heroes of Ruin on 3DS, a new RPG that will be published by Square Enix. Before we get to that, though, it seems that it's interested...

  • News 3D Photography Competition Snaps Into Action in UK

    Time to get creative

    The 3DS camera may not produce the highest quality images, to put it mildly, but it does allow 3D and augmented reality opportunities for creative photographers. In order to encourage more UK gamers to make use of their handheld's cameras, Nintendo is teaming up with National Geographic Kids and The Royal Photographic Society to...

  • News Nintendo Reveals Playable PAX East Line-Up

    Anyone for tennis?

    PAX East is just a few short days away, and Nintendo of America has revealed the games attendees can get to grips with in Boston this weekend. Kid Icarus: Uprising players eager to expand their AR card collection might want to head to the show as there'll be a scavenger hunt and the ability to trade, share and collect new cards...

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising Fails to Fly in UK Charts

    Pit's wings burn up

    While Kid Icarus: Uprising has flown high in the Japanese charts and won the prestigious Nintendo Life Game of the Month award for March, it's dropped out of the top ten in the latest UK charts. Pit's latest adventure comes in at number 14 in the chart in its second week, a drop from seventh in its debut week but the...

  • News Get a Free Farming Simulator 3DS Demo, Europe

    Our excitement is too much

    On the fence about picking up Farming Simulator 2012 for 3DS? Would a free demo win you over? European 3DS owners, you can play a free sample of the must-have farming title this week when the eShop updates with a downloadable demo. The official description is almost too exciting to publish: Put on your boots, grab your...

  • Game of the Month March 2012 - Kid Icarus: Uprising

    Worth the wait

    There was really no other contender for the best game released in March, right? Pit's triumphant return in Kid Icarus: Uprising swept the board in our staff vote, getting the nod from the whole team. It seems like an eternity has passed since we got our first look at the game way back at E3 2010, but the wait was well worth it as...

March2012

  • Round Table Let's Talk About a Year of 3DS

    There's a lot to cover

    This week we've been celebrating the one-year anniversary of 3DS, a landmark that finds the handheld in relatively good health. It's been a dramatic, at times traumatic beginning for the console, so some of the Nintendo Life team got together to talk about their experiences and opinions of the system's first year. Joining...

  • News Spirit Camera Event Set to Haunt San Francisco

    Scares and snacks in one place

    Nintendo of America likes to run preview events for upcoming releases, but the latest has us intrigued. Taking place tonight at 9pm, and for over-18s only, is an event to promote Spirit Camera: the Cursed Memoir, a horror game that apparently makes full use of the 3DS' camera and AR (augmented reality) capabilities. If...

  • News Rhythm Thief Slides Back to July in North America

    Those who wait

    SEGA's stylish Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure is out next week in Europe, but 3DS owners in North America have to wait another three months to get their groove on. The official SEGA blog confirmed the new release date for the game as 10th July. The publisher didn't give any explanation for the delay. Look for our review in...

  • News Two Code of Princess Trailers Fight to the Fore

    Full of heart

    3DS scrapper Code of Princess — from the same team behind SEGA Saturn classic Guardian Heroes, remember — is shaping up to be one intriguing title, as these two new trailers show off. The first video is what you'd expect: anime cut scenes, Japanese singing and a jester fighting with a guitar. The second shows off the game's chaotic...

  • News Kid Icarus Ignites 3DS Sales Spike in Japan

    Up nearly 50%

    Kid Icarus: Uprising is doing the business for Nintendo in Japan, as hardware sales following its release increased nearly 50% week-on-week. As Masahiro Sakurai's game sold 132,526 units in Japan to top the software chart, 3DS hardware sales hit 94,011, up almost exactly 30,000 on the previous week's tally of 64,017. 3DS accounted for...

  • Feature How 3DS Brings a New Dimension to the DS Family

    Welcome to the 21st Century

    The humble DS and DSi consoles may have been a spectacular commercial success, but they were anything but modern technological devices when they were released. Much like the philosophy behind the Wii, Nintendo eschewed current-day technology in favour of finding a unique angle and putting it forward in old technology...

  • News Five Glorious Minutes of Fire Emblem: Awakening Video

    What more do you need to know?

    It's all in Japanese, but that won't stop you enjoying this video of Fire Emblem: Kakusei (aka Fire Emblem: Awakening), will it? From dialogue and cut scenes to battles and maps, it's got all the daily Fire Emblem nutrition you need. The game's out in Japan next month. Nintendo of Europe has confirmed it'll release the...

  • News First Epic Mickey 3DS Screen Shows Scrooge McDuck

    Colour us interested

    Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion on 3DS is a 2D platformer developed by Monster Tale studio DreamRift, so we knew it was going to look good, but the first scanned screen looks like the team's nailed the Castle of Illusion atmosphere. The still also scores bonus points for including Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales,...

  • Feature The Mistakes of the 3DS Launch

    Lessons for Wii U

    Now that the 3DS is one-year old in most territories – its Australian anniversary hasn’t quite arrived yet – it’s safe to say that Nintendo can look at the handheld’s progress and be reasonably happy. It’s unlikely to be ecstatic and popping open the champagne, however, as the road to the current good times has been...

  • News Nintendo Europe to Host 3D Photo Contest

    Starts Monday

    Budding photographers, take note: Nintendo Europe will launch a 3D photo contest next week. On 2nd April you'll be able to enter Nintendo Europe's 3D photo contest, as long as you live in one of the following countries: United Kingdom Spain Italy France Germany The Netherlands Portugal Head back on Monday for more details.

  • News Epic Mickey on 3DS is a Castle of Illusion Sequel

    To the tower!

    Last year, Disney registered a Castle of Illusion trademark, which many thought would have something to do with the then-unannounced Disney Epic Mickey 2. Turns out those people were (probably) right, as Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion on 3DS is a sequel to the 1990 Mega Drive/Genesis classic. A Nintendo Power preview (via

  • News 3DS, It's Your First Birthday in North America Today

    Celebrate good times

    3DS hit its first anniversary in Europe on Sunday, and today marks the machine's first steps onto North American soil one year ago. 27th March 2011 saw the 3DS launch across North America for $249.99 and got off to a flying start, securing the best first day sales of any Nintendo handheld. We all know how it went from there:...

  • News This Is Your Kid Icarus: Uprising Weapons Bible

    Revelation

    Getting to grips with Kid Icarus: Uprising's weapons can take a while, particularly as there's so many of the things, but Nintendo UK has come to the rescue with a rather large infographic designed to get you up to speed. The image — helpfully linked below — takes you through the different weapon classes, as well as their pros and...

  • Feature Our Favourite 3DS Games So Far

    One year of 3D gaming

    Nintendo’s 3DS has experienced a dramatic first year, no doubt far more eventful than Satoru Iwata and his team could have imagined. Despite all of the twists and turns that the handheld has experienced, it’s nevertheless been a source of some terrific and varied games. The 3DS may have evolved into more than the sum of its...

  • News GameStop to Sell 3D Classics: Kid Icarus Too

    For $5.99

    Didn't pre-order Kid Icarus: Uprising to get your free code for 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, and worried you've missed out on the downloadable game for good? Not to worry, as GameStop will sell redeem codes for the game online. Last week we reported GameStop is selling eShop games for download, and that range of two games will expand soon with...

  • News Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Confirmed for 3DS

    Now to fill in the details

    Earlier this week we reported on the rumour that Epic Mickey 2 was coming to 3DS. Although the official sequel, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two was later announced for Wii, it seems that the 3DS rumours were almost completely accurate. The cover of the April issue of Nintendo Power leaves no doubt, showing a preview...

  • News 3DS Celebrates First Birthday in Europe

    It's come a long way

    Today is a big day for Nintendo's latest bid for continued handheld gaming dominance: the 3DS is one year old in Europe. Its North American anniversary arrives on 27th March, so there will surely be plenty of high-fives and Mario style 'wahoo' whoops coming from the famous old company's regional teams. It's been a rather...

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Cards Now Available on Club Nintendo Europe

    Pay with stars, not cash

    Last week we made sure those of you in North America knew all about the free Kid Icarus: Uprising AR card giveaway, but thankfully European gamers don't need to miss out. If you head on over to the European Stars Catalogue, you may notice that at the top of the list is a set of 12 Kid Icarus: Uprising AR cards, a

  • Feature Kid Icarus: Uprising - What the Review Couldn't Tell You

    Minor spoilers within

    When we published our Kid Icarus: Uprising review, we observed a strict set of guidelines from Nintendo. These embargo criteria were designed to ensure that some features of the title weren’t given away before it hit stores. It’s not an uncommon practice, but in the case of this particular title we feel that it’s...

  • News Pokémon Back on Top of Japanese Charts

    Not exactly a surprise

    While many Pokémon fans are probably busy contemplating the arrival of Pokémon Black and White 2, gamers in Japan have been hitting the shops to buy up cross-over title Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition, propelling it to number one in the charts. Elsewhere in the Media Create software charts, Mario Kart 7 and Monster Hunter 3 G...

  • News Fire Emblem Awakening Wireless Features Revealed

    Taking the battle to the streets

    Fire Emblem Kakusei, or Awakening as it'll be known outside of Japan, is starting to power up the hype generator. Within the latest batch of details revealed to the Japanese press is information about how StreetPass and SpotPass will be used, with some interesting results. As reported by Andriasang, there will be...

  • News Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Confirmed for Western Release

    Feel the rhythm this summer

    Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy has been on our radar for a good while, with the Japanese release being followed by some of the first DLC content on 3DS. For all of you anxious Final Fantasy fans outside of Japan, meanwhile, there's finally some good news. Square Enix has set up a page on Facebook and confirmed that the...

  • News More 3D Music Videos On the Way to 3DS

    Starting today

    3DS owners in North America, observe: your console is about to get a lot more musical. Starting today, the Nintendo Video app will start to offer new 3D music videos, with Sabotage by Wale and So Good by B.o.B the first to land on this very day. After that you can expect videos from Skrillex, OK Go, Death Cab for Cutie and more, all...

  • News Coro Coro Comics 3DS Console Announced

    Japanese gamers win again

    We often tell you about limited edition 3DS consoles being released in Japan, simply because Nintendo's homeland has so many. There have been hardware exclusives dedicated to various themes, games and anniversaries, though the latest is arguably the most attractive. The console shown in this article's image is celebrating...

  • News Gon Paku Paku Paku Paku Adventure Announced for 3DS in Japan

    Now that's a video game name

    We often look at Nintendo console game releases in Japan with some envy, particularly when no localisation details are forthcoming. Titles such as Theatrhythm Final Fantasy are missed because they're part of a major, popular franchise, but in the case of Gon Paku Paku Paku Paku Adventure, we just really like the name. As...

  • News Dynasty Warriors' Samus & Link Costumes Move Like This

    Zero-ing in

    Those Samus and Link costumes in Dynasty Warriors Vs. certainly look nice in stills, but how about in motion? Your wish is Tecmo Koei's command. The trailer below shows small snippets of Dynasty Warriors' characters clad in the garb of Nintendo's famous blond/e hero/ine, plus footage of Dead or Alive: Dimensions' Ryu Hayabusa and Ayane...

  • News Intelligent Systems Rejected Modern-Day Fire Emblem Idea

    Gunfire Emblem?

    As we prepare for Fire Emblem: Awakening to reach the Western world, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata sat down with some of the game's development staff to discuss this latest entry in the tactical fantasy series. Producer Hitoshi Yamagami and project manager Higuchi Masahiro began discussing the 3DS instalment while working on 2010's...

  • News Looks Like Namco Wants to Sell You One Piece SP 2

    Rating out

    Remember the controversy when the localised version of One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP only came with half the content of its Japanese counterpart? People weren't happy. Stand by to relive those emotions. The Australian Classification Board has rated One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP 2 for sale, so it's very likely we'll get the second part...

  • Rumour Epic Mickey 2 Heading for 3DS

    Or is a powerful illusion

    We're almost certainly going to see Disney Epic Mickey 2 revealed next week, but on what platforms? According to the Twitter account of the French Official Nintendo Magazine, the mouse is coming to 3DS. The account tweeted the title Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion for 3DS, saying to look out for more details next week...

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising Tournament Final Announced

    Get ready to face the light

    With its local and worldwide multiplayer mode, Kid Icarus: Uprising is another Nintendo game perfectly suited to competitive play. As part of the promotion for the release, Nintendo of America has been running regional tournaments for lucky winners to receive a paid trip to a National Championship in New York: we've...

  • News Rollercoaster Tycoon 3DS Springs Back Into Life

    Out this season

    The appropriately up-again-down-again fortunes of Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D are heading up again: developer n-Space has announced the game should be out this Spring. In fact, as Spring starts today, that gives us a fairly large three month window of expectation. Last month we revealed Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D had hit the skids, but it...

  • News Rayman Origins 3DS Delay Goes Worldwide

    Now everyone has to wait

    We recently found out that Ubisoft was delaying the 3DS version of Rayman Origins until 8th June in Europe and we've now been told that the game's delay will be worldwide. According to the company, Rayman Origins 3DS is now scheduled for a worldwide release in June with the PC release still set for 29th March in North...

  • Review Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

    Pit’s flying high

    When Nintendo unveiled the 3DS in 2010 it also teased Kid Icarus: Uprising, a return of a franchise that, a few cameos aside, had long remained dormant. While the original NES title was a conventional 2D action platformer, Masahiro Sakurai, most famous for his Super Smash Bros. series, has given Pit new life in an arcade action...

  • News 3DS Stand Set for Solo Sale in Japan

    Going its own way

    As the number of plastic-based add-ons for 3DS starts to grow, keen collectors will be pleased to know that the system's stand, due to be released with Kid Icarus: Uprising, looks set for its own appearance in shops. The Japanese release of the stand-alone peripheral — we apologise for that — is confirmed for 22nd March, and it...