3DS News

July2012

  • News Mole Mania Burrows onto US eShop Tomorrow

    Can you dig it?

    North America's 8-Bit Summer promotion continues to heat up 3DS' Virtual Console — tomorrow you'll be able to dig into Game Boy puzzler Mole Mania. Mole Mania originally came out in North America in 1997. Shigeru Miyamoto was producer on the puzzle game, in which you push, pull and throw a black ball around to help Muddy Mole work...

  • News Here's a Freakyforms Deluxe Launch Trailer

    I told you I was freaky

    If the mere idea of creating hilarious beasts doesn't entice you to try Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!, maybe this launch trailer will help. The expanded retail version of the 3DS eShop game is arriving alongside 3DS XL on 28th July in Europe. Just like the download-only original, you'll be able to play at Dr...

  • Guide 3DS XL System Transfer

    Those Pikmin have a lot of heavy lifting

    With 3DS XL hitting Europe and Japan on 28th July, there'll be a number of 3DS owners that decide to take the plunge. With that in mind you'll need to make sure that you transfer your system account and data, otherwise a lot of saves and costly downloads will disappear — and no-one wants that. Before we...

  • News New Club Nintendo of Japan Rewards

    Featuring the Mario gang and Kirby

    Today Nintendo of Japan has added two more goodies to its already bountiful collection of merchandise on the Club Nintendo website. For a mere 200 points you can bag yourself a rather snazzy-looking 40x40mm Kirby 20th Anniversary Special Collection medallion, to celebrate Kirby's recent escapade at the top of the...

  • News Nintendo Financial Results: Console and Software Sales

    How are they all doing?

    Earlier on today we brought you the headline news that Nintendo reported a financial loss for the first quarter, which was very much expected. Despite some pre-results whispers, Nintendo didn't adjust its projections for returning a profit this financial year, showing a degree of confidence in the process. The financial...

  • News Kirby's 20th Anniversary Collection Tops Japanese Charts

    The pink one's still got it

    Kirby may be little more than a pink blob with arms and legs, but he's become a beloved Nintendo mascot with a legion of dedicated fans. It's unsurprising that his anniversary is being celebrated, and it seems that plenty of Japanese gamers have shown their support by picking up Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection...

  • News Dragon Quest X Nintendo Direct Confirmed

    Free 3DS app on 22nd August in Japan

    Dragon Quest X is being shown a lot of love in Japan at the moment, and Nintendo has confirmed that there'll be another short Nintendo Direct broadcast focused on the title on 30th July at 8pm Japanese time, which is 12pm British standard time, 1pm central European time and 7am U.S. eastern. This is the second...

  • News Heroes of Ruin Updates and DLC a Possibility

    Discussions and fan support vital

    Heroes of Ruin is now available in both Europe and North America, so the online action-RPG will have adventurers from both sides of the Atlantic hacking and slashing their way to loot and glory. In terms of functionality alone, it's one of the most substantial titles on 3DS, with a major online co-op component and...

  • News 3DS System Update is Available Now

    Don't get excited, though

    Nintendo's relatively regular updates to the 3DS system continue today, with version 4.3.0-10U available for download now in Europe and North America. If you don't update manually we'd expect a SpotPass notification and prompts to arrive shortly. Unfortunately for those of us still dreaming of adding colours or icons to...

  • News 3DS Retail Codes Being Sold Through Online Retailers

    Codes only, no download card

    While most of us wait until mid-August to see the Nintendo retail download machine kick into action, it's already up and running in Japan ahead of the arrival of New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Demon Training this weekend. It's now emerged, courtesy of Andriasang, that as well as download cards available from stores, online...

  • News Travel Across the Galaxies with Planet Crashers' New Trailer

    That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind

    Developer Renegade Kid, of Mutant Mudds fame, has unleashed a brand new trailer to celebrate the release of its latest RPG adventure, due to hit both American and European Nintendo 3DS eShops this Thursday. In Planet Crashers, you must travel across the galaxies to stop an evil force from...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 was Once Called NSMB Gold

    Gold digger

    The latest edition of Iwata Asks is out now, and it focuses on 3DS's next goldmine: New Super Mario Bros. 2. This time Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata is joined by director Yusuke Amano, art director Masaaki Ishikawa and, arriving fashionably late, EAD general manager Takashi Tezuka. Apparently Mario's latest adventure is so...

  • Talking Point Nintendo's Digital Pricing

    Is it persuasive enough?

    This week we’ve been given a glimpse of Nintendo’s plans for retail download pricing and incentives, both for Japan and North America. It all begins with New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Demon Training in Japan on 28th July, with North America and Europe joining in with Mario’s title on 19th and 17th August respectively...

  • News Project X Zone Unveils Yet More New Characters

    Crossed over with a crossover

    When it comes to crossover titles, Project X Zone is pushing the boat out by merging three universes: SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai. One issue that won't affect this game is a shortage of characters, with plenty of them lined up already and more just announced. Famitsu has revealed (via Andriasang) that Tron and...

  • News Retail Download Cards in Japan Set For Small Discount

    And we mean small

    Last week we shared the news that Japanese gamers will be offered incentives for retail downloads, and that there'll be a Club Nintendo bonus in North America: this is against a context of the eShop downloads being full retail price. Purchases from the eShop aren't the only retail download option, of course, with download codes on...

  • News Genius Sonority's Denpa Ningen no RPG Heading to the West

    You know, the guys behind Pokémon Colosseum

    We at Nintendo Life absolutely loved Pokémon Colosseum. Who didn't? Which is precisely why we are so excited to hear that Colosseum developer Genius Sonority is bringing its latest 3DS eShop game over to the West. Back in January, we introduced you to the utterly absurd-looking Denpa Ningen no RPG...

  • News Dragon Quest X App Adventuring Onto 3DS

    StreetPass and game updates included

    Dragon Quest X, the Wii and Wii U exclusive with substantial online play, is currently only confirmed for Japan, which may bother those who got so engrossed in Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on DS. To compound the anxious wait for news of localisation, it's being reported by Andriasang that a...

  • News WayForward is Making a Hotel Transylvania Tie-In Game

    Such a lovely place

    To coincide with the upcoming release of Sony Pictures Animation's animated comedy Hotel Transylvania, GameMill Entertainment has announced a 3DS / DS game of the same name. Don't look so terrified — WayForward is on development duties. We're promised a wide variety of locations, puzzles and boss battles, but that's about all...

  • News GAME Goes Large With 3DS XL Trade-In Deal

    Game on, retailers

    With 3DS XL arriving in just five short days in Europe, UK retailer GAME has launched what seems to be the best trade-in offer so far. If you trade a 3DS console with its original packaging you can get an XL system, and an all-important AC adaptor, for £79.99. You can check all of the details for yourself on GAME.co.uk, which...

  • News Square Enix Presents the Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Collectors Pack

    Heaven-sent goodies

    The rather oddly named Bravely Default: Flying Fairy is heading to 3DS consoles all over Japan on 11th October, and to celebrate the release of one of the prettiest games on the system Square Enix has compiled a rather amazing Collectors Edition of the game. The pack includes a copy of the game, the original soundtrack, a 3DS...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Download Size Breaks Some Blocks

    2950 of them, to be precise

    The arrival of New Super Mario Bros. 2 will herald the dawning of a new downloadable retail age for Nintendo, with gamers having the option of buying direct from the eShop or as download codes from retailers: old-fashioned physical copies are still an option, of course. For those carefully managing their SD card space,...

  • Review Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive! (3DS)

    Get your freak on

    When it was released on eShop, Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! was a thoroughly charming and cheerful creature creation tool, tailored to entertain kids and big kids alike. Its positive sales on the digital platform were clearly enough to convince Nintendo to expand the package, with Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!...

  • News Kingdom Hearts 3D Flows Into UK Top Ten

    Dreaming of top spot

    Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was a high-profile arrival in Europe last week, bringing the popular franchise to the current generation of handhelds. Square Enix and Nintendo — the latter dealing with distribution in PAL regions — invested plenty of hype, particularly online, behind the title; has it paid off? The...

  • News Demon Training Demo Heads to the Japanese 3DS eShop

    Get a first look at Dr Kawashima's demonic floating head

    Last week we reported that Nintendo would be broadcasting a short Nintendo Direct conference dedicated entirely to the upcoming 3DS game, Dr Kawashima's Demon Training. The broadcast featured examples of some of the puzzles on offer, which can be seen listed below, as well as some disturbing...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 eShop Bonus Confirmed for North America

    Double the coins for digital

    Nintendo's efforts to tempt gamers into an eShop purchase of New Super Mario Bros. 2 instead of the boxed alternative is now kicking in outside of Japan. We've already reported on retail download incentives in Japan, but Nintendo of America is joining in with its own offer, and like Mario's new adventure it's all about...

  • News 3DS XL Represents 'The Progress of Technology'

    More than just a super-sized 3DS

    3DS XL lands in Europe and Japan a week from now, with North America joining in on 19th August. There's been a justifiable temptation for some to readily dismiss the new model as a re-scaled 3DS with no actual technological improvements. While that's a true comment in terms of processors and graphics chips, the new...

  • News Level-5's Fantasy Life Living it up With Official Website

    What a life

    The official website for Level-5 / Brownie Brown RPG Fantasy Life has finally burst into existence. The website can be found here. It's all in Japanese, but if you pop over there you can at least see some new screens and artwork that show off the town and avatar system. Much of the information was also published in Japanese magazine...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Official Website Reveals Complex Plot

    Kidding, but 'world coin total' will use SpotPass

    As it's a Friday, and because we've just learnt about it through the wonders of the internet, we've checked out the official New Super Mario Bros. 2 website and discovered a couple of interesting details. First up, here's a summary of the complexities that the plot will offer in Mario's newest...

  • News Snakebyte Gets in Early With 3DS XL Accessories

    And so it begins

    3DS XL is just eight days away — at the time of writing — in Europe, so it goes without saying that we can all look forward to plenty of accessories and extras flooding stores and online retailers. We've received an initial shot across our bows today from Snakebyte, a company that provides plenty of low cost cases, adapters and...

  • News Satoru Iwata: 'We Have Not Changed Our Strategy'

    Return to profitability not far away

    With Wii U getting closer, and various opinions swirling around about the system's capabilities and even Nintendo's long term future in the industry, Satoru Iwata has spoken to Gamasutra to once again outline Nintendo's philosophy and plans. On the subject of profitability, Iwata has reiterated that the company...

  • News Nintendo Offering Incentives for Retail Downloads in Japan

    Virtual goodies only

    Retail downloads on the 3DS eShop start, for most of us, with New Super Mario Bros. 2 in mid-August. For Japanese gamers, however, it all starts in just eight days, the same day as the arrival of 3DS XL and Five Minute Demon Training, the next Brain Training entry that's also known as Onitore. A common criticism of the download...

  • News Dot Runner Comes to the US eShop 26th July

    Eat up

    Get ready to devour some dots when Dot Runner: Complete Edition is released on the North American eShop next week. It's a follow-up, of sorts, to the rather excellent DSiWare title GO Series: Picdun; it's known as Dot Eater New Picdun in Japan. You've got to trample through 100 stages gobbling up all the orbs and destroying any enemies in...

  • News Grab Your Kirby 20th Anniversary Puzzle Swap Piece Now

    Hiii!

    If you're a Kirby fan, you'll want to check the blue SpotPass light that's blinking on your 3DS today. Nintendo has released a brand new Puzzle Swap panel to celebrate the upcoming release of Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition on Wii. Internet-connected 3DS systems will receive a SpotPass message informing them of the new treat. With...

  • News Mario Kart 7 'Fastest Family' Competition Calls in a Celeb

    No, we don't mean Mario

    Not long ago we brought you Nintendo's announcement of the Britain's Fastest Family competition, which is naturally all about Mario Kart 7. Young and old family members team up and enter regional heats around the UK in August, with the grand finale in October. Regional winners receive 'a year’s worth of Nintendo 3DS games',...

  • News Nintendo Direct Channel Arrives on YouTube

    In Japanese, of course

    Nintendo Direct has been a regular event in 2012, with game reveals and major announcements served up at regular intervals. It's a strategy that Nintendo is taking seriously, even unveiling 3DS XL in one of the broadcasts, and after the first presentation in February we even argued that it was all part of Nintendo joining the...

  • News Pokémon and 3DS Still Top of the Japanese Charts

    Happy days for Nintendo

    The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we haven't reported on the Japanese software and hardware charts every week recently, mainly because very little has changed. Despite that, we thought that we'd share the latest results, as at the very least the software chart includes some interesting games that we're pretty...

  • Out Now Heroes of Ruin Lands in North America

    Yes, we're one day late

    On occasions when European and North American release dates are weeks apart, in this case a full month, then it's worth giving a quick reminder for anyone that hasn't kept track. This one is all about Heroes of Ruin, the action RPG developed by n-Space and published by Square Enix, and it's in North American stores now. It's...

  • News New Mario Bros. 2 Footage Hops Over From Japan

    Giant Boo and boulders

    Japanese gamers are getting a double treat on 28th July, as they'll not only be able to pick up a shiny new 3DS XL but also a copy of New Super Mario Bros. 2. The rest of us need to wait until mid-August, but we can still cast our eyes over the latest trailers for the plumber's new adventure. Although some of this footage may...

  • News Check Out Kingdom Hearts 3D Worlds in the Latest Trailer

    A virtual Disney World

    Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance hits EU stores this week, and at the end of the month in North America, so Square Enix is duly winding up the hype-generator. How does it do that? With a flashy trailer showing off cool bits of the game, of course. This latest trailer, below, shares a number of environments and areas,...

  • Review Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS)

    Like a dream, or just plain heartless?

    This is a good month for Square Enix fans. First rhythm-action masterpiece Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy came storming into our midst and now it's Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance’s turn to hold the spotlight. Kingdom Hearts 3D may be one of the best looking games on the 3DS, yet like many previous Kingdom...

  • News Pokémon Company Was June's Top Publisher in Japan

    We'll give you one guess why

    While game and hardware sales information can be limited or tough to get hold of for Europe and North America, we can always rely on Japan to bare all and reveal the movers and shakers in the country. One monthly chart that normally sees Nintendo nestling in top spot has had a bit of a shake-up today, though the news is...

  • News 3DS XL With Two Circle Pads Advertised by UK Store

    UPDATE: HMV issues an apology, of sorts

    After this story attracted a lot of attention today, HMV has issued a clarification and apology to Eurogamer.net, confirming that this false information was only shown in one store. It's apparent this was just one particular store being a little over-enthusiastic — and the poster has been removed. If it's...

  • News Adventure Time Collector's Edition is Full of Goodies

    Land of Ooohh?

    The snappily titled Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! is on the way this fall, and some retailers are listing the collector's edition on both DS and 3DS, knowing how tempted us gamers can get by extra bits 'n bobs. At the moment Amazon.com and

  • News Rise of the Guardians Set to Protect the Holidays on Wii U

    Tying into Wii, 3DS and DS too

    Some things stay the same in every year's Holiday season: lots of money is spent on gifts and merriment, too much food is eaten, and a CG movie based around festive characters arrives in cinemas and theatres worldwide. One of these movies will be Rise of The Guardians from DreamWorks Animations, and we all know what...

  • Talking Point 3DS XL's Media Potential

    Look ma, no glasses!

    One of the biggest shifts of the last generation has been the evolution of games consoles into entertainment centres, allowing almost all forms of media to be played back through your TV. It’s a far cry from the old cartridge systems when gaming ruled supreme, but thanks to their knowledge outside of video games both Microsoft...

  • News FIFA 13 Faces Licensing Dilemma with Rangers FC

    What to do?

    Many that follow football — or soccer — have more than likely heard about the troubles faced by Scottish Glasgow-based team Rangers FC. Despite being one half of the overwhelmingly dominant 'old firm', along with Celtic FC, Rangers got itself into trouble with the tax-man and lots of other people who were owed money. The club...

  • News Nintendo Unleashed Hits Manchester on 21st July

    Going large

    Over the past few months Nintendo has been travelling around the UK to share upcoming games to eager gamers, and it's set to keep up the pace this weekend. It's been confirmed that Nintendo will have a stand at the Manchester Comic Con event this weekend, or Saturday 21st July to be precise, at which it'll show off both shiny new...

  • News Mario Explores New Environments in Latest Trailer

    Or should we say, 'New'

    The hype train seems to have truly left the station in the case of New Super Mario Bros. 2, hitting 3DS in just under a month's time. Late last week we brought you the latest trailer featuring Gold Boo and more, and as it's Monday we thought a bit more Mario may make the start of the week feel a bit better. This shorter...

  • News Wreck-It Ralph is in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

    Sonic'll still win

    SEGA and Disney have collaborated to make Wreck-It Ralph's dreams come true: he's going to be a playable character in upcoming kart racer Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The character, who will star in Disney's computer animated movie Wreck-It Ralph, will rev up on the starting line alongside SEGA all-stars including...

  • News New Trailer for Adventure Time on DS and 3DS

    Mathematical!

    In March it was announced that the cult US cartoon series Adventure Time would be getting its very own DS and 3DS game, Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!. Two months later we heard that it would hitting shelves in North America 'late fall'. D3Publisher has now released a new teaser trailer, sure to make

  • News Grandpa Danger Jya Coming to 3DS

    But most likely never leaving Japan

    Today Namco Bandai opened a new teaser site for the little known Denjarasu Jii-san Jya. It's a 3DS game based around the manga Grandpa Danger, which features in the monthly Japanese manga publication CoroCoro magazine. Grandpa Danger's teaser site features a trailer, which doesn't shed any light on the game, but...

  • Review Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns (3DS)

    Come a cropper

    Marvelous, Natsume and Rising Star Games certainly feel like they're onto a high-yield crop with Harvest Moon; Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns might be the first 3DS entry but it's the eighth HM game in five years. Any concerns that the creative well is running dry are understandable — after all, it's only farming — but...

  • News Nintendo Direct Next Week Focused on Demon Training

    10 minutes in hell with Demon Kawashima

    Get out your diaries and Japanese dictionaries, as Nintendo will be hosting a 'mini' Nintendo Direct conference on 18th July, next week. The broadcast will only be ten minutes long and will centre entirely around the upcoming 3DS game, Dr Kawashima's Demon Training, a sequel to the hugely successful Dr...

  • News Iwata Explains Lack of Second Circle Pad on the 3DS XL

    Size matters

    In an interview with The Independent, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata explained why the upcoming Nintendo 3DS XL has not squeezed in an extra Circle Pad. According to Iwata, while it would have been "possible", Nintendo would have needed to make the 3DS XL body even bigger in order for the second Circle Pad to fit. Iwata expands...

  • News FIFA 13 3DS Takes to the Streets

    Curb stomping

    Soccer fans, get ready to pile up those jumpers for goalposts. An ESRB listing has revealed that FIFA 12 3DS's Streets mode will return in the portable version of FIFA 13. It's likely to take inspiration from off-shoot series FIFA Street, which focuses on five-a-side matches and fancy footwork. EA got in touch with

  • News Nintendo 3DS Sales Pass 5 Million in U.S.

    Zelda goes gold too

    Nintendo of America sold over 155,000 3DS consoles in June to take the system's total U.S. sales past the five million mark. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D managed to squeak past the one million mark inside a year, joining Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 at the top of the sales tree. Those three titles have sold...

  • News 3D Won't Be a "Key Feature" of Future Nintendo Consoles

    Taking a backseat

    Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata has revealed that stereoscopic 3D will play a role in future systems — but it won't be one of the "key features". Speaking to The Independent, Iwata insisted that Nintendo remains enthusiastic about 3D, but also acknowledged that some people tire of the effect's novelty quickly. As such,...

  • News Disney Epic Mickey 2 Trailer Sets the Scene

    Comic-Con appearance also confirmed

    It seems to be a week of news about Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Two, due to arrive on Wii this November. Yesterday Warren Spector said he was proud that Epic Mickey 'polarised people'; he'll no doubt share his thoughts on the original, sequel and 3DS spin-off Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion when he...

  • News Nintendo Patents Improvements for 3DS Download Play

    Less pesky waiting

    Download Play has been a positive feature since it was introduced in the DS family of handhelds, especially for those that don't have an internet connection or in some games where only one game cart is needed for multiple people to play. Many of us may not use it that often, but it's an extra that shows Nintendo's devotion to...

  • News Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed 3DS Out 16th November

    Wii U date "to be confirmed"

    Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on 3DS has a confirmed release date for Europe: 16th November. The SEGA racer is still on course for release on Wii U but its release date is still to be confirmed by the publisher. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed features characters and courses from classic SEGA...

  • News Gold Boo and More in New Super Mario Bros. 2 Trailer

    It's raining coins

    New power-ups and freshly minted enemies make their appearances in this New Super Mario Bros. 2 trailer, straight from Nintendo. A gold Boo, gold Bullet and Banzai Bills and more all appear to dole out cash, helping you to your target of one million gold coins. The Mini and Mega Mushrooms return, and now we can finally answer...

  • Guide How to Transfer Your Data from 3DS to 3DS XL

    Easy as 1, 2, 3

    Nintendo UK's put together a very useful video explaining how to transfer everything from your 3DS to a 3DS XL console. Remember that you'll need both your 3DS and 3DS XL consoles and an internet connection in order to make the transfer, so if you're planning on trading in to upgrade consider these things first. Still not sold on...

  • News Angry Birds Trilogy to Cost $29.99

    Plucky dip

    The recently announced Angry Birds Trilogy will retail at $29.99 in the U.S., Activision has announced. The compilation of digital releases Angry Birds, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Seasons will have exclusive 3DS features like StreetPass and stereoscopic 3D. It'll also have extra content over and above its iOS origins, but Activision...

  • News Warren Spector Proud That Epic Mickey 'Polarised People'

    Key improvements made to Epic Mickey 2

    The upcoming release of Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two may be coming at the end of the Wii's lifespan, but is probably worth more focus than it's currently attracting. It's worth consideration simply because the original Disney Epic Mickey on Wii was praised for its many positive features, but suffered...

  • News 3D Video of Plants to Soil 3DS

    That's right. Plants.

    3DS will get its best video series since Threediots at the end of this month when Nintendo and Atlantic Productions release a 90-second clip from Kingdom of Plants 3D. The time-lapse video was filmed over the course of a year and gives a "revealing and fascinating new look at plant life", apparently. You can check it out for...

  • News White Raccoon Mario to The Rescue in New Super Mario Bros. 2

    No platformer left behind

    Super Mario 3D Land may not have tested series veterans in its early worlds, but by the time we got to the later levels — the real later levels — various members of the Nintendo Life team were faced with the temptation of White Raccoon Suit Mario. Dying five times in the same area made this power up appear, and Mario...

  • Review The Amazing Spider-Man (3DS)

    Hyperbole, True Believers!

    You've got to hand it to Beenox for its stewardship of Spider-Man's games. While each entry has had its share of problems, the studio has pushed the webslinger in fun and genuinely interesting new directions by tapping into the character's rich diversity and exploring comic book universes largely ignored in video games,...

  • News Project Sora Disbanded

    Pit stop

    Kid Icarus: Uprising developer Project Sora has shut up shop. The studio's official site shows it closed on 30th June, and the site itself will go at the end of this month. Before anyone gets too carried away, it's worth remembering that Project Sora was originally established as a subsidiary of Sakurai's own, and decidedly ongoing, Sora...

  • Hardware Review Nintendo 3DS XL

    The official Nintendo Life verdict on the new super-sized console

    It’s fair to say that the 3DS didn’t have the start that Nintendo was hoping for. Launched amid high expectation and a groundswell of three dimensional hype, the system initially struggled to find an audience; it took a price cut and an injection of big-name quality software to...

  • News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Whips into Eurogamer Expo

    Bump in the day

    Much-anticipated 3DS action game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate will be playable at this year's Eurogamer Expo in London. Konami's portable vampire-basher joins other high-profile games on the showfloor from 27th to 30th September at London's Earls Court. If you want to learn more about the Belmont's next challenge...

  • News New Super Smash Bros. Is a 'Big Priority' for Namco

    Roster decisions a way off

    The game may still be a fair bit away, with the only publicly shown development being a whiteboard sketch, but the next entry in the Super Smash Bros. series is, it's safe to assume, high on the hype lists of a lot of Nintendo gamers. It's the ultimate fan-service franchise, so it's only natural to want to know as much as...

  • News Angry Birds Trilogy Takes Aim at 3DS

    Golden eggs

    Rovio has finally announced Angry Birds Trilogy for 3DS, on the way in 2012. The retail release combines the first three Angry Birds games — Angry Birds, Rio and Seasons — on one cartridge with new StreetPass features. Sadly the gravity-based Angry Birds Space doesn't feature, but three games in one isn't too bad. We haven't got...

  • News Dylan Cuthbert Talks Star Fox, Game Development and Miyamoto

    Interested in returning to Star Fox in the future

    Dylan Cuthbert is a name well-known to fans of the original Star Fox, as a member of the Argonaut development team that relocated to Nintendo HQ in Kyoto to work on the Super NES title. Cuthbert's had a long and successful career since, and his studio Q-Games was most recently seen on a Nintendo...

  • News Time Travelers Live Action Advert is All Tears

    Why so serious?

    Level-5 has been very cryptic so far with information about its upcoming release of Time Travelers in Japan this week, and things aren't about to get any clearer with these two latest trailers. Even with only three days before its launch on Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita, and ten days until Time Travelers releases on PSP, Level-5 are...

  • Feature Another Dimension Opening Night

    Nintendo warps into trendy East London

    Nintendo continues to find ways of expanding the reach of 3DS to new audiences with events such as this month’s UK photo competition Another Dimension, which saw a group of photography enthusiasts get to grips with 3D picture-taking using the system in organised field trips hosted by a wide range of...

  • News Kid Icarus: Uprising Cards Out Now in UK

    Tasty Panini

    Panini and Nintendo want to fuel your thirst for all things Pit with a big collection of collectible cards for Kid Icarus: Uprising. UK fans can pick up a Starter Pack, including a binder and three card packs, for £5.99. Individual packs of cards will set you back £1.50 each. With 404 cards to collect it's probably best not to do the...

  • News 3DS XL and Upcoming Titles Head to Comic-Con

    Mario and more

    Nintendo will once again show off new games and hardware at Comic-Con International in San Diego this weekend. From 12th to 15th July attendees can try the new 3DS XL and upcoming titles like New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate. There'll be no Wii U presence there,...

  • Review Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (3DS)

    You spoony bard!

    This is how you celebrate the 25th anniversary of a beloved game franchise. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, a rhythm game celebrating a quarter-century of some of the most iconic music in video games, is a fantastic title. Every facet radiates care and polish, with the accessible and addictive rhythm mechanics framed by a gorgeous...

  • News Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Earns Passing Rank in UK Chart

    Fantasizing about top spot

    The UK charts can be a tough place for Nintendo system exclusives in recent times, but Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy has secured a reasonable 19th place in the UK all-format charts in its first week. While that may not sound like something to celebrate, we should consider that the excellent Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's...

  • News Inazuma Eleven GO 2 Has a Time Travelling Trailer

    And a talking teddy bear

    The Inazuma Eleven series takes a relatively simple game, football — or Soccer to our North American friends — and surrounds it with world-saving antics and outrageous special moves. It's a bit like football from the perspective of a hyper-active six year old, which happens to make it a lot of fun. Europe is slowly...

  • Feature A Visual Guide to Nintendo's Handheld Revamps - Part Two

    Time for double vision

    Earlier this week we brought you the first part of our visual guide to Nintendo's Handheld Revamps, starting with Game Boy and going all the way up to Game Boy Advance SP. In terms of handheld console models, and despite the number of years covered, that only covered about half of the story; now we'll pick up with the first...

  • News Club Nintendo's Gold and Platinum Prizes Have Emerged

    Which are you?

    It's that time of year again, when North American Nintendo gamers are rewarded for their loyalty and spending power. After a year of meticulously registering your Nintendo games and saving up those coins until it was all reset on 30th June, what free treats await you this year? Although the Nintendo website hasn't officially revealed...

  • News Nintendo Drops Price of 3DS AC Adapter in Japan

    The writing's on the wall socket

    The upcoming 3DS XL packaging in Europe may say in big letters that an AC adapter is not included in the box, but that won't stop complaints on the internet and a few confused customers. It was a decision taken, apparently, to make the console more affordable, with adapters and cradles available to buy separately:...

  • News Pink and Blue 3DS Consoles to Hit Taiwan and Hong Kong

    Look on in envy

    3DS is already available in Rose Pink and Aqua Blue in the West, but Nintendo has put together two new colours for Taiwan and Hong Kong: Cerulean Blue and Shimmer Pink. The two vibrant colours are very similar to the light blue and pink DSi consoles we saw a few years back. Feel free to ogle them but don't get too carried away:...

  • News Letter Box Update Adds Coloured Ink

    At last

    Popular message-swapper Nintendo Letter Box got an update today that lets you write and draw with coloured ink. European 3DS owners can simply scan the QR code below to go straight to the update, which adds five coloured inks to the free application: red, blue, green, purple and orange. Black remains an option too. To scan the QR code...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Pre-Order Bonus is Golden

    Not real gold, though

    It's a big Mario release, so it's time for retailers to coax us to their stores with some 'collectibles' that, in all likelihood, will be lost behind the furniture within days. Still, extras are always nice, and lucky UK gamers will have the chance to get hold of a gold coin cartridge case — not actually made of gold,...

  • News Monster Hunter 4 Director Says It's All About 'Adventure'

    As opposed to 'grinding', perhaps?

    Plenty of gamers, including various members of the Nintendo Life team, thoroughly enjoyed Monster Hunter Tri, not least because it was a terrific Wii title that had the impressive scale and online functionality often reserved for its HD rivals. There was a nagging feeling amongst some, however, that the story in...

  • News Nintendo Determined to Beat Hackers with Wii U and 3DS

    Pirates beware

    Most will agree that, when it came to online functionality and security, Wii and DS were both below par. Hacking and modding on both systems appears to have been widespread, which not only led to issues with some online games but, most importantly for Nintendo, cost the company money due to the extensive number of pirated games on...

  • News 3DS Sales Momentum in U.S. and Europe is 'Not so Good'

    Post-Holiday slump

    When it comes to sales in Japan, 3DS has been the undisputed number one for a number of months, finishing top of the hardware charts and often out-selling all other consoles combined. The story elsewhere, however, isn't as rosy, and while we're probably not looking at poor sales of the level that prompted a significant price-drop...

  • News Satoru Iwata: 'Deep' Online Services May Have a Cost

    'Ordinary' services should be free

    Satoru Iwata has recently chaired the latest Nintendo Shareholder's AGM, and as expected faced some tough questions about the future of the company and its plans. One subject that came up was online services, primarily whether the enhanced functionality on Wii U and the developing role of Nintendo Network on 3DS...

  • News 3DS XL Comparison Gallery

    We go hands-on with Nintendo's new portable

    The 3DS XL launch is almost upon us, but thanks to our godly status in the world of Nintendo, we've been sent a pre-release retail unit to touch and fondle. Thanks to our steadfast belief in the spirit of sharing, we thought you might like to see what the 3DS XL looks like when placed alongside its...

  • Feature Sharing Some Hits at a StreetPass Event

    Go for that green light

    Did you leave the house today? If you did hit the streets to go to the shops, work or school, then we have two more questions for you. Did you take your 3DS with you, and did you get any StreetPass hits? It’s easy to forget that, when 3DS was launched, Nintendo placed a fair bit of emphasis on the idea of taking the...

  • Interview Dave Cox - Castlevania: Mirror of Fate

    Burning questions answered

    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate remains one of our most eagerly-awaited 3DS titles here at Nintendo Life, thanks to the simple fact that several of our staff are absolutely potty about Konami's long-running vampire-hunting franchise. Following hard on the heels of the sublime DS 'Metroidvania' titles,...

  • News Super Smash Bros. Needs A 'Change of Direction'

    Not just about adding new characters

    Nintendo gamers with a fondness for the Super Smash Bros. series can now rest easy as night. Masahiro Sakurai, alongside Namco Bandai, is on the case and directing his full attention to the game. Considering the fact that development hadn't even started when the next entry was announced for Wii U and 3DS, we...

  • Feature Wario is Missing?

    Mario returns with an uncharacteristic greed

    When Nintendo announced New Super Mario Bros. 2, reactions were certainly mixed. Many greeted the news with immediate excitement and anticipation, whereas others were less enthusiastic about what they felt to be underwhelming news of a predictable sequel. Whichever side of the argument you fall on,...

  • News E.X. Troopers May Feature Co-op Multiplayer on 3DS

    New trailer has explosions and mechs

    E.X. Troopers is a spin-off from the Lost Planet series that's coming to 3DS and PS3, an unlikely combination. We first became aware of it in May when it was announced for Japan, but much like Project X Zone it's still not confirmed for worldwide release. During the weekend, as part of its Summer Jam event,...

  • News Project X Zone Trailer is 10 Minutes of Chaos

    And thirty seconds of clarity

    Capcom-Namco-SEGA strategy RPG Project X Zone might not make sense just yet — we blame all that pesky Japanese writing and dialogue — but its blend of tactical turns-based battles and all-out chaos makes it fun to watch. The trailer below shows what the game looks like in action (though you'd probably already...

  • News Here's the Monster Hunter 4 Trailer You Wanted

    Beastly

    Yesterday we told you about Monster Hunter 4's spring release in Japan, announced yesterday alongside a new trailer. This is that trailer. Like last year's Monster Hunter 4 concept video, this trailer shows off new terrain features, the ability to climb on monsters and destructible surroundings. It also teases new monsters alongside...

June2012

  • News Monster Hunter 4 Attacks Japan in Spring 2013

    Take cover

    Capcom's Summer Jam event has revealed a Spring 2013 release window for the much anticipated Monster Hunter 4. The 3DS-exclusive game includes brand new monsters as well as series mainstays Tigrex, Rathalos and Rathian, according to Andriasang. Capcom showed off a new trailer for the game but, as of the time of writing, it hasn't made it...

  • News Reef Calls In Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D this September

    Use the hose

    While the soggy British summer continues, 3DS owners in Europe will get the chance to experience some real heat in September as Reef announces Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D. The first-person action game gives you all a fireman's tools — hose, axe, saw and more — to rescue survivors and extinguish fires. Reef promises the game's...