3DS News
February2013
Rumour Next Sonic Game Will Be Called Sonic Adventure 3
Trilogy talk?
Cast your mind back a few weeks and you'll recall that we reported on a rumour relating to the next Sonic the Hedgehog title. According to an inside source, the game is currently in development for a wide range of platforms - including the Wii U and 3DS - and is expected later this year. Another little rumour has surfaced recently...
News Konami Explains Why Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate Is A 3DS Exclusive
The 3D effect was the clincher
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is now about a month away from hitting the shelves, and will be available exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. The game's producer Dave Cox has been speaking about why the game is only on Nintendo's handheld and not on Sony's portable offering, the PlayStation Vita. In an...
Rumour Scribblenauts Unlimited Was Recalled From European Retailers
Nintendo asks stores to withdraw the game from stock
Yesterday's bombshell news that Scribblenauts Unlimited has been delayed in Europe didn't exactly go down well with fans. The game has been available in North America since late last year, and with both the Wii U and 3DS in dire need of fresh titles, it's a real shame that we've got to wait a...
News More Jett Rocket II Details Hover Into View
Full 3D at 60 fps
Shin'en has divulged a few more details regarding its forthcoming 3DS eShop title, Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai. The game is set to feature both 2D and 3D gameplay, and will support 60 fps visuals - even with the 3DS' autostereoscopic effect switched on. Like the WiiWare prequel, the game will centre around "jump and run"...
News Paper Mario: Sticker Star Advert Gets Literal
A big effort for 30 seconds
So, there's a cool new advert for Paper Mario: Sticker Star running in North America, which some of you may have already seen. It works with the idea of representing gameplay with stop-motion animation, using paper and card for an authentic look that, to the game's credit, isn't actually a million miles away from in-game...
News Activision Announces Skylanders Swap Force For Wii U, Wii And 3DS
Swap shop
It seems our intuition was correct - we predicted yesterday that a new Skylanders release was in the offing, and Activision has dropped the bombshell by announcing Skylanders Swap Force, the next instalment in the million-selling series. It's coming to all major Nintendo platforms, too. As the name suggests, the focus of this new range is...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Could Come To Home Consoles
Nintendo exclusivity could mean a Wii U version in the future
It's something of a bumper morning for Castlevania fans, as Konami producer Dave Cox has been giving interviews with several different sites regarding the forthcoming 3DS title Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate. Having already spilled the beans on the game's development and...
News Scribblenauts Unlimited Delayed In Europe
"Changes need to be implemented before we launch across Europe"
Nintendo has confirmed that Scribblenauts Unlimited has been hit by a delay in Europe. The Wii U and 3DS versions of the game were supposed to launch on February 8th. No details have been given about a new release date. Here's the official PR: We are sorry to announce that...
News Konami: Forget Everything You Know About Castlevania
"You've got to drive the series forward" says producer Dave Cox
With the release of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate looming on the horizon, Konami producer Dave Cox has given a little more insight into the game's storyline and how it fits within the twisted Castlevania canon. Speaking to GameSpot, Cox stressed that although it's part...
News Nintendo Hints At An Additional Platform In The Future
Because Wii U and 3DS are not enough
Nintendo recently confirmed that it would be merging its handheld and console divisions into one single entity this month. The two departments have always run separately in the past, but Nintendo now feels the time is right to bring them together under one roof. With the two departments merged, Nintendo's...
Nintendo Direct Animal Crossing Developers Reply To Fan Feedback
Read our translation of events right here
Because of the overwhelming response to the Animal Crossing: New Leaf in Japan, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata and some of the game's staff decided to have a another special Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct to share some of the comments they've received about the game. We start with game producer Eguchi...
News Monolith Soft's 3DS Title Makes an Intriguing Appearance
Courtesy of a job advert on Facebook
Monolith Soft is, for JRPG fans at least, a name at the top of many Wii U hype lists. The impressive trailer for X, as it's codenamed, reminded many of the sheer scale and epic adventure in Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, but with greater resources to exploit on the system. This praise won't be news to eager...
News Castlevania Is Stalking Onto The 3DS Virtual Console Soon
Just in time for Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is due to hit 3DS consoles this March, but it won't be the only chance for fans to get their fill of Dracula-slaying action - the original NES classic has recently been given an ESRB rating for the Nintendo 3DS, which means a Virtual Console download is in...
News Put Your Questions To The Producer Of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Answers will come in a special video in March
Do you have any burning questions you'd like to put to the developers behind the forthcoming beast-slaying epic Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate? If the answer is yes then today's your lucky day - Nintendo UK is inviting fans to put their queries to producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, and the best questions will be...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Cut Down By Shipping Delay
That eShop version is looking very attractive right now
Fire Emblem: Awakening recently launched in North America, and if you've already consulted our review, you'll be aware that it really is a game that all 3DS owners should own. Sadly, it would appear that a manufacturer shipping delay is preventing many people from actually acquiring the game...
Feature Fire Emblem's Western Adventure
From humble Japanese strategy RPG to important Western franchise
The long arduous wait for Fire Emblem: Awakening is almost over. North Americans will be getting hold of it on 4th February while Europeans, whose patience must be more enduring, will have it in April. Naturally, Japan has had the title for over a year now. Fire Emblem is a tactical...
News Super Mario 3D Land Sales Outpacing Super Mario Galaxy's In First Year
Mix of 2D and 3D appealed greatly in Japan
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata held a Corporate Management Policy Briefing recently in which he explained how the video game market had begun to contract in recent years, meaning hardware and software sales were flagging. There has been some cause for optimism this week, though, with the revelation that...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Was Almost Set On Mars
Nintendo's President conducts an eye-opening Iwata Asks
With Fire Emblem: Awakening emerging on North American shores this week, it seemed only fitting that Nintendo President Satoru Iwata was joined by the team behind the game in the latest instalment of Iwata Asks. Usually Iwata-san interviews three or four members of the development team, but...
News XSEED Publishing Rune Factory 4 In North America
A big year for the company
Not only will XSEED provide the localisation of Pandora's Tower in North America this year, but it also plans to bring RPG title Rune Factory 4 to the 3DS later this year, with the aim of a summer release. The game will be the first in the series which allows the player to choose either a male or female protagonist. Aside...
News Capcom: Resident Evil Revelations 3DS Sales Could Have Been Better
But game wasn't "a failure"
Resident Evil Revelations launched on the 3DS last year and was granted a positive critical reaction. It also sold well - but apparently not quite as well as Capcom was hoping. Speaking to Eurogamer about the
January2013
News Latest Figures Show The Video Game Market Is Contracting
Satoru Iwata briefs investors and reveals many challenges for the industry
Nintendo is certainly having a good old time in Japan. The 3DS is dominating hardware sales in the region, so much so it has already surpassed the 10 million sales mark. However, things aren't looking as rosy in the overseas markets, namely the US and Europe, where Nintendo's...
Talking Point The Legend of Zelda: Remakes of the Past
Majora's Mask 3D, anyone?
The recent announcement of The Wind Waker HD for Wii U was met with a great deal of excitement not just here on Nintendo Life, but across social networks and other websites. It's a title that has a passionate, loyal following, and the prospect of an enhanced version prompted plenty of conversations about just what...
Preview Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
We ain't afraid of no ghost!
There’s no denying that the 3DS was somewhat overshadowed by the Wii U during the holiday period and that it didn't quite have the packed software line-up it had enjoyed back in late 2011. Aside from Paper Mario: Sticker Star there wasn't a great deal for us to sink our teeth into, and things were made worse when the...
News Iwata: 10 Key 3DS Titles On The Way This Year
Nintendo President believes new games will boost handheld sales in the West
Nintendo is hoping to give the 3DS a boost of momentum this year by releasing around ten games of its own. In a meeting with investors during Nintendo’s latest financial results briefing, President Satoru Iwata said the company would be personally shipping ten games that...
Review Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)
I love the smell of Elfire in the morning
A hint of trepidation arises whenever the "Powers That Be" decide that "Your Cool Thing" needs a bigger audience, primarily because "What They Like" and "Why You Like It" don't always mesh. Take Fire Emblem, possibly the most hardcore of Nintendo's franchises — not "hardcore" in the nonsense term of it...
News Don't Worry, There's A Cavalcade Of Fan-Favorite Wii U and 3DS Games Incoming
The only way is up
Sectors of the gaming press would have you believe that Nintendo is in serious trouble. From revised earnings to poor Wii U sales, the outlook isn't as bright as we'd hope. However, in an statement to investors, Nintendo has issued a bullish assurance that from March onwards, things are going to change: Beginning in March and...
News Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training Arrives in Europe on 12th April
Our old brains will need to wait
While Brain Age: Concentration Training will encourage youthful and focused brains in North America soon, it seems Europeans will need to wait until 12th April. Snappily titled Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training: Can You Stay Focused? in the region, it will arrive as both a physical and downloadable retail...
News Nintendo Rewarding Millionaire Coin Collectors In New Super Mario Bros. 2
Global coin total hits a staggering 500 billion
There's no denying that most of us have checked into therapy to overcome our coin collecting addiction in New Super Mario Bros. 2, and with the global coin total hitting an incredible 500 billion, Nintendo Australia has a reward for players who have become coin millionaires in the popular platformer...
News Space Harrier 3D Flying To The West Soon
Fantasy Zone, here we come
Space Harrier 3D has been given a "G" rating by the Australian Classification Board, which means it won't be long before we see the game flying to the 3DS eShop in North America, Europe and Australia. The game is a faithful replication of Sega's seminal arcade blaster. It features 3D visuals and other enhanc
News Charizard 3DS XL Will Be Available To Pokémon Daisuki Club Members
We'd choose it over Pikachu any day
In October we reported that Japan would be getting a very special treat in the form of a Charizard 3DS XL, but it would only be available through a lottery across Pokémon Centres in Japan. It has now been revealed that members of the Pokémon Daisuki Club in the Nintendo's homeland are being offered the...
Impressions Brain Age: Concentration Training Demo
Fiendishly focused
Inspired by the work of famed neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Nintendo's Brain Age games aim to keep players' minds sharp through daily mental exercises, and have proven popular since the DS original, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!. The first 3DS entry in the series, Brain Age: Concentration Training focuses its...
News Copies of Bravely Default are Flying across Japan
Accompanied by fairies, too
Since its release in October 2012 in Japan, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy has been what can be considered a success, shipping 300,000 copies across Japan. Speaking with 4Gamer, Producer Tomoyo Asano revealed the figure, while saying he believes that at the end of the month the sales figures will equal those that shipped:...
News Disney Infinity Will Have A New Game Released Every Year
Games will be forwards and backwards-compatible
Disney Interactive will be launching its ambitious Disney Infinity title this summer on pretty much every platform you can imagine, including Wii U, Wii and 3DS. The game allows the player to scan real-world toys into the environment and will feature characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean, The...
News Satoru Iwata Announces 3DS Save Data Transfer Tool
Set for March release in Japan
In a short video update only released on the 3DS eShop in Japan, Satoru Iwata has confirmed that a 3DS Data Transfer Tool will be available in the region from March, which will allow for save data from retail cartridges to be transferred to retail download software. In practice, this may not be a tool used a great...
News Atlus Lifts The Lid On Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Box Set
A nice pre-order bonus
Last month we reported that Atlus is bringing Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers to North America on 16th April this year. Today, the publisher has revealed a nice little treat for true fans of the series who pre-order the game at participating stores: a limited edition box set conta
News 3DS Version Of Super Smash Bros 4 To Be Shown At E3
Joining its Wii U sibling
Masahiro Sakurai has revealed via Twitter that the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros 4 will appear alongside the Wii U edition at this year's E3 event. According to a rough translation, he said: Wii U and 3DS versions — I would like to show you both. The Wii U version of the game had previously been confirmed for a...
News Nintendo Details Multiplayer Mode In Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Update: Nintendo releases footage
Last week we reported that Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will include a multiplayer mode. Nintendo had done its best to keep the whole thing a secret until recently when multiplayer was listed as a feature on the game's official website. Confusion arose however, as the info bar along the side stated: "No. of Players: 1...
Rumour New Sonic Title Dashing To Wii U And 3DS
Announcement coming next month?
According to the chaps over at Sonic Stadium, Sega will reveal its plans for a new Sonic the Hedgehog game next month. A source close to Sega has dropped a few tasty hints to get chins wagging. The title apparently hasn't been decided yet, but the game will be coming to Wii U, PS3, 360, 3DS, PS Vita, PC and "next gen...
News Project X Zone Localisation Will Keep The Japanese Voice Track
Dig out your reading glasses
After a full-on day of Wii U focus thanks the Wii U Direct, let's give some love to 3DS and one of its hottest games due to arrive this summer. With Namco Bandai recently confirming its localisation, there are certainly a number of gamers looking forward to some RPG mash-up action in the upcoming Project X Zone; based on...
Rumour Pikachu 3DS XL Makes It To Chile, North America Is Next?
Chilean 3DS is the same used in North America
The spectacularly yellow limited edition Pikachu 3DS XL originally started off as a Japan-only system, but since then it's been on a bit of an adventure, making it over to European shores last December. It now appears to have found another home, with the system apparently being announced for pre-order...
News Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan Demo On The Way
Progress will be transferable to retail copy
The gorgeous looking Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan will be unleashed in North America on 26th February in both physical and downloadable formats. Atlus, the game's developer, has now revealed a demo will be heading into the 3DS eShop on 7th February - a good few weeks before the game launches...
Talking Point The Trends and Inconsistencies of Localisation
Predicting releases is getting tougher
Yesterday brought the news that Project X Zone is being localised and released in PAL regions and North America this summer. To many that would arguably be a surprise, as the title has endured a relative failure in Japan, culminating in a major price-cut. Yet recent years have taught us that predicting...
News Nintendo Takes A Bite Out Of Euro Publishing Duties For Castlevania: Mirror Of Fate
Responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution
In a move which mirrors the agreement between Nintendo and Capcom in Europe, Nintendo and Konami have confirmed that they have entered into a deal which will see the former company handling the European (and Australian) distribution of the gothic 3DS adventure Castlevania: Lords of Shadow -...
News Project X Zone Fighting To a Worldwide Release This Summer
Crossing over from Japan
Project X Zone, the rather fabulous-looking crossover strategy-RPG featuring characters from SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai franchises, looked destined to be a Japan-only release, especially after underwhelming sales prompted a hefty price-cut. In surprising news, Namco Bandai has confirmed that the title is being localised...
Review Riding Stables 3D (3DS)
How about a lovely horse?
One genre that absolutely feels underrepresented on the eShop is the pet sim. This is at least somewhat surprising, as the 3DS is not only portable, but it encourages gamers to take it with them everywhere, regardless of whether or not they intend to play anything. It accomplishes this through puzzle and Mii sharing, Play...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Will Take About 16 Hours To Suck You Dry
And that's just the first playthrough
Worried about whether or not Konami's forthcoming 3DS epic Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is going to have the staying power to keep you occupied when it launches in March? Well put your mind at ease because Konami producer Dave Cox has revealed that the game's first playthrough will take you...
News Neko Entertainment Discusses The Possibility Of Further Wii U Support
Games for 3DS not ruled out, either
Neko Entertainment released Puddle on the Wii U eShop in time for the launch of the the next generation console across Europe, and since then has been making quite a splash with gamers. It's only been over a month since its release, but that hasn't stopped Neko's QA Manager Sébastien Chipot-Delys discussing...
News Capcom Comments On Monster Hunter 4 Vita Rumours
Best not to believe everything you read
Not so long ago we reported on a rumour that was spreading like wildfire across the internet. According to Japanese magazine GameLab, the upcoming 3DS title Monster Hunter 4 hasn't been delayed for further quality enhancements - as Capcom has officially stated - it is in fact simultaneously being developed for...
News Local Multiplayer Sneaks Up On Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Um, what?
On each occasion that we've played Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, the demo on offer has been a single-player level. The prospect of multiplayer arrived before promptly disappearing way back in November 2011, with Nintendo listing multiplayer as a feature, before saying it was all a big mistake. Yet now we have the official site for the game,...
Rumour Monster Hunter 4 Delay Is Due To PS Vita Port
We hope this isn't true
If we could give the "Rumour" prefix on this news story additional emphasis, then we would - because this one needs to be taken with a sizable pinch of salt. Japanese magazine GameLab is reporting that the delay of Monster Hunter 4 on the 3DS isn't due to quality improvements - as stated by Capcom - but because the game is...
News Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Getting A Demo In February
Monster Hunter Try
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will be released on Wii U and 3DS in North America and Europe on 19th March and 22nd March respectively. The full game is expected to be available in the eShop at around the same time. Capcom has also revealed that a demo for the game will also be available to download for both the 3DS and Wii U versions...
News Brain Age: Concentration And Sonic & All-Stars Racing Release Dates Revealed
Two new 3DS big-hitters get dated for the US
We love days like today, when Nintendo springs upcoming release dates on us and we all have to think of how far we're going to have to dig into our pockets for some cash. You'll have to update your purchase plans - again - as Brain Age: Concentration Training (also known as Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain...
News Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon Scares Its Way Onto The 3DS March 24th
A new spooky adventure
Nintendo of America has announced the much anticipated release date for Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will make its way across the US on 24th March, with Luigi travelling through more mansions and scooping up some more ghosts with his upgraded Poltergust 5000. Hopefully European gamers won't have much...
News LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins Confirmed For 3DS
The chase actually begins on 21st April
While there's been plenty of information and footage for LEGO City: Undercover on Wii U, the open-world title that offers a potential blend of block-based madness and GTA, all has been silent on the announced 3DS equivalent. Nintendo's now confirmed that 3DS isn't getting a stripped back equivalent, but a...
News Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Taking A Bite Out Of 3DS And Wii U On March 19th
Back for seconds three days later in Europe
Capcom and Nintendo have confirmed that Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will be released in North America on March 19th. The game will be available on both the Wii U and 3DS. Europe will have to wait just three days longer to get its hands on the epic title. Downloadable versions are also expected to be made...
News Disney Infinity Pricing Emerges
Warn the bank manager
We can imagine a tired old Executive at Activision in late 2011, working through yet more paperwork and then coming across sales figures for the experimental Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, a game where the publisher was boldly asking parents and enthusiasts to buy the game and a load of toys. Their eyes would have widened,...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Features Both English And Japanese Voice Tracks
One language or another
It has been highlighted that the upcoming US version of Fire Emblem: Awakening features both English and Japanese audio tracks. Our very own Jon Wahlgren - who is currently hidden away reviewing the game for you lovely readers - can confirm this option is available. It hasn't been confirmed if the option to choose the...
News 3DS Maintains Dominance of the Japanese Charts
Wii U slips just behind PlayStation 3
The latest round of sales results from Japan, covering the period from 7th to 13th January, give us an early indication of sales levels in the region after the boosted business of the Holiday season. They tell a mixed tale, with 3DS still ruling the roost and Wii U scrapping it out within the main pack. In...
News "All The Bravest" Square Enix Trademark Was for iOS Game, Not Bravely Default Localisation
Darn
Late last year it emerged that Square Enix had trademarked the name "All The Bravest" and purchased a number of related web domains, which prompted excitable rumours that it could be an indication of a much-desired localisation of 3DS title Bravely Default: Flying Fairy. Unfortunately that dream has been crushed — which seems to be standard...
News Disney Infinity Developer Would Like to Include Star Wars And Marvel
No decision made as yet
Yesterday Disney Interactive revealed that Disney Infinity — possibly its most ambitious project yet — would be coming to Wii U, Wii and 3DS this summer, as well as mobile devices and other platforms. The game allows the player to bring real-world toys to life by scanning them into the game in the same way that...
News Epic Mickey Future In Doubt After Sequel Falls Short In Sales
Epic Mickey 2 only sold 270,000 copies to the original's 1.3 million
Let's face it, Epic Mickey 2 was something of a critical disappointment. After the promise of the first game, we had high hopes that the follow-up would be even better, but as our Epic Mickey 2 Wii U review shows, it was a bit of letdown. It would seem that the poor reaction has...
News The Sundance Festival and Red Carpet Are Calling For Mario
Nintendo's going to the movies
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the best-known and prestigious events of its kind in the film calendar, with events, screenings and prize-giving being given gloss by plenty of celebrities and successful actors. After Nintendo UK's short-film partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) last year it's now...
News Disney Infinity Heading to Wii U, Wii and 3DS This Summer
Golly, that's a lot of platforms
Late last year details emerged of Disney Infinity, a title that incorporates real-life figurines and a portal concept made popular by the Skylanders series, while adding a great deal of customisation and a sandbox environment to encourage freedom and experimentation. Disney Interactive has now unveiled a host of new...
News Shin'en Confirms Jett Rocket II - The Wrath of Taikai
Going a bit Star Trek
Yesterday we brought you the news that the 3DS sequel to WiiWare title Jett Rocket was confirmed to be nearly finished and on the way "early this year", good news for those who'd wondered about its fate for much of 2012. With that happy news confirmed, developer and publisher Shin'en Multimedia has now clarified the title for...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Download Takes Up Almost 8,600 Blocks
It's set to be a blockbuster
Strategic RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening will be unleashed on the 3DS in North America from 4th February, and will be available in both physical and downloadable form. If you're looking to download a copy from the 3DS eShop you'll need 8,579 available blocks on an SD card - that's slightly over 1GB. This figure is quite...
News Renegade Kid's Upcoming FPS Will Focus On Single Player
More info coming in March
Last week Jools Watsham, co-founder of Renegade Kid, revealed more about what we'd find in the upcoming Wii U eShop title Mutant Mudds Deluxe. He also spoke of a new 3DS project: a first-person shooter that will hopefully be released in time for this Christmas. Watsham has since taken to Twitter again to answer people's...
News Pokémon X & Y Catch More Official Artwork and Details
More images and legendary dimensions, of course
At the weekend we posted a feature titled Pokémon X & Y - What We Know So Far, with an assumption that the initial burst of images and concept art was over and that the dust would settle. The Pokémon Company isn't done yet, however, revealing new images and details for us all to absorb. The...
News Satoru Iwata: Customers Understanding The Wii U "Will Take a Little Time"
"We aim to leave a smile on our customer's faces"
With a New Year and Nintendo's upcoming announcement of its Q3 financial results, Satoru Iwata and his team have plenty to think about. 2013 will be an important year to continue momentum on 3DS with big releases, and more importantly to grow the Wii U audience as much as possible. Speaking to...
News Zero Escape Director Craves Mainstream Recognition
Ideals remain due to "very humbling" support from fans
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is one of the most unique experiences currently available on 3DS, serving a role well fulfilled by its predecessor — 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors — on DS. Part of its appeal, as shared by many of its strongest advocates, is its strength of...
Feature Pokémon X & Y - What We Know So Far
Let's summarise
Earlier this week, through an aptly titled Pokémon Direct, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata brought the news that Pokémon fans had been waiting for; a new generation main-series entry on the system. Pokémon X & Y will — like its predecessors — be released in two separate flavours, but with the developers choosing letters as...
News Nintendo of America Confirms Fire Emblem: Awakening 3DS Bundle
The game will come pre-installed
We reported earlier on a rumour circulating that a special 3DS bundle for Fire Emblem: Awakening was on the way to North America. The speculation sparked off after a full page advertisement for the strategic RPG was found in the latest issue of Game Informer, which showed a bundle not too dissimilar to the one Japan...
News DreamRift: Publishers Are Scared Of Piracy
Even if there's no reason to be
When Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham stated that his company would be forced to pull support for the 3DS if piracy became a big enough problem, it triggered quite a debate. Watsham was branded as "anti-Nintendo" by some quarters, and Goodbye Galaxy Games founder Hugo Smits entered the argument with his own counterpoint...
Rumour Fire Emblem: Awakening Bundle Coming To North America
Comes with a glorious special edition 3DS
Yesterday we reported that a demo for the highly anticipated strategic RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening will be made available to download from the North American 3DS eShop on 17th January. The game itself will launch on 4th February and will be available in both physical and downloadable forms. According to var
News Didn't Pick Up The Pink 3DS XL? Hard Luck
Strictly limited edition, according to Nintendo
Late last year, Nintendo released the Pink / White 3DS XL in North America as a limited edition. The system was clearly something of a hit with consumers, as it has since sold out - and if you missed the chance to pick one up, it looks like your only hope now is to purchase a pre-owned model...
News Nintendo Announces 890,000 Wii U Sales in U.S. Launch
Higher revenues than Wii launch, 3DS has over 1.25 million sales in Holiday period
Nintendo of America has issued a series of facts and figures for its Holiday period performance in the U.S., following publication of the latest NPD figures that cover 25th November to 29th December. There were some solid results and, perhaps most importantly, decent...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Demo On Its Way to North America
Plus some more info on DLC
North America doesn't have to wait much longer now for Fire Emblem: Awakening, the 3DS strategic RPG that sees you play as Lord Chrom and the Shepherds in a battle against a mysterious new evil. Nintendo has now revealed some more information on the game including how StreetPass and SpotPass will be implemented, as well...
News South Korea Is Getting Animal Crossing: New Leaf Before North America And Europe
Grumble, grumble
Animal Crossing: New Leaf is doing pretty brisk business in Japan, a fact which makes us western players all the more anxious to get our hands on it. So far, Nintendo has refused to give a solid release date for the game in this part of the world, instead vaguely stating that North America will get it "Q1/Q2" and Europe "Q2". Just...
News This New Monster Hunter 4 Trailer Will Bring Out The Beast In You
Fresh footage from 3DS epic emerges
Capcom has released a new trailer for the forthcoming 3DS title Monster Hunter 4, and it's predictably packed with foul beasts, stunning landscapes and - surprisingly - what appears to be a cooking cat. The game hits Japan later this year, following the delay of its proposed March release. Western players will...
News Naruto: Powerful Shippuden Gets North American Release Date
Anime fans - mark 5th March in your diaries
A few weeks ago Namco Bandai revealed that Naruto: Powerful Shippuden would be coming to the 3DS in March. The game is a side-scrolling fighter based on the Naruto spin-off series Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals. Europe was given a concrete release of 8th March but North America’s date was slightly more...
News Main Pokémon RPG Series Continues to Prioritise Portable Gaming
At least 50 new creatures and 'Real Play' confirmed
Earlier today The Pokémon Company International provided names and some attractive artwork for two Legendary Pokémon in the upcoming Pokémon X & Y, and now some more crumbs of information have emerged. J.C. Smith, the director of consumer marketing for the Pokémon company international,...
News Level 5: Fantasy Life Will Become A Series
Not just a fantasy
Cutesy 3DS title Fantasy Life has been selling like hot cakes over in Japan with so many copies sold in its first week that the game has reportedly sold out. It's unsurprising then to learn that, during a recent interview with Famitsu, Level 5 has earmarked Fantasy Life as a new franchise for the studio saying it will be made...
News Nintendo Maintains Momentum and Dominance in Japanese Charts
3DS still comfortably out-performing Wii U
It's a New Year, but the same old story in the Japanese hardware and software charts. In recent times it's not been a question of how dominant Nintendo (particularly 3DS) is, but the extent to which it's outperforming rival systems. The most recent results (covering the first week of the New Year) continue...
News Pokémon X & Y Legendary Details Revealed
Names and artwork shared with us all
After yesterday's announcement of Pokémon X & Y, which possibly led to worldwide hype overload and mayhem on the streets, The Pokémon Company International has issued some information on the new 'mon that made an appearance at the very end of the announcement trailer. These are two new Legendary Pokémon:...
News Professor Layton And The Azran Legacies Release Date Solved For Japan
Layton's final mystery out next month
Famitsu has released some new information on Level-5's next installment in the Professor Layton franchise, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacies, revealing that the game will launch in Japan on 28th February. It was confirmed during a Nintendo Direct broadcast in the summer that this would be the final puzzle...
Talking Point Pokémon X & Y Provide a Timely Boost for 3DS in the West
The DS era is left behind
The biggest release on DS in 2012, and surely the runaway winner of practically every Game of the Year award specifically tailored for the older handheld, were the Pokémon Black & White 2 titles, tied together for the purposes of simplicity. Yet its announcement and release on the platform surprised a number of gamers...
News Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate Demo On The Way
Whipping up a storm in the eShop
Yesterday Konami producer Dave Cox took to Twitter to answer a few eager Castlevania fans' questions regarding the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series. Unfortunately he reiterated his stance that Lords of Shadow 2, a game already confirmed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, would not be coming to Wii U. He has since...
News LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Coming To Wii U And 3DS
Marvellous!
We’re big fans of LEGO games here at Nintendo Life. Recently we’ve seen the likes of Lord of the Rings, Batman and the DC Superheroes receive the LEGO treatment while original game LEGO City: Undercover is due out on Wii U soon. The DC Universe of characters won’t be the only ones to get their own LEGO game as it has now been...
News 3DS RPG Fantasy Life Already Sold Out In Japan
Hopes of a Western release boosted
Level 5 has a few 3DS games out in Japan that are yet to be confirmed for Western release. Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney has been out since the end of November and just before the New Year the ultra-cute Fantasy Life was made available in both physical and digital form. Fantasy Life is actually developed by...
News 3DS Surpasses 10 Million Sales in Japan
It keeps on rolling
While worldwide performance and firm figures are either hard to find or occasionally shown to be modest, one thing is certain — the 3DS is emerging as a major sales success in Japan. Perhaps due to the power of franchises — Animal Crossing: New Leaf has been a monster hit — the handheld's performance is such that it's...
News Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Caught In Worldwide Release This October
3D is super effective
Today, after over a week of teasing a major announcement, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata used the first Nintendo Direct broadcast of the year to unveil Pokémon X & Y, the first main-series entries on the company's latest handheld. Brief footage shown demonstrated a 3D environment rather than a fixed overhead view, while...
News Animal Crossing: New Leaf Has Been Downloaded Half A Million Times In Japan
Iwata reveals that smartphones have played a huge part in the game's success
Animal Crossing: New Leaf has become something of a smash hit in its native Japan; as of December, it has sold 2 million copies, becoming one of the most popular 3DS games yet and illustrating just how massive Nintendo's console is in the far east. Download sales haven't...
Feature Nintendo in 2012 - Part Two
Lots of Mario and Wii U's arrival
In the first six months of 2012, which we looked at in the first part of our 2012 retrospective, Nintendo oversaw some major releases on 3DS and announced the XL model, the Wii had a few memorable arrivals and E3 came and went with its own brand of madness. There were also a number of quirky stories that passed by,...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Will Be Available On 3DS eShop
In case there was any doubt
Nintendo has been making all of its retail titles available in their respective eShops for a few months now. You can find the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS eShop while New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land both reside in the Wii U equivalent. It won't come as a surpr
News Renegade Kid Clarifies 3DS Piracy Comments
"If we cannot make money from developing games we can no longer develop games"
Recently Renegade Kid co-founder Jools Watsham sparked off a conversation about piracy on the 3DS. In a blog post he stated that if piracy was to get bad on the handheld he would have no choice but to pull support for the system. In a second blog post on the topic,...
Feature Nintendo in 2012 - Part One
3DS fought back, hype mode was engaged
Not so long ago it could be argued that Nintendo was having some relaxing times, with DS and Wii systems flying off shelves and console rivals rushing to the platform in order to hop on the motion-control train. Of course, technology and the gaming industry evolve, and in 2011 Nintendo found itself trying to...
Feature The Biggest 3DS Games of 2013
Mostly on their way from Japan
With a New Year comes optimism for lots of fun, exciting gaming experiences. We've already outlined what we think are ten of the biggest Wii U games of 2013 — well, those that are confirmed — so now we'll do the same for 3DS. After a rocky début year, 2012 went some way to revive the fortunes of the handheld —...
Rumour 3DS Cartridge Could Allow Handheld to Function as Wii U Controller
A bucket of salt is needed for this one
We do love the occasional rumour here at Nintendo Life, and the latest has emerged from French website nintendo-master.com, courtesy of its very own unnamed source — we love that guy/gal, we really do. In any case, the rumour is that an old DS patent is going to be revived which will allow a cartridge and...
News Paper Mario: Sticker Star Had Some Mini-Games Left On The Cutting Room Floor
Intelligent Systems ran out of time
Paper Mario: Sticker Star became a welcome addition to the 3DS catalogue towards the end of 2012 and many have been getting stuck into the game over the festive period. It has been revealed that some elements of the game were cut due to time constraints, most notably a selection of mini-games that were set to...
News LEGO Laying More Bricks With Legends Of Chima This Year
Coming to 3DS and DS
Warner Bros. and TT Games have revealed the next installment in the increasingly popular LEGO series. The title isn't based on a popular TV series or movie - it's a completely new game, based on LEGO's new Legends of Chima line of figures which is set to launch in 2013. The game - LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, to give...
News Fire Emblem: Awakening Teaser Trailer Emerges
Even more to whet our appetitie
Nintendo of America has released an incredibly short but very sweet teaser trailer for upcoming RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening for 3DS. The game will hit the US next month 4th February, with GameStop offering a special pre-order bonus in the form of a character art book. Europe will have to wait until 19th April to get...
3DS Features
Forum Topics
Most Read
Random Kit And Krysta Show Off Their Immense DS And 3DS Collection
News Splatoon And Pokémon Join 'Free Comic Book Day' 2024 Lineup
Reminder The 3DS Pokémon Bank & Transporter Services Are Still Online
Guide When Does 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down? Nintendo eShop & Online Pl...
Random Fan Saves All Dragon Quest 7 DLC Maps Before 3DS Servers Shut Down
News It's Over! Nintendo Shuts Down Online Servers For 3DS And Wii U
News Capcom Reminds Monster Hunter Fans About 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down