New Nintendo 3DS News
December2016
Review Hyperlight EX (New Nintendo 3DS)
Faster than...
This review was originally going to begin with the saying "Imitation is the best form of flattery," but we found that it wouldn't be accurate for Hyperlight EX. While, at first glance, the game looks like a simple Geometry Wars clone, Hyperlight EX soon reveals itself to be something quite different. CatfishBlues Games has taken the...
Nintendo Download 15th December (Europe)
Minecraft Complete Story! Pikmin 2! Teslapunk! Loads of discounts!
The European Nintendo Download Update details arrived a little later than normal, giving us a look at what to expect this week. It's a packed line-up, with lots of Minecraft storytelling, a well-regarded Wii re-release of a GameCube sequel, a number of 'Nindie' titles, discounts...
News Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World To Benefit From Frame Rate Bump On New Nintendo 3DS
Another reason to upgrade?
Wii U title Yoshi's Woolly World is getting a new lease of life next year thanks to the 3DS port Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World, and according to Game Informer, it could offer existing 3DS owners another reason to consider upgrading to the more powerful New Nintendo 3DS. The magazine is reporting that the title runs at...
Nintendo Download 8th December (Europe)
Excitebike 64! Retail DLC! Discounts! More!
Another week begins, and the European Download Update details are available to show what's on the way to the eShop in the coming days. There's a promising Virtual Console release, a whole lot of DLC for recent retail releases and more besides, so let's get to it. Wii U VIrtual Console: Excitebike 64...
November2016
Soapbox Nintendo, the NES Mini and Ongoing Stock Problems
Damien and Tom weigh in on the issues, and the possible reasons for them
When it comes to product releases, particularly hardware or accessory related, Nintendo's reputation is currently suffering. After the missteps with amiibo in late 2014 and into the Summer of 2015, this year has seen Nintendo make a mess of the NES Mini launch and, in North...
News Six New SNES Titles Hit The New 3DS Virtual Console In Japan
Kirby! Fire Emblem! Mario's Picross! Pop'n Twinbee!
Last week we reported that six Super Famicom (SNES to me and you) titles were hitting the New 3DS Virtual Console in Japan, along with a special retro 3DS home theme which was free to download if you purchased any of the half-dozen titles. At the time Nintendo confirmed that six more Super Famicom...
Nintendo Download 1st December (Europe)
Super Mario Maker for 3DS! Picross 3D Round 2! Sonic discounts! More!
Another week begins, and we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to get us ready for releases later this week. This time around there are multiple high profile 3DS retail releases, along with a mix of download-only titles across both systems. Let's get to it. Wii U...
News Hyperlight EX Blasting Onto New 3DS on 1st December
Shoot all of the things
Colourful, intense shoot 'em ups are still a staple in gaming, ideal for unwinding or getting hyped up, whatever takes your fancy. The eShop, on both Wii U and 3DS, has had a few strong shooters to date, but there's definitely room for more. For fans of the genre there's some good news, as Hyperlight EX now has a final...
Deals Black Friday - New 3DS Super Mario Black & White Edition
Black or white?
If you live in North America, one of the stand-out Black Friday deals this year is the $99.99 price on two New Nintendo 3DS options. Normally these would cost around $150, so this really is a great chance to get into super stable 3D, amiibo support and the coveted analogue C-Stick. These limited editions come in black and white...
Video Let's Put the Original 3DS Through its Paces with Pokémon Sun & Moon
Comparing the New 3DS to the original 3DS
Pokémon Sun & Moon received a glowing recommendation from us at Nintendo Life when we reviewed it recently, but many people have expressed concern over how it holds up on the older, more restricted hardware of Nintendo's first 3DS console - before they bumped up the internals with the release of the New...
Video Pokémon Sun And Moon Takes A Fair Old Time To Boot On Vanilla 3DS Consoles
Time to update to New 3DS?
The New Nintendo 3DS may not have received all that many exclusive games, but those of you who have upgraded and are in the process of playing Pokémon Sun And Moon should be feeling a little smug, as the game boots much faster on the newer console than on the original - as you can see from the video above. This isn't the...
News Japan Gets A Bumper Helping Of SNES Titles On New 3DS Virtual Console
With six more on the way next week
Seven Super Famicom titles (SNES to you and me) are launching on the New 3DS in Japan this week. The games are Final Fight 2, Final Fight Tough / Final Fight 3, Tactics Ogre, Rockman X3 / Mega Man X3, Romancing SaGa, Super Castlevania IV / Akumajō Dracula
Video Get Comfy for this Hour-Long Pokémon Sun & Moon Discussion with GameXplain
Alex gets to flex his talking muscles for once
We at Nintendo Life are very typical gamers in the sense that we love to talk the hind legs off anyone who'll listen when it comes to video games, so naturally when the lovely chaps over at GameXplain invited this floppy-haired video diva over to their channel to natter about Pokémon Sun & Moon, we...
Review Futuridium EP Deluxe (New 3DS)
Let's blow this thing and go home
Support for the Unity engine on the New Nintendo 3DS has only attracted a small number of quality downloads, a pity but inevitable due to how late the engine arrived fully on the portable. When used well, though, it delivers some highly enjoyable gameplay and relatively flashy visuals - Futuridium EP Deluxe achieves...
Reminder Fresh New Nintendo 3DS XL Colours Out Now in Europe
Mainland Europe even gets hot pink
Announced way back in August, three additional colours for the New Nintendo 3DS XL are now out in Europe, though availability varies depending on where you are. There's a 'Rose' and white model in mainland Europe (hot pink, really), while the UK also joins in with the Orange / Black and 'Pearl White' editions...
Talking Point A New Nintendo 3DS Price Drop Can Prolong the Portable's Lifespan
New Black Friday options in North America are a smart idea
We've been wondering when it would happen, and it's finally come. Nintendo has bitten the bullet and confirmed New Nintendo 3DS models for North America that will cost under $100. Now, you don't need to be a genius to proclaim that selling goods at a budget price is a way to attract...
News Budget New Nintendo 3DS Models Announced for North America
Out in time for Black Friday
It seems that the move towards budget hardware status is picking up pace for the 3DS, which need not be a bad thing. Nintendo of America has announced two New Nintendo 3DS models - the smaller variations - that'll arrive on 25th November, with a recommended price of just $99.99 in the US. In the initial announcement no...
Video A Quirky Look at How to Use an iPhone 7 to Buy 3DS eShop Games in Japan
You should NFC it
Ever since Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, declaring all those using wired headphones to be cave-dwellers that need to join a wireless revolution, gamers in Japan have been able to do something else with their new phone besides looking for their lightning adapter. The SUICA app allows users to buy 3DS eShop games with the iPhone on...
Nintendo Download 10th November (Europe)
SHOOT THE BALL, discounts... erm, that's it
A fresh week is upon us, and as usual Nintendo of Europe has sent out details for the Download Update that's to come. In truth it's extremely slim pickings this time around, with one new game and some discounts. There's no particularly positive spin we can give, so let's just get on with it. Wii U eShop...
October2016
Review Pixel Hunter (3DS eShop / New 3DS)
This game is not in season
Any list of the greatest games of the 8-bit era is sure to include the likes Mega Man and Super Mario Bros., along with their fantastic sequels. Conversely, many lists of modern greats will include Minecraft. Pixel Hunter draws inspiration from all of these titles in obvious ways, but doesn't replicate the qualities that...
News Hyperlight EX Is Jetting To The New Nintendo 3DS Soon
Faster than light speed
Shoot 'em up fans will be delighted to hear that a remake of the popular iOS blaster Hyperlight by CatfishBlues Games will be available in November for the New Nintendo 3DS. The console version known as Hyperlight EX is an enhanced version of the original and was developed specifically for the New Nintendo 3DS...
Nintendo Download 27th October (Europe)
Corpse Party! Just Dance! Gurumin 3D! Discounts and Themes Galore! More!
Another week begins, and we start off with the usual routine of the European Nintendo Download Update details, which give us a look at what goodies are on the way. The Wii U offers a couple of Nindie efforts, a retail release from Ubisoft, some tempting DLC and a lot of...
Has Super Mario World pre-installed
Nintendo of America clearly likes to give retailers exclusives on limited edition systems, and has done so again with a rather interesting Lime Green New Nintendo 3DS XL Special Edition. It comes bundled with a Virtual Console copy of Super Mario World, intriguingly, and it's available right now. It's only on...
Nintendo Download 20th October (Europe)
Pokemon Sun / Moon demo! Rhythm Paradise! Halloween Discounts! More!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update, letting us know what download goodies are on the way this week; it's a corker, too. The most high-profile arrival is likely to be a freebie on 3DS, though there's also a retail release on the portable...
Review Super Castlevania IV (3DS eShop / SNES)
The (Belmont) Boys Are Back in Town
The Super NES is, for many, Nintendo's greatest console. It boasted a software library that was an envy of competitors and had more than enough power to stave off unfavourable comparisons to arcade games of its age. Unlike many of Nintendo's more recent home consoles, the SNES is remembered just as much for its...
News Pirate Pop Plus Arrives on Wii U and New 3DS on 20th October
Nope, we can't think of a piratey pun for crossbuy
One of our highlights of PAX West, from a Nintendo gaming standpoint, was Pirate Pop Plus. Developed by Dadako and published by 13AM Shipping Solutions, it brings Pang / Buster Bros. to mind and has a huge amount of retro charm; we certainly enjoyed our hands on time with it. It's a game that's...
Review Wind-up Knight 2 (New 3DS)
A New 3DS Noble
There have been more animals who have been nominated for governmental office in the world than games exclusive to the New 3DS. Yet of this meager pool, two are runner-style titles. There is the upcoming Runbow Pocket, which to be fair is more of an action-platformer, and then there is Wind-up Knight 2, available on the New 3DS...
September2016
Review The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (3DS eShop / SNES)
Still hanging in there
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is a perfect throwback to the '90s: a time when Konami was still revered among gamers, games were heavily edited for Western markets, and Nintendo reigned supreme. If you haven't heard of the Mystical Ninja series, we won't hold it against you. It's something of a cult-classic in the Western...
Talking Point Nintendo's Continued Commitment to the 3DS Makes Sense
Sales in the US enjoy a boost as Nintendo keeps the portable going
It wasn't that long ago that we had a rather encouraging 3DS Nintendo Direct, even if the short term memory of some means it may as well have been a decade ago. The reaction to it was generally positive, a reward for the fact that Nintendo revealed some genuine surprises, including...
Review Final Fight 3 (New 3DS / SNES)
Metro City rampage
It was a mistake to come back to Metro City, Guy realised. With the Mad Gear gang defeated he'd hoped for a pleasant day where he could catch up with people, but instead he finds himself in a tricky situation. Stood in the Mayor's office, he's trying desperately not to comment on Haggar's ridiculous ponytail. He can't take it any...
News New 3DS Stays on Top in Japan As Wii U Holds Top Spot Among Home Consoles, For Now
Release of updated PS4 model likely to end brief Wii U run
Though there are more exciting times ahead in terms of new games, we're in the middle of a relatively quiet spell of major releases. That's certainly the case in Japan, where the limited number of new releases are struggling to make much of an impact. In fact, the Media Create charts are...
Review Final Fight 2 (New 3DS / SNES)
Samey sequel (sans selling point)
When Final Fight arrived on the SNES it had problems. The port of the side-scrolling beat 'em up classic looked reasonably close to the arcade title, but it cut out the industrial area, the two-player option and playable character Guy as well. A second attempt was made with Final Fight Guy that saw the Bushin ninja...
Dual Pack also confirmed, with extra Poké Balls
A lot of focus will go to Pokémon Sun and Moon as we head towards November, with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company likely to go big with their arrival on 3DS. In good news for North American gamers a limited edition hardware iteration previously confirmed for Europe and Japan is now definitely coming...
Review Mega Man X3 (New 3DS / SNES)
Flawed finale
It was 1995 or 1996 (depending on where you lived) and for the third year running Capcom released a Mega Man X game on the SNES. Further games in the series would follow but whilst X's 1-6 would arrive on the GameCube in Mega Man X Collection, Mega Man X3 would be the last in the series for the SNES and now presumably the New Nintendo...
Review Mega Man X2 (New 3DS / SNES)
Extra X
Thanks to 16-bit visual loveliness and some new moves, the first Mega Man X stood out from the many 8-bit Mega Man games that had popped up on the NES and Game Boy. Released the following year, this sequel may lack the freshness of that first title, but Mega Man X2 still provides the expected action-platforming fun, backed by some great...
Brick Rolled
After passing the 60th car, players will have experienced all of what Brick Race has to offer. Brick Race for the New 3DS is an oddity that can lose its appeal after just a few minutes; even that may be generous in terms of the amount of time anyone would want to spend playing the game. The title, "Brick Race", is a literal translation...
News New Legend of Zelda amiibo Are Coming In December
Ta-da-da-daaa!
Nintendo has announced in its latest Nintendo 3DS Direct that in honour of the franchise's 30th anniversary, a "special series" of classic Legend of Zelda amiibo figures are set to hit the shelves on December 2nd; that date is for both North America and Europe. The figures will work as standard Link and Zelda amiibo respectively, but...
August2016
Random Apparently the 'New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL' is Perfect for Style Savvy Fans
Fashion that's out of this world, or something...
On a regular basis Nintendo of America hosts events where members of the public engage in some gimmickry to promote a game. Sometimes they're fun, like the weird Splatoon assault course thing of 2015, or they're rubbish like a Disney teen star playing Disney Art Academy on stage at the Nintendo NY...
Random Spot the Difference Between the 'New Galaxy Style' New 3DS XL and a Third-Party Accessory
The joys of internet searches
Earlier today we reported on GameStop offering pre-orders on the New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL - not the snappiest product name of all time, admittedly. It's an iteration of the system that's been rather surprising, and seemingly random unless this week's Nintendo Direct sheds a little more light on its purpose...
News GameStop Opens Pre-Orders on 'New Galaxy Style' New Nintendo 3DS XL
Releases on 2nd September
Yesterday we had the somewhat random reveal of the 'New Galaxy Style' New Nintendo 3DS XL for North America. It came out of nowhere, frankly, and thematically it seems rather lacking in context - in our dreams there'll be a Super Mario Galaxy port announced in this week's
News Futuridium EP Deluxe is Heading to New 3DS Very Soon, With Wii U Cross-Buy
Should run at 60fps with 3D enabled
Futuridium EP Deluxe is a solid and enjoyable offering on the Wii U eShop, with intense action and psychedelic visuals; we gave it a recommendation in our review. The good news for those that want to play this one on the go is that the New 3DS version is close to release, and it could also be a bargain for...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Reveals 'New Galaxy Style' New Nintendo 3DS XL, Out in North America This Week
"An out of this world look", because why not?
It's almost tempting to mark this one as 'Random', but to be fair it is actual news. In a short video Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has introduced the 'New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL', which is a fresh design for the portable. It's coming out this week and should start popping up...
Out Now Eight More Games Join the Nintendo Selects Range in North America
A small white New 3DS bundle, too
Earlier this month Nintendo of America announced eight more games for the Nintendo Selects range, and they arrive in stores today (26th August). There are some gems in the updated collection, which are undoubtedly worth a look for $19.99. The new additions and a trailer are below: Animal Crossing: New Leaf
News Capcom Announces a New 3DS Game That Uses Japanese Travel Cards
Another use for the NFC scanner
The New 3DS has some neat tricks hidden within its small shell, one of which is the NFC scanner under the touch screen - it's primarily used for scanning amiibo figures and cards. In Japan the feature is also used with top-up pay cards, such as those utilised on public transport. This functionality kicked in way back...
Nintendo Download 25th August (Europe)
Armikrog! Ace Attorney Demo! Legend of Mystical Ninja! Much more!
It's the start of another week, and Nintendo of Europe has juicy Download Update details showing which games are on the way to the eShop. This offering includes a high profile demo, a much-loved SNES game on 3DS and some rather promising new games on both Wii U and 3DS. Throw in a...
Review Final Fight (3DS eShop / SNES)
Not quite the final word
In the late '80s and early '90s gamers gathered around arcade cabinets instead of playing from the comfort of their own homes, and one of the biggest draws in arcades of the day was undoubtedly Capcom's Final Fight. When Final Fight released for the Super Nintendo in the early '90s, some gamers weren't very pleased with it,...
News Nintendo of America Expands Nintendo Selects Range and Unveils Small New 3DS Bundle
Wii U game + amiibo bundles are coming, too
Nintendo of America is jumping into the 'back to school' craze, but its latest announcements are good news for fans of all ages in North America. It's expanding the Nintendo Selects range, releasing a rather nice small New Nintendo 3DS bundle, and also planning some Wii U game + amiibo bundles. First of...
Feature Unboxing the Super Famicom New Nintendo 3DS XL
Units shipping from Nintendo in Japan right now
Its been a long wait for those who were fortunate enough to snag a pre-order of the awesome-looking Super Famicom New 3DS XL in Japan, which was first shown off in a Nintendo Direct in March of this year. The unit comes decked out with the hardware design of the Japanese Super Famicom on the back,...
Review Street Fighter Alpha 2 (New 3DS / SNES)
The eShop has Alpha too
There are a few Virtual Console options for New Nintendo 3DS-owning Street Fighter fans such as a speedy Street Fighter II, a sixteen-character Street Fighter II and this eShop release that stands out on account of not being Street Fighter II. Released in 1996 this SNES port of Street Fighter Alpha 2 may have been overlooked...
July2016
Review Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (New 3DS / SNES)
Super solo fighter
The New Nintendo 3DS is a nifty device with a number of great games available, but as everyone knows something cannot be considered a true games machine unless you can play Street Fighter II on it. Thankfully Capcom has stepped in to save New 3DS owners from the taunts of ZX Spectrum, Atari ST and CD32 gamers by bringing the game...
Review Street Fighter II' Turbo: Hyper Fighting (New 3DS / SNES)
Speedy fighting on the go
Ever since SNES games were announced as coming to the New Nintendo 3DS it seemed inevitable that Capcom would jump at the chance to flog us Street Fighter II again and - sure enough - here it is. In a surprise move they've skipped the World Warrior port and moved straight to Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting, released...
Review Mega Man X (New 3DS / SNES)
Mega Xcitement
The Mega Man games provided people with enjoyable action-platforming and Capcom was happy to keep producing more and more of them to be purchased and played. 1993 (at least in Japan) saw the release of the sixth NES game in the series, but also the start of something new. Following Virtual Console releases (and a compilation) of the...
News Three SNES Street Fighter Titles Heading to European New 3DS Virtual Console This Week
Buy two get the third free
Some of the more eagle-eyed among you may be wondering where the usual European Nintendo Download Update details are; that's a good question, as we're thinking the same thing [Update, the full details are now live]. Nintendo hasn't sent out the press release to kick off the week, so we're working on the assumption it'll...
Nintendo Download 21st July (North America)
Pokémon Ranger! Buddy & Me! Star Fox demos + Battle Begins! More!
The time has come, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has a range of promising download-only releases on both the Wii U and 3DS, while some high profile demos also nudge their way into view. Throw in some discounts (including some that...
Nintendo Download 21st July (Europe)
Buddy & Me! A Shadow's Tale! Wind-up Knight 2! Demos! FE DLC! More!
With the start of another week we have the usual batch of details for the goodies due in the European Nintendo Download Update. Coming up on Thursday we have a range of promising download-only titles across Wii U and 3DS, including a New 3DS exclusive. We also have a new Wii...
Review Kirby's Dream Course (New 3DS / SNES)
Kirby's Krazy Golf
Super NES title Kirby's Dream Course has made it to the New Nintendo 3DS, and we had to see how this non-conventional Kirby title has held up since its initial release in 1994. Kirby's Dream Course is effectively crazy golf with our little pink pal acting as the ball. Kirby has three lives with four attempts each, and unless...
Review Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (New 3DS / SNES)
Move over, Maximo
These days, it's in vogue to bemoan Mega Man's absence from the gaming scene. Mega Man, however, is not the only franchise Capcom has forgotten; one of its more egregious crimes is leaving the mighty Knight Arthur himself by the wayside. Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a classic SNES title and one of the hardest games on the platform...
June2016
News MixedBag Bringing Metroid-Inspired forma.8 To The New Nintendo 3DS
And another undisclosed game for all 3DS models
Indie studio MixedBag has revealed that it is bringing forma.8 to the New Nintendo 3DS as well as the Wii U eShop. The game places you in the role of a probe sent to investigate a mysterious alien world in order to locate a special power source, and MixedBag have cited Metroid as a key influence. The...
Review Mega Man 7 (New 3DS / SNES)
The worst Mega Man is still good
Mega Man 7 is a game that came at the wrong time. By the time of its original 1995 release fans were a bit beleaguered by continued rapid-fire releases, and interest had shifted from the portly robot that could to his slimmer, cooler younger brother - Mega Man X. If you've played one Mega Man game, you'll be...
Gotta pre-order 'em all
Pokémon Sun and Moon is certainly the biggest release heading to the 3DS this year, with both iterations likely to combine for some handsome sales numbers. Nintendo of Europe has now confirmed that it'll be bringing some special editions to make the release an even bigger deal in the region. First up is a Solgaleo and...
News Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice Leads Japanese Charts and Boosts New 3DS
No objection
We're later than normal because of a little thing called E3, but the Media Create chart results from Japan are certainly worth looking at. This week they bring great news for a popular franchise, Capcom and the New Nintendo 3DS. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice has made its bow on the retail scene in Japan and stormed...
News Special Edition Pokémon Sun and Moon New Nintendo 3DS XL Systems Confirmed for Japan
Fingers crossed for the West
Pokémon Sun and Moon has had a little extra attention during E3, and fans in Japan have received a bit of additional good news - two Special Edition New Nintendo 3DS LL (XL) models have been revealed for a Japanese release on 18th November. Though neither of the models will come with Sun or Moon pre-installed, they do...
Feature 13AM Games Tells Us About Runbow Pocket, the New Nintendo 3DS Exclusive
Let's get ready to Runbowwwwwwwwwwwww
If you haven't gotten a big group of people together for a competitive game of Runbow then you haven't lived life in COLOURFUL CAPS LOCK yet. The competitive nine-player runner with a roster of original characters and borrowed favourites is a great way to make friends and alienate people. Thanks to the wonders...
News Super Street Fighter II and The Legend of Mystical Ninja Heading to New 3DS in Japan
More SNES goodness
Sometimes the Japanese eShop line-ups, particularly with the Virtual Console, can provide a little advance warning on what's heading to the service in the West. We hope that's the case with the latest arrivals on the New 3DS VC in Nintendo's homeland, as it includes a couple of classics. One title heading to Japan this week is...
Review Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! (New 3DS / SNES)
Awesome ape action
Well, here we are again – ape platforming shenanigans from Rare in a game bearing the lengthy packaging title of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble. Thanks to previous Virtual Console releases, all six of Rare's 2D Donkey Kong titles are available on New Nintendo 3DS; with the changing Kong lineup helping to keep...
We catch up with the developer and also ex-SEGA artist, Duncan Gutteridge
Space Probe - an upcoming title produced by Brambletyne - is a retro-inspired casual game about collecting monsters and exploring the universe. Since covering it last week, the project has achieved its core goal on Kickstarter of being funded for iOS and
News New My Nintendo Rewards Include A Super Nintendo Shirt And Xenoblade Discounts
Dress up as The King
The My Nintendo rewards page has been updated again, this time with new clothing and a couple of handsome discounts. If you're willing to part with some gold points then you can get 40 percent off Xenoblade Chronicles X (140 points) and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (110 points). Should you be more interested in dressing up your...
May2016
News Space Probe Aims to Bring Relaxing Exploration and Monster Collection to the New Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo's portable is part of a modest stretch goal
Kickstarter is still a notable source of funding for developers of various sizes, helping projects get over the finishing line. Now BRAMBLETYNE, a company with a track record in comic books and smart device apps, is seeking a small amount of funding to bring its next project to New 3DS. This...
Review Contra III: The Alien Wars (New 3DS / SNES)
Portable blockbuster
The year is 2636 and some aliens have popped over to earth for a visit. At first it seems they are putting on a fancy light show but then buildings start exploding and the alien wars begin! Contra III: The Alien Wars is a run and gun classic full of action as you "attack aggressively" in an attempt to defeat those pesky...
Review Super Punch-Out!! (New 3DS / SNES)
Thinking with your fists
Thanks to the standard Virtual Console suspension and restore point functions any SNES re-release on New Nintendo 3DS can be played in whatever sized chunks are allowed by your free time and battery life. There are, however, some that work particularly well as a handheld title, such as this game - a game so exciting it needs...
Competition Win The Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition New 3DS XL and Limited Edition Game
Its fate is sealed
To celebrate the UK release of the latest game in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Fates, we've teamed up with the the awesome guys at Nintendo UK to give away both the Fire Emblem Fates Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL and the Fire Emblem Fates Limited Edition game. Fire Emblem Fates is split across three stories - Birthright,
News Nintendo Unveils Two New 3DS Colours for Japan
Hopefully coming West soon?
Historically, Nintendo consoles have always been on point when it comes to the variety of colours that are available. While not everyone is always pleased with the launch colours, most of its formats have had their fair share of special editions and additional options to give everyone a chance at picking a unit that best...
Talking Point The 3DS Faces the Challenge of Taking Nintendo Through 2016
Fan-pleasing releases should help
This isn't really how it was supposed to turn out. A lot of expectations, from fans, to writers, to tech-industry analysts that are paid a lot of money for their opinions, reckoned the NX - in some form - would land for the Holiday season this year. The industry changes rapidly, however. In the last couple of months...
April2016
Poll Are You Confident About Nintendo's 3DS Focus for 2016?
The portable's still vital at five years old
The headlines earlier this week often focused on 2017. The NX and the new Legend of Zelda are both due next year, and in the nearer future there are particularly low Wii U sales forecasts; as a result the 3DS is going to be central to Nintendo's 2016. The portable has done the job of carrying Nintendo to...
Nintendo Life Weekly NX Rumour Denied by New NX Rumour, Preorder the Prettiest New 3DS XL, and More
We're reaching critical mass
As E3 draws ever closer, the Nintendo NX rumour mill continues to churn out "information" at an alarming rate. We wouldn't blame you if you hadn't been able to keep up with all that's happened, so once again we've squashed all the week's happenings down into one convenient video. This week we look at an NX rumour that...
News You Can Now Pre-Order The Most Gorgeous New Nintendo 3DS XL Console Ever Made
Just Super
A short time ago, Nintendo revealed that it is releasing a special Super Famicom-flavoured version of its New Nintendo 3DS XL system exclusively in Japan. Based on the classic Super Famicom system (SNES in the west), this edition of the machine will come with a unique design and packaging
Review Pilotwings (New 3DS / SNES)
Enjoyable flying fun
Just as Pilotwings Resort was a good demonstration of the glasses-free 3D visuals offered by the 3DS, the original Pilotwings showcased the impressive (for the time) Mode 7 capabilities of the SNES. This first game in the series is now available as a Virtual Console release for New Nintendo 3DS owners, offering a number of fun...
Video This New 3DS Hack Allows You to Wirelessly Stream Video to PC
What a time to be alive
The New 3DS has been something of an interesting experiment for Nintendo. Releasing a mildly upgraded version of the same hardware partly through a generation seemed like a cool idea, but it hasn't really been utilized much. Aside from a small handful of exclusives and some improved performance in select games, the extra...
News The Super Famicom New 3DS XL Edition Has Amazing Box Art
Retro charm
Back in early March the Nintendo Direct in Japan unveiled a rather lovely Super Famicom New Nintendo 3DS LL (or XL, as it is in the West), which does a fine job of recreating the 16-bit gem's console look on the system. Box art for the portable has now emerged and it does a great job of capitalising on nostalgia for the 16-bit era...
Review Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (New 3DS / SNES)
Monkey magnificence
After the success of Donkey Kong Country it wasn't particularly surprising that sequels appeared; the first SNES follow-up is now available to New Nintendo 3DS owners, allowing them to enjoy this wonderful platformer on the go. Donkey Kong has been kidnapped, so this time around Diddy has teamed up with Dixie Kong for the...
Review Donkey Kong Country (New 3DS / SNES)
Great Apes
Rare's series of Donkey Kong games mixed impressive visuals with some brilliant platforming action as you ran, jump, swung and swam through a variety of locations defeating those nasty Kremlings, collecting bananas and finding secrets. The Game Boy's three Donkey Kong Land games have previously been re-released via the 3DS Virtual...
News Splatoon to Arrive on 3DS Under the Name "Splatoon Legends"
April Fools'
Update: Yep, as most of you guessed this was our contribution to the tradition of ludicrous and fabricated news stories on the first of April. We made it all up, all of what you see below is complete and utter nonsense as far as we know, we hope you got a laugh out of it! Massive thanks to Andy Carolan (@AndyCarolan) for the Inkle...
March2016
News Digital Foundry Breaks Down The Improved Performance of New 3DS
Plus how Hyrule Warriors Legends out-performs Wii U version
Since the New 3DS arrived it's not always been particularly clear to the end user how much of an enhancement it offers. We can count on one hand (ok, maybe two hands at a stretch) how many games have been exclusive or improved on the hardware, and beyond integrated amiibo scanning owners of...
Video Digital Foundry Shows Off the New 3DS Improvements in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
For any doubters out there
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has been obsessing a core of 3DS fans for over a year now, and with Monster Hunter Generations on the way there's now renewed focus on the series. To demonstrate that point Digital Foundry has revisited the Capcom title to show the improvements in performance when played on a New 3DS. We and many...
Review F-Zero (New 3DS / SNES)
Retro future racing fun.
A launch title for the SNES, F-Zero is a game that showed off the system's Mode 7 visuals, provided great racing action and is now available for New Nintendo 3DS; now you can enjoy the high-speed thrills at home, in the park or in the bathroom. There's a lot of love for the futuristic racing series, but not from Nintendo;...
Guide Which Nintendo 3DS or 2DS System Should I Buy?
There's life in the old dog yet
Though we have a new generation of Nintendo hardware set to be revealed this year, there's life yet in the current generation. With the 3DS family of systems celebrating its fifth year anniversary in the West, it's worth taking the time to consider how much it still has to offer. With the range of portables...
Video See the Contents Spilled of the Hyrule Warriors Legends Limited Edition in our Unboxing
A Linkle between consoles
Hyrule Warriors Legends allows those lacking a Wii U to enjoy the ludicrous combat and unwavering demise of thousands of usually evil creatures, and if you can look past some of the graphical limitations and performance issues when on an original 3DS, it's a ruddy cathartic way to spend a few hours at a time. But if your...
Review Super Mario Kart (New 3DS / SNES)
Classic karting on the small screen
Many Mario Karts later it can be a little disorientating to go back to where it all began. Each cup has five races. Laps are short, but there are five of them. Item boxes are squares laid flat on the ground and put out of use after you've run over them. The CPU characters don't collect items at all, but have a...
Review The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (New 3DS / SNES)
A gem from the past
With A Link Between Worlds, 3D versions of the Nintendo 64 games and a number of other titles available via the Virtual Console and backwards compatibility, 3DS owners are not exactly short of main series Zelda games to play on their machine. For those with one of the New Nintendo 3DS models The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the...
Review Super Metroid (New 3DS / SNES)
Superb Metroid
Nintendo has certainly brought out the big guns for the opening salvo of SNES games on the New Nintendo 3DS, with classic game after classic game arriving on the portable. It won't last and there may even be mediocre spin-offs or complete dross in the future, but for now New 3DS owners should enjoy the brilliance that is Super...
Video Nintendo Shows Off amiibo Functionality in Hyrule Warriors Legends
The Master Scan
The original Hyrule Warriors on Wii U made use of amiibo to allow daily scans in exchange for random goodies. That continues in 3DS expansion Hyrule Warriors Legends, but as expected there's extra content to be grabbed compared to the original. Details on these extras have dribbled out in recent weeks, but Nintendo has now produced...
News Futuridium EP Deluxe Approaches Wii U Release, Though the New 3DS Will Need to Wait Longer
April is the target release month
MixedBag is another development studio gearing up for its Nintendo eShop debut, having announced its intentions in early 2014. One of its planned releases is the intriguing forma.8, but first up will be Futuridium EP Deluxe, which is increasingly close to its Wii U arrival. Previously a PS Plus offering on PSN,...
Review EarthBound (New 3DS / SNES)
This game smells lovely
Well here's a treat for New Nintendo 3DS owners: EarthBound! Back on the SNES, this second instalment of Shigesato Itoi's much-loved Mother series only received a western release in North America (where it sold poorly). Buying a second-hand copy for silly money was most people's only option until the Wii U came to the rescue,...
Review Super Mario World (New 3DS / SNES)
Same great adventure, smaller screen
As everyone knows, the best use of your latest piece of gaming machinery is to play games from yesteryear. Should a Nintendo Direct mention a 'new old' system is joining the Virtual Console line-up there is much excitement, and so it was when it was revealed that SNES titles were going portable. Though limited to...
News Here's Why SNES VC Games Can Only be Played on a New 3DS
CPU seems to be the main problem
One of the surprise announcements from the last Nintendo Direct was the revelation that SNES games would be playable on the New 3DS, with the famous "available after this presentation" line being delivered. While many fans were no doubt thrilled to see the classic 16-bit console's games being made available...
Editorial Nintendo's Virtual Console Revolution Must Wait as We Pay Once More for SNES Games
This cycle is surely ending...
In one sense Super NES games on the New Nintendo 3DS is rather exciting - it's the first (legitimate) time a lot of these games can be played on a portable device, after all. That's something to celebrate, but the reveal and pending line-up also comes with its own nagging issues and annoyances, some of which could...
Feature Exciting Wii U and 3DS Games to Play in Spring and Summer 2016
Nintendo upped the ante in its most recent Direct
Following Nintendo's latest Direct broadcasts, a much clearer picture of the upcoming goodies on Wii U and 3DS has emerged. It was pitched as a presentation to show off current-gen games in our near-future, and it delivered on just that. Following on from our equivalent list for the first quarter of...
News We'd Sure Love to See This Japanese Super Famicom New Nintendo 3DS XL in the West
It's Super
If you're yet to get around to watching the Japanese Nintendo Direct, it's worth taking a look. Much of it is either the same as in the West or focusing on titles long established outside of Japan (such as Shovel Knight and Terraria), but it had some unique segments that certainly catch the eye. For one thing a lot more SNES Virtual...
News Konami and Capcom Are Bringing Some SNES Classics to New 3DS
More Nintendo titles on the agenda, too
One of the most pleasing reveals of the most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts - for retro fans, at least - was confirmation of Super NES titles coming to the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. Various titles were confirmed for the first few weeks of the service in North America and Europe (see link above for...
News SNES Games Finally Arriving on the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
Launching in waves over the coming weeks
During today's Nintendo Direct, an announcement many have anxiously been awaiting finally surfaced. Super Nintendo games are coming to the New Nintendo 3DS; they're not, however, coming to older models. Over the next few weeks, many of Nintendo's most beloved titles will be rolling out for the system. For...
