New Nintendo 3DS News
April2015
News Social Networks Go Into Meltdown Over Apparent The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 3D Rumour
Was as iffy as it looked
Update: As expected considering the factors we highlighted below, this was indeed fake, though apparently down to a hack rather than photoshopping. Same outcome regardless of method, though the online chatter certainly shows that some were excited about the prospect. Original Article: With Nintendo enjoying a fair amount...
News Unity on New Nintendo 3DS Will Utilise Latest Version of the Engine at Launch
Spokesperson: "We're not ready to discuss release timelines currently"
Earlier this week Unity Technologies confirmed that its engine will support the New Nintendo 3DS, which could lead to a variety of interesting developments - the eShop could receive more ports exclusive to the New hardware, and it also serves as another area in which the Wii
News Sales Fall Away in Japan as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Drops to Ninth
New Nintendo 3DS continues battle with PS4 and Vita
It's Media Create Japanese charts time again, and we suspect the results have been greeted with a united sagging of shoulders among the bean counters of publishers and developers. When the number one game sells just 20,494, we'd suggest stiff drinks are required. That number one is Dark Souls II:...
Feature Key Nindie Developers and Publishers Discuss Unity for the New Nintendo 3DS
"We have at least 5 games I would immediately want to start working on"
For those that follow the 3DS download scene closely, the recent announcement of upcoming Unity support for the New Nintendo 3DS was certainly welcome news. In the right hands the Unity engine can produce excellent, good-looking games, and is invaluable to small studios with...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Devours 1 Million Players In The West
First entry in the long-running series to do so
Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the first entry in the long-running series to have sold 1 million copies in North America and Europe, a milestone that has taken the franchise a decade to achieve. The total includes physical copies and downloads via the eShop, with Capcom...
Points to a reasonable lifecycle for the New portable, too
For a decent amount of time Nintendo's been fielding questions about Unity support for the 3DS, and the answer's often been the same - it's being considered and it's a desired inclusion on the portable. The problem is the reality that the 3DS is derived of technology that was ageing even in...
News Unity Support Is Coming To The New Nintendo 3DS
Say hello to "tens of thousands of studios and over 4 million developers"
It has been announced during the Unite 2015 Tokyo event that Unity support is being rolled out to the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. For those who don't know, Unity is a powerful development platform which is used by many studios and allows devs to create...
Reminder Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Out Now for the New Nintendo 3DS XL in North America
Are you really feeling it?
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D has now arrived in North America, completing its roll-out across all territories. The first exclusive on the New Nintendo 3DS XL, it sees Monster Games succeed in porting one of the most sizeable Wii U experiences onto a portable. In our Xenoblade Chronicles 3D review (where we awarded 9/10) we...
Nintendo Download 9th April (North America)
Xenoblade, Etrian Dungeons, Affordable Space Adventures, DS treats and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings a Wii U exclusive that makes interesting use of the GamePad, major retail releases on the New Nintendo 3DS XL and wider 3DS 'family', more free-to-play Pokémon on 3DS,...
News Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. Update Goes Live to Speed Things Up
Full steam ahead
Code Name S.T.E.A.M., the new IP from Intelligent Systems, certainly has a number of strengths. A downside, however, has been the amount of time players spend observing the action - often without much of a good view - waiting for the enemy AI to move. You could make a coffee in the break between moves - oh, alright, we're...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Takes Third Place in Japanese Charts, Lifts New Nintendo 3DS Sales
Unsurprisingly sells less at launch than Wii original
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D launched in Japan last week, giving a welcome new release on Nintendo hardware in the company's homeland. It performed reasonably well, if not brilliantly, and helped the New Nintendo 3DS LL to climb back up to second in the hardware charts. The software top 20 has the...
News Empty Slots on Super Smash Bros. Site Suggests More Upcoming DLC Characters
They're toying with us!
One of the biggest pieces of news from last week's Nintendo Direct was the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot - an online form on the official Super Smash Bros. website that allows fans to pitch their dream characters as upcoming DLC for the game. Of course, this has sparked much interest, with players voting for both realistic - and...
News Pokémon White Makes Surprise Appearance in UK Charts as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Struggles
New Nintendo 3DS title makes little impact
The Easter / Bank Holiday weekend has now passed in the UK, and with it retailers were eagerly running promotions and discounts to tempt shoppers to spend some cash to welcome in Spring. Game retail was no different, and as a result the most recent UK chart results have brought some interesting positions...
"It's great to finally release something on Nintendo consoles"
As you're likely aware, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth was just recently confirmed for release on Wii U and the New Nintendo 3DS. The Zelda-inspired dungeon crawler caused quite a controversy back in the early days of the eShop when Nintendo rejected the game due to its questionable...
News It's Not An April Fool, The Binding Of Issac: Rebirth Really Is Coming To The New 3DS And Wii U
Completely uncensored, apparently
Yesterday was April Fool's Day, and that meant plenty of joke news pieces which caused a few chuckles but were otherwise ignored as false. However, one story slipped through even the Nintendo Life "Fool Filter", and that was the revelation that The Binding of Issac: Rebirth is coming to the Wii U and New 3DS...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 1st April 2015
Release dates, DLC, knitted amiibo and more
After a wait of over two and a half months, Nintendo finally gave us a fresh Nintendo Direct in which to indulge ourselves. It was interesting for a variety of reasons, not least the fact that its focus in large segments - particularly the opening and finale - was on DLC for existing blockbusters. There...
News Nintendo Bringing Some Big Hits and amiibo Competitions to WonderCon This Weekend
Win a Gold Mario amiibo
This weekend - from 3rd to 5th April - the Anaheim Convention Center in California will be taken over by WonderCon, an expo that celebrates films, TV, comics and video games. It's an extravaganza of noise, excitement and cosplay, and Nintendo of America has announced its plans for its own booth and events at the expo...
Video New Nintendo TV Commercial Focuses on amiibo and Support for Multiple Games
Mention of Yoshi's Woolly World makes us hope for a release soon
We're finally getting to the stage that, beyond the inevitable 'rare' figures, amiibo toys are readily available in various stores. They may not often be the figures that die-hard collectors want the most, but there's decent stock of standard characters to catch the eyes of shoppers...
March2015
News Nintendo Direct Confirmed for 1st April, With Updates on Wii U and 3DS
Not an April Fools - Treehouse broadcast after the Direct
It's been a long wait since the last broadcast on 14th January, but we finally have a date and time for the next Nintendo Direct broadcast. It's happening on 1st April at 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 11pm UK / midnight CET; no, it's not an April Fools prank! Though there have been major...
Video Bask in the Glow of These Live Performances from the Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Soundtrack
Gorgeous
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D has many qualities, such as the scale of the adventure and the well-crafted real-time combat mechanics, yet any list of praise should also reference its music. Sweeping orchestral numbers, low-key yet beautiful piano melodies, its range is vast and contributes a great deal to the experience; this is a game to play...
News New Nintendo 3DS Region-Free Exploit Now Tweaked to Work on North American and European Systems
Doesn't support ROMS, and impact will be very limited
Not so long ago we shared the news that hackers had found an exploit to make Japanese New Nintendo 3DS systems region-free; notably the creators ensured that it wouldn't support illegal ROMS or homebrew, but only play legitimate cartridges. It was, ultimately, a niche way for region-free gaming...
New wave of stock in Europe
The stock situation for the rather handsome limited edition Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS XL - say that quickly three times - isn't as tricky in the UK and Europe as it is in some area - supply has been particularly low in the US and the broader North America region, for example. Nevertheless, those hoping to grab one...
Video What If Super Metroid Was A 3D Classic?
The Last Metroid...Is in 3D!
In our latest series of 3D videos, we've successfully converted a true classic to 3D. You wanted Super Metroid, you got Super Metroid. This phenomenal action exploration game is just calling out for a 3DS remake. Infact, Tom even suggested as much very recently. As always, you'll need to watch this video through the...
News A New Iwata Asks on Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Recently Went Up
(laughs)
The Iwata Asks series is a quirky little tradition at Nintendo that was started sometime during the last generation of consoles. Each post revolves around Satoru Iwata - the President of Nintendo - interviewing key developers behind various major titles that come to Nintendo consoles. After a year long hiatus, the series came back on with...
News Sony Hardware Takes Charge of Japanese Charts With Flurry of Releases
Work to do for New Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
For over two years the Japanese market has been a fortress for Nintendo, with the 3DS in particular dominating the hardware and software charts. Recent times have brought a dip, however, especially since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D provided a welcome boost in mid-February. In...
Video Nintendo Builds Hype for Xenoblade Chronicles 3D With Action Packed Launch Trailer
A little bit spoilerific
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D arrives soon on the New Nintendo 3DS, so fans of the Wii game - or those yet to experience the Monolith Soft RPG - don't have long to wait. It's a substantial undertaking, but is nevertheless hugely rewarding - we're full of praise for it in our Xenoblade Chronicles 3D review. To celebrate the...
Review Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (New Nintendo 3DS)
Massive adventure, smaller screens
Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii had a slightly messy localisation and release schedule in the West, with North American gamers even victims of a retailer-exclusive distribution. Its arrival late in the Wii lifecycle didn't help its cause, and those troubles on arrival were far from ideal for an RPG that is...
News Standard-Sized New Nintendo 3DS Photos Emerge On FCC Website in North America
Files show that Nintendo sought approval for a US release
It's still a sore subject for many North American residents, but tongues have been set wagging today as photos of a decidedly standard-sized New 3DS have been found on the FCC website. Does this mean that a US release for the smaller handheld is finally on the cards? Well, not entirely. The...
News We Have Shigeru Miyamoto To Thank For The Super Stable 3D Of The New Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo's latest handheld almost shipped without the upgrade
When the New 3DS was first announced, one particular improvement had many fans rubbing their weary eyes in total disbelief. The handheld's signature 3D technology had been greatly improved, allowing for a wider range of viewing angles and a much more stable experience overall. This "Super...
News New Nintendo 3DS Exploit Makes Japanese Systems Region-Free
Only supports legitimate cartridge games
There are certainly some gamers in North America that only plan to pick up a New Nintendo 3DS when the smaller model is available, as only two variations of the XL iteration are currently available in the region. That limited release was a contentious decision from Nintendo of America, with the smaller...
News Planning On Downloading Xenoblade Chronicles 3D? You Might Need A Bigger microSD Card
4GB card that ships with the New 3DS and New 3DS XL isn't big enough
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is the first game to be made exclusively for the New Nintendo 3DS hardware - as you'll know if you read our interview with Nintendo's Hiro Yamada, the title makes use of the console's enhanced hardware to replicate the epic scale of the Wii original...
"We hope the players will be satisfied with the outcome"
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is just around the corner, and has caused a significant stir in the community being the first exclusive title to come to the New Nintendo 3DS. Elusive in its original Wii format, this release will give many the chance to play what was arguably the biggest game on the...
Video What If Street Fighter II Was A 3D Classic?
Yoga Fire!
Once again we bring you a look at what another classic SNES title would be like if it was given the 3D Classics treatment. This time around, we've converted Street Fighter II, the one-on-one fighter that made the genre what it is today. As always, these videos are designed to be enjoyed in 3D using the New Nintendo 3DS's Internet...
Video Nintendo Shows Off More Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Footage
You'll have to really feel it in Japanese, though
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D isn't far away, and it'll be the first game exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS and XL. Ahead of its April arrival we can expect plenty of marketing and focus on the impressive Monolith Soft RPG, too, which is coming to the portable courtesy of the porting skills of Monster...
Video Here's How Long Mugen Power's New Nintendo 3DS Extended Batteries Last
Power to the people
We recently reviewed Mugen Power's New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL extended batteries, and gave them a thumbs up to anyone who is willing to sacrifice form for longevity. Thanks to their massive capacity the batteries dramatically increase the stamina of your New Nintendo 3DS system, but you don't need to just take our...
Weirdness The Mail on Sunday Still Thinks We're in the Game Boy Era
Nice work
When Nintendo announced the original DS (sometimes know as the "Phat") there was talk that it was a separate pillar of the Nintendo portable business, with the Game Boy to continue. The phenomenal success of the DS family, though, has meant that it's taken the place of the iconic brand, and it's hard to know if we'll ever see a new Game...
Leading industry analyst also sees "signs of hope" for Wii U
We've said this every year since its launch in November 2012, but this truly is an important period for the Wii U. With 2014 delivering improved momentum but still seeing the system lag behind newer rivals PS4 and Xbox One, the aim for 2015 is for momentum to continually improve and to...
News Go The Whole Hog With This Amazing SNES New Nintendo 3DS Skin
You've already got the buttons, why not take it to the next level?
When Nintendo announced the New Nintendo 3DS, the use of SNES-colour face buttons triggered a flood of nostalgia in 30-something players all over the globe. However, for some, just having coloured buttons isn't enough - they require the full SNES treatment. This SNES Edition Decal...
News The Nintendo 3DS Was North America's Best-Selling Hardware Platform In February
395,000 units sold, Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D shifts 515,000 copies
Nintendo of America has confirmed that the Nintendo 3DS family was the biggest-selling hardware platform during the month of February, with 395,000 consoles retailed during the period. Predictably, the New Nintendo 3DS was the reason for this surge - it sold 130 percent more...
Video What If Super Mario World Was A 3D Classic?
We make dreams into realities!
Now that the New Nintendo 3DS is here, everyone wants to see SNES games hit the Virtual Console. But why stop there? Why can't we have some 3D Classics based on SNES games? After all, we already have some excellent Mega Drive games, so 16-bit 3D remakes are already a possibility. Using a very painstaking process,...
News Flashcard Company Announces Initial Support for New Nintendo 3DS
Only supports firmware 9.2 and needs Ocarina of Time 3D retail copy
While flashcards ran rampant in the DS era, the 3DS generation has been protected far more vigorously by Nintendo through firmware updates. There have been numerous exploits and hacks, but users of them have often been driven offline by system updates, reducing their practicality...
Remake Request Super Metroid 3D on Nintendo 3DS
If Nintendo needs an easy win for a portable Metroid, here it is
In this revived series of features we'll look at games we feel merit remakes and remasters, either to celebrate their impact or to bring them to a new audience. The Metroid franchise is in an odd state of limbo, which we certainly hope will be resolved with an announcement of some...
Madness
GameStop has plenty of standard New Nintendo 3DS models in stock, it seems, at least on its website. There are options to buy the hardware alone, or bundles for those ready to spend a little more cash. It seems that the retailer also had a handful of the treasured Majora's Mask limited edition systems left, however, so naturally put them up...
News New Nintendo 3DS XL Charging Cradle Goes Up for Sale on Official Store in North America
"Charging made easy", apparently
Charging cradles are nice, and oddly in demand with Nintendo portable systems. Previous limited stock of coloured charging cradles for the original 3DS XL prompted virtual online stampedes to rival those generated by eBay scalpers when Nintendo puts 'limited edition' in a product description. They may just be a...
Feature Feature: Why We're Still Playing... Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate After Dozens of Hours
Tom Whitehead on why he can't let go...
This is a series of features that'll focus on games that we keep playing again and again, either over an unhealthy number of hours or those that keep getting return visits long after they first graced our systems. It's not uncommon, if you're fortunate enough to review a major retail game, to be 'done' with...
News These 3D Printed New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Are Perfect for a Custom Look
About the cost of posh fish and chips
While it seems to be the case that the New Nintendo 3DS XL is the stronger seller in territories with both that and the smaller model on offer, those with the standard option have clearly been keen on the cover plates. Special edition cover plates - called Kisekae in Japan - often see pre-orders sell out rapidly...
Poll Which 2015 Nintendo Blockbusters Should Have amiibo Support?
A welcome extra or occasional option?
Since the launch of the first 'wave' alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in November 2014, Nintendo's wasted little time in promoting and expanding amiibo. Continual waves have continued to take us towards coverage of the full cast in the brawling title, while an upcoming Super Mario range will accompany Mario...
Feature Punching Robots (In 3D!) With The Virtual Boy's Teleroboxer
Even Rocky couldn't handle these metallic brutes
Once more, we dip into the red and black-hued land of the Virtual Boy, with yet another 3D video for your enjoyment! Do you like Punch-Out!!? Silly question, of course you do. Well, what if it was in 3D and had robots? Teleroboxer makes this dream a reality. Watch as we duck, dip, dive duck and...
News Official Nintendo UK Store Sends New Nintendo 3DS Owners the Wrong Legend of Zelda Cover Plates
Consternation all around
Not long ago UK New Nintendo 3DS owners were keen to grab the rather handsome cover plates for The Legend of Zelda from the official Nintendo UK store, with pre-orders rapidly selling out. As you can see in the images below they come in two varieties - a Majora's Mask 3D design and a more generic (but still lovely) Triforce...
News Nintendo of America Teams Up With Best Buy For New Nintendo 3DS XL Hands On Events This Weekend
Get an Eiji Aonuma Mii and StreetPass goodies, too
Following its launch on 13th February, the New Nintendo 3DS XL is heading into that post-hype period of sales, when Nintendo's focus shifts away from exciting dedicated fans to winning over those on the fence. The April arrival of system-exclusive Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will play a major role,...
News New Nintendo 3DS Undone by Dragon Quest Heroes and PS4 in Japanese Charts
Can't win 'em all
Nintendo's enjoyed plenty of dominance in the Media Create Japanese charts in recent years, but major releases on rival systems have seen it lose out in recent weeks. The big N will no doubt be considering the cost of key franchises being released elsewhere, as Sony enjoys a week on top. To start with software, the major story is...
Weirdness Fan Creates Custom amiibo of Sonic Characters
They're comin' at the speed of sound...
It really doesn't seem like the custom amiibo hype train will put on the brakes anytime soon, with new figures and high demand still prominent. Fans have also gone from giving the existing Nintendo NFC figures a total paint job, to creating their own using toys of both actual Smash Bros. characters and others...
Video Nintendo Shows Off Monado Teamwork in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Gazing into the future
There's potential for Xenoblade Chronicles 3D to introduce Monolith Soft's impressive RPG to a new audience, though admittedly its exclusivity to the New Nintendo 3DS may limit its sales impact in the same way as its relatively late (Western) arrival on Wii. For fans of the genre or those seeking a sizeable adventure, it's...
Feature Five Remastered Games We'd Love to Play on the New Nintendo 3DS and XL
GameCube and Wii titles that could make the cut
Just recently we published a list of five Nintendo 64 games we'd love to play on 3DS, inspired by the recent arrival of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and its remastered predecessors, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Star Fox 64 3D
February2015
Accessory Review Mugen Power's New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Extended Batteries
Power up
The New Nintendo 3DS and XL are here, and it's pretty amazing. Boasting a massively improved 3D screen, extra buttons and a faster processor - not to mention those cover plates on the standard model if you're lucky enough to be in the right region - the system improves on its forerunners in pretty much every way imaginable - but battery...
News GameStop Italy Lists Majora's Mask New Nintendo 3DS XL Model For Re-Stock on 27th March
Still no sign elsewhere
When the New Nintendo 3DS and XL launched on 13th February in Europe and North America, it's fair to say that the Majora's Mask limited edition model was the hardest to find. Pre-orders sold-out rapidly and they fetched a pretty price on eBay, with many having to opt for alternative models. GameStop Italy, however, seems to...
One per customer rule being applied
Nintendo of Europe confirmed earlier in the year that it was bringing some desirable Legend of Zelda cover plates to the region earlier than originally planned, but naturally fans have been keen to jump in once they became available. UK fans should pay attention, then, as pre-orders have launched on the Official...
Accessory Review WaterField New Nintendo 3DS and XL Cases
Carry your shiny new portable in style
Whether you're a commuter, a student, or you just happen to have to travel a lot, you're going to want to invest in something to keep your New Nintendo 3DS safe from the elements; you could do an awful lot worse than these cases from San Francisco based manufacturer WaterField. They kindly sent us some samples,...
Video See the Virtual Boy's Star Fox Wannabe, Red Alarm, In 3D Via Your New Nintendo 3DS
We hope you like red lines
Thanks to the power of the New Nintendo 3DS's updated Internet Browser, you are now able to watch YouTube videos in 3D. We've been using this little-known feature to bring you a series of videos based around the Virtual Boy, Nintendo's first attempt at 3D gaming from the mid '90s. For our third look through the visor...
It's so pretty
For those excited about Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, particularly fans in Europe, it's been a rather fun day. Nintendo of Europe already confirmed that the handsome Xenoblade Chronicles cover plates are coming to the region, but has now also lifted the lid on a 3DS HOME Theme that'll arrive with the title. As you can see in the concept...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 3D New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Confirmed for 2nd April Launch in Europe
Spontaneous celebrations erupt in city streets...
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D arrives in Europe on 2nd April, and naturally we've been hoping that the rad New Nintendo 3DS cover plates would make it out of Japan; it was clearly a no-brainer, as Nintendo of Europe has announced just that. As you can see in the tweet below Nintendo's even used a Vine,...
God Eater 2 lifts Sony platforms above Nintendo's portable
It's time for our weekly dose of Media Create charts out of Japan, and this week's results bring a couple of key developments, with Nintendo's rivals benefiting from a major release. In the software stakes The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D has enjoyed a reasonable second week in sales,...
Video More Bizzare Majora's Mask 3D Glitches Surface
Infinite rupees, walking out of bounds, and one crazy moon...
If you didn't catch our earlier article about some huge glitches performed by YouTube channel GameChap in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, you can do so here. With that said, lightning has struck twice, as GameChap has uploaded some more crazy glit
News Nintendo Held Back Western Launch Of New 3DS Due To Limited Stock
Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata describes "difficult" decision
We've recently seen the western release of the New Nintendo 3DS hardware, but the system's release in North America and Europe had been held back following its launch Japan last year - a "difficult" choice which, according to Nintendo's Satoru Iwata - was due to limited stock. Speaking to...
Reaction Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is an Impressive Feat and Shows Off the New Nintendo 3DS
Shut up, Reyn
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will, in all likelihood, be the biggest game to grace the New Nintendo 3DS. We're not just talking about its demands on a micro-SDHC card's space, but a very literal assessment of its world. It's daunting in its scope, meaning we assess the promise of Wii U title Xenoblade Chronicles X having a world five times...
Interview IRONFALL Invasion's Developers on Bringing Third-Person Shooting to the 3DS Masses
"We love doing games for Nintendo's handheld consoles"
IRONFALL Invasion was a notable arrival in Europe on 13th February, heavily promoted as the eShop accompaniment for the region's #Nintendo3DSDay social media campaign. Though pitched as a game to show off the New Nintendo 3DS, it supports all versions of Nintendo's portable hardware and breaks...
News More New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Headed to Europe on 2nd April
Pikachu! Kirby! Dots!
While Japanese New Nintendo 3DS owners have over 50 cover plates - known as Kisekae in the country - to choose from, the spread of these to Europe is a little more measured. A dozen options were available at launch, while a Majora's Mask 3D option is on the way; Nintendo has now confirmed another eight designs coming on 2nd...
Zelda title fighting with the big boys
The New Nintendo 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate all had strong début sales in the UK when they launched on 13th February. That launch buzz makes way for day-to-day sales, of course, and while both retail titles have seen numbers inevitably drop in their second weeks,...
News Majora's Mask 3D Glitch Unlocks Fierce Deity Link Anywhere
Plus early access to forbidden areas
It's logical to think that remakes not only improve in both visual and playability departments, but also on the removal of glitches that once existed in the original cartridge's confines. Take the first generation of Pokemon games for instance - a great set of games, but packed with game-breaking glitches...
Feature Five Nintendo 64 Games We'd Love to Play on 3DS
And plenty we'll never have
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D has now been in stores for over a week, joining compatriots The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Star Fox 64 3D on Nintendo's portable system. In some ways it's also the beginning of the home-straight for the handheld - if its generation is to be 5-6 years, we're perhaps...
Video Watch The Virtual Boy's Galactic Pinball In Full 3D On Your New Nintendo 3DS
Wiz, ball!
Last week, we experimented with releasing a 3D video of Virtual Boy Wario Land, and you said you wanted more. So we're giving you more! Released in 1995, does Galactic Pinball successfully translate the exciting, fast gameplay of pinball, with the addition of migraines? In this video, we take a look and quickly realise that we're not...
Pre-order customers aren't all feeling it
Update: Nintendo UK has provided us with the following statement on the issue of cancelled Shulk amiibo pre-orders. Nintendo UK can confirm that the Nintendo Official UK Store has had to cancel a very limited number of pre-orders for the Shulk amiibo. Nintendo is in the process of contacting those...
Talking Point New Nintendo 3DS, Operation Faceplate NA and the Bigger Picture
The issue has resurfaced, so we consider each side's perspective
In mid-January Nintendo hosted its first 'Direct' broadcasts of the year, and what seemed like improbable retailer leaks turned out to be true. North America was confirmed to be receiving a unique red New Nintendo 3DS XL - which looks rather nice - along with the black equivalent, but...
News We're Really Feeling It With These Xenoblade Chronicles 3D New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates
Arriving in Japan alongside the game
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will be the first game exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS, so it'll prove interesting to see how sales with the smaller user-base stack up, and whether it'll drive a second surge in hardware sales. There's certainly a vocal and passionate fanbase of the Wii original, so this re-release -...
News The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Tops Japanese Charts and Boosts New Nintendo 3DS Sales
The XL is still the model of choice
We already know that The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D has been an early success since its launch last week, and we now have strong début sales in Japan to add to the picture; it gave the New Nintendo 3DS hardware a boost, too. The Zelda remake was the comfortable winner in the Media Create software top 20...
News You'd Better Get a Bigger Micro-SDHC Card for Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
It's a big 'un
We recently discovered the file size for upcoming Wii U title Xenoblade Chronicles X, which will be a mighty 22.7GB when it reaches Japan on 29th April. Of course we'd expect Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, which is exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS, to be a much more compact affair. It is, but according to
Video Feast Your Eyes on Another Slick Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Trailer
Battles continue to show smoother performance
We're now less than two months away from the arrival of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, the portable re-release of the massive Wii RPG. It'll include support for the Shulk amiibo to unlock in-game extras, but most importantly it could be a hugely impressive experience to play through the adventure and its...
"The core audience... we weren't going to win with them on that decision"
Nintendo of America has been an active supporter of Indiecade in recent years, and recently attended the New York based Indiecade East event to showcase eShop releases and to promote the Wii U and 3DS as valid platforms for small developers of all types. It was in attendance...
Majora's Mask already approaching 0.5 million in U.S and Europe
Joining the New Nintendo 3DS as notable releases on 13th February - in North America and Europe - were The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, both very different titles seeking to deliver big sales for their respective franchises. The UK chart results - as...
News New Nintendo 3DS Launch Sales in the West Surpass 3DS XL Equivalents
Satoru Iwata talks up momentum of 3DS software sales
Nintendo has issued the full English translation of today's Investor's Briefing - though we already reported on plans for amiibo and Virtual Console integration through free software, we can now gain a clearer perspective on the full briefing. For starters, the briefing's delay from earlier in the...
Guide Getting Started and Collecting All Masks in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
Win a collector's edition Prima guide (Europe only), too
Based on early sales indications there are a decent number of gamers that have taken the plunge on the long-anticipated 3DS remaster The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D. For those that didn't experience the title back in the days of the Nintendo 64, however, it can be a slightly baffling...
New 3DS boosts UK hardware sales by 57%
13th February was a big day for Nintendo in Western territories, as it released the New Nintendo 3DS and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, with Capcom's Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate also arriving in stores. When we spoke to Nintendo UK's James Honeywell he was optimistic about the potential fortunes of these...
Tom Whitehead reflects on why dedicated gaming handhelds still matter
I'll kick off this article with an admission that will cause some to snort in derision and dismiss anything I ever say about Nintendo in the future; those that have seen my occasional forum posts or followed our Reddit AMA last year may already have an inkling into what's coming...
News Gallery: A Closer Look at Japan's Majora's Mask 3D Pre-Order Bonus
Japan's exclusive postcards are something to behold
Nintendo released a staggering amount of promotional items the world over for the recent launch of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D. Most regions, including the UK, made available a Skull Kid figurine for gamers who pre-ordered the game, while retailers like GAME opted for paperweights of...
Poll Are You An Early Adopter With The New Nintendo 3DS?
Big games to choose from, too
There's always some buzz when new hardware arrives, and while the New Nintendo 3DS is a mid-generation iteration it does, nevertheless, bring new goodies to fans of portable gaming. Nintendo's lined up its ducks for the release, too, ensuring that multiple major retail titles have landed in stores with the systems to...
Video Nintendo Releases Slightly Peculiar "New is Good" Commercials for the New Nintendo 3DS
Peculiar can be good too, though
Nintendo of America has been pretty creative with its video commercials over the past 12-18 months, with live-action and entertaining campaigns for titles such as Pikmin 3, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and it's also adopting a quirky approach for the New Nintendo 3DS XL. The "New is Good"...
A terrible fate
Back in January, shortly after its Nintendo Direct reveal, we reported - with no attempt to hide our disappointment - the arrival of hundreds of pre-orders for sale for the Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS XL bundle. It seemed peculiar that hundreds of dollars were changing hands on transactions th
Guide How to Watch 3D YouTube Videos on Your Shiny New Nintendo 3DS
We've even made one for you...
Today is the day that Europe and North America finally get their hands on the New Nintendo 3DS, with many of you either pre-ordering or picking up your console in person. But now you have your system, what are you supposed to do with it? Well, you could play that new copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, for...
News Iwata Asks Returns For The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
We summarise the laughs
Iwata Asks articles are an old favourite here on Nintendo Life, but they've been absent for over a year. In a delightful turn of events, however, a new article has today been posted to coincide with the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D. Satoru Iwata opens by explaining that the articles have been absent due to...
News Eiji Aonuma Admits That Remakes Such as Majora's Mask 3D Can Be a Painful Process
"I also feel like I learned so much"
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is in stores today, ending a two year+ wait for those that have been keen to play the re-release / remaster on the 3DS. Utilising many of the visual changes first seen in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, it also has key differences as a result of the unique premise...
Interview Nintendo UK's James Honeywell Discusses the New Nintendo 3DS Launch
Reassures us of an "exciting schedule of new titles yet to be announced"
Today brings us the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS, the latest portable hardware iteration that will aim - like the DSi before it - to prolong and invigorate the current generation. The original 3DS models have accumulated over 50 million sales in under four years - an...
News Day One Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Patch Brings a Whole Wealth of Free DLC Goodies
Let the hunt begin!
The highly anticipated Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is finally here, and to celebrate its launch Capcom has included some free DLC to help hunters get started off right. Rather unimaginatively called “The Starter Pack", it's a veritable cornucopia of loot with one “surprise" thrown in at the end. The contents are as follows:...
Reminder There's Still Time to Hit a New Nintendo 3DS Midnight Launch
If you're super keen for super stable 3D
In just a short number of hours the New Nintendo 3DS will launch in the West, the latest hardware from the big N to give eager fans that new system buzz. Sure, it's an iteration in the current portable generation, but it's a meaty upgrade nonetheless. These shiny new systems will undoubtedly be calling out to...
"I believe the Wii U business still has considerable room for growth"
In recent days Satoru Iwata has been conducting a series of interviews in Japan, tackling tricky questions ahead of the next President's Briefing and Investor Q & A on 17th February. A pattern has started to emerge in these interviews, which certainly lays the ground for...
Guide How To Complete A System Transfer From 3DS To New Nintendo 3DS / XL
Out with the old, in with the New... slowly
Nintendo published a handy video guide to a New Nintendo 3DS system transfer, but here we're providing a written equivalent that somewhat matches the pace of the process. Trust us, this'll take you longer than three and a half minutes, and we'll also aim to cover off any gaps in the information that need...
News Nintendo Goes Big With Videos for New Nintendo 3DS and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
In case you'd forgotten about them
In Europe Nintendo is dubbing 13th February as Nintendo 3DS Day, so if you follow the region's Twitter accounts you can expect to see the hashtag used a fair amount. It's a fair enough name for a day that sees the New Nintendo 3DS and various major releases heading into stores and the eShop, in what promises to be...
News Retro City Rampage DX Update Arrives this Week in Europe
Awaiting approval in North America
A few weeks ago we reported on an upcoming update for Retro City Rampage DX on the Nintendo 3DS. The update will bring a stable 60 frames per second and will include c-stick support on the New 3DS. Additionally, for the New 3DS, the update will take advantage of its faster CPU to deliver smoother effects and...
Reaction Super Smash Bros. amiibo Support Shows That NFC For The New Nintendo 3DS Is No Gimmick
Part of a long term plan?
Today Nintendo provided a pretty meaty update for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, which adds some rather neat data sharing options that'll no doubt see thousands of Mii characters and funny images ping around the internet for our viewing pleasure. Beyond those additions of data swapping and Miiverse posts there was also...
News Super Smash Bros. 3DS Update 1.0.5 Is Now Live
amiibo support and even more juicy features have arrived
The anticipated Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS amiibo update has finally arrived, lining up with the wider western launch of the New Nintendo 3DS this week. In addition to amiibo figurine support, Version 1.0.5 of the portable iteration of Smash also allows players to post in-game photos...
News Nintendo Provides a Handy Quick Guide to Completing a New Nintendo 3DS System Transfer
Naturally it'll take you longer than 3.5 minutes
There are good odds that a large number of gamers that pick up a New Nintendo 3DS this week will be upgrading from an older model. Before selling or trading in the older system - or putting it away for safekeeping - most will naturally want to transfer their content across to the shiny new hardware...