News Metroid: Samus Returns Makes Modest Chart Debut in Japan, as Switch Still Dominates
Sold less than Other M, but a lot more than Federation Force
News Urban Champion Joins The Arcade Archives Roster On Switch
Along with Wrecking Crew and Excitebike, thankfully
Japan - News
November2012
News Japanese Nintendo Direct Confirmed For 7th November
Miiverse will be the main focus
With Wii U on the horizon, Nintendo has revealed yet another Nintendo Direct broadcast for Japan at short notice. The presentation will focus on Miiverse, which isn't a surprise as we reported last month that this was expected to happen close to the console's launch. The presentation will be approximately 35 minutes...
News XSEED Hints at Rune Factory 4 Localisation
The big tease
The thing about developers and publishers being on social networks is that they have another means to poke and tease us gamers. Gone are the days of big announcements being exclusively in gaming magazines, and now we have pre-announcement hints of teasers. Still, it sure keeps us interested. The latest publisher to join in is XSEED,...
October2012
News Sin And Punishment Developer Treasure Working On 3DS Exclusive
3D action shooter inbound
Veteran studio Treasure - the team behind the amazing Sin and Punishment: Star Successor - has confirmed that it is working on a 3DS exclusive. Speaking to UK magazine gamesTM, Treasure CEO Masato Maegawa revealed the exciting news: We are making a new game on Nintendo 3DS now. Not multiplatform, but exclusive to 3DS...
News Dragon Quest VII Set to Venture Onto 3DS
If in doubt, release a re-make
While Dragon Quest X for Wii U was shown off recently during a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast — though it's already been released on Wii in the Land of the Rising Sun — Square Enix hasn't yet finished re-releasing earlier entries in the series. According to JUMP magazine, at least. A scanned page from the...
News Elminage Gothic Is Dungeon Crawling To The Nintendo 3DS
Remixed and renewed
Starfish's dungeon crawler Elminage Gothic is coming to the 3DS in 2013. A remix of the PSP edition, the developer hasn't yet said how this new version will differ from the original. It's not the first time the series has graced a Nintendo portable - Elminage DS Remix came out a while back in Japan, and was an update of a...
News Project X Zone Struggles At Japanese Retail
Crossover RPG limps to 100,000 copies
Namco Bandai's much-hyped tactical RPG Project X Zone isn't performing as well as expected in its native Japan, with just 12,450 sold during the week of Monday 15th October. That brings the game's total sales to 97,989 units since its launch a week before. In contrast, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy has...
News Watch the Translated GameCenter CX vs. Iwata Asks Segment Right Here
Fresh from Japan
If you watched last week's Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation you'll know that at the end there was a special GameCenter CX segment featuring none other than Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. For those of you that don't know, GameCenter CX (known in the west as Retro Game Master) is a TV show starring Shinya Arino, who plays...
News Charizard 3DS XL Blasting Its Way To Japan
A thing of beauty
The Pokémon Company released a special Pikachu themed 3DS XL last month in Japan; now it has another similar Pokémon-themed 3DS XL coming soon, this one featuring Charizard. You're going to need a Masterball to catch this one, as it won't be so easy to obtain. Between 3rd November and 26th November, at Pokémon Center shops...
News 3DS eShop Title The Denpa Men 2 Is Coming To The West
Skin tight delight
The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave developer Genius Sonority has confirmed that the Japanese sequel will be localised for western markets. Speaking to Siliconera before the recent release of The Denpa Men 2 in Japan, Genius Sonority president Manabu Yamana revealed the good news: Yes, we are releasing Denpa Men 2 on the Japanese...
News Nintendo Reveals Its Version of iTunes For 3DS
Music to our ears
Nintendo has unveiled a new partnership with RecoChoku today during its Japanese Nintendo Direct which finally brings a music store to the 3DS console. The service is scheduled to begin this December in Japan, and looks set to be Nintendo's take on iTunes for your 3DS. RecoChoku has one million songs in its catalogue and 3DS users...
Nintendo Direct Watch The Japanese Presentation Live
Live analysis provided at no additional cost
Nintendo of Japan will host a new Nintendo Direct presentation today at 8PM JST (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK). The presentation is expected to focus on both the Wii U and 3DS, and will last around an hour. It will be followed by a selection of trailers...
News Monster Hunter 4 Screenshots Stomp Into View
Monster mash
To neatly complement this morning's news regarding the European release of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, here's a large helping of Monster Hunter 4 goodness in the form of 24 entirely fresh screenshots, issued by those lovely folks at Capcom Japan. The 3DS exclusive is due to launch in Japan in March next year, with a western release...
News Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Running Onto The Japanese eShop
Game Gear returns
The Game Gear version of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is coming to the Japanese 3DS Virtual Console next week. It'll be available for download on 31 October for 300 yen, so gamers in Nintendo's homeland can give themselves a treat this Halloween. This 8-bit version of the game was also released on the Sega Master System featuring...
News Japanese eBook Service Delayed For Nintendo 3DS
Will be turning pages in the near future
We reported last month that Librica was to launch a 3DS application - Bookstore Anywhere - for the 3DS this month in Japan. Sadly, it has since been confirmed that the service has been delayed. Librica has said the hold up is due to the team's desire to make further improvements to the app, and that a new...
News This Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Soundtrack Packaging is Rather Special
Pop up CD case, anyone?
We've been paying a lot of attention to Bravely Default: Flying Fairy here at Nintendo Life, mainly because it looks like a high quality 3DS RPG from Square Enix. With an attractive art-style and seemingly plenty of interesting gameplay to offer, we're sure that others are also keen to see a Western release. One thing that's...
News Takumi: Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney Has a "Double Layered Story"
Who could object to that?
Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney arrives in Japan at the end of November, which will lift the lid on one of the year's most intriguing cross-over titles. Combining the two different worlds — and their distinctive styles — within a medieval setting may sound slightly crazy, and that's probably because it is. That...
News 3DS and Bravely Default Flying High in Japanese Charts
As expected, really
We've often reported that 3DS is performing particularly well in Japan, and that trend is continuing this week with the release of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, the eagerly anticipated RPG from Square Enix. When considered alongside recent positive news about 3DS software sales in North America, it seems as if Nintendo's...
News Amazon Japan Releases Online Pokémon Store Into The Wild
Time to waste some money
Amazon Japan has opened a special online Pokémon Store today. Nintendo and developers Game Freak have partnered up to launch the awesome virtual store, which includes various items such as figures, plushes, Pokémon trainers and kitchen equipment. They even have a life-size Pikachu plush on sale for 3,800 Yen. There are...
News Monster Hunter 3 G Traps an eShop Discount in Japan
Re-packaged "Best Price" offer also on the way
Fans of the Monster Hunter series that live outside of Japan have been a little hard done by, casting envious glances to gamers in Japan who are looking forward to Monster Hunter 4, while the rest of us wait for the expanded version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. While Ultimate is also coming to Wii U...
News Pokémon Train Hitting The Rails This Holiday
In Japan, obviously
Sometimes the Western world just isn't enthusiastic enough about video games. Sure, gamers in Europe and North America in particular buy an enormous volume of video games on a yearly basis and pay plenty of cash for new consoles, but do we, in our various individual cultures, love gaming enough to have anything as awesome as this...
First Impressions Fire Emblem: Awakening
Could this be the best entry in the Fire Emblem series yet?
The Fire Emblem series has long been famous and hugely successful in Japan. With a long string of titles stretching back to the days of the Nintendo Famicom, the franchise is now starting to catch on in the west. Arguably the most famous tactical RPG in the world right now, Fire Emblem fans...
News Castlevania, Mega Man 4 And Donkey Kong Heading To Japanese eShop
Popular NES titles making their way to the 3DS Virtual Console next week
Japanese gamers are in for a treat next week, as Castlevania, Mega Man 4 and Donkey Kong will all be released for the 3DS Virtual Console on October 17th, priced at 500 yen each. Both Mega Man 4 and Donkey Kong are the original Famicom versions of the games, whereas...
Rumour Super C Coming to 3DS Virtual Console in The West
Third party NES classics make it out of Japan?
Up until now, Nintendo retro lovers have only had first-party NES titles to play on the 3DS Virtual Console. Although Japan has seen a steady stream of non-Nintendo games - including the awesome Mega Man 3 - those games haven't shown any sign of coming to the west - until now, that is. Konami has just...
Is this Japan-only eShop release going to be music to your ears?
As games get more complicated, with motion controls and complex button layouts, is it still possible to have fun while playing a game using only one button? With the Japan-exclusive eShop title Dopamix (made by G-mode, the current owners of the Data East back catalogue, which includes...
News File Sizes Revealed For 3DS eShop Retail Downloads
Better stock up on those SD cards, this could get ugly
Last week, Nintendo of Japan confirmed during a Nintendo Direct presentation that a list of current 3DS titles would soon be available for download from the Nintendo eShop. It's good to see Nintendo pushing their retail games as digital downloads, but just how much space will they actually take...
News Computer Virus Responsible For Bomb Scare at Nintendo's Japanese HQ
"This week, I'm going to blow up Nintendo headquarters"
A rather worrying computer virus has hit Japan which allows hackers to take control of another person's machine and use it for whatever means they wish. This virus has already claimed its first high-profile victim in the shape of animator Masaki Kitamura, who was arrested (and subsequently...
News Our Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct Translation Awaits Forest Folk Within
A complete summary of the Japanese presentation
Last week there was a special Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation covering the forthcoming Animal Crossing: Jump Out on 3DS. As usual, we've got a summary of the entire video, saving you the bother of having to actually learn Japanese in order to understand it. Iwata starts out by introducing us to...
News Watch The Japanese Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct Here
Not hosted by Tom Nook, sadly
Today, Nintendo Japan ran a special Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo Direct, which you can watch using the video link below. The video was devoted to the forthcoming 3DS release Animal Crossing: Jump Out. The game is released in Japan on November 8th.
News Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct Confirmed for Japan
Remember to breathe
If Nintendo has one focus this week, it seems to be to remind us about 3DS. The handheld is only in its second year, after all, and has its share of big releases due in the coming months. One upcoming title that's high on a lot of 3DS wish-lists is Animal Crossing: Jump Out, which isn't due in North America and Europe until...
News More 3DS Download Titles Coming To Japan's eShop
Zelda, Mario and Starfox to be made available in digital form
Nintendo of Japan has confirmed via a special Nintendo Direct presentation that a series of existing 3DS retail releases will soon be available on the eShop. From November 1st, Japanese 3DS owners will be able to download copies of Mario Tennis Open, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games,...
News Japan Is Getting These Awesome Animal Crossing and New Super Mario Bros. 2 3DS Bundles
Bundles of joy
Nintendo has confirmed that it is releasing new 3DS XL hardware bundles in Japan, with Animal Crossing and New Super Mario Bros. 2 themed consoles expected to hit store shelves in November. At the start of November Nintendo will push the all-black 3DS XL onto store shelves for 18,900 yen ($240 / £150). That's just the console on its...
September2012
News Take a Look at Capcom's New Monster Hunter Merchandise
Wallets at the ready
Capcom is catching on to popular Japanese fashion by bringing out its own Monster Hunter Sukajan. Sukajan-style jackets have been a tourist favourite for many years, blending American varsity jackets and Japanese embroidery, and can be commonly found being flogged to bewildered tourists in the busy streets of Tokyo. This...
News Mega Man 3 Leaps Onto The Japanese 3DS Virtual Console
For those about to rock
The third instalment of Capcom's popular Mega Man series is launching on the Japanese 3DS Virtual Console this week. Mega Man 3 - known in Japan as Rockman 3: The End of Dr. Wily!? - will go live on the Japanese 3DS eShop tomorrow (September 26th) for 500 yen. Even harsher than its already tough predecessor, Mega Man 3 has...
News Men Like Metroid, Women Prefer Animal Crossing, But Both Like Mario
The tastes of Japanese gamers revealed
Men and women have different tastes as a rule - hence the fact that you'll struggle to get the average red-blooded male to sit through an entire season of Sex and the City, while your typical lady is unlikely to find the notion of a weekend-long NASCAR marathon all that appealing. Taking this into account, it...
News Project X Zone Could See A Western Release Yet
Tekken boss is pushing for localisation
We're all painfully aware that Project X Zone is looking pretty sweet right now. It's always been an outside bet for release outside of Japan though; the fact that its prequel Namco × Capcom never got released in the West doesn't exactly inspire confidence. However, the chances of the game making it to these...
News 3DS "Bookstore Anywhere" App Bringing eBooks to Japan
Read into that what you what you will
There's been some talk about what apps will be available on Wii U, with its GamePad controller bringing its own possibilities, but we shouldn't forget that the functionality of 3DS has plenty to offer. A new app coming to Japan on 20th October is Bookstore Anywhere, which according to Japanese publication Nikkei...
News Nintendo Unveils 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro
Bulk-tastic
Back in June, we confirmed that 3DS XL owners would also be able to beef up their handhelds with a specially designed 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro add-on. Now this dream has finally become a reality, as Nintendo of Japan has revealed the first images of the new peripheral. While the 3DS XL CCP has currently only been announced for distribution...
First Impressions Club Nintendo Picross
We go hands-on with this Japan-only download
As many of us have seen in recent years, Nintendo is a company that deals a good line in fan service. Nintendo has produced everything from the recent abundance of anniversary titles, collector's books, cards, and pretty much anything else in the hope that fans can supplement their game collections and...
News Why the White 3DS XL Didn't Ship to Europe or North America
But don't despair!
At the 3DS XL's launch, North America and Europe received the Red/Black and Blue/Black models of the new handheld; the UK also had the opportunity to grab a Silver/Black model. However, it was only in Japan that consumers were able to buy the 'White 3DS LL'. IGN's Richard George asked Nintendo of America President, Reggie...
News Your Japanese Nintendo Direct Wii U Preview Translation Awaits
Breaking the language barrier
This morning, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata held a special Nintendo Direct Wii U Preview. It was, as you might expect, conducted entirely in Japanese. With this in mind, we're here to provide a comprehensive rundown on everything that was revealed during the broadcast, as well as an idea of the message that Iwata was...
News Wii U Arrives in Japan on 8th December
Two bundles, pricing and hardware details confirmed
The Wii U preview event in Japan was 20 minutes of flat out information on the Wii U concept, and then a lot of details about the hardware and release details. So, let's get to it. First off, Wii U's release date in Japan is 8th December, and will arrive in two bundles. There's a basic white model...
News Watch the Japanese Wii U Announcement Here
And we're off
And so it begins, the first event of this Wii U preview day. It all starts in Japan, appropriately, and this presentation is only set to last 20 minutes. We expect basic details in this one, such as the hardware price, release date, maybe Miiverse info and the possibility of bundled software like Nintendo Land. It'll also be in...
News Japanese "Wii U Launch Presentation" Confirmed
First out of the gate
Nintendo has announced today that there will be a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast on Thursday, making the Wii U reveal a truly global endeavour. As Japan is Nintendo's homeland, it's hardly surprising that it'll be the earliest announcement of the lot, with the system's price and launch date promised. The broadcast has been...
News Meet Kokuga, The 3DS Shooter From The Man Behind Ikaruga
And we've got a trailer for it
Hiroshi Iuchi isn't a name that will be instantly familiar to most Nintendo fans, but you'll probably be aware of his output. He was responsible for the Dreamcast (and later, GameCube) 'polarity shooter' Ikaruga. He's now working at Japanese 'shmup' specialist G.Rev as the director of a new 3DS game by the name of...
News It's Nintendo Versus Sega, Anime Style
Epic console wars of the '90s retold in animation
Japanese anime has tackled a wide range of topics over the years. From the price of fame to the effects of the bombing of Japan in World War II, the medium has been put to stunning use by animators in the Far East. However, there's plenty of oddball stuff around, too - like Aoi Sekai no Chuushin...
News Sorry Lost Planet Fans, EX Troopers Isn't Coming To The West
Anime-style action title remains a Japanese exclusive
Capcom's Corporate Officer and Senior Vice-President Christian Svensson has confirmed that the company currently has no plans to bring Lost Planet spin-off EX Troopers to the west. The disappointing news was delivered in an 'Ask Capcom' thread on the company's official forums. The forum...
News Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 Footage Warms Up On The Sidelines
3DS and Wii versions showcased
Konami has released a Japanese trailer for the latest instalments of its Winning Eleven franchise, which is known in the west as Pro Evolution Soccer. The footage shows the 3DS and Wii versions in action. Not much seems to have changed since the previous editions on both formats, but football fans will no doubt want...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Smashes The One Million Barrier In Japan
New 3DS title has sold faster than Mario 3D Land
New Super Mario Bros. 2 has sold a staggering 1,068,878 units in Japan since it was released on July 28th - five weeks ago. The figure has been reported in the latest Enterbrain chart, which covers August 27th through September 2nd. The previous Mario title on the 3DS - Super Mario 3D Land - took...
News Evidence Suggests That Ace Attorney 5 Will Be Coming to the West
Our key witness is Capcom
A few days ago we brought you the exciting news that Phoenix Wright would be returning in Ace Attorney 5, but were unable to confirm that the game would be making its way to the west. We can now happily report that fresh evidence has come to light and a western release of the game is very much on the cards - and that's no...
News Beastly Monster Hunter 4 Details Emerge from the Pages of Famitsu
New information on Capcom's forthcoming 3DS epic
The latest issue of Famitsu is positively bursting with content about Capcom's upcoming Monster Hunter 4 - arguably one of the most eagerly-awaited 3DS titles in Japan. The folks over at Andriasang have been busy translating the feature, and have extracted the following information: MH4 adds a...
News Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight Is Almost as Big as New Super Mario Bros. 2
In terms of data, at least
We're all quite excited about Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight here at Nintendo Life - it was arguably one of the highlights of the Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast last week. Combining platforming with rhythm action, the game launches in Japan this week, although a western release hasn't been confirmed as yet. However, sho
News Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight Brings The Beat Down
Hit them with your rhythm stick
Last week brought us a rather entertaining Nintendo Direct broadcast from Japan, which focused on upcoming titles on the way to 3DS in Nintendo's homeland and, hopefully, other regions as well. For those of us that don't speak Japanese half the fun was figuring out what was going on, though if you're still uncertain...
News Dragon Quest X Wii U Details Confirmed For Tokyo Game Show
Dreaming of a worldwide release
Dragon Quest X on Wii arrived in Japan a month ago and has been selling in good numbers, albeit below the normal expectations for the series. This has no doubt been influenced by the waning influence of Wii, but Square Enix is now preparing to reveal Dragon Quest X on Wii U at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, building...
August2012
News We've Got Your Japanese Nintendo Direct Guide Right Here
Your one-stop resource to yesterday's presentation
As you may have gathered from our Nintendo Direct live blog yesterday, we don't speak Japanese. Thankfully, Nintendo Life reader and Japanese resident Jeremy Thain (also known as Tsuchinoko) was kind enough to provide this in-depth guide to the presentation. Enjoy! Jeremy Thain: As it is the end of...
News New Professor Layton Title Confirmed for 3DS
The Professor's final puzzle
During today's Nintendo Direct in Japan, it was confirmed that a new Professor Layton title will arrive on 3DS, in Japan, some time in 2013. Its title is Professor Layton Choubunmei to A no Isan, which roughly translates to Professor Layton and the Remains of an Advanced Civilisation, though we expect a snappier title...
News Get In Touch With Your Feminine Side With The Pink 3DS XL
Sink the pink
Nintendo has confirmed the release of a pink and white 3DS XL console. The system was announced during today's Nintendo Direct video. Called the 3DS LL in Japan, the new hardware is due to launch on 27th September, along with the excellently-titled Wagamama Fashion Girls. Admit it - you want one.
Watch Japanese Nintendo Direct Live
Now updated with the video to watch at your leisure
Nintendo of Japan will host a new Nintendo Direct presentation today at 8PM JST (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK). EDIT: Here's the video in full. The presentation will focus on 3DS and Wii. Nothing on Wii U, I'm afraid. The video is expected to...
News Shin Megami Tensei 4 On 3DS Is Looking Mighty Fine
Sneaky peek at the 3DS role-player
A trailer for Atlus' forthcoming 3DS RPG Shin Megami Tensei 4 has broken cover online. The footage comes bundled with Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers, which is due for launch in Japan on the 30th August. The video is mainly animation, but there's a short section at the end (around the 1:30 mark) which appears to...
News Rest Easy, New Characters Are Coming To Smash Bros. 3DS and Wii U
Masahiro Sakurai confirms new additions to roster
Super Smash Bros. supremo Masahiro Sakurai's recent comments regarding the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game have caused a little concern amongst fans. Speaking a few weeks ago about adding more cameos to the game, he said: "Introducing more non-Nintendo characters willy-nilly will lose the focus of...
Nintendo Direct Expect 3DS and Wii Announcements This Week
Nothing for Wii U, though
Nintendo has confirmed the date and time of its next Nintendo Direct presentation in Japan, as well as divulging what goodies will be revealed within. August 29th - this Wednesday, no less - is the magical date, with 8PM JST being the time (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK)...
News Pikachu 3DS XL Pre-Orders Prompt Long Lines in Japan
Pika-queue
A little over a week ago we told you about the yellow Pikachu 3DS XL/LL coming to Japan, with the only way to buy one being to pre-order from Pokémon Center stores. As reported by Andriasang, those pre-orders have now opened and attracted plenty of interest. Japanese website Inside Games visited the Tokyo Pokemon Center at 10am for the...
News Nintendo's Hardware and Related Software Hits 70% Market Share in Japan
The highest in five years
Earlier this week we brought you the news that Nintendo was not only continuing to enjoy a good run with 3DS hardware sales in its homeland, but that the top ten in the software charts were all on Nintendo systems. Chart masters Media Create have now produced some follow-up information that makes even more good reading for...
News Nintendo Grabs Lots of Coins in Japanese Charts
1-ups for everyone
Japan is currently enjoying its summer break, which often represents a peak shopping period and, hopefully, plenty of Yen for gaming companies. The chart results for last week have come out rather well for Nintendo, continuing a positive spell of sales for the Kyoto-based company. In terms of software, the entire top ten consists...
News Inazuma Eleven Compilation Kicking Off on 3DS
Europe may get it this decade
For European fans of the Inazuma Eleven franchise it's been a slow process to get hold of the first two DS titles, especially considering the fact that Japan is already into a 3DS spin-off series; North American soccer fans have been completely deprived. If you're in Japan, however, there's almost too much crazy...
News Dragon Quest X Storms to Number One in Japan
3DS and Wii sell big, too
Last week's Japanese charts brought big sales for New Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3DS, with the XL model contributing over 190,000 sales on its own. The good times keep coming for Nintendo in its homeland this week, with the latest results from Enterbrain showing strong performances in both software and hardware. The big...
News More Fire Emblem DLC On Its Way To Japan This Month
Downloadable strategy
Fire Emblem Awakening may not be out in the West yet, but its Japanese equivalent — known as Fire Emblem: Kakusei — is about to get its second helping of DLC content. The latest in a long line of turn-based RPGs from Intelligent Systems, Fire Emblem: Kakusei has been a massive commercial hit in its native homeland, which...
News New E.X. Troopers Promo Video Sets The Mood
Release date and limited edition confirmed for Japan
It's been getting teased for a number of months, but Capcom has finally confirmed a Japanese release date for upcoming 3DS Lost Planet spin-off E.X. Troopers: it'll hit stores on 22nd November and the standard version will cost ¥5,990 — just under £50 and a little over $75. Capcom has also...
News 3DS Hardware Dominates Japanese Charts
Demon Training has a modest start
We already know that 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 have been able to boast of big launch sales in Japan, but we now have access to the full charts for a wider picture. The Enterbrain software figures (via Andriasang), show that six of the top ten games are found on Nintendo systems, though Demon Training only...
July2012
News Female Ace Attorney Production Hits the Stage in Japan
Take that!
Japanese theatre company Takarazuka Revue is currently readying a musical spin-off production of Capcom's Ace Attorney franchise, which will be held in January 2013. The show will be made up of an all-female cast complete with plenty of hair gel, and will be performing its second production based from a Phoenix Wright game, the first of...
News 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 Boast Big Sales in Japan
Mario's reaction: 'wahoo!'
We've already brought you news of 3DS XL enjoying a steady start in the UK, but figures for Japan are showing a positive weekend of sales for Nintendo both in terms of the new hardware and New Super Mario Bros. 2. To start with 3DS XL, chart company Enterbrain has confirmed that over 193,000 units were sold in the first...
News Full 3DS Retail Downloads Have Teething Troubles
Bandwidth buster
Full retail games can now be downloaded to Nintendo 3DS in Japan, but there was a problem or two early on. Nintendo's online service page reported server troubles on the eShop shortly after launch, though it's now been fixed. Andriasang reports that the eShop issues came between 9:00am and 11:30am on the service's launch day. It...
News Kirby's 20th Anniversary Collection Tops Japanese Charts
The pink one's still got it
Kirby may be little more than a pink blob with arms and legs, but he's become a beloved Nintendo mascot with a legion of dedicated fans. It's unsurprising that his anniversary is being celebrated, and it seems that plenty of Japanese gamers have shown their support by picking up Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection...
News Level-5's Fantasy Life Living it up With Official Website
What a life
The official website for Level-5 / Brownie Brown RPG Fantasy Life has finally burst into existence. The website can be found here. It's all in Japanese, but if you pop over there you can at least see some new screens and artwork that show off the town and avatar system. Much of the information was also published in Japanese magazine...
News Nintendo Offering Incentives for Retail Downloads in Japan
Virtual goodies only
Retail downloads on the 3DS eShop start, for most of us, with New Super Mario Bros. 2 in mid-August. For Japanese gamers, however, it all starts in just eight days, the same day as the arrival of 3DS XL and Five Minute Demon Training, the next Brain Training entry that's also known as Onitore. A common criticism of the download...
News Pokémon and 3DS Still Top of the Japanese Charts
Happy days for Nintendo
The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we haven't reported on the Japanese software and hardware charts every week recently, mainly because very little has changed. Despite that, we thought that we'd share the latest results, as at the very least the software chart includes some interesting games that we're pretty...
News Pokémon Company Was June's Top Publisher in Japan
We'll give you one guess why
While game and hardware sales information can be limited or tough to get hold of for Europe and North America, we can always rely on Japan to bare all and reveal the movers and shakers in the country. One monthly chart that normally sees Nintendo nestling in top spot has had a bit of a shake-up today, though the news is...
News Dragon Quest X Advert is a Call to Arms
In Japanese
Dragon Quest X will no doubt storm the Japanese charts with or without any advertising, but that hasn't stopped Square Enix putting together a cutesy trailer showing off the enemies and action in store. Japanese players can pick up the MMO from 2nd August, with a particularly snazzy black Wii Dragon Quest X bundle on sale too. The game...
News Nintendo Direct Next Week Focused on Demon Training
10 minutes in hell with Demon Kawashima
Get out your diaries and Japanese dictionaries, as Nintendo will be hosting a 'mini' Nintendo Direct conference on 18th July, next week. The broadcast will only be ten minutes long and will centre entirely around the upcoming 3DS game, Dr Kawashima's Demon Training, a sequel to the hugely successful Dr...
News Mega Man is Going to Blast 3DS Virtual Console
In Japan at least
NES classic Mega Man is coming to the 3DS Virtual Console in Japan next week. The Blue Bomber's legendary 8-bit adventure lands in Japan on 18th July for 500 Yen — around £3.99 or $6.30 — but expect the pricing to be slightly different when it reaches the West. If you're interested in playing some Mega Man on the go but...
News Escape! Zombie City Set to Infest Japanese eShop
The latest from Tom Create
Tom Create is a Japanese developer that may be familiar to gamers who enjoy a lot of download titles from the GO series. The studio has produced DSiWare titles such as GO Series: Earth Saver and GO Series: Tower of Deus, with many being thoroughly decent downloads at a budget price. It now seems that the developer is...
News What Do You Make of this Hello Kitty Sonic Crossover?
Straw poll
Two of the world's most recognisable animals combined today in what scientists are probably calling "disgusting". This Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog plush toy — officially called the Sonic x Hello Kitty Super Jumbo Plushy — is heading to Japan this weekend to commemorate the reopening of SEGA's flagship Joypolis arcade. It's...
News Time Travelers Live Action Advert is All Tears
Why so serious?
Level-5 has been very cryptic so far with information about its upcoming release of Time Travelers in Japan this week, and things aren't about to get any clearer with these two latest trailers. Even with only three days before its launch on Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita, and ten days until Time Travelers releases on PSP, Level-5 are...
News Monster Hunter 4 Director Says It's All About 'Adventure'
As opposed to 'grinding', perhaps?
Plenty of gamers, including various members of the Nintendo Life team, thoroughly enjoyed Monster Hunter Tri, not least because it was a terrific Wii title that had the impressive scale and online functionality often reserved for its HD rivals. There was a nagging feeling amongst some, however, that the story in...
News Project X Zone Trailer is 10 Minutes of Chaos
And thirty seconds of clarity
Capcom-Namco-SEGA strategy RPG Project X Zone might not make sense just yet — we blame all that pesky Japanese writing and dialogue — but its blend of tactical turns-based battles and all-out chaos makes it fun to watch. The trailer below shows what the game looks like in action (though you'd probably already...
News Here's the Monster Hunter 4 Trailer You Wanted
Beastly
Yesterday we told you about Monster Hunter 4's spring release in Japan, announced yesterday alongside a new trailer. This is that trailer. Like last year's Monster Hunter 4 concept video, this trailer shows off new terrain features, the ability to climb on monsters and destructible surroundings. It also teases new monsters alongside...
June2012
News Monster Hunter 4 Attacks Japan in Spring 2013
Take cover
Capcom's Summer Jam event has revealed a Spring 2013 release window for the much anticipated Monster Hunter 4. The 3DS-exclusive game includes brand new monsters as well as series mainstays Tigrex, Rathalos and Rathian, according to Andriasang. Capcom showed off a new trailer for the game but, as of the time of writing, it hasn't made it...
News 3DS Leads Japanese Market to Year-on-Year Gains
Nintendo dominates home country
Strong performances from 3DS software and hardware saw the Japanese games market grow for the first time in two years. Between 26th December and 24th June, the Japanese market was worth 193.4 billion Yen, a 0.07% increase from 191.98bn over the same period last year. 63% of that figure came from software sales, up...
News Masahiro Sakurai Steps Up as Keynote Speaker at CEDEC
Talking about video games, presumably
Masahiro Sakurai has gained a reputation as the go-to man for some of Nintendo's key franchises that don't necessarily have Mario in the title. As a young employee at Nintendo he created Kirby, and has also masterminded the three entries in the Super Smash Bros. series, while also taking on the upcoming Wii U...
News Project X Zone Hits Japan on 11th October
Now, about that worldwide release...
Project X Zone, the RPG mash-up featuring well-known characters from Capcom, SEGA and Namco Bandai franchises, has been generating a lot of hype in Japan. Teasing details about battle mechanics, featured characters and even the in-game music have been coming thick and fast, with the most important reveal so far...
News Pokémon Black & White 2 Sells 1.6m in Two Days
Still big in Japan
Pokémon Black & White 2 landed in Japan on Saturday 23rd June and racked up an astonishing 1,618,621 sales across the country in its first weekend. It's the fastest-selling game of the year, the first 2012 game on any platform to pass 1m sales and the third fastest-selling DS game of all time. It's a big drop-off in sales...
News Official 3DS XL Japanese Website Launches
No blue in Nintendo's homeland
Now that the new 3DS XL has been announced, Nintendo has wasted little time in launching an official website in Japan. Interestingly, Japan has red + black and silver + black models, like Europe and North America, but doesn't have the blue + black version, opting instead for an all-white console. The all-white version...
News New Animal Crossing 3DS Trailer Straight from Japan
Serene mode engaged
Angry that Animal Crossing won't reach Europe until 2013 and North America until... well, who knows when? Watch this new Japanese trailer for the game and all your stress might just melt away or, perhaps, become more strongly amplified. The video shows tonnes of new touches like solar panels to install outside, new shops and...
News Japan Gets New Skyward Sword Link Figure in October
Go Figma
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's interpretation of Link gets immortalised in resin later this year, when Japanese manufacturer Max Factory puts out its Master Sword Link figurine. The ¥3,800 statue — that's about £30 or $47 — comes with Link, a Master Sword and Hylian Shield (of course), as well as an effects piece for his sword...
News Yoshinori Ono Still Overworked Despite Health Scare
Strong arm tactics
On a press tour of Asia earlier this year, Yoshinori Ono was admitted to hospital and stepped down from his role as Street Fighter producer following the health scare. While you might have expected Ono's hectic work schedule to slow down after the incident, a new interview with Eurogamer.net reveals that's not the case. Ono...
News Dragon Quest 3D Smashes 500k Sales in Its First Week
Terry's wonderful
3DS remake Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D has shot to the top of the Japanese charts with an incredible 513,183 units sold in its first week. The much-anticipated release sent 3DS hardware sales over 100,000 units, shifting 101,075 in a week, a near-90% increase on the previous week's 55,212 sales. Thanks to Dragon...
May2012
News We'll Learn New Monster Hunter 4 Details Next Month
Get ready for a tail spin
Last year's revelation of 3DS exclusive Monster Hunter 4 was a big moment, but since then we haven't heard much more about Capcom's inevitably monstrous hit. Well, that'll end at the end of June, when the publisher releases more details at a Japanese event. Capcom Summer Jam takes place in Tokyo from 30th June to 1st July...
News DS Car Navigation Arrives in Japan
Courtesy of Toyota
A lot of modern cars have satellite navigation and as many buttons as Apollo 11, but Toyota has decided that perhaps the whole experience can be a bit more easy-going in the Japanese market, if a bit of Nintendo is thrown into the mix. The car manufacturer has created the Smart Navi car navigational system that uses a DS — and...
News Japanese 3DS Television Service To Be Cancelled
Itsu no Ma ni Terebi no more
Since June last year 3DS owners in Japan have had access to Itsu no Ma ni Terebi, a video service that has produced regular and exclusive content via SpotPass. Like the former Wii service Wii no Ma, Nintendo has decided to take the service off the air. In the past year the channel has offered content from Fuji Television...
News Nintendo Japan Discontinues Aqua Blue 3DS
Cobalt from the blue
Nintendo of Japan will soon end production of the Aqua Blue 3DS console. The company's 3DS page lists the currently available colours, with Aqua Blue bearing the note "scheduled to end production shortly" (近日生産終了予定). In March, Nintendo released the Cobalt Blue 3DS for Japan, so it makes sense to stick...
News Dynasty Warriors VS Won't Come Westward
Region locked
Dynasty Warriors VS won't leave Japan. Tecmo Koei community manager Chin Soon Sun made the pronouncement on Twitter: Dynasty Warriors VS (for the Nintendo 3DS) - This title is for Japan only & will not be localized and released for / in overseas. Shame — we wanted to enjoy some feudal fighting dressed as Link and Samus.
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