Tag: Japan - Page 42
News My Nintendo Rewards Start on 17th March in Japan, Alongside Miitomo Launch
As expected, though DLC and HOME Themes don't earn coins
It's always been the case that the new My Nintendo loyalty scheme - for those that have setup a Nintendo Account - would launch alongside Miitomo. With Nintendo's social app launching in Japan on 17th March the loyalty scheme will also arrive on the same day, and Nintendo's official website...
Taisuke Kanasaki is at the helm
It's going back quite a number of years now, but the DS and its dual-screen format helped deliver some intriguing narrative-driven gaming experiences. Fans of interactive storytelling with a grown-up approach may recall three particular DS releases that provided some notably stylised narratives on the portable - Trace...
Only in Japan, obviously
Volcanion & The Ingenious Magearna is the latest Pokémon movie to surface in Japan, and those who pre-book tickets for this cinematic event will get a Volcanion to use in Pokémon X & Y or Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. As revealed in CoroCoro magazine, pre-booking runs from April 16th through July 15th,...
News Nintendo Hardware Sales Climb in Japan Despite Limited New Releases
Vita and PS4 lead the way
It's Media Create Japanese charts time once again, with 3DS and Wii U facing off - as always - with Sony systems. The software results bring new releases in the top three, once again with a dual release across Vita and PS4 (sometimes there are triple releases that also include PS3) leading the way - Gundam Breaker 3. The...
Random Check Out This Japanese Transformable Skell Toy
More than meets the eye
One of the interesting new additions to Xenoblade Chronicles X is the introduction of Skells (or Dolls, for Japanese players), which are basically giant, drivable mechs that make traversing the colossal world of Mira that much easier. While it may be that it takes a large chunk of game time to actually reach a point where you...
News This Massive Snorlax Plush Doubles As The Perfect Pokémon Bed
59 inches long, weighs 12kg, costs $430
The Pokémon Snorlax is famous for being a bit sleepy, so you can forgive Bandai for taking advantage of this trait by creating what is best described as a giant cushion based on the character. Available in Japan for 52,000 Yen (around $430 / £300 / 390 Euros), Snorlax (or Kabigon has he's known in his...
Video Unleash The Monster Inside With These Japanese Pokkén Tournament Commercials
Father and son bonding
Pokkén Tournament is almost upon us, and Nintendo has published two light-hearted commercials in Japan to build up interest in the crossover brawler. Both spots feature a father and his son huddled around the television, happily duking it out in the game. This tranquil scene is interrupted by comical turns to camera and...
News Mega Man Legacy Collection Busts Into Japanese Charts as Nintendo Hardware Sales Climb
Slow and steady
It's Media Create charts time for Japan once again, and this week brings some smaller new releases and some modest (but still welcome) gains for Nintendo hardware. The big winner this week is Kamen Rider: Battride War Genesis, which claimed top spot on PS4 along with 3rd and 4th on Vita and PS3. The retail release of Mega Man Legacy...
News Etrian Odyssey V Finally Has A Release Date, And Yes, It's Coming To 3DS
August in Japan
Atlus has been somewhat quiet on Etrian Odyssey V since teasing that the game was in development. However, the company has now broken that silence to not only give us a solid Japanese release date of August, but to also confirm what we all hoped was the case - the game is indeed coming to the 3DS. An upcoming issue of Japanese...
News 3DS Hardware Sales Dip in Japan, Though Mario & Sonic at the Rio Olympics Gets Off the Blocks
Sony hardware dominance with popular new releases
It's the middle of the week, which means it's Media Create results time, showing us what's hot and what's not in Japan. The results show key releases on Sony hardware having an impact, while one new arrival on 3DS does its best to compete. Kan Colle Kai has started strongly on Vita, while Attack on...
News Super Famicom Satellaview Title Golf Daisuki! O.B. Club Translated To English
Birdie from Outer Space!
The Nintendo Satellaview was a visionary achievement - attaching a satellite modem to your Super Famicom and having scheduled game downloads was certainly something out of science fiction back in 1995. It achieved a moderate amount of success in Japan and has gathered a cult following among diehard Super Famicom...
News We Squid You Not, Japan Really Is Getting Splatoon Candy
Dentists won't be happy
Those of you who value your tooth enamel, look away now - Japanese candy maker Nobel is releasing official Splatoon sweets. These will be available in two varieties. The squid-shaped gummy sweets are melon and orange-flavoured, with the occasional octopus making an appearance. The other sweets are hard candy in a wide range...
News Puzzle & Dragons X Hitting Japan This July In Two Versions
Check out the new trailer
Puzzle & Dragons is one of the few mobile franchises to have successfully made the transition to console, with Puzzle & Dragons Z and a Super Mario-themed crossover proving to be commercial hits for developer GungHo. The firm is now following up with the 3DS sequel Puzzle & Dragons X, which hits Japan on July...
News Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final Storms to Number One in Japanese Charts
3DS nearly catches PS4 as Wii U toils
It's the middle of the week, which means it's time to look at the Media Create chart results for Japan. After a tough couple of weeks for Nintendo hardware things are a little more positive this time around - a new release is the key, of course. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final arrived last week in Japan and has...
News Cube Life: Island Survival Climbs the eShop Charts in Japan
Edging ever closer to Minecraft's coveted no.1 spot
We recently reported that indie developer Cypronia found success in Japan with its Minecraft-inspired title Cube Life: Island Survival. Since that time it has now sky-rocketed to third place in the Japanese charts, even sneaking past Super Mario
News Mega Man's Creator Outlines The Rules Used To Shape One Of The Most Brutal Games Ever Made
"The way the enemies act [is] totally unfair and absurd"
Mega Man is one of the most beloved series to emerge from the melting pot that was the Japanese 8-bit development scene, and also ranks as one of the toughest. At a time when most NES games were happy to adopt a simplistic approach to suit younger players, Capcom's action platformer seemed...
Video Why We Want Detective Pikachu Translated for North America & Europe
Go west, young Pika
Detective Pikachu: Birth of a New Duo is the latest in the line of Pokémon spin-off games that The Pokémon Company have produced, but for the moment at least it's only available in Japan. We're sure every Pokémon fan and their Houndoom is frothing at the gob over this title due to its lustrous visuals, charming animation and...
News Nintendo Drops Behind Sony in Japan as Wii U Sales Tumble
Lack of new releases harms momentum
It's the time of the week where we consider the Media Create charts from Japan, and the most recent results bring some interesting numbers. One notable new arrival on PS4, and the lack of fresh arrivals on Wii U and 3DS, set the tone. In the software charts Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 makes its debut...
News Brand New Pokémon To Be Revealed By Japanese Magazine CoroCoro
Meet Magiana
Japanese magazine CoroCoro is teasing the fact that it will announce an entirely new Pokémon in a forthcoming issue. Named "Magiana", the 'mon has been shown off in a trailer for the next issue - in silhouette form, at least. The issue in question hits newsstands in Japan on February 15th, which is next Monday. It's not clear how...
News Mega Man Is Blasting His Way To Nintendo Badge Arcade
Rock on
While the world cries out for a new Mega Man game, Capcom continues to whistle nonchalantly and look the other way - but thankfully the company isn't totally oblivious to the appeal of its famous android. News that Mega Man is coming to Nintendo Badge Arcade should prove that. Starting February 26th, the Blue Bomber will be added to the...
News Famitsu Reveals New Rival for Ace Attorney 6
The "Funeral Prosecutor"
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine will have new information on Capcom's upcoming Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 6, including a first look at Wright and Co.'s main courtroom rival. According to translating fans over at Court Records, the new prosecutor is named Nayuta Sadmadhi, although this name might of course change when...
Review Crystal Beans From Dungeon Explorer (SNES)
Do NOT shoot the food
Gauntlet remains a dear memory among many retro gamers. After all, Atari's revolutionary dungeon crawler was one of the best co-op arcade games ever produced and it certainly was no stranger to Nintendo owners with several conversions making their way to NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64 and GameCube. You will notice a strange...
News Cube Life Battles Minecraft for Success in Japan
Update 1.2 on its way soon
As you probably know Minecraft: Wii U Edition hit the Wii U in late December, and it's doing particularly well in Japan. It's the number one selling game in the Wii U charts in Japan at the moment. That's not discouraged publisher Cypronia from releasing its Minecraft-inspired title Cube Life: Island Survival
News Pokémon's Ash And Gary Are Getting The Nendoroid Treatment
Plastic fantastic
As we all know, the Pokémon turns 20 this year, and we're seeing plenty of promotional activity to mark this fact - including digital re-releases of the games that started it all on the Game Boy. There's more good news for Pokémon fans, as stars Ash and Gary (or "Red" and "Blue" if you'd prefer) are getting immortalised in...
Video Check Out Pikachu And Lucario's Fancy Moves In This New Pokkén Tournament Clip
Plus a brief look at the next Pokémon movie
A new video has just gone live which shows of the basic movesets of Pikachu and Lucario in the forthcoming Wii U brawler Pokkén Tournament. Due for release worldwide on March 18th, the game is being co-developed by Tekken creator Bandai Namco and will see various characters from the Pokémon universe...
News The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Will Have Its Own Manga
Shackled to a Japanese app for now
Those who like their legends unfolding from right to left might be happy to learn that The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will be the next game in the Zelda series to receive its own official manga. A pair of artists who go by the combined name Akira Himekawa will take up their inks for the project once again,...
Media Create serves up disappointing Wii U and 3DS results
It's Wednesday, so you know what that means - we're at the half way point of another gruelling week! Actually, it means Media Create Japanese chart results, though it could also mean the first thing; in truth, the results are rather grisly this time for Nintendo, but considering its strong...
News Capcom Is Bringing Mario Party To Japanese Arcades This Summer
Mario Party Mysterious Challenge World to be shown off this month
Capcom and Nintendo are expanding their legacy of coin-op collaboration with a special version of Mario Party, exclusive to arcades. Entitled Mario Party Fushigi no Challenge World - which translates as Mario Party Mysterious Challenge World - the game is a 6-player offering which...
Weirdness 8-Year-Old Writes Nintendo A Letter Of Apology For Getting His 3DS Wet
A grim reminder to check your thermos cap
It's never too pleasant having to deal with customer service and sending something in to be repaired, but for one eight-year-old boy in Japan, the loss of his 3DS seems to have stirred up some surprising feelings of guilt instead of the usual impatience and annoyance. Imagine that! The young boy apparently...
Gallery These Fan-Made Splatoon Weapons Are Pretty Fresh
Tools of the trade
The Game Party Japan 2016 event has just hosted the Japanese National Splatoon Championship, giving fans of the game the chance to test their skill against like-minded individuals. It also gave the truly dedicated the opportunity to show off their creative talents, as there was a booth which showcased fan-made versions of the...
News Nintendo Share Value Ends Week on a High Ahead of Financial Results on 2nd February
Positive vibes
While rivals such as Sony and Microsoft have already given their latest financial results, Nintendo is waiting until 2nd February, scheduling it as such a few months ago. As 2016 has a lot going on for the company these quarterly reports are being watched closely, as Nintendo seeks a balance between presenting exciting news to...
Random Behold the Majesty of this Special Super Mario Maker Jacket
A jacket fit for Super Mario
We love our custom gaming clothing here at Nintendo Life; gaming themed novelty t-shirts are the order of the day in the office. We thought it didn't get much better than the Super Smash Bros. trainer jacket but that's now been surpassed by this looking Super Mario Maker jacket, as brought to our attention by Tokyo-based...
New 3DS LL still leads hardware as Wii U dips
Another week, another set of Media Create Japanese charts, and this week brings a few major releases to consider, though hardware sales are only showing minor changes. To kick off with software Yakuza: Kiwami is in the top two positions for PS4 and PS3, making it the most successful new arrival this...
News Resellers Rejoice, Hyrule Warriors Legends Is Getting A Save Data Reset Option
Thank goodness for that
Hyrule Warriors Legends is now available in Japan, and some players have encountered a troubling issue - the game doesn't give you the option to erase your save data, which means that when you sell the game on, the new owner can't start the adventure from the beginning - they're stuck with your save data. You might assume...
News The Official Legend of Zelda Timeline Has Been Updated
New releases and remasters included
The Legend of Zelda is a series known for a tremendous number of things, such as its memorable characters, captivating storylines, spine-tingling music and downright awesome gameplay. However, something that's caused the Zelda community years of theorising is how the games of the series intertwine with each other...
News New 3DS LL (XL) Holds Top Spot in Latest Japanese Charts
Sales down across the board
As January wears on we're getting to the post-Holiday stages in terms of buzz and sales. Not many new titles are coming out, and reveals are thin on the ground as game companies draw breath and put plans in place. With that in mind we have a fairly unremarkable set of Media Create chart results out of Japan, albeit with...
News Nintendo Share Price Rebounds Along With Japanese Stock Market
Miitomo reportedly helps as Nintendo gains above the average
It's been a grisly start to 2016 in the stock market, with dramatic falls in China contributing to falling share prices around the world. After a number of consecutive days of decline the Japanese stock market rallied today, however, and Nintendo's shares seem to have been among the...
News Monster Hunter X (Cross) and New 3DS Continue to Lead the Way in Japan
Splatoon, Super Mario Maker and Wii U also continue decent momentum
The festive period certainly brought cheer for Nintendo in its homeland, as the New 3DS and Wii U enjoyed impressive sales while their key releases led the software charts. The latest Media Create Japanese charts show some understandable drops as January bites, yet the results are...
Gallery This Is What A Dragon Quest Convenience Store Looks Like
Slimes R Us
Last August, Square Enix and Japanese convenience store chain Lawson teamed up to apply a bit of Dragon Quest magic to a Lawson retail outlet in Chiyoda, Tokyo, with the overall objective being the promotion of Dragon Quest VIII on the 3DS. The existing store was given a makeover which included special decals on the outside and themed...
Video This Japanese McDonald's Super Mario Happy Meal Commercial Is Too Adorable For Words
So just watch it instead
We're not going to talk too much about the following video - produced to promote the new range of Super Mario Happy Meal toys now available at Japanese branches of McDonald's - because the normally bountiful English language doesn't provide the words required to describe how utterly adorable it is. So instead, we advise...
News New 3DS and Monster Hunter Continue to Lead in Japanese Charts
Wii U dips below PS4 but maintains strong sales
2016 is now well underway, with all of the crushing realities of the post-festive period - wider waistlines, slimmer bank balances and plenty of regret. In any case, Nintendo is starting the year in Japan with a collective smile, as the company continues to perform well in the busy shopping season...
News Japanese Games Market Falls To Lowest Point In 26 Years, But Full Picture Remains Elusive
Down 13 percent year-on-year, but digital data isn't included
According to data supplied by Famitsu, the Japanese games market has hit its lowest point since 1989. In 2015, games in Japan generated ¥321bn - a 13 percent decline on 2014's total of ¥368.55bn. Sales of games dropped 16 percent to ¥191bn, while games hardware was down to to ¥130bn...
News Japanese Analyst Claims NX Could Launch As Early As October, Will Eat Into Wii U And 3DS Sales
"Concept" announcement between March and May, official unveiling in June
Comments from Nomura Securities analyst Junko Yamamura have lent additional weight to existing claims that Nintendo is looking to launch its new NX console this year. Yamamura says that the console's "concept" -
News Fresh Serving Of Super Mario Happy Meal Toys Coming To McDonald's In Japan
Get in my belly
Nintendo's strong relationship with one of the world's most famous fast food brands continues with the news that McDonald's in Japan is getting a fresh batch of Super Mario Happy Meal toys. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Toad and Boo all feature in this new wave of plastic things, with GoNintendo reporting the following...
News Eiji Aonuma's First Game Recieves A Fresh English Language Patch
It's time to revisit Another Treasure Island
Back in late 1996, with the Nintendo 64 fresh on Japanese store shelves and Super Mario 64 thrilling gamers, Nintendo pushed out a unique title on the aging Super Famicom called Marvelous: Mouhitotsu no Takarajima, which translates as Marvelous: Another Treasure Island. Notable for being the design debut...
Video Hudson's Abandoned R&D Lab Still Has Its Miniature Train Track In Place
All aboard the depression train
Those of you who have been gaming since the 8-bit era will no doubt be very familiar with the name Hudson Soft. A prolific developer during the Famicom / NES, PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 and Super Famicom / SNES eras, the firm was responsible for titles such as Bomberman, Adventure Island, Bonk, Star Soldier and many...
News Nintendo Dominates Festive Sales in Japan as 3DS and Wii U Lead the Way
Japanese 3DS hardware passes 20 million lifetime sales
2015 has been quite a year, and it's fair to say Nintendo has had mixed fortunes. Sales of Wii U and 3DS hardware have been reasonable if not barnstorming, but the company's Kyoto HQ may ring in the New Year with renewed spirits following its end of year sales in Japan. Starting with software,...
Weirdness Gamer Keeps Super Famicom On For 20 Years To Preserve Umihara Kawase Save Data
That's over 180,000 hours
Back in the days when cartridges used batteries to store save data, your precious save files would only remain in existence as long as the battery itself had juice - when the power ran out, the data was lost forever. Collectors of retro games will know this fact all too well; many RPGs from the '80s and '90s are now...
Gotta catch 'em all, again
1996 saw the introduction of the Pocket Monster - or Pokémon, as it is better known - series in Japan. That means that next year is the 20th anniversary of the birth of the franchise, and to celebrate this milestone fans will be able to purchase the very first base set of Pokémon cards - in Japan, at least. The set will...
Higher ticket sales, but lower takings
The world may be gripped by Star Wars fever at the moment but in Japan, the most-seen movie didn't feature lightsabers or X-Wings, but mischievous ghosts and magical timepieces. More tickets were sold for Yo-Kai Watch the Movie 2: King Enma and the 5 Stories, Nyan! than Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but due to...
