Tag: Japan - Page 61
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...
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...
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...
