I played through my digital copy and was very impressed with the gameplay and the story. One great thing about having the download copy is that I've now moved onto Castlevania: MOF but I can always get right back into Fire Emblem for a quick battle without having to search for the cart. This benefit is adding great replay value since it is always an option for me as I browse my 3DS menu. Just a great game.

I really would like to hear NOA's answer for limiting the US market to the same two options since launch. Very strange.

New 3D Mario + Mario Kart 8 + Smash Bros. = $ales!!! Nintendo has to face the facts that they're in this alone and if any major 3rd party developer is going to come to the party, it will be after Nintendo drives their own sales. They thought that the 3rd parties would drive sales during the Wii U launch but all they got was doom and gloom and a stab in the back by Ubisoft!

With a system that has been out for less than 3 months, how can anyone expect anything more?

Unfortunately, this is the world we live in. It's good to know that ONE company actually cares more about real life security and safety concerns and not ONLY about the bottom line. I'd rather deal with my kid's disappointment about things like this then contemplate the horrors of some predator trying to make contact with them in the guise of a child their age. Nintendo needs to be applauded for their efforts and not ridiculed.

rjejr for President!

People always complain that 3D Land was too short compared to Galaxy, etc. That's done by design where the levels in the mobile version are designed to be completed within 5 to 10 minutes and console versions are intended for much longer gaming sessions. It's like saying, "I prefer my mountain bike over my kid's tricycle over rough terrain". That's the intended purpose.

AMAZING ND!!! Nintendo REALLY brought the news this time. We all knew that their silence these past two months meant that they were in development on several titles but it was a very good move to release this information to their core fans today instead of just waiting for a massive E3 reveal. It makes me feel confident for investing in Wii U for sure.

ZombiU + Cats

The 3DS eShop has really surprised many at how it has developed from the time it was non-existent at the console's launch. Kudos to Nintendo for sure.

Nintendo is held to such a different standard than anyone else in this industry. Analysts complain that the Wii U is too costly but won't have a problem when MS and Sony release their cash suckers in due time. They complain that there are no compelling 1st party releases during the launch window but we all know that neither of the other two upcoming launches will have anything to write home about either. Yet I guarantee that no one will be citing Sony's demise over a slow start.

I got my system on launch day and have already purchased 7 retail games and 1 eShop game. They're getting my money for sure. However, there's nothing else that I want on Wii U right now so I'll be playing my XL more until Rayman Legends hits.

With the lack of advertising and confusing branding, is it possible that there were people who bought Wiis as gifts intending to buy the "new Wii" during the holiday season?

Actually, I said that wrong. I also love mobile gaming on my XL. I meant to say that most people prefer to play mobile friendly games on their mobile device instead of home console experiences on their mobile devices. For example, NSMB2 or SMB 3D Land, where you can play levels in under 10 minutes at a time instead of full on home experiences. This was what the PSP and subsequently Vita offers and both have failed to over take Nintendo's vision of what mobile gaming should be.

These companies never learn. No one really prefers console gaming on the go. Otherwise, the Vita would be dominating right now.

I say that this is completely expected by Nintendo. This would explain their lack of advertising. They know that their major system selling IPs are still on the shelf or in development. They launched the system with their major focus on bringing in 3rd party support (something they lacked last gen) and is pleased to let them shine during the launch window and up until E3. This will give them the "hardcore" cred that they want to get back. Why else would they be so "Indie friendly" in the eShop, with their lax pricing and free update model? I think their major game releases are strategically planned for the next 5-6 years, while their R&D department is already at work on their next home console. E3 will bring the excitement for this system.

FTP could be a very effective way to introduce new IP without the huge cost investment they would have to make in a full retail game. A huge financial investment in an unknown commodity is a very real road block in game innovation. If treated as an experimental sandbox, it could help Nintendo and its fans realize the next big franchise.

I guess I'm the only one here with a positive post for TVii. It works great for me. It picked up my cable programming and all my customized settings. The in game stats and Miiverse posts worked exactly as advertised. Now I'm just waiting for DVR and Netflix functionality.

Why can't they work with Nintendo to offer a Pro Controller pack in, just like GoldenEye did with the Wii Pro Controller. This would allow them to port the game without much re-working of the controls, thus reducing costs. The fact is, they're not sure on ROI due to it being a new system without much history to rely on with games in this class.

Anyone interested in buying this game shouldn't be deterred by this. It is barely noticeable at all. Pick up the game and enjoy. This is just typical hating on Nintendo.

I'm several hours into the game and it hasn't been noticeable.

This is proof that Nintendo has learned from their mistakes. This is the right approach to attract developers to the Wii U.

Great point by Burning_Spear. I whole heartedly agree. As long as the core game is not altered, I'll always be happy with more content. It adds more replay value, which can be useful during those times where you're in between games or waiting for a new game release. You can revisit something like this for some fresh content without having to shell out a lot of cash.

We know from history that Nintendo innovates and the others copy. What will this guy say when Sony and Microsoft copy and build tablet control into their new systems? Will he think the idea is amazing then?

Good performance from Iwata San. Showed a lot of personality.

Great news. We will get to reduced battery capacity within 2 years so having the ability to change it myself is only a plus. Gotta love Nintendo for this.

Nintendo is a game publisher and like other game publishers, they should feel free to be able to publish games for smartphones, as well as their own consoles. They could cross publish smaller games across smartphones and the eShop for smaller experiences. Anyone ever tried Paper Airplane Chase? Games like that could be great on mobile devices, and would provide additional revenue for Nintendo as well.

I'd like to see a Marvel, DC, or Comixology app on my 3DS XL. That would be so kind.

I'm pleasantly surprised at how aggressive Nintendo is being in marketing their new products. This move would rapidly expand the Wii U install base and strengthen their name recognition amongst non-gamers. Not bad.

At $3, I'm in. It'll add additional gameplay to an already great game.

It's a good sign that Nintendo is regaining some hardcore credibility. But let's not forget that it was the casual market that made Nintendo the hardware leader during this run. I'm hoping that we continue to get a good mixture of titles. Nintendo has always been the "fun" company and not just a console full of long complex games that alienate newcomers to gaming.

I agree with nick_gc. There is nothing wrong with a port provided you don't ruin the controls or deminish the gaming experience. So many Wii ports were ruined just because developers felt the need to tack on bad waggle controls. Why not just require the use of the Classic Controller Pro? This way, the controls remain sound and the users get to enjoy the game that users of other consoles get to play? Just because the Wii U controller has a touch screen doesn't mean you have to use it. With a port, you can reach more potential customers than you would otherwise reach.

Good review but the game is a 9 at the very least. One thing though. You have to keep in mind that the game went into development a long time ago for the GC and was limited in disk space and processing power. Nintendo slapped on some motion controls and called it a launch title. We can't now make a complaint that the game has missed out on game evolution since Halo and other last gen games were designed for more powerful systems with larger disk sizes. Let's wait to see what Nintendo has in store for the TRUE Wii Zelda game. With Motion+, it could set new standards in game evolution for others to emulate.

I think that Natal is going to be marketed as a controller replacement for "some" games, such as fitness and sports titles but they will have to couple the experience with some sort of additional controller interface. Remember, the Natal tech was acquired by MS, just the same as they have done with most of their software products in the computing world. They purchased the technology and call it their own.

All MS and Sony have ever done is copy Nintendo's innovation. When it comes time to actually develop a game, they will most likely introduce an additional controller to add precision controls to Natal. And don't be surprised if it fits in each hand, just like Nintendo's remote and nunchuck. But by then, knowing Nintendo, they will already be introducing the next form of gaming control. History sure does repeat itself.

Having 1 to 1 motion in a Zelda title sounds like a great idea but I wonder how much I will have to be flailing my arms when I'm playing it. Zelda games are quite long and are loaded with enemies. I guess I'll have a taste of it when Red Steel 2 comes out.

There are so many games that will be coming to the Wii in the near future that I say, "screw them." I refuse to buy another console just to play their game. If they want my dollars, then they should make a game for MY console.

Nintendo has managed to build a casual gaming brand with the Wii. They managed to convince non-gamers that theirs is the console to try because there are games for them to play too. The inclusion of cameras and wands won't do anything to turn the tide. Nintendo just needs to catch up with the HD trend and add more processing power for the rest of us in their next console.

I must say, not being able to control the minis makes the stages much more challenging than the last one. The level creator is a great inclusion makes the game a steal at $8. Great game.

A must buy, with or without online play. I didn't see Wario though. I wonder if he will be a playable character. I could use him to fart all over the other players.
Starwolf_UK: "Nothing in that trailer beats Cammie dying to the first goomba."
LOL

This is for the "Extreme Casual Gamer". Iwata mentioned it during the presentation. Mostly to be used for relaxation / meditation games, yoga, etc. They are on a mission to be a company that caters to all groups. That is how they marketed the DS so well. That's why they developed the "Touch Generations" brand of games that anyone can play.

Mario Galaxy is sooooo good, it may be a little hard to top so soon after it's release. I really hope they continue the retro trend that they had with WarioLand Shake It. I would love a new 2D Super Mario Bros. with some shake, point, and tilt controls to make the game feel new.

The game looks much better than the first one. Not owning a Motion+ device would deter someone from giving the title a try. Now it becomes a win-win just like it did for Wii Play.