Wii U News
December2014
News Sorry to Disappoint, But That 'New' GamePad Mario Kart 8 Commercial is Pretty Old
Just wonky effects, we'd wager
Over the past weekend we saw some chatter around a potential 'new' GamePad in a Mario Kart 8 commercial posted on the Japanese YouTube account; we clicked on over and were disappointed. The focus was on a GamePad shot that showed a controller that appeared thinner but blurry, but we realised this was actually a retread...
News Professional Super Smash Bros. Melee Player Talks Smash 4
Who are this generation's top tier characters?
With Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U being available for quite some time now, one can only imagine the efforts that the competitive scene's partakers will go through to become the very best at Nintendo's latest beat-em-up. It is well-documented that certain characters have received overdue...
News Rosalina & Luma amiibo Exclusive to Target in US, as More Peculiar Defects Are Shown Off Online
Marth has double the power as he dual wields
While the early 2015 amiibo figures will be available — or not if the stock situation remains messy — at all major retailers in Europe, there have been some exclusivity deals arranged in the US. To date Lucario has been confirmed for Toys "R" Us, Shulk for GameStop and Meta Knight for Best Buy. It...
Video What if... Smash Bros. Had Announcers From Other Fighting Games?
Flawless Victory!
We still haven't got enough of Smash Bros. yet, but playing the game relentlessly day after day has had us hankering for revisiting old fighting games. Then, a crazy thought entered our brains — what if the cheesy Smash Bros. announcer was replaced with those of other famous brawlers? The result of this incredibly strange train...
News Developer of Retro City Rampage Explains, Again, Why a Wii U Release Won’t Be Happening
“You can already purchase and play the WiiWare version”
If you were still hoping to see the eventual release of Retro City Rampage on the Wii U eShop in the near future, it’s probably best you erase any thought of it from your mind now. In a post on the game's official website, Vblank Entertainment's Brian Provinciano has spoken out once...
News Super Smash Bros. Grabs Third Place in NPD Charts as Wii U Secures Its Best Week Since Launch
Pokémon ORAS catch 5th and 7th place, amiibo sales match up to Smash Wii U
It's that time again, with November NPD results — which cover US physical retail sales — being released; they cover the vital Black Friday week sales, in particular. For Nintendo the focus was on major releases on both Wii U and 3DS, both of which performed rather well,...
Video Don't Feel Bad If You Self Destruct in Super Smash Bros., Competitors Do It Too
Duck Hunt Dog days
Super Smash Bros. is chaotic at the best of times, and the Wii U version certainly continues the trend. Fast paced and colourful, keeping track of the action while stringing together attacks and dodges can be a tiring business, and silly mistakes happen. Everyone's done it — we self destruct. These self-inflicted kills can be...
News Mario Kart 8 Starting Grid T-Shirt Accelerates Onto Club Nintendo
A pricey option for PAL racers
Club Nintendo may still insist on the completion of particularly annoying surveys, but it's still a useful means to pick up some goodies. While the North American version focuses on download games and occasional extras, the PAL equivalents serve up a range of merchandise, with fairly regular additions in recent times...
Weirdness Legless Peach amiibo Bidding Closes at $25,100
We'll be amazed if that's actually paid...
Not so long ago we reported on another addition to the strange trend for faulty amiibo being sold on eBay, in this case a remarkably legless Princess Peach. Its early running (or not, but you know what we mean) was impressive, as it sought to overhaul the previous $2500 bid for a dual wielding Samus; it was...
News Nintendo Maintains Its Vague Rhetoric on amiibo Stock Concerns
Some details would be nice
It's telling that, as Disney Infinity and Skylander toys pack shelves, Nintendo's amiibo figure range is often thin on the ground, with some models being particularly hard to find. It's a credit to Nintendo's new product that it's selling in such numbers and creating terrific demand, while at the same time there's obvious...
Video Top 5 Things We Love About Smash Bros. For Wii U
So much to love
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is one of the biggest Nintendo releases of the year, and if your're anything like us then you'll already have put plenty of time into this incredible title. If you're perhaps not quite convinced about the game and haven't been swayed by our glowing 9/10 review, then perhaps the following video — in...
Luigi and co. clean up
Last Friday Super Smash Bros. for Wii U was finally released in Japan, and to no surprise it's taken the top spot in this week's Japanese charts courtesy of Media Create. Although the numbers aren't as grand as for the launch of the 3DS version, there are only around two million Wii U owners in Japan, meaning that ten percent...
News TACS Games' Space-Themed Puzzler "Factotum" Heading to Wii U eShop
TACS Games' first foray onto Nintendo hardware
The Wii U eShop is certainly brimming with indie games, but TACS Games' upcoming sci-fi puzzler — Factotum — looks like it could be one of the most unique titles available on the store with it's archaic visuals and brainteasing puzzles. TACS Games is a one man indie game development studio...
Weirdness Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Fans Find Fun New Ways to Brawl
Smashketball is anything but a non-contact sport
Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS aren't exactly short of modes and ways to play, but inevitably gamers are finding peculiar mini-games and concepts of their own; they look fun, too. One concept that some are experimenting with is Smashketball, utilising the Level Editor in the Wii U...
"I’m curious about this too so let’s have a look"
The release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker in North America — it hits Europe on 2nd January — is sure to tempt a few into adding the retail release as a stocking filler. Bursting with charm and providing a substantial spin-off from the popular bonus stages in Super Mario 3D World, it...
News Super Smash Bros. Wii U Basic Bundle Heading for Spain
Currently only confirmed for Spain
Update: Since we originally posted this as a rumour, with a suggestion that it may have been confirmed in a Spain-only press release, Juan Jose Cintas Marquez of Deculture has forwarded us the message that was indeed issued to Spanish press. It appears to confirm all of the details below. Original Article: With...
News Nintendo Dismisses Rumours That The GameCube Controller Adapter Has Been Discontinued
"We are doing everything we possibly can to meet the demand"
It's been well documented in recent days and weeks that there have been substantial stock issues with the GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U; last week Amazon UK cancelled orders citing supplier confirmation that the item was no longer available. That prompted speculation that, despite...
Video Use Your amibo Figures Without Removing Them From Their Packaging
Requires one tiny incision
Since Nintendo’s amiibo figures went on sale, Wii U owners from all corners of the globe have been searching for a way to use the first wave of characters in their games without actually removing the packaging. As users of amiibo will know, Nintendo’s countermeasure comes in the form of a small metallic strip below...
News Koji Kondo Outlines the Importance of Music in Mario Maker
"We always want to make sure the music sounds fresh and new"
Nintendo played a prominent role during last week's début Game Awards in Las Vegas, with Reggie Fils-Aime on hand to introduce a few segments, including the well-received Legend of Zelda Wii U footage. Yet there was another prominent Nintendo figure on hand in Koji Kondo, the iconic...
News Splatoon Developers Continue to Paint a Picture of Progress
Summarising key Twitter posts from recent weeks
A few weeks ago we shared a summary of Twitter posts from the Splatoon development team, with some details and screens being released through these quirky tweets. These images and details have continued since, and with the most recent upload being particularly eye-catching we thought it was high-time...
News Digital Foundry Praises the Performance for Super Smash Bros. on Both Wii U and 3DS
"It's a success for Nintendo fans of either persuasion"
Super Smash Bros. is now available on both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS around the world, meaning that fans can double dip or opt for their preferred system wherever they are. Though full-on cross-play isn't possible, there is some connectivity between the versions — for transferring characters or...
News Nintendo's Holiday Sales and Profit Set to be "Best in Years"
amiibo highlighted as major factor in improved fortunes
We're in the middle of the most crucial shopping season of the year, in which Nintendo and its competitors aim to achieve significant sales. From Nintendo's perspective it's been targeting a recovery for Wii U with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and amiibo, in particular, with the former being a...
News Animal Crossing Plaza Service Stops At the End of This Month
More related news to arrive in 2015
With the Animal Crossing Plaza service ending this month, New Leaf Director, Aya Kyogoku, has issued a reminder and a message of thanks to loyal fans of the service. The plaza remains available on the Wii U eShop until 22nd December 2014, and when this year comes to a close, monthly surveys and the ability to...
News Nintendo Reportedly States That No First Wave amiibo Are Discontinued, More Stock is Coming
No need to panic according to Nintendo of America's David Young
Since the first wave of amiibo figures were released, rumours have been rife about the opening series' discontinuation after intense and ongoing demand prompted a number of video game stores across territories to go out of stock or bump up prices, and also spread the news that three...
Video Teens Test Their Skills On Super Smash Bros. For Wii U
The Fine Bros are at it again
Over the past few years, Nintendo has been making leaps and bounds to recapture the hearts of older gamers. Through titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD and the returning of older and rarer titles to the eShop such as Earthbound, Nintendo may be trying to strike a chord with the hardcore audience who may...
$249.99 Super Mario 3D World bundle on the way
On 7th December over 100 Best Buy stores in the US are hosting Nintendo family game demos, with the headline acts being Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. It's a good chance for gaming families in the US to try out some
Rumour Villager, Marth & Wii Fit Trainer amiibo Discontinued
Prices start to skyrocket
Earlier this week we reported that intense demand for amiibo had prompted UK retailer GAME to hike its prices, increasing the going rate by over 20% from £11.99 to £14.99 in the UK. The situation of limited amiibo stock and increasing prices is getting worse in multiple territories, however, and rumours of discontinued...
Talking Point The Legend of Zelda on Wii U Steals The Show and Raises Expectations
With Star Fox apparently progressing well, 2015 could be thrilling
During E3 this year Eiji Aonuma introduced The Legend of Zelda on Wii U, the long awaited main-series entry on Nintendo's latest home console. We were shown an art style that shared some similarities with Skyward Sword, but with a slightly more nuanced, cel-shaded and detailed...
News Nintendo Wins Four At The Game Awards 2014, While Shovel Knight Scoops Best Indie Prize
A good night for the big N
The Game Awards may not boast the most innovative name, but the first ever ceremony for the new annual event went down relatively well in Las Vegas; our live blog was a happier place than during the VGX broadcast last year. It perhaps veered too far back to bland PR speech occasionally, but there were also a number of nice...
News Nintendo Reveals New Wii U Footage and Details for The Legend of Zelda, Still Set for 2015
Various details revealed, and Star Fox confirmed for pre-Zelda release
During the Game Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nintendo was given a prime slot to showcase all-new footage of The Legend of Zelda on Wii U, with Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto discussing gameplay features and re-affirming that the title will arrive in 2015, with the new Star Fox...
News New Mario Maker Footage Shows Off Multi-Generational Madness
Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World join the fun
The Game Awards 2014 opened on a positive note, with a brief video montage celebrating the legacy of our favourite hobby. Nintendo was very well-represented indeed, going on to open up the show with a closer look at upcoming Wii U title Mario Maker, introduced by Miyamoto-san himself.
Live Watch The Game Awards 2014 From Las Vegas
Nintendo games and exclusives vying for 11 awards
The time has arrived, when we find out whether the glitzy Game Awards 2014 will successfully lay the ghost of VGX 2013 to rest, or simply bring the horror back once again. We hope for the former, and Nintendo's an active partner also up for plenty of awards; join us live for the show! [...
Video Here's Another Awesome Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Japanese TV Commercial
Smashing
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has already been keeping gamers busy in the West, but it is all set to arrive in Japan on 6th December; the 3DS version sold in terrific numbers in the country, and Nintendo will hope to see that momentum shift to the home console entry. When the 3DS version was being marketed in Japan, meanwhile, it had some...
Rumour Dubious Walmart Listing Suggests Supposed Paper Mario Title for Wii U
Sounds like guff to us
Walmart recently listed the generically title 'Paper Mario (RPG) (Wii U)' on its website before quickly removing it, but not quickly enough, as one clever buck managed to snag a screenshot of the accidental upload. There's no box art or any details about the game, aside from an astronomical price tag that we can only hope is...
Feature How We'd Like to See amiibo Used in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Tracking treasure with amiibo
Nintendo’s ridiculously cute diorama puzzler Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is out today in North America (Europe will have to wait until 2nd January). In our review we said it was “relentlessly charming and joyous, and is another example of Nintendo's developers flexing their creative muscles along with game-making...
Live now
Earlier this week there was some concern as talk spread of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U causing a critical system error, a problem acknowledged by Nintendo though — crucially — the issue wasn't necessarily directly linked to the new release. Nevertheless, it's been a source of concern, with Nintendo stating that it would investigate the...
News Shovel Knight Digs For Victory With 300,000 Copies Sold
That's across all formats
Yacht Club Games has revealed that Shovel Knight has sold 300,000 copies since launch. The Kickstarter-funded faux-retro platformer is available on PC, Wii U and 3DS. Back in August, Yacht Club Games revealed sales figures for the game, with 180,000 units sold at that point. Its crowd-funding goal was set at $75,000, but...
News Amazon UK Is Cancelling GameCube Adapter Orders Due To Lack Of Stock
"Our supplier has informed us that this item is no longer available"
Amazon UK is cancelling orders for the Wii U GameCube Adapter due to a reported lack of stock. We've had multiple reports of this happening to buyers in the UK, with our own Anthony Dickens receiving the exact same notification from the online retailer. The email reads as...
News Sonic Boom is Doing Pretty Well!
As a cartoon
So it's rather well known by now that Sonic Boom: The Rise of Lyric is largely busted (although we think its 3DS counterpart, Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, fares better). Even so, there may still be a silver lining when the word "Boom" is associated with "Sonic": the cartoon series that ties with the games seems to be picking up an...
Weirdness Defective Fox and Villager amiibo Now Appear on eBay
Reports of consumers asking stores for faulty amiibo are unconfirmed...
These are strange times in the world of Nintendo collectibles. While a number of us are happily building amiibo collections and trying to ensure that our figures stay in one piece, some are finding faulty toys and making a small fortune on eBay. It kicked off with a dual...
News Masahiro Sakurai Admits That Super Smash Bros. for Wii U May Be His Last in the Series
Expects the franchise to continue
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is one of the biggest releases of the year, while the 3DS version has also proven to be a critical and commercial success following its October release. Masahiro Sakurai, the driving-force of the series that oversees the projects down to the finest details, has often spoken of the great...
News Wii U YouTube Application Receives An Update, But Try Not To Get Too Carried Away
A few minuscule changes
An update for the Wii U’s nifty YouTube application has been issued. While the interface remains the same, a scrolling sound effect has now been added to enhance the browsing experience. The colour of the application's launch icon has also been changed to red. To receive the update, simply open the app from the Wii U HOME...
News Nintendo Serves Up An Infographic For Its "The Time Is Now" Wii U Campaign
We all love a good infographic
Over the past couple of months Nintendo has stepped up its marketing for the Wii U, evidently aware that it needs to capitalise on major releases and amiibo to promote the system and boost its sales around the world. Each region has followed its own path, and in the UK the company has been pushing a hashtag campaign,...
News Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire and New 3DS Lead in Japan, With Wii U Sales Improving
Etrian Odyssey Untold 2 enters charts at number three
As we rattle towards the festive season and retail sales spike, Nintendo is no doubt hoping for strong sales around the world to move towards its targets and overall profitability. While the peak season has arrived in the West — with Black Friday, for example — the biggest sales boosts in...
Parent Trap amiibo Packs a Hidden Family Payload
More than meets the eye
Toys and video games used to compete for family spending power at supermarket check-outs. The recent trend in toy-video-game crossovers does away with this rivalry, but for families makes purchasing decisions all the more confusing. With amiibo joining the likes Skylanders and Disney Infinity (not to mention more niche...
News PDP GameCube-Style Wired Fight Pads for Donkey Kong, Link, Samus and Wario Due in Early 2015
Function as Wii Classic Controllers
With Super Smash Bros. for Wii U pre-occupying a number of gamers, those that are aiming to truly master the title are probably considering their various control options. It's a game that supports practically any controller, even the 3DS, so there should be options to suit anyone. The GameCube controller is...
Weirdness Legless Peach amiibo Now Up For Sale
Literally legless
Since amiibo hit stores we've had the opportunity to interact with some of our Nintendo heroes, even if the final retail figures aren't quite as fancy as the demo units revealed at E3. In the vast majority of cases each model is of reasonable quality, but odd defects can happen — one lucky fan discovered a dual-wielding Samus and...
News Nintendo UK Store Launches "24 Days of Christmas" Sale
Hardware! Games! Clothing! Animal Crossing CD!
The past couple of weeks have brought some enticing deals to shoppers, including those on the lookout for Nintendo treats. While scuffles and death-of-humanity scenes in stores and malls have now passed, there are still plenty of discounts kicking around to grab some nice gifts or treats for ourselves...
Competition Give Someone The Gift Of Nintendo This Christmas
Get that warm fuzzy feeling...
Thanks to our friends at the Nintendo Official UK Store, we have an extra special competition for Nintendo Life readers. As Christmas is a time of goodwill we want one lucky reader to give the gift of Nintendo to a friend or family member who, for whatever reason, deserves a treat this holiday season. The Wii U Family...
News Warhammer 40,000's Seminal Space Hulk Is Drifting Towards The Wii U eShop In 2015
Based on the PC version which launched last year
Games Workshop's tabletop battle game Space Hulk has enjoyed a proud connection with video games. The first interactive adaptations arrived soon after the launch of the boardgame in 1989, with home computers like the Commodore Amiga getting an excellent real-time tactical action title courtesy of...
News Life of Pixel Is A 2D Trip Through Gaming History, And It's Coming To The Wii U eShop
Pixel power
Super Icon's Life of Pixel is a 2D action platformer which aims to celebrate the days when the pixel was king. Placing the player in the role of the titular green hero, you must travel through gaming history and aid Pixel's quest of self-discovery. The title is already available on PC and Mac, and has a unique selling point — each...
News Wii U System Update 5.3.1 Resolves Mario Kart 8 TV YouTube Issue
Also adds sweet, sweet stability
While not necessarily a feature used by many, Mario Kart 8's TV mode, allowing you to upload highlights directly to YouTube, is one of the games most modern features. That said, some users were encountering consistent errors with the feature, halting their attempts at racing stardom on the web. Nintendo promised an...
News Super Smash Bros. Players Encounter Wii U Error Code Problem
Can make both the game and system unplayable
Update 2: Nintendo UK has issued us with the same statement, below, albeit with the UK customer service number; if you encounter the issue you should visit your region's Nintendo site and find your local details. A small percentage of consumers playing Wii U may experience error codes (160-0103 and...
Weirdness That Dual Wielding Samus amiibo is Worth $2500 in the Mad World of eBay
Sold, to that crazy fan over there!
We've rather enjoyed the saga of the dual wielding Samus amiibo here on Nintendo Life, even if it has prompted opportunists to employ a little photoshop manipulation to figures — hello, Brown Yoshi — to seek attention. Last week we reported on the fact that it had popped up on eBay and reached an eye-watering...
Guide The Best Cyber Monday Nintendo Deals in the US
Because Black Friday isn't enough
Last week's Black Friday shenanigans weren't enough for retailers, it seems, as the efforts to separate us from our cash continue on 'Cyber Monday'. The name suggests online deals, naturally, though there are still promotions running within stores too, with GameStop and Target already stating that their deals will...
News EA Cancelled Wii U SimCity Title Before The Foundations Could Be Laid
Planning permission withdrawn back in 2011
Last year EA released SimCity on the PC, an ambitious update of Will Wright's genre-defining 1989 original. While it was warmly received by reviewers, it was plagued with online issues relating to the need for an "always on" connection, resulting in many fans branding it a disaster. It has since come to...
Review Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)
Another treasure to track down
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has been Nintendo's greatest 2014 surprise, announced at E3 and rapidly turned around for a Holiday release — in North America, at least. In theory it's a new IP, too, taking the cute but minor Captain Toad character and providing him with his own game; the whole concept is a spin-off...
News White Wii U 8GB System Trade Price Has Been Slashed In The UK
All in a bid to clear out stock
Just last week we highlighted some outstanding Amazon UK deals on white 8GB Wii U systems, while other retailers have also been discounting the — effectively discontinued — unit to get rid of stock. As the model has struggled to sell it was safe to speculate that it was a damage limitation exercise to clear...
Video UK Smash Bros. Melee Champ Charles Kimmelman Dispenses Some Vital Tips
Advice from a winner
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U hit stores in the UK last week, and to mark the occasion Nintendo UK has released a video which features protips from Charles "Fuzzyness" Kimmelman, who happens to be the UK Super Smash Bros. Melee champion. While Kimmelman states at the start of the video guide — which focuses on the
News Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Enjoy Biggest UK Pokémon Launch Ever
...but Smash Bros. Wii U fails to trouble the top 10
The combined releases of Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire have achieved the biggest launch for a Pokémon title in the UK, ever. The GBA remakes bested the sales of Pokémon X & Y by 17 percent, according to Chart-Track. That performance was good enough to see t
News Research Firm's Black Friday Data Shows Wii U Lagging Behind in Sales
Here's hoping the NPD results are better...
With stores having now closed after their Black Friday week's discounts we can expect plenty of focus on sales numbers, with the upcoming NPD results and sales around different countries eagerly awaited. Nintendo offered key bundles with Wii U and 3DS / 2DS, though the consensus for the US in particular is...
November2014
Review Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue (Wii U)
Take Off Aborted
Movie inspired video games have often taken the liberty of deviating from the plot, throwing in events and scenarios that may be considered out of "canon" with the film's storyline and universe; a lack of faithfulness to the source material has been a frequent criticism throughout gaming history. Little Orbit's Disney Planes: Fire...
News Walmart Offering Hot Deals on Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario 3D World Hardware Bundles
$300 with a free $50 gift card
Though Black Friday madness has now passed, we can still expect retailers to fight for our loyalty up until the festive break. From Nintendo's perspective it'll be targeting Wii U sales, and is no doubt hoping that retailers push exciting promotions — step forward Walmart with its latest deals in the US. The...
News This Lovely White Super Smash Bros. GameCube Controller Is Up For Pre-Order From Japan
Importing is the answer
Earlier today we bemoaned the price hikes and lacking stock of the GameCube Adapter for Wii U, which doesn't appear to be improving after over a week in North America and at launch in Europe. That's a pity, especially if it means some of those with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can't enjoy the game with their controller of...
Amazon UK delaying order to 19th December suggests more stock is coming
Following the launch of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, it quickly emerged that many were finding it hard to buy the Wii U's GameCube Controller Adapter, with stock selling out rapidly. The later suggestion from EB Games that
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off 'Super' New Levels in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
You want to see this...
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is just days away in North America, representing Nintendo's final major retail release of the year; it arrives in the New Year in Europe and Australia. Regular video series Nintendo Minute has therefore taken the chance to show off some new levels, and we think you'll want to see them. This...
Video Here's How amiibo Works With Mario Kart 8, Hyrule Warriors And Smash Bros. Wii U
Where does he get all those wonderful toys
Nintendo's take on the "toys to life" concept — known as amiibo — is finally here, and like so many Nintendo fans over the world we've been having some fun with these amazing little figures. For those who haven't had a chance to see what these awesome mounds of plastic can do, let us educate you with...
Hack job
The Wii U has had a chequered history with third-party support, particularly from Ubisoft, and the belated arrival of Watch Dogs feels a little like a final hurrah — whether we'll see many more big-budget multiplatform mature titles on Nintendo's system is certainly a cause of doubt. This title is here, however, and a viable option for...
Video Join Us For A Look At Hyrule Warriors' Twilight Princess DLC
It's all about Link's new outfit, really
The second piece of Hyrule Warriors DLC is here, and it's a doozy. Introducing the Twilight Princess Pack, you'll be able to control the mighty Twili Midna, try on some new costumes for Link and Zelda, and wield Zelda's devastating Dominion Rod. If you haven't had a chance to see what's new, then this video...
Weirdness The Dual Wielding Samus amiibo is Commanding Bids of Nearly $1000 on eBay
Double whammy
Some of you may recall that just recently we reported on a dual wielding Samus amiibo that showed off a rather humorous factory error. Though having arm cannons on both hands would make basic activities a chore for Samus, she sure would be more deadly. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the owner who nabbed this unique amiibo has taken to eBay...
Feature Five Nintendo Games Perfect For Multiplayer Fun and Thanksgiving
Gather around, dear friends
It's Thanksgiving in the US, a major celebration in which families and friends gather to spend quality time together; naturally entertainment will be high on the agenda. For those that enjoy gaming, meanwhile, it's a chance to break out all those excess controllers and get into the spirit of the occasion with party and...
News Hyrule Warriors Update and Twilight Princess DLC Now Live
Scanning an amiibo might reward you with one rupee, if you've been good...
Hyrule Warriors has evolved a fair amount since launch day, with Koei Tecmo's DLC and updates adding new content while tweaking the basic rules of the game; for one thing you can now level up to a God-like degree, it seems. Today's the day, of course, for the second major...
News Digital Foundry Gives Its Take on Watch Dogs for Wii U
"The Wii U offers by no means the best way to play Watch Dogs"
Just recently we uploaded a video comparing footage of Watch Dogs on Wii U with Xbox 360 and PS4, to provide an indication of how the Nintendo system's version stacks up. The results highlight a closer parity with the 360 iteration, as expected in light of the performance of previous...
News Nintendo Might Not Be Making More GameCube Controller Adapters at the Moment
According to EB Games Canada, at least
If you've been able to pick up a GameCube Controller Adapter for your Wii U Smash enjoyment, you might just be a lucky quick adopter. The accessory is sold out in a number of places in North America, and a quick check online of stores such as Best Buy and GameStop are turning up nothing but Iinternet...
Video How Does Watch Dogs Wii U Compare To The Xbox 360 And PS4 Versions?
The Wii U edition squares off against the best of past and last gen
After a six month delay the Wii U version of Watch Dogs finally launched last week. We've already shown you what the game looks like and how it uses the Wii U GamePad, but now we're going to illustrate how it stacks up against the other versions out there. We recorded footage of...
Feature Five Reasons To Choose Wii U This Holiday Season
To borrow Nintendo's slogan, The Time Is Now
We're approaching a time of year defined by many things. Great times with friends and family, lots of food and plenty of fun. Of course, before the big Holiday itself we have lots of shopping and — with that — plenty of choices to make. For gamers there are a number of treats on offer, with Nintendo,...
News This Mario Kart 8 Badge Set Brings Some Extra Style to Club Nintendo
Available right now in Europe and Australia
Club Nintendo sometimes gets criticism for not providing regular updates of neat collectibles, but the latest arrival in Europe and Australia may satisfy those with some Stars to spend — there's now a Mario Kart 8 badge set. A rather nice presentation box, pictured above, contains three metal badges...
News Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Storm Japanese Charts, New 3DS Sales Climb in Unison
There's 1,500,000 or more to see
Not content with securing first place in the Japanese sales charts, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also managed to secure second place as well with the Double Pack variation. This amounts to over 1,500,000 physical sales for the monster-catching experience in its first week of sales, an astounding feat which...
Weirdness This Back To The Future-Style VR Hoverboard Game Uses The Wii Fit Balance Board
"The Wii Fit board is actually a really awesome device"
The Back to the Future series is packed with memorable moments, but one of the most iconic has to be the hoverboard sequence in the second movie. Inspired by the classic film, Australian developer Kieran Lord has created Hoverboards Inc, a title built in Unity that uses Oculus Rift and the Wii...
Weirdness A Fox amiibo Placed Rather Well in a Tournament, Crushing Mere Mortals
Smashing like a fox...
We've little doubt that a number of gamers in North America are already mastering the intricacies of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, while plenty are surely training up their favourite amiibo to accompany them. Of course, those that consider themselves to be serious players will question just how good the amiibo can get. Based...
News Amazon UK Offers Bargain Prices to Shift Its White 8GB Wii U Bundles
There's even a Smash Bros. deal
Back in November 2012 we had a few debates in Nintendo Life HQ around the merits of the Basic (8GB) and Premium / Deluxe (32GB) Wii U models. With just 3GB of that white system's memory surviving a launch day update it seemed downright pointless to buy a system with such a small amount of space, as it made a hard...
Weirdness April Fools Comes Early As Amazon France Lists ZombiU 2 For Wii U
Being published by Bandai Namco, for some unknown reason
ZombiU 2 isn't happening for several reasons, the first being that the original game — while providing a superb demonstration of the Wii U's potential as well as many excellent jump-scares — didn't sell particularly well. With Watch Dogs looking like Ubisoft's last truly seriou
News Teslagrad to Arrive at Retail on Wii U in Early 2015
Magnetic appeal
In this era of flourishing download-only stores that open the doors to a host of small development studios, it's not often that an indie game will make the move into physical retail. Teslagrad bucks that trend, however, having arrived on a diverse range of digital platforms — including the Wii U eShop — and is now on the way to...
Video New Rodea the Sky Soldier Footage Shows Off Progress
Looks like a modest upscale from the Wii version
For quite a while Rodea the Sky Soldier seemed destined to remain in publishing purgatory, with original developer Prope and project lead Yuji Naka declaring the Wii version finished and simply awaiting release, while the 3DS iteration was mostly ready. Whatever happened behind the scenes, publisher...
News Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Sells Nearly 500,000 Copies on Launch Weekend, Sets US Record
Nintendo promises "a few more surprises" for its fans
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has now been out for a good few days in North America — European gamers don't have long to wait — and has, unsurprisingly, gone down rather well. Critically acclaimed and praised by most that have jumped right in, the brawler has had quite an impact. Nintendo of...
News Spidey’s Arch-Nemesis Venom Is Receiving His Very Own Table In Zen Pinball 2
Releases on the Wii U eShop next month
The ongoing support for the Wii U version of Zen Pinball 2 continues with Zen Studios announcing Spider-Man’s symbiotic nemesis, Venom, will receive his very own themed table. The Marvel Comics-inspired table – also featuring the heroic web slinger Spider-Man, Eddie Brock as the empowered villain, and...
Guide The Best Black Friday Nintendo Deals in the US
Wii U and 3DS are covered
Update: With the Black Friday deals now kicking in across online retailers, and with midnight store openings on the way, we'll update this guide (initially posted on 24th November) with additional attractive deals throughout the day. Original Article: It's that time of year, once again, when all etiquette and old-school...
Weirdness Super Smash Bros. amiibo Modifications and Game Glitches Emerge
The anomalies have already begun...
With Super Smash Bros. for Wii U being out in North America for a number of days already, it's inevitable that fans will encounter their own unique experiences with the game and its accompaniments. For example, one lucky fan managed to grab hold of a factory-error amiibo, with Samus Aran having two arm canons...
Review Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (Wii U)
Sonic Doomed
Sega's once-venerable Sonic the Hedgehog series has become a bit of a punchline in the gaming industry in recent years. With entries ranging from decent to mediocre to horrible, each new release is met with trepidation and well-earned cynicism. Sonic just hasn't been fully on top since his 16-bit heyday, and while his original 3D...
News Mario Kart 8 Scoops Best Game Prize at British Academy Children’s Awards
Another cup won
It's been a big year for Mario Kart 8, with the racer boosting Wii U sales and delivering a franchise first with the recently released DLC. It's been given plenty of praise, and now has a relatively lucrative award to celebrate. Every year the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosts its Children's Awards, to...
Video Jimmy Fallon Reveals He's A Keen Mario Kart 8 Bowser Player
It's good to be bad
We've all got our own personal preferences when it comes to Mario Kart. Some of these have been built up over the past two decades since the SNES original was released, while others are founded on more recent instalments. Which character a person picks says a lot about their play style and temperament — and thanks to an...
News Sonic Boom Wii U And 3DS Both Stall Outside Of The UK Multiformat Top 40
Beleaguered reboot fails to find commercial success
We don't need to explain the bad stink which has surrounded the launches of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal. The much-hyped cross-platform reboot of Sega's famous franchise doesn't seem to have gone as planned, and it would appear that this negative feeling has impacted...
Guide Getting the Most out of Your amiibo with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Oh, amiibo!
Nintendo’s near-field communication figurines, amiibo, have finally landed in North America; what better way for them to punch and kick their way into our homes (and hearts) than to do so in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Nintendo’s latest home console version of the crossover fighting series offers in-depth support for the figurines,...
Video Two Smash Bros. Instructional Videos to Get You Brawling with the Best of Them
One's perhaps more advanced than the other
Did You Know Gaming and Nintendo have both released some instructional videos for the Super Smash Bros. series. Did You Know Gaming focuses on the advanced techniques from the earlier games such as wave dashing and directional influence, but Nintendo has taken a much more basic approach. It's the first part...
News Super Smash Bros. for Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter Sold Out Already in Most US Stores
eBay prices skyrocket
Nintendo were right to release the GameCube Controller Adapter for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, as it appears the popularity of the peripheral was far greater than many stockists of the device were anticipating, leaving it out of stock already in most US stores. Many Smash Bros. veterans swear by the GameCube controller as...
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and amiibo Gameplay
They have a Mario graphic on their phones...
With the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in North America, it's no surprise that weekly video series Nintendo Minute is taking the opportunity to show off the game and the accompanying amiibo range. After some four-player matches regular hosts Kit & Krysta — with guests Mike and Adam —...
Feature A Day in the Life of a Self-Confessed Super Smash Bros. Fanatic
It's always a smashing day
Martin Watts regularly thrashes his Nintendo Life colleagues in online Smash Bros. matches, and now we know why. In this article he outlines a typical day now that two versions of the brawler are available. Nintendo’s decision to release not one, but two Super Smash Bros. games in a single year has always been...
Video GameStop Shows How It Faked 'Karissa the Destroyer' at Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Event
Cue silly music and excessive high-fiving
Earlier this month shaky-cam footage emerged of a 10-year-old gamer thrashing the competition at Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, duly being given the nickname 'Karissa the Destroyer'. It all took place at a supposedly random GameStop preview event for the game. It did seem fishy, however, prompting us to...
Expresses confidence for the Holiday season
Reggie Fils-Aime, the President and COO of Nintendo of America, has been rather busy in the past week doing the rounds with the US media, primarily mainstream consumer and business outlets. With the absolutely vital Black Friday and Holiday seasons around the corner, it's an important time as the company...
Talking Point Super Smash Bros. Can Finally Reach Its Money-Spinning Potential
All the pieces have come together
We often talk up Nintendo's alternative and unique approach in the current games market, primarily that of generally focusing on colourful, fun games that often run at a silky smooth 60 frames per second; when it comes to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, we're even looking at a native 1080p resolution to round off the...
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