Wii U News
January2014
News Masahiro Sakurai Confirms Separate Super Smash Bros. Trophies for Wii U and 3DS
Even more of them to collect
Masahiro Sakurai took a short break from posting daily Super Smash Bros. screens over the festive period, but has today made his triumphant return to the Miiverse Director's Room community. We'll be resuming our weekly summary from next week, but it may interest you to know that Sakurai-san has used his first post of...
News Dallas Tech Company iLife Thinks Nintendo Stole Its Idea For Motion Control
Federal lawsuit has been filed by the firm
A Dallas-based technology company has filed a federal lawsuit against Nintendo claiming that the Japanese video game manufacturer has violated six of its patents by including motion-sensing tech in its Wii and Wii U consoles. iLife Technologies and Solutions — which claims to invent "innovative...
News Nintendo Dominates Japanese Charts At Christmas
Not bad
Famitsu has released its multi-format sales figures for Japan, covering 23rd to 29th December. The title of this news post has given away who "won", but can you guess by how much? Wii U and 3DS games took eight out of the top ten positions, with the only non-Nintendo game to break it up being the Vita and Playstation 3 releases of Final...
News NES Remix Miiverse Contest Cancelled Due To Emergence Of Exploit
Cheaters never prosper, but ruin it for everyone else
Remember that NES Remix Time Attack Challenge contest we told you about not so long ago? Turns out Nintendo has discovered an exploit within the game which allows players to post a faster time. Director Koichi Hayashida has therefore issued a statement via Miiverse regarding the termination of...
Review Wipeout: Create & Crash (Wii U)
Primetime pratfalls
ABC's Wipeout - transatlantic cousin to the BBC's Total Wipeout - is a long running television show that sees a motley crew of caricatured contestants enthusiastically flinging themselves through, over, and off of the real-life equivalents of foam-padded platforming levels. It's also had quite a few video game adaptations over...
News Tantalus Media Seeking Staff With Wii U Experience for New Triple-A Title
Funky Barn 2: The Cattle's Revenge?
Wii U owners have had to endure plenty of game announcements that have skipped Wii U in recent months, so we're happy to jump on any news that suggests an upcoming project is destined for the Nintendo system alongside its new rivals in the market. It seems that a "new AAA Next-Gen title" from Tantalus Media, a...
News Wii U Skylanders Bundle Deal Heading to GameStop This Weekend
A tempter for U.S. shoppers
With the festive shopping season now gone, retailers begin the challenging task of making us all spend even more money, after so many splashed the cash at the end of 2013. GameStop has sounded the New Year retail desperation klaxon with its first run of promotions for 2014, while also declaring this to be the "Year of...
News Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki Is Speeding Towards Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
"I see"
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed was one of the true gems of the Wii U's early software line-up, and until Mario Kart 8 crosses the finish line and hits store shelves it remains one of the console's best racers. After a leaked reveal on Yogscast a short time ago, Sega has been tweeting various images over the fes
Review SpongeBob Squarepants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge (Wii U)
Best left in a pineapple under the sea
Not content with his role as star of an immensely successful Nickelodeon cartoon and enviable position as the world's most popular anthropomorphized sponge, SpongeBob Squarepants also enjoys a prolific and presumably lucrative side-career in the world of video games. This latest release, Plankton's Robotic...
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014
Some good 'uns are on the way
A new year is here, and with it comes the opportunity for Nintendo and its partners to excite Wii U owners in the best possible way — with great games. We've decided to list some of the most anticipated and exciting games coming to the Wii U in 2014, all as a taste of what's to come. Our aim with this list is to...
Talking Point New Year Resolutions for Nintendo
We can all improve
With 2014 now here, it provides an opportunity to take stock and consider ambitions for the year, as well as identify areas of improvement. We can all do better things and improve ourselves, but what of major corporations? The same rule applies to them, so below are some suggestions for Nintendo, which brought us so much to enjoy...
December2013
Review Angry Birds Star Wars (Wii U)
The one that flew over the cuckoo's nest
Star Wars games have had something of a tumultuous journey in recent years. Whereas the nineties and early noughties saw a slew of fantastic Star Wars games, there’s no denying that quality control has taken something of a back seat in more recent times. The franchise has been increasingly used to primarily...
Site News How was 2013 for Nintendo Life?
Killed it
Whilst 2013 might not go down in history as a vintage year for Nintendo, it draws to a close with Wii U sales seemingly on the increase and 3DS still holding its firm dominance of the handheld market. For us, here at Nintendo Life, 2013 has been a fantastic year - our best yet. If I had to choose a single highlight of running a gaming...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Readers' Awards 2013
You have spoken
On Christmas Day we asked you to choose your Game of the Year winners, and we've been delighted by your enthusiasm to do just that. We received thousands of votes across all categories as you had your say on the best gaming that was on offer with Nintendo's systems. The categories were the same as for our Staff choices, yet you...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2013
A great year for gaming
As 2013 draws to a close it's time to look back and consider which games we enjoyed the most, and then heartily debate the results. It's Game of the Year time, and first up we have the Nintendo Life staff votes. The categories for the site's staff were the same as those in the community votes, though the results were...
News Eurogamer's Game of the Year is a Nintendo Winner
A purrfect result?
Later today we'll publish the results of our staff votes for Game of the Year, in a whole host of categories, with the Reader votes to be counted and shared tomorrow for the Community Awards. We're fascinated to see which games come out as winners in various categories, but while we collate votes we thought we'd share the overall...
Round Table Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
There were some awesome Wii U games this year, you know...
In the second part of our round table, covering 2013 — part one's discussion of the 3DS is right here — we talk over the Wii U and its biggest games. We also look ahead to what's coming, list some random favourite games and, somehow, return the subject to Altered Beast, as is now...
News Nintendo Network Services Now Starting to "Operate Normally"
Europe provides update to state that store will still close for 12 hours
Update 2: Nintendo of America appears to be making some progress in returning to a full service in the region, having all services up and running with the exception of the 3DS eShop, which is closed from 4pm Eastern until 4am Eastern on 29th December. [tweet Update: As of...
News Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Is One Of Ken Levine's Best Games Of 2013
Irrational Games creative director and co-founder loves a bit of Link
While many of us would have preferred a brand-new Zelda adventure to play on our shiny new Wii U consoles in 2013, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD was the next best thing. A gorgeous remaster of a certified classic, the game kept many Nintendo fans happy this year —...
Feature Our Nintendo Moments of 2013 - Part Two
Tom, Dave and Lewis share their favourite 2013 memories
In the slightly delayed second part of this series, three more members of the Nintendo Life team share their favourite moments and memories from 2013. This time around we have features editor Tom Whitehead, US reviewer Dave Letcavage and news hound Lewis Childs. Tom Whitehead: 2013 has...
News Notch "Not Aware of Any Plans" for Minecraft on Wii U
That'll be that, then...
Earlier this week we shared a rumour that Minecraft was in development for Wii U, but urged that you take it with a bucket of salt. It originated from a claim based on an unnamed retail source, and while we wondered how a retailer would know that Mojang was working on Minecraft on Wii U development kits, it was certainly...
News Nintendo Dominates Festive Hardware Charts in Japan
Wii U sales increase to over 100,000 units
The most recent Japanese Media Create game charts were revealed on Christmas Day, and will have certainly brought festive cheer to Nintendo HQ. In the last full shopping week before the big day there were major successes for the company in terms of both hardware and software, with the 3DS dominant and the...
News Zelda Unveiled as New Smash Bros. Challenger
The legendary Princess is back
It seems that even the festive season doesn't stop Masahiro Sakurai and his team from bringing us more Super Smash Bros. goodness. The official website for the game is once again causing buzz with the unveiling of a new challenger, and it's the return of another favourite. Zelda has been revealed this time, once again...
News Nintendo Acknowledges Network Issues and Suggests Patience
eShop platforms now live for limited time periods
Update 3: In its own version of Nintendo of Europe's update, Nintendo of America has now confirmed that the eShop platforms are live once again, but will be offline in the Americas between 4pm and 4am Eastern Time. You can see the full update post on the company's official Facebook page. Update 2:...
Feature Our Nintendo Moments of 2013 - Part One
Ron, Morgan and Lee share Nintendo memories
In the first of a festive two-part series, some of your humble Nintendo Life writers share their favourite Nintendo gaming memories of 2013. In this first part we have three of our U.S. reviewers and news hounds, Ron DelVillano, Morgan Sleeper and Lee Meyer. Ron DelVillano: One of the strangest...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Super Mario 3D World Captures Hearts
A perfect Christmas Day game
Over the past two weeks we've covered eleven games, trends or events from the year that we feel represent some of the best of Nintendo in 2013; we'll have a lot more 2013 reminiscences and Game of The Year awards in the coming week, too. Yet it seemed appropriate to end this series on potentially the biggest high for...
Rumour Minecraft Is Already In Development For Wii U, GamePad Said To Be The Focus
Could be released by the end of 2014
Minecraft is something of a smash hit, having sold over 30 million copies since its launch a few years back. The game is currently being ported to the PS3, PS4, PS Vita and Xbox One — and, if a new rumour is to be believed, the Wii U. The source is a retailer who has previously shared inside information with...
News Animal Crossing: New Leaf Climbs Back Into the UK Top 20
Remainder hold firm or drop slightly
The last UK chart results before Christmas are in, and they show a largely steady week with minimal changes, albeit with some discounts or last minute rushes moving some positions around. The best story from Nintendo's perspective is Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which climbed eight places in the all-format charts...
News Wii U "More Than Capable" Of Providing The Core Project CARS Experience, Says Developer
Slightly Mad's Andy Tudor says Wii U version is "extremely promising"
Project CARS is a unique game in more ways than one. A rival to the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza, the racer has been crowd-funded and is being developed with the assistance of more than 35,000 backers. Alongside Kickstarter, Slightly Mad's Worlds of Mass Development platform...
Video Nintendo Minute Chooses Its Top Games of the Year
All must have games
Over the past week we've shared a mini series of videos from "Nintendo Minute", a regular YouTube show from Nintendo of America. Its hosts have been shortlisting their favourite 3DS, eShop and Wii U games, and in the final part confirmed each other's top choices. We should think only one guess is required to predict the Wii U...
News Nintendo Reiterates Confidence That the Wii U Can Compete
"We’re standing apart offering variety and value"
The Wii U's year to date, though undoubtedly showing upward momentum of late, hasn't yet hit the targets that Nintendo has set. It's looking like a statistical long shot that it'll come particularly close to the company's nine million sales target for the financial year, which will have Satoru...
News GamePad High Capacity Battery Now Available in North America
From the Nintendo Store
Earlier this year Nintendo finally released an official high capacity Wii U GamePad battery, which promises to boost a typical charge from around 3-5 hours of playtime to roughly eight hours. Aside from the case of the most dedicated marathon gamers, the battery can potentially make the blinking red light of doom a thing of...
News Mario Kart 8 Jump Festa Impressions
They're floaty light!
Over in Japan gamers attending the Jump Festa 2014 show are getting to grips with Mario Kart 8, lucky things. Reports so far tell us that there are three tracks for attendees to play — "Circuit", "Resort" and "Ghost House", which sound the same as the demo builds we've enjoyed in the West — and the game allows two players...
Video This Atmospheric Tengami Trailer Makes The Wait For The Wii U Version Even Harder
Turning the page
Tengami is certainly one of the most unique games we've seen in quite some time, and is one we've been keeping a watchful eye on ever since we broke the news that it's coming to the Wii U eShop. Developed by former Rare staffers Phil Tossell and Jennifer Schneidereit, Tengami is an adventure where you can interact with parts of the...
Video Just Look For The U On The Box, Nintendo's New Wii U Promotion Helpfully Suggests
Nintendo finally gives the console the commercial it deserves
Nintendo itself will be the first to admit that it hasn't done the best job of communicating exactly what Wii U is all about, and that has led to confused costumers all over the globe. Is it a new system? Is it an add-on? Is it more powerful than the original Wii? These are all questions...
Video Nintendo Minute Highlights Its eShop and Wii U Favourites of 2013
Nintendo Life also makes a very brief cameo...
Not too long ago we told you about the Nintendo Minute show kicking off its Favourites of 2013 with the 3DS. Since then two new episodes have emerged covering the eShop platforms and the Wii U, as it all builds up to the overall favourites that are yet to be published. The eShop list in particular has...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - A Year of Promotions from Nintendo
Spend a little, get a bit more
While we could argue until the end of days about some aspects of Nintendo pricing, particularly with download retail games, 2013 has been another year where the company has taken positive strides to offer promotions and incentives on key games and their systems. Whether in Europe or North American there are decent odds...
News Sony's President of Worldwide Studios Actually Has Two Wii U Systems
"The latest Mario game is really good, too"
There's pandemonium on the streets, cats and dogs are living together, self-professed hardcore gamers are playing pet sims, and Mario's main power-up is now an AK47. The gaming world has lost its senses, there's no going back. Well, not really, it's just that Sony's President of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei...
News Funky Kong's Return Confirmed for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Nintendo is being suitably vague on whether he's playable
When quizzed on whether there would be a fifth playable character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze at the recent VGX awards, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime nudged and winked so enthusiastically — not literally, admittedly — that it was clear more tricks were up...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 18th December 2013 Broadcasts
Hyrule Warriors, NES Remix, Kirby, Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 and much more
With the Holiday season rapidly approaching, Nintendo took the opportunity to bring us all new Nintendo Direct broadcasts to show us what's to come, throw in a surprise or two and build some buzz around both the Wii U and the 3DS. Broadcasts in Europe and North America —...
News Tech Site The Verge Thinks The Wii U's Failure Won't Change Nintendo
Console a "bad idea," but software-only rumors are ridiculous
As should be well known by now, plenty in the media have not looked favorably upon the Wii U's performance to date. Yet while some say Nintendo should throw in the towel when it comes to hardware or dive headlong into the new hotness of mobile games, Sam Byford on The Verge holds a...
News UK Magazine EDGE Names Nintendo Publisher Of The Year
Fire Emblem and Super Mario 3D World considered two of 2013's best games
Nintendo hasn't had the best year, what with the Wii U underperforming and third party support on the wane, but there have been some incredible highs to consider — including a robust performance by the 3DS and some amazing first-party releases. As if to acknowledge...
News Nintendo Looking Into "Little Experiences" on Smartphones and Tablets
"It’s largely going to be much more marketing activity-oriented"
When it comes to smartphone and tablet content Nintendo has been painstakingly clear on two points in recent times — it has no plans to release its full games on the platforms, but is looking at ways to utilise the enormous number of smart devices to promote its hardware and games...
News New Donkey Kong Trailer Grabs Attention as European Release Date is Confirmed
21st February, same as in the Americas
We can't help but feel that Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has been given a tough time by some, by virtue of the fact that it's a Retro Studios game that isn't Metroid. But still, it's a follow-up to the brilliant Donkey Kong Country Returns, so could be an excellent 2D platformer. We will see, in any...
News Rosalina, Baby Characters, New Courses And Unique Rides All Confirmed For Mario Kart 8
UFOs, ATV buggies and bikes all inbound
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast was bursting with new information about a host of Wii U and 3DS titles, and those looking forward to Mario Kart 8 weren't left disappointed. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed a whole host of fresh info about the forthcoming Wii U racer, including new tracks and...
News Rosalina And Luma Work Their Magic On The Super Smash Bros. Roster
The gang is getting bigger
It has been revealed during today's Nintendo Direct that Rosalina and Luma will be adding their strength to the Super Smash Bros. line-up on Wii U and 3DS. The announcement came in a rather cheeky video which began with Kirby racing through the Rainbow Road circuit with Kart-riding Mario and Donkey Kong, leading some to...
News Exclusive Sonic Lost World DLC Now Available For Download On The Wii U eShop
Might we add that it's free?
Sonic is set to embark on an adventure into the world of everyone's favourite green dinosaur Yoshi, as Yoshi's Island Zone becomes the first of two Nintendo-themed levels available for Sonic Lost World on the Wii U. If this news isn't good enough, you'll be pleased to know that's available to download right now on the...
News Hyrule Warriors Is Zelda Meets Dynasty Warriors, And It's Coming To Wii U In 2014
New crossover title announced during today's Nintendo Direct
Nintendo and Tecmo Koei have announced during today's Nintendo Direct a brand-new title which unifies the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors. Hyrule Warriors — that's a working title, by the way — takes the combat-heavy gameplay of Tecmo Koei's popular Warriors...
News Wii U Sales Jump Again as Nintendo Maintains Hardware Dominance in Japan
It's the most wonderful time of the year
After a year of enjoying the triumph of 3DS in Japan while wincing at Wii U sales, it seems both of Nintendo's systems are now showing strong form in Japan. This week's results see another major leap for the Wii U, while the 3DS has an outstanding week along with the highest selling software titles. To start...
Nintendo Direct Watch The European Presentation Live
See what's in store for Spring 2014
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast is going to offer a tantalising glimpse of the kind of games you'll be playing on your 3DS and Wii U in Spring next year. The video goes live at 2PM UK time, so be sure to tune in and share your thoughts in our live chat stream...
Nintendo Direct Watch The North American Presentation Live
Spring 2014 titles for Wii U and 3DS expected
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast is due to air at 6AM PT (9AM ET) and will focus on Wii U and 3DS games set to launch in Spring 2014. You can watch the entire thing right here on Nintendo Life. Make sure you tune in and post your thoughts in the live chat area to tell us what you think about the...
News Ender's Game Star Asa Butterfield Cut His Teeth On The Nintendo GameCube
"The HD version of Wind Waker makes me want to get a Wii U"
British actor Asa Butterfield may only be a tender 16 years of age, but he's already got a pretty impressive CV. He starred in the harrowing World War II drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas back in 2008 before hooking up with legendary director Martin Scorsese for the dream-like Hugo. More...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Wii Fit U Steps Up a Level While the Trainer Gets Ready to Brawl
Feel the burn
Wii Fit U has had an odd history to date, with little mention for much of 2013 before Nintendo then announced a terrific trial download offer. We knew it was still a project very much on the way, however, because it was part of quite possibly the oddest E3 reveal in recent memory — to the point that we initially thought it was a...
News PC Engine And MSX Games Coming To Japanese 3DS And Wii U Virtual Console Services
Retro goodies promised for next week
Nintendo has confirmed that it is expanding both the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Console services in Japan to cover additional systems. On the 25th December, PC Genjin (600 Yen) and Parodius (800 Yen) will be hitting the Wii U Virtual Console — titles which originally released on the PC Engine and MSX respectively...
News Wii Fit U Retail Release Pushed Back to 10th January 2014 in North America
Lose those excess pounds
Wii Fit U has had an odd history to date, arriving with a neat download trial and Wii Fit Meter offer, but having issues making it to the retail market. The retail disc version was delayed to 6th December in Europe and failed to make an impact on the charts, while in North America alternative official Nintendo websites cited...
News System Maintenance Targeting Wii Sports Club Shortly After Nintendo Direct
What a coincidence
As many Nintendo enthusiasts likely already know, tomorrow will bring another Nintendo Direct broadcast to capture our attention. Coincidentally — or not, as the case may be — a short burst of system maintenance will affect Wii Sports Club online play and rankings shortly after that broadcast. Below are the compiled details...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Animal Crossing Helped 3DS Turn Over a New Leaf
A game for all
While a number of 3DS titles have performed well for Nintendo in 2013, Animal Crossing: New Leaf has been a notable success story. While its core sales numbers have been impressive, it's perhaps been the cultural impact of New Leaf that's been the most pleasing for those keen to see 3DS success. To give some context of how well...
News Nintendo Direct Focusing On Wii U And 3DS Games Coming Spring 2014 To Air Tomorrow
Could we see some new titles?
Nintendo has just confirmed that a Nintendo Direct broadcast devoted to Wii U and 3DS titles coming in "Spring 2014" will air tomorrow — that's Wednesday 18th December, just in case you're confused. The video will go live at 6AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM UK, and you'll be able to watch it right here on Nintendo Life. Expect...
Video Lycra-Clad Promo Insists That Wii Fit U Is "Fitness That Fits"
Working up a sweat doesn't have to be that hard
Wii Fit U is available for download from the eShop right now, and aims to expand on the massive global success of Wii Fit and Wit Fit Plus. In order to spread the word and educate the masses, Nintendo has released a promotional video which illustrates how versatile the game is and shows the benefits of...
News French Manufacturer Renault Rolls Into The Project CARS Garage
The roster expands again
It has been confirmed that Renault has joined the large list of car manufacturers that will be allowing its vehicles to appear in the forthcoming Project CARS. Six famous Renault cars will be included, ranging from the new 2014 Mégane RS to the legendary 1978 Alpine A442B, as driven by Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre...
News Boogie On The Dancefloor With New DLC For Just Dance 2014 This Week
Includes Lady Gaga, Calvin Harris and that PSY guy again...
Owners of the latest entry in the Just Dance series, Just Dance 2014, will be able to download some of 2012 and 2013's biggest hits such as Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding's 'I Need Your Love' and PSY's 'Gangnam Style'. A new version of 'Applause' is included, featuring the official dance...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Devours Time and Pushes Boundaries
Wii U and 3DS cross-play brings Hunters together
Monster Hunter Tri on the Wii was a standout not just for its epic scale and unique style, but for its ability to bring owners of the system together in a solid, cohesive online component; that was a rarity. With honourable exceptions such as Mario Kart Wii, many titles on Nintendo's last-gen system...
Video LEGO The Hobbit Prepares Us For Adventure in Its Début Trailer
One Ring to rule... ah, wrong one
Not too long ago we brought you the happy news that LEGO The Hobbit has been confirmed for 2014, with the Wii U and 3DS included in its release lineup. It'll cover events from the first two films of the film trilogy, An Unexpected Journey and The Desolation of Smaug, and like those movies will probably take enough...
News Wii U Version Of How To Survive Will Be Reanimated Next Year
Zombie title launched on other formats in October
Remember How to Survive, the zombie-infused action title which hit Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and Windows in October? The game was due to see release on the Wii U eShop as well, but we've heard nothing about it since then. Thankfully, publisher 505 Games hasn't totally forgotten about the...
News Nintendo Titles Fail to Infiltrate the UK All-Format Top 20
Super Mario 3D World does finally beat Knack, though
Monday morning means that it's UK game charts time, with the all-format results — perhaps unintuitively — making better reading for Nintendo at the present time. This is due to the charts being packed with multi-platform games, in particular, with single-platform titles placing higher when not...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Pikmin 3 Finally Ended the Long Wait
A more than welcome return
When considering Nintendo's most treasured franchises it can be humbling to consider how many began in the 8-bit NES era or even, in more primitive forms, in Arcade cabinets before then. It can be argued as a wonderful strength or as an area of concern, depending on an individual's opinion or whichever way Nintendo's...
News Reggie Cuts North America's Biggest Wii U Fans A Sweet Pizza Hut Deal
Club Nintendo members, rejoice
Pizza and gaming — they go hand-in-hand. Since the early days, Nintendo gamers have sat on their couch alongside family and friends with a box of pizza, the latest Mario Kart, and multiple greasy controllers. It's the natural order of things. Now, to further this relationship between pizza and gamers, Nintendo of...
Video Nintendo Serves Up Another Batch of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Adverts
Ace
Over the past couple of months Nintendo has released a number of TV commercials featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Unsurprisingly, Wii Sports Club: Tennis was one of the first games to be promoted in the series of adverts, which saw Agassi get beaten at his own game by a little girl. The latest batch of trailers starring the...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - The Legend of Zelda's Legacy Continues
Plenty to enjoy for 3DS and Wii U owners
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most powerful and iconic brands, a franchise capable of exciting a legion of fans with little more than a subtle hint of a teaser. In pure sales numbers it doesn't always match up to the mighty Mario, but its impact has arguably been as great as the plumber's in terms...
News Marty Reminds 3DS Users What Not To Do On Miiverse
Now be responsible!
Nintendo of Europe's Marty has issued a new announcement via Miiverse regarding Code of Conduct and the sharing of Friend Codes on the 3DS and Wii U social network service. This timely reminder slots in with the recent Miiverse update for the 3DS, and has likely been issued to inform first-time Nintendo Network ID users about...
News Nintendo Announces Its YouTube Video Challenge Winner
They're off to Sundance for a DK project
In recent times Nintendo of America has been running a contest with a number of popular YouTube channels, in which they were challenged to produce videos based on Super Mario 3D World or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. We featured one of the entries, in which a cat wasn't impressed by the idea of...
News Adventure Time Video Game Soundtrack Available Now
Available to stream on SoundCloud
Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! may flutter between a wonderful homage to the series and a slightly disappointing sequel, but one thing's for sure, the musical score is up to scratch and is no doubt something you'll want to listen to when the game comes to an end. So you'll be glad to hear...
News NPD Results Deliver a 3DS Milestone And Modest Wii U Sales
3DS contributes towards NPD's best November hardware sales on record
After some speculation over performance during the Black Friday period, the NPD sales results — which cover the U.S. market — have begun to emerge. Nintendo has issued its press release to give its version of events that paint a particularly positive picture for the 3DS, while...
Talking Point Miiverse Can Promote System Unity And Serve As A Powerful Wii U Advertisement
Tens of millions of Nintendo fans can now interact
This week Nintendo finally delivered Miiverse, along with the Nintendo Network ID and shared eShop fund support, to the 3DS. While it has its flaws — which we'll cover to some degree this weekend — that's to be expected with any launch, especially one such as this that fundamentally shakes up...
News Aussie Pirate Sued For Illegally Sharing New Super Mario Bros. Gets Ganon Statue From Nintendo
"I do still love Nintendo even after being sued"
Those of you with especially good memories may recall the story of Australian gamer James Burt, who was successfully sued by Nintendo in 2010 to the tune of $1.5M AUD (around $1.3M USD, or £839K) for illegally copying New Super Mario Bros. Wii and making it available for download on the web. It...
Video Family Gamer TV Is Putting Wii Fit U Through Its Paces This Christmas
Fight the flab
With Christmas approaching and the excess that goes with celebrating the season appropriately, our thoughts will soon be turning to reclaiming our former vigour. Don’t worry though — Wii Fit U is at hand, and what’s more you can try it for free for a month (up to January 31st). If you like it you can then get the full game by...
News Devil May Cry's Dante And Lady Are Crossing Over To Monster Hunter Frontier G
Cool new costumes and weapons for the online monster-slaying epic
Capcom has revealed that Monster Hunter Frontier G — the MMORPG version of its popular beast-killing franchise — is getting some Devil May Cry-related content. Dante’s costume is for sword users of level seven or higher, and offers two different blades: Rebellion I and...
News Platinum Games Producer Hates "Pedantic Port-Begging" Regarding Bayonetta 2
"We heard you. We get it."
Platinum Games Creative Producer JP Kellams has taken to Twitter to voice his displeasure at people who continue to ask when Bayonetta 2 is coming to a Sony or Microsoft console. Bayonetta 2 is currently a Nintendo exclusive, and is likely to remain that way as Nintendo itself has invested money in its development...
News Industry Analyst Predicts Disappointing Outcome For Wii U Lifetime Sales
Here we go again
While Wii U sales momentum continues in Japan, analyst reports in the west continue to paint a dire picture for the future of Nintendo’s latest home console. A market research report provided to IGN by research and consultancy firm DFC Intelligence unsurprisingly considers the Wii U as a video game s
News SNES Inspired 'Super World Karts GP' Adds Wii U to Funding Goal
Mode-7 inspired kart racer adds Wii U funding goal to Kickstarter campaign
With Mario Kart 8 on the horizon, you wouldn't be judged for wiping away a lone tear when thinking of some of the many great kart games of yesteryear. But as with any retro-binge, we are sometimes faced with a terrible realisation after a race down memory lane – these...
News Nintendo Confirms That Smash Bros. Isn't Lined Up for Spring
Denied
Yesterday we reported a rumour of a Spring release date for the new Super Smash Bros, though urged plenty of caution and pointed out the dangers of misquoted executives. It all came about from Nintendo Germany's Bernd Fakesch tying the release of the new fighting game in the same window as Mario Kart 8 on Wii U; the racing game has been...
News Wii U Hardware Sales Take a Significant Leap in Japan
A new Dragon Quest X release certainly helps
The Wii U has enjoyed an upward trend of sales in Japan in the last couple of weeks, a welcome respite from troubling figures and disappointing news. This week gives even more cause for optimisim, as Nintendo's home console achieved the sort of numbers we haven't seen since its launch weeks in late 2012;...
News Side-Scrolling Cyberpunk RPG Dex Is Hacking Into The Wii U eShop
Kickstarter campaign reaches Wii U stretch goal with a day remaining
Indie developer Dreadlocks has confirmed that its 2D Cyberpunk RPG Dex has successfully met the Kickstarter stretch goal which secures a Wii U eShop version. The side-scrolling title needed £14,000 of funding initially, and has now reaching almost £27,000 at the time of writing...
News Sonic Lost World Gets Patched Up On Wii U
100 rings finally grants an extra life
It's fair to say that we didn't think all that much of Sonic Lost World when it arrived on the Wii U a short while ago. However, you have to give Sega credit for trying to improve things after release, as the company has released a patch which aims to fix some of the title's many problems. Here's the full list...
News Lobodestroyo Kickstarter Funded, Festival Of Magic Campaign Postponed Until New Year
Victory and retreat
We report on the latest Kickstarter happenings quite often here at Nintendo Life, and it's great to see so many great projects reach their funding goal purely on the basis of fan interest and support. It's not a guaranteed success for everyone though, so today we have some good news, bad news, and a rescheduling. First off is a...
Rumour Smash Bros. Heading for a Spring 2014 Release
Lost in translation?
There have been rumours bouncing around for a few weeks that Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS may arrive during the Spring of 2014, mainly based on retail listings. They've been loose rumours at best, but an interview given by Nintendo Germany's Bernd Fakesch has prompted speculation that Sakurai-san's hotly anticipated...
News Nintendo Applies Minor Miiverse Update on Wii U and Web Versions
A tweak to the reporting function
Today has, unsurprisingly, revolved around the major 3DS system update that, along with other enhancements, finally brought Miiverse to the portable. So far the handheld version of the network has been running fairly smoothly, and we imagine eager gamers are testing out what they can and can't do on the new version...
News Refurbished Wii Remote Plus / Nunchuk Combos Discounted at Nintendo Online Store
Hagglin' for some wagglin'
Need an extra Wii Remote Plus? Don't want to be caught woefully lacking when friends show up to play Super Mario 3D World? Nintendo's online store has a new price on used but working Remote-and-Nunchuk combos that may interest you. The store has temporarily reduced the price on its refurbished combos from $30 to $20 for...
Review Ben 10 Omniverse 2 (Wii U)
Big bad Ben
With a plucky, wise-cracking kid hero, a host of supporting characters with funny and unique personalities and abilities, a surprisingly deep mythos and aliens to beat up, the Ben 10 franchise is rife with potential for great video games. Unfortunately, D3Publisher and developer High Voltage Software completely miss the mark with Ben 10...
Video The LEGO Movie Game Unleashes Its Début Trailer
Batman appears because, why not?
In future years we may look back at this as an era of many things in gaming, but LEGO will surely get an honourable mention. LEGO games are everywhere, with the latest being LEGO Marvel Super Heroes; 2014 is already gearing up to deliver even more. One of these is The LEGO Movie Videogame which, unsurprisingly, is...
News Super Mario 3D World Drops Down UK Charts in Second Week
Link Between Worlds is top Nintendo game in 19th place
Last week brought the PS4 to Europe, which made life rather difficult for Super Mario 3D World on its UK charts début. While it had been hoped that the staying power of the franchise may see it enjoy a strong second week in the UK market, today's all-format charts haven't produced the desired...
News Genius Sonority Reconsidering Denpa Men Direction After Underwhelming Sales In The West
Studio also eyeing a move into Wii U development
Genius Sonority president Manabu Yamana has been speaking to Nintendo Everything about the critically-acclaimed Denpa Men series, and has revealed that the games haven't sold as well in the west as was previously expected — forcing a rethink for the entire franchise: Both “The Denpa Men: They...
Video Here's Another Chance to Check Out Nintendo's VGX Appearance
And spare yourself the other three hours of the event
This weekend brought us the VGX awards, which we live-blogged for you. It's safe to say that we're contemplating our options in terms of an editorial over the event as a whole, as it perhaps wasn't a show that represented video games in its best light. Opinions on that will naturally vary. It...
News Super Mario 3D World Picks Up Best Nintendo Game VGX Award
Animal Crossing: New Leaf wins Best Casual Game
As a nominee, if not the ultimate winner, of the VGX Game of the Year award, there's an air of inevitability to the news that Super Mario 3D World has scooped the Best Nintendo Game VGX prize. Mario's latest adventure was up against some strong competition from other Wii U releases, in the forms of...
News The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Picks Up Best Handheld Game VGX Award
Disappointment in the Best RPG and GoTY categories
The VGX Awards have finished for another year, in which Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime revealed that Cranky Kong will be playable in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, while also giving the Wii U title an Americas release date of 21st February 2014. It was also an awards ceremony...
Talks up positive Super Mario 3D World sales
Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has made his appearance on the VGX Awards, and despite heavy prompts from Geoff Keighley didn't deliver a killer reveal that many would expect. What he did do, however, is confirm Cranky Kong as the fourth playable character in Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze...
News Digital Foundry Heaps Praise on Super Mario 3D World
"It [Nintendo] clearly understands what it takes to produce a classic"
Super Mario 3D World has been critically acclaimed, may become a commercial success story in the coming weeks, months and years, and has already played a role in switching up perceptions around what the Wii U can offer gamers. We're yet to see how substantial that impact will be...
Review LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (Wii U)
Super studs
There was really no way to predict it so long ago, but the modern series of LEGO franchised games are undeniably great. When the first LEGO Star Wars game hit store shelves in 2005, it’s probably safe to assume that Traveller’s Tales didn’t foresee the growth that the franchise would go on to enjoy. Eight years and more than 10...
News Festive Monster Hunter UK Meet-Up To Include Awesome Nintendo Prizes
Serious hunting ahead
The ongoing absence of Western localisation news for Monster Hunter 4 may be a sore point for fans of the franchise, but it's clear that the series does have a core of dedicated fans outside of Japan. We don't know whether Capcom deems that fanbase to be sufficient as yet, but nevertheless online matches can still be organised...
Parent Trap Children Are Our Future, So Let Them Play
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson on the topic of game length
The perfect game length is a personal thing. Those with oodles of time will want maximum value from their purchases and demand at least 30 hours of gameplay, but those with less time — such as myself and the many other games-playing parents out there — may prefer games to be shorter. I...
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