Wii U News
May2014
News Square Enix Considering "Overseas" Release of Dragon Quest X
But over which seas?
Locked in Japan since its release in 2012, Square Enix revealed its massively multi-player online RPG Dragon Quest X is under consideration for hitting new shores. A slide from the company's most recent financial report states that "expansion to overseas market is under consideration" for the successful title. It should be...
News Final Skylanders SWAP Force Figure, Doom Stone, Makes Début At Toys "R" Us On 13th May
A solid finale
Portal Masters in the US should plan on clearing some space for a final addition to their Skylanders SWAP Force army, when the mighty Doom Stone arrives this week. From Tuesday, 13th May, Toys "R" Us stores nationwide will be the first to stock this glorious golem in limited quantities, which hopefully shouldn't result in too many...
News Nintendo Announces "Mario Kart 8 Test Drive Days" At Over 2700 GameStop Stores
Pre-orders to get a special poster, too
It's pretty clear that plenty of Wii U owners are now impatiently awaiting Mario Kart 8, while others may be tempted to dive in and buy a system for the latest entry in the iconic series. Nintendo's cranking up the hype, meanwhile, with public-access demos now confirmed to be on the way to more than 2,700...
News Kosuke Yabuki Explains That Every Mario Kart is Made "From Scratch"
Explains retro course design and Battle mode's lack of arenas in MK8
Mario Kart 8 is now just a few weeks away, and the secrets of its modes and design have been stripped away in favour of anticipation as Wii U owners become keen to get their hands on the latest racer in the series. In a mini-interview with EDGE magazine, Kosuke Yabuki took the...
Review The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Wii U)
This reboot of a reboot could use another reboot
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is exactly the video game that the film deserves. Sony and Activision couldn’t have planned it better if they tried. Nowadays, Spider-Man’s existence outside of comic books isn’t for creative purposes, and the accepted level of quality is appalling on all fronts...
Video This New Insanity's Blade Trailer Cuts A Gory Swathe Through The Web
PC release confirmed for later this month, Wii U version coming later
We've been following the progress of Insanity's Blade closely over the past few months and can't wait to see what the game looks like when it finally hits the Wii U eShop. Causal Bit Games successfully kickstarted its unique take on the side-scrolling action platformer at the end...
Interview Yanim Studio on its Kickstarter-Funded Wii U Adventure, Red Goddess: Inner World
"Nintendo's audience will love what this game has to offer."
On Tuesday we reported on Red Goddess: Inner World, a beautiful new Kickstarter-funded Metroidvania-style title headed to Wii U, PS4, PS Vita, and PC next year if the campaign reaches its funding goal. If you haven't checked it out yet, take a gander at the Kickstarter trailer:
Video Join Us For A Relaxing Weekend Drive Around Mario Kart 8's Vintage Circuits
A blast from the past
In keeping with previous entries in the series, Mario Kart 8 resurrects popular tracks from past games. These are far from being lazy upgrades, though — many have been retooled to take advantage of the game's anti-gravity focus, and all of them naturally benefit from a luscious HD lick of paint. In the video below, intrepid...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Koopalings Galore
Our profile series concludes with the new MK8 contestants
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Birdos from your Koopa Paratroopas? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character...
Video Mario Kart 8's Balloon-Popping Battle Mode Looks Something Like This
No arenas this time around
Battle Mode has been an intrinsic part of Mario Kart since the days of the SNES original, and that hasn't changed in Mario Kart 8. However, instead of popping balloons in a specially-designed arenas, this time around your battles occur on a limited selection of tracks from the game itself: Moo Moo Meadows Dry Dry...
News Masahiro Sakurai Releases Awesome Super Smash Bros. Dragoon Screens
Dat Dragoon
Poor DK, whether through being dim or simply suffering as a victim of other Nintendo mascots, he can't catch a break. Well, that's a slight exaggeration, but he's the victim in the latest screens published by Masahiro Sakurai on the Super Smash Bros. Miiverse Director's Room. Though we normally reserve these for a weekly round-up, the...
News Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Software Bundle Coming To North America
But will only be available from the Nintendo World store in New York
When the Mario Kart 8 limited edition software bundle – containing a copy of the game and a Blue Shell figurine – was announced for Europe, many Nintendo fans across North America feared they would be missing out on a collectable item. Fortunately, for those wanting something...
News Amazon Germany Offers an Exclusive Steelbook Edition of Mario Kart 8
Check this beauty out
Whenever the phrase 'steelbook' appears in relation to a limited edition game release, our interest is immediately piqued. Some of team Nintendo Life are still insanely jealous of the Metroid Prime Trilogy steelbook that was released in North America but not in Europe, for example. Metal is lovely for game packaging. It seems...
News Download Sales On Nintendo Formats Have Trebled In The Last Two Years
$235 million in digital sales gained in the past 12 months
Nintendo has confirmed that digital revenue across its consoles has tripled in the past two years. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed the statistic at the recent investor's briefing, explaining that during the financial period between April 2013 and March 2014, around 24 billion Yen...
News Infinity Ward Merges With Neversoft To Form Super Studio, Retains Infinity Ward Name
Still no official word on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on Wii U
Neversoft, the developer behind the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, has merged with Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward to form a brand new "super studio". A memo written by CEO of Activision Publishing Eric Hirshberg — and subsequently obtained by Giant Bomb — outlines the deal:...
Video Witness The Intolerable Cruelty Of Mario Kart 8
All thanks to Mario Kart TV's awesome slow-mo feature
Mario Kart TV is one of the biggest additions to Mario Kart 8, and will allow players to save, edit and share their finest on-track moments. It's also great for messing about with and creating daft little videos, such as the one we present to you below. The game's slow-mo feature makes even the...
Video Nintendo Shows Off The Wii U's Forthcoming Quick Boot Menu
Regular system boot also getting a turbo boost
Fed up of wasting all those precious seconds waiting for your Wii U to boot up from cold? Fear not, because Nintendo has the solution, and it's coming in a firmware update this year. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed the new quick boot menu during the recent investor's presentation. The sequence...
News Bayonetta 2 Listed for Summer Release in Japan
PlatinumGames title and Hyrule Warriors still just '2014' for the West
Following its recent financial results report, Nintendo has issued some supplementary information that includes release dates and windows of major upcoming titles. Following the trend of the last quarterly update juicy dates are held back, presumably in favour of later reveals,...
News Nintendo Reveals 'Mario Kart TV' Web App in Financial Results Briefing
Connecting with NNID will provide extra features
Earlier today we shared a report from Nikkei announcing a Mario Kart 8 website or app in translated comments from a Satoru Iwata press conference. Now that the translated investor briefing has been released we have some more firm details and a screen of the service in action. This will be a web...
News Satoru Iwata Announces 'Nintendo Figurine Platform' to Utilise NFC for Wii U and 3DS
Like Skylanders and Disney Infinity, but with Nintendo characters
Update: The translated English investor briefing has now been posted, confirming the details outlined below. The provisional names for this range — or 'platform' — of figurines are 'NFC Featured Platform' and 'Nintendo Figurine Platform'. Original Article: With the continuing...
News Mario Kart 8 Smart Device Website or App on the Way
To provide services such as ranking checks
Mario Kart 8 is already forging new ground on the Wii U, with Nintendo having confirmed not only the Mario Kart TV feature, but the ability to upload those highlights reels directly to YouTube from within the game. It also seems set to represent Nintendo's first move into producing an accompanying smart...
If it's on Wii U, that'd make us happy
Quite a few major gaming companies are revealing their financial results today, one of which is Tecmo Koei. It had some positive news all around, and in an update likely to bring sighs of relief from Japanese Wii U owners confirmed that Hyrule Warriors — a name that may yet change — is set for a Summer...
News Here's an Updated Summary of Nintendo's Software Bestsellers
Pokémon and Mario lead the way
When Nintendo releases its updated financial reports, it also publishes fresh figures for hardware and software — we've covered the former in our main summary of the year-end results. The software highlights tell their own tale, however, and perhaps help to explain why Nintendo opts for particular franchises and...
System predicted to stay behind PS4 and Xbox One in generation sales
We're now well and truly into a fresh generation of home consoles, with Nintendo's 2012 Wii U release now joined by the late 2013 arrivals of PS4 and Xbox One. The previous Wii / PS3 / Xbox 360 era brought impressive sales all around, though a continually evolving market and...
Video We Blast Around Five Of Our Favourite New Tracks In Mario Kart 8
Mii spotted in rather tight racing leathers
Mario Kart 8 is creeping ever closer, bringing with it plenty of excitement for Wii U owners. Nintendo produced a rather entertaining Mario Kart 8 Direct recently, and there's plenty of buzz about this one online. Like many others we're planning quite a few videos ahead of release to show you what it's...
News Red Goddess Kickstarter Campaign Brings Gorgeous 2.5D Metroidvania to Wii U
$30,000 target and Wii U as a main goal
Spanish developer Yanim Studio has just launched the Kickstarter campaign for its upcoming Metroidvania action-adventure title, Red Goddess: Inner World, set for a March 2015 release on Wii U, PC, PS4, and PS Vita. The goal is a realistic $30,000, with just over $5,000 already pledged and a whole month to go...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Mo' Babies, Mo' Problems
Imagine: Karting Babyz
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Dry Bowsers from your Honey Queens? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character profiles on every racer in this May's...
News Pokkén Fighters and Pokkén Tournament Trademarks Emerge in Europe
Breathe and count to ten...
Last year rumours swirled of a Pokémon fighting game for Wii U, as trademarks for Pokkén Fighters and Pokkén Tournament arrived in North America shortly after the following video from the Tokyo Game Show had grabbed attention. At the end of the video there's a glimpse of Mega Lucario and Mega Blaziken facing off in...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles - The Veterans
It's a Mario (Kart) Party!
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Petey Piranhas from your Ludwig von Koopas? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character profiles on every racer in...
News Curve Studios And Dakko Dakko Heap Praise On The "Inspirational" Wii U
"The Wii U is a perfect system for indie development right now"
While big-name publishers such as EA, 2K Games and Bethesda are happy to ignore the Wii U, Nintendo's console isn't short of support from indie developers. Smaller studios are usually faster and keener to pounce on new ideas, and the concept of second-screen play has clearly captured...
News The Awesome Hori Mario Kart 8 Accessories Seem To Hit The Final Straight For North America
Happy times
Not so long ago we had the happy news that Hori's rather attractive Mario Kart 8-themed GamePad skins and wheels to Europe. It seems that the accessory company — likely with distribution assistance from Nintendo — is also bringing its goodies to North America, too. The Mario and Luigi themed Wii wheels and GamePad skins have popped...
Coming to the new game, too?
As we all know, Disney Infinity 2.0 will feature a large helping of Marvel characters. However, families with children who aren't as excited by the idea of a game based all around superheroes can take solace in the glimpses of a few non-Marvel characters we see in the trailer, along with the promise made from the...
News Activision Enlists Kevin Spacey To Sell Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare's New Brand Of Combat
Last gen versions are coming, but will Wii U be included?
Activision has shown off the reveal trailer for the latest entry in its massively popular Call of Duty series, and this time you'll be playing with even more futuristic toys. The footage for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare shows exo-suits, hoverbikes and special gloves which allow the wearer...
News Ubisoft Now "Fully Focused" On Making The Wii U Version Of Watch_Dogs "The Best It Can Be"
Still no word on when it's actually coming, though
As we all know, Ubisoft's Watch_Dogs is shipping on May 27th — but not on the Wii U. Following the widespread delay of the game last year, the French publisher held back the Nintendo version in order to ensure that the other editions are as good as they can be — much to the chagrin
News Mario Kart 8 Bundle Dips Below £200 In The UK, Includes Additional Free Game Offer
Grab yourself a bargain
With Mario Kart 8 hitting the streets later this month, there has never been a better time to take the plunge and buy a Wii U console. Of course Nintendo are handily bundled together their Triple-A kart racer with the system, but where is the best place to buy it from? We'd recommend that you consider slapping in a preorder...
News Curve Studios Announces Wii U Exclusive Stealth Inc 2
Tactically Excellent Announcement
Curve Studios has revealed that it is working on a sequel to its popular download title Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark, and that it is being developed exclusively for the Wii U. The original game — which was launched on PC under the name Stealth B*****d Deluxe: Tactical Espionage A**ehole — has been...
April2014
News New Mario Kart 8 Screenshots Power-Slide Into View
7 new screenshots to whet your appetite
What a day it has been for Mario Kart 8 news! If you missed the surprise Nintendo Direct broadcast earlier today, we've got you covered. What we didn't have space to show you in our monster round-up was some new screenshots which Nintendo released today. These show off new items such as the Super Horn and the...
News Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes Comes To Wii U But Not Wii
All the details inside
Disney Infinity has done impressively this year. From a standing start it sliced a sizeable portion of the toy-meets-video-game market for itself. While some would suggest this was predictable with such a rich array of household favourite characters to draw on, Avalanche Software still needed to execute an enjoyable game that...
Feature All the Important Details From the Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Direct Broadcasts
A perfect boost
Nintendo has pulled another Nintendo Direct rabbit out of the hat with its Mario Kart 8 videos, which were released straight onto YouTube. There were subtle regional differences, including the range of titles available in the undoubtedly attractive free Wii U game Club Nintendo promotion, while the North American broadcast had a few...
Video Here's Some Battle Footage From Wii U Space Sim Hullbreach: Uncloaked
Take to the stars
We've already shown you some of the locations you'll get to explore in the forthcoming Wii U eShop title Hullbreach: Uncloaked, and we've now been given some fresh footage which shows how battles will pan out in the game. If you'd like to know more about the game, check out our interview with
News Mario Kart 8 Club Nintendo Promotion Offers a Free Wii U Game
Choice of 10 in Europe, 4 in North America
After what were undoubtedly constant requests from fans — referenced directly by Satoru Iwata — Nintendo has unleashed new Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Direct broadcasts to reveal more about the upcoming Wii U blockbuster. Though regional variations were generally minor, there were subtle differences such as a...
News North American Wii U Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set Bundle Races Into View
Could this be the Best Buy for US gamers?
We've already seen the Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundles for Europe and very nice they are too. Of course North America is not to be outdone and retailer Best Buy is currently accepting preorders for the Wii U Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set — as seen above — for the attractive price of $329.99. As well as including a...
Exclusive Opposable Games On Bringing Second-Screen Tactical Action To The Wii U With Salvaged
"Wii U is the perfect fit for the game"
UK-based indie studio Opposable Games has just confirmed that it is planning to bring its unique real time, second-screen strategy title Salvaged to the Wii U eShop, should the game successfully reach its Kickstarter goal of $125,000. We caught up with Design Director James Parker to chat about the influences...
Video Behold The Difference Between Skylanders Trap Team On Wii And Wii U
Compare and contrast
With Skylanders Trap Team being developed by lead developer Toys for Bob on the Wii and Beenox on the Wii U, choosing the best platform to play it on just got a little harder. Stepping into the breach with more Skylanders Trap Team videos are Family Gamer TV. Here, they compare the visual fidelity of different generations of...
News Chasing Aurora Dev Is Considering Bringing Semi-Sequel Secrets of Raetikon To Wii U
"Porting it to Wii U should be rather straight forward"
Chasing Aurora was one of the Wii U's most interesting and unique launch titles, and when developer Broken Rules confirmed that it was working on a spiritual sequel, many Nintendo fans hoped that they'd get to play it. However, amid comments from the studio that Chasing Aurora didn't meet...
Weirdness Best Buy Offers "Gas Cash" Promotion for Mario Kart 8
$10 of real-life gasoline to "rev up your Kart"
According to this site linked to Best Buy's Mario Kart 8 page, the company has an interesting promotion for customers in the United States. If you pre-order and purchase Mario Kart 8 at your local Best Buy, you'll get $10 in "gas cash" to fuel your real-life ride using a special code online. Specific...
News Greninja Strikes a Pose in These Super Smash Bros. Screens
A new threat
Not so long ago we shared some Zero Suit Samus Super Smash Bros. Screens that had been posted on the hugely popular Super Smash Bros. Facebook page, which showed the new challenger busting out a few moves. The page has now weighed in with some entertaining screens for newcomer Greninja, a surprise announcement in the recent Super Smash...
News Nintendo To Market Mario Kart 8 Through The End Of The Year
Year of the Mario Kart
Nintendo UK has announced that the company's marketing campaign for Mario Kart 8 will run throughout the remainder of this year. A social media programme is already underway, which is designed to evoke old-school Mario Kart nostalgia; this will lead up to TV and online marketing campaigns that will launch when the game is...
News LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer
FoundWinds
The Wii to Wii U system transfer may not be the most flexible or easy process, but we should be pleased that it is available, allowing those anxious for access to their WiiWare, Virtual Console and Wii save data to carry on with their shiny new system. The excellent LostWinds was an anomaly, however, as it was a game that could not be...
News Masahiro Sakurai's Latest Super Smash Bros. Screen is for All You Mega Man Fans
"The Mega Man legends, united"
Final Smash Attacks aren't just powerful moves to obliterate enemies, but also shameless, glorious fan service — perhaps that's part of the reason why we loved them so much in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Whether an insane charge shot from Samus or a hulking great Landmaster for Fox, they stick in the mind. Masahiro...
News Fresh Super Smash Bros. Screens Show Zero Suit Samus in Action
Stop pointing that gun at Luigi!
Another week has almost passed, which means we're getting ever closer to the arrival of Super Smash Bros., which hits the 3DS this Summer and Wii U in Winter 2014. There's electricity in the air as the hype builds, though not literally... obviously. But still, Nintendo is doing plenty of work to make sure that we...
News Amazon Comes in Low With Mario Kart 8 Wii U Bundle Price, Awesome GamePad Skins on the Way
Nintendo UK store has impressive Mario Kart 8 bundles, too
You may have already seen the news that Nintendo of Europe has confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle for the region, and we expect that a North American announcement is just a matter of time. As anticipated it's a 32GB system with a disc copy of...
News Nintendo Confirms The Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle
Peach and Yoshi Wii Remote Plus controllers coming to Europe, too
Update: Nintendo of Australia has now confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition bundle, with the same details; it's stated the recommended retail price in the region will be AU$429.95. Original Article: Not so long ago there was a rumour of a Mario Kart 8 Wii U...
News Multiplayer Sci-Fi Alien Shooter Hive Jump Coming to Wii U
Not for the faint hearted
Undoubtedly drawing inspiration from classic sci-fl horror flicks such as Ridley Scott’s Alien, indie game developer Graphite Labs has revealed via Twitter that it will be bringing its own video game adaption of this classic genre to the Wii U. Thanks to Nintendo’s “open arms” towards indie development, Hive Jump...
News German Ratings Board Leaks Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition for Wii U and 3DS
An out of this world announcement!
The wonderfully-named Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle, Germany's software ratings board, has leaked ratings for Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition, a re-release of French designer Éric Chahi's iconic 1991 action-platforming title ("23rd Anniversary Edition" doesn't have quite the same ring to it)...
News Skylanders Trap Team Is Coming To Wii, Wii U And 3DS This Year
Series creator Toys for Bob is handling the Wii and Wii U versions
Skylanders has had a strong relationship with Nintendo platforms from the word go. In many ways its success was in part from capitalising from the high Wii install base in its target demographic. With both Giants and Swap Force selling well on Wii, Wii U and 3DS, all eyes were on...
News Latest Project CARS Trailer Shows Off Stunning In-game Footage, Locks In November 2014 Release
This racing sim can't come soon enough for Wii U motoring euthusiasts
Touted as a serious contender to the likes of Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo series, and the Microsoft Xbox-exclusive – Forza Motorsport, Slightly Mad Studios’ Project CARS aims to be the most authentic, beautiful and technically-advanced racing game ever released. It’s...
Talking Point Nintendo Must Take Careful Steps Into Paid DLC and Free-to-Play
The balance seems reasonable, so far
As more first-party games arrive on the Wii U and 3DS, we may need to stop thinking of paid DLC and free-to-play models as exotic rarities on Nintendo systems. To an extent they still are, in that there's a degree of surprise whenever either emerges in a Nintendo title, but it's quickly becoming the norm, with...
News Yo-kai Watch Returns to the Japanese Chart Summit as Hardware Sales Dip Again
3DS systems reclaim number one spot
It's been a tough month in the Japanese charts, with few notable winners setting the tills alight. This week continues that trend, though it brings good news for Level-5 and a return to the top for the 3DS systems. On the software side of things it was a quiet week, with new entries to the charts failing to shift...
News Miiverse Update Imposes Restrictions on Posting Comments
Mario says it's not a chat room, right?
Nintendo has today announced a fresh update for Miiverse across the web and Wii U / 3DS versions. The positive change is that the web version will now have the same community search functionality as the console equivalent, as well as a "Posts from Verified Users" tab that acts as a shortcut to authorised...
News Bandai Namco Announces Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 for Wii U and 3DS
Pac Attack!
Hot on the heels of last year's Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures based on the television show of the same name, Bandai Namco has revealed an announcement trailer for Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2, set for release this year on Wii U, 3DS, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. If you've ever wanted to see Pac-Man skyboarding, you're in...
News Ubisoft Has Dispatched 73 Million Assassin's Creed Games Since 2007
Just Dance franchise has shifted an impressive 48 million, too
Ubisoft is a company with plenty of history behind it — it was founded way back in 1986 — but surprisingly its most popular franchises have only come recently. The French publisher has recently revealed sales figures for its key titles, with Assassin's Creed topping the list at an...
News New Instalment In The Popular Fatal Frame Franchise Coming To Wii U
A match made in heaven...or hell!
A new entry in Tecmo Koei's Fatal Frame horror series is coming to Wii U with collaboration from Nintendo, Famitsu reports today. No release date or final title have been revealed, but this announcement alone is enough to send Fatal Frame fans into a tizzy. The last entry in the series, Grasshopper Manufacture's...
News New Details Rise for Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
Could be the closest we get to a Western release of Super Robot Wars
New details on Activision's latest Transformers title, Rise of the Dark Spark, have emerged in the most recent issue of Game Informer, including the first basic information on WayForward's 3DS version of the game. WayForward is best known among Nintendo fans for its Shantae and...
News NPD Results Bring Solid 3DS Numbers as Wii U Struggles
Fingers crossed for May and June
The latest NPD results covering U.S. physical retail sales are now out in the wild, and they bring mixed news. Hardware sales are up, being driven by PS4 and Xbox One, software is down but, overall, total sales of $1.03 billion represent a 3% increase over the equivalent month last year. Nintendo hasn't issued an...
News Ubisoft Announces a Watch_Dogs eBook, //n/Dark Clouds
Hopefully it's //n/joyable
Ubisoft has today announced it's publishing an eBook to tie in with the launch of Watch_Dogs, titled //n/Dark Clouds. The book will serve as a direct sequel to the events of the game, and release on 27th May in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. //n/Dark Clouds is authored by American science fiction novelist...
News Ubisoft Expects Watch_Dogs To Be One Of The Biggest Selling Titles Of 2014
Watch out Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed
Watch_Dogs may have taken its sweet time getting to market but publisher Ubisoft is confident that the game will be a resounding commercial success — and that it will challenge the traditional big-sellers this year. Speaking to MCV, Ubisoft's Wayne Greenwell said: Excitement for the product remains...
News DuckTales: Remastered Digital Soundtrack Coming to Amazon
47-track album to go on sale later this month
Capcom has announced that the official game soundtrack for DuckTales: Remastered will be available to download from Amazon's MP3 store from 29 April. With 47 tracks and clocking in at around the 90-minute mark, the album will include both Jake Kaufman's remixes for the recent re-release, as well as the...
News Nintendo Involved In Patent Dispute Over Wii U's Dual Screen Capabilities
It's that time again
Nintendo is no stranger to patent cases, and it has been revealed that the company is involved in yet another — this time relating to the Wii U's selling point: its ability to display two screens at once. Nintendo Co. Ltd., Nintendo of America, Inc. and several other companies — including retailers who sell the system in...
News Big Deez Productions Discusses Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn and Why It's a Beat 'em Up
"I don't think anyone would have really cared about a Shaq shooter"
Matt Karch, CEO of Big Deez Productions, recently sat down for an interview with Red Bull to shed light on the potential Indiegogo-funded Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn. He discussed the direct involvement of basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, and made sure to distance A Legend Reborn...
Video Here's a Comparison of Mario Kart's Donut Plains 3 from SNES to Wii U
Generations apart
Comparison videos of retro tracks in Mario Kart 8 are certainly doing the rounds at the moment, and popular YouTube channel GameXplain has created a nifty split-screen video comparing the classic Super Mario Kart track Donut Plains 3 to its reimagining in the upcoming Wii U title. Check it out below: [ Nintendo EAD and its...
Talking Point Amazon Fire TV is an Early Warning for Console Heavyweights
Unlikely to kill consoles, but its successors may try
When the Ouya was successfully crowdfunded, its executives talked it up as a revolution in living room gaming, promising a wonderland of fun experiences available for free or costing less than a cup of coffee; the world would move on from pricier game consoles flogging retail priced games. Like...
Rumour Mario Kart 8 Wii U Hardware Bundle On The Way
Seems feasible, salt on standby
Update: We've been advised by Nintendo that it has "nothing to announce at this time" regarding this rumour. You can take that to mean whatever you want, but that's the line we've been given. Original Article: We do enjoy juicy console bundle rumours here at Nintendo Life — the sensible ones, at least. A fresh...
News Vita Overtakes 3DS in Tough Week for Japanese Charts
All hardware sales are down
The Japanese game retail market seems to be in the midst of a rather glum spell, with a brief burst a few weeks ago — which can certainly be attributed in part to a pre-tax increase flurry of sales — making way for trends sliding in the wrong direction. This week also brings an unwelcome weekly loss for the 3DS,...
News Nintendo Confirms Five Games That'll be Playable at WonderCon
If you're in California, play some Mario Kart 8 this weekend
We're getting into the season of expos now, and Nintendo of America has confirmed its attendance at WonderCon, which takes place this weekend (18th-20th April) in Anaheim, California. The big N will have five games on show, including those recently released and on the way soon; one is a...
News Castlevania: Dracula X And Mega Man 5 Hitting The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console Next Week
Scream bloody murder
Next week's Japanese Wii U Virtual Console titles have been confirmed, and fans of Konami and Capcom should be pretty pleased with what's on offer. Arguably the most notable release is Castlevania: Dracula X (known as Akumajou Dracula XX in Japan and Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss in Europe), the SNES port of the PC Engine classic...
News Upside-Down Dimensions Could Be Coming To Wii U
Currently listed as "proposed"
Spanish developer Hydra Interactive Entertainment has announced Upside Down Dimensions, an action RPG that combines hack 'n slash, stealth, puzzles and platforming elements – drawing inspiration from games such as Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon. The title has a launch window of 2015 for PC, Mac, PS...
Weirdness Now You Can Transform Your GamePad Into A Racing Wheel
Well, why not?
With Mario Kart 8 on the way, it should come as no great surprise to see peripheral makers attempt to capitalize on the renewed interest in racing titles, but Japanese firm CyberGadget has come up with the most unusual idea yet. Its Handle Stand fixes to your desk and allows you to clamp the GamePad in place, effectively turning it...
News Nintendo Announces a Charming New Princess Peach Wii Remote Plus
Proud to be pink
Many of us parted with good money last year when Nintendo released Mario and Luigi Wii Remote Plus controllers, with a simple colour scheme enough to get us a tad excited. The big N is aiming to tap into that instinct again with a new Princess Peach-themed Remote, with Nintendo of America confirming that it'll arrive in the region's...
News Nintendo Titles Struggle for a Presence in UK Charts
Layton vs. Ace Attorney drops out, Yoshi and Pokémon hang on
Nintendo's had some reasonable weeks in the UK physical retail sales charts, with titles such as Yoshi's New Island and Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney making solid starts despite having plenty of big-budget multiplatform titles in opposition. It seems the momentum is...
News Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida Highlights Brushes With Miiverse Law
Naughty
It can be tempting to think of Nintendo as standing alone in terms of companies with powerful executives that are also charming, affable individuals; we see that side of Satoru Iwata and colleagues frequently in Nintendo Direct broadcasts. It'd be wrong to think these are qualities only found within Nintendo, however, as there are a number...
News Details Emerge of a Cancelled Nintendo-Exclusive Star Wars Game
It was about Darth Maul though, so never mind
Star Wars remains as one of the most powerful brands in the entertainment industry, progressing from reasonably humble origins in 1977 to a never-ending multi-billion dollar juggernaut. Its power is such that Disney bought Lucasfilm for $2.5 billion, with no doubt that it was actually interested in...
Feature Time For a Super Smash Bros. New Challenger Screenshot Blowout
Pick a favourite between Zero Suit Samus, Sheik, Yoshi, Charizard, Greninja
It's been a crazy week for Nintendo fans, with an impressive Super Smash Bros. Direct revealing plenty of details on the upcoming 3DS and Wii U releases being followed by an unexpected and utterly bonkers Tomodachi Life Nintendo Direct. They were particularly exciting...
News Next-Generation Visual Novel Nero Confirmed For Wii U eShop
Nintendo version will offer UI-free screen thanks to the GamePad
Italian indie developer Storm in a Teacup has confirmed that it is bringing its new game Nero to the Wii U eShop. Details on this mysterious game are scarce, but Storm in a Teacup's creative director Carlo Bianchi — who spoke to Official Nintendo Magazine about the game —...
News You Can Now Pre-Order eShop Games Via Nintendo UK's Online Store
The future is now
If you wanted any more proof that Nintendo is moving with the times, it's now possible to pre-order eShop titles online — for those living in the UK, at least. Drop onto the Nintendo UK online store listing for Nintendo Pocket Football Club and you'll see the option to pre-order the title, with the download code being dispatched...
News Super Mario 3D World Double Disc Soundtrack Arrives on Club Nintendo
Europe and Australia included for now
Last year we shared the news that Club Nintendo in Japan received an awesome Super Mario 3D World 2-CD soundtrack; we were envious as the Wii U title has a number of outstanding 'Big Band' tracks that still stick in the mind. The exciting news for gamers in Europe and Australia, who savoured the music while...
Delayed until April 22nd, out this week on other formats and in Europe
The North American release of LEGO: The Hobbit on Wii U has been pushed back slightly [and not just by a single a week, as was originally reported], publisher Warner Brothers has revealed. The action adventure title hits Nintendo 3DS, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4,...
News Citizens of Earth Coming To Wii U And 3DS eShops This September
Charming, chivalrous, charismatic and charitable
Atlus will be bringing the Earthbound-inspired Citizens of Earth to the Wii U and 3DS eShops this September. The Kickstarter project which failed to reach its original goal was picked up by Atlus shortly after, who offered to publish the game. Developed by Eden Indus
Feature The Ultimate Super Smash Bros. Direct Round-Up
Details galore
The latest Nintendo Direct, admittedly, would have done nothing for those not enamoured with Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series. We suspect, however, that many with a love for Nintendo have at least a passing fondness for the series, albeit we're not all pros that specialise in unpicking the intricacies of move sets and physics. The...
News Mario Party: Island Tour Stays on Top in Japan as Hardware Sales Plummet
Tax increase and quiet week of releases take their toll
It's time for the Media Create Japanese chart results once again, as we see how the retail sector has held up following a 3% increase in sales tax in the country, from 5% to 8%. That may sound trivial, but as has been proven in multiple marketplaces a small percentage change in sales tax can...
News Nintendo Is Working On The Next Mario Game, But Can't Reveal If It's Coming To 3DS Or Wii U
"There’s still a lot more room for discovery and invention"
Nintendo producer Yoshiaki Koizumi has revealed that work has already begun on the next Super Mario game, but he is unable to give any information about which console it is coming to. Speaking to EDGE in a feature about the making of Super Mario 3D World, Koizumi refused to be drawn on...
News Shaq Fu Reboot Developers Considering Console Support Without Stretch Goals
Wii U and 3DS could be included
You may remember earlier this year when we directed your attention to the Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn crowdfunding campaign, which had hugely ambitious 3DS and Wii U stretch goals of around a million dollars. The wonderfully named New Jersey-based developer Big Deez Productions has now posted on the Facebook page of the...
Video Marvel Characters Making Their Way to Disney Infinity
Interestingly referred to as "version 2.0"
After Disney's acquisition of Marvel in 2009, it seemed fitting that speculation would crop up regarding the usage of the comic book giant's characters in the NFC-driven Disney Infinity. After all, that game's universe-merging crossover potential would only be better served by the appearances of...
News Dracula Is Cursing The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console Next Week In Castlevania III
Mystic Quest, Gradius and Neutopia also coming along for the ride
Castlevania fans will be pleased to know that NES classic Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse — one of the best entries in the entire lineage — is hitting the Japanese Wii U Virtual Console next week, which means a western release shouldn't be far behind. Originally released in...
Enjoyable online multiplayer for everyone
News out of today’s Super Smash Bros. Direct has revealed Nintendo will be implementing a strict code of conduct into the online portion of the upcoming Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS, "just like in Miiverse, to keep things pleasant,” according to series director Masahiro Sakurai. Anonymous matches...
News New Online Multiplayer Modes Revealed for Super Smash Bros. on 3DS and Wii U
Prepare yourself for a smashing time over the net
The online modes for Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U were finally revealed to the world in Nintendo's recent Super Smash Bros. Direct presentation, and it seems that both inexperienced and competitive players have something to be happy about. The online portion of the game, which has been...
News Yoshi, Sheik, and Zero Suit Samus Confirmed as Challengers in Super Smash Bros.
Sheik and Zero Suit Samus now individual characters with full move sets!
Nearly lost in the shuffle of all of today's huge Super Smash Bros. announcements during the Nintendo Direct, three returning characters were announced: Yoshi, Sheik, and Zero Suit Samus. Since characters don't change forms any
News Massive Pokémon Reveals Occur During Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Direct
Greninja and Charizard Join the Expanding Roster
Today's Nintendo Direct devoted exclusively to the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS revealed a ton of information relating to game modes, online play, and characters. One of the most exciting new additions, for me at least, was the tremendous amount of Pokémon-related content confirmed to...
News Super Smash Bros. Hitting 3DS This Summer, Wii U Launch To Take Place In The Winter
Portable version hits retail first
It has been confirmed during today's Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Direct that the two versions of the game will be released at different times during this year. The 3DS instalment is coming this Summer, while the Wii U edition will be hitting retail in the Winter. It was also confirmed that both versions will...
Live Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Direct
Super, Smashing, Great.
The moment you've all been waiting for, as Nintendo is set to reveal further details about both Super Smash Bros. games coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in this very special Nintendo Direct. Join us for this broadcast with live stream, live blogging and live chat. [...
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