Wii U - News
May2015
News Nintendo Wins Patent Battle Over Wii Balance Board
Its legal body was ready
Nintendo struck gold with the Wii, combining inexpensive technology with a motion controlled gaming hook that tens of millions of gamers found irresistible. That use of technology and the ludicrous profits it made naturally got the attention of other companies, however, with the home console and its accessories fighting a...
Feature A Nintendo Fan's Guide to E3 2015
Plenty to see
The madness is on the way, with Los Angeles all set to host hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees for E3 2015. While technically an expo like any other, it has become far more than that for game companies and their fans. It's a major centrepiece of any gaming year, and an opportunity for major publishers and developers to...
News Don't Starve: Giant Edition Arrives on the North American Wii U eShop on 28th May
Sate your hunger
It appears that 28th May will be a rather exciting day for Nintendo gamers. As you may have been aware, 28th May is the eve of Splatoon's launch; no doubt thousands of gamers will be keeping a few cans of energy drinks on hand as they get started on the game as soon as it launches at midnight. However, earlier in the day, the eShop...
News Splatoon Hype Brings Squirt Guns and Manga
You brought the pizza, right?
Excitement for Splatoon is building like it's your upcoming 8th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's all over again, and some recent tie-ins are only adding to that sense of fun. Interested parties who haven't pre-ordered yet might want to consider heading to Target for their squid-based needs, if possible. An allegedly...
Video We Tackle The Dual-Stick vs. Motion Controls Splatoon Debate
Twin-stick it to the man
One of the more divisive aspects of Nintendo's upcoming ink-em-up Splatoon is the integration of motion controls into the core gameplay. Considering shooters have been comfortable with simply using two analogue sticks simultaneously to move and aim this addition initially seemed a little gimmicky and unnecessary to many...
News Nintendo Hoping That Splatoon Will Tempt Lapsed Fans To Splash Out On A Wii U
"We’re using this opportunity to talk to lapsed Nintendo fans, too"
Splatoon is coming later this month, and judging from the rapturous reception the Global Testfire has received, there are plenty of Nintendo fans positively gagging to get their hands on the final game. However, according to Nintendo UK marketing manager Chandra Nair, there are...
Music Play Nicely With a Colourful Death in This Charming Splatoon Song
"I don't need BB guns now I've found this!"
You've heard all about Splatoon right? And you're excited about it too right? Right! Well I am too and recently the guys at Nintendo Life asked if I'd share my excitement about the game by writing a song about it. Of course I obliged! I've been eagerly waiting for Splatoon to arrive since it was announced...
News Executive Director Discusses Skells in Xenoblade Chronicles X
"We wanted to give each force and corporation their unique characteristic"
Since the recent Japanese release of Xenoblade Chronicles X plenty of Wii U gamers have been patiently awaiting its launch in the West. Famitsu was the first to review Xenoblade Chronicles X, giving it a pretty solid score of 34 / 40. Since its highly anticipated Japanese...
Talking Point Nintendo's Modest Sales Targets Keep Wii U and 3DS Expectations Under Control
E3 surprises are still a solid bet, however
In consecutive years Nintendo predicted a return to good times, struggled to deliver and reported financial losses; with that in mind the recent annual results were a major positive. Nintendo reported a decent profit and showed enough positive intent that shareholders were happy, with the company's value...
Weirdness Nintendo of America's Splatoon Mess Fest Sits in the 'Bizarre' Category
It was messy
At the end of April Nintendo of America announced its Splatoon Mess Fest, a live event at Santa Monica Pier - California - to promote the upcoming Wii U shooter. It was standard PR event fair, pulling in celebrities and the public to have some messy fun on a goo-filled assault course. Celebrities included Disney's Joey Bragg and James...
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off Battle Dojo in Splatoon
Also has 'that' rock song
Splatoon is now just two weeks away, bringing its own blend of colourful anarchy to the Wii U. We've seen plenty of coverage of it, though the mode that gets the least love is Battle Dojo, the local multiplayer option. Nintendo Minute is keen to resolve that shortcoming, dedicating its latest video to popping balloons and...
News Splatoon Global Testfire is Confirmed for One More Round
The demo's available for download once again
The Splatoon Global Testfire was an exciting event last weekend, providing keen Wii U owners with an opportunity to go hands on with online matches in the colourful shooter. There was some disappointment that the three one-hour sessions passed so quickly, and Nintendo appears to have heard the calls for...
News Wii U and 3DS Continue Improved Sales in the US, as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Misses NPD Top 10
Monolith Soft re-release fifth among single SKUs, however
April isn't often the most thrilling of months in the world of video game retail, and so it has proven in the most recent NPD results from the US. Covering physical retail sales the results bring few thrills, but Nintendo has nevertheless reported solid sales momentum in comparison to 2014...
News LEGO Jurassic World Brings 20 Customisable Dinos To Wii U And 3DS
Clever girl
With the new trailer for Lego Jurassic World and the early June release date we are starting to find out more details about how the game will play in practice. Perhaps the most interesting new feature here - aside from the Jurassic World franchise, of course - is the Dino Customiser. The trailer revealed that you could play as 20...
News Monochroma For Wii U Scrapped Due To Technical Issues
"We have serious performance problems that we can't overcome"
1950s dystopian puzzle platformer Monochroma was successfully funded on Kickstarter back in August 2013, raising $84,645. The game was then subject to some lengthy delays, with the promised Wii U version getting pushed back to a vagu
Video This Introduction Trailer May Just Get You Hyped for Swords & Soldiers II
Out on 21st May
The Wii Shop may have had its flaws, but it was also home to some truly excellent download games. Swords & Soldiers from Ronimo Games was undoubtedly one such example, and so there should certainly be some hype for the Wii U exclusive Swords & Soldiers II. Out on 21st May in North America and Europe, with prices of $19.99,...
News LEGO Jurassic World Roars Onto Wii U and 3DS on 12th June
Hold on to your butts
When in doubt, there are always LEGO games. The ever-present and lucrative series has taken in an impressive range of franchises and IPs, and the upcoming LEGO Jurassic World seems like a guaranteed hit with gamers of various ages. Incorporating all four movies - that includes Jurassic World of course - it'll push nostalgia and...
Video Nintendo of America's Musical Splatoon Campaign Continues
Celebrities and real-life splatting contribute to concerted marketing
A week ago we shared a TV commercial for Splatoon that had been released by North America, which replaced the funky tunes of the game with a new effort that featured some rather simplistic lyrics. It didn't go down well with everyone, but with a target audience of young gamers and...
News Combat Core Is What You'd Get If Super Smash Bros. And Power Stone Had A Baby
Kickstarter incoming, Wii U version in contention
Ever wondered what would happen if you fused Super Smash Bros. with Capcom's cult brawler Power Stone? We're sure the result would be pretty close to Combat Core, a PC fighting game which should be coming to consoles, dependant on a successful Kickstarter campaign. Created by Micah Betts, Combat...
News Horizon Chase Pays Tribute To SNES Classic Top Gear, And Is Heading To Consoles
Wii U and 3DS releases not ruled out
Top Gear is arguably one of the best old-school racing titles ever made, and Brazilian developer Aquiris Game Studio is paying the ultimate tribute by creating a spiritual successor in the form of Horizon Chase. For those of you that don't remember it, Top Gear was a 1992 SNES racer coded by UK-based Gremlin...
News Nintendo Assisted Monolith Soft With Xenoblade Chronicles X Online Functionality
Many challenges were overcome
The latest issue of Japanese publication Famitsu has revealed interesting details about the development process of Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Wii U. Being such a huge task for Monolith Soft, executive director Tetsuya Takahashi explained the many challenges the developer was required to overcome and how Nintendo was...
News Great News, Just Dance Fans, Ubisoft Has Confirmed Its E3 Conference Time
We'll always have Just Dance
E3 just wouldn't be the same without Ubisoft's press conference. The talk will be no doubt be focused on the power of online gaming, mutli-screen shenanigans with phones and tablets, and producing innovative gaming experiences. That's all code for "hey, look, this is how the new Assassin's Creed won't run on your...
News Nintendo UK Releases Wii U Sizzle Reel and Wants to Know Your Favourite Game
Vote on Twitter like all the cool people do
We believe that history will be kind to the Wii U's games library, which has already amassed some intriguing exclusives and some series-best releases. For any gamer buying a Wii U right now there's an impressive back catalogue to take on, and that applies to existing owners that haven't been keeping up...
News Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition Leads in Japan as 3DS Tops Hardware Sales
Xenoblade Chronicles X holds firm in fourth
It's the week after Golden Week in Japan, which typically brings a drop-off in sales as the public holiday becomes a fading memory. With that in mind, and in the absence of new releases, the latest Media Create sales for the country bring positives for Nintendo. Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros...
News Newly Confirmed Guitar Hero Live Tracks Bring The Spandex And Poodle Perms
"Got any Priest, mate?"
Activision is releasing the full track list for its forthcoming Guitar Hero Live in batches, and it has just announced the second helping of songs. While some fans expressed disappointment at the first drop, this week's offering should get classic rock fans more excited as it includes Pantera, Rage Against the Machine and...
Video Here's Proof That Yoshi Made Out of Yarn is the Best Thing Ever
The cuteness, it's too much
Good-Feel is a development studio that has stumbled across a brilliant idea. Take a cute mascot, almost literally - but virtually - wrap them in wool and make them even more adorable; it is the definition of winning. Which brings us to Yoshi's Woolly World, of course, which will possibly take cuteness to dangerous levels...
News New Super Mario Bros. Receives ESRB Rating For Wii U Virtual Console
That'll be three New Super Mario Bros. games playable on Wii U
About a month ago, Nintendo finally got around to expanding its Virtual Console service by fulfilling its promise to add Nintendo DS games to the catalogue. The titles announced for the launch have all since released, but Nintendo has since remained silent on what we can expect to arrive...
News Sit Tight, Nintendo Will Announce Its E3 2015 Plans Tomorrow
Get your tickets for the hype train
Can't wait to hear more about what Nintendo has planned for this year's E3? Well you don't have to wait too much longer, as Nintendo of America has confirmed that it will be revealing a some additional info tomorrow. Last year the company used a similar approach to outline its plans, and even produced an amusing...
Parent Trap Splatoon Is The Perfect Family Firepower-Fest
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson gets inked up in Nintendo's new hit
Splatoon has been bubbling away for a while, but it's only now - thanks to the recent Global Testfire events - that we start to see how unusual and engaging a game this will be for a whole new audience of shooting fans. Every family is different but a video game flash point for many...
News Nintendo Has Unannounced Wii U Titles Which Will Launch Before April 2016
Expect some big news at E3
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed to investors that the company is working on "unannounced" Wii U titles which will see release before April next year. We already know about certain forthcoming Wii U games, but Nintendo traditionally saves something a little special for E3. Super Mario 3D World was announced...
News Acro Storm Fuses F-Zero With Extreme-G, And It's Racing To The Wii U eShop
Hoverbikes ahoy
Look, we all want a new F-Zero game - that's a given. But until Nintendo actually announces it, we'll just have to make do with titles inspired by the famous racer - titles like Acro Storm, which is currently being developed by Indie studio Blue Comet Games. Built using Unity and featuring 16 different futuristic tracks, Acro Storm...
News Shapes of Gray Arrives On The North American Wii U eShop May 21st
“Hotline Miami meets WarioWare”
Described by Secret Tunnel Entertainment as “Hotline Miami meets WarioWare”, Shapes of Gray is set to arrive on the North American Wii U eShop on 21st May. As previously noted, Shapes of Gray is an aesthetically simple 2D title that takes players through 10-second battles within small game environments...
News Playtonic Confirms Post-Release DLC as the Next Stretch Goal for Yooka-Laylee
"When – and only when – we've finished and shipped the full version"
It's pretty safe to say that Yooka-Laylee is shaping up to be a massive success. After meeting its initial funding goal in less than forty minutes, Yooka-Laylee went on to become the fastest Kickstarter game to pass the $1 million mark. Evidently, gamers around the world really
News The Prices of the Remaining Physical Goods on Club Nintendo in North America Have Been Reduced
Some are as much as 50% off!
As most of you are aware, Club Nintendo's days are numbered. About a month ago, Nintendo announced that a new loyalty program would be replacing it later this year, with Club Nintendo set to shut down for good on 30th June. Shortly after the announcement was made, Nintendo made a plethora of new downloadable games and...
News Doctor Who Confirmed For Lego Dimensions On Wii U
With the Tardis and K-9 in tow, naturally
Keeping up with all the news about Lego Dimensions is no easy task. Having announced the game with Batman, The Lego Movie, Lord of the Rings, Oz and Back to the Future, it was inevitable that there would be more. Just how much more is still kind of mind-blowing. Perhaps not as mind-blowing as the gameplay...
News Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush Fails to Break Top 20 in UK Charts
Puzzle & Dragons dual pack fares worse
Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush finally arrived in Europe last week, a decent period of time after it landed in North America with the name Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. We're not convinced the delay has helped matters a great deal, however. The GamePad-focused title has had a disappointing first week in the...
Poll Did The Splatoon Global Testfire Hit Its Targets?
A demo unlike any other
If you took part in the Splatoon Global Testfire this past weekend you'll have looked a great deal at the app's icon before loading, which is prominently branded as a 'DEMO'. Yet it was a demo unlike any other, with the download now essentially irrelevant, unless Nintendo schedules more online sessions. Three one hour...
News Nintendo's E3 Focus to Reportedly be on Wii U and 3DS, not Smart Devices or NX
NX still set for 2016 reveal
Following its annual financial results in this past week, Nintendo hosted a Q & A with investors. The Japanese-language transcript has now been published, though we'll need to wait longer for the official English translation - nevertheless, fans in the region have been interpreting key parts for the web to consider...
Live Splatoon Global Testfire - Round 3
The last hurrah
A number of gamers have enjoyed some online Splatoon matches, yet it's now time for the final session of the Global Testfire. It appears that there are no official live streams this time around, so we've embedded our very own guide to the demo. Join us for some chat in this final sesson#Splatoon
Video Our Guide to the Splatoon Global Testfire Demo and an Awesome Japanese Trailer
All four weapons and both stages shown off
If you're unaware of the Splatoon Global Testfire Demo then you've clearly not been reading Nintendo Life. We're well aware that it's the dominant story right now, but that's probably because it's such darn fun. There's just one round of online play left, and that's at noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern / 8pm UK...
Live Splatoon Global Testfire - Round 2 With Nintendo UK
Battle resumes...
Plenty of Wii U owners have already enjoyed a first round of online Splatoon, and now the second demo window comes at a convenient time for those in Europe. This is the second one hour session, and we're live streaming the Nintendo UK broadcast while live blogging our experiences. Join us#Splatoon
Live Splatoon Global Testfire - Round 1 With Nintendo Treehouse
It's time for battle
Splatoon is nearly here, and in a surprising move this week Nintendo's set up time-limited online sessions in a free demo; there are three one hour windows lined up. This is the first of these online sessions, and we're live streaming the Nintendo Treehouse while live blogging our experiences with the demo. Join us#Splatoon
Reminder The First Splatoon Global Testfire Details Are Out
Stages and weapons outlined
The Splatoon Global Testfire is nearly upon us. The first round is tonight - remember that to take part you need to download the free demo from the eShop and hop online at the right time. The first session is going down at 8PM-9PM (Pacific) / 11pm-midnight (Eastern) / 4AM-5AM (UK) / 5AM-6AM (CET). Details have emerged...
News Nintendo Share Value Increases With Profits and Smart Device Gaming on the Agenda
Nintendo pushes back system plans for developing countries
Whether by design or simply coincidence, Nintendo managed to bury its financial results behind a Splatoon Direct, though for the first time in a few years the reports were actually positive. Nintendo made a larger than expected profit despite missing some sales targets, and expects improved...
Nintendo Life Weekly 8th May 2015
All wrapped up in a bow
Like a gracious army of waitresses we've come to serve you another delicious slice of the last seven days in Nintendo news, releases, and reviews. We've had a bit of a rebrand as some people felt that the original name was misleading and confusing, so we hope you agree that the new name is neither of those things. As always...
News You Don't Need A Yoshi amiibo To Unlock Stuff In Yoshi's Woolly World
Other figures will also be supported
Nintendo revealed some amazing yarn-based Yoshi amiibo toys recently, as well as confirming how they would work with the forthcoming Yoshi's Woolly World. Standard Yoshi amiibo were also confirmed as compatible with the Wii U platformer, but thanks to a leak of the Australian packaging, we now know that other...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X and Dragon Quest Help Wii U to Top Spot in Japan
Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition tops software results
In recent weeks the Media Create Japanese charts have shown Sony systems and its releases nicking ahead of Nintendo's offerings, so with that in mind this week brings happier news for the big N. The company and supportive third-parties have topped the software and hardware results to...
News Nintendo UK Hosting Splatoon Global Testfire Twitch Stream Tomorrow
Splat attack
Today sees the launch of the Splatoon Global Testfire, and Nintendo UK is hosting its own Twitch stream tomorrow. The first testfire session takes place at 4AM BST tonight, which understandably makes it less than ideal for UK gamers - unless you're planning on stocking up on caffeine and pulling an all-nighter, of course. Instead,...
Feature The Key Details on Splatoon, Nintendo's Shot at a New Wii U Hit
Modes, guns, 8-bit games and amiibo
This week brought us Splatoon Direct, Nintendo's quirky pitch for its upcoming ink-based arena shooter. It's a game that's justifiably been talked up a fair deal, with a blend of intuitive and clever GamePad controls, bright visuals and a whole lot of gameplay potential. While large sections reiterated information...
Weirdness Former My Chemical Romance Frontman Can't Get Enough Of Zelda: Wind Waker
"I play Zelda with my daughter now"
When Activision announced its plans to relaunch Guitar Hero recently, ex-My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way was one of the artists it recruited to promote the move. Way has since been talking to UK newspaper Metro about gaming in general, and has revealed that he's a big fan of The Legend of Zelda - and the...
Out Now Kirby And The Rainbow Paintbrush
The drawn out release is here!
As you may have noticed we've been going kooky for Kirby this week, as the round, pink protagonist's latest adventure, Kirby And The Rainbow Paintbrush, has finally come to European shores. It's been a few months since the game's North American release, so you may already know quite a bit about it, a game we called "a...
News Iwata Reveals a Bit More Information on Nintendo's Upcoming Integrated Membership Service
Tracks past purchases and gameplay records
A point of contention for many years now has been Nintendo's rather deliberate approach to implementation of online services, but with the launch of the Nintendo Network and the eShop, Nintendo has made great strides in the past few years towards offering an increasingly more streamlined and modern online...
News Mega Man & Bass Kickstarts "Mega May" On Wii U Virtual Console
Dr.Wily's least favourite time of year
Last month, Capcom announced that their "Mega May" event was back in full force for 2015, focused on bringing classic GBA Mega Man titles to the Wii U Virtual Console. Now that the month is here and we're already panicking about how fast time is slipping by, these weekly releases have launched into action, with...
News Don't Worry Colour-Blind Gamers, Splatoon Has Got Your Back
Ink-lusive to a fault
Being colour-blind is no laughing matter, especially if you're a keen gamer. Those of us fortunate enough not to suffer from the problem take it for granted just how many games rely on accurate colour perception; such titles are tricky to play if you can't tell one colour from another, and as a result, many colour-blind players...
Reaction The Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Is a Clever Nintendo Direct Highlight
Stress tests servers, creates an 'event' and builds hype all at once
Nintendo isn't quite as old-fashioned as some like to pretend; it is, after all, a multi-billion dollar entertainment company that manufactures and sells consoles. In recent times it's signalled a serious intent to tackle the smart device market, shake up its customer loyalty...
Video Catch Up With the Splatoon Direct Broadcasts
Enjoy your fake scientist voice-over of choice
Earlier today Nintendo served up its Splatoon Direct broadcasts, which revealed quite a few intriguing details, including what is effectively the first ever timed Beta demo by Nintendo. Check you out, big N, welcome to the future! We've written a host of news articles on the various details that...
News Play 8-Bit Retro Squid Games While You Wait For An Online Match In Splatoon
Complete amiibo missions to unlock special gear & more mini-games
The plaza featured in the upcoming Wii U title, Splatoon, will allow players to interact with the game world in an assortment of ways, and the latest Nintendo Direct today has revealed a few extra hidden surprises within the happening location. First is the inclusion of a vintage...
News Pick A Side And Represent It In Splatoon's Themed Event, Splatfest
Earn valuable Super Sea Snails as rewards
It's well documented that the anticipated Wii U squid shooter, Splatoon, is heavily focused on team-based ink wars, and the the latest Nintendo Direct celebrating the title's upcoming release has revealed the trend will continue with themed events known as 'Splatfests' – further encouraging team spirit...
Video Nintendo of America's Splatoon TV Commercial Attempts to Introduce a Theme Song
Coming for ya, Taylor Swift
When it comes down to marketing styles, the gap between Europe and North America continues to widen. Nintendo of America's approach to selling Splatoon has been heavily focused on young gamers, in particular, while it's slightly more neutral in the EU so far. With a game that colourful, to be fair, targeting a young...
News Official Nintendo UK Store Launches Splatoon Wii U Bundles with amiibo and a GamePad Skin
If you're happy to wait until June
Nintendo's clearly keen to make a success of Splatoon, as shown not only by broadcasting a special Nintendo Direct but also in the previous announcement of a Wii U hardware bundle for the game. It's a smart move, though the downside in Europe is that - oddly - the bundle won't arrive until 19th June, a few weeks...
News Nintendo Outlines Splatoon's Free Post-Launch Content
New stages, matchmaking modes and items incoming
During today's special Splatoon-themed Nintendo Direct revealed Nintendo's post-launch plans for the game, which includes new levels, modes and weapons. When the game launches on May 29th there will be five stages available in the online "Turf War" mode: Urchin Underpass, Saltspray Rig, Walleye...
News Get Inked With This New Nintendo 3DS Splatoon-Themed Cover Plate
Be as stylish as a squid this July
The latest Nintendo Direct celebrating the upcoming release of the squid-based shooter, Splatoon, has just come to an end. While this title is making a splash exclusively on the Wii U, Nintendo has also revealed New 3DS owners will be able to be as stylish as Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy while out on the streets,...
News Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Includes Discount For Eager UK Inklings
Available for as little as £31.49 on the eShop
A "Global Testfire" for the Wii U title Splatoon takes place this weekend, and to celebrate the event Nintendo UK is offering a 10 percent discount for those who download the demo and take part. That means you'll be able to download the full game on May 29th for just £31.49 - a neat saving over the...
News Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Confirmed For This Weekend
Demo available to download today
Nintendo has confirmed that demo sessions for its forthcoming Wii U shooter Splatoon will be held later this month. The sessions - which are dubbed "Global Testfire" - last for an hour each and are open to all Wii U owners, regardless of region. A downloadable demo version of the game will be made available today...
Nintendo Direct Watch the North American Splatoon Direct - Live!
A splattering of info
Splatoon is just a few short weeks away, and Nintendo is going to show it off to convince us that the colourful new Wii U IP is a must buy. Join us to watch all of the ink-splatting live, as we expect information on amiibo, online modes and more. #NintendoDirectNA #Splatoon
Nintendo Direct Watch the European Splatoon Direct - Live!
Gunning for glory
Splatoon and its own amiibo toys hit stores at the end of May, and Nintendo's taking this chance to pitch the Wii U exclusive to its fans. Join us for the European variation of the presentation; we expect information on those amiibo toys, online modes and more. #NintendoDirectEU #Splatoon
News Mario Kart 8 Passes Five Million Sales and eShop Download Numbers Continue to Rise
The latest sales figures for the biggest Wii U and 3DS games
Nintendo has today unveiled its annual financial results, which brought higher than expected profits for the company. Various other snippets of information were included in the announcements, including a breakdown of sales numbers for the biggest games on Wii U and 3DS. The most notable...
News Nintendo Outlines 2015 Software Plans, Star Fox Still Due For Take-Off
Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem coming this year in Japan
Nintendo has just released its financials, and as part of that report has outlined its software release plans for the remainder of 2015. Unsurprisingly, Zelda on Wii U is nowhere to be seen - it has been pushed into next year - but elsewhere there are many reasons to be cheerful.
News Project Giant Robot Will Be Out Sooner Than You Probably Expect
Yes, it is still a thing
Remember Project Giant Robot? It was shown off at last year's E3 but has dropped off the radar entirely since then, which has made some - us included - fear for its future. However, Nintendo has outlined its 2015 software plans and Project Giant Robot is still in there - and we may get to play it sooner than you think...
Hints at more MK8 extras
Nintendo has released its financial results for the past year, which brought stronger profits than expected despite sales being down; the results are testament to a leaner, meaner Nintendo. It's predicting more profits in the coming year, though the 3DS family in particular is expected to decline. Yet in its section...
News Nintendo Announces Higher Than Expected Profits Despite Missed Sales Targets
"A gaming application for smart devices" to help improve revenue
Nintendo has today revealed its financial results for the 2014 / 2015 year, which have delivered profits as expected from its previous projections in its Q3 results. The results are an improvement over the projections previously given, primarily due to yen depreciation and streamlined...
Feature What We Want to See in the Splatoon Direct
Inking in the details
It's now less than a day until our next Nintendo Direct or, to be more precise, a Splatoon Direct. Nintendo is mimicking its Direct scheduling approach from 2014, filling the spaces between its latest major broadcast and E3 with presentations focused on retail releases. Mario Kart 8 had its own - fairly lengthy - Direct not...
Gallery Splatoon Development Updates Bring Fashion, amiibo, Game Modes and More Paper
Let's warm up for Splatoon Direct
It's been over a month since we collated updates from Splatoon Tumblr page, which brings translated snippets of information and colourful screens from the development team in Japan. They always bring us fashion, often include looks at modes and gameplay, while also providing lowdowns on various ink-splatting...
Video Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush Launch Trailer Brings a Colourful Clay Overload
Finally arrives in PAL territories this week
Gamers in North America have been able to tackle Kirby and the Rainbow Curse on the Wii U for some time, wearing out GamePad touch screens in the latest HAL title starring the pink puffball. Its journey to PAL regions - as Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush - has taken longer, but it's finally due this week...
News Disney Infinity 3.0 is Announced With Star Wars, Marvel and Inside Out, Confirmed for Wii U
We break down the major details
Disney Infinity 3.0 has been announced and features play-sets and characters from every Star Wars movie, alongside improved cross-franchise compatibility and play-sets for Inside Out and Marvel. With a strong announcement from Lego Dimensions and expected news on the next Skylanders game, this is an impressive...
Video 'Smashified' Series Adds King K. Rool to the Collection of Super Smash Bros. Speed Paintings
In a while, crocodile?
YouTuber Artsy Omni has added a new video to the 'Smashified' series (a series that takes our favourite and most-wanted characters for Smash Bros. DLC and recreates them in the game's art style), and this time the focus is on King K. Rool - a logical choice considering that the antagonist of the Donkey Kong series is arguably...
News Portal, The Simpsons and Scooby Sneak Into Lego Dimensions
Adios, bank balance
After much internet rumour and speculation, a listing on Walmart for some Lego Dimensions packs (that was hastily removed) has confirmed a Portal and The Simpsons level pack for Lego Dimensions. It also included listings for character packs on Scooby Doo, Jurassic World and Chima. The news comes after many Lego fan sites have...
News Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends Is Brawling Its Way To Wii U And 3DS
Super Smash Bros has company?
Little Orbit has announced that it is publishing Vicious Cycle's Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends on Nintendo Wii U and 3DS later this year. Boasting 20 different characters as well as offline and online play, Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends contains plenty of modes, such as Tournament of...
News Nintendo of America Apologises for amiibo Shortages and Promises More Re-Stocks
"We understand how frustrating it can be at times"
We don't think any dedicated Nintendo fan would disagree that the company's had plenty of problems with stocking and distributing its amiibo range of toys. While there's an abundance of certain 'main' figures, some options sold-out at the pre-order stage and have never returned, while tales of...
Nintendo Download 7th May (Europe)
Kirby, DS Yoshi, Puzzle & Dragons duo, a free HOME theme and more
It's the beginning of another week, and though the UK Nintendo Download Update details and pricing haven't been issued due to a public Holiday, the information for the European region as a whole has still been released (with thanks to Daan Koopman for his assistance). This week's...
Weirdness Watch This Awesome Dad Recreate Super Smash Bros. Taunts
Smash Dad DLC on the way?
We know what you're all thinking - "Man, I wish my Dad would stop recreating the taunts of my favourite Smash Bros. characters, it's getting a bit stale now..." Err...no? Well, there's at least one crazy parent out there who's been absolutely nailing the performance, and it makes for a hilarious start to the weekend. Yes,...
News More Disney Infinity 3.0 Leaks Emerge With Starter Pack Line-Up
Don't click on this if you don't want spoilers
Disney Infinity 3.0 will be a major challenger in the toys-to-life space later this year, going up against the next Skylanders (we assume) and LEGO Dimensions, while Nintendo will likely continue its own model with yet more amiibo functionality. When it comes to buying plastic toys that double as DLC...
Video Digital Foundry Puts the Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2 Performance to the Test
Spoiler - it's impressive
The Digital Foundry team makes its living by delving into the minutiae of detail over a game's performance, looking at visual effects, resolution and frame rate among other factors. It did just that for Mario Kart 8 last year when it launched, and was full of praise for Nintendo's racer. In addition to being an attractive...
April2015
News Nintendo Confirmed as Exhibitors at Legends of Gaming YouTube Extravaganza in London
Mario Kart 8 looks like a key event
It's not uncommon to attend an expo nowadays, see a particularly long queue and accurately assume that those fans are in line to see a YouTube star. Some online celebs have millions of subscribers and over a billion views to their name, making them a big draw for the crowds at events. Legends of Gaming is an expo...
Nintendo Direct A Special Splatoon Direct is Inked In for 7th May
Expect a splattering of details
Nintendo is clearly keen to keep up its run of Nintendo Direct broadcasts for major releases, confirming a Splatoon Direct that'll be broadcast on 7th May - it's going down at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK / 4pm CET. This has been confirmed by both Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe, suggesting that...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Skell Models on the Way in Japan
The big marketing push continues
The RPG genre may not be quite as all-conquering as it once was, but Nintendo and developer Monolith Soft are clearly very determined to make a success out of Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U. We've seen a solid couple of months of build-up through 'special presentations' in flashy videos, while a handsome hardware...
News Bravely Second: End Layer Passes 100,000 Sales in Its Launch Week in Japan
Wii U has a small boost as 3DS remains static
There's some cheer for Square Enix and 3DS fans in the latest Media Create charts from Japan, with a fresh release sealing top-spot and six-figure sales. Despite that, there's still an overwhelming volume of new releases on Sony systems hogging the top 10. It's Bravely Second: End Layer that claims top...
Talking Point Mario Maker Can Be A Game Changer For Nintendo And Its Relationship With Gamers
A future with NES Maker and more could be extraordinary
Sometimes a game has the power to seize the imagination from the moment it's revealed, with a self-hyping capacity to get thousands of gamers excited from little more than a glimpse. Others can be a slow burner or need the right moment to set off alarms in an individual's head. This writer will...
Gallery Feast Your Eyeballs on These Xenoblade Chronicles X Wallpapers
Time to buy a Japanese Wii U?
We'll admit it, we like covering Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U, even if it means gazing longingly towards Japan and contemplating rapid-fire lessons in the Japanese language. Monolith Soft's RPG is rather impressive in its scope and ambition, and we can't help but admire it. With that in mind, and with the game...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Paid-DLC Details Emerge With Characters, Quests and Skell Unlocks
All available in a bundle for 2000 Yen, about $17
Xenoblade Chronicles X is downloading onto some Japanese Wii U systems right now, and new details on paid-DLC options have accompanied the launch. On a whole the content on offer seems to be a decent value, though day one extras aren't always greeted with open arms. The four characters above each...
Poll With Races Won and Cups Collected, How Do You Rate Mario Kart 8's DLC Pack 2?
And 200cc, for that matter
It's clear that Nintendo's approach to DLC has moved on a great deal when extras begin to take on the status of a brand new release. With April being generally low on enticing new releases, the big N successfully got plenty of current Wii U and 3DS gamers excited with DLC for existing evergreen blockbusters. In the case of...
News Nintendo of America Aims to Cause a Splash for Splatoon With a 'Mess Fest' Event
Celebs, PR photos, you know the drill
It seems as if Nintendo of America is determined to give Splatoon a strong chance of achieving mainstream success for the Wii U, announcing an event designed to get the attention of young gamers and families, in particular. A 'Mess Fest' event will take place on 15th May at Santa Monica Pier, from 11am to 7pm...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Development Details Emerge in Iwata Asks Interview
Going into detail on the huge adventure that awaits
Xenoblade Chronicles X is about to arrive in Japan, bringing an end to a huge development undertaking for Monolith Soft. While Wii U owners in the West need to wait until later in the year, the build up to release in Japan has brought plenty of fascinating details, also boosted by a recent
News Mario Kart 8's 200cc Mode Has Apparently Negated Firehopping
"It's a legitimate strategy!"
Look at any popular, competitive video game and it's practically guaranteed that there will be a particular exploit that advanced players use to gain the edge over their opponents. Whether these exploits are "cheating" or not is very much debatable; it can certainly be argued that a glitch already in the game could just...
Weirdness Shigeru Miyamoto Takes on a Shinya Arino Level in Mario Maker, and It's Awesome
We'd give this level a Yeah
Game Center CX is rather iconic - popular in Japan and with a small legion of fans in the West, its host Shinya Arino is also particularly well known. Naturally Nintendo features regularly, and Arino-san recently took part in a special NicoNico fan event in which Shigeru Miyamoto appeared to show off September's Wii U...
Feature A Day With The Biggest StreetPass Group in the US
Hits, games and cake in San Diego
In this special feature Nintendo Life contributor Alan Lopez shares his experience of a day with the San Diego StreetPass group. What do you get when you Google "StreetPass groups"? If you're searching in the land of Nintendo of America, Facebook pages for "StreetPass Chicago", "StreetPass NYC" and other cities...
News Here's The First Round Of Songs Confirmed For Guitar Hero Live
The perfect note?
Since the announcement of Guitar Hero Live, Activision has been trying hard to get its fans pumped for this new release - which is coming to the Wii U as well as other systems. Despite this, one piece of information has divided them more than others. Catching the most heat is the announcement that old controllers and DLC will be...
Preview Unraveling the Truth in Yoshi's Woolly World
Baby Mario cheerfully absent
For many years now fans of games in the Yoshi series have been clamouring for a successor to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, yet the games Nintendo has presented us with so far haven't quite hit the mark. Yoshi's Story ditched the somewhat irritating Baby Mario mechanic much to the delight of many, but overhauled...
Assume nothing, hope for a belated Fall release
Call of Duty: Black Ops III has had its big reveal, and confirmed platforms for the usual triumvirate - PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Treyarch, the lead developer and source of some hope for a Wii U version courtesy of the studio's considerable experience with the Nintendo system, has also confirmed that as...
Praises Nintendo's work, talks up Hexadrive for more remakes
With the Wii U now roughly 2.5 years old, and Nintendo busy - along with a select few partners - keeping its retail library ticking over, it's entirely possible that low-maintenance options will have already been considered for 'easy wins' on the system. The 3DS has had its share of...
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Popular Wii U Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Wii U
- 3rd Mar 2017 (JPN)
- 3rd Mar 2017 (UK/EU)
- 3rd Mar 2017 (NA)
- 10th Sep 2015 (JPN)
- 11th Sep 2015 (UK/EU)
- 11th Sep 2015 (NA)
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Wii U
- 21st Nov 2014 (NA)
- 28th Nov 2014 (UK/EU)
- 6th Dec 2014 (JPN)
- 18th Nov 2012 (NA)
- 30th Nov 2012 (UK/EU)
- 8th Dec 2012 (JPN)
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Wii U
- 13th Nov 2014 (JPN)
- 5th Dec 2014 (NA)
- 2nd Jan 2015 (UK/EU)
Injustice: Gods Among Us Wii U
Warner Bros / NetherRealm Studios
- 16th Apr 2013 (NA)
- 26th Apr 2013 (UK/EU)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U
- 26th Sep 2013 (JPN)
- 4th Oct 2013 (UK/EU)
- 4th Oct 2013 (NA)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Wii U
- 4th Mar 2016 (UK/EU)
- 4th Mar 2016 (NA)
- 10th Mar 2016 (JPN)
Nintendo / Intelligent Systems
- 28th Mar 2013 (JPN)
- 23rd Jun 2013 (NA)
- 28th Jun 2013 (UK/EU)
- 18th Nov 2012 (NA)
- 30th Nov 2012 (UK/EU)
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Wii U
- 13th Feb 2014 (JPN)
- 21st Feb 2014 (UK/EU)
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