Wii U News
May2015
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! [...
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!...
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!...
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...
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...
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...
Video Catch Up With the Xenoblade Chronicles X Video Showcase With This Handy Summary
Or watch the whole thing if you have a spare couple of hours
After a fair wait and multiple presentations in Japan, gamers in the West that are looking forward to Xenoblade Chronicles X this year were finally treated to a localised broadcast that introduced the title and brought us some of the names and terms as they'll be in English language...
News The Mechs of Xenoblade Chronicles X Are Named "Skells" in its Western Release
Helloooo skelly!
Xenoblade Chronicles X has had us drooling over its mighty array of transformable mechs from the very beginning, treating us to glimpses of these powerful weapons soaring across the sky and engaging in combat. Today's special Nintendo Direct focused on the upcoming Western localization, and revealed that the technology has been...
Nintendo Direct Watch Nintendo of America's Xenoblade Chronicles X Video Showcase - Live!
Fingers crossed for a release date
Xenoblade Chronicles X may be just days away in Japan, but we're finally getting a Western focus on the RPG with Nintendo of America's video showcase. We'll no doubt get plenty of information on the game and, if we're lucky, a release window; we can't wait to find out. [...
Video So, How Fast Is 200cc In Mario Kart 8?
Spoiler: Very - we compare it to 50cc, 100cc and 150cc
Oh Nintendo, with this free update for Mario Kart 8 you are really spoiling us! Sure, we're grateful for stability and the ability to purchase the awesome new Animal Crossing x Mario Kart DLC, but let's face it - today we are all about the brand new 200cc speed. This face-melting new difficulty...
Talking Point Mario Kart 8 DLC is a Winning Formula for Nintendo, But It Can Go Further
A real Battle Mode, Challenges and more
We suspect that the online multiplayer servers for Mario Kart 8 saw a handsome spike this week, with the launch of DLC Pack 2 and an update that includes the 200cc race class. It's a title that just keeps growing, and as we argued recently the arrival of non-Mario franchises points to a potential future for...
News New Super Smash Bros. Update Resolves Mewtwo Bugs and Online Bans
Online fights await you, Mewtwo
Earlier this month there was a great deal of excitement around the arrival of Mewtwo in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, at least for Club Nintendo members. Unfortunately some ran into trouble, however, when a glitch started to prevent players getting online after playing as Mewtwo. Some single-player...
"We hope to be able to do a better job of satisfying these needs"
The life of an amiibo collector isn't easy - getting some of the figures is simple enough, especially if you're not picky, but when it comes down to grabbing specific and less common toys the going gets rather tough. Pre-orders sell-out in minutes and can often be left unfulfilled,...
Video Here's Our Own Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 Showcase
The Return of Baby Park
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines....again! The second DLC pack for Mario Kart 8 is here and it is a must-buy piece of downloadable content if ever there were one. Even if Animal Crossing isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this pack. How about another F-Zero track? Is Dry Bowser...
Live Watch and Race With Us in Mario Kart 8's DLC and 200cc Mode - Live!
Alex will take on anyone
Today has brought lots of goodies in Mario Kart 8, with 200cc racing free for all and new DLC to get stuck into. Our video man Alex will be racing in our own online Tournaments against you, our lovely viewers - see how he gets on in the stream while watching the blog and live chat for details to join...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops III "Ember" Tease Sets a Futuristic Scene Ahead of Full Reveal
Deus Duty
It's Spring-time, which means the inevitable limbo that comes with a new Call of Duty release; the Wii U had two CoD games in a row before missing out on the most-recent entry. Now we have Black Ops III on the way, and the presence of a Nintendo Network ID registration option on the franchise website has sparked rumours that the latest...
Live Nintendo UK Shows Off Mario Kart 8 DLC and 200cc Mode
Remember to brake
As this is Mario Kart 8 day, in particular thanks to the free 200cc mode and the Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 pack, we thought we'd share yet another opportunity to check it out. Nintendo UK is running a live stream from 5pm to 6pm local time, which will be showing off the new tracks and 200cc mode. If you haven't yet had a...
Play Take On 200cc and DLC Racing in Mario Kart 8 With Nintendo Life
Race for honour and opportunities to gloat
It's a fun day for Mario Kart 8 fans, with a free update bringing a 200cc race class and more Mii costumes to unlock with amiibo. On top of that there's the main attraction, with DLC Pack 2 available now and bringing eight new tracks, three characters and four vehicles. We thought we'd celebrate the arriva
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Nintendo Direct Confirmed for 24th April
This one's for the West
With its arrival in Japan less than a week away, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a hot topic for RPG fans in the West that are keen to take on Monolith Soft's latest creation. The exciting news is that a Nintendo Direct focused on the game is airing very soon, as confirmed by Nintendo of America. It'll be broadcast on Friday 24th...
News Splatoon Producer Talks Up Post-Launch DLC to "Keep Interest in the Game"
Dev team "thinking of the launch as a first step of sorts"
Nintendo likes the idea of DLC right now, especially due to its potential for keeping established games active and popular. It wouldn't exactly be surprising if upcoming Wii U third-person shooter Splatoon jumps on board the DLC train, especially as its structure of arenas, equipment and...
Gallery Get Hot Under the Collar in the Continent Of Black Steel in Xenoblade Chronicles X
Is it warm in here?
If you're a Wii U owner in Japan with any affection at all for RPGs, we suspect Xenoblade Chronicles X by Monolith Soft is pinging rather loudly on your radar. The huge adventure arrives in Japan on 29th April, less than a week from today, leaving those of us in the West a tad jealous. A benefit of the upcoming release is the...
News Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2 Available to Download Right Now
Rev up the engines
The time is here, with the Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2 and software update now available to download; if you try and fire up your copy of the game it should automatically trigger a download update. Once that's done you can open up the game and set the DLC downloading - when that's finished you have various delights waiting for you...
News Girls Mode 3 Struts to Number One in Japan, Though Hardware Sales Stumble Again
Worth it for the Kirby bag
It's easy to be dismissive of Style Savvy / New Style Boutique, with its focus on fashion, designer coffees and neat apartments, but it's a rather fun and entertaining title on the 3DS. The release of the latest entry in Japan has given some life to the country's charts this week, too, though overall sales are still...
News Legend of Kay Anniversary Set for Budget Retail Release on Wii U This Summer
As little as $19.99 on some platforms
It's been known for quite some time that Legend of Kay Anniversary is coming to the Wii U and a host of platforms, and publisher Nordic Games has today confirmed a Summer arrival, though stopped short of giving exact dates. In addition to Wii U it'll be released on PS4, Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Mac; intriguingly...
News Yoshi's Woolly World Yarn amiibo Now Available for Pre-Order on the Nintendo UK Store
You'd better be quick!
We've seen lots of delightful amiibo over the past few months from the Super Smash Bros. and Mario Party ranges, however it's the yarn Yoshi amiibo figurines which tie in with the release of Yoshi's Woolly World on Wii U which really seem to be exciting collectors at the moment. They're amiibo made of wool and ridiculously...
News Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem’s Character Designer Speaks Of New Challenge
Toi8 Tackles New Crossover
World renowned character designer, toi8, takes to Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem's Official Blog to share a little more about himself. We all know and love him for his work on hack//The Movie and Chain Chronicle movie, but did you know that working for Nintendo has been a huge dream of his? "As part of the generation...
News Famitsu Unleashes Xenoblade Chronicles X Score
Famitsu Dolls Itself Up
It's finally here guys, and we couldn't be more enthusiastic. Monolith Soft and Nintendo have been drip feeding its fans for months now, with screenshots, soundtrack teasers, and even a brand new story trailer, but as the Japanese release is fast approaching, the Famitsu Scores are in. World renowned gaming magazine Famitsu...
News Splatoon Creation Was Inspired by Rare's Perfect Dark
Making something fun, new, different and not a shooter
As the release date for Nintendo's colourful multiplayer ink-em-up Splatoon draws ever closer, we're starting to get more and more insights into the rationale behind the development of the game. GamesRadar+ recently interviewed Producer Hisashi Nogami and it turns out that Rare's classic N64 FPS...
News Sonic Boom Was Originally Called Sonic Synergy, Alternative Character Designs Emerge
Game would likely have still been a bit pants
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal are unlikely to be talked of fondly in years to come, which is a pity for the slightly more competent 3DS title. Rise of Lyric on Wii U, however, was particularly poorly received, from the character designs down to the gameplay, but most...
Video New Xenoblade Chronicles X Video Goes Big on Drama, Plot and Battles
Cat also sighted
It pains us to say it, with pangs of jealousy that are almost overwhelming, but Xenoblade Chronicles X arrives in Japan very soon. The sizeable adventure will bring the series into a new setting and with a host of fresh systems and mechanics, all in lovely HD. With release approaching Nintendo has unleashed another video to show it...
Launches in Europe on 19th June
[tweet Following the North American confirmation, Nintendo has revealed Australia, New Zealand and Europe will also receive a special hardware bundle to celebrate next month's release of team-based squid shooter, Splatoon, on the Wii U. Launching 30th May in Australia and New Zealand alongside the game's release,...
News Challenge Mode to Accompany Shovel Knight's Plague of Shadows Update
Japanese localization also on the way!
As exceedingly rad as Shovel Knight is, the radness velocity only climbs upon the realization that Yacht Club Games is still digging up free add-ons, updates and treats that will keep the game fresh for quite some time. We previously learned that the Plague of Shadows expansion is on its way, but Yacht Club has...
Video Nintendo Inks In 'Claim Your Turf' Marketing Campaign With New Commercial
Pre-orders now open for Splatoon Wii U hardware bundle, too
With its release due on 29th May, we can expect Nintendo to ramp up its efforts in turning Splatoon into a big hit for the Wii U. Nintendo of America has taken its chance today to kick off its efforts, just recently announcing a Splatoon Wii U hardware bundle exclusive to Best Buy in North...
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