Yoshi News
October2015
News The Cute Little Green Yarn Yoshi amiibo Gets a Standalone Release in North America
For all you collectors out there
Occasionally amiibo figures are only available within game bundles, either for a limited period or - potentially - as a permanent arrangement. Naturally this doesn't suit everyone, so Nintendo of America is un-bundling one toy for its own release. On this occasion it's the small green Yarn Yoshi, which has been...
News Mega Yarn Yoshi, Exclusive To Toys "R" Us in North America, Given Release Date
Joins Mii Fighter 3-pack and Animal Crossing Villager restock
Toys "R" Us has confirmed the well-known secret that the new Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo will be exclusive to its stores. The soft toy - which is a larger variant of the existing Yarn Yoshi - does now have a release date; it launches on November 15th and will only be available in store. Mega...
September2015
Video Mega Yarn Yoshi, Shovel Knight And More amiibo Madness At EGX 2015
Is your wallet ready?
You like amiibo, right? Of course you do! Everyone does. And with that in mind, you'll no doubt be pleased to hear that Nintendo Life video expert Alex Olney teamed up with our friends at Family Gamer TV at EGX 2015 to get an up-close tour of all the lovely new amiibo on show at the expo. On the Nintendo booth we got to have a...
Weirdness Mario Kart 8's Yoshi Bike Found In Japan
Well, kind of...
Those familiar with the latest instalment in the Mario Kart series will know that one of the available vehicles is the 'Yoshi Bike' - a motorbike shaped as Mario's long-time dino companion, obviously. As cool as it looks in the game (if that's the kind of thing that floats your boat), it looks even better in real-life. Twitter user...
August2015
News Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo Stampedes onto Shelves this November
Your fabric-based Godzilla fantasies realised
The Yarn Yoshi amiibo triplicate was a great move by Nintendo - it brought the idea of toys-to-life into actual toys that aren't glorified statuettes. Three clearly wasn't enough though, as now we can expect a giant variation of these adorable critters to arrive in North America, Europe, Australia, and...
July2015
Weirdness Yoshi Gets Mad in Latest Yoshi's Woolly World Commercials
Not so soft and cuddly
Yes, we know, Yoshi's Woolly World is so last week in Europe, and a source of frustration for North America fans, but the latest Japanese trailer just has to be shared. Why? Because Yoshi gets angry. Even when beating up on fools in Super Smash Bros., Yoshi is a happy presence - he's playful and cute, and can't be thrown off...
June2015
News Yoshi's Woolly World Cuddles Up to Fourth Spot in the UK Charts
Described as a 'great start' by Chart-Track
Last week brought two major new retail releases in the UK - Batman: Arkham Knight was always an absolute certainty to take top spot in the country's charts, but it was the launch of the fantastic Wii U platformer Yoshi's Woolly World that was of most interest to Nintendo fans. The pleasing news is that...
Video Unboxing the Yarn Yoshi amiibo & Seeing How it Works in Yoshi's Woolly World
A stitch in time
Nintendo's been making waves with its latest foray into the toys-to-life genre, namely the crocheted Yarn Yoshi amiibo which takes on a plush, more toy-like form than the plastic statues found in the rest of the lineup. In this video we unbox the blue version of this cuddly critter and see how he and the rest of the amiibo range...
Video Art Academy and Yoshi's Woolly World Combine Beautifully in This Time-Lapse Showcase
Worthy of any virtual gallery
A neat new feature in Art Academy: Atelier / Art Academy: Home Studio is the option to upload time-lapse footage of your creations to YouTube. It's a practice popular among artists on the video platform, and provides multiple options that are automated - rather like Mario Kart TV in Mario Kart 8. The new Art Academy is...
Interview Knitting Together the Pattern of Yoshi's Woolly World and Cuddly amiibo
"We still have lots more ideas to explore"
Yoshi's Woolly World is out now in Europe - it heads to North America on 16th October - and is the latest major retail arrival on the Wii U. First teased back in 2013, its visual style and design brings a natural evolution to the yarn aesthetic seen in the excellent Kirby's Epic Yarn on Wii. Utilising the...
Gallery The Yarn Yoshi amiibo Is So Cute And Cuddly, It Hurts
We're not pulling wool over your eyes, either
Today sees the release of Yoshi's Woolly World in Europe, and we've been lucky enough to get some hands-on time with the Yarn Yoshi amiibo which accompanies the game. As you can see in the shots below, he's settled in nicely in the Nintendo Life office, even going as far as to have a friendly chat with...
Video Spin a New Yarn with these Top Ten Ways to Waste Time in Yoshi's Woolly World
Lighter than lighthearted
Sometimes following the rules and going from A to Bin a game just isn't enough to cut it if you're in a sillier mood than usual, but does Yoshi's Woolly World allow such informal pastimes? You bet it does! Check out the video below to see the top ten ways you can have fun outside the rules and regulations that "the man"...
Video Enjoy Some Nostalgia With This Stylish History of Yoshi Games
Ending with Woolly World, of course
Yoshi's Woolly World arrives this week in Europe and Australia, with Good-Feel giving Mario's buddy the yarn treatment. We couldn't help but love it in our review, and we're sure a number of Wii U owners are contemplating whether to splash the cash. Whether you're picking Woolly's World up or waiting for its...
Music Tissues At The Ready For This Yoshi's Woolly World Song
Still a better love story than Twilight...
You know that music video you've always wanted? The one where a boy expresses his love for a tiny, knitted, fictional, egg-laying video game character? Well want no more! Yoshi has been my favourite character from the Nintendo universe for as long as I can remember. His gorgeous little face and that...
Review Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
Knitting ideas together
Nintendo has long been the leading light in the platforming genre, a part of that legacy being the focus of Super Mario Anniversary celebrations this year. It's a genre with plenty of scope for variety, however, which is something Nintendo pushed forward with the superb Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on Super NES,...
News French Retailers Are Cancelling Yoshi Woolly World amiibo Orders Due to "Destroyed" Stock
Or "détruit" if you'd prefer
Not so long ago, we reported that Splatoon amiibo orders were cancelled in the UK due to an entire truckful of the blighters being stolen. Just when you thought that things couldn't get any worse in the world of amiibo collecting, we're now hearing reports from France that retailers are cancelling orders because of...
News Yoshi's Woolly World Launches in North America This October
Kept you waiting
Yoshi's Woolly World launches this month in Europe, but has thus far been denied a solid North American release date. Today's Digital Event at E3 changed all that - Nintendo has confirmed that Yoshi's next adventure will land in that particular region on October 16th. Developed by Good-Feel, Woolly World is the first home console...
News New Yoshi's Woolly World Video Shows Off Fluffy Cuteness and Confirms Splatoon amiibo Support
Ink-redible news (we have no shame)
With Yoshi's Woolly World just two weeks from release in Europe and all set for a Fall arrival in North America, we're seeing more videos and hype building for the soft-natured platformer. It's big on cuteness, and the latest video from Nintendo UK is no different. Rather like a recent Japanese video showcase...
Video Get Cosy With This Yoshi's Woolly World Showcase from Japan
Ramping up the cuteness
Yoshi's Woolly World isn't far away in Europe, the second Good-Feel platformer to wrap its game world in soft, cuddly fabric. We think it should definitely be on your radar if you like chilled out platforming with an optional edge of difficulty to take on. Its Japanese release is close too, and the video below therefore...
May2015
Video Discover What Happens When Yoshis Meet amiibo In This New Yoshi’s Woolly World Trailer
Turn that cuteness dial up to eleven
Yoshi's Woolly World is only a month away from its European launch, which takes place on the 26th June. As we said in our preview yesterday, when you throw in the stunning visuals, quirky and charming design and a lovely soundtrack, it becomes apparent that Woolly World is the real deal - a game crafted with care...
Feature Yoshi's Woolly World, Like Kirby's Epic Yarn Before It, Offers Unique Chill-Out Platforming
All platformer fans should want this game
Though its release in Europe is still a month away, Nintendo has certainly been keen to let the media get their hands on Yoshi's Woolly World. We already gave you a written and video preview for the game in late April, but without spoiling too many specifics we thought we'd provide a follow-up to explain...
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 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...
April2015
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...
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...
Review Yoshi's Island DS (Wii U eShop / DS)
Swap-a-bye baby
The challenge of having to follow up such a hot act as Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island is staying true to the original while simultaneously feeling fresh and exciting. The original Yoshi's Island was a pioneer in its design; that design can be straight-up copied again, sure, but the sense of surprise that the first possessed...
Review Yoshi Touch & Go (Wii U eShop / DS)
Fleeting fun
Between the DS, 3DS and Wii U, Nintendo has delivered many touch screen gaming experiences throughout the years. While some are genuinely creative and/or mechanically deep, others have ended up feeling like little more than an experiment or a tech demo rather than a full-fledged game; Yoshi Touch & Go falls into that latter...
News Those Yoshi's Woolly World Yarn amiibo Are Up for Pre-Order in the UK, and They're Pricey
Holy Knit!
When it comes to amiibo, it's hard not to be charmed silly be the yarn toys that are being released along with Yoshi's Woolly World on Wii U. They're amiibo made of wool - let's just digest that for a moment... Of course, stock will probably be harder to come by than an original Call of Duty concept, so the race will be on. UK gamers...
News Mario Maker Japanese Website Points to Inclusion of Yoshi and, Maybe, Kuribo's Shoe
8-bit Yoshi, HD Kuribo's Shoe? Sign us up...
Sometimes it pays to look for clues and information on official Nintendo game pages published for the Japanese market. Some eagle-eyed Mario Maker fans over on NeoGaf have been looking around the Japanese website for the game and found some interesting pointers on potential content. For starters, as you...
March2015
Cute 'n powerful
While Nintendo doesn't always follow through with all of its ideas and concepts, it's maintained momentum with 3DS HOME Themes. New options arrive most weeks and cover a range of franchises and styles, helping us all to add a little extra spice to our portables. The Japanese market does have the best of the releases, naturally, and...
January2015
Gallery If You Want a Yoshi's Woolly World amiibo, You Can Do It Yourself
Or give Little Mac a pink jumpsuit
Nintendo's amiibo waves, to date, appear to have gone down rather well, selling to the extent that some stock is frustratingly hard to come by. Many of the designs are rather neat, of course, but that doesn't stop us dreaming of more figures or, if you're a little craftier, modding our existing toys. There have...
December2014
News Details and Images are Revealed for an Awesome Articulated Yoshi Figure
Strike a pose
Earlier this year we told you about a budget range of articulated Nintendo toys that are already available in North America, some of which are rather charming. The higher quality equivalents - the Figuarts range - are more detailed, however, and the most recent images of the upcoming Yoshi figure are pretty darn cute. Due in Japan in...
Feature 12 Days of Nintendo Christmas - Day Six
On the sixth day...
In this completely silly run of bite-sized features, we're going to write a new version of '12 Days of Christmas' with a Nintendo twist that will, hopefully, be good enough to sing. Six Yoshis Laying: With the original line being 'six Geese-a-Laying', we thought that Mario's favourite side-kick — apart from Luigi — was the...
October2014
Tanooki Buggy also revealed!
If you haven’t already pre-purchased the upcoming Mario Kart 8 downloadable content, due out this November and May 2015, then this latest reveal might just be enough reason to take the plunge. Nintendo has released a new trailer revealing Yoshi Circuit from the 2003 GameCube series entry, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!,...
August2014
Weirdness Yoshi's Real Name Is Both Silly and Scientific
Will re-open the "is he a dinosaur" debate
We were once told by Nintendo that Yoshi is not a dinosaur, as we'd stated in a feature, but that he was simply a Yoshi. Once we'd dusted ourselves down from the polite but firm telling off, we felt indignant. He is a dinosaur, with boots, what's so wrong about that? It is possible that down the road of...
June2014
First Impressions Enjoying the Craft of Yoshi's Woolly World
A purled gem
For fans who have been anxiously awaiting news of Yarn Yoshi since it was first announced in January 2013, seeing Nintendo’s Takashi Tezuka and Good-Feel’s Etsunobu Ebisu walk into a yarn shop during the E3 Digital Event was enough to send hopeful hearts flutter-jumping in anticipation. Now sporting a new name and a launch window of...
News Nintendo of Europe Adds Yoshi Backpack to Club Nintendo Websites
Egg-cellent for carrying things around
Another month, another good reason for us to all empty our Club Nintendo Star accounts; Nintendo of Europe has recently updated its Club Nintendo reward service to most include a Yoshi-themed rucksack, as seen above. Available for 6500 stars and sporting the classic Yoshi egg design, the backpack comes with...
May2014
News Yoshi Folder & Bookmark Set Arrives on Club Nintendo on Europe
Cuteness overload
The relatively recent 3DS release Yoshi's New Island may have endured a mixed critical and commercial reaction, but we certainly haven't lost any of our love for the mascot(s). Even if his games are occasionally missteps, we still think he's the best dino-like hero in the games industry — he's not a dinosaur, apparently. Club...
April2014
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...
"I want to make more, rather than just simply one zone"
Wii U title Sonic Lost World was recently given some DLC-love with special Yoshi and Zelda-themed levels, and producer Takashi Iizuka has been speaking to 4gamer about how
March2014
News Yoshi's New Island is Still Throwing Eggs in the UK Top 20
Pokémon provides the only other Nintendo-exclusive top 40 presence
After making its UK all-format chart début in 12th place, a test for 3DS title Yoshi's New Island has been to see how its momentum stacks up — not too badly, as it turns out. In its second week Yoshi's adventure is in 16th place — it holds the same spot in the single-platform...
Weirdness Titanfall Gets a Glorious Yoshi Write-Up in The Times
We'd totally buy Titanfall: Yoshi Edition
There's no getting around the fact that Yoshi's New Island had mixed reviews — we awarded it a 5/10 score, with various major outlets varying from 4 to 8 out of 10; there's little denying that it divided opinion. It's out in the wild now, however, and consumers will make their own decisions on how the...
Feature Baby Mario's Global Adventure Through Twitter
More social networking hijinks from Nintendo
During February Cranky Kong took over Nintendo of America's Twitter account for a day in order to promote Wii U release Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Nintendo had made much of the character's inclusion in the game, even officially revealing him at the VGX Awards, and took the opportunity to have a...
Month Of Yoshi Your Travel Guide To Yoshi's Island
Going anywhere nice this year?
Though we've finally shaken off the last of Winter's dreary cold here at Nintendo Life HQ, it's always tempting to consider taking a quick break somewhere bathed in sun and kalimba music. In our search for the perfect spot, we've come across an old travel brochure that fits right in with the Month of Yoshi. What...
Review Yoshi's New Island (3DS)
Dino-lite
Back in 1995, Yoshi's Island turned heads when it was announced as the successor to the masterful Super Mario World. Appearing to be more of a spin-off than a direct sequel, there was skepticism as to whether such a departure could live up to the Mario name and please fans of the series. Fortunately the unique gameplay mechanics,...
Month of Yoshi Guide for Beginner Yoshi Owners
Practical advice on brightly coloured, insatiable dinosaur maintenance
Congratulations on your first Yoshi! With the proper upkeep and care, your new addition will prove a faithful companion and friend. As the two of you build mutual trust, your Yoshi can even grow to serve as a chauffeur or care for your easily kidnapped children. Even without...
News Nintendo Releases an Extended Gameplay Trailer for Yoshi's New Island
Eggs-actly what you were looking for (we're so sorry...)
Yoshi's New Island is just days away, and Nintendo is releasing more footage and generating extra publicity before the final game hatches. We'd expect more egg puns as bad as ours to be poached, too, so we'll be sure not to let our heads get too scrambled. OK. We'll stop the terrible,...
Month of Yoshi The Brightly Coloured History of Yoshi
Getting to know the green one
We all know and love Mario’s sidekick, Yoshi — he’s the loveable green creature (also available in other colours) who likes nothing more than to gobble up a Shy Guy, flutter gracefully to higher ground or partake in go-karting competitions in his spare time. With Yoshi’s New Island gracing the 3DS this coming...
News Nintendo of America Releases Snaps of Young Celebrities Plugging Yoshi's New Island
Egging them on
When new games are on the horizon Nintendo occasionally reels out some celebrities to pose with the product in question, to give them an extra cool factor. We imagine that's the intention anyway, some of us older gamers have to consult Wikipedia to find out who these stars are, but we suspect that's not the case for the target...
News The Club Nintendo Rewards Are In For March
Kid Icarus! Yoshi! Being a barber! Battling numbers! Accessories!
Our monthly routine is here once again, as Club Nintendo in North America has finally updated its rewards with more downloadable games that can be yours in exchange for some hard earned coins. This time around we have two Virtual Console games, a DSiWare option and a quirky WiiWare...
News Yoshi Invades the Real World in the Latest New Island Trailer
Have a new Steel Diver: Sub Wars video as a bonus, too
With Yoshi's New Island just days away on the 3DS, Nintendo of America has released a live-action commercial to promote the retail release. It's been a trend in the region to blend real-world actors with extravagant props to represent the game in question, and this one is no different. We've...
Interview Takashi Tezuka on Bringing Yoshi's New Island to the 3DS
"We used the original as a base on which to add new elements"
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island is often regarded as one of the finest platformers on Super NES, and potentially a stand-out across generations. After Yoshi's hugely popular appearance in its predecessor, it was a natural progression and one that certainly paid off for Nintendo. Now,...
News North American Retailers List Limited Edition Yoshi 3DS XL
Update: Nintendo of America confirms the rumours
Update: Nintendo of America has confirmed the March 14th release date and $199.99 retail price, and has also revealed that the game is sold separately and does not come preinstalled on the console. Original story: Nintendo may be masters of surprise reveals and keeping secrets — the 2DS being an...
February2014
News Giant Eggs, Magic Stars and Flutter Wings Come to Yoshi's New Island
Europe to receive limited edition Yoshi 3DS XL
Among the wealth of exciting news revealed in Nintendo's Direct presentations today was new information on Yoshi's New Island for 3DS. Due to release on 14th March in both Europe and North America, the next instalment in the series will feature a number of new gameplay features, and bears an art style...
News A Yoshi's New Island 3DS XL Bundle is Reportedly on the Way
So says a UK retailer and IGN, the mock-up image less so
Rumours are swirling around the web that a 3DS XL Yoshi's New Island bundle is on the way. It began with a listing on base.com, which has been up since yesterday but, on its own, is rather doubtful. Why? Because the image it's using is a
January2014
Video Yoshi's New Island Trailer Shows Off Vehicle Transformations
Because Yoshi can do anything
Yoshi's New Island hits 3DS on 14th March in both Europe and North America, making it one of the earliest major first-party releases on the portable in 2014. As a sequel to the marvellous Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on Super NES, it has a tough legacy to emulate. But still, it's Yoshi, so we should try and look...
News Yoshi's New Island Hatches in Europe on 14th March
Nintendo UK offers Yoshi Egg Game Case as pre-order bonus
Update: Nintendo UK has now clarified that the Yoshi Egg Game Case pre-order bonus will be available from GAME. Original Article: Not too long ago Nintendo of America announced, as a rather casual aside in a broader press release, that Yoshi's New Island will arrive in the region on 14th...
June2013
First Impressions Yoshi's New Island
A bad egg?
The 3DS has been having the time of its short lifespan in 2013, and it's never felt like this before. Rubbish jokes based on '80s songs aside, it's been a glorious six months for the handheld, with some exceptional games already on the market and more on the way. With monster hits like Pokémon X & Y and The Legend of Zelda: A Link...
Review Yoshi (Wii U eShop / NES)
Not very eggciting
With so many tile-matching games available on so many different gaming platforms, it’s surprising to see that, despite the Wii U launching six months ago, there have yet to be any released on the new console. Nintendo has finally decided to fill that empty gap with the Virtual Console release of Yoshi, an NES era puzzler...
January2013
News New Yoshi Title Being Developed By The Guys Behind Kirby's Epic Yarn
Warning: Beware of extreme cuteness ahead
During today's Wii U Direct broadcast, host Satoru Iwata revealed that the developer behind Kirby's Epic Yarn, Good Feel Inc, is hard at work developing a new title for the Wii U: Yarn Yoshi. This is the first console game to feature Yoshi as the main character since Yoshi’s Story for the Nintendo 64 way...
News New Club Nintendo Reward In The Form Of A Yoshi Cleaning Cloth
Will cost you 400 coins
North American Club Nintendo members have a new addition to their catalogue - a Yoshi Cleaning Cloth, costing you 400 of your precious coins. The 6x6 green polkadot polyester cloth features our favourite dinosaur, and there's only a limited quantity of these on offer. So like our green friend, you best stick your tongues out...
November2012
Rumour Yoshi's Land Coming To Wii U
Best Buy product page outs potential sequel
Yesterday, retailer Best Buy Canada leaked the existence of the Wii Mini - a smaller, cheaper (and arguably less useful) version of the Wii console which was officially confirmed by Nintendo hours later. It would appear that Best Buy isn't done with letting cats out of bags, and has published a product...
January2012
Review Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island (3DS eShop / GBA)
Drawing you in
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island joined a Nintendo tradition of re-releasing classic titles for a new audience. Bringing an iconic Super Nintendo platformer to the Game Boy Advance seemed perfectly apt, with the handheld more than capable of 16-bit standard visuals. The question remains, is this port worth playing today?...
August2009
A decent game sullied mainly by its overshadowing predecessor
Following a critically-acclaimed title like Yoshi's Island, the immediate question that most will ask after learning the existence of Yoshi's Island DS will be: is it better than the original? Actually, scratch that: anyone who has played through the sublime SNES platformer will know what...
September2007
Review Yoshi's Story (Wii Virtual Console / Nintendo 64)
Not Yoshi's finest hour
Remember Yoshi's Island on the Super NES? That awesome platformer that swapped the roles and made Yoshi the main hero with (Baby) Mario being the sidekick? It's become iconic, but this is perhaps the first "real" Yoshi game (Mario isn't in the name and he's barely seen in the game) and it does things a bit differently. The...
July2006
Touching is good!
Yoshi Touch & Go was an early title for the DS. The game centres on getting the highest score possible, making it feel like an arcade game. With other excellent selections for the DS with much more depth though, this game has been overlooked by many. However, it isn't all that bad. The game starts out with you controlling baby...