Wii U News
May2016
News Two 'Extended' E3 Demos Expected for The Legend of Zelda on Wii U
Fingers remain crossed for an eShop demo
The Legend of Zelda on Wii U will be the sole attraction on Nintendo's booth during E3, a rather bold move alongside a day of online streaming from the Treehouse team and developers. Whatever our thoughts on an E3 with such a narrow focus, we will at least get a full look at the next entry in the iconic...
News LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens Has Neat DLC, Yet It's Not Listed for Wii U
Inconsistency with LEGO extras continues
The LEGO series has an odd relationship with Nintendo hardware. In the current generation we've had the rather good LEGO City: Undercover as a Wii U exclusive, but multiple major releases in the franchise have left the Nintendo system out of its DLC. Yet LEGO Marvel's Avengers on Wii U provided a welcome...
News Battle Minigame is Heading to Minecraft Console Editions in June
No explicit mention of excluding Wii U, break out the bunting!
Though it took its sweet time, Minecraft: Wii U Edition has been a welcome and quality arrival on the system, with the recent free addition of The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack being another plus point. Now it seems that all of the console versions are in line for some free content soon, with...
Random Super Mario Maker Creator Proposes Marriage Through a Special Level
She said yes...
Super Mario Maker has some fantastically designed, devious and clever levels to play. Some use their creations to make a point, however, and not always to simply show off their level design mastery. Nintendo of America shared one rather cute example of a marriage proposal - luckily for Shanerator, Pam apparently said yes. [tweet...
News New Splatoon amiibo Now Available For Pre-Order On Nintendo's UK Store
Staying fresh
Remember those amazing new Splatoon amiibo? Well they're up for pre-order on Nintendo UK's online store as we speak. The new figures include a purple Inkling boy, a lime green Inkling girl and an
Random Store Shelves Appear To Be Filling With Pre-Owned Copies Of Star Fox Zero
"Time for a little payback!"
Star Fox Zero appears to have been met with a rather mixed reaction since its launch. We rather liked it, but some other sites didn't - and a cursory glance online seems to suggest there were plenty of fans who expected something a little different from the game. It would appear that some of these players have either...
Video Latest Mighty No. 9 Trailer Dials Up The Ridiculousness
"Combos ON combos"
After several annoying delays, Mighty No. 9 finally has a release date, and to remind us that it's coming Deep Silver has released this action-packed trailer. Showcasing plenty of gameplay and some amusing daft commentary, the footage should hopefully stir up some excitement after months of wondering just when the game is...
News Nintendo NY Store to Give 500 Fans a Chance to Play The Legend of Zelda on Wii U During E3 Week
Appointments to play the 'extensive' demo
As we already know, Nintendo's E3 is going to be all about The Legend of Zelda on Wii U, with the 2017 release - which is also coming to NX - being the only playable big N game at the show. 500 fans in and near New York, though, will also have a chance to go hands on. The store will be streaming the E3...
News Nintendo Introduces Two New Splatoon-Themed amiibo Dioramas
Still Japan-only, sadly
Though some data-miners had leaked the information a few months early, it was nonetheless a rather pleasant surprise when Nintendo unveiled that there would be two new Splatoon amiibo joining the previous three, this time based off of the two pop idols, Callie and Marie. Naturally, if you've made the decision to pick these up...
News Hello Kitty and My Melody Costumes Are Coming to Super Mario Maker
So kawaii
Hello Kitty is one of those franchises that just feels like it's just always been there. It's tough to pin down what exactly made the character so famous, as Hello Kitty has appeared in countless forms of merchandise, as well as in some video games and TV Shows. Regardless of what gave it such pop culture recognition, few could dispute...
News Denis Dyack Blames "Unethical" Journalists For Almost Killing Shadow Of The Eternals
Confirms project is "back from the dead"
When former Silicon Knights boss Denis Dyack revealed he was producing a spiritual successor to the GameCube classic Eternal Darkness way back in 2013, fans were overjoyed. However, confusion over the crowdfunding drive for Shadow of the Eternals led to some
News Nintendo Publishes Part Two of the Miyamoto and Hayashi Star Fox Zero Interview
It's been twenty years since Miyamoto last directed a game
About a week ago, we shared part of an interview that was conducted by Nintendo Dream with Yugo Hayashi and Shigeru Miyamoto, who led development of Star Fox Zero. Part one dealt with the inspiration behind many of the game's mechanics, along with a discussion of the highly divisive control...
News Third Party Developers Share Their Hopes For Nintendo NX
"The Wii U was actually a great platform to develop on"
Nintendo's NX console might still be under wraps for the time being, but that hasn't stopped a selection of third party indies from sharing their own hopes for what the machine might bring to the table. Speaking to UK games magazine GamesTM, Black Forest Games co-founder Adrian Goersch,...
News It Wasn't Nintendo's Idea To Mix Minecraft And Super Mario Together
"They actually came to us with what their vision was"
Some might claim that it's too little, too late, but Minecraft is available on Wii U and is getting some pretty amazing exclusive content, too. The Super Mario skin pack recently went live and is free to download for anyone who owns the game already. It's also going to be bundled with the...
Video Learn a Little More About Sonic Boom and The Rise (and Fall) of Lyric
"Oh shiiii...ooot"
Time can be a great healer. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric wasn't a golden moment for the mascot, but the Boom universe continues to roll on with the animated series and the upcoming Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice on 3DS. Considering all that went wrong with the Wii U exclusive, it's a series that's done well to survive. The troubles of...
Video Nintendo Aims to Get Down With the Kids in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Series
"I'm serious, dude"
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is around a month away in the West, and Nintendo has the task of pitching the quirky Atlus-developed cross-over to a new audience. It's always appeared to be a bonkers title, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. Nintendo of America has now started a new video series that aims to show all the hip...
News Two Neat Super Mario Maker Costumes Have Been Unearthed by a Data Miner
Spoiler warning, obviously
Super Mario Maker has become a mini-platform of its own, commanding a loyal audience of creators and players while adding frequent content updates. More extras are naturally on the way and a data miner has dug up some information, so this is your spoiler warning. Below is a random video of dancing sprites; if you scroll...
News Nintendo UK is Looking For The Ultimate Star Fox Zero Ace Pilot
Certificates for all, plus a grand prize
Star Fox Zero has been out for a little while now, and as the time for bickering over its merits is over those that do like it still have some space blasting to do. It's a game that certainly encourages repeat plays and practice, and now Nintendo UK has launched a competition to up the ante. The company is...
News Super Mario Maker Update Version 1.43 is Now Available
Nope, still no slopes
Super Mario Maker has been a fascinating ongoing project from Nintendo. Ever since launch, new costumes or course building tools have gradually been made available to the public through updates that are pushed out fairly intermittently. All told, there's still lots that Nintendo could feasibly add to this game, and it'll be...
Video Poe Dameron Takes Flight in Latest LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer
He can fly anything
While it may seem a little odd that LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is arriving in June, six months after the movie, there's certainly the hope that it'll be a fun game on Wii U and 3DS - that extra development time has surely been put to good use. With the 28th June arrival getting closer we're seeing more short trailers and...
Rumour Smash Bros. Update 1.1.6 Only Seems To Impact Bayonetta
"Someone else caught your eye?"
As we reported recently, version 1.1.6 of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS launches soon, and according to Nintendo it will add some additional balance the game. While that might sound like quite a thorough process, it would appear that this update is focused solely on a single fighter: the recently-introduced...
Video Check Out This Awesome Battle Against "Mecha Bowzilla" in Super Mario Maker
Let them fight
The toolset of Super Mario Maker allows for many unconventional levels that, while possible technically within a regular Mario game, Nintendo has never dared to create. After the company has taken some heat for releasing four New Super Mario Bros. games that are decent, though unsurprising, platformers, it's a refreshing breath of...
Video Five Super Mario Secrets in Minecraft: Wii U Edition
Blocky brilliance
As you're likely well aware by now, Minecraft: Wii U Edition has some rather neat and exclusive content - The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is up for grabs as a free update. It features all sorts of skins and features, along with an Adventure to take on, and certainly helps the Wii U version to stand out. It's not a phoned-in effort...
News Super Smash Bros. 1.1.6 Patch Is Landing Soon On Wii U And 3DS
Balancing act
Nintendo has confirmed that version 1.1.6 of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS will launch soon. The patch - which will require 61 MB of space on the Wii U and 325 MB on 3DS - will balance the characters in the game. Once the patch is applied, existing replays will no longer be viewable, so be sure to backup any special ones you're...
News Yacht Club Games Still Open To A Nintendo Character Appearing In Shovel Knight
Crossover chaos
Nintendo has made some canny moves when it comes to collaborations in recent years. When it became clear that Puzzle & Dragons was a big deal, the veteran firm worked with the developer to create a Mario-themed offering for the 3DS, and more recently it has teamed up with Mojang to give Minecraft an injection of Nintendo goodness...
News Shigeru Miyamoto and Yugo Hayashi Discuss Star Fox Zero's Development
"It's a really simple control system"
One of the rather quirky, yet deeply appreciated, projects by the late Satoru Iwata was that of Iwata Asks interviews. These interviews often gathered together several members of the development team for a major or upcoming game, and Iwata would question them on what development was like, where inspiration came...
News Star Fox Zero And Bravely Second Make NPD's April Best Sellers List
It's not all doom and gloom
The NPD Group has issued its April data and while Nintendo's products might not be as abundant as the company would hope, Star Fox Zero and Bravely Second have both made the cut. Star Fox Zero made it to number 5 in the single-format list, with Bravely Second coming in at number 9. In the NPD's overall list - which...
Rumour Details Emerge on Disney Infinity's Canned Future Plans and Cancellation
12-inch figurines were a possibility
No doubt many fans were disappointed by the recent news that the plug has been pulled on Disney Infinity. The ambitious toys to life project brought together numerous franchises from across the Disney portfolio and it seemed to be a moderate success, which made the sudden axing of the game all the more jarring...
News Microsoft's Phil Spencer Says Minecraft Partnership With Nintendo Has Been "Great"
"Nice to see Minecraft doing so well on the Wii U"
The head of Microsoft's Xbox division is quite a chilled out guy. Not only does he find the very concept of console wars "distasteful", but he can't stop saying nice things about Nintendo, claiming that the Japanese firm is a "bea
News Nintendo Confirms its DLC Plans for Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Day one DLC galore
It's hard to believe, but the rather lengthily named Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is only a little over a month away from releasing in the West. The Atlus-helmed Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem crossover has drawn lots of interest over the last few months, simply due to the mystery surrounding the game. While it may certainly...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Stays on Top in the Japanese Charts
A quiet week sees Wii U sales back in four figures
It's that mid-week point of the Media Create chart results out of Japan, and a week with no new releases in the top 20 sees familiar favourites still leading the charge. Kirby: Planet Robobot has followed up its number one debut with a second week at number one, nearly hitting a quarter of a...
News Wave 5 Lego Dimensions Fun Packs Include Ghostbusters' Slimer And DC's Bane
Ninjago's Lloyd also coming along for the ride
Managed to keep all of those fiddly bricks in one place? Good, because three new fun packs are coming to Lego Dimensions. These include DC Comics' Bane, Ghostbusters' Slimer and Ninjago's Lloyd. As ever, each pack comes with a buildable character, a 3-in-1 vehicle and various gadgets which unlock...
Video Savour the Madness of Mario & Sonic at the Rio Olympics in This Japanese Trailer
Luigi punches Sonic in the face, Bowser Jr. rides a horse and so on...
Video games can be silly, delightful forms of entertainment. We're not sure yet whether Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be a particularly good game on Wii U this Summer, but we sure like watching well choreographed footage of it. Perhaps it's the chunky HD...
Video The Ice Climbers Are Coming to Super Mario Maker
Cool
It's been a couple weeks since Nintendo added another costume to Super Mario Maker. After the rather bizarre addition of BABYMETAL members, it's nice to see Nintendo is working on getting more of its own characters in the game, as it's just been announced that Nana and Popo will be making an appearance as a mystery costume. Though the Ice...
News Disney Infinity Has Been Cancelled
Avalanche Software shuttered, as Disney steps away from game publishing
Several years ago, Disney launched the Disney Infinity initiative, a long-term project that aimed to incorporate all kinds of different Disney characters and IP under one video game property. Later on, this also saw the inclusion of characters from the Marvel universe and the...
News Super Mario Mash-Up Pack Jumps Into Minecraft: Wii U Edition in Upcoming Free Update
Downloadable from 17th May, disc version hits stores on 17th June
When Minecraft: Wii U Edition arrived late last year Mojang, Nintendo and Microsoft promised exclusive Nintendo content in 2016, and now details have been confirmed. The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack will be free and available with an update on 17th May (18th May in Europe), and a disc...
News A Wii U Homebrew Channel Opens Up New Possibilities for Some Cheeky Gamers
It's not just on 3DS any more
The homebrew scene on 3DS has been in a constant dance with Nintendo, with regular system updates often forcing those that want to use unofficial apps to run outdated firmware and lose the ability to play games online. As a result it's a very niche area, albeit with some quirky tools such as someone running Windows on a...
Feature Team-Based Super Smash Bros. Format, The Gauntlet, Aims to Transform the Competitive Scene
Could "bring Smash to the level of League of Legends" in eSports
Through a mix of determined strategy and the benefit of plenty of open-minded competitors, Nintendo has seen Super Smash Bros. for Wii U establish itself in the competitive scene. Though the franchise as a whole is still lagging behind some huge franchises in eSports, it has a loyal...
Also believe the company has "just switched off Wii U's life support"
As is now increasingly common for debates around Nintendo, conversations have recently focused on what's not happening and on a system yet to be revealed. In confirming a March 2017 release window for the NX and an absence of the system at E3, Nintendo has shown that it's not in a...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Secures Top Spot in Japan as Hardware Sales Enjoy Holiday Boost
Wii U clambers back into five figures
There have been a few observed Holidays in Japan this week, which has accounted for later-than-usual Media Create chart results. They have now emerged, however, and bring some good news for Nintendo. Kirby: Planet Robobot was the biggest arrival this week, with the 3DS title securing top spot - its sales of...
News Splatoon's Next Splatfest is All About How You Like to Party
The first simultaneous worldwide Splatfest
It's getting to be that time once again for the monthly Splatfest in Splatoon. After last month's epic battle between Spongebob and Patrick in the first Splatfest where both North America and Europe could compete, Nintendo is stepping it up and increasing the scope even more. The Splatfest taking place next...
Poll Nintendo Has Laid Out Its Legend of Zelda E3 Plans - Are They Enough?
No announcement yet of any other Digital Event or Direct
Earlier today Nintendo sent its customary press release outlining plans for next month's E3. In 2014 the company was talking up its bold new 'Digital Event' concept with a Super Smash Bros. Invitational, and shared an entertaining video for the announcement; in 2015 the idea was similar, with...
News Wii U "Disappointing To Everybody" But We're Excited About Nintendo NX, Says GameStop CEO
"I hope that they come out with something exciting and innovative"
The Wii U was a disappointment to retailers, gamers and Nintendo itself, claims GameStop CEO Paul Raines. Speaking to list, Raines admitted that the console simply hadn't performed as expected, but he was keen to point out that Nintendo as a company should never be counted out:...
News Nintendo Confirms Its E3 Plans for The Legend of Zelda
A day of game footage, commentaries and more on 14th June
Following the surprise recent announcement that The Legend of Zelda on Wii U will be the only playable Nintendo game at E3, the company has now outlined some slightly broader plans. It's confirmed that, from 9am Pacific / noon Eastern / 5pm UK / 6pm CET on 14th June, there'll be a full day...
Rumour Sonic The Hedgehog Could Be Spin-Dashing His Way To Lego Dimensions
Bricking it
It's no secret that Lego Dimensions is getting more expansion packs with new properties, but one of the more interesting rumours we've heard lately is that Sega's mascot could be rendered in block form. Speculation began back in September 2015, when code words relating to the next wave of Lego Dimensions packs surfaced - one of them...
Random Watch Bowser Perform Rhythmic Gymnastics
Shh... Just let it wash over you
So the Nintendo UK Twitter account up and posted this video from Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games recently. No rhyme, no warning. Such is art. [tweet 727875893700403200] In your most desperate moment, when your back is against the wall and the light of hope is but a dim, warmless dot, may you...
Video Enjoy More Star Fox Zero Puppet Shenanigans in These Trailers
With bonus continuity errors
Star Fox Zero is so April 2016, especially in this era of the internet rapidly moving on and forgetting about recent releases. Nevertheless the Nintendo / PlatinumGames collaboration hasn't been out that long, and the big N hasn't given up on promoting it quite yet. As previously reported, Nintendo has brought back the...
News Latest Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer Features Everyone's Favourite Admiral
"This had better not be a trap"
The latest trailer for Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens has just hit the web, and it goes into detail regarding some of the all-new content that will be featured in the game. Six new missions are showcased which augment the storyline seen in the movie: Rathtar Hunting – Follows Han Solo and Chewbacca's voyage to...
Soapbox Game Reviews Always Need a Final Score
Alex explains why it's all a numbers game
The traditional notion of giving a game a score out of five, ten, or any amount is falling out of fashion with many outlets rapidly adopting more arbitrary systems for one reason or another. Personally I feel this is a step in the wrong direction, and a score based on a finite scale is paramount in promoting...
News 505 Games Confirms Terraria Wii U Release Dates and Details
Eight-player online multiplayer is in
Terraria has made its way to the 3DS already, but due to the portable's limitations it doesn't deliver all of the features from the full-fat home console versions. The good news for Wii U fans is that firm release dates for the system's iteration have been confirmed, along with details on its various features...
News Mighty No. 9 Has Gone Gold for a June Release
3DS version still due to come "at a later point"
Comcept's Mighty No. 9 has had a troubled route to release, with art design and multiple delays being among points of contention for the Keiji Inafune-led title. It's all been a far cry from the excitement and success of its original Kickstarter campaign, but the good news is that we'll get to play it...
Nintendo Life Weekly New Splatoon amiibo Burst Forth, 3DS Games in HD, and More
Hold on to your wallets
It feels like we've been bombarded with little more than rumours for the past few weeks, but now that Nintendo has finally blessed us with some substantial new happenings we wouldn't be at all surprised if you'd not kept track of all that's happened. Luckily for you we've once more been hard at work bringing what is quite...
April2016
News Callie and Marie Join a New Splatoon amiibo Range on 8th July
So fresh!
Splatoon has been a major hit for Nintendo since it launched in May 2015, not just in sales numbers but also in terms of the IP's impact on popular culture. In Japan, particularly, Callie and Marie (the sisters who 'host' the game) have emerged as popular characters for their music and quirky characters. Nintendo's keen to celebrate that...
News Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Fortissimo Edition Pre-Orders Launch on Official Nintendo UK Store
Star Fox Zero first print also available again
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is one of the most intriguing releases for Wii U this year, and it's getting a rather handsome special edition in the West. It includes a 5x8 colour artbook, a six-song soundtrack CD featuring some of the game's awesome music, six song cards and a sticker sheet, along with a...
News New Super Mario Maker Costume Features All-Girl Japanese Rock Band, BABYMETAL
Why not?
Super Mario Maker has had some quirky tie-ins for its Event Courses and unlockable costumes, but the latest perhaps takes the biscuit. Nintendo's Japanese social media channels have confirmed that BABYMETAL will be the next tie-in. What's BABYMETAL? It's a Japanese rock band that consists of three young performers. Below are Nintendo's...
News Star Fox Zero Makes Modest Debut in Japanese Charts as 3DS Holds Steady
Terraria on 3DS also has a low key arrival
The Media Create charts for Japan have emerged once again, and this week includes a couple of fresh arrivals on Nintendo hardware. Star Fox Zero is the most high-profile new entry, though it loses out to One Piece: Burning Blood on PS4 and Vita. Combining the double pack (which includes Star Fox Guard)...
News Pikachu Is Getting His Very Own Pokkén Tournament Controller
The lucky scamp
Remember the Pokkén Tournament controller we covered a while back? A new version is being released in Japan this June, and it's clad in the signature colours of the world's most famous Pokémon. Costing 3,758 Yen, the Hori-made pad will be identical to the original in terms of form and functionality, but it's yellow. And it has a...
News 14 Titles Across Wii U and 3DS Were Million Sellers in the Last Year
Happy news! Yes, really!
Well, it's not been a particularly happy time for Nintendo fans since the company announced its financial results and gave various updates - mainly delays. Yet it's not all bad, it really isn't! In fact, the last financial year brought some pleasing successes on the software front for both the Wii U and 3DS. The usual list...
Wii U estimated to sell just 800,000 units over financial year
With the reveal of its financial results for the year Nintendo has certainly caused some shocks, such as The Legend of Zelda for Wii U being the only playable Nintendo game at E3 (also delayed to 2017 for both Wii U and NX),
News The Legend of Zelda for Wii U Will Be The Only Playable Nintendo Game at E3
The Master demo
Nintendo has confirmed that the latest Legend of Zelda is pushed back to 2017 and is also coming to NX, but has now gone a step further in outlining the game for its E3 plans. We say plans - The Legend of Zelda on Wii U is going to be the only playable Nintendo game at the LA extravaganza. The following is from Nintendo of Europe's...
News The Legend of Zelda Wii U Has Been Pushed Back to 2017, Will Release On NX As Well
Oh boy…
The Legend of Zelda Wii U was announced at E3 way back in 2014, with some lovely looking footage of an HD Hyrule getting fans hyped up all the way. At the time, it was announced that it would be launching in 2015, a date that even then seemed unlikely. Sure enough, the game was later delayed to 2016, and ever since we've been waiting on a...
Random An Eager Super Mario Maker Fan Created a Shovel Knight Costume Sprite
Digging in
Super Mario Maker has a lot of Mystery Mushroom costumes, many of which have come through a combination of amiibo scans and Event Courses (in some cases both). With new additions we have an excuse to boot up the game and enjoy its delights again, and Nintendo has been so keen on the idea that it's included some rather quirky characters...
News Western Localisation Of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Features Costume And Age Changes
Hot Springs swimsuit DLC also in doubt
Recent hands-on sessions with Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE at PAX East have confirmed previous reports that the game will be subject to a series of changes for western markets. The first is an age bump for some of the characters - Tsubasa, Itsuki and Touma - taking them up from 17 to 18 years of age. There are...
News Team Patrick Triumphs in the SpongeBob SquarePants Splatoon Splatfest
Pink power
Splatoon has had some high profile tie-ins in nearly a year since launch, but arguably few have been bigger than this weekend's bonanza for fans of alliteration - the SpongeBob SquarePants Splatoon Splatfest. It was the first time that North American and European Splatfests aligned and even had players from both regions competing against...
News Star Fox Zero Makes a Positive Start in the UK Charts
Guess we should be thankful
Last week brought Star Fox Zero to the Wii U, the first new entry in the franchise in a number of years. Some early indications on its performance have come through with the UK charts, and the result is reasonably good. The number one and another arrival this week is Ratchet & Clank on PS4, which had a substantial...
Rumour Linkedin Profile Hints At Unannounced Racing Title From Excitebots Studio Monster Games
With "championship" and "career" modes
Ah, Linkedin. A site which allows professionals to connect, proclaim their achievements and even seek new adventures in employment - but also a place where job descriptions can unwittingly reveal hidden gaming projects. Take the profile of Monster Games software engineer Joshua Ruis, for example; he's been...
News Meet The Vocal Talent Behind Team Star Fox
"I’ve been lucky enough to do concert spots for Paul McCartney"
Star Fox 64 was a big deal in more ways that one - not only did it illustrate Nintendo's burgeoning confidence in the world of 3D visuals, but it also featured a lot of voice acting - something the company had previously steered clear of. What's truly remarkable is that the...
Nintendo Life Weekly NX Rumour Denied by New NX Rumour, Preorder the Prettiest New 3DS XL, and More
We're reaching critical mass
As E3 draws ever closer, the Nintendo NX rumour mill continues to churn out "information" at an alarming rate. We wouldn't blame you if you hadn't been able to keep up with all that's happened, so once again we've squashed all the week's happenings down into one convenient video. This week we look at an NX rumour that...
Video Watch Star Fox Zero's Secret Vehicle in Action
Spoiler warning!
Star Fox Zero is brimming with things to unlock, and in the spirit of not spoiling what the game has to offer, we're not going to explicitly tell you what this secret vehicle is that we've alluded to in the title just yet. Instead, why not check out the video below if you're not bothered by spoilers or even the game in general. If...
Video Feel the Beat in This Localised Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Trailer
It still doesn't make a lot of sense
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is going to be a fascinating arrival in the West on 24th June. Sure, it's been fun following its release in Japan and saying "jeez that looks crazy", but now we'll have to make sense of it. Or, well, try to. This intriguing cross of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem is colourful and...
Guide Tackling the Bosses in Star Fox Zero
Open the wings!
With Star Fox Zero now in stores, you all have the chance to enjoy it for yourselves - we think it's a gem, but ultimately the Wii U audience will decide. In order to help you with the game - should you want assistance - we've already shared a getting started guide and details on how to unlock all the stages. We're wrapping up our...
News Atlus Is In Charge Of Localising Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE In The West
"To ensure the game feels familiar and appeals to longtime Atlus fans"
Atlus will be in charge of localising Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE in the west, it has been revealed. Nintendo of America has released a statement which points out that it will not be handling the localisation work itself, instead allowing Atlus to handle the job to ensure it...
Video Fans Mod Goku Into Super Smash Bros. For Wii U
Hear what we're Saiyan…
Modding within the Super Smash Bros. community isn't anything new, for fans have been creating an array of in-game tweaks for years now - such as altering physics engines or reskinning characters as a whole. The most notable of the bunch is 'Project M'; this is a mod of Nintendo Wii's Super Smash Bros. Brawl that focused...
News The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth Coming To Wii U "In The Coming Months"
And you thought it would never happen
Once upon a time, it seemed unlikely that The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth would ever arrive on the Wii U. Nicalis' Tyrone Rodriguez tweeted back in November that he wasn't happy with the performance of the game on Nintendo's console, and many assumed the game would be skipping the platform entirely. However,...
Guide Unlocking Every Stage in Star Fox Zero
We're not leaving Peppy behind
In many respects Star Fox Zero is a loving tribute and reimagination of Star Fox 64, yet it takes a different approach to unlocking stages. It starts off relatively linear, in a first run-through of the story, and then it's time to play through once again. As you unlock new transformations and vehicles new options...
Guide Getting Started With Star Fox Zero and Mastering the Controls
We also look at the basics of amiibo and co-op
Star Fox Zero is landing on the eShop and in stores, bringing us the first full entry in the series in a number of years. We were big fans in our review, yet the game has been divisive, in part because of its GamePad-centric controls - for our money we think the time required to master the game's...
Reaction Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins Had Humour, Weirdness, Teases and Lots of Potential
An idea that Nintendo should pursue with all key franchises
Nintendo has made 'events' out of various quirky online broadcasts, with some being surprisingly short and light on actual reveals or details. It wasn't too surprising, then, to see Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins given the live broadcast treatment, followed by the Nintendo Treehouse team...
News PlatinumGames CEO Tatsuya Minami Has Resigned
Star Fox Zero studio to be helmed by Kenichi Sato
The head of Japanese studio PlatinumGames has stepped down, according to a report by GamesBusiness.jp. CEO Tatsuya Minami resigned at the end of March and has been replaced by Kenichi Sato. As part of the reshuffle, Seigo Tabira and Atsushi Inaba join the management as company directors. Minami...
News You'll Need To Dig Deep For This Insane Lego Minecraft Set
Blockbusting
A lot of Minecraft's appeal can be traced back to construction toys like plastic building blocks - a fact which is neatly acknowledged by the growing range of Lego toys based on Mojang's famous title. Lego's Minecraft sets have been pretty decent so far, but this latest offering is shaping up to be the most expansive - and expensive -...
Live Blog Check Out Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins and a Nintendo Treehouse Showcase - Live!
The animated short will take flight
Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard are arriving on Wii U this week, and to get us warmed up we have Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins, an animated short produced in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto, Production IG and WIT Studios. After that the Nintendo Treehouse team will be showing off the games, and we'll be...
Video See Peppy's Barrel Roll Obsession Go too Far in this Star Fox Zero Easter Egg
Do a...
Star Fox is a series renowned for various tropes and memorable moments, perhaps none more so than the first time we heard Peppy Hare tell us against our better judgement to spin our Arwing around in a manner he referred to as a barrel roll. The developers working on Star Fox Zero apparently could't resist throwing in further reference to...
From zero to hero
Almost from the moment it was revealed, Star Fox Zero has endured the kind of scrutiny that first-party Nintendo releases are rarely subjected to. From Time's botched announcement during E3 2014 to the news that external help was being used and the game would
News Yo-kai Watch and Dragon Quest Continue to Lead in Japan as Wii U Has a Small Boost
All other systems show declining sales
The Japanese games market is pleasingly different to the West, with its own trends and patterns alongside some unique releases. We get a look at this courtesy of the weekly Media Create results, though the updated data shows that old favourites continue to lead as last week's new arrivals struggle. Starting...
News Nintendo Confirms PAX East Line-Up and Bravely Second: End Layer Panel
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE and Monster Hunter Generations will be playable
PAX East is landing in Boston from 22nd-24th April, which is making the city a hot destination for the coming weekend. Nintendo will be there, of course, and it's outlined what it'll have to offer. In terms of games there'll be the first chance (outside of Japan) for the...
News Nintendo Announces 'Fortissimo' Special Edition of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
DLC! Artbook! Soundtrack CD! More!
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is an intriguing upcoming release for the Wii U, finally making its way out of Japan to hit Europe and North America on 24th June. The unique RPG - co-developed by Nintendo and Atlus - combines aspects of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, though is so colourful and quirky when viewed...
News Star Fox Zero's Arcade Mode Is Aimed At "Advanced Users", Claims Shigeru Miyamoto
Gaming veteran "confident" that the game has legs
Star Fox Zero will be with us later this week, and producer Shigeru Miyamoto has let slip that the game contains a bonus "route-focused" Arcade Mode to test advanced players. He also revealed that the development team had plans to allow players to make wider use of the game's garage of vehicles, but...
Video We Heartily Endorse This Fan-Made Star Fox Zero Cartoon Introduction Sequence
"Good luck!"
Star Fox Zero hits the Wii U this week, and you can feel the hype levels building in the Nintendo Life office - editor Tom Whitehead has dressed up as Slippy Toad and Operations Director Darren Calvert is babbling on about barrell rolls. The latest adventure to star Fox McCloud and company is so close we can practically taste it. To...
News RCMADIAX Has Three New Wii U eShop Titles On The Way
Coming in June and July
Prolific indie studio RCMADIAX has released information regarding three new Wii U eShop titles, all of which are launching in the next few months. As we've come to expect from the company, these titles present quite a mix of gameplay styles. Here are the details: MEGA WIN CASINO SLOTS - Est Release June 2016 Bring home the...
Video Let the Hype Build With the Star Fox Zero Launch Trailer
Mission Accomplished
Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard are almost upon us, and the hype is certainly building. They're the first new Star Fox games in a number of years and, as a result, Nintendo is ensuring that they get plenty of attention, even live streaming an animated short. Ahead of the 22nd April release Nintendo of Europe has also released...
Feature Excited About Star Fox Zero? Check Out Our Extensive Series Content Here
Guess you should be thankful
Star Fox Zero launches on Wii U this week, and marks the long-awaited return of Fox McCloud and his team to active service. Given that Lylat fever has well and truly gripped the world of Nintendo, we thought it might be an opportune moment to remind you that we've got an embarrassment of Star Fox-related content tucked...
Video You'll Need Some Serious Surgical Shells Skills To Beat This Insane Super Mario Maker Creation
45 hours of attempts to beat
We love a challenging Super Mario Maker level here at Nintendo Life, but sometimes we come across a creation which is so punishing that it requires super-human levels of skill to complete. Behold The ER: Surgical Shells 2.0 by evil genius Docta_el, a course which has - at the time of writing - been completed zero times...
"Message from General Pepper. Priority one!"
Nintendo is airing a special animated short to commemorate the launch of Star Fox Zero this week. Produced in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto, Production I.G. and WIT Studio, Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins will be broadcast on April 20th at 3PM PT / 11PM BST. It will be immediately followed by a...
News The Nintendo Selects Range Brings Some Sales Success in the UK Charts
A fine selection indeed
Last week Nintendo of Europe released six more Wii U titles as part of the Nintendo Selects range, dropping their price to €24.99/ £19.99 in stores and on the eShop. It seems the new price ranges have worked nicely in stores, with three of the titles making their way into the UK all-format top 40. New Super Mario Bros. U
Random Super Mario Maker Bros. is Another Excellent 'Full Game' From an Ambitious Creator
Nine worlds and 70+ levels
Though being the creator in Super Mario Maker is undoubtedly rewarding, sometimes it's a lot of fun to just relax and enjoy the fruits of others' labours. As such we keep an eye on the game's subreddit, and sometimes creators share their 'full game' creations. Another has popped up as the finished article recently, called...
Nintendo Life Weekly NX Rumours Continue to Flow, Hacker Streams 3DS to PC Wirelessly and More
They just won't stop
If you've somehow fallen behind with the flurry of Nintendo NX rumours that have been circulating the internet lately, well, frankly this reporter envies you. Nevertheless it's our duty to report them when there's some credibility to them, and so we've once more taken all that's happened in the past week (rumours and all) and...
Poll The Wii U GamePad - Where Do You Stand on Nintendo's Hefty Controller?
Star Fox aims to show what it can do
In the coming week both Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard will arrive, both titles that'll not only aim to revive a franchise but also - in a manner of speaking - its controller. The Wii U GamePad has been one of Nintendo's most controversial controllers, in part because it's the pricey and mandatory inclusion...
News Eiji Aonuma Talks Twilight Princess HD in the Latest Miiting
Evidently, there could've been a Telma amiibo
Miiverse occasionally plays host to 'Miitings', essentially brief developer interviews that cover a recent release. It's been awhile since the last Miiting, so Nintendo decided to break the silence with one that covers the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. Eiji Aonuma was the...
Video Slippy Gets Scary in Our Star Fox Guard Trailer
Too spooky
In the comments of our recent preview of Star Fox Guard certain comparisons were made to a popular independent video game series. Being the responsible and mature professionals that we are, we decided that these parallels were worth taking one step further. Check out our trailer for Star Fox Guard below with a heavy dose of artistic...
Reminder Six Wii U Games Are Now Discounted to Nintendo Selects Prices in the European eShop
DK Tropical Freeze! Wind Waker HD! LEGO City! More!
It was mentioned in the European Nintendo Download Update at the start of the week, but five days is a long time in the modern world. Nintendo of Europe has released six 'Selects' budget titles for Wii U in stores, but pleasingly the discounts are also available on the eShop; there's even an extra...
News Twilight Princess HD and Pokkén Tournament Perform Well in US NPD Charts
3DS hardware shows signs of decline, though
The March NPD results are in for the US - though they only reflect sales of new game copies at physical retail stores, they nevertheless give a sense of sales trends in one of the industry's most vital markets. There are notable positives for Nintendo, with two key Wii U results securing impressive top 10...
Wii U Features
Forum Topics
Most Read
Guide When Does 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down? Nintendo eShop & Online Pl...
Random The Last Pokémon Player On 3DS Online Shares Message Of Thanks
Random Four Players Remain On The Nintendo Network Servers, One Month After Clo...
News Fan-Made Nintendo Network Replacement 'Pretendo' No Longer Requires Hack...
Anniversary Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Is Now A Decade Old
