3DS eShop News
June2014
Nintendo Download 5th June (Europe)
Tomodachi Life begins, zombies attack, Wario's back and much more
Is your Monday feeling a little gloomy? Well cheer up, because Nintendo has served up one of its largest Download Updates in a fair while, courtesy of a huge number of discounts from Bandai Namco and others. There are new games on Wii U, 3DS and even DSiWare, too, with a quirky...
Competition Share your Mii & Win with Tomodachi Life
Are you cute or quirky?
To celebrate the release of Tomodachi Life we've teamed up with Nintendo UK for a very special competition. Prizes: Tomodachi Life is all about Miis and giving these digital clones a personality all their own. You can import your Mii into the game and give it a voice and personality, and a massive part of the game's appeal...
May2014
News 1001 Spikes Hitting 3DS and Wii U on 3rd June
With a $5 loyalty discount for 3DS owners
1001 Spikes — formerly known as Aban Hawkins & the 1,001 Spikes — has been a long time coming for the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores, and Nintendo gamers may have been disappointed when it was announced earlier this week for a 3rd June arrival on Sony systems in North America, with no mention of the...
Review Arc Style: Baseball 3D (3DS eShop)
Take me out to a real ball game...
Arc System Works' latest casual sports title, Arc Style: Baseball 3D, contains the same extensive customisation options of Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D, but it also retains the sluggish, repetitive gameplay and adds some new issues to boot. There is fun to be had in the local multiplayer and even the single player...
Video Comcept's Latest Mighty No. 9 Footage Shows Off Some Tasty Gameplay
"The pew pew heard you, friends"
Mighty No. 9 on the Wii U and 3DS eShop is still a good while away, currently planned for Spring 2015. As the result of living up to one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns ever seen, however, developer Comcept has ensured that it's continued to update its Kickstarter page with regular updates. The latest...
The trouble with nostalgia
In 2008, Matrix Software and Red Entertainment teamed up to develop a turn-based Role-playing game for the Nintendo DS appropriately titled Nostalgia. Incorporating classic JRPG gameplay and mechanics with modern visuals, this game was designed to tug at the heart strings of ageing gamers while still managing to provide an...
News Steel Diver Version 2.0 Delayed, Now Targeting Early June
Slow-paced update for the slow-paced FPS
3DS eShop free-to-play title Steel Diver: Sub Wars has a major update on the way, which was originally planned for release in May. To be called version 2.0, it'll include the following new features and adjustments. Bonuses for consecutive victories online More subs available to unlock for Premium...
Nintendo Download 29th May (North America)
Mario Kart 8, Ittle Dew, Badgers defying gravity, Mega Man and more
It's that time again, North America, as we go through the download treats on the way to the eShop stores. A certain Wii U retail game is likely to steal the headlines, but there are also some promising new download-only titles and enticing Virtual Console games, along with a few...
Interview Goodbye Galaxy Games on Tappingo 2 Improvements, With Hints at What's Next
Working on an "FPS with guns and blood"
Just recently we published an interview with Hugo Smits of Goodbye Galaxy Games, discussing the studio's move into self-publishing on the 3DS and exploring the details of the bold 'Gomba' development tool that's in progress. Beyond that, of course, it's a company known for clever, innovative download games on...
News Chibi-Robo! Let's Go, Photo! Coming Into The European Frame on 3rd July
Photo contest confirmed with exclusive costumes up for grabs
Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder was a rather quirky, fun arrival on the 3DS in North America at the start of 2014. Its appeal can be tricky to explain as you use the system's cameras to find real-world items and colours to solve puzzles for bizarre characters — we gave it a modest...
News Pullblox World Puzzling Its Way to Europe on 19th June, Includes Cross-Platform Support
Price promotion also announced
In recent hours we told you about a Pullblox / Fallblox sequel confirmed for Wii U in Japan, and now Nintendo of Europe has wasted no time confirming the title for its region, while also unveiling a host of enticing details — it'll arrive on 19th June, just like in Japan, for starters. It will be called Pullblox...
Video Nintendo Shows Off Photos With Mario in New Trailer
Have a Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel video, as a bonus
Earlier this week we told you about the launch of the official Photos With Mario website, with some tongue-in-cheek comments about Nintendo of America finally remembering that it had released the download in the US. The rather nice web page has demonstration videos, attractive design and details on...
Review Double Dragon II: The Revenge (3DS eShop / NES)
Now actually living up to its name
As one of the first scrolling beat 'em ups ever made, the original Double Dragon became a smash hit when it was released way back in 1987, and like most arcade games at the time quickly received a port to the NES. A single year later, Double Dragon II was released in arcades and, as was to be expected, it was also...
Review Mega Man V (3DS eShop / GB)
There's a Stardroid waiting in the sky
The handheld Mega Man games, up until now, have been remixed mashups of two NES titles each. Some of them hewed more or less closely to the source material, while others were emboldened to evolve the original ideas is exciting new directions. Mega Man V, however, throws the very concept of "source material"...
News Photos With Mario Official Website Launches With Details of $10 eShop Cards
So the AR cards are 'free'
Last week Photos With Mario launched with no fanfare, as Nintendo of America placed it on the U.S. store and said, "oh, there's a thing for you, if you want it". It didn't even get a mention in the company's official Download Update, simply left on the eShop unloved and alone. Of course, some gamers have shown some love...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 26th May
More crowdfunding to consider
Last week was a rather busy update, with quite a few promising titles hitting their targets and being confirmed for Wii U. This week we've added a few projects requested in the past week, while there's one success and a couple of updates to get through. Without further ado let's get to it. Funded Projects: Red...
Nintendo Download 29th May (Europe)
Mario Kart 8, badgers, a Minish Cap, loads of tasty discounts and more
It's Monday morning, and Nintendo clearly wants this to be a particularly awesome week for its fans. This week's download update is packed full of options, including one of the biggest releases of the year, some exciting new download options and a whole load of tempting...
Review The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll (3DS eShop)
Good vibrations
Before Denpa Ningen no RPG washed up on Western shores as The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave in 2012, it felt like a localisation long-shot: a candy-coloured JRPG with off-the-wall style, an AR-based hook, very little story, and deceptively traditional, grind-heavy gameplay. Even the Denpa Men themselves — colourful and oddly...
Review Alien On The Run (3DS eShop)
Out of this world
After a few weeks full of ports and disappointing original titles on the eShop, Japanese studio G-Style's 3DS-exclusive Alien on the Run is a breath of fresh air, a surprisingly addictive "comical escape game" that has arrived on the store at relatively short notice. You play as an alien named Delude who has been abudcted by a UFO,...
Outlines Gomba details and release plans
When it comes to Nintendo's portable download platforms, we think it's fair to say that they've been the home of a number of intriguing, unique titles from a broad spectrum of developers. Unlike the emergence of the Wii U store's expanding library courtesy of its support for off-the-shelf dev tools like...
Video Capcom's Mega May Spotlight Shows Off The 3DS Virtual Console Mega Man Releases
See what's on offer
If you happen to be a Mega Man fan with a 3DS in North America, then May has potentially been your favourite gaming month in some time. Capcom has been running its Mega May event, which has basically meant releasing the various Game Boy series entries to the Virtual Console, with a couple of Game Boy Color titles thrown in. It's...
How many licks does it take to get to the centre of this game? One.
Start Candy Match 3 up and its cheery-looking title screen greets you with… complete silence. Your ears may pick up nothing, but your soul should be hearing the dire warning screeched out by the very void: abandon all hopes of creative or original effort, ye who enter here!...
News Tappingo 2 Confirmed for a Summer Release on 3DS eShop
Over 100 puzzles and a new zoom option promised
Fans of download games on DS and 3DS that also love a gameplay twist or puzzling challenge may be familiar with Goodbye Galaxy Games, which recently brought Tappingo to the eShop. We certainly appreciated its charms, awarding it 7/10 in our review. The good news is that Hugo Smits, the man behind the...
Nintendo Download 22nd May (North America)
Squids, Turtles, Soldiers, Aliens, Street Fighting and more
It's that time once again, as we have the full details of this week's Nintendo Download offerings in North America. This week brings us retro delights and new games on both the Wii U and 3DS, along with more DSiWare to keep the old portable going. Let's get to it. Want to know what arrives...
Site News Check Out Nintendo Life's eShop Picks On Your Wii U And 3DS
Recommended viewing
Those of you with especially good memories will recall that Nintendo Life has been featured on the eShop twice in the past few years — back in 2011, we were asked by Nintendo of Europe to contribute a list of our favourite eShop titles, and a year later we supplied our red-hot summer picks for the North American eShop. We're...
Review Turtle Tale (3DS eShop)
Turtle Recall
Do you love retro platformers but wish they featured more squirt guns? Not to be confused with the children's animated film A Turtle's Tale from a few years ago, Saturnine Games' Turtle Tale brings Super Soakin' platforming action to the eShop at a budget price, but don't let its colourful graphics fool you: Turtle Tale is a strict...
Hands On Photos with Mario and AR Card Fun
Koopa Troopas invade your living room!
How long has it been since you thought about AR (augmented reality) gaming on your 3DS? If the stack of AR cards that came with your system is gathering dust in a corner somewhere, go dig 'em out, because Nintendo has finally released a new AR game; it doesn't even seem to want you to know about it. Photos with...
Review Mega Man IV (3DS eShop / GB)
Great things in small packages
With one exception, which is also making its way to the 3DS Virtual Console, all of the Game Boy Mega Man games take two of the NES titles and rework them a bit. Some old faces in new places, so to speak. A sprinkling of unique bosses and weapons help to carve out identities for these portable experiences but, by and...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 19th May
Yet more games make the cut for Wii U
It's been a busy week in the world of Kickstarter funding, with plenty of positive news for Nintendo gamers. There are three projects that have hit Wii U targets, a new entry that looks promising for the 3DS, and unfortunately some that have failed to make their mark. Plenty to consider, then, so let's get to...
News Photos With Mario Available for Free Now in North American eShop
Not exactly a high profile launch
Photos With Mario, previously released in Japan alongside AR cards sold at retail, has dropped onto the 3DS eShop in North America; it's free, so no complaints here. This is rather like a dedicated and improved version of the original AR card app, as you simply pose and snap pics of various characters for your...
Nintendo Download 22nd May (Europe)
A SQUIDS Odyssey, Swords, Klonoa and much more
It's another Monday morning, which means we have a juicy Nintendo Download update for European gamers. This week includes plenty of options on both Wii U and 3DS, with brand new and Virtual Console titles on both systems. Without further ado, let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: SQUIDS Odyssey (The...
Nintendo Download 15th May (North America)
Wii Party U(?!), Scram Kitty, Chronicles of the Moon and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week certainly brings decent variety and some much anticipated games. There are two exclusives across Wii U and 3DS that stand out, along with some other downloads and Virtual Console entries on both current systems. Let's get to...
News HTR High Tech Racing 3DS Development Update Brings Good News
Vroom vroom
In summer 2013 we told you about HTR High Tech Racing, which aims to recreate Scalextric-style fun on the 3DS eShop. It's not a concept that's particularly common in the video game market, which may mean it'll be unique and fun enough to grab the attention of download game fans. There's a '+' version approaching release on PC and Mac,...
News Goodbye Galaxy Games Now An Approved Nintendo Publisher
Studio aims to self-publish and support other indie developers
Goodbye Galaxy Games, a name possibly familiar to download fans of the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop, has confirmed that it's now in possession of a publishing license from Nintendo. Previously the studio has worked with publishers such as CIRCLE Entertainment and others to bring games such as...
Review Parking Star 3D (3DS eShop)
Back it up and dump it!
There are so many driving games on the market today, we've been oversaturated with choice; whether you want a hardcore racing sim, a lighthearted arcade game, a futuristic hovercraft racer, or all your favourite corporate characters go-karting together, there's something out there for you. But you know what the driving game...
News The Band of Thieves & 1000 Pokémon is a Free 3DS eShop Title Coming to Japan
Uses StreetPass and ties into upcoming movie
Pokémon XY The Movie - The Cocoon of Destruction & Diancie is coming to Japan in July, and CoroCoro magazine (via Serebii has announced that a free 3DS eShop game will be released to tie in with the film. The Band of Thieves & 1000 Pokémon is due on 5th June in Japan and will only be available...
Review Mega Man III (3DS eShop / GB)
Third time's the charm
After the fun but flawed Dr. Wily's Revenge and the almost thoroughly disappointing Mega Man II on Game Boy, Capcom made a serious and substantial course correction. The result is Mega Man III, and we couldn't be happier about that. Retaining the template from Dr. Wily's Revenge (two sets of Robot Masters, a new Mega Man...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Updated for May, Physical Items Return
Super Metroid! 3D Classic! Brain Age! Mario Kart 64!
During April Nintendo of America took away physical rewards from Club Nintendo ahead of maintenance work, and it's now reintroduced its standard range a day ahead of schedule. Little has changed, though it's worth checking out the updated options on the official website, with Mario and Luigi 3DS...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 12th May
Some fresh projects to consider
It's that time again when we provide updates on a batch of Kickstarter projects currently doing the rounds for Wii U and 3DS. It seems that there's some momentum around the Wii U eShop, in particular, as we're consistently being pointed to fresh projects that have included Nintendo's home console in their funding...
Nintendo Download 15th May (Europe)
Scram Kitty, Kirby, GBA's Wii U return and more
It's another Monday morning, Europe, but we have the European download update to remind us of what treats await later this week. It's a small batch this week that nevertheless has some potential crackers, with major releases — download-only and retail — across both Wii U and 3DS. Let's get to the...
Review Mega Man II (3DS eShop / GB)
Get equipped with tarnished legacy
Ask any fan of the Blue Bomber to name their favourite game in the series and the odds are good that they will say either Mega Man 2 or Mega Man 3. That's to be expected, though; both of those games are among the best on the NES, a system that had no shortage of great platformers and action games. What's less...
Review Moon Chronicles: Episode 1 (3DS eShop)
Down the hatch...
Renegade Kid originally released first-person shooter Moon on the DS with publisher Mastiff in 2009, though sales were relatively modest — this episodic digital re-release, retitled Moon Chronicles, will be the first time many players experience the game. The 3DS isn't always considered ideal for first-person shooters, but Moon...
News Moon Chronicles Lands on the 3DS eShop in North America on 15th May
First episode to cost $8.99
Moon Chronicles, the enhanced and episodic remake of Renegade Kid's DS retail title Moon, will make its 3DS eShop début on 15th May in North America. As previously revealed this will be released in four parts, with the opening section costing the most and including a sizeable chunk of the storyline. It is a "season",...
Nintendo Download 8th May (North America)
GBA Wario, more Mega May, Denpa Men, Grinsia and much more
It's download update time, North America, and this week brings a diverse mix of old and new, including a fresh Game Boy Advance offering on the Wii U Virtual Console. There are three brand new games on the 3DS eShop, two more Mega Man "Mega May" games and, unbelievably, three DSiWare...
News Download Sales On Nintendo Formats Have Trebled In The Last Two Years
$235 million in digital sales gained in the past 12 months
Nintendo has confirmed that digital revenue across its consoles has tripled in the past two years. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed the statistic at the recent investor's briefing, explaining that during the financial period between April 2013 and March 2014, around 24 billion Yen...
Cross your pis and mind your queues
As its title suggests, Picross e4 is not Jupiter’s first trip to the intellectual rodeo. The developer has been releasing collections of the classic puzzle at a steady pace, adding small tweaks to an already reliable formula. This latest instalment identifies itself with sunny hues, and fans of the series may...
News Arc Style: Baseball 3D Is Up to Bat on 3DS Next Week
Full-scale baseball on deck for 15th May
Did Rusty's Real Deal Baseball's bite-sized minigames leave you hankering for a full-on baseball title? You're in luck, as Arc System Works is bringing Arc Style: Baseball 3D, released last year in Japan, to the North American 3DS eShop on 15th May. Following in the footsteps of Arc Style: Soccer 3D and Arc...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 5th May
Ups and downs
We're a day later than normal, but we haven't forgotten our regular Kickstarter project update; the previous week has brought quite a few notable updates. We have successes and failures to consider, and some additions over which to cast our eye. As always the focus is on current campaigns or those that have been completed in the past...
Review Mega Man Xtreme (3DS eShop / GBC)
Xtreme Mediocrity
Mega Man X is often touted as one of the best games the SNES had to offer, which is certainly saying something. Its first sequel is further from consensus, but it's still safe to say that it's a great followup to its predecessor. If you've played either of these games — and, if you haven't, stop reading right now and do that —...
News Renegade Kid Moving On To A "New Experimental 2D Game for 3DS" After Kickstarter Failure
"It has pixels and stuff"
Renegade Kid is one of the best known download developers on the 3DS, in particular, with Mutant Mudds perhaps the most popular of its titles to date. There are also exciting things on the way, with Moon Chronicles bringing episodic play to the the 3DS eShop and Treasurenauts looking like a colourful 2D romp. There are...
Nintendo Download 8th May (Europe)
Return to the Abyss, more Denpa men, discounts galore and more
Monday brings the beginning of another week, and Nintendo of Europe has once again served up details of the download goodies on the way this week. The stand-out is possibly the third entry in a popular AR series on 3DS, though there's a tempting budget title on Wii U, NES titles on both...
News Cult County Kickstarter Ends Without Success, Developer "Discussing Other Options"
Jools Watsham thanks 1492 backers
For those that have been following the project closely, it should come as no surprise that Renegade Kid's Cult County Kickstarter campaign has fallen short of its target. The project was to come to Wii U, 3DS and host of platforms, but ended well short of its target with $46,736 raised of the $580,000 goal. It's...
Review Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst (3DS eShop)
Never go back
Publisher Big Fish Games has certainly got the hang of porting its old PC games to the Nintendo 3DS. After releasing many of them as retail games in PAL regions, it has started to hawk them on the 3DS eShop as well. The original Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst was released in 2008 for the PC and is an evolution of the Mystery...
Nintendo Download 1st May (North America)
Triple Kirby, Mario Golf, Mega May begins and more!
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and two major retail titles also make an appearance. Let's get to the...
News Harvest Moon 3 And Lufia: The Legend Returns Rated For 3DS Virtual Console Release
New Game Boy Color games incoming
If you're looking forward to playing more handheld classics on your 3DS then you'll be pleased to learn that the Australian Classification board has handed out ratings for two new Game Boy Color games. Harvest Moon 3 and Lufia: The Legend Returns have both been given a "General" rating, which is a good sign that...
April2014
News Parking Star 3D swerving on to the North American 3DS eShop 8th May
What do you do if you see a space, man?
It’s time to fill that empty space on your SD card as Parking Star 3D will soon be heading to the 3DS eShop. EasyTech and CIRCLE Entertainment have today announced that their parking simulator will be released in North America on 8th May, although there’s currently no word on a European release date. The...
Review Me & My Furry Patients 3D (3DS eShop)
Diagnosis: a little hairy
There's a certain nostalgic charm to Me & My Furry Patients 3D's early-1990s PC game aesthetic – the rudimentary isometric 2D graphics, crude character models, heavy reliance on walls of text and menus resembling Windows 95 pop-up boxes are a nice change of pace from the ubiquitous FarmVille-esque cartoony graphics we...
Matters of Import Sega 3D Classics Races Ahead With 3D OutRun
Is it a Magical Sound Shower or just a Passing Breeze?
Sega’s 3D Classics range just keeps on going — in Japan, at least — with this latest offering being OutRun, one of the biggest hits of them all. Like Super Hang-On and Space Harrier before it, OutRun used Sega’s impressive Super Scaler arcade tech to wow arcade gamers and deliver some...
News New Version Of Petit Computer Will Allow For SNES Or PlayStation Standard Games On 3DS
Smileboom president Takaki Kobayashi starts the hype train
Smileboom's Petit Computer is a DSiWare application which allows you to program games using a variant of the Beginners All-purpose Standard Instruction Code — or BASIC — programming language, which incredibly turns 50 this year. Speaking to John Szczepaniak — the guy behind
Review Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (3DS eShop / NES)
Join the fang club
Looking back, it's incredible to think that Konami took such a risk with the Castlevania series during its formative years. Having tasted critical and commercial success with the original NES outing, the Japanese company decided to give its direct sequel a different spin. The result was Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, a game which...
Nintendo Download 1st May (Europe)
Mario Golf, Cave Story, Child of Light and Simon goes on a quest too
This week brings a Euro Nintendo Download packed full of tantalising downloadable delights. 3DS retail: Mario Golf: World Tour (Nintendo, £34.99/€39.99) - Grab your clubs and bring fun to the fore in Mario Golf: World Tour! Join Mario and friends for engrossing golf action on...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 27th April
Confirmed Wii U games and tough campaigns
It's time for another Kickstarter campaign summary, with quite a few details that have changed since last week. We have two notable success stories, including a campaign that looked like a close call but secured success late in the day; there has also been a cancellation and others that look doomed to...
Highlights low eShop sales and policies lagging behind Sony and Microsoft
Brandon Sheffield is, arguably, just the sort of developer Nintendo should be wooing — he produces games through his own studio Necrosoft, is an editor on Gamasutra and is a familiar face at industry events such as GDC (Game Developers Conference) and IDF (Independent Games...
Interview A Look Through the Periscope at Steel Diver: Sub Wars
No actual link to Star Fox despite Peppy's cameo, sorry...
Steel Diver: Sub Wars will go down in Nintendo history, an honour perhaps exceeding its status as a very good download game — this is because it represents the big N's first full dalliance with free-to-play. Its February arrival on the 3DS eShop caused plenty of fascination, as a result,...
Review Smash Cat Heroes (3DS eShop)
Tokugawa Mew Mew
Imagine, for a moment, that you are a cat. What would you do for a can of delicious cat food? What about a can of delicious, destiny-altering Super Cat Food? If you're anything like the feline cast of Smash Cat Heroes — the latest eShop title from Escape from Zombie City studio Tom Create — you'd grab a kitten-sized katana and...
News The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll Hits North America and Europe on 8th May
Demo next week, progress transferred to full game
Earlier this year we shared the news that Genius Sonority was bringing The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll to the West, the third entry in the quirky but rather excellent augmented reality RPG series. It was previously announced that there'd be a demo in May, and the developer wasn't kidding —...
Train with aliens, play a friendly against Spain or compete in a tournament
Supporters of the newly released 3DS eShop title Nintendo Pocket Football Club will be pleased to discover the official website has recently been updated to include European rankings, tournament and SpotPass distribution schedules, as well as add-on content details...
News Grinsia Heading To The North American 3DS eShop On 8th May
No news on a European release date as yet
Kemco’s well received iOS and Android title, Grinsia, will finally be arriving on the 3DS eShop next month. The port of the classic JRPG-style game is being published by Nicalis, which has previously brought us indie games such as Cave Story and VVVVVV; it's recently confirmed the release date on its...
News Tappingo Gets a 30% Discount in Early May
Figure it out
Hugo Smits, the man behind Goodbye Galaxy Games, has been in touch to confirm that he has a treat on the way for puzzle fans with a 3DS. His latest eShop title, Tappingo, will be reduced by 30% from 1st to 15th May — in this period it'll cost €1.99 / £1.75 / $1.99. As is expected of titles from the developer, it takes some...
Nintendo Download 24th April (North America)
NES is remixed, Child of Light, Yoshi's back, a golfing demo and more
It's that time again, North America, for your Nintendo Download update news. This week brings two high profile titles to the Wii U eShop, along with the latest Game Boy Advance Virtual Console offering. It's more of a mixed bag on the 3DS, though there is a demo for a major retail...
Video We Put The Pedal To The Metal In Sega's 3D OutRun
Can M2 keep up their winning streak?
It hardly feels like Japanese 3DS owners have finished with Fantasy Zone, but M2 is back on the eShop and granting gamer wishes once again, this time bringing Yu Suzuki's OutRun into the palms of arcade fans. As we've come to expect this is yet another fantastic port with just the right balance of hardcore...
News North American Club Nintendo Update Closes Down Physical Rewards Until May
More game downloads added in the interim
Club Nintendo patrons in North America who were saving up their coins for some tangible Nintendo memorabilia will apparently have to wait a while before doing so as the program undergoes a system update. Visitors to the Club Nintendo rewards page will be met with the following message: Orders for physical...
Review Tiny Games - Knights & Dragons (3DS eShop)
The dark knight
Taking the title of this game at face value, one could understandably conjure some exciting images of brave warriors setting off to battle in a land teeming with adventurous opportunities. The medieval setting is well-established by this point, and is versatile enough to appeal to even the very young demographic that Tiny Games...
News Picross e4 Confirmed For North American 3DS eShop Release In May
Mega Picross puzzles await
It might be slightly later than expected, but Picross e4 is finally making the leap to the west. The game has been confirmed for a May 1st release on the North American 3DS eShop. The game launched in Japan last year, and publisher Jupiter Corporation has previously stated that it will also see release in Europe in the...
News Hidden Object Puzzler Azada Is Spooking The North American 3DS eShop Next Month
Brain training
It has been confirmed that the 3DS puzzle title Azada will be hitting the North American eShop on May 1st. Originally released in physical form back in 2012, Azada is a port of a preexisting PC, Android and iOS title and comes from the creator of the Mystery Case Files series. You have to assist the hapless Titus in his escape from a...
News Possibility of SNES Remix and Other Remix Titles Depends on Fan Support
NES Remix director: "Does the marketplace want it or need it?"
In an interview with IGN, NES Remix and NES Remix 2 director Koichi Hayashida explained that the possibility of a SNES Remix, Game Boy Advance Remix, or other Remix brand titles will depend on the market's support and fan outcry. There could even be a Remix title based on third-party...
Lock the box and throw away the key
With a huge assortment of puzzle titles on the eShop, PouncingKitten's Boxzle doesn't do nearly enough to set itself apart from the rest of the litter. With three variations on the "sliding box" mechanic the potential for clever and satisfying puzzles is there, but poor visuals and sound, generic presentation and...
News Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call Is Serenading The West Later This Year
Music to our ears
If you've been following our coverage of the Japanese version of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call then you'll probably be wondering if and when the game is coming to the West. Thankfully, we can now confirm that a western launch is indeed happening, and it takes place at some point this year. To celebrate the announcement,...
News The Nintendo eShop Is Like Paradise, Says Image & Form's Brjann Sigurgeirsson
"The gamers are REAL gamers who pay for quality"
As we're all well aware, the Nintendo eShop isn't the only digital marketplace out there right now. Sony and Microsoft have their own storefronts for downloadable titles, and the iOS App Store and Google Play market offer developers to chance to reach millions of potential customers. However, for...
News Gaijin Games' Woah Dave! Reportedly Coming to 3DS
Whoa, that’s awesome!
According to a recent GameZebo interview with Jason Cirillo of Robotube Games – a sub-label of Gaijin Games – retro-inspired platformer Woah Dave! is set to make an appearance on the 3DS in the near future. No doubt in the form of an eShop release. During the recent PAX East, one extract of the GameZebo interview...
Nintendo Download 24th April (Europe)
NES Remix returns, Yoshi on GBA, Yumi by another name and more
A day later than normal due to a Holiday Monday, we finally have this week's Nintendo Download information for Europe. We've got a Wii U sequel to a popular remix, more GBA goodness, a mix of good and not-so-good on the 3DS and a new DSiWare title. Plenty to consider, so let's get into...
News Koichi Hayashida Explains Absence of NES Remix 1 & 2 on 3DS
Extra grunt of Wii U made it preferred platform
During an insightful exchange with IGN, NES Remix 1 & 2 Director Koichi Hayashida has explained how previous work with Super Mario 3D World, along with the power of Nintendo’s Wii U – and his own familiarity with the system's architecture – led to the development of the classic compilation...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 20th April
Cancellations and close calls
In recent weeks we've produced Kickstarter summaries to show how campaigns are progressing, and this entry includes successes, cancellations and some close calls. Considering the fact that some exciting games have arrived and are on the way from successfully crowdfunded campaigns in the past, it's certainly worth...
Review Atlantic Quest (3DS eShop)
Aquatic amusements
All prefaces about there being too many match-three puzzle games available on the 3DS eShop have been exhausted. While it still rings true that there is an overabundance of them on the digital marketplace, there's no use beating the dead horse that this genre and joke have become. The fact is that people love tile matching games,...
Review Bit Boy!! ARCADE (3DS eShop)
Kubi, you blockhead...
It's been almost five years since Bit Boy!! graced the WiiWare service, providing a generation-spanning adventure through the history of video games. Unfortunately the execution of that game was middling at best, leaving a great concept — the guiding of a single hero on a nostalgia-tinged journey through the past — sorely...
News Turtle Tale Slowly Moves Closer to the eShop on 3DS and Wii U
Turtle power
There's some 2D platforming action getting closer to both the 3DS and Wii U eShop; those that want to be a heroic water gun-wielding turtle will soon be able to fulfil that fantasy in Turtle Tale. Announced last year and taking its cue from action platformers of the NES and SNES era, it's the work of Saturnine Games — the studio is...
News Game & Watch Gallery 3 Rated for 3DS Virtual Console Release
More Game Boy Color goodness for the 3DS Virtual Console
The 3DS Virtual Console has, in recent times, been somewhat dominated by NES games, rather than the Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles that typified its early months. While Capcom is preparing a Mega May which will bring us retro portable Mega Man games, it looks like Nintendo's also looking...
News Cave Story is Finally Coming to the 3DS eShop in Europe and Australia
It's time
Some regional release sagas roll on and on, with publishers on tight budgets or with limited resources sometimes deciding not to jump through the hoops for ratings and approval in Europe and Australia, particularly. One example has been running for so long that those asking for it gradually forgot to complain any more — Cave Story on the...
Nintendo Download 17th April (North America)
Classic Mario, GBA treats, HD Flowerworks, smashing cats and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and a major retail title also make an appearance. Let's...
News Australian Classification Board Rates Xtreme Sports for 3DS Virtual Console
The WayForward Game Boy Color classic appears headed to the eShop
It looks like one of WayForward Technologies' early classics will be arriving on the 3DS Virtual Console in the near future. The Australian Classification Board has rated Xtreme Sports, published by Infogrames in 2000 on the Game Boy Color exclusively in North America. Europe would...
News 3DS Release Added to Cult County's Core Kickstarter Target
"You spoke. We listened."
In early April Renegade Kid launched a Kickstarter campaign for Cult County on home consoles (including Wii U), Vita and PC. It was a title that had been announced for 3DS in early 2013, but as the studio's co-founder Jools Watsham told us, the shift to using the Unity engine and focusing on greater scope had shifted
News 3D OutRun Given a Release Date and Details for Japan
We want it yesterday
The 3D series of classics from Sega were, in the Nintendo Life office at least, among the highlights on the 3DS late last year. With a mix of arcade and Mega Drive / Genesis games getting the impressive remastering treatment from M2, it was pleasing that Sega had made the investment to localise that first run outside of Japan...
News Atlus Confirms Conception II DLC Details and May European Release
The start of a beautiful relationship
Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars is now available in North America, which is great news for fans of quirky JRPG games as we gave it a strong recommendation in our comprehensive review. With a mix of dungeon crawling and dating sim elements, and Star Children that can become killer mechs, it's certainly...
News Nintendo Shows Off Kirby's Awesome New Abilities on a Snazzy Triple Deluxe Website
Archer! Beetle! Bell! Circus! Hypernova!
Kirby: Triple Deluxe isn't far away now, arriving in North America on 2nd May and in Europe on 16th May. We've seen some of the mascot's new abilities in action, attractive new footage and plenty of snippets to raise our anticipation. Nintendo UK is wading in with a new dedicated website, and one of the best...
3DS eShop exclusive, arriving April 24th
Agatsuma Entertainment has confirmed that it is bringing Sayonara UmiharaKawase to Europe on April 24th as a download-only 3DS eShop exclusive. The price will be 24.99 Euros. The game — which follows on from the Japan-only Super Famicom and Nintendo DS editions — recently hit North America under the...
News Australian Classifications Out Western Releases For Mighty Final Fight And Mega Man Xtreme
More vintage classics coming to the 3DS Virtual Console
New ratings from the Australian Classification Board have revealed that Capcom's Mighty Final Fight and Mega Man Xtreme are both bound for the west. The former was originally launched on the NES back in 1993. It takes the basic gameplay of the original Final Figh
Review Governor of Poker (3DS eShop)
Deep in the debt of Texas
Imagine that Donald Trump stole the DeLorean from Back to the Future. He warps to the Wild West, but instead of saving the Doc like in Part III, he creates a form of government in which you rule by simply owning every building in sight. It’s a monopolocracy, if you will, and everyone crams the saloons to play poker for...
Review Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove (3DS eShop)
Dire, dire docs
You know the drill. Mysterious, seemingly-abandoned location. Haunting atmosphere. Looming tragedy that unfolds through documents you find scattered around. It's a formula that works well for video games in general. As an interactive medium, the scares can be taken to a whole other level in the right hands. The mere fact that you...
News Nintendo of America is Cutting the Price of Five Top 3DS Games
All for $29.99 on the eShop and in stores
In a move that's sure to tempt those yet to pick up all of the hottest titles on 3DS, Nintendo of America has announced a price cut — starting on 22nd April — on five major retail games; these include the three biggest-selling games of all-time for the system in the region. All five games will drop to...
Interview Tom Create on Past Projects, Smash Cat Heroes and the Download Transition
"The eShop is somewhere where we definitely want to be involved"
The increasing importance and role of the download game market is often attributed to development studios based outside of Japan, with a perception that the home of Nintendo and many other prominent industry names is playing catch-up in embracing that segment of the market. There is...
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