3DS - News
March2016
Community Your Favourite 3DS Games - Fifth Anniversary Edition
The results are in
With the 3DS now being five years old we thought it'd be a good time to reflect on its impressive game library. To do this we asked you to pick your favourite games through the user review feature on the site, covering both retail and eShop releases. It proved to be an interesting experiment, taking into account the sheer size...
News Marin Will be Part of the Summer's Hyrule Warriors Legends DLC Pack
An awakening for the character
Hyrule Warriors and now Hyrule Warriors Legends aren't short of interesting choices for playable characters, and now we have another intriguing addition on the way. It was confirmed during a Wondercon panel that Marin will arrive in the Summer's Link's Awakening Pack. You can see some character art from the reveal...
Feature Thoughts on the 3DS as It Reaches Its Fifth Anniversary
Dave Letcavage and Jose Acosta share their perspectives
The 3DS has reached its fifth Anniversary for its release in the West, and in the first of multiple feature articles focused on the portable Dave Letcavage and Jose Acosta share their thoughts and memories related to the portable. Dave Letcavage: I haven't been in the best heath for the...
News 7th Dragon III Code: VFD Arrives in North America on 12th July
Surprisingly, this one's not from Atlus
A couple months ago, SEGA announced 7th Dragon III Code: VFD for Nintendo 3DS in North America. While the game's premise is certainly a bit off the wall – you travel through time to fight dragons, or something like that – it looks like an interesting choice for any fans of the RPG genre. Previously, we...
Video Digital Foundry Shows Off the New 3DS Improvements in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
For any doubters out there
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has been obsessing a core of 3DS fans for over a year now, and with Monster Hunter Generations on the way there's now renewed focus on the series. To demonstrate that point Digital Foundry has revisited the Capcom title to show the improvements in performance when played on a New 3DS. We and many...
Guide Which Nintendo 3DS or 2DS System Should I Buy?
There's life in the old dog yet
Though we have a new generation of Nintendo hardware set to be revealed this year, there's life yet in the current generation. With the 3DS family of systems celebrating its fifth year anniversary in the West, it's worth taking the time to consider how much it still has to offer. With the range of portables...
Video See the Contents Spilled of the Hyrule Warriors Legends Limited Edition in our Unboxing
A Linkle between consoles
Hyrule Warriors Legends allows those lacking a Wii U to enjoy the ludicrous combat and unwavering demise of thousands of usually evil creatures, and if you can look past some of the graphical limitations and performance issues when on an original 3DS, it's a ruddy cathartic way to spend a few hours at a time. But if your...
Video Get a Closer Look at the Charming Monster Hunter Stories on 3DS
A new breed of pocket monsters
Now that Monster Hunter Generations is set for a Summer release in the West, we turn our localisation attention on Monster Hunter Stories. This spin-off title sees you work with and train monsters rather than hunt them, and adopts a mixture of adventure and turn-based battles in its gameplay - add to that a lovely...
Community Pick Your Favourite Nintendo 3DS Games - Fifth Anniversary Edition
Let's do things a little differently
Though the landmark has already passed in Japan, we're now approaching the fifth anniversary of the 3DS in the West. The first model launched on 25th / 27th March 2011 in Europe and North America, respectively, with the original model focusing much of its sales pitch on autostereoscopic 3D. That feature would...
News Pokkén Tournament Beats Digimon to Number One in Japan and Boosts Wii U Sales
Splatoon is still rocking it in fifth place
It's time once again for the Japanese Media Create charts, and this week is particularly fascinating as it pitches the Pokémon and Digimon brands against each other. The good news for Pokémon fans is that the franchise came out on top in the head to head, with Pokkén Tournament seizing top spot for Wii...
News North American Pricing Confirmed for Hyrule Warriors Legends DLC and Season Pass
A little higher in Canadian dollars
A little while ago we reported on the European pricing for the rather extravagant (and slightly fiddly) Hyrule Warriors Legends DLC and Season Pass. There are separate passes for 3DS and Wii U, along with a supplemental character pack for those with the Wii U game that don't plan on buying the portable iteration...
We have a good feeling about this
Warner has released the first gameplay trailer for LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and it gives a solid taster of what we can expect to see in the finished product. Firstly, the variety on show is impressive - not only will it include the usual on-foot sections with puzzles, multiple "build" solutions and...
News Star Fox Zero / Guard and Metroid Prime: Federation Force to be Playable at Wondercon
Hyrule Warriors Legends panel also included
Wondercon is just days away from landing in LA, running from 25th - 27th March, and Nintendo of America has confirmed some key playable titles and a promising panel event. The headline grabber is that the main Metroid Prime: Federation Force game will be playable for the public for the first time, as...
News Fire Emblem Fates Fan Translation Project Shuts Up Shop
"We're all burned out and don't care anymore"
It's fair to say that not everyone was happy with the Fire Emblem Fates localisation on 3DS, but a glimmer of hope for dedicated fans was the fan translation project which was confirmed well before a western release was announced. According to "Team If" member luyairis, the group behind
Video Check Out This Trailer for Fire Emblem Fates DLC
Keeping the action fresh
One of the rather controversial, yet generally welcome, features of Fire Emblem: Awakening was the wealth of DLC made for the game. Some claimed that it made the game unbalanced by offering opportunities to grind experience or money in a much quicker manner than one could normally do, while others argued that it properly...
News Nintendo is Planning a National Streetpass Weekend for North America
Get ready to see that little green light
One of the most passive, but no less entertaining, features of the Nintendo 3DS is Streetpass. By simply walking by another individual with a 3DS, one can acquire various little extras for games that support it, and while this is admittedly a fairly marginal thing in most cases, it's still nice to see that...
News UK Gamers Can Now Catch a Legendary Pokémon Bird
Beautifly and Zebstrika and moonbeams...
Though the main 3DS Pokémon releases are now getting slightly long in the tooth, they continue to stay interesting courtesy of regular distributions. Now another neat giveaway is underway in the UK for those that either head to a Smyths Toys Superstore or wait for their Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter...
Video SEGA Shows Off Three Neat Locations for Time Travel in 7th Dragon III Code: VFD
Time travelling and fighting dragons, that is
Some games have a concept that suggests they had a light-hearted pre-production meeting with the agenda of 'thinking of really cool things'. We suspect the pitch meeting for 7th Dragon III Code: VFD on 3DS was one of these, as it's all about time-travelling through fantastical locations to fight dragons,...
Video Nintendo UK Would Like To Remind You That The 3DS Has Some Amazing RPGs In 2016
Are you ready for your #3DSAdventure?
While the 3DS may be getting on a bit these days, it's set to enjoy a bumper 2016 in terms of RPG titles. So much so that Nintendo UK is running a campaign which aims to promote the handheld as the RPG fan's system of choice. Dubbed #3DSAdventures, the campaign is intended to spread the word about the following...
News Scribblenauts Studio 5th Cell Is Closing Its Doors
UPDATE: Layoffs rather than closure, says CEO
UPDATE: 5th Cell CEO Jeremiah Slaczka has spoken to Polygon about the news, and has confirmed that the studio remains open but layoffs have taken place: WB cancelled today so we had to lay off the staff. It happened so quick we're not sure what the plans are going forward yet. Here's the full...
Video See How Hyrule Warriors Legends on the Original 3DS Compares to the Wii U
Hey! Watch!
Hyrule Warriors Legends is a technical marvel, there's no denying that. To get such a complex and character-heavy game to run on such simple hardware is an incredible feat, but it's not as plain sailing on the original 3DS as it is on the New 3DS. Check out the comparison video below where you can see the performance of this new...
Review Hyrule Warriors Legends
A Link in your pocket
The original Hyrule Warriors was a solid if slightly forgettable attempt at fusing the worlds Zelda and Koei Tecmo's Musou series, and despite its occasionally repetitive gameplay managed to alleviate fears that it would be little more than a shameless cash-in. Now, with the 3DS badly in need of top-drawer software as it...
Nintendo Life Weekly "Leaked" NX Controller, Miitomo Japanese Launch Success and More
Even pictures can't cure our thirst for salt
With Miitomo's Japanese debut it's been all go here at Nintendo Life Towers, so if you're someone who thinks they've missed out on some seriously spicy news, we've got you covered once again with our regular video feature Nintendo Life Weekly. This week we look at the supposedly leaked image of what some...
Random Check Out This Monster Hunter Generations Themed Honey
Make your own Mega Potions
One of the key components of any Monster Hunter game is the elaborate crafting system that backs the majority of the item economy. While it is certainly possible to buy items in shops, it's almost always a better choice to go out and make it yourself by finding and combining the right materials. Arguably one of the most...
News Nintendo Announces Separate Hyrule Warriors Season Passes for Wii U and 3DS
With some shared content - it's... slightly confusing
With Hyrule Warriors Legends around the corner we knew there'd be a season pass and plenty of download content as Nintendo looks to recreate the success of its predecessor. What's a little unexpected is that the Wii U original will also have a version of the same season pass but with a separate...
News Nintendo Issues Statement On Side Quest Changes In Bravely Second
Aim was to improve the "game experience" and avoid "undue regret"
Earlier this month, we reported on a rumour that the western edition of Bravely Second: End Layer only had "good" endings to optional side quests - a change which, when twinned with alterations to one of the character costumes, triggered quite a stir among fans.
News Zero Time Dilemma Launches on 28th June in North America and Europe
Digital and physical for NA, digital only for Europe
The Zero Escape series is an interesting entry in the genre of visual storytelling. Depicting a riveting tale of imprisonment and escape, the previous two games have been critically acclaimed for their dynamic approach to storytelling. While it is true that this type of game is something of an...
Video Nintendo Shows Off amiibo Functionality in Hyrule Warriors Legends
The Master Scan
The original Hyrule Warriors on Wii U made use of amiibo to allow daily scans in exchange for random goodies. That continues in 3DS expansion Hyrule Warriors Legends, but as expected there's extra content to be grabbed compared to the original. Details on these extras have dribbled out in recent weeks, but Nintendo has now produced...
Live Blog Watch Two Hours of Monster Hunter Generations as Capcom Names a Giant Owl - Live!
Because HororoHoruru doesn't cut it
We're rather excited about Monster Hunter Generations here in Nintendo Life towers, the Western localisation of Monster Hunter X (Cross) that's coming in the Summer. So we're happy to watch Capcom fight and name Hororohoruru in the localised version - it's a big deadly owl, basically, and it's going to have a new...
News Twilight Princess HD Loses Out to The Division on Japanese Launch
Outperforms equivalent Wind Waker HD sales, however
It's Japanese charts time thanks to Media Create, and we have a major Wii U release joining in to try and start the party for Nintendo. The results are ok, but not spectacular. Kicking off with software we have the first week for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, which arrived seven days...
News Akira Tago Passes Away at Age 90
The Professor Layton series' "Puzzle Master"
The Professor Layton games form a popular portable series that's spanned across the DS and 3DS, famous for their puzzle-based gameplay. Though fans still await the coming of the mysterious 'Layton 7', the series recently lost a great contributor on its development side. It was recently reported that...
News 3DS System Update 10.7.0-32 is Now Live
At this rate, it'll become a singularity
3DS firmware updates are something that are fairly common occurrences nowadays. While it may be that these typically don't add any new or exciting features, there is one thing that every update adds that we simply can never have enough of: stability. Fortunately, the Nintendo R&D wizards have managed to...
Editorial Accessibility Through Optional 'Invincibility' Buffs Can Only Be a Positive for Nintendo
Let's try to be Super Guides and spread the gaming bug
So, Star Fox Zero will not only have a co-op mode that'll allow less experienced players to play as a gunner and pew-pew stuff through the GamePad, but also a friendly option where gamers will have an invincible Arwing and simply fly through a level regardless of their performance. In the very...
Video Get a Good Look at Disney Art Academy
Oh, and some rad New 3DS cover plates
Disney Art Academy may not have been a knockout announcement for those that follow the 3DS closely, but it has the potential to be a major success for the portable. Combining the solid line-up of Art Academy games with the brand power of Disney seems like a smart move that could pay off in a significant way...
News Twilight Princess HD Holds Top 10 Place in UK Charts
Pokemon gives 3DS a minor presence
The UK chart results for last week have emerged, and in the absence of any knockout new releases for Nintendo - though next week will include Pokkén Tournament - the focus has been on momentum for key titles. Namely, we're referring to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, which had an impressive debut week...
Nintendo Life Weekly New Nintendo Patent Spotted, Ubisoft Responds to NX Rumours and More
Nintendo tries to Kinect with its audience
It's been another whirlwind week in the world of Nintendo, and in order to help you digest all that's been occurring, we have once more condensed all the week's goodness into a single creamy video for your viewing pleasure. This week we look at a new Nintendo patent recently made public, Ubisoft's unusual...
News River City Ransom SP is Looking Fighting Fit in Latest Trailer
'Fighting of Double Dragon 2016' adds fun duelling, too
Announced quite some time ago now, River City Ransom SP - a modern remake of the NES title known as Street Gangs in some territories - is nearing its release on 3DS in Japan. Based on a new trailer out in the wild Arc System Works is evidently doing some good work with its licenses. The beat...
News Impressive Fire Emblem Fates Sales Ensure It Makes an Impact on US Charts
What a revelation
It's well established, courtesy of Nintendo shouting it from the rooftops, that the launch of Fire Emblem Fates in North America has been successful. Over 300,000 sales between Birthright, Conquest and Special Editions in the launch weekend alone made it the most successful ever US debut for the series, for example. The February...
Only in Japan, obviously
Volcanion & The Ingenious Magearna is the latest Pokémon movie to surface in Japan, and those who pre-book tickets for this cinematic event will get a Volcanion to use in Pokémon X & Y or Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. As revealed in CoroCoro magazine, pre-booking runs from April 16th through July...
News Nintendo Badge Arcade Updated, More Free Plays For Everyone
Pin this one on me
Nintendo Badge Arcade has been updated in Europe, a fact which should make it a little more appealing to those who have resisted its free-to-play charms thus far. Version 1.3.1 requires 627 blocks of free space and ups the number of free plays offered to players. The super bonus from the Practice Catcher now gives three free...
Gallery Take a Look at Famitsu Scans and Screenshots for Zero Time Dilemma
If you have the time
Zero Time Dilemma is certainly one of the most intriguing releases due on 3DS this year, as it promises to answer questions left over from 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors on DS and Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward on 3DS. As it's a sequel to two of the finest examples of interactive storytelling in recent generations...
News Here's Why SNES VC Games Can Only be Played on a New 3DS
CPU seems to be the main problem
One of the surprise announcements from the last Nintendo Direct was the revelation that SNES games would be playable on the New 3DS, with the famous "available after this presentation" line being delivered. While many fans were no doubt thrilled to see the classic 16-bit console's games being made available...
DLC Review Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
The gang's all here
Note: Mild spoilers ahead for Fire Emblem Fates Birthright and Conquest. You've been warned. No matter which path you initially took, Fire Emblem Fates' two campaigns left a number of open questions around what's really happening in the world. Where did all those shadow enemies come from? Who is Azura, really? Why didn't the...
News 'Special Reveal' Teased for Sonic the Hedgehog Anniversary Panel at SXSW
We can safely say it's not a new Wii U-exclusive Sonic Boom sequel
In this year of landmark anniversaries we can add Sonic the Hedgehog to the list, with SEGA's iconic mascot turning 25 in the Summer. The mascot has had his ups and downs but still remains an integral part of the gaming scene in the eyes of plenty of fans, and we can be sure that...
News Nintendo Gears Up for Quite a Bit of Network Maintenance This Week
Nintendo Badge Arcade update also inbound
Oh, Nintendo Network maintenance. If it was a person it'd be a slightly cheeky but suspicious boiler repair man, who's friendly and witty but never seems to actually do anything. Nintendo sure likes maintaining its network, and to be fair without this work it'd probably be a hot mess that we'd all complain...
News Abylight Is Bringing The Award-Winning AfterZoom To The 3DS eShop
Turn your console into a microscope
Abylight Studios has confirmed that it is resurrecting its DSiWare title AfterZoom on the 3DS. The DSiWare version - originally released in 2011 - was awarded with a part-grant by the Ministry of Culture of the Spanish government, and mixed real-world biology with fantasy elements. There's no release date as...
News Nintendo Hardware Sales Climb in Japan Despite Limited New Releases
Vita and PS4 lead the way
It's Media Create Japanese charts time once again, with 3DS and Wii U facing off - as always - with Sony systems. The software results bring new releases in the top three, once again with a dual release across Vita and PS4 (sometimes there are triple releases that also include PS3) leading the way - Gundam Breaker 3. The...
Talking Point Nintendo's Fortress of Secrecy Needs to Tighten Security for the Year Ahead
Sharing isn't always the best policy
It seems that not so long ago Nintendo's ability to keep secrets was legendary. When leaks or early slip-ups emerged in past years it was normally a trusted partner that spilled the beans - examples included the occasion when a TT Games employee tweeted a picture of the re-designed Wii U GamePad prior to its...
Video Star Fox Zero's Opening Cutscene Gets Compared to Star Fox 64's
Let's see how you handle our new ships
The release of Star Fox Zero's opening cutscene is still only available in Japanese, but upon closer inspection it looks like we may not need an English translation to know what's going on. The slideshow of stills not only looks familiar, but it's clearly been made as a direct replica of the original opening...
News Zero Time Dilemma Aiming to Resolve All Series Mysteries and Tackle 'Extreme' Scenes
Game director jokes about potential CERO Z rating
Zero Time Dilemma may have been announced and revealed in a limited fashion in the West since 2015, but Famitsu magazine is currently gearing up to run an 8-page feature to formally reveal the 3DS and Vita title to the Japanese market. With any Famitsu feature comes, of course, a batch of intriguing...
Video Sit Back and Enjoy Two Hours of Monster Hunter Generations Gameplay
A monstrously long stream
Following the recent Nintendo Direct announcement that Monster Hunter Generations is coming to the 3DS this Summer, this writer missed the boat. Two hours could have been spent (on 4th March) watching the localised version of the game in action in a live stream, including a segment of the neat new mode where you can tackle...
Rumour Buster No, That Person You StreetPassed Is Not Playing Pokémon Sun
Sneaky homebrew malarky to blame
We get some quite exciting news tips submitted by you, our dear readers, from time to time. One such tip arrived in our email inbox from one such follower who was kind enough to alert us that a person they had recently StreetPassed appeared to be enjoying Nintendo's recently-announced Pokémon title, Pokémon Sun...
Review Return to Popolocrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale
A heartwarming harvest
As a crossover between Yohsuke Tamori's PopoloCrois (an enduringly popular fantasy manga from 1978) and the evergreen Bokujō Monogatari series (formerly known as Harvest Moon and now Story of Seasons in the West), Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale stands out, even in the 3DS' impressively varied RPG garden...
Rumour A My Nintendo Exclusive Picross Game Will Be Based On Twilight Princess
Apparently set to release alongside the new loyalty program
Jupiter has been the primary developer behind the most recent Picross games, which have all been released on the eShop. While the first several games were just simple entries in the series that featured pixel art recreations of common things, the series branched out into new territory with...
News The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Leads the Way for Nintendo in UK Charts
Number one in the single-format results
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is the first of what Nintendo hopes will be a few key releases for Wii U in the next few months. The remaster of the previously successful Wii launch title (which also landed late on GameCube), it's also responsible for kickstarting the year's 30th Anniversary...
Nintendo Life Weekly Pokémon GO! Closed Beta Announced, Beyond Good & Evil 2 NX Rumour and More
Japan only, unsurprisingly
What with a full Nintendo Direct and a whole host of other happenings, you could easily be forgiven for missing some Nintendo news amidst all the hustle and bustle, so as usual we've distilled everything down into a quick and convenient video for your viewing pleasure. This week we're tackling Pokémon GO!'s invite-only...
Particularly on the 3DS
Nintendo, for reasons covered frequently on previous occasions, can no longer rely on sheer volume of releases for 3DS and, in particular, Wii U. What it can do is share its passion for its hardware through its own game releases and how it delivers them to fans. In its 3rd March Nintendo Direct broadcast the company did just...
Feature Exciting Wii U and 3DS Games to Play in Spring and Summer 2016
Nintendo upped the ante in its most recent Direct
Following Nintendo's latest Direct broadcasts, a much clearer picture of the upcoming goodies on Wii U and 3DS has emerged. It was pitched as a presentation to show off current-gen games in our near-future, and it delivered on just that. Following on from our equivalent list for the first quarter of...
Poll Did the Wii U and 3DS Nintendo Direct Kickstart 2016?
Aiming for current-gen buzz
Well, Nintendo certainly tried to wow its fans with its first full Direct of the year. Regardless of opinions over the content, what is clear is that there was plenty of it across the different key regions, with a mix of solidified details and surprises thrown in. Considering the timing and content here it's certainly...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 3rd March
Setting the scene for longer gaming days
It had been a little under four months since the last full broadcast - aside from game-specific efforts - so Nintendo came into its most recent Direct broadcasts with a remit to seize momentum and excite Wii U and 3DS owners. Overall there was plenty to mull over with some surprises and big announcements,...
News The Bravely Second Demo Comes to North America on 10th March
Get ready to bust some Ba'als
Bravely Second: End Layer is yesterday's news over in Europe, but North America still has to wait for another month before getting a shot at some of that RPG goodness. In the lead up to the game's launch in Europe, there was a demo released that functioned almost as its own standalone game; it featured a ten hour...
Video Catch Up With All of the North American and European Nintendo Direct Videos
Wrapped up in a nice bow
Well, the Nintendo Direct broadcasts have passed. There were some surprises, quite a few details that were expected, and also information had been on the web ahead of time. We suspect both the European and North American subsidiaries will be looking to plug some leaks in the coming days... There was plenty to enjoy,...
News Hyrule Warriors Legends Season Pass Confirms Four Waves of DLC for 3DS Release
Medli to arrive as a freebie in both versions of the game
Hyrule Warriors Legends aims to catch lightning in the bottle, converting the excitement that surrounded the Wii U original into strong sales to the far larger 3DS userbase. Of course, that original title was jam packed with paid DLC, and Nintendo has now confirmed that the portable iteration...
Video New Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 Trailer Showcases Summer Release
First game currently on discount
During today's Nintendo Direct, it was reiterated that the hit sequel Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 will launch in summer of 2016 on the 3DS eShop. The sequel to the original Azure Striker Gunvolt, the newest installment brings new features and characters to the mix. Gunvolt's rival Copen is now a playable character and...
News Mini Mario and Friends amiibo Challenge Launching April 28th in North America
Or March 25th from partipating retailers...
A new amiibo tie-in title is coming to both the Wii U and 3DS, paying homage to the Mario and Donkey Kong series. Mini Mario and Friends amiibo Challenge is a free game available on the eShop and is compatible with select amiibo figures, mostly from the Super Mario series. With over 60 levels, you will...
News Unleash Your Creative Side with Disney Art Academy
Launching on 3DS in May 2016
Grab your styluses! Disney Art Academy launches on May 13th for 3DS in North America, though Europeans will have to wait until 15th July. Using a variety of tools and enhancements, you can learn to draw characters such as Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Friends, Winnie the Pooh, and characters from Pixar's...
News New Animal Crossing amiibo Coming to North America in June
More cards and figures for amiibo collectors
Amiibo fans rejoice! A new Animal Crossing amiibo will be launching on June 10th, alongside series 4 of the popular amiibo cards. The brand new Isabelle amiibo - in her summer outfit - will debut alongside Isabelle in her winter outfit, previously only available in the Animal Crossing: amiibo...
News Rhythm Heaven Megamix Dancing onto 3DS
Includes new and unreleased content
Nintendo shocked the Rhythm Heaven community during today's Nintendo Direct with the announcement of the next installment in the hit franchise, Rhythm Heaven Megamix, a localisation of a previous retail release in Japan. The game will contain more than 100 rhythm games, 30 of which are brand new to the series...
Video Satoru Shibata Celebrates Yo-Kai Watch European Release News With Some Killer Dance Moves
Arriving in April, demo available on the 3DS eShop now
Yo-Kai Watch is coming to Europe on April 29th, and to mark that news, Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata has performed a dance which is sure to generate a near-endless stream of gifs over the next few months. The game has taken Japan by a storm and launched in North America not that...
News Fire Emblem Fates Finally Has a Release Date and Details for Europe
Special edition pack and New 3DS XL model also incoming
Well, it's taken a while, but European 3DS owners finally have details on when they can get their hands on Fire Emblem Fates; thankfully the wait won't be too long. The games - Birthright and Conquest - will arrive on 20th May, while the third storyline - Revelation - will be available from...
News Metroid Prime: Federation Force is Coming Sooner Than Expected
Game will also feature RPG elements
There has been much scepticism about Metroid Prime: Federation Force, which series producer Kensuke Tanabe addressed head on in today's Nintendo Direct broadcast. He also showed how Samus Aran will make a cameo appearance in the game, although she will not be a playable character, and we learned that this one is...
News Monster Hunter Generations is Heading to 3DS This Summer
As expected it's the localisation of Monster Hunter X (Cross)
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate provided a notable sales breakthrough for the series in the West, so it's no surprise that the series will aim to keep up momentum outside of Japan. Monster Hunter X (Cross) has been a huge success for Capcom in Japan, and as expected - following a trademark...
News Kirby Is Taking A Trip To Planet Robobot This June
Complete with amiibo support
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcast it was confirmed that Kirby is getting another outing on 3DS in the shape of Kirby: Planet Robobot. The title retains the 2.5D look of Kirby: Triple Deluxe, but adds mechs to the mix. It also comes with a special Team Kirby Clash mode: Invaders have mechanized Dream Land. To...
Live Blog Watch the North American March 2016 Nintendo Direct - Live!
Wii U and 3DS goodies inbound
It's the first full Nintendo Direct of the year, which promises news on Wii U and 3DS games that we'll get to play in Spring and Summer. We're expecting updates on much anticipated games and even some surprises, with Reggie Fils-Aime and Bill Trinen likely to lead the way. <liveblog...
Live Blog Watch the European March 2016 Nintendo Direct - Live!
The time is now
It's been quite a wait, somewhat punctuated by a special Pokémon broadcast, but we now have the first full Nintendo Direct of 2016. Satoru Shibata and Ed Valiente will be our hosts to show off Wii U and 3DS games on the way in Spring and Summer. <liveblog id="watch_the_european_march_2016_nintendo_direct_-_live"...
Feature What We Expect from Nintendo Direct - 3rd March
The temperature rises for Wii U and 3DS
Following the quickfire Pokémon Direct that arrived in late February, we now have a full-fat Nintendo Direct to look forward to. With clear expectations set by Nintendo - Spring and Summer games for Wii U and 3DS - along with trademark postings and the obligatory 'leaks' that always precede any broadcast,...
News Three 'Solid' Pokémon Offered as Free Extras to Pokémon Bank Users
You have to regi-ster...
Pokémon Bank may not have had the most auspicious of starts, with the success of its festive launch in Japan causing the infamous Nintendo Network Christmas meltdown of 2013, but it's become an integral part of the Pokémon experience. For a relatively small annual fee ($4.99 in the US, for example) players can store their...
News First Etrian Odyssey V Story Details Emerge From the Depths
Climb the tree and achieve your dreams
Just earlier this week, it was finally announced that Atlus' long anticipated Etrian Odyssey V would in fact be coming to 3DS, with an August release confirmed for Japan. Naturally, there's no word yet on a western localization, but Atlus has a good track record for bringing game in this series to overseas...
Release window discrepancies point to varied regional broadcasts
Thinking back to some older Nintendo Direct broadcasts between Europe and North America, the formula used by both was often largely the same - there'd be shared segments from Japan led by former company President Satoru Iwata, and then regional sections that specified local promotions...
News Mega Man Legacy Collection Busts Into Japanese Charts as Nintendo Hardware Sales Climb
Slow and steady
It's Media Create charts time for Japan once again, and this week brings some smaller new releases and some modest (but still welcome) gains for Nintendo hardware. The big winner this week is Kamen Rider: Battride War Genesis, which claimed top spot on PS4 along with 3rd and 4th on Vita and PS3. The retail release of Mega Man Legacy...
News A Wii U and 3DS Nintendo Direct Is On the Way
Spring and Summer releases are on the agenda
Following the recent Pokémon Direct and reveal of Pokémon Sun and Moon, Nintendo has opted to maintain momentum and hype with a fresh Nintendo Direct focused on Wii U and 3DS. As you can see below, this will be focused on Spring and Summer releases and is going down on 3rd March at 2pm Pacific / 5pm...
Poll The World Can't Get Enough Of Pokémon Yellow, But Which One Did You Buy?
Pikachu Edition comes out on top on the 3DS eShop
Nintendo finally got around to re-releasing the very first batch of Pokémon entries on the 3DS eShop last week, with Red, Blue and Yellow arriving on in the west while Japan was also gifted Pokémon Green. While Nintendo won't give actual sales figures, it has confirmed which of these titles has...
Feature Why We're Still Playing... Star Fox 64 / 3D
Hey, Einstein! I'm on your side!
In this series reflecting on older games still getting regular boot-ups among Nintendo Life staff, Tom Whitehead talks about why he's still playing Star Fox 64 3D with worrying frequency. After all, it's worth warming up for Star Fox Zero, right? I was reminded today by my tweeting mother (who has been described...
Reminder Mythical Pokémon Celebi Is Now Available to Download in Current-Gen Games
Just download it
As part of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary celebrations various Mythical 'mon are making their way into the current-gen games. Mew was the first of the monthly distributions, and now Celebi is joining in. Originating on the Game Boy Color, this modern iteration has the same moves as it did in Silver & Gold, including the ability...
News Tomodachi Life Sales Reach Two Million in Europe
A hefty percentage of total global sales
Tomodachi Life enjoyed a successful move out of Japan to Western markets, boosted by a heavy marketing campaign and the instant familiarity of its Mii characters. Not so much a sim as a game of random and quirky happenings, it evidently captured the hearts of many 3DS owners. Nintendo of Europe has now...
News Etrian Odyssey V Finally Has A Release Date, And Yes, It's Coming To 3DS
August in Japan
Atlus has been somewhat quiet on Etrian Odyssey V since teasing that the game was in development. However, the company has now broken that silence to not only give us a solid Japanese release date of August, but to also confirm what we all hoped was the case - the game is indeed coming to the 3DS. An upcoming issue of Japanese...
Rumour The European Version of Bravely Second Only Has "Good" Sidequest Endings
Oh, boy...
Though North America still has a little bit longer to wait before it receives Bravely Second: End Layer, the game has been out in Europe for a couple days. In the lead up to its release, the game took some heat for localisation changes made for the western release where the Tomahawk class was changed to the Cowboy class. It seems that's...
February2016
News Nintendo of America Confirms New Wii U, 3DS and Wii Nintendo Selects Titles for 11th March
Just $19.99 each
In mid-February a retailer listing from Canadian store VGP Video Games Plus pointed to a new batch of Nintendo Selects titles being on the way to North America. The good news is that the listing was accurate, with Nintendo of America confirming that the range of Wii U, 3DS and Wii games will be available for $19.99 - that's the US...
News Bravely Second: End Layer Secures a Decent Start in the UK Charts
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon also shows decent momentum
Bravely Second: End Layer recently made its debut in Europe, and it's certainly another one to add to the list of excellent RPG experiences on the 3DS. The sequel delivers on various fronts, and has had a decent start in the UK charts. On its debut week the Nintendo / Square Enix-published...
News Sakurai Talks About the Development Process Behind the Smash Bros. DLC Stages
Lots of attention to detail
The DLC for Super Smash Bros. 4 drew to a close earlier this month, easily making this the most packed version of Smash Bros. to date. Naturally, there's a lot of franchises from across many companies that could easily belong in a Smash Bros. game, and the process of deciding who and what gets represented likely isn't one...
Nintendo Life Weekly Pokémon Generation 7 Sun & Moon Revealed, EA NX Rumours and More
Praise the sun!
It's been a whirlwind of a week for all those interested in the happenings of Nintendo, so we can't blame you if some of the big news somehow slipped under your radar. That's why we have once more cobbled the biggest and best news of the week together with all the eShop releases, our reviews and more. This week we're looking at...
Reaction The Pokémon Direct Was Short and Slick, But Had a Blunted Impact
Sun and Moon remain a mystery despite their leaks and then reveal
Well, the first Nintendo Direct of the year has aired, and it was short and snappy. The Pokémon Direct was confirmed to be around five minutes long when announced, and it only edged up to 'approximately 6 minutes' when it actually arrived; there was no double bluffing to be found...
News Pokémon Bank Support Confirmed for Virtual Console Releases of Red, Blue and Yellow
Will also support Moon and Sun, obviously
The Pokémon Company has concluded its special Pokémon Direct, and in addition to announcing Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, it had another announcement up its sleeve that we can enjoy very soon. It's been confirmed that the Virtual Console releases of Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow on 27th February will...
News Pokémon Sun And Moon Confirmed For 3DS Release This Holiday Season
In 9 languages!
While yesterday's leak may have ruined the surprise, Pokémon fans will no doubt be ecstatic at the news that the venerable 3DS is getting a new mainline outing this year. Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon
News Nintendo Acknowledges Tough Conditions by Cutting Profit and Sales Forecasts
Wii U game sales to exceed expectations, though
During its most recent financial reports, Nintendo reported some underwhelming results while sticking to its projections; with the dust having now settled the company has actually downgraded its expectations for sales and profits for the rest of the financial year (up to 31st March). To start with the...
Video See How Pokémon on the 3DS Virtual Console Compares to an Original Cartridge on a Retron 5
The Game Boy doesn't do HDMI
The three first generation Pokémon games are nearlyavailable on the 3DS Virtual Console, and to celebrate just a wee bit we though it might be fun to see if there are any subtle performance or graphical variations between this version and the original cartridges. Using Pokémon Blue as a benchmark for no reason other...
Video New Hyrule Warriors Legends Trailer Shows Off the Playable Cast
There's a lot of them
With its release around a month away, Hyrule Warriors Legends will be the second Zelda release of the year to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the franchise; even if it's not 'canon'. It's shaping up reasonably well on the New Nintendo 3DS - less so on older models - and just recently we shared our early impressions in a...
Spoilers contained within...
There's a special Nintendo Direct tomorrow regarding some exciting Pokémon news - but it would appear trademarks and logos found online have already ruined the surprise. The information has cropped up on the EU trademark website and lists Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon (and not Pokémon Rainbow as
Preview Hyrule Warriors Legends Takes The Battle On The Road
Smaller in stature, but not in spirit
On paper at least, Hyrule Warriors Legends is a solid business decision. As the 3DS enters its twilight years (no pun intended) AAA software is becoming increasingly hard to come by, and seeing as Koei Temco's Warriors engine already exists on the handheld, Hyrule Warriors is, on face value, a pretty...
Video This Japanese Mega Man Legacy Collection Trailer is Full of Retro Charm
Oh the pixels!
Mega Man Legacy Collection came out on 3DS this week at a bargain price on the eShop (in Europe and North America) or priced at $29.99 in NA if you want a box, some stickers and free HOME themes. It's a rather appealing offering, overall, with six NES games, challenge stages and lots of galleries and goodies to enjoy. Though Capcom's...
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