February2012
News Nintendo Appoints a Celebrity 'Spokesdog'
It's barking mad
Nintendo has shown that it's not afraid of seeking celebrity endorsements for its consoles, with a particularly cringeworthy Justin Bieber Christmas advert used to promote 3DS last year. The latest famous icon to lend their support to Nintendo is Uggie the dog, famous for his performance in popular movie The Artist. Naturally,...
News Feel the Beat at Rhythm Heaven Launch Event in L.A.
Don't forget your groove
Nintendo has announced a swanky launch event to celebrate the upcoming North American release of Rhythm Heaven Fever. Taking place on Friday 10th February, the evening will include a chance to play the game as well as freebies, food and other entertainment. The launch is open to the public on a first-come, first-served...
News More Free 3DS Wi-Fi Spots Confirmed for Europe
Careful with that ketchup
Nintendo has today announced more than 5,000 new Wi-Fi Hotspots available through Europe. After previously confirming an equivalent deal for UK airports, this provides further evidence that Nintendo is serious about its promises to provide online 3DS access at a variety of locations. This particular deal has been struck...
January2012
News Miyamoto Focused on New Franchises
Handing over the Master Sword
In December last year rumours swirled around the internet that Shigeru Miyamoto was planning to retire from his role, reports of which were swiftly denied. Although it transpired as a misinterpreted comment in an interview, it still led to a number of questions about the future of Nintendo and its major franchises...
News "Trustworthy" Third Parties Get Microtransactions Go-Ahead
Horse armour anybody?
Downloadable content, software updates and microtransactions are not things that owners of Nintendo systems have been hugely exposed to in the past, but things are about to change. With expanded online offering Nintendo Network on the cards for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, third party developers will soon be allowed to sell...
News Nintendo Wants to Keep Old Titles Fresh with DLC
Add-ons a-go-go
It's a common problem in these days of overly crammed release schedules: wait around for a few weeks and you might find that the game you've just spent your precious pennies on is already considered old hat. The community has already moved on to the next title, nobody wants to talk about it any longer and, while it might still be...
Talking Point NFC and the Latest Wii U Wizardry
Near Field Communication: cooler than it sounds
As you may have noticed, we've seen a flurry of news stories coming out of Nintendo HQ in the past few days. We started with bad news, that Nintendo expects to make a loss in the current financial year, though the news that Wii U will launch in time for Christmas 2012 helped ease the pain. Of course,...
Rumour Nintendo Considering Alternative Names for Wii U
Who remembers the Revolution?
According to rumours that have surfaced online, Nintendo is considering the possibility of rebranding its next home console, potentially leaving Wii U behind. As reported by CVG, staff at the top level in both Japan and North America are apparently discussing a name change, though whether this would affect the console's...
Feature 3DS and the Trend of Colourful Handhelds
Who needs rainbows?
It’s been on the market for less than a year, yet the 3DS is already available in five distinct colours, with multiple limited edition console designs also in stores or on the way. The reaction to new colour announcements is always interesting: while some bemoan yet another ‘new’ 3DS hitting the market, many seem to accept...
News Nintendo Reveals More Kid Icarus: Uprising Details
Free 3D Classics: Kid Icarus for some pre-orders
Kid Icarus: Uprising isn't far away, and as one of the first titles to be teased for the 3DS all the way back in 2010, it's been a while coming. Nintendo of America is starting to crank up the hype generator and have issued the following press release, with a number of details about the title. Some of...
Feature Nintendo in 2011 - Part Two
Disaster and redemption
Following on from Nintendo in 2011 — Part One, it's time to look at the latter half of the year. The gaming world quickly moves on, as the 3DS enjoys positive sales and the Wii U hype begins to build. It’s easy to forget that the tail-end of 2011 was particularly dramatic and eventful for Nintendo, leaving us with plenty...
News 3DS Still Top of the Japanese Charts
A Happy New Year for Nintendo
In recent weeks Nintendo has been enjoying significant 3DS sales worldwide, making the most of the Holiday period. In Japan, the 3DS set a new console sales record for December, based on records that began in 1997. Although the festive period has now passed, it appears that sales of the handheld are continuing to do...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Will Use the Circle Pad Pro
Maybe not as expected
Kid Icarus: Uprising has seen some delays, with some attributing the March release to the upcoming Circle Pad Pro. That was only a rumour, though Director Masahiro Sakurai has now confirmed that the peripheral will be a available to use in this title. Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, Sakurai confirmed that an extra...
News Wii Balance Board Enters Record Books
Wii European sales also announced
Nintendo have confirmed that the Wii Balance Board has officially achieved a Guinness World Record for the 'best-selling personal weighing device'. The record was initially broken back in November 2010 when just over 32 million units had been sold worldwide as part of Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus bundles, though this...
Round Table Looking Ahead to Nintendo in 2012
Should be a good 'un
It's a new year, with a recovering 3DS and a fresh home console on the way from Nintendo: these are certainly interesting times. We decided to have a chat about the prospects for Nintendo in 2012, including our thoughts on the company's prospects, as well as our hopes, dreams and fears. Joining features editor Thomas Whitehead...
News Industry Analysts: 3DS is Bouncing Back
But there's still work to be done
We may only just be embarking on a new year, but reports are already surfacing that the 3DS enjoyed a positive holiday period, particularly with the news that over four million 3DS consoles have been sold in the United States. With the recent boom of sales in Japan, it's clear that the handheld is enjoying its most...
News Millions of Wii Games Pirated in 2011
Mario left all at sea
The Wii may be in its twilight years, but a large number of its retail titles are still being being downloaded and played illegally. Website TorrentFreak compiled figures of downloads in 2011 from a number of sources and trackers, providing results for three major formats, though these are estimates rather than official...
News Add Nikki to Your Mii Collection
No postage required
Many 3DS owners will have now dabbled with Nintendo Letter Box — also known as Swapnote — and have become familiar with Nikki, the rather helpful guide. She pops up often to help scribblers learn about new features or templates and is an all-round friendly, charming Mii. If her regular visits aren't enough, you can now...
Feature Nintendo in 2011 - Part One
An important year begins
It’s now 2012, which promises to be an eventful year for Nintendo. We’ll be giving our thoughts soon on what to expect in the coming year, but it's now time to look back at a dramatic 2011. There were plenty of major headlines and game releases, and we’ll pinpoint some of the key moments that defined the year. We'll...
December2011
Rumour New App Store in Development for Wii U
We're not stating the obvious, promise
Though we're yet to receive an exact release date, we know the Wii U will hit during the second half of 2012. One guarantee as release approaches is that wild speculation and rumour will run rampant. Today's contender: a Wii U 'App Store'. It goes without saying that there'll be an equivalent to the current Wii...
Talking Point Nintendo's Year of Giving
Making Santa look bad
As we approach the Holiday season, it seems appropriate to reflect on the act of giving. Although it’s nice to say that the real pleasure is in giving gifts, 3DS owners can be honest and say that receiving them is also rather enjoyable. Nintendo have provided a lot of free content since the handheld’s launch, in a variety...
Talking Point The Evolution of the 3DS
Learning to walk
On 7th December the latest firmware update arrived on the 3DS, adding new features, functionality and playable content to the handheld. In fact, the system now has a more rounded feel to its functionality, with the current fully updated console boasting significant additions to its original capabilities. We've already put together a...
Feature Memorable Zelda Moments
The wonderful world of Hyrule, and beyond
The Legend of Zelda is one of the best loved Nintendo franchises, over 25 years old and still finding new ways to thrill gamers. The significant number of Zelda releases means it boasts an incredible history and reputation, with each new entry’s adventure contributing its part to the lore of the series...
November2011
News Explore Above the Clouds in New Skyward Sword Videos
Soaring high
The odds are that you've already bought a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and will be well into the adventure. For any remaining doubters or those yet to jump into Nintendo's latest epic, two new videos have been released with details and gorgeous footage of Link and Zelda's home, Skyloft, as well as Thunderhead, also above...
Feature Keeping Mario at the Top
A never-ending icon
Mario is the face of Nintendo, a fact that is clear to most. As a character, however, he lacks any depth or back-story. Although some titles, such as the Mario & Luigi RPG titles on the Game Boy Advance and DS, apply a simple and humorous story to Mario and his world, he is often simply rescuing a Princess from a giant turtle...
























