New Nintendo 3DS News
February2016
Talking Point The New 3DS Can Revive the Portable Family With Help From Pokémon and amiibo
Pokemon amiibo cards could print money
Nintendo knows how to bury bad news. Not long before the Pokémon Direct and the reveal of Pokémon Sun and Moon, it announced cuts to its estimated profits and sales. Net sales could be the lowest in 15 years for the
Random New 3DS Owner Replaces the C-Stick With a PSP Stick
The New 3SP?
We're strong advocates for the New Nintendo 3DS here at Nintendo Life, but not all of its enhancements and extras are universally loved. The C-Stick, for one, certainly has its critics - this writer likes it, but its occasional resistance to moving down can be one issue. Some simply don't like it, probably because it reminds them of an...
Video Here's What Final Fantasy IX Looks Like On The New Nintendo 3DS
Hack it, and they will come
Whenever a new piece of gaming tech is released one of the first things that many enthusiastic bedroom coders try to do it hack it, and the 3DS family is no exception. Despite Nintendo's attempts to secure the system, exploits are periodically found which allow users to run unsigned code on their machines and perform all...
Feature Looking Back at the New 3DS Launch, Nintendo's Perfect Valentine's Day Gift
Have you bought the updated portable?
As another Valentine's Day draws to a close, with sales of cards, flowers and chocolates having hit a peak, we thought it was worth acknowledging one of many Nintendo Anniversaries for this year. It's a young one, not the multiple decades that will be the focus of other franchise landmarks, but it's notable...
Reminder US Pokémon Fans Can Still Pre-Order the New Nintendo 3DS Gen 1 Bundle
Huh, it didn't sell out in 15 minutes
When Nintendo and The Pokémon Company unveiled a whole load of 20th Anniversary plans earlier in the year, one of the announcements was for a New Nintendo 3DS bundle (pictured above) in the US. It includes both Pokémon Red and Blue pre-installed on a white version of the smaller model, with cover plates for...
News 3DS to Continue as a 'Major Pillar' of Nintendo's Business
Still targeting popular releases on Wii U, too
The present-day Nintendo landscape isn't particularly positive, even though we may wish it otherwise, as continually modest sales levels for Wii U are joined by dropping momentum for the 3DS. So much focus is on the future in mobile and the next generation of hardware, it's easy to forget that this...
News Nintendo Outlines Future Plans for 3DS and Promises That "Several Strong Titles" are Planned
Also aims to grow 'Kids and Female demographics'
When we looked over Nintendo's most recent financial results one set of statistics stood out among the relatively uneventful reports - the 3DS and New 3DS are struggling. That's only reinforced in the official translation of company President Tatsumi Kimishima's Presentation, which includes slides...
Talking Point The New Nintendo 3DS is Yet to Have a Real Chance to Revive the Portable Family
A sloppy release strategy and underperforming games have undermined it
The New Nintendo 3DS is approaching its one year anniversary, yet today's financial results and official sales figures brought home a cold reality - the system is struggling. That, frankly, shouldn't be particularly surprising, and we'll take a look at the figures behind that...
January2016
News Unity Support on New Nintendo 3DS is Now Available to Developers
Ports ahoy!
In 2015 the happy news was confirmed that support for the Unity middleware development platform was coming to New 3DS; that was pleasing news in consideration of the large number of Unity-developed titles on the Wii U eShop. It's a very common tool for smaller developers, in particular, so supporting it - and offering free licenses, as...
News European Zelda Fans Are Getting A Shiny "Hyrule Edition" New 3DS XL Console In March
My precious
Should you be unsure about investing in Nintendo's latest 3DS hardware then you might find the decision is made for you once you clap eyes on this newly-announced Hyrule Edition New 3DS XL, launching in March alongside Hyrule Warriors Legends. The unit - which puzzlingly doesn't include a copy of the game - will launch in Europe on...
Video Take a Look at the Wii U Versions of New Characters from Hyrule Warriors Legends
Linkle and Skull Kid in HD! Fuzzy footage of the others!
Update: HD-quality footage of Tetra now available, courtesy of NintenDaan. Original Article: Hyrule Warriors Legends is out now in Japan, bringing mayhem and extra content to the portable. Though only Legends features new story content, it does - however - allow players to 'transfer' new...
News New 3DS LL (XL) Holds Top Spot in Latest Japanese Charts
Sales down across the board
As January wears on we're getting to the post-Holiday stages in terms of buzz and sales. Not many new titles are coming out, and reveals are thin on the ground as game companies draw breath and put plans in place. With that in mind we have a fairly unremarkable set of Media Create chart results out of Japan, albeit with...
News Fire Emblem Fates New Nintendo 3DS XL Model Confirmed, Along With DLC Details
Revelation storyline on 10th March, all-in-one edition on the way
Fire Emblem Fates is not only the eagerly awaited second entry of the franchise on the 3DS, but it's also an intriguing release. Due on 19th February in North America it'll come in two separate editions - Birthright and Conquest - that have different storylines, though those keen to...
Video Koei Tecmo Shares More Hyrule Warriors Legends Footage, and Makes Us Wish There Was Co-Op
You can 'sort-of' race side-by-side, though
Hyrule Warriors Legends undoubtedly pushes the 3DS hardware's capabilities, as is clear from its decent performance on New 3DS but chugging framerate on older models. It should serve as no surprise, then, that it's a single player experience on the portable; considering the performance drop on Wii U with...
Video Hyrule Warriors Legends Footage Shows a Stark Difference in Old and New 3DS Performance
The Legend of Lag
We're pretty keen to get our hands on Hyrule Warriors Legends, as the prospect of playing through the Wii U title with extra content and on the go is rather appealing. Yet it's a release that's concerning some, particularly those with older models; as it's a port of a Wii U title it's only fair to assume that it'd be better suited...
Video Hyrule Warriors Legends Demonstration Shows Off Toon Link, Tetra and 'My Fairy' Mode
Also provides a look at the Wind Waker Adventure Mode map
Hyrule Warriors Legends isn't far away, and with its release imminent in Japan Koei Tecmo has been publishing regular showcase videos looking at various features in the game. The latest has gone live, and once again looks at content and characters that are new to the 3DS entry. First of all...
Feature Exciting Wii U and 3DS Games to Play in the First Quarter of 2016
Enough to keep us busy...
The start of any year can be rather quiet in terms of game releases. Plenty of major publishers save blockbusters for the final third of the year, while mid-late Spring can also be a rather busy period for releases. Nintendo, courtesy of some delays or strategies on its part and from third-parties, actually has quite a lot...
Feature The Biggest 3DS Games of 2016
Fire Emblem! Hyrule Warriors! Metroid Prime-ish! Old Pokémon! More!
2016 has arrived, and with it comes optimism and potential for an exciting gaming year ahead. Though plenty of eyes are turning to the next generation of Nintendo hardware, of course, we nevertheless have a fairly busy line-up on the way for 3DS, the portable that continues to keep...
Weirdness Homebrew Enthusiast Gets Windows 95 Working on the New Nintendo 3DS
Just... because
There's an enthusiastic homebrew scene around the 3DS, less interested in piracy and more fascinated with pushing the boundaries of the hardware. This often revolves around getting unexpected software - or operating systems - to work on the portable. One humorous recent example is from a certain shutterbug2000, who has managed to...
December2015
News Japanese Hyrule Gold New 3DS LL Tying in with Hyrule Warriors Legends
A costume and fairy for the portable quest
The Hyrule Gold New 3DS XL that has been exclusive to GameStop will be making its Japanese debut this January alongside the release of Hyrule Warriors Legends. Although the game does not appear to be packaged with the system, Japan's Hyrule Gold 3DS LL will still come with a couple incentives for it. A...
Talking Point The Easily Forgotten Hardware Release of 2015 - New Nintendo 3DS
Reflecting on the lovely but underutilised system
Nintendo released new hardware in 2015. Yes, it really did. It can seem so long ago now, but the New Nintendo 3DS arrived in the West in February, having made its début in Japan and Australia in late 2014. We were rather excited about it here at Nintendo Life, too, landing as it did with both The...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2015
These are your winners
It's the season of end of year awards, and now it's time to reveal your winners for the best games on Nintendo hardware in 2015. Thousands of you cast your votes, and now the results are in. You had all of the same categories as in our staff awards, and these are the gongs that mean the most; rather than a team of 20 or so...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2015
A tight battle for top spot
Another year of gaming has passed, so it's time to look back and pick out some of our favourites. 2015 was - it's fair to say - a mixed year for Nintendo; in terms of major game releases there were some undoubted highs, but also a range of disappointing spin-offs and minor releases. On the flipside it felt like a strong...
Feature Time to Vote for Your Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards 2015
Nintendo Life reader awards to be decided
As 2015 draws to an end it's that time once again - Game of the Year Awards. We're continuing with tradition (albeit with some improved polls) in having both Staff and Community awards; the latter are entirely in your hands. As in previous years you can vote through a series of polls. We've shaken it up a...
News Nintendo Remains Bullish Around the 3DS and Its Future Prospects
"Nintendo 3DS is here to stay"
Courtesy of long-term projects and some localisation timelines, the 3DS has a pretty decent selection of major retail releases in the first half of 2016. There are games like Fire Emblem Fates, Project X Zone 2, Bravely Second End Layer, Hyrule Warriors Legends and various others depending on your territory; heck,...
November2015
News Splatoon and Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo Included in Nintendo UK Restock
Yes, that includes the standalone squid
In recent months there have been brighter times for amiibo fans. In the UK, particularly, there's been an abundance of stock available in stores and online, and even the trickier to acquire figures have seen relatively frequent restocks. The Official Nintendo Store has been among the most affordable options...
Guide The Best Nintendo Black Friday 2015 Deals in the UK
We've got you covered
Last week we shared some of the best Black Friday deals coming to the US in 27th November; it's quite an event Stateside with promotional leaflets leaked and released well ahead of time. It's rather different in the UK as deals are revealed somewhat later and closer to the day itself. With the shopping occasion rapidly...
Guide The Best Nintendo Black Friday 2015 Deals in the US
All the big Wii U and 3DS discounts
Black Friday shopping season is on the way and, as the mighty Mr Burns once said, it's time to deploy the cow catcher and consider your crowd management tactics. It could get a bit crazy. With the festivities officially falling on 27th November - though some offers will be available beforehand - it's worth...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 12th November 2015
Surprises, omissions and a Smash Bros. shock
Well, it had been a while. For a variety of reasons, 12th November brought the first global Nintendo Direct broadcasts in quite some time. Overall the presentations stuck to familiar styles and approaches, with Nintendo of Europe playing it fairly straight and Nintendo of America even indulging in a...
News Nintendo Badge Arcade Trailer Seemingly Confirms All-White New 3DS XL For Euro Release
Whiter than white
Nintendo launches its Badge Arcade app on the 3DS in Europe later this week, which is interesting in itself - but eagle-eyed viewers have spotted something else noteworthy in the accompanying trailer. At the trailer's conclusion, two New 3DS consoles are shown side-by-side. On the left is the white New 3DS, but on the right we...
News Capcom Shows Off Toon Link Outfit for Monster Hunter X (Cross)
Along with lots of details and videos
Monster Hunter X (Cross) is now just a few weeks away from release in Japan, bringing with it an action-focused style of play and a whole load of new monsters and variations. With release getting close Capcom hosted an online stream focused on new details, and has released a whole load of goodies. First of all,...
Parent Trap Choosing The Right Nintendo 3DS For You And Your Family
Which 3DS is right for you? Family Gamer TV's Andy Robertson explains
The 3DS has had a long and winding history. Over the years it has developed a strong collection of games for families, but which version of the hardware is the best fit these days? Family Gamer TV works with a range of different families of varying shapes and sizes. They all play...
News Make Your New Nintendo 3DS Cuter With Yoshi Cover Plates
Yoshi's so much happier when Mario isn't riding him to his doom
European New Nintendo 3DS owners may not have access to all of the cover plates that are enjoyed in Japan - known as Kisekae in the country - but attractive new variations do occasionally arrive. Some new plates featuring Yoshi are on the way soon, however, and they look like welcome...
Video Taking A Look At The New 3DS Retro Plate & Watch In Action
Taking retro a bit too far?
We brought you the news of the New 3DS Retro Plate & Watch way back in July, but the time has finally arrived for those preorders to be fulfilled. Naturally Nintendo Life chum Nintendaan is at hand to take the bullet and give it a try. Taking inspiration from Nintendo's classic series of Game & Watch devices, the...
October2015
Video Here's What Xenoblade Chronicles Looks Like On A Standard 3DS
(Kind of)
When Nintendo announced the New 3DS, it also lifted the lid on a handheld port of the popular wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles. Exclusive to the new hardware, the game took advantage of the system's more powerful innards to reproduce the epic scale of its home console counterpart. Nintendo insisted that the conversion was only possible due to...
News Awesome Super Mario Maker New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Heading to Europe
Lovely, lovely pixels
It's a nice day for Super Mario Maker fans, with much demanded mid-level checkpoints and more features on the way via a software update. New Nintendo 3DS owners in Europe have an extra bonus, though, as the Wii U title is the inspiration for new 'Pixel Mario' cover plates on the way to the region on 27th November. As you can...
Video Nintendo Focuses on a Mix of Old and New in 3DS Holiday Commercial
Once again the New Nintendo 3DS XL has the limelight
We're rapidly approaching the craziest shopping season of the year for the Holidays, with Nintendo and its rivals gearing up to compete for our hard earned money. From Nintendo's perspective it'll be focused on exclusives for 3DS and Wii U, most of which will naturally be first-party. Nintendo of...
News Japan Is Getting Some Gorgeous New 3DS Hardware Bundles And Cover Plates
Jealousy mode: engaged
Japan gets all the best hardware bundles - that's just one of the things us westerners have to live with. As if to prove this universal truth, details have just been released regarding two fresh New 3DS bundles coming to The Land of the Rising Sun, and both look downright lovely. First up is the Super Mario Bros. 30th bundle,...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Passes Four Million Global Sales
A monster hit
The Monster Hunter franchise has become increasingly important to Capcom, over the course of 10 years establishing itself as one of the company's most consistent IPs. It's growing in the West, too, which boosts our confidence that the upcoming Monster Hunter X (Cross) will eventually make its way out of Japan. Monster Hunter 4...
News 3DS System Update to Version 10.2.0-28 is Now Live
So stable it'll blow your mind
How much stability can one system handle? At what point does it reach peak stability? Nintendo's keen to find out with the 3DS. You see, the 3DS (New and original models) has now been updated to version 10.2.0-28, which is a minor increase of one on that last figure; basically that means it's a stability update. At...
Video See the Unboxing of the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer New Nintendo 3DS XL
Home is were the hearth is
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is already out in North America but Europe will have to wait until the 2nd October. In the mean time why not kick back and enjoy this short unboxing we've produced of the limited edition New Nintendo 3DS XL based around the game? As a bonus why not check out the video beneath ours from...
September2015
News 3D Effect Will Be Disabled When Playing Hyrule Warriors Legends On Older 3DS Hardware
New 3DS needed for the full impact
Hyrule Warriors Legends producer Yosuke Hayashi has revealed that the game will only boast autostereoscopic 3D on New 3DS hardware. In order to maintain performance with so many characters on-screen at once, Hayashi explains that the effect had to be disabled on the standard 3DS and 3DS XL. The additional...
News Black New Nintendo 3DS and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Bundle Confirmed for Australia
Beefing up the range ahead of the festive season
In late 2014 Australia and New Zealand were the only countries outside of Japan to receive the New Nintendo 3DS ahead of the updated portable broadening out to the West in early 2015. Despite this it's taken a while for the whole range to make its way to the region, which is now being remedied. It's...
Weirdness You Can Get Apple, Sorry, 'Aple' Cover Plates for Your New Nintendo 3DS
Or Xbox 720, if you're feeling next-gen
Nintendo has released and licensed dozens of official cover plates - Kisekae in Japan - for the New Nintendo 3DS, but naturally there are some unofficial options out there. It's the wonder of 3D printing. Some funny examples have been spotted by @NintendoActu - and shared by Tiny Cartridge - which allow New...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Hits Europe on 29th October
Just in time for Halloween
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is an excellent roguelike adventure game on Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS, combining randomly generated, Zelda-esque dungeons with an extremely graphic art style and theme. We awarded both versions an 8/10, praising the virtually endless amount of content that's packed in and the fiendishly...
News New Style Boutique 2 New Nintendo 3DS Bundle Will Bring More Fashion Sense to Europe
Sparkly
The snappily titled Nintendo Presents: New Style Boutique 2 - Fashion Forward is heading to Europe on 20th November, which is great news for budding fashionistas out there. Along with its extensive customisation and dizzying number of costumes, it'll also be another title to unlock some handsome outfits using a few amiibo figures.
News This Hello Kitty New Nintendo 3DS Console Is Just Purrrfect
Cute as a button
North American Nintendo fans may be over the moon about the fact that the smaller New 3DS console - the one with the collectable cover plates - is finally coming to the US, but over in Japan they've got through quite a few special editions of the customisable handheld system already - and there's another being added to the list...
Nintendo Life Weekly Smaller New 3DS Launching in North America this Year
Week at the knees
Nintendo's smaller New 3DS is coming to North America at last, but that's not all the news that's happened this week. Once again we've tirelessly condensed the cream of this week's news as well as all the reviews and releases into one handy little video for your viewing pleasure. This week we look at Club Nintendo's European and...
News This Monster Hunter X New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate Makes Us Want the Game Even More
Just look at it
Based on the ease with which we're still able to fill an online lobby, plenty of gamers are still enjoying Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate in the West. Of course, lucky Japanese gamers have Monster Hunter X (Cross) to look forward to later this year, a fresh take on the series that introduces new approaches to combat and an action-centric...
News Production Of Shovel Knight amiibo Is Being Handled Entirely By Yacht Club Games
"We're basically licensing the amiibo technology from Nintendo"
After last week's revolutionary news of a third-party franchise breaking its way into the world of amiibo, some more details on the Shovel Knight figure have surfaced via Yacht Club Games. In an interview with Destructoid at PAX Prime 2015, studio head Sean Velasco stated that Yacht...
August2015
News The Smaller New Nintendo 3DS Model is Coming to North America
Rejoice!
Nintendo of America has confirmed the news that some 3DS fans in the region have been waiting for - the smaller New Nintendo 3DS model is coming to North America. Initially it'll just be released as part of a special Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer bundle; this'll include a white system, the game, two cover plates and an amiibo card...
Review The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (New 3DS)
Born again
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is humorously disturbing, potentially offensive and unapologetically gross. This is a game about a boy named Isaac who's scrambling through the depths of his basement to avoid his pursuing mother. But instead of delivering a spanking or a timeout like most mothers do, Isaac's mom is intent to sacrifice her...
News The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth New 3DS Patch is Now Live
Finally made it out of the basement
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the first 3DS eShop title exclusive to the New model, utilising its extra oomph to deliver a portable version of the title that's graced a host of platforms, including the Wii U. A remastering handled by Nicalis, it had a long route to Nintendo hardware. This portable iteration...
News New Style Boutique 2 Will Strut Its Stuff in Europe on 20th November
amiibo outfits have never been so stylish
Amongst a glut of details revealed by Nintendo across Europe and North America, the former region had an extra game up its sleeve. There's been no equivalent announcement for NA, but Nintendo Presents: New Style Boutique 2 - Fashion Forward will hit Europe on 20th November. [tweet
News Bowser and Toad Wii Remote Plus Controllers Heading to Europe on 20th November
New 3DS cover plates also on the way
Way back at the start of the year we shared the news that some rather handsome Bowser and Toad Wii Remotes were on their way to Japan. Thankfully they're now confirmed for Europe and, perhaps timed with Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash, arrive on 20th November. For those of you with a smaller New Nintendo 3DS there...
News Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and amiibo Festival Bundle Details Emerge
Including NFC reader info for North America
As part of a detail dump from Nintendo today, information on key bundles and extras for Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival have emerged. Release dates were already known for the 3DS title, and it's worth noting that amiibo Festival on Wii U still has a 'Holiday'...
News The Piracy of amiibo Now Seems Possible With the 'amiiqo' Device
Oh, sorry, it's for 'backing up' figures
It's well known that those with a desire to backup or clone Skylanders figures have had the means to do so, which in part is courtesy of the simplistic NFC technology. Encryption is possible, but it doesn't take long for someone to break through the security of the humble chips. Naturally the same threat has...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth's New 3DS Patch is Now Being Tested by Nintendo
It's still coming, as is our review
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has arrived on Wii U in North America and is rather good, but the New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive version has encountered issues. A range of initial bugs were patched out rather quickly, but that update seemed to trigger an issue that freezes the game entirely in some cases. The
Pre-orders now open for business
Nintendo's official UK store has opened pre-orders for Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, and is offering a selection of bundle options related to the game. The game on its own is up for pre-order at £34.99 and comes with a special 3DS Kit, which includes: A universal system case which holds New Nintendo 3DS...
News Patched Version Of Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth Still Blighted By Bugs On New 3DS
Progress is being made on the Euro release, though
The Binding of Isaac certainly took its sweet time coming to a Nintendo platform, but now it's here, fans are finding that it's impacted by disappointing performance woes. At launch the 3DS version of the game was afflicted by bugs, but these were patched by an update shortly afterwards. However,...
July2015
News Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Spotted in the Wild
Heading to Japan on 17th September
In the absence of a main-series entry this year, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is the IP's main release on the 3DS. Though it's due by the end of the year in North America and early next year in Europe, its arrival in Japan is much closer - it hits the country on 17th September. It's now been confirmed that some...
News This Lovely Mario New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate May Be The Rarest Edition
No, you can't have all the nice things
It feels necessary, with every post about New Nintendo 3DS cover plates, to open with an apology to rightfully disgruntled North American gamers. Please understand, we can't help liking them, and in this case it's likely none of us in PAL regions will get this particular edition either. That's because this...
'Special' amiibo cards for character's houses not otherwise accessible
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is arriving in Europe on 2nd October, and the region's subsidiary has now confirmed release details of various bundles and packs that'll give all 3DS owners a chance to get hold of the game and some amiibo cards. The cards themselves are...
News This Plate & Watch New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate is Hard to Resist
The clock/alarm/timer/thermometer cover plate you never knew you wanted
It was only a matter of time before entrepreneurial third parties started making their own creative New Nintendo 3DS cover plates, and this is a beauty. Taking inspiration from Nintendo's classic series of Game & Watch devices, the Retro Plate & Watch actually looks...
Video We Get To Grips With F-Zero Inspired New Nintendo 3DS Racer Lifespeed
Or is it more like Star Fox?
We had a blast at the Nintendo Life Gaming Night this weekend, and we're looking forward to sharing the highlights of the evening in a video soon for all those who couldn't make it. We were lucky enough to have two indie developers exhibit at our event, and resident YouTube superstar Alex interviewed both of them so...
News Animal Crossing New 3DS Cover Plates Coming To Europe In October
Same day as Happy Home Designer, in fact
Nintendo's Italian office has confirmed that Animal Crossing New 3DS cover plates will be coming to Europe on October 2nd - the same day that Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer hits the console. Three plates will be available, one showing Isabelle, the other portraying K.K. Slider and the third showing a...
News Metallic Blue New Nintendo 3DS XL Looks Set for North American Release
Unless Play-Asia's made a listing error...
While a number of 3DS fans in North America are waiting for the smaller New Nintendo 3DS model to arrive, those eyeing up the New XL may soon have an extra choice in stores. At launch North America had the metallic red unit - which was only in NA - and the black equivalent, but it seems like the region...
"I see these as spin-offs"
In the general trend of E3 delivering Nintendo franchises in unexpected forms, Animal Crossing amiibo Festival on Wii U joined the previously announced Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer as an unexpected update to the series. Aya Kyogoku, the series director, has been speaking to U
SNES title Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2 included as free 3DS download
Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden, the 2D brawler from Bandai Namco, is heading to 3DS in the West in October. While more details are sure to be shown off as release approaches, Europeans planning to pick it up have plenty of reason to be happy courtesy of some pre-order and...
June2015
Talking Point E3 Highlighted Nintendo's Development Shift Towards NX, and Away from Wii U
3DS also delves into spin-offs and sequels to pass time
It's been a little over a week since E3 2015, the shared temperature of frustrated Nintendo fans has simmered down a little, and we can reflect on both what the big N showed and kept behind the scenes. Both tell us much, and also indicate that the Wii U seems to be heading for a short lifespan...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Hints at Smaller New Nintendo 3DS for North America
Also states that New 3DS-exclusive download games are coming
When Nintendo announced earlier in the year that only the New Nintendo 3DS XL would come to North America, heads were scratched, petitions were launched and fury was vented. Subsequent justifications from Nintendo of America generally weren't accepted by online communities - including when...
News Hyrule Warriors Producer Confirms More Characters Are Coming to Hyrule Warriors Legends
But won't say who exactly...
For some, the announcement of Hyrule Warriors Legends coming to the Nintendo 3DS is a great reason to relive/start the game that originated on the Wii U. However, to those needing more of an excuse, it was confirmed during Nintendo's E3 Digital Event that Hyrule Warriors Legends will come with all the DLC from the...
News Metroid Prime: Federation Force Producer Explains Why Samus Aran Isn't In The Game
"If we have four 'Samuses', that would be odd"
Engadget has been speaking to Metroid Prime: Federation Force producer Kensuke Tanabe about the game, its origins and how it plays. While the title has gained a lot of hate from various parties online, it's actually shaping up to be a very interesting team-based shooter - and it would appear that it
News New Nintendo 3DS XL Back On Top In Japan As Wii U Leads Home Console Sales
Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ makes debut in first place with over 150,000 sold
The latest Media Create Japanese sales charts are in, and it's good news for Nintendo as its games and hardware have risen to the top of the pile. Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ made its debut at number one with 157,591 copies sold between the 8th and 14th of June. This robust...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Pricing and Features Outlined by Nicalis
New 3DS misses out on multiplayer
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth was a slightly surprising announcement for Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS earlier this year, for multiple reasons; it's a game that was previously rejected by Nintendo due to its themes and content, and it'll also likely be the first eShop title exclusive to the New models of the portable...
News 3DS Hits 15 Million Sales Landmark in the US
Nearly 270 million US Nintendo system sales overall
After a rocky start in 2011, the 3DS family of systems - which includes the 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS - has evolved into a success. Against increasingly challenging odds due to the rise of smart devices and plenty of other distractions, it's led the charge for the dedicated gaming handheld space...
News Splatoon is Still Number One in Japan as Wii U Sales Increase Again
The momentum Wii U needs?
The Japanese Media Create chart results are in, and much focus has been on Splatoon and Wii U; after an excellent début for the shooter, it's momentum has been key. The numbers that have come through seem rather positive, too, especially for a new IP. In its second week the Wii U exclusive sold 68,913 copies in Japan,...
News Europe, You're Getting Three More New 3DS Cover Plates This Month
Splatoon Cover Plates coming earlier than planned
Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that three new Cover Plate designs for New Nintendo 3DS consoles will be arriving on June 26th - including the famous Splatoon plates, which weren't expected until next month. The Splatoon design is - as you might expect - covered in colourful ink splats. The other...
Poll We Need to Talk About amiibo - Where Do You Stand?
Awesome collectibles, source of frustration, a bit of both?
As we approach the 'expo we cannot name' - oh alright, E3 - we can't help but wonder how many times Nintendo will mention amiibo. Will we learn more about the amiibo cards that'll accompany Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer? Will there be more blasted Smash Bros. waves that we'll...
News Splatoon Storms to Top Spot in Japanese Charts With Six Figure Sales
Wii U sales more than double to lead hardware chart
It's that time of the week, once again, for Media Create Japanese chart results, and there are some strong sales for the latest Wii U exclusive, matching up to chatter that stock had been scarce due to demand; Wii U hardware sales jumped, too. We're referring, of course, to Splatoon, the colourful...
May2015
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 31st May 2015
Say hello to Morimoto-san
In what was surely the last notable information blow-out ahead of E3, we've had a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast focused on near-term Wii U and 3DS releases, with some Capcom Monster Hunter reveals thrown in. There were quite a few new games announced, fresh details on familiar titles and a new host in Morimoto-san,...
It's actually quite pricey
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer remains a bit of an oddity, at least in the opinion of this writer. It appears to be a rather simplistic game in which you decorate homes to satisfy cute characters, adopting one small part of AC charm into one package. It's also a vehicle for the first range of amiibo cards, which will...
News Fire Emblem If Allows You to Build and Manage a Town, All Four Current FE amiibo Supported
Ten minute presentation video released
It may not be coming to the West until 2016, but Fire Emblem If is hard to ignore as a result of its rapidly approaching release in Japan. With two distinct versions - and a third arc available via download - it's a title ambitious in scope, expanding upon the excellent Fire Emblem: Awakening. Today's Japanese...
News Pearl White Is The Latest New Nintendo 3DS XL Colour, Arrives In Japan On 11th June
Launches alongside Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus
Nintendo has revealed a Pearl White New 3DS XL will be released in Japan on 11th June alongside the launch of the latest entry in the Rhythm Heaven series, Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus. Pearl White joins the existing New 3DS XL colours Metallic Blue and Metallic Black. Let us know in the comments...
News The Most Recent Media Create Japanese Charts Brought the Lowest Sales Since 2001
Tough times
The Media Create Japanese chart results for this week were particularly bad, with lousy software numbers and falling hardware sales. Nintendo had enjoyed a strong few weeks in terms of units sold and number of games in the top 20, yet the overall numbers were so low this time that little cheer could be taken; the fresh release from...
News Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Fails to Chart in Week of Poor Sales in Japan
Xenoblade Chronicles X clears 100,000 sales
In recent weeks there have been some decent game and hardware sales in Japan, so a tumble was always on the agenda. Even with that in mind, it's nevertheless been a rather lousy week of sales for Japanese retailers according to the latest Media Create results. Kicking off with the software charts, Final...
Talking Point Nintendo's Modest Sales Targets Keep Wii U and 3DS Expectations Under Control
E3 surprises are still a solid bet, however
In consecutive years Nintendo predicted a return to good times, struggled to deliver and reported financial losses; with that in mind the recent annual results were a major positive. Nintendo reported a decent profit and showed enough positive intent that shareholders were happy, with the company's value...
News Official Nintendo UK Store Bundles Fire Emblem amiibo with Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
Sneaky strategy
Capitalism has some simple rules, one of which is to balance demand with strategy; if something's rare then you can get more money for it, or use it to promote other goods. A notorious example was GameStop's insane 'Massive Bundle' for a Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS XL, which had a price tag of $500. Nintendo's not quite gone...
News Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition Leads in Japan as 3DS Tops Hardware Sales
Xenoblade Chronicles X holds firm in fourth
It's the week after Golden Week in Japan, which typically brings a drop-off in sales as the public holiday becomes a fading memory. With that in mind, and in the absence of new releases, the latest Media Create sales for the country bring positives for Nintendo. Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros...
Platform still has "momentum", according to Nintendo boss
The 3DS may be four years old now, but Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believes it still has a bright commercial future ahead of it - despite the fact that the console's release schedule is currently looking a little light on smash-hit games. Speaking to investors at the recent Financial...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X and Dragon Quest Help Wii U to Top Spot in Japan
Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition tops software results
In recent weeks the Media Create Japanese charts have shown Sony systems and its releases nicking ahead of Nintendo's offerings, so with that in mind this week brings happier news for the big N. The company and supportive third-parties have topped the software and hardware results to...
News Three New Nintendo 3DS Bundles Heading to Europe on 26th June
Include cover plates, game copies and HOME themes
The New Nintendo 3DS arrived on 13th February along with some key releases, providing a fairly substantial update to the original models. An improved 3D screen with head tracking, NFC (amiibo) support and the C-Stick are among its additions, while in Europe there were smaller models and XL...
Video 'Smashified' Series Adds King K. Rool to the Collection of Super Smash Bros. Speed Paintings
In a while, crocodile?
YouTuber Artsy Omni has added a new video to the 'Smashified' series (a series that takes our favourite and most-wanted characters for Smash Bros. DLC and recreates them in the game's art style), and this time the focus is on King K. Rool - a logical choice considering that the antagonist of the Donkey Kong series is arguably...
News Hacker Produces Region Free Exploit for Current New Nintendo 3DS System Version
New 'stability' update no doubt on the way
Though the DS days of mass hacking and playable ROMS through common R4 cards are a thing of the past - to the relief of developers and publishers - there are still those that mod the 3DS for niche purposes. Such has been Nintendo's aggressive approach to firmware updates to lock out exploits, any attempts...
News Nintendo of America Apologises for amiibo Shortages and Promises More Re-Stocks
"We understand how frustrating it can be at times"
We don't think any dedicated Nintendo fan would disagree that the company's had plenty of problems with stocking and distributing its amiibo range of toys. While there's an abundance of certain 'main' figures, some options sold-out at the pre-order stage and have never returned, while tales of...
April2015
News Fire Emblem If Box Art Confirms amiibo Support and 15 Years and Up Age Rating
Now we just need to find Fire Emblem amiibo in stock...
Fire Emblem If is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing entries in the popular series to date. Though it's not due in the West until 2016, it's raising eyebrows with its approach to two separate retail releases + DLC for its Summer release in Japan, which will be combined through...
News Bravely Second: End Layer Passes 100,000 Sales in Its Launch Week in Japan
Wii U has a small boost as 3DS remains static
There's some cheer for Square Enix and 3DS fans in the latest Media Create charts from Japan, with a fresh release sealing top-spot and six-figure sales. Despite that, there's still an overwhelming volume of new releases on Sony systems hogging the top 10. It's Bravely Second: End Layer that claims top...
Video Gawk at Streets of Rage 2 in 3D on Your New Nintendo 3DS
Grand Upper!
We may be waiting until the Summer for the next batch of 3D Classics from Sega in the West, but Japanese gamers can look forward to 3D Streets of Rage 2 this week, on 28th April; yes, we're jealous. The good news is that Sega's official YouTube channel has served up a taster of how the brilliant fighting game will look on Nintendo's...
"We hope to be able to do a better job of satisfying these needs"
The life of an amiibo collector isn't easy - getting some of the figures is simple enough, especially if you're not picky, but when it comes down to grabbing specific and less common toys the going gets rather tough. Pre-orders sell-out in minutes and can often be left unfulfilled,...
News Girls Mode 3 Struts to Number One in Japan, Though Hardware Sales Stumble Again
Worth it for the Kirby bag
It's easy to be dismissive of Style Savvy / New Style Boutique, with its focus on fashion, designer coffees and neat apartments, but it's a rather fun and entertaining title on the 3DS. The release of the latest entry in Japan has given some life to the country's charts this week, too, though overall sales are still...
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