Review The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
A legend redefined
Feature How Japanese Folklore Inspired Mario's Tanooki Suit
What’s a Tanooki, anyway?
News - November, 2011
Wednesday30th Nov 2011
News Luigi's Mansion 2 is Not Multiplayer After All
It was all a mix-up
Yesterday we reported that Luigi's Mansion 2 was listed as a two-player game on the Nintendo of Europe website. We've now received confirmation from Nintendo that this was an error and that the game is single-player only. Luigi's Mansion 2 is set for release in early 2012. Read our Luigi's Mansion 2 preview for an early...
Muddin' makes you feel good
For those who don't know, Mutant Mudds began life as a 3D polygonal platformer called Maximillian and the Rise of the Mutant Mudds that was to be released as a retail title on Nintendo DS. Sadly, the retail release and a pitched DSiWare rendition were never able to get off the ground, leaving developer Renegade Kid to...
News Hori's Mario Kart 7 3DS Wheel Is UK-Bound
Plastic fantastic?
Mario Kart 7 launches in Europe this Friday, hoping to emulate the storming sales success of Mario Kart Wii, with a peripheral to match. Hori's Mario Kart 7 steering wheel will be available across the country in December. Essentially it works along the same lines as the Wii Wheel: clip your 3DS console into place, activate the...
News Circle Pad Pro Hits Europe in January 2012
Resi bundle confirmed
It's official: the 3DS Circle Pad Pro accessory is coming to Europe on 27th January 2012. The add-on launches on the same day as Resident Evil Revelations, one of the first games that supports the extra attachment to reach European shores. The accessory will be available on its own or in a limited edition bundle with the game,...
News Monster Hunter 3 G Demo Stomping to Japan's eShop
You asked for it
3DS-enhanced monster mash Monster Hunter 3 G is set to be one of the first 3DS games to offer a downloadable demo in Japan. The 169MB demo contains two quests and a choice of 12 weapons, with quests lasting around 20 minutes. Most interesting is Capcom's confirmation the demo is playable a maximum of 30 times before it becomes...
News Australia Rates Mega Man X2 for Virtual Console
Things are looking up
Mega Man X2 is set to hit the Japanese Virtual Console next month, and while we can only speculate on when or if the game will see release outside of Japan, the Australian Classifications Board has given gamers a glimmer of hope. The site has rated the game for release in Australia, giving it a PG certificate and hopefully...
News Wii Owners, Catch Rhythm Heaven Fever in February
On tap
The latest issue of Nintendo Power has revealed a February release for Rhythm Heaven Fever on Wii. There's no exact date but at least we know the game is North America-bound within the next few months. Here's a trailer to get you into the tap-tap-tap spirit of samurai sword slashes and pea-stabbing.
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...
Tuesday29th Nov 2011
Seventh heaven
It's hard to believe that it's been almost two decades since Nintendo first unleashed the original Super Mario Kart on gamers back in 1992. Since then, we've seen a Mario Kart release on just about every game system Nintendo has released. Mario Kart 7 marks the debut of the series on Nintendo 3DS and while there are a host of new...
This platformer's got legs (even if Rayman doesn't)
As the gaming industry moves onwards and upwards and each genre evolves, it's interesting to observe how the platformer has come around full circle since its debut. Whereas the rest of the industry strives for more expansive and photorealistic environments or interactive storytelling, the...
News 3DS System Update Due Before 8th December
A little delayed
The much-anticipated 3DS system update has suffered a minor delay, and will now be available before 8th December. The update — previously thought to be available on 30th November — is now in the final stages of testing and will see launch within the next ten days. Once available, the update adds 3D video recording, the 3DS...
News Nintendo Lists Two-Player Mode for Luigi's Mansion 2
Update: no multiplayer
Update: Nintendo of Europe has clarified that Luigi's Mansion 2 is not multiplayer, and that the game's information was updated incorrectly. Our original story continues below. We're all looking forward to the opportunity to bust ghosts in Luigi's Mansion 2, but we may not need to do it alone, as the game's official...
News Victini Returns to Pokémon Black and White This Weekend
HP restored
Super-rare Pokémon Victini saw a limited release when Pokémon Black and White earlier this year, and now the little monster is rested and ready to make another appearance this weekend. From Saturday, Victini will be distributed via Nintendo WiFi Connection, complete with a pretty powerful move set: Fusion Bolt, Fusion Flare, V-Create...
News Mario and Skyward Sword Set Series Sales Records
Quick off the mark
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has told USA Today that the latest outings for Mario and Zelda have smashed series sales records. Super Mario 3D Land became the fastest-selling handheld Mario game in history, shifting over 500,000 units since it launched on 13th November. The plumber's long-awaited début gave 3DS...
News Mario Kart Communities Intended for 3DS Operating System
What happened?
The online communities function in Mario Kart 7 was originally supposed to be a system-wide function, according to director Kosuke Yabuki in a new Iwata Asks MK7 uses communities to allow players to gather together and share times and progress, somewhat like a clan. According to Yabuki, this feature was supposed to be included in the...
News Game Paused Shares Classy Mario and Zelda Shirts
Boldly going
Your wardrobe is probably missing shirts showing neon Mario leaping over a Super NES pad, not to mention garments depicting 112 icons of moments from the last 25 years of The Legend of Zelda. Your wardrobe shame could end soon though, with two new shirts from Game Paused. The classic Mario and anniversary Legend 25th t-shirts sell for...
News Iwata Asks Sheds Light on Mario Kart 7's Creation
Retro and Nintendo in harmony
By now you've presumably read our Mario Kart 7 review, giving the latest 3DS racer a well-deserved 9/10 score. If you want to know more about how the game was put together, Nintendo's got you covered with an Iwata Asks interview all about MK7. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata spoke to series producer Hideki Konno and...
News 20 GAME Stores Gear Up for Mario Kart 7 Launch Contest
Have you got what it takes?
With Mario Kart 7 ready to speed off from the 3DS starting grid this week, Nintendo and GAME have teamed up to bring a contest to you this week. This Saturday, 20 GAME stores across the UK will offer an official fastest lap competition. The fastest player in each store at the day's end will win £25 to spend in GAME —...
Monday28th Nov 2011
News Pearl Pink 3DS is North America Bound on 4th December
The whole family's here
Nintendo of America has just confirmed the pink 3DS console will launch across North America on 4th December for $169.99. Officially called Pearl Pink, unlike the European release the machine is available in two varieties: while both will come with Nintendogs + Cats, one carries the Toy Poodle and New Friends variety while...
Nintendo Download 1st December 2011 (Europe)
A bumper crop
There's plenty to choose from this week, with WiiWare, 3DS download software, DSiWare and 3DS Virtual Console all represented, though there's no sign of resurrection on Wii's Virtual Console. Here's what's available this coming Thursday. 3DS Download Software: Zen Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, €5/£4.50) — The first downloadable pinball...
Review Come On! Heroes (DSiWare)
Arrowsmith
Hot on the heels of the similarly named Castle Conqueror - Heroes comes CIRCLE Entertainment's Come On! Heroes. It's similar in title only, however, as the gameplay and presentation hearken most closely back to the first Castle Conqueror game. This isn't a bad thing but, unfortunately, a lack of variety really lets this release down...
News Vigil Games Talks Darksiders II for Wii U
Dark days ahead
One of the many third-party games revealed for Wii U at E3 2011 was Darksiders II, and now developers Vigil Games have given Game Informer an insight into the game's development and how the team will use that new controller. General manager David Adams and technical director Colin Bonstead revealed in a video interview that the team...
News Game & Watch Gifts Added to European Club Nintendo
Get 'em while they're hot
The European Club Nintendo Stars Catalogue gets just received two new rewards, but they probably won't be around for long. 7,500 Stars gets you a replica of Game & Watch: Ball, the very first Game & Watch game ever produced all the way back in 1980. It's already been offered to Japanese and North American Club Nintendo...
News Nintendo of America's Zelda Room is Awesome
It's presumably safe to go alone
Nintendo went all-out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, hosting concerts, releasing three games and a Limited Edition Zelda 3DS console. That's not all though; there was some decorating too. Nintendo of America redecorated one of its rooms to honour the series' history, with plenty of little...
Charts 28th November 2011 (UK)
What's hot and what's not
Last week Nintendo of Europe added charts to the 3DS eShop, letting you see what's selling well among fellow digital download fans. You'll find below this week's charts for what's been popular in the UK for the last seven days, as well as what's leading the field in all-time sales. denotes last week's position for Top 10...
Saturday26th Nov 2011
Review James Noir's Hollywood Crimes (3DS)
The big easy
Since its debut, the DS console's (then) unique capabilities have presented developers with more than ample scope to push boundaries and explore new ways for us to interact and perceive handheld games. The touch screen has been hugely beneficial for Level 5’s Professor Layton series, which has proved to be so incredibly popular with...
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...
Friday25th Nov 2011
Review Sonic Generations (3DS)
Spin cycle
A lot can change in 20 years. When the original Sonic the Hedgehog launched on 23rd June 1991 we didn't even have the Super NES in the West, and the thought that Nintendo and SEGA would one day work together was less than laughable. Yet here we are, two decades later, playing a celebration of Sonic's career on Nintendo's latest console. A...
Review Metroid II: Return of Samus (3DS eShop / GB)
Exploring colourless lands
When Metroid was first released it was a unique game: with a lot of exploring to do across a giant map and with plenty of hidden items and paths, those willing to spend the time to find everything were well rewarded. The original title has aged fairly poorly though — the game lacks many things we take for granted...
News Japanese Virtual Console List - December 2011
Keep on trucking
Japan got seven Wii Virtual Console games last month while other regions got zero, but they still show no signs of stopping, as next month will offer another four. It's evenly divided between the Super Famicom and Neo Geo, with one of the games being another instalment in a certain Capcom series that ends with "X". The...
News Nintendo Finishing Mario Kart 7 Was an "Act of Emergency"
Calling all cars
Mario Kart series producer Hideki Konno has revealed Nintendo saw finishing work on Mario Kart 7 as an "act of emergency", according to a new Japanese Iwata Asks article (via Eurogamer). Konno reveals the game started development with just eight staff attached, but that once team members were peeled off to wo
News Send Your Friend a Mario Kart 7 Item to Brighten Their Day
Here comes Bullet Bill!
Mario Kart 7 is out next week, and to get you geared up (sorry) Nintendo has revamped the game's official website with new videos, information and social features. By visiting the items page you can send any of your Facebook friends an item from the series, so why not be the best friend ever and send them a Spiny Shell? We're...
News Nintendo Faces More Calls to Embrace Mobile
Everyone's in on the act
Andy Payne, chairman of UK Interactive Entertainment — the UK's games industry trade association — is the latest in a long line of industry notables to call on Nintendo to create games for smartphones. Speaking at Liverpool's Develop conference, Payne spoke in response to an audience statement that platform exclusivity...
News This Is The Sonic Generations Storyline Comic Strip
Try to keep up
Sonic Generations is out in Europe today, and what better way to celebrate than a comic strip explaining the game's story? Using still shots from the game's rendered intro — only available in the HD version, sadly — the strip sets up exactly why two eras of Sonic find themselves racing through the same stages. It also contains...
News Solve the Mystery of the James Noir Launch Trailer
Oh, that was easy
One of the earliest third-party games revealed for 3DS James Noir's Hollywood Crimes finally makes it to Europe today, and we have a new launch trailer to show off. Originally called Hollywood 61, the game has one of the most bizarre plots we've ever heard in a game: as a contestant in a 1960s game show, you soon discover a...
Thursday24th Nov 2011
Nintendo Download 24th November 2011 (North America)
Samus is back!
The headline story this week: intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran returns to Nintendo 3DS, battling Metroids — but definitely not Space Pirates — in a portable adventure that paves the way for Super Metroid. In other news, DSiWare continues to swell with puzzle games and there's definitely something fishy going on in WiiWare...
News Nintendo Delayed Skyward Sword To Get It Just Right
The Nintendo way
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword spent five years in the works at Nintendo, but a recent Iwata Asks reveals the game could have seen the light of day last year. Shigeru Miyamoto said it's feasible the game could have been released last Christmas, but that plan wouldn't have been the best move for its quality: If we'd only been...
News Here's a New Pushmo Trailer to Grab You
Intelligent Systems at work
Pushmo — known as Pullblox in Europe and Hiku-Osu in Japan — is coming to the 3DS eShop next month, and to get you geared up Nintendo has released a new trailer and some screenshots for the download release. Created by Intelligent Systems — the team behind Fire Emblem and Advance Wars — the game is designed to...
News Zen Pinball 3D is Pinging to Europe Next Week
Don't flip out
The 3DS download software is flowing like a three-dimensional river these days: after Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! this month we've now got Zen Pinball 3D on the horizon, with a European release date and price locked in. The 3DS eShop states the game will see release next Thursday, 1st December, at a price of £4.50. If you...
News Mutant Mudds 3DS eShop Trailer Released
Mudds in 3D!
Nintendo has just released the first 3D trailer of Mutant Mudds on the 3DS eShop, so those who've wanted to see how the game looks in 3D, here's your chance. It's a short clip from the first world, but you can see how the different layers look with the 3D depth. You can find the clip in the "Coming Soon to Nintendo eShop"...
News Sneaking, Scoffing and Soccer in Rhythm Thief Trailer
The game that has it all
SEGA's Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure is one of the more... original looking titles on the way to 3DS in the coming months, as the new gameplay video below ably shows. From playing football (soccer) in the street to pulling poses to blend in with topiary, the game rivals even Elite Beat Agents for oddness, and looks...
Wednesday23rd Nov 2011
A new leash on life
Porting life management simulator The Sims to handhelds has proven a mixed experience with more missteps than successes, but when The Sims 3 debuted as a 3DS launch title the series hit one of its lowest lows to date. The obvious rush job felt like a cynical slap to the face, EA having sped the title to store shelves in a direly...
News Miyamoto: "Super Mario 64 Was Boring"
Wasn't always a classic
We now know that Super Mario 64 is one of the most important genre leaps in gaming history, taking Nintendo's mascot from 2D into 3D with enormous skill and craftsmanship. However, creating the game wasn't plain sailing, as a new Iwata Asks reveals. The discussion — which comes in at a colossal 26 pages — reveals that...
News Miyamoto Not a Huge Fan of Mario Kart 7 Customisation
But he came around
One of the biggest additions to Mario Kart 7 is the ability to change up your racer to suit the surroundings: big tyres, little tyres, that sort of thing. That's not to say that everyone within Nintendo was keen on including customisation though, with gaming genius Shigeru Miyamoto revealing he was against it initially. Speaking...
News New Harvest Moon: First Earth 3DS Videos Ripen Up
Don't soil yourself
North America has already had one Harvest Moon game on 3DS — Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns — but that was really a slightly different version of the DS original rather than a just-for-3DS deal. The console's first original entry in the series is Harvest Moon: First Earth, or Bokujou Monogatari: Hajimari no Daichi in...
News No Good at Monster Hunter? Buy Quest Rewards Instead
StreetPass mode explained
While every hunter this side of Japan anxiously awaits a release date for Monster Hunter 3 G, Capcom has revealed more of the game's StreetPass features including an intriguing method of clearing quests. StreetPassed players will appear in a tavern by the harbour; for a fee, you can send them out to clear any quest they've...
News New Mutant Mudds Trailer Released
Gets ESRB rated as well
Few titles excited us back at E3 in June more than Renegade Kid's upcoming 3DS eShop platformer Mutant Mudds, so to say that we've been keeping an anxious eye on the project over the past few months would be an understatement. Thankfully, Jools Watsham, lead director of Mutant Mudds, has been kind enough to send over the...
News Try a Spot of Doctor Lautrec with Flash Demo
What a challenging conundrum
We don't have downloadable demos on 3DS yet, so Konami's free web-based demo for Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights is a nice chance to try before you buy. The Doctor Lautrec Flash game takes you through the game's 19th Century Parisian introduction with a little dialogue and puzzling to get your mental muscles...
Tuesday22nd Nov 2011
Feature The Most Bizarre Nintendo Life Search Results
You won't believe your eyes
We get around 300,000 referrals from search engines every month, but while you won't be surprised by the most popular searches — turns out around 50,000 people find it hard to remember the address nintendolife.com — some of the bottom-ranked searches will certainly raise your eyebrows. Here — in the spirit of our...
Review Pinocchio's Puzzle (WiiWare)
Pinocchio goes to pieces
Chances are, when you're deciding to pick up a puzzle game for your console of choice, you don't think of actual jigsaw puzzles. They just don't fit easily into the genre's landscape. Popular puzzlers like Tetris and Angry Birds have an immediacy to them that encourages quick play and gratification, while a real jigsaw...
Nintendo Download 24th November 2011 (Europe)
Samus returns
Four titles on the download front this week, with a bit of a mish-mash of styles: shooting, singing, escaping and bounty hunting. Of course there's only one title we're really interested in, so let's just dive in and introduce you to this week's contestants. 3DS Virtual Console: Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy, Nintendo,...
News Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword Journeys West in 2012
Ken-do attitude
You might remember our recent story on Samurai Hirari Sakura, a samurai sword fighting game that hit Japan's 3DS eShop last week. Nintendo of America has now confirmed the game is on the way to North America next year with a new name. Called Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword, the downloadable 3DS game is due out in January for an...
News SEGA Opens Official Sonic Merchandise Store for Europe
Just in time for Christmas
Sonic's 20th anniversary may have been five months ago, but the celebrations continue all year round, as SEGA has just opened a new official store dedicated to its mascot. Sonic Merchandise currently serves the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France with officially endorsed products including t-shirts, toys, posters,...
News Samus Shoots 3DS VC in North America This Week
Double bounty
It's another simultaneous release on the 3DS Virtual Console this week, as Nintendo of America has confirmed Metroid II: Return of Samus is coming to the eShop on Thursday. Set before Super Metroid, Metroid II is — as surely everybody knows — completely devoid of Space Pirates, despite the official Nintendo press release stating:...
News Sonic Generations 3DS Launch Trailer Gathers Speed
Out this week
SEGA's mascot just hit 3DS in North America today, and to celebrate here's a brand new launch trailer. The video shows off Sonic Generations' stages, bosses, multiplayer and StreetPass mode, so if you've been waiting to see which classic and modern Sonic moments are revisited in the 'hog's first 3DS outing then wait no longer. Sonic...
News Nano Assault Delayed Until December 5th
In case you were wondering
We're currently enjoying a busy period of major Nintendo game releases, but one intriguing third-party title has quietly slipped off the radar. Nano Assault for the 3DS was thought to be due for release this week in North America, but publisher Majesco has confirmed to us that it is has been pushed back to 5th December. As...
News Roll Up For An Exciting Fortune Street Trailer
Mario and friends take stock
Property board game Fortune Street (Boom Street to Europeans) might not sound like the most exciting upcoming game for Wii, but if this video below doesn't have you jumping for joy when Mario increases his net worth and is able to purchase the bank... well, there's a good chance you're not even human. Genuinely...
News Learn to Crush in 3D with New Training Trailer
We've got a crush
SEGA's CRUSH3D — the story of an insomniac who compresses three-dimensional space to cure his illness — isn't like other games. That's probably one of the reasons why SEGA just sent over a new trailer showing how you play the game, due out in early 2012. Let the silky-voiced narrator explain (in quite some detail) how to...
Monday21st Nov 2011
Rumour 3DS Video Update Lands on 30th November
Get ready for launch
Nintendo UK recently launched a large-scale advertising campaign for its 3DS, with one of the focuses being the upcoming 3D video recording feature. Several users have contacted us to report that the advert claims the feature will be available "from 30th November". Update: YouTube user hutch1081 has recorded the advert...
Feature The Revolution of the Wii
Five years on
We’ve just passed the fifth anniversary of the Wii, Nintendo’s current generation console. With the Wii U likely to arrive in late 2012 these are the final months for the Wii at the forefront of Nintendo gaming in the home, with the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword providing a much needed boost to the ageing...
News Mario and Zelda Bundles Coming for Thanksgiving
Special additions
In news that probably just secured a sizeable chunk of Black Friday spend for Nintendo, two limited edition 3DS bundles are on the way to North America on Thanksgiving Day. Starting this Thursday, for $199.99 you can pick up a Flame Red 3DS with Super Mario 3D Land or the limited edition Legend of Zelda 3DS console bundle with The...
Review Escape Trick: Convenience Store (DSiWare)
Convenience snore
We've already seen two Escape Trick releases on DSiWare, each taking place in a unique environment ranging from a musty prison to a oriental-themed castle. And while the games feature a point-and-click gameplay system that would seem to fit the DS touch screen quite perfectly, the execution in both titles has been severely lacking...
News Online Play Shown Off in Sonic Generations Shots
Take on the best
SEGA's just released a stack of new Sonic Generations screenshots ahead of its mascot's first 3DS first appearance this week, showing off the odd stage, boss and WiFi multiplayer too. While we won't spoil the stages or bosses — not that they're new, what with Generations being a compilation of Sonic's best bits and all — we can...
News Metroid II Returns to 3DS VC in Europe This Thursday
Having a (morph) ball
Less than one week after Mario leapt to 3DS, galactic heroine Samus Aran is readying her first real appearance on the console as Metroid II: Return of Samus is confirmed for a European release on Thursday. The Game Boy title hits the 3DS Virtual Console for £3.60/€4.00, in line with the premium pricing of other high-profile...
News Tekken 3D Packs In 40 Fighters at 60 Frames Per Second
A contender?
As the first Tekken game to grace a Nintendo console since Tekken Advance nearly ten years ago, Tekken 3D Prime Edition has a lot of catching up to do. Namco Bandai is certainly going all-out to bring a sizeable cast of characters to the 3D fighter, with over 40 characters crammed into the 3DS cartridge. As well as featuring 3DS's...
News Zelda and Mario Break Into UK Top Ten
Strong showing
In one of the most crowded release weeks in the gaming calendar, Nintendo's key players have performed well to enter the UK top ten chart. Super Mario 3D Land leapt into ninth place, while The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword grabbed seventh position. Further down the chart, the latest crossover between plumber and hedgehog, Mario and...
News Super Famicom Reaches 21 Years Old Today
Finally able to drink
It might seem like just yesterday, but it's 21 years ago today that Nintendo's 16-bit leviathan took its first step onto Japanese soil. The Super Famicom launched on in Japan on Wednesday 21st November for ¥25,000, selling out of its first shipment of 300,000 units within a few hours: hardly surprising considering it launched...
News Japan Gets His 'n' Hers Wii Remote Plus Bundle This Month
The perfect match
While the rest of the world rejoices in the gold Wii Remote Plus included in the limited edition of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Japan is also getting a double pack of MotionPlus-packing controllers this month. The set of two controllers — one pink, one blue — launches across the country for a pretty reasonable ¥5,800,...
News Match Those 3D Animals in Zoo Keeper for 3DS
Elephants all in a row
Remember Zoo Keeper? Remember how many hours you lost to it? Want to play it again in 3D? Eager fans crying out "yes!" to all three questions, rejoice: Zoo Keeper is on the way to 3DS in early 2012. Siliconera spotted a listing at the Japanese website of retailer HMV, pitching the match-three-in-3D game for a 26th...
News EB Down Under Sells Super Mario 3D Land Early
Ask and thy shall receive
Australia's release delay woes have been well documented, but retailer EBGames is doing its best to take the sting out of it by selling Super Mario 3D Land early. While the game is down for an official release in Australia this Thursday, Vooks reports that branches of the retailer will sell the game as soon as it arrives in...
Saturday19th Nov 2011
Round Table Let's Talk About the GameCube and Wii
From a cube to the revolution
With the GameCube recently reaching its tenth anniversary and the Wii five years old, we decided to get together to discuss both consoles, assessing their impact and legacy. These two consoles are in an interesting position of being relatively close in terms of graphical technology, yet wildly different in gaming...
Friday18th Nov 2011
Review 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure (3DSWare)
A great game gets an underwhelming paint job
In 1993 the NES got a latter-day boon from a truly brilliant addition to its library: Kirby's Adventure. Still regarded today as one of the strongest titles on the console, it boasted an unforgettable soundtrack, stunningly creative visuals and gameplay innovations that became Kirby staples from there...
Out Today The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Wallpapers
The wait is over
After five long years, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is finally available across Europe. To celebrate Link's triumphant return we've put together some exclusive Skyward Sword wallpapers that you'll only find here at Nintendo Life. Available in all different sizes to suit your screen size, now you can make your desktop look...
Feature Remembering the GameCube
A decade of cubed gaming
Every company in every industry will have a few years in its history that don't quite stack up to the rest. With the mammoth success it had enjoyed with the SNES, Nintendo must have had quite the shock when Sony's PlayStation proved to be a huge overnight success in the mid-Nineties and poached many publishers, developers...
Out Today Super Mario 3D Land and Wallpapers
Double whammy
Talk about good days: Nintendo fans in Europe have a new Mario and a new Zelda to choose from today, as the much-anticipated 3DS release Super Mario 3D Land finally reaches European shores. To celebrate the plumber's first true 3D platforming game we've put together some awesome computer wallpapers to bring a touch of the Mushroom...
News THQ: uDraw and Wii U Can Co-Exist
Quick on the draw
THQ's art tablet uDraw was a big hit on Wii, but once Nintendo unveiled the Wii U controller it started to lose a little of its sheen. The publisher isn't about to let Nintendo run away with the art market though, revealing to Eurogamer its plans to keep the brand going. THQ's global VP for uDraw Andy Hodgson said: We have some...
News Peter Moore Bigs Up Wii U's Online Functions Again
But won't say what they are
EA's chief operating officer Peter Moore has been a vocal supporter of the Wii U already: back in August he appeared totally confident in the console's online features, and in a recent interview with Famitsu he reaffirmed this commitment with some glowing words. Most intriguing are the hints at the Wii U's online...
News West Coast Customs Creates Real Life Mario Karts
If only they were street legal
Just as we guessed when Nintendo announced its presence at the LA Auto Show, the company's team-up with West Coast Customs is all in aid of Mario Kart 7. West Coast Customs — best known for its appearances on Pimp My Ride of course — created two life-size Mario Karts to promote the upcoming 3DS racer, out in early...
News Classic and Modern Mario Stages Step Onto Fortune Street
World 1 awaits
Nintendo and Square Enix team-up Fortune Street is bringing the best of both franchises to its world of board games, with new screenshots showing some of the familiar sights you'll be trying to conquer with the upcoming Wii game. The game takes in spots of Mario history, starting from the classic World 1 from Super Mario Bros. and...
Review The Aquarium of Luck (DSiWare)
Not so lucky
One genre that has seen plenty of releases on the DS family of consoles is that of pet simulation: all the fun of owning an animal without the expense, smells and responsibility. Next in line via DSiWare is The Aquarium of Luck, bringing the job of fish ownership to two screens. The title itself is strange, and we’d advise young...
News Insert Coin Cuts Zelda T-Shirts to Half Price
Save your Rupees
As we all know, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is out in Europe today, and to celebrate Insert Coin Clothing has dropped all its Zelda t-shirts to half price. Starting from £10/$15 with free delivery, there's a range of shirts that downplay the Zelda references enough to make them acceptable to wear in non-gaming company...
News Pix'n Love Preparing History of Sonic Book for Early 2012
Now we're talking
After the excellent History of Nintendo: Volume 1 book, publisher Pix'n Love is expanding its catalogue to Nintendo's great rival and its legendary mascot. Early 2012 sees the release of The History of Sonic, a 300 page guide to the genesis and development of SEGA's greatest hero, including concept sketches and developer interviews...
Thursday17th Nov 2011
Review Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Wii)
Tried and true
By the time you read this, Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has already sold millions upon millions of copies to a worldwide fanbase and been touted as the biggest entertainment launch of all time. To keep its unprecedented growth up, the franchise has continued to top itself year after year with increasingly elaborate...
Nintendo Download 17th November 2011 (North America)
The pink one's back
A little something for everyone this week — apart from you, Virtual Console fans — with titles on DSi, WiiWare and 3DS to download. The headline act is undoubtedly the timely appearance of the pink puffball on 3DS, but let's see what else is competing for your money. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure...
News Nintendo: We Won't Charge Extra to Unlock In-Game Content
"We'll do DLC right"
Downloadable content is a double-edged sword: when used right, it enhances and expands your game experience, but when done wrong you wind up paying more to unlock something that's on the disc or cartridge you bought in the first place. The recent announcement that Nintendo will provide DLC on 3DS next year led some to worry it'd...
News WayForward Working on Shantae for 3DS Virtual Console
(Still)
In the five months or so that the 3DS Virtual Console has been up and running, we've only seen one Game Boy Color game, the rather magnificent The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX. Other developers and publishers are looking into the service though, with WayForward investigating rereleasing its GBC classic Shantae. The studio used its...
News Reggie: "Mobile Games Would Go Against Our Beliefs"
Won't be doing that, then
While the wider games industry continues to argue that Nintendo should move into the smartphone game space, Nintendo's top brass are sticking by their guns and saying "no, thank you." The latest to speak up is Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, who talked to Games.com about the company's stance. Asked if...
News Resi Revelation's Online Mode is Locked Until Completion
Earn your stripes
One of early 2012's biggest 3DS games, Resident Evil Revelations, comes loaded with an online co-operative feature called Raid Mode, but now it's surfaced that you have to complete the game's campaign before you can access it. According to Andriasang, producer Masachika Kawata revealed you'll have to make your way through the...
News Keiji Inafune's King of Pirates Trademarked in the West
Things are looking up
Remember when we brought you the first look at Keiji Inafune's Kaiyo: King of Pirates, the super-cute penguin pirate game coming to 3DS in Japan? Publisher Marvelous AQL just filed a trademark for the game's name in the West, strongly hinting at a release outside Japan. Siliconera spotted the trademark and reports that unlike...
News Blaster Master: Enemy Below Joins Japan's GBC VC Library
Always growing
The options for colourful Virtual Console games in Japan keep on growing: after The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX kicked off the chromatic revolution back in June, the Japanese service has grown to welcome three more GBC titles, while Western gamers still have just the one. Next week the gap widens further, with Blaster Master:...
Wednesday16th Nov 2011
Review The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
A legend redefined
In a way The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has very little riding on it: the Wii has already enjoyed huge success, with a library of critically acclaimed Nintendo games selling millions around the world. Its motion controls — dubbed a 'revolution' back in 2005 — have arguably inspired competitor formats to adopt their own...
News PETA - Relax Mario Fans, It Was All a Joke
Fur real
Oh, PETA. Your Tanooki Flash game stirred up a real hornet's nest, and Nintendo's reaction threw frogs and penguins into the mix. Now PETA has clarified its original intentions — it was all a joke. The organisation just sent over a statement that says its Tanooki-related Flash game was all a tongue-in-cheek joke, and that it really wishes...
Full of hot air?
There are few things more terrifying than sentient balloons. Just close your eyes and picture them: living, moving latex orbs, floating down a path in your direction. Such is the basic premise of Bloons TD, which takes the charming, monkey-populated world of puzzler Bloons and moulds it to a tower defence formula. And, like its...
Review Nikoli's Pencil Puzzle (3DS)
Sharp?
It's hard to believe, but there was a time before fancy Tanooki Suits, space-foxes and Lon Lon Milk defined a good game. It was an era without joysticks, Wii Remotes or Power Gloves. How could anyone possibly have had fun in such a world, you ask? Well, back then, people were satisfied with a simple pencil and pad of paper, and that was...
Nintendo Download 17th November 2011 (Europe)
Kirby's back
A trio of new downloads this week, with one long overdue game on WiiWare sitting alongside a much anticipated 3D Classic on 3DS. Let's see what's competing for your money this week. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure (Nintendo, €6/£5.40) — Kirby's legendary NES adventure gets the 3D Classics makeover, adding a...
News Mega Drive Strider Confirmed For European Virtual Console
Good news, everyone!
After yesterday's rumour that Strider is coming to Wii Virtual Console we asked Capcom Europe exactly what's going on. We're now happy to report that the rumours were true: the Mega Drive version of Strider is coming to Virtual Console. Interestingly the game — and fellow westward-bound VC title Super Street Fighter II with...
News 100 Link Lookalikes to Get Free Copies of Skyward Sword
UK launch event revealed
We're just two days away from the European release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and Nintendo UK has a plan to give away 100 copies of the game to the most committed fans at the official launch event. From 9am this Friday at GAME Oxford Street, the first 100 customers dressed as Link will each receive a free copy of...
News WiiWare Reels In Big Bass Arcade Next Week
It's a live one
Fresh from its DSiWare appearance earlier this year, Big John Games' Big Bass Arcade is on the way to WiiWare in North America next week. The trailer below, we're told, is "all in-game graphics" and below that you'll find screenshots from the game too. Will you have a crack at landing this one next week? Big Bass Arcade...
News Brush Up On Your Shinobi History in New Trailer
How did we get here?
3DS platformer Shinobi is the latest entry in one of SEGA's most loved franchises, but if you're new to the whole ninja thing you might find this new history trailer a useful catch-up on the activities of the Musashi clan and evil Zeed. Of course, if you want to know more about the most recent Musashi outing, be sure to read our...
Tuesday15th Nov 2011
Don't step to this
The Wii is a great console for combining a love for gaming and fitness. Casual workout titles like Wii Fit offer laid back activities like yoga and jogging, while third-party titles like EA Sports Active offer up more rigorous cardiovascular routines. But what about WiiWare? Sure, retail offerings are great, but Nintendo's...
News Nintendo Reacts to PETA's Tanooki Campaign
Telling tails
Yesterday's controversial PETA campaign against Mario's Tanooki suit certainly stirred up some heated discussion about the power-up's inclusion in Super Mario 3D Land. Now Nintendo has responded to PETA's claim that the Tanooki suit encourages people to wear fur with an official statement to Eurogamer: Mario often takes the app
News 3DS Heading for Bigger First Year Sales Than DS
Picking up steam
After its well-publicised troubles earlier this year, the price drop and extra colours seem to be having the desired effect on Nintendo's 3DS, with the console's sales increasing at such a rate it could overtake the first-year sales of its predecessor, the Nintendo DS. While an indication of the 3DS's improved sales, it's also a...
News Penny Arcade and Nintendo Team Up for Zelda Comic
Out this week
After the announcement of Nintendo's collaboration with West Coast Customs, here's another, only slightly less unexpected team-up. Nintendo and Penny Arcade are joining forces to create a series of webcomics for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, starting this week. According to Nintendo: The comics include characters and themes from...
Rumour Strider Bound for Wii Virtual Console
It's all happening
As if the recent revelation that Super Street Fighter II with online play is coming west, there's a double-whammy of good Capcom VC news as rumours also point to a Western release for Strider. Siliconera reports both games are now confirmed for release outside Japan, but so far only SSFII has been
News Take a Trip Down Boom Street on 6th January
The streets are paved with gold
Traditionally January isn't the best month for new game releases, but Nintendo of Europe is bucking that trend by releasing Boom Street — known as Fortune Street in North America — on 6th January. The party game will miss the lucrative Christmas and New Year party season but Nintendo is still hoping its cast of...
News Pandora's Tower Makes European Trailer Debut
Action RPG on the way
One of Wii's brightest lights for 2012, Pandora's Tower just got its first European trailer showing just what to expect when the game's released next year. Although the trailer isn't localised into English (or any other European language, for that matter) at least Nintendo of Europe is giving you a little peek into the game's...
Monday14th Nov 2011
Feature The Best Games on GameCube and Wii
Celebrating the cube and the waggle
This week presents a rather unique opportunity, as we’ll be celebrating major anniversaries for two consoles. The GameCube celebrates the tenth anniversary of its North American release on November 18th, while November 19th is the fifth anniversary for the Wii in the same territory. Not only does this dual...
Shinobi returns for another slice of revenge
Given the current trend of rebooting classic video game franchises it seems long overdue that SEGA should reinvent fan-favourite Shinobi, for both veteran ninja warriors and younger ninjitsu newcomers to enjoy. Entrusted with this great responsibility is developer Griptonite Games, no stranger to...
News PETA Launches Campaign Against Mario
We're not kidding
If there was any doubt that Super Mario 3D Land is a high-profile game release, that has now been banished. It has emerged today that PETA — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — has launched a campaign against Mario. The complaint revolves around the Tanooki suit, with the PETA website stating the following: When on a...
Review Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! (3DSWare)
It’s alive!
The touch screen in the DS family of consoles has often been the focus for artistic experiences. The mere act of holding the stylus should inspire artists, and it’s this instinct that forms the foundation for Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! on 3DS. It’s a strange name that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and is perfectly...
Review Castle Conqueror - Heroes (DSiWare)
We can beat them, for ever and ever
About a year ago, Circle Entertainment released Castle Conqueror, a quirky and simple RTS that was also very addictive and fun. If we had any real complaints about it, it was that the charming simplicity somewhat prevented it from achieving any substantial depth. It was an excellent experience, but it felt as...
News Super Street Fighter II with Online Coming Westward Too
Capcom confirms
Just a little while ago, we posted a story about Japan getting the Mega Drive version of Super Street Fighter II with added online multiplayer. As the west had not received the previous two online-enabled Virtual Console games (the arcade versions of Puyo Puyo and Puyo Puyo 2), and because of the fact that there haven't been any...
News Miyamoto Plays Games, a Lot
Is 10 hours a day enough?
It's been reported today that Shigeru Miyamoto often spends around 10 hours a day playing games, in work. According to a translation, Miyamoto says he is "continually playing the games and checking their content, and sharing my opinion with the development staff." It's stated that he typically has around seven...
Rumour Limited Edition Zelda 3DS to be Released in North America
Don't open the champagne yet
Good news, we hope, for eager 3DS buyers in North America. It has been reported by Siliconera that the gorgeous limited edition Zelda 3DS bundle, already confirmed for release in Europe, is also on the way to North America. The source of the claim is a scan of an advert from major US retailer GameStop, clearly showing...
Review House, M.D. - Episode 4: Crashed (DSiWare)
Crash and burn
Dr. Gregory House is back this month with yet another instalment of House M.D. If you’ve played the previous games in the series, then you know exactly what to expect from this one. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience any of these games, then feel free to continue reading. You’re in for a real treat. Like the...
Saturday12th Nov 2011
Feature How Japanese Folklore Inspired Mario's Tanooki Suit
What’s a Tanooki, anyway?
Ever since Super Mario Bros. 3 landed on store shelves, when Nintendo fans hear the word “tanooki” they almost always produce an excited smile and start reminiscing about days spent flying through levels as Racoon Mario. If you were to utter this same word today around these same Nintendo fans you’d probably get a...
Review Rytmik Retrobits (DSiWare)
Bits of class
The original Rytmik sounded better than any DSiWare music studio deserved to, but follow-up Rytmik: Rock Edition fell a little short in offering a big stadium rock sound through Nintendo's little handheld. Keen to keep offering melody creation tools on DSiWare while embracing its limitations, Cinemax has now put together Rytmik:...
Friday11th Nov 2011
Be prepared for economy class... if you're lucky
Since the launch of the Wii and the success of its pack-in title Wii Sports, it seems that there isn't a major publisher or developer that hasn't had their finger in the mini-game collection pie. Most of these copycats have either been inoffensively average or outright terrible. In fact, when it comes...
Fun with a capital Z?
When we first started playing Gnomz, we were excited: here's a game that's joyously silly, bizarre and simple enough that anyone willing to pick up the controller could play it and have an absolute blast. The graphics are colourful. The soundtrack has a giddy urgency to it. It's got a good sense of humour. WiiWare's Angry...
News More Mario Kart 7 Courses Revealed
Dare you discover them?
If you want to find out some of the retro courses that have made the grade in Mario Kart 7, the latest update to the game's official Japanese website might throw some light on the situation. The game's Shell, Banana and Leaf Cup courses and six battle arenas have now been unveiled, with selections from Mario Kart 64, Mario...
News Wii U's First Launch Title Announced Already
Bit early, though
We don't even know when the Wii U will launch other than a vague "between April and December 2012" guideline, but we already know one of the games you'll be able to pick up with the console on day one: Tecmo Koei's Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge. The publisher's financial reports (via Andriasang) peg the game for release...
Feature The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword in Motion
Were the motion controls worth the wait?
Very few games over the past decade have had the sheer level of hype and anticipation that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has found heaped upon it. Not only has the game been in development for an extremely long time, but it's also been hampered by developmental challenges that, at one point, almost led...
News Japan Gets Super Street Fighter II with Online Play on VC
Hadouken!
While the Wii Virtual Console continues to decompose in the West, Japan's still getting the goods, with a few enhancements to boot. The latest game to hit the service is the Mega Drive version of Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers, brought up to date with online play via Nintendo WiFi Connection. By comparison, in the West we...
News Pick the Alternate Artwork for Next Year's Big Wii RPGs
Flip-reverse it
Forget The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: this year's Wii coverage has been dominated by three other big Japanese games. Xenoblade Chronicles, Pandora's Tower and The Last Story have had gamers' eyes all year, and Nintendo of Europe wants to get you even more involved by asking you to help choose alternate cover art for the latter...
News Blue Wii Heads Stateside for Black Friday
It starts
That crazy day of manic buying, also known as Black Friday, is very nearly upon us, and Walmart has sounded the first battle cry. Siliconera reports the retailer has the exclusive on the blue reconfigured Wii, and will be selling it on 25th November for just $99.96. However, the advert just lists the box's contents as a Wii console, Remote...
News Nintendo Can Recover From Loss, says EA Vice President
Others not so sure
The recent London Games Conference brought some of the industry's greatest minds together to discuss all things gaming, with Nintendo's recent loss one topic discussed at a panel. David DeMartini, senior vice president of global E-commerce at Electronic Arts — he must have some pretty big business cards — believes Nintendo's...
Thursday10th Nov 2011
Nintendo Download 10th November 2011 (North America)
Your digital delectable delights are in
The headline act of this week's Nintendo Download comes from Nintendo itself, with a spot of 3DS downloadable software from the Big N. There's also some healthy stuff on WiiWare and a spot of puzzle and strategy on DSiWare. Let's meet the contestants, shall we? 3DS Download Software: Freakyforms: Your...
News Abandoned Skyward Sword Ideas May Head to Wii U
Not done yet
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword might be one of Nintendo's biggest-ever undertakings — just read the Iwata Asks about its mammoth audio visual design teams — but that doesn't mean it includes everything Nintendo wanted to put in. Series producer Eiji Aonuma spoke to The Guardian about what may happen to ideas th
News Hideki Konno Talks Mario Kart Wii U Ideas
It'll be "unique"
Hold onto your hats: Nintendo is investigating bringing Mario Kart to Wii U. Series producer Hideki Konno spoke to Nintendo Power recently about the potential for the flagship multiplayer racer to come to Nintendo's next home console, saying: I can't get into specifics, but I do want to create a new and enjoyable Mario Kart that...
News Next Zelda on 3DS a "Continuation of Past Efforts" says Aonuma
What does that mean?
After the stellar success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D there have been many calls for a 3D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Series producer Eiji Aonuma has confirmed Nintendo is working on another 3DS Zelda game, but gave previous little else away. Speaking to The Guardian, Aonuma was typically cagey...
News 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure Trailer Hits Europe
Go pink
If you can't wait until next Thursday to see 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure in motion, the 3DS eShop in Europe just updated with a brief video of Kirby's updated outing. As you'd expect, the game looks remarkably faithful to its 8-bit origins, with the 3D adding a seemingly subtle layer of depth to its still-impressive graphics. The original...
News Skyward Sword Had Nintendo's Biggest Audio Visual Teams
A huge undertaking
Nintendo has said before that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is one of its biggest-ever developments, and the latest Iwata Asks reveals just how vast the creative team was. The sound team alone took in ten members, the biggest sound team a Nintendo game has ever had: with five composers and five staff handling effects and the...
First Impressions Nano Assault
Shin'en knows shmups
Shin'en is certainly no stranger to the shoot 'em up genre, having already developed games in the Iridion and Nanostray series for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS respectively, but after taking a few years to work on other projects, many shooter fans were beginning to wonder if the developer would ever get back to its shmup...
News Super Mario 3D Land Leaps to a Strong Start in Japan
Bigger than galaxies
By now you've read in our Super Mario 3D Land review that Mario's latest outing is very good indeed, but has it succeeded in lifting the console's sales in Japan? Yes, and how. In its first week the game shifted a staggering 343,492 copies, according to figures from Media Create (via Andriasang). That's nearly triple the amount...
News Reggie Pimps Nintendo's Ride at LA Auto Show
Unlikely but true
Here's a partnership we didn't see coming. At the LA Auto Show on 17th November, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime will stand on stage with West Coast Customs CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus to announce an exclusive collaboration between the two companies. If it's not Mario Kart 7-related, we'll eat our red hats. From 18th to...
Wednesday9th Nov 2011
Review Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
Tanooki time
Super Mario has been a staple of Nintendo systems since the original NES over 26 years ago, and while the series has evolved to a great degree over time, one immutable fact remains: Mario games sell systems. That's why it comes as no real surprise that the plumber's first foray onto 3DS has been about as hyped as any game in recent...
Review Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (3DS)
The great gig in the sky
There's something magical about a good toy. Be it an action figure, doll, transforming truck, projectile-spitting dragon or a wooden block, it doesn't matter how many removable parts or points of articulation they have once burrowed into your imagination and destined for Great Adventure along with the rest of the toy chest...
Review Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii)
Gotta buy 'em all
There's something magical about a good toy. Be it an action figure, doll, transforming truck, projectile-spitting dragon or a wooden block, it doesn't matter how many removable parts or points of articulation they have once burrowed into your imagination and destined for Great Adventure along with the rest of the toy chest. Your...
Talking Point First-Person Shooters and the 3DS Circle Pad Pro
Aiming down 3D sights
It's old news that first person-shooters are bigger business within the industry now than they've ever been. Since the advent of online play on home consoles, they have inarguably become the most played genre on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with the latest Battlefield and Call of Duty titles dominating the market. However,...
News Super Mario Galaxy Orbits London 2012 Olympic Games
It'll make sense
Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games takes inspiration from all corners of both companies' history: screenshots have reminded us of Yoshi Story, Sonic Adventure and more. But we've just received more screenshots showing the most universe-shaking crossover yet. Despite earlier rumours that Sonic would appear in
News Capcom Considering Monster Hunter 3 G Western Release
Never say never
Despite rumours to the contrary, Monster Hunter 3 G is still not confirmed for release outside of Japan. Does that mean it will never leave the Land of the Rising Sun though? Capcom fielded that exact question during a recent investor Q&A call, and although the answer isn't the life-changing announcement some might hope for it's...
News Zelda Top Brass Discuss Link To the Past in 3D
It could happen
The 3D Classics has taken in arcade games and 8-bit classics, but the potential for 3D remakes of games from the 16-bit era is mouthwatering. In a recent GamesRadar interview, Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma revealed that he and Shigeru Miyamoto have discussed bringing the 3D treatment to Super Nintendo classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link...
News Mario and Zelda's Babies Would Play Like This
The ultimate crossover chaos
We found out after E3 that there's a Zelda-style level in Super Mario 3D Land, and now we have a video look. As you can see below, the game takes more than a few cues from old-school outings like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Link's
News Nintendo's 3D Samurai Game Slices eShop in Japan
A cut above?
Nintendo has revealed a new piece of downloadable 3DS software for Japan — swordfighting game Samurai Hirari Sakura, or Nimble Sakura Warrior, roughly translated. The download, due for release in Japan next week for 700 Yen, puts you in the shoes of a passionate swordfighting student who must prove his skill. At first you'll take on...
News Bionic Commando Swings to Japan's 3DS VC Next Week
Who's next?
Capcom's already put two Game Boy titles on 3DS Virtual Console in the West — Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge and Gargoyle's Quest — and next week it adds a third title over in Japan: Bionic Commando. We already know the game is heading to the West in "Quarter 4" thanks to an announcement in
Competition Winners escapeVektor: Episode 1
Were you one of them?
Our recent competition for escapeVektor: Chapter 1 met with a great response: we had hundreds of entries, and all winners should now have been contacted by Nnooo via Twitter direct message with details of how to claim. For posterity, here's the selected winners:...
Tuesday8th Nov 2011
News Gaze At This Beautiful Limited Edition Zelda 3DS Console
It's black and gold
Got space in your collection for another limited edition Nintendo 3DS? How about a Zelda 25th Anniversary model with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D? Nintendo of Europe just revealed the new black model bearing the Hyrule crest and it's looking exceptionally beautiful. It's out on 25th November and will cost €199, with...
Review Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (GameCube)
Mario Fore-Stars!
For many, there isn't a sport on the planet more tedious than golf. To these people the term "a good walk ruined" is about as accurate a description as anyone's ever come up with for anything, and they'd probably be able to reel off a list of far better uses for a golf club — window removal, football hooliganism, that...
News Nintendo Working On Two Controller Support for Wii U
That's a lot of screens
When the Wii U was unveiled at E3 2011, we only saw it working with one touch screen controller, but according to an anonymous source speaking to Develop Nintendo is beavering away on supporting a second controller. Citing a "trusted game development executive", Develop says the Wii U codebase indicates that...
News Ubisoft Reveals Its Drawsome Wii Graphics Tablet
A work of art?
After the success of THQ's uDraw, Ubisoft's the next company to muscle in on some of the Wii touch screen tablet action with its own peripheral Drawsome. The tablet — set for release exclusively in the United States on 6th December — boasts a 6.5" x 5" screen, slightly larger than the Wii U's 6.2" surface. Drawsome...
News The History of Nintendo Volume 2 Out on 15th December
Pre-orders open
The History of Nintendo: Volume 1 spanned the company's beginnings up until the creation of the Game & Watch, setting things up nicely for the second volume, which deals exclusively with Gunpei Yokoi's LCD wonder. The History of Nintendo: Volume 2 — 1980-1991: The Game & Watch games, an amazing invention to give its rather...
News Animal Crossing Watch and Kirby Pouches Hit EU Club Nintendo
Stars at the ready
Europe's Club Nintendo rewards centre just got bigger, with some brand new goodies added. 4,000 Stars buys you an Animal Crossing watch, or for 1,500 you can pick up a Kirby's Epic Yarn-inspired DS pouch in either brown and pink or blue and green. Will you be shelling out your hard-earned Stars for any of these goodies?
News Atlanta, You're On Mario's Touring Itinerary Too
He gets around
Atlanta, Georgia is the next stop on Mario's tour of the United States to promote Super Mario 3D Land. The plucky plumber is taking in the unique sights of the Atlanta Underground this Friday, 11th November, with a surprise performance by a gang of Marios in Tanooki tails and ears. ATLANTA ON ALERT FOR MASS MARIO SIGHTING AT ATLANTA...
News Nintendo Patents Touch Pad for Wii Remote
But to what end?
We've seen plenty of Wii controller patents in the past, not all of which saw the light of day — remember the inflatable horse and American football? Now the company's put out a patent for a Wii Remote touch-sensitive pad, as spotted by
News Zelda Concert Tour Kicks Off in Dallas on 10th January
Updated: tickets on sale now
The recent Zelda 25th Anniversary concerts in Los Angeles and London were just tasters ahead of the main course: a full tour that kicks off in 2012. The newly renamed The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses starts in Dallas, Texas on 10th January before touring the United States. Tickets for the Dallas show will...
Podcast NLFM Episode 22: Mascots and Mixes
New digs for old friends
Our chip and game music podcast rears its lovely head this month with a collection of Nintendo mascot sounds new and old, from that new Kirby game to Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Metroid remixes. Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando — Cookie Country (Kirby’s Return to Dreamland)The Greatest Bits — Fear Factory (Donkey K
News Ubisoft Believes in Wii U for Core and Casual Customers
But which will prevail?
Ubisoft is always a big supporter of new hardware — it had six titles out for the 3DS launch, for example — and the publishing giant will be there on Wii U day one. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has spoken to Gamasutra about the upcoming console's potential to appeal to the casual and core customers that could help it...
Monday7th Nov 2011
Review Centipede: Infestation (3DS)
Covered with scorpions
Modernised versions of old school arcade games are quite common; we've already seen two on 3DS so far, Frogger 3D and Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions, the latter comprising even more classic call-backs of yesteryear, but one game that hasn't seen much love in the remake department is Centipede. Bucking the trend, Centipede:...
A dull new world
Disney Universe holds a great deal of promise. A game in which you can play as a large number of characters spanning Disney's rich and impressive history? Levels designed in honour of some of its most classic films? Multiplayer for up to four people simultaneously? Yes, yes, and yes. Which is why it's so disappointing that the...
Review Balloon Kid (3DS eShop / GB)
Somewhat deflated
Balloon Kid is the Game Boy sequel to the NES original Balloon Fight. That game is remembered by some as a stone-cold classic of addictive action, and by others as a pointless, repetitive chore. In our Balloon Fight review we fell somewhere in the middle. And so it's quite fitting that we also find ourselves there for the sequel...
Nintendo Download 10th November 2011 (Europe)
Freaks, fish and hustlers
A trio of titles on the download formats this week, with 3DS owners best catered for; Wii owners, nothing for you this week, sadly. 3DS eShop: Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! (Nintendo, £5.40/€6) — Previously known as Picture Lives!, you create a bizarre life form and bring it to life to explore the world around...
Feature Ten Years of Golden Sun
Bask in its warm glory
2001 must have been a particularly good year for gaming: we just celebrated Pikmin's tenth anniversary, and now it's time to look back on the birth of RPG franchise Golden Sun. The original Golden Sun launched in North America on 11th November 2001, with sequel Golden Sun: The Lost Age following in early 2003. Created by RPG...
News GAME and Gamestation Give Away Mario 3DS Pouches
But only if you pre-order
With Super Mario 3D Land out next week and Mario Kart 7 hot on its heels two weeks later, GAME and Gamestation are stepping up their pre-order initiative with two giveaways. Pre-order customers will receive a 3DS pouch bearing artwork from the relevant game when they purchase their game. Neat giveaway items, but as we'd bet...
Sunday6th Nov 2011
Not so precious
In 2003, explorers daring enough to venture deep into the recesses of that oppressive structure known as Generic-Looking Game Boy Advance Puzzler Mountain came across a small treasure – a mix between Bust-A-Move and Arkanoid that proved about as fun as it was unexpected. Now comes its successor of the same name, Gem Smashers, but...
News Giana Sisters DS Sneaks Into North America
It's finally here!
Well the wait has been lengthy, but Giana Sisters DS is finally available to North American gamers. While there was little (actually none whatsoever) fanfare for the release, the game is now available at various Walmart stores. And if you can't find the game locally, NewEgg has it in stock for $19.99, a far cry from the $70+ the...
Saturday5th Nov 2011
Talking Point Nintendo's Plans to Fight Back
Mario’s gloves come off
If we were to summarise Nintendo’s year so far, we’d say that it’s been having a tough time. There have been moments of brilliance that have reaffirmed the faith of loyal gamers, but there have also been a lot of mis-steps, mistakes and bad publicity, some of which has been unjustified. In fact, despite the release of...
Friday4th Nov 2011
Review Adventure Island (3DS eShop / GB)
Master Higgins' first Game Boy adventure
There were a good number of NES franchises that ended up making appearances on the Game Boy system, some better than others. Hudson had already enjoyed some popularity on the NES console with their Adventure Island titles, so it was pretty much a no-brainer that they'd eventually bring the series to...
News 3DS Update Lets You Join Your Friends' Online Games
Just tap
The 3DS friends list is severely lacking, but the upcoming firmware update should add a much-requested feature. A post at NeoGAF (via Eurogamer) reveals the update lets you join an online friend's game in progress, and also lets you organise your friends list by online status. The update is incl
Gripping or griping?
Battery power. It is both the benevolent force that makes portable gaming possible, and the cumbersome reason some gamers choose to keep their games at home. Throughout gaming history, handheld consoles have been subjected to a slew of power-boosting peripherals promising more game time at the cost of extra bulk. The Nintendo...
Feature A Beginner's Guide to the World of BlazBlue
Welcome, stranger
Released in North America a few months ago, today marks the European release of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 on 3DS, the fighting series' first ever appearance on a Nintendo console (well, there was BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale, but that doesn't really count.) But what exactly is BlazBlue? With a pretty decent select...
First Impressions Fishing Resort
Is there a catch?
Yuji Naka's Prope studio has been responsible for some interesting Wii titles over the past few years, including Ivy the Kiwi and the upcoming Rodea the Sky Soldier. So when the developer announced Fishing Resort, many gamers were left wondering just exactly how a game like this would turn out. And while its cute look and feel is...
News Freakyforms Come Alive on the eShop Next Week
Price and date confirmed
Formerly known as Picture Lives!, Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! is coming to the 3DS eShop in North America this coming Thursday. Priced at $6.99, the game lets you form your own freaky creatures and explore the world with them, like Spore but even more bizarre. Here's the trailer below along with some new screenshots...
News Journey to the Desert in New Skyward Sword Videos
Hot foot it
Another week and another set of videos showing more of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword than you might want to see. As always bear in mind these videos will probably contain spoilers of items, areas and enemies you'll be able to encounter for yourself in just two weeks' time. If you're not bothered about spoilers, indulge yourself in...
News Enjoy Gaming Cuts the Ribbon on Block Factory for eShop
Open for business soon
After the success of Pyramids, Enjoy Gaming has just revealed its next eShop title, Block Factory. As you'd expect it's a puzzle game, but with a vital twist: essentially you can create your own games by choosing pieces and defining the rules. You can then export these as a QR code and share them online to show off your...
Competition Share Holiday Photos, Win a Holiday in Go Vacation Contest
Seems a fair swap
Go Vacation is out in Europe today, and to promote the game Nintendo is offering a weekend break to the south of France for the winner of a new competition. Submit a holiday photo of you and up to three friends and, if it's the funniest, you could win a weekend for two at the Club Med Opio en Provence, which offers golf, a spa and,...
News Battle of the Elements is Actually a Cute DSiWare Puzzle Game
Surprised?
Battle of the Elements is a new puzzler from EnjoyUp Games and Barcelona studio Undercoders, and it looks a lot like this. You hold the DSi book-style and must line up elements so they disappear. It all looks fairly standard stuff, but it could be worth a play. We'll find out when it's released in the coming months. Can you save the...
Thursday3rd Nov 2011
Review Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove 3D (3DS)
The story of the ghost
This past May saw the release of Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix. We enjoyed it more than we expected to, and you can read why right here in our Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix review. In fact, you'd better read that review, because the retail sequel, Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove 3D, doesn't deviate much...
Review BurgerTime Deluxe (3DS eShop / GB)
A tasty treat
When people think of Data East's games, they tend to think of Joe & Mac and Karnov, but one title that's just as much of a classic but never seems to get mentioned that often is BurgerTime. Originally debuting in arcades and being ported to many platforms, it was an endlessly looping, fast-paced game with six levels that required...
Nintendo Download 3rd November 2011 (North America)
Kicking off November in style
There's a distinctly domestic theme to this week's Nintendo Download in North America, with a house, some garden gnomes and a spot of lawn mowing all featuring in one way or another. Let's get on our aprons and see what's available to take home this week. WiiWare: Gnomz (QubicGames, 1000pts) — A single-screen...
News More Stunning Zelda: Skyward Sword Artwork
How much more can you take?
We know The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is beautiful. Chances are, you know it too. Let's just leave it at that and get on with the latest batch of beautiful artwork from Nintendo then, shall we? From expansive vistas to more intimate portraits, there's everything here to get you geared up for the biggest Wii game of...
News Rising Star Games Bringing BIT.TRIP to Europe
Rejoice!
Triumphant compilations BIT.TRIP SAGA and BIT.TRIP COMPLETE are on the way to Europe in 2012, courtesy of Rising Star Games. The publisher — ignoring its "Home of Japanese Games" slogan for just a little while — has confirmed it'll be releasing both compilations across Europe in the first three months of next year. Excellent...
Feature Pikmin's 10th Anniversary
A modern classic
The GameCube era is still a questionable time for Nintendo fans. While the console undoubtedly had its standout titles, there always seems to be a lingering question over how high — or, more to the point, how low — it would rank when gauged against Nintendo's other consoles. But wherever you fall in the debate, it's impossible...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Origin Trailer Sets the Scene
May contain spoilers
Whether or not you agree with Nintendo's dripping tap approach to marketing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, you can't argue that the game looks anything less than beautiful, particularly in this new trailer. Although Nintendo's termed this the "origin" trailer, it might still contain the odd spoiler for what lies...
News Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva DVD Out 8th November
Worth investigating
After a successful première at New York Comic Con, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva is set for a DVD release in just a few days. VIZ Media has announced the film will see release North America on 8th November, with a recommended retail price of $19.97 U.S. or $19.98 CAN, though you can buy it direct for $14.99. It'll be...
News Chicago, Mario is Coming to See You Too
He gets everywhere
Mario visits the Windy City next week to promote upcoming 3DS release Super Mario 3D Land, appearing at the John Hancock Center on 9th November. As with his other events in Austin, TX, New York City and San Diego, there'll be an army of Tanooki Marios making an appearance for a surprise performance. What city do you think will be...
Wednesday2nd Nov 2011
All the fun of the fare?
SEGA has a brilliant track record in arcade driving games. OutRun, Daytona USA, SEGA Rally, Hang On; many older readers probably have fond memories of dropping coins on quick races on games housed within some oversized cabinet complete with steering wheel and pedals... before subsequently emptying their wallet of many more...
News This Skyward Sword Art is Too Good Not to Share
And no spoilers!
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is one of the most beautiful looking Wii games we've seen, and Nintendo's teams have created countless pieces of art for the game over the year: remember the E3 2009 reveal artwork? Here's another stunning piece showing Link, villain Lord Ghirahim and Zelda, but it's full of smaller details too:...
News Silicon Knights Working on "Most Requested Title" for Next Gen
What could it be?
Silicon Knights has had a torrid time in recent years: after years of development, its first Xbox 360 game Too Human met a tepid critical and commercial reaction, and its most recent release X-Men Destiny didn't fare much better. Things weren't always like this, though: the studio did a great job with Konami revamp Metal Gear...
News Austin, Texas Gets In On the Mario Launch Love
Spreading far and wide
After San Diego and New York, where else can Nintendo go to spread the word about Super Mario 3D Land? How about Austin, Texas? On 7th November Nintendo will take a host of Tanooki Marios to the Republic Square Park in Austin, TX for an impromptu (as in "extremely rehearsed") performance of a surprise nature. Still...
News F1 2011 Lines Up on 3DS on 25th November
Start your engines
Codemasters has just revealed the launch date for its first 3DS game: F1 2011 will reach Europe on 25th November. As with Codies' previous Nintendo F1 title, F1 2009 on Wii, experienced racing studio Sumo Digital has handled development so we should be in for a pretty solid representation of the sport: the first time it's gone 3D,...
Competition Win escapeVektor: Chapter One [EU, NA and AUS]
15 copies to give away
We know you love great games, and we know you love competitions, but we bet you love both of them together even more. We've teamed up with Nnooo to give away 15 copies of WiiWare gem escapeVektor: Chapter 1 to readers around the world. We have five copies for North America, five for Europe and five for Australia and New...
News Cinemax Puts Together Rytmik Website Mix Tape
Back-to-back hits
Cinemax's Rytmik series is about to welcome its fourth release with Rytmik Retrobits in the near future, so the studio's put together a website showcasing the DSiWare music app's various flavours. The Rytmik Collection site also contains links and videos of some of the highest rated songs created by users of DSiWare downloads...
News Castle Conqueror Heroes Marches for DSi on 10th November
To arms!
CIRCLE Entertainment's DSiWare onslaught continues apace: no sooner have we had Castle Conqueror — Revolution than we're ready to greet Castle Conqueror — Heroes. CIRCLE just let us know the game will reach the North American DSi Shop on 10th November, and fired over a little bit of information about the game and a trailer too. Be a...
![Win escapeVektor: Chapter One [EU, NA and AUS]](https://images.nintendolife.com/30f42f885479a/250x183.jpg)
Tuesday1st Nov 2011
Review Captain America: Super Soldier (3DS)
Captain Average
Superhero fans invariably have very little to look forward to or shout about when it comes to video games. Whether it be down to either a lack of respect for the source material on the part of the developer or a rushed development cycle so that the games can meet strict deadlines and release alongside their film counterparts, comic...
News Iwata Unsure if Nintendo Will Sell Wii U At a Loss
At a loss for words
In stark contrast to Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo generally sells hardware at a profit, but the recent 3DS price drop has clearly caused the company to reconsider that stance. At a recent investor Q&A, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed he's not yet sure if Nintendo will sell Wii U at a profit from day one. I have no...
News Nintendo Promises 3DS DLC for Next Year's Titles
Will we see any this year?
The late November 3DS system update will add the ability for developers to release downloadable content for games in the 3DS eShop, but Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed there'll be no Nintendo DLC until 2012. Speaking to investors after the semi-annual financial report, Iwata said: Nintendo will also offer...
News Super Mario 3D Land Made for Snacking, Not Gorging
Handheld finger food
3DS might be as powerful as Wii, but it's in a very different setting, as Super Mario 3D Land director Koichi Hayashida explains in a recent Iwata Asks. According to Hayashida, if Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a grand imperial banquet, Super Mario 3D Land is fast food, designed to be consumed quickly in short bites: [Super Mario...
The future of Captain Olimar's intergalactic journeys
Last week marked ten years since the original Pikmin released in Japan. In the decade since we've had just a single sequel, but Olimar's adventures are far from over. The story of an alien who crash lands on a mysterious planet and must recruit tiny plants to work for him, like many of Shigeru...
News Machinarium Finally, Officially Cancelled
Guess why
Last September, XGen Studios announced Machinarium was coming to WiiWare, but since then we've heard not anything else about the game, leading many to assume it would never see the light of say. Sadly, those folks were right. Developer Amanita Design's founder Jakub Dvorský finally sealed the game's coffin in an interview with Eurogamer,...
News Grab a 3DS for £90 As Makro Goes Crazy Tomorrow
All Nintendo machines sub-£100
Cash and carry chain Makro is having a particularly good deal in its UK stores tomorrow, offering any Nintendo console of your choice for under £100. The retailer — which only sells to card-carrying members, it should be pointed out — is selling all Nintendo hardware at an eye-watering £90, including the...
News Evidence Mounts for Circle Pad Pro Name
Capcom in on the act too
Last night's batch of new screenshots and videos for Resident Evil Revelations also came with an attached fact sheet, and it all-but confirms the Circle Pad expansion's official Western name. Alongside information about the co-op raid mode, the sheet also states: Compatible with Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro – Add a fourth...
News A Video of Link Rapping on a Beach
What more do you need?
You want to make a rap video for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but you haven't got access to a world above the clouds or a nearby volcano. What do you do instead? You dress up as Link, go down to the beach and film it there. The video below might not be the most faithful tribute to the series we've ever seen, but it's...
