Review Metroid Fusion (3DS eShop / GBA)
Like cold fusion, only cooler
News - December, 2011
Saturday31st Dec 2011
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Reader Awards 2011
The votes are in!
Last week we opened up the Nintendo Life Game of the Year 2011 Readers' Vote, giving you the opportunity to commemorate the very best titles of the past 12 months. We received over 6,000 votes over the course of a week, and after stringent verification we've tallied them all up to reveal the games you voted as the best of 2011...
Interviews Goodbye Galaxy Games - Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish
Developer talks goldfish and games
With Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish out now in Europe, we got in touch with the game's developer Hugo Smits to find out a little bit more about the game and his plans for the future. Nintendo Life: Flipper 2 is quite a departure from the visual and gameplay style of the original Flipper. Why the decision to do...
Friday30th Dec 2011
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Staff Awards 2011
What won our votes this year?
With the launch of 3DS in March, the Wii U's unveiling at E3 and a Christmas period that included new Zelda, Mario and Mario Kart games, we rather think 2011 was a pretty good year all in all. But what were the very best stand-out games of the year? What moments will we think of when we reminisce about 2011? The...
VVVVVVery impressive
When VVVVVV burst onto the indie scene in 2010, it was immediately lauded for its simple, addictive gameplay and unique vector visual style. After enjoying quite a bit of success on PC and Mac over the past two years, the game is now making an appearance on a dedicated game system for the first time via Nintendo's 3DS eShop...
News SEGA Confirms No WiiWare Outing for Sonic 4: Episode II
Sad times
SEGA's digital brand manager Ken Balough has confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II will not make it to Wii. In a post on the SEGA forum, Balough confirmed it wouldn't appear on Nintendo's home console: But no - the reason Episode I was on the Wii was because we wanted to bring the Sonic 4 saga to the widest possible audience...
Rumour New App Store in Development for Wii U
We're not stating the obvious, promise
Though we're yet to receive an exact release date, we know the Wii U will hit during the second half of 2012. One guarantee as release approaches is that wild speculation and rumour will run rampant. Today's contender: a Wii U 'App Store'. It goes without saying that there'll be an equivalent to the current Wii...
News Disney Newsletter Accidentally Outs Epic Mickey 2
It's bound to happen
Rumours of a sequel to Disney Epic Mickey continue to swirl around the Internet like paint in a pot, with a Disney newsletter seemingly outing the game before its official announcement. The email mentions a brand new Epic Mickey 2 in development for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with a release set for fall 2012: Disney Epic...
Thursday29th Dec 2011
Review Commando: Steel Disaster (DSiWare)
Steely gamers only
In the early 1990s, when the very idea of 3D polygons was beyond most imaginations, 2D run-and-gun shooters were popular amongst dedicated and skilled gamers. Titles such as Contra on NES, Gunstar Heroes on Mega Drive and Metal Slug on the Neo Geo meant that most console owners experienced, and often loved, the genre. Commando:...
Nintendo Download 29th December 2011 (North America)
VVVVVVery exciting
The last batch of downloads for 2011 brings with it some more goodies, including a gravity-flipping eShop game and a certain game starring a guy with a bionic arm. 3DS Download Software: VVVVVV (Nicalis, $7.99) — The well-known indie platformer has made its way to the eShop. It seems to be identical to the PC release, including...
News Sonic 4: Episode II Revealed, No Nintendo Formats Mentioned
No 'Ware in sight
SEGA finally made Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II official with a teaser trailer, but the first video makes no mention of any Nintendo formats. The teaser's closing screen mentions the following formats: PS3 (i.e. PlayStation NetworkXbox 360 (i.e. Xbox Live)Android MarketWindows PhoneApp Store. Of course that doesn't mean we...
News Trip World Visits Europe's 3DS Virtual Console on 5th January
Sends postcard
Trippy Game Boy release Trip World is part of next week's Nintendo Download in Europe. Sunsoft's second 3DS Virtual Console game after Game Boy Color outing Blaster Master: Enemy Below, Trip World is pretty graphically impressive for a Game Boy game, with a barmy plot about a stolen flower and an innocent hero who can transform...
News Renegade Kid Wants Your Mutant Mudds Questions
Ask away!
With the upcoming release of Mutant Mudds coming in early 2012, we know many of you obviously have questions about the game. Thankfully the game's director Jools Watsham has kindly agreed to take part in an exclusive question and answer interview, and you get to ask the questions. All you have to do is submit your questions in the comments...
Wednesday28th Dec 2011
Review Wario Land 4 (3DS eShop / GBA)
A treasure
Wario is pretty good, for a bad guy. To look at him you wouldn’t think he’d have a heroic streak at all; he’s got the squiggly moustache of a pantomime villain and a nose that would put any alcoholic to shame. Despite all this he’s secretly a sweetheart: considering that the rotund treasure hunter started life as an antagonist to...
News Link's Awakening DX is 2011's Best-Selling 3DS VC Game
The results are in
It's official: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX is the 3DS Virtual Console's best-selling game of 2011 in Europe and North America. Link's legendary adventure tops the all-time Virtual Console charts in the UK and North America — live later today — beating off competition from Mario, Samus and Kirby. In fact, the game...
Charts 28th December 2011 (North America)
2011's top sellers
We already know that Link's Awakening DX is the best-selling 3DS VC game of 2011, but here's the round-up of what's hot and what's not in the eShop world. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: 3D Classics: Xevious and Mario vs. Donkey Kong...
News Sonic 4: Episode II Teaser Trailer Due Tomorrow
It's got a nice ring to it
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I seems all but a distant memory now, but SEGA is ready to revitalise your nostalgia for 2D Sonic games by officially revealing Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II tomorrow. Gamespot will have the exclusive teaser trailer tomorrow, with SEGA brand manager Ken Balough keen to emphasise its...
Competition Win a Metallic Red 3DS!
Get it while it's red hot!
If Father Christmas didn't bring you the 3DS console you asked for, Nintendo Life is here to save the day. We've got one of the highly sought-after Metallic Red Nintendo 3DS consoles (European) up for grabs in our exclusive competition. All you have to do is answer the question, cross your fingers and wait.
Competition Win "A History of Nintendo: Volume 1" (5 Copies)
Brush up on your history
If you want to learn more about where it all started for Nintendo, we've got very good news for you. We've teamed up with Pix'n Love Publishing, the company behind some of our favourite gaming-related tomes, to bring you this exclusive competition to win its superb History of Nintendo: Volume 1. You can read our History of...
Tuesday27th Dec 2011
Nintendo Download 29th December 2011 (Europe)
Bionic Commando!
Just because the Christmas celebrations are winding down doesn't mean we can't feel all festive and excited about the final Nintendo Download of 2011. What choice delights does Nintendo Europe have lined up for excited eShoppers this week? Read on, dear reader, and find out. 3DS Virtual Console: Bionic Commando (Game Boy, Capcom,...
Charts 27th December 2011 (UK)
Check out the Christmas sellers
It's the last time to take a look at 2011's 3DS eShop charts, so savour the numbers below; they may very well hold the secret to the future. At the very least, they explain how well games sell relative to each other. Let's just get on with it, shall we? denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry...
News Fire Emblem to Start Japanese 3DS DLC Service in 2012
Get more quests
We haven't heard much about Fire Emblem on 3DS for the past few months, but Nikkei (via Andriasang) report the game will kick off the system's add-on DLC service in early 2012. Now called Fire Emblem: Awakening, the game will release in Japan on 19th April, with a new "free map" system letting you explore the world with a...
News Japanese 3DS Sales Hit New High in Christmas Week
How high can it go?
3DS sales have been steadily growing in Japan over the past few weeks, with the week leading up to Christmas the busiest for the console yet. Enterbrain (via Andriasang) reports Nintendo sold a staggering 510,629 3DS consoles in the week before Christmas, topping the record of 367,691 set in the previous week. Since February,...
Review WordJong Arcade (DSiWare)
Will it put a spell on you?
A DSiWare shopper with yet another mahjong solitaire game is like a mule with a spinning wheel – no one knows why he got it, and darned if he knows how to use it. But WordJong Arcade stands out from the pack as it gives the game a Boggle twist; instead of removing matching pairs of tiles, you'll form words as you clear...
Monday26th Dec 2011
Talking Point Your Nintendo Christmas Presents
What was in your stocking?
By now you've unwrapped (and probably discarded most of) your Christmas presents and digested your Christmas meal. It's time to talk what you got this year. No, we don't mean the Christmas meal: tell us about your Nintendo Christmas presents. Was Satoru Claus good to you this year? Drop us a comment below and let us know...
Sunday25th Dec 2011
News Join Our Mario Kart 7 Communities for Festive Fun!
Show us some skill
If you're one of the many thousands unwrapping a 3DS console and/or Mario Kart 7, you probably want to try out its really rather good online modes. We've put together not one, not two, but three official Nintendo Life racing communities for you to take part in. Here's how to get involved: Load up Mario Kart 7 Install the Mario...
Saturday24th Dec 2011
Feature Staff Memories of Nintendo at Christmas
Merry Christmas, one and all
Christmas has arrived, the festive period of giving and generosity, and also a time when loved ones shower each other with thoughtful gifts. For many gamers it's a holiday full of nostalgia and memories of shiny new consoles, games and fun with the family. We couldn't let this holiday pass without sharing some of our...
Feature Merry Christmas from Nintendo Life!
'tis the season!
It's Christmas — a season of goodwill and peace to all men. A time when we take some well-deserved time off to catch up with family and friends, stuff our faces with food and do a huge amount of gaming. To celebrate this awesome time of year we have a special treat. Nintendo gamers know the legendary Nintendo 64 kid, but while...
Friday23rd Dec 2011
Review F-Zero Maximum Velocity (3DS eShop / GBA)
Gotta go fast
F-Zero has always been Nintendo’s way of flaunting how on the cutting-edge of technology it can be when it so chooses. Like a bat out of Hell, the original F-Zero launched alongside the Super NES to draw a clear distinction between where 16-bit Nintendid and SEGagged. Later on N64, F-Zero X boasted 30 on-screen polygonal racers and...
Have your say
We've had a phenomenal year for gaming, with new outings for Mario, Kirby, Link, Sonic and many, many more. As we reach the end of 2011 it's only right to celebrate the best games of the year. We won't hoard all the voting excitement for ourselves, though — we want you, the lovely Nintendo Life readers, to speak up on what you most...
News That Zelda Timeline Makes a Bit More Sense Now
But not much more
Brace yourselves folks: your grey matter and perception of time is about to get seriously twisted. Again. New Nintendo has a fuller translation of the Legend of Zelda timeline we posted the other day. This has been translated from the Hyrule Historia art book, but as usual remember it's a fan translation so don't take it as 100%...
Review Tetris (3DS eShop / GB)
From Russia with fun
Saying that Tetris shifted a few Game Boys is like saying caffeine sold a few energy drinks. Already an established favourite by the time Nintendo's handheld hit the market in 1989, Tetris proved to be the perfect pick-up-and-play experience to go along with the fledgling portable system; while many people initially questioned...
Review Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Lady Liberty Larceny (WiiWare)
Where in the world is the rest of the game?
Remember Carmen Sandiego? That mysterious woman in red who would steal precious and historical items from throughout the world all while teaching kids about history and geography? Well, she’s finally back and up to her old tricks. Except this time, rather than geography, it’s going to take all of...
Feature Bizarre Emails Sent to Nintendo Life - Volume 4
Merry Christmas, everyone
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and in the spirit of gift-giving we've got a sackful of incredible, baffling and downright idiotic emails, all sent to Nintendo Life (or our sister sites) throughout the past few months. If you've missed a previous instalment in the series, consider them stocking fillers before the...
News VVVVVV eShop Release Date Revealed for North America
Price too
VVVVVV lands in the 3DS eShop across North America next week for $7.99. Terry Cavanagh's retro-styled action platformer lands on the service courtesy of Cave Story publisher Nicalis, and arrives with its original stages, music and art style all intact. Nicalis also promises "future content updates" — could this be the first 3DS...
News There's a Myst Descending on 3DS Next Year
Game de-Mystified
90s point-and-click adventure Myst will come to 3DS on 27th March 2012. Publisher Maximum Family Games is promising new content in the form of new landscapes and the addition of the RIME Age. Manny Granillo, CEO of developer Hoplite Research, is very excited about it: In 3D, each scene jumps from the screen and really puts the...
News eShop Meets Its Samurai Sword Destiny on 5th January
More swordplay on the way
We know what you're thinking. "Silly Nintendo Life editor," you scoff. "The 3DS eShop's upcoming swordfighting game is called Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword, not Samurai Sword Destiny." You roll your eyes and tut, forgetting we're the most knowledgeable people in the world when it comes to downloadable...
Thursday22nd Dec 2011
Review Mighty Switch Force! (3DSWare)
The mighty gets mightier
While Shantae will likely always be the series WayForward is best known for, its Mighty series has enjoyed a sizeable degree of success on Nintendo's DSiWare service. Now, the developer is looking to carry that success over to the 3DS eShop with the release of puzzle-platformer Mighty Switch Force. While the game is once...
Review Mario Kart Super Circuit (3DS eShop / GBA)
Short circuit
It’s hard to believe that the Mario Kart franchise has been around for nearly 20 years and appeared on eight different consoles. Mario Kart: Super Circuit may have been first released in 2001, but now it’s back for a whole new generation of players ten years after release through the 3DS Ambassador program. There are four cups to...
Nintendo Download 22nd December 2011 (North America)
Swapnote is here!
It's the Christmas edition of the Nintendo Download, as we deck the halls with digital delights and wonder if we've been good enough boys and girls to get what we've asked Santa for. 3DS Download Software: Swapnote (Nintendo, free) — It wasn't on the website or press release but open your eShop and you'll find Swapnote waiting...
News Skyward Sword Save File Fix Wii Channel Out Now
But there's a small catch
Wii owners in Europe and Australia can now download a free Channel to allow them to continue with their The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword save file if they've encountered Skyward Sword's game-ending glitch. Note the Channel is only any use if you've encountered the bug: if you're planning to work around it or have passed...
News First NES Game Hits 3DS Virtual Console in Japan Today
It's Zelda
Japanese 3DS owners can now download The Legend of Zelda for Virtual Console for 500 Yen. It's the first of the 3DS Ambassador games to be sold on the service, and goes for around £4/€6.40. The game now comes with a digital manual and a new VC menu that offers improved save and suspend features. We'll update you when we know more about...
News Bionic Commando Grips 3DS VC in North America Next Week
Heads up
Here's a truly rare event: Nintendo of America has announced a 3DS Virtual Console game a week in advance. Bionic Commando is coming to the service on 29th December, as revealed by the Nintendo Facebook page. There's no official price yet but expect it to come in around the $3 mark. Are you polishing your grappling gun in anticipation?
News Tekken 3D Steps Into North America on 14th February
Happy Valentine's Day!
Namco's panda-puncher (now there's a PETA campaign waiting to happen) Tekken 3D Prime Edition will take on North America from 14th February 2012. The 3D fighter arrives with CGI movie Tekken: Blood Vengeance intact, and another promise that it'll "make the most of the Wi-Fi functionality" of Nintendo 3DS. What does...
News Nintendo UK Brings Boom Street Forward to 28th December
Shifting stocks
Boom Street (aka Fortune Street) has been brought forward from its 6th January 2012 UK release date to make it out in time for the New Year party season. The board game will now release on 28th December. It's actually quite good, as our Boom Street review states. Nintendo UK announces an early release date for Boom StreetOut in...
News Flip Out Over 101 Pinball World in January
DSiWare turns the tables
Teyon's habit of cramming 101 things into one DSiWare game continues unchecked, with the next title from the Polish developer, 101 Pinball World, due on 12th January 2012. The DSiWare bumper basher will set you back 500 Points and includes 101 tables spread over four themed worlds: Wizard World, Alien Spaceship, Halloween...
Wednesday21st Dec 2011
News Nintendo Japan's Website Has Swapnote Videos
You should watch them
Swapnote — aka Nintendo Letter Box — is the 3DS messaging service, and it's out in Japan today. Nintendo Japan's website has videos of the application in motion, and now we have a better understanding of how it'll work. You can create notes of up to four pages long to be sent to a friend over the Internet (i.e. SpotPass) or...
Rumour Official Legend of Zelda Series Timeline Revealed
Hyrule history translated
The Legend of Zelda art book we told you about last week has now made it to Japan, and according to one fan translation it reveals the official series timeline for the first time. Previously Nintendo has kept the Zelda timeline secret so we're not sure if this is a definitive timeline or simply one interpretation of it, but...
News The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary T-Shirt Due Soon
Pre-orders open Christmas Eve
Premium t-shirt brand The King of Games has just revealed the official commemorative t-shirt for The Legend of Zelda's 25th anniversary, with pre-orders due to start on Christmas Eve. The shirt is available in black or green and features an image of Link's shield and Master Sword surrounded by his other famous items —...
Talking Point Why Is It So Hard to Make a Good Christmas Game?
Coal in the stocking
Merry Christmas, everyone! It's that magical time of year again, a time for all of us to indulge in Christmas movies, Christmas music, Christmas TV specials and Christmas video games! Alright, we admit... not so much the last one. But that poses an interesting question: why not? Christmas-themed video games have been around for...
News Nintendo and Namco Team Up to Bring One Piece to Europe
Mark your calendars
Nintendo's clearly still in the festive spirit as it's just signed a distribution deal with Namco Bandai to bring One Piece Unlimited Cruise Special to Europe on 10th February 2012. The game's a 3D revamp of Wii title One Piece Unlimited Cruise Part 1: Adventure Beneath the Waves — one of the rarer Wii games — with new...
News 3DS to Hit 4 Million Sold in Japan Sooner Than Expected
Ahead of schedule
With Monster Hunter 3 G, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 all out now in Japan, it's no surprise the system's sales have picked up significantly, but according to Andriasang it's outstripping Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's predictions. Just two weeks ago we reported
News Japanese eShop Gets Picross e Sequel Next Week
Picture this
Japanese puzzle fans are well catered-for already on the 3DS eShop, with Mario's Picross on Virtual Console and the eShop-exclusive Picross e available too. Next week sees another picture puzzle crossword added to the store: Picross e2. The 500 Yen download includes another 150 puzzles and a new Micross mode, where you're given a series...
News Tekken 3D Prime Edition Punches Europe on 17th February
Just a day after Japan
Talk about your short waits. Nintendo and Namco Bandai have signed a deal to bring Tekken 3D Prime Edition to Europe on 17th February 2012, just 24 hours after its Japanese release. As with other 3DS fighting titles — Dead or Alive: Dimensions and Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition — Nintendo will handle sales, marketing...
Tuesday20th Dec 2011
Review Metroid Fusion (3DS eShop / GBA)
Like cold fusion, only cooler
Metroid Fusion slipped out of the airlock between two behemoths, simultaneously having to live up to the legacy of its predecessor Super Metroid, which is a big Power Suit to fill, and keep the advancing Metroid Prime at arm cannon's length. It would have been easy for Fusion to have become lost in the vacuum created by...
News 3DS Finally Gets Messaging with Nintendo Letter Box This Week
Merry Christmas
Nintendo 3DS owners in Europe can download the free Nintendo Letter Box application on the eShop from this Thursday. The messaging application arrives as part of the Nintendo Download and lets you send messages via StreetPass and SpotPass. You can write or draw in 2D or 3D and include sound effects and photos too. We'll have news on...
News Nintendo Narrows Wii U Release Date Window
Early 2012 goes right out of it
Nintendo's always said Wii U will be launched between April 2012 and the end of next year, but kiss goodbye to dreams of getting the machine before June. Nintendo of America now states the console will be available between the beginning of E3 and the end of 2012, giving us a six month period during which Wii U could...
Nintendo Download 22nd December 2011 (Europe)
Droppin' blocks and mailin' letters
It's a bumper download for Europe this week — though no, there's no Wii Virtual Console present. Here's what Nintendo's digital departments has to offer this Christmas week. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Nintendo Letter Box (Nintendo, free) — The 3DS finally gets its messaging application with Nintendo...
News Wii U Hands-On for Media Only at CES 2012
Bubble burst
Yesterday's rumour that Nintendo would show off Wii U at CES in January has turned exactly as expected: it just ain't so. 1UP has a statement from Nintendo that confirms the publisher's showing is behind closed doors, with nothing new to reveal over and above what we learnt at E3: Nintendo of America, working with the 2012...
News Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts 3D for the West
Due next year
Square Enix and Disney's fruitful relationship continues next year with Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], as the publisher confirms the 3DS RPG will come to North America and Europe in 2012. Series stalwarts Sora and Riku appear in new locales, including La Cité des Cloches from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with characters from...
Charts 20th December 2011 (North America)
What's filling digital stockings this week?
With just a few days until Christmas here's what 3DS eShop users have been purchasing in the past seven days. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: Buoyed by its appearance as a Club Nintendo reward, 3D Classics: Xevious shoots up to second, just behind Intelligent Systems' adorable puzzler. The Club...
News Australian Board Rates Ubisoft's First Ever Virtual Console Titles
Bringing out the big guns
It's hard to believe, but Ubisoft hasn't released a single game on either the Wii or 3DS Virtual Console, surprising considering the publisher's enormous 25-year back catalogue. That could all be about to change though, as the Australian Classifications Board has rated three titles for the services. Ratings for Prince of...
News North America, Expect Xenoblade Chronicles Before May
Pre-order from Nintendo now
Nintendo gave a vague spring 2012 release date for Xenoblade Chronicles in North America, but now you can pre-order the game directly from Nintendo we have a slightly more precise date. The Nintendo store has the game up for pre-order at $49.99 with the following statement: We expect to begin by the end of April 2012. A...
News Take a Bite of Chronicles of Vampires: Origins This Week
Blood? Simple
Teyon's been quiet on DSiWare for a while but that's about to change this week, as Chronicles of Vampires: Origins will reach North America on Thursday. The vampire-related hidden object puzzle will cost 500 Points and looks a lot — in fact, exactly — like the trailer below. Other games due to reach North America in this week's...
Monday19th Dec 2011
Review The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (3DS eShop / GBA)
Small but mighty
Those poor Hylians just can't have any fun, can they? Just when everything seems to be all well and good, some creep with bad skin comes along, unleashes a whirlwind of evil and shrouds the land in darkness. It's tough for us to feel too bad for them, though. Because as history has shown, bad news for Hyrule means great news for...
Maybe it’s a fruit cake
Nintendo’s handheld consoles face the ever-growing prominence of smartphones, particularly in terms of the games on these devices. Cake Ninja is undoubtedly influenced by a thoroughly popular game on Android and iOS that involves slicing fruit: this ninja, however, has lost his way. The gameplay within this title...
News How Was Super Mario Bros. 3 Made?
Origin tails
The Tanooki tail is back in a big way this year, but it's time to take a look back at when and how it entered the Mario canon way back in Super Mario Bros. 3. Chris Covell's website has a translation of The Stars of Famicom Games, a 1989 book taking a sneaky peek at how Mario's greatest 8-bit adventure was created, from ideas to...
News North America to Get Zelda: Skyward Sword Save File Fix
Everything's not lost
Nintendo Japan's save file fix programme for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is coming to North America. Affected users can either send in their save file on an SD card or wait for Nintendo to make available a piece of Wii software that'll repair the issue. Prevention is better than cure, so read up on how to avoid Z
Rumour Nintendo to Show Off Wii U at CES in January
Getting out there early
The Wii U hasn't been seen since E3 in June, but according to CNET it's about to get a run-out at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. CNET claims Nintendo is taking the Wii U to CES in January, though the CES website doesn't list Nintendo as an exhibitor. Last year Nintendo held meetings at CES but didn't have any...
News Pluck a New Trailer for Harvest Moon: First Earth
Ripe and ready
Harvest Moon: First Earth — or Bokujou Monogatari: Hajimari no Daichi — is coming to Japan in early 2012 and we have a little more footage of the 3D farm 'em up. The trailer below doesn't show us much more than we knew already, with character customisation and the ability to throw houses both displayed, but it does contain cute...
Charts 19th December 2011 (UK)
What's Christmas number one?
Hard to believe we stand at the beginning of Christmas week, yet here we are, eagerly unwrapping UK's 3DS eShop charts to find out what's the star on top of the download Christmas tree. More mixed metaphors in the charts below. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular...
News 3 Heroes - Crystal Soul is CIRCLE's First Game of 2012
The company that loves heroes
Chinese studio CIRCLE Entertainment loves the word "heroes" as much as it loves the word "castle" — hence Castle Conqueror — Heroes then — with a new DSiWare game keeping the tradition alive. 3 Heroes – Crystal Soul is due out in North America on 5th January 2012, and looks like a mix of...
Saturday17th Dec 2011
Talking Point Nintendo's Year of Giving
Making Santa look bad
As we approach the Holiday season, it seems appropriate to reflect on the act of giving. Although it’s nice to say that the real pleasure is in giving gifts, 3DS owners can be honest and say that receiving them is also rather enjoyable. Nintendo have provided a lot of free content since the handheld’s launch, in a variety...
Review Elite Forces: Unit 77 (DSiWare)
Definitely forcing it
On paper, Elite Forces: Unit 77 sounds great. A number of high-profile and wealthy individuals have gone missing all over the world, and it's correctly assumed that this is just the first step in a global terrorist plot. Desperate, the world turns to a renegade troop of no-nonsense butt-kickers: Unit 77. Unit 77 consists of...
Friday16th Dec 2011
Out Now Nintendo 3DS Ambassador GBA Games
Every region has GBA Ambassador games now
The 3DS Ambassador games are available all across the globe now: after Australians got their free games, lucky gamers across Europe and North America can pick theirs up too now. To download your 10 free games, follow these steps: 1 - Enter the eShop from the 3DS Home Menu.2 - Scroll to the far left and...
Review Duracell Wireless Wii Sensor Bar
Worth a closer look?
You'd have to say the wire on the standard Wii sensor bar is of a reasonably generous length, but the fact it's wired at all irritates some, leaving wires trailing around if you don't have your TV and Wii set up how Nintendo originally envisioned. We took the Duracell wireless Wii sensor bar for a spin to see if it's worth going...
Review Paper Wars: Cannon Fodder (WiiWare)
Not the worst game ever
At the back of every game shelf, at the bottom of every YouTube favourites list, in the dark recesses of every gamer's heart, they live. Games with which we are far too familiar, games that some of us have taken a near-masochistic pride in seeking out. Superman. E.T. Super Noah's Ark 3D. These are some of the worst games ever...
News Mighty Switch Force Gets Release Date
Get ready to switch!
We've just gotten word from WayForward that its upcoming 3DS eShop platformer Mighty Switch Force is coming to Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America, Europe and Australia on 22nd December. The game will also only set you back a paltry $5.99 (€6 in Europe). If you're somehow still on the fence, you can check out our Mighty Switch...
News Nintendo Japan to Release Stunning Zelda Art Book
Cover to covet
We might be two weeks from 2012 but the Legend of Zelda 25th anniversary festivities aren't over just yet. Nintendo Japan is to release a Legend of Zelda art book on 22nd December for ¥3255 (£27/$41/€32). At 274 pages long it's a seriously weighty tome, with character and location concept art taken from Zelda's quarter-century...
Review Christmas Wonderland (DSiWare)
Cruel, cruel Santa…
Christmas is here, with endlessly looping festive songs on the radio, frazzled and angry shoppers seeking toys that are always out of stock, and themed downloads appearing on DSiWare. Christmas Wonderland has arrived: is it a land full of magic and goodwill, or a cheap resort with dogs dressed as reindeer? Christmas Wonderland...
News Wicked Monsters Blast is WarioWare Meets Point Blank
Madness ensues
Budget Wii shooters are almost literally ten-a-penny these days, but PQube's Wicked Monsters Blast might have a little something about it. The four-player family-friendly shooter is already out in North America but is due to reach the UK in February 2012, and judging from the trailer below takes heavy inspiration from Point Blank and...
News Nintendo Donates 5,000 3DS Consoles to The Louvre
Imagine all those StreetPasses
The home of the Mona Lisa will loan 3DS consoles to visitors from March next year in a new partnership between The Louvre and Nintendo, as reported by PhysOrg. The consoles will feature Nintendo-developed content including audio guides in seven languages under the editorial direction of the Louvre. The museum hopes...
News Roll Up, Roll Up, It's the Dillon's Rolling Western Trailer
Towering above all
Dillon's Rolling Western has one of the weirder set-ups of any 3DS download game: you're an armadillo in the Wild West who has to spin into enemies and build towers. It's odd, but as it's developed by Nintendo it's probably going to be pretty good. We reported yesterday that Nintendo America put new 3D trailers in the eShop but...
News Watch a Slice of Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword
Looking sharp
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword was on Nintendo's eShop Q1 2012 release schedule, and now we have the first English language trailer. As well as timing-based sword fighting the game also features a little bit of exploration as you walk around talking to villagers and learning that throwing frogs at your opponents "gives them the...
Review Word Searcher 4 (DSiWare)
It’s more word searches… again
You know the old adage “less is more?” Well, it’s pretty obvious that Digital Leisure takes this saying to heart with its Word Searcher series. Word Searcher 4 marks the fourth game in the series of word search puzzle games, and it’s not much of an advancement from the last one, or the one before that, or...
News Capcom to Host Resi Revelations Live Stream Today
Get ready to RAID
Resident Evil Revelations is the first big game of 2012, and Capcom wants to show you more of its online-capable Raid co-op mode in a live stream later today. Starting at 3pm PST/6pm EST/11pm GMT over at Capcom Unity's Twitch TV page, the stream will show off the mode's unlockable characters and weapon customisation across several...
News Rytmik: Hip Hop King Beats Up North America in January
Release date down
Music makers in North America can get to grips with Rytmik Retrobits next week, but if you want something a bit more contemporary then we have good news: Hip Hop King: Rytmik Edition is out on 12th January 2012 for 800 Nintendo Points. That's not all Cinemax has on the way in the next 12 months: it's also bringing 90's Pool,...
Thursday15th Dec 2011
Review The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn (3DS)
Blistering barnacles
In the nine months since the 3DS launched, Ubisoft has released no fewer than 12 games for the handheld. Some, like Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars 3D, have been very good. Others — say, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D — haven't. Where does The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn fit in? Somewhere in the...
Out Now Nintendo 3DS Ambassador GBA Games (Australia)
Get to it!
Lucky 3DS Ambassadors in Australia and New Zealand: your GBA games are waiting for you right now. Vooks.net reports the games are available early for those living Down Under. Here's how to download your games: 1 — Enter the eShop from the 3DS Home Menu. It's the icon with the bag on it. 2 — Scroll to the far left and select...
Nintendo Download 15th December 2011 (North America)
Blaster Master and more
It's a rather average week for the Nintendo Download this week, except for one title, which is the often overlooked Game Boy Color sequel to Blaster Master. No new 3DS Download Software this time, though you're probably still too busy playing Pushmo to care much. 3DS Virtual Console: Blaster Master: Enemy Below (Sunsoft,...
News Nintendo America Loads eShop with New 3D Trailers
See upcoming games in motion
After announcing a stack of 3DS release dates this week Nintendo of America has now posted 3D trailers of some upcoming titles on the eShop itself. You can download new 3D footage of Kid Icarus: Uprising — out on 23rd March 2012 — as well as Q1 download releases Dillon’s Rolling Western and Sakura Samurai: Art of...
News Eurosport Video App Coming to 3DS For Free
More sports videos on the way too
Starting today, there'll be new Eurosport video content coming to 3DS via SpotPass, Nintendo has announced. 3DS owners will be able to download a free Eurosport video application from the eShop that will give them access to weekly videos from the popular WATTS series. All videos will be free. Search for...
Nintendo Download 15th December 2011 (Europe)
Better late than never edition
No press release from Nintendo of Europe this week but here's what's available to buy on the download services this week. 3DS eShop: Eurosport application (free) — This new video application is part of a new partnership between Nintendo and Eurosport. Featuring clips from the WATTS series it's set to get new content...
News 3DS Games Take Top Three in Japanese Sale Charts
Hardware a best seller too
Japanese firm Media Create has revealed sales data between 5th December and 11th December, with 3DS games and hardware leading the field. As expected, Monster Hunter 3 G's phenomenal first week sales ensured it took the top spot, but Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land also had strong
News Nintendo Japan Preparing Skyward Sword Save File Fixer
Will it reach the West?
You may remember we posted how to avoid Skyward Sword's game-ending glitch, but if that advice came too late then Nintendo of Japan is preparing a solution in the form of a program to fix glitched save files. Full details aren't available yet but Nintendo will offer two options. Users with internet access will be able to...
Competition European Pokémon Championships Dated and Detailed
You could go to Hawaii
If you want to be the very best — and live in Europe — here's how to get there. The Pokémon Company International just announced European dates and details for the upcoming Pokémon Video Game National Championships, starting next year. From 3rd March to 1st April 2012, Pokémon Black & White players can step up to...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Available for £24.99 in UK
Missing Link?
If you haven't got around to picking up The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword yet, or you want to pick it up as a Christmas gift, GAME and Gamestation have just dropped the game's price to a superb £24.99. As you'll know if you've read our Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review, Link's latest outing is worth every penny. Buy The Legend...
News Nintendo TV Hits the UK eShop in 3D
Includes 3D footage of our editor
You'll probably remember that Nintendo Life took the podium at the Mario Kart 7 launch event, but now you can experience that excitement for yourself in the first episode of Nintendo TV, available now in the UK's eShop. The 3D episode features a very brief report on the game's London launch event — where our own...
Wednesday14th Dec 2011
News 3DS Ambassador Game Boy Advance Games Revealed
All inside!
After a long wait, Nintendo of Japan has revealed the full line-up of ten Game Boy Advance games that will be available to Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors. In Japan the games are available from this Friday, but we're just waiting on confirmation from Nintendo of Europe and America on the dates. F-Zero: Maximum VelocitySuper Mario Advance 3:...
News 3DS Ambassador GBA Games Out Friday in Europe
Good news, everyone
After news of the Japanese 3DS Game Boy Advance Ambassador games we now have official confirmation from Nintendo Europe that the following games are on the way this week. SpotPass notifications through the 3DS Ambassador certificate are rolling out from today. From Friday 16th December 3DS Ambassadors in Europe will be able to...
News Club Nintendo Now Lets You Buy Download Games with Coins
Update available now
Last week's brief appearance of Club Nintendo's major overhaul was indeed a portent of things to come, as the new site is now up and fully operational. Just as we reported last week, you can now use your Club Nintendo coins to pay for download games on the Wii or 3DS eShop. The following games are available until 10th January:...
News New Pokémon Game to Be Announced in January
What could it be?
Pokémon super site Serebii reports that a new Pokémon game is set to be revealed in early 2012. Japanese magazine CoroCoro claims to have the world exclusive on a new Pokémon game in its next issue, due out on 14th January 2012. There are no further hints about what it could be, so feel free to engage your rampant speculation...
Feature Celebrating 10 Years of Animal Crossing
Population: glowing
Here's a fun game next time you're at a boring social occasion: try explaining the point of Animal Crossing to an elderly family member. Nintendo's genre-defying life series first appeared in Japan in April 2001 as Dobutsu no Mori ("Animal Forest") on Nintendo 64, but it was the enhanced Animal Forest+ for GameCube —...
Review Michael Jackson: The Experience 3D (3DS)
Once you pop, will you want to stop?
Given the runaway success of motion-controlled dance games and the stratospheric popularity of Michael Jackson, it’s frankly quite bewildering that nobody thought to marry the two before his death in 2009. Last year’s Michael Jackson: The Experience from Ubisoft was a thoroughly decent example of the genre,...
Feature Further Adventures in Scanlines: The SLG SCART
Reading between the lines
Not so long ago we reported on an awesome piece of tech which imbued your HD TV with the power to display authentic retro-style scanlines. The SLG3000 has since gone on to become a highly sought-after piece of kit in vintage gaming circles, so much so that Arcade Forge - the company behind the unit - have come up with a...
News Club Nintendo Japan Gets Gold Nunchuks
Jealous?
GoldenEye 007 has a gold Classic Controller Pro, Club Nintendo members can get a gold Wii Wheel for Mario Kart Wii and of course there's a gold Wii Remote Plus for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but there's not been a gold Nunchuk — until now. Japanese Club Nintendo members can now get a gold Nunchuk to go with their other golden acc
News Get 5% Off Custom Nintendo Crafts at Broodr
Festive savings
In October we posted about Broodr, a crafts site that offers all sorts of interesting trinkets, from Game Boy Advance USB memory sticks to Game Boy Color soaps. With Christmas just around the corner we've teamed up with Broodr to offer Nintendo Life readers a 5% discount on all goods bought on the site. Simply make your purchase...
News Rhythm Heaven Fever Box Art is Bright and Beautiful
It really is
Now we know that Rhythm Heaven Fever is out in North America on 13th February 2012 it's time to take a look at the shiny art that'll greet you upon arrival at your chosen purveyor of video gaming goods. Nintendo of America's gone for a very different approach to the slightly staid cover on Rhythm Heaven, throwing as much colour and as...
News Miyamoto: "Retro Could Work with Nintendo on Zelda"
Zelda Prime?
Retro Studios has a pretty incredible development record: having developed Metroid Prime Trilogy and Donkey Kong Country Returns there's understandable excitement about what other Nintendo franchises the Texan studio can turn its magic hand to next. How about The Legend of Zelda? Shigeru Miyamoto spoke to 1Up about Retro's involvement...
Review House, M.D. - Episode 5: Under the Big Top (DSiWare)
Not-so-grand finale
If you’ve been keeping score at home, then you should know by now that playing the House, M.D. games is about as fun as being hospitalised. Fortunately, the suffering can finally end now that the fifth and final installment in the series has arrived. If you’ve played any of the previous games and enjoyed them, then stop...
News NES Bit Magazine Powers Up with Issue Two
8 bits of glory
In September we reported on the first issue of NES-Bit magazine; originally intended as a one-off, it performed well enough for editor Lorfarius to start work on issue two. Available as a PDF at first before getting a print release, the next issue covers a range of topics, with a special feature on the much-loved Castlevania series...
News 3DS and Wii Get Frosty with Winter Sports 2012
Out in January
3DS doesn't have a huge number of sports games in its catalogue but you can add one to that number in January, when PQube's Winter Sports 2012 lands across the UK. The 3DS version of the chilly compilation features seven disciplines and 50 challenges to complete, with a character designer and slow motion replay mode too. There's also...
News Antipole Flips Into Europe on 29th December
Not 5th January
Among the many Nintendo release date announcements yesterday was the announcement that DSiWare puzzle platformer Antipole is to reach Europe on 5th January, but developer Saturnine Games has dropped us a line to correct that date. Antipole will be released on 29th December, fully localised into French, Italian, German and Spanish as...
Tuesday13th Dec 2011
News Nintendo Has These Wii Games Planned for Early 2012
Mario Party and more
Proving that there's life in the old dog yet, Nintendo Europe has sent over a list of Wii games you can expect to play in early 2012 and beyond. While there's only one WiiWare game on the list — and most disappointingly no Virtual Console titles — the retail releases are still of a pretty high calibre, with big hitters...
News Nintendo America Dates Upcoming 3DS Games
Not a complete list
It's release date madness today, as Nintendo's American and European wings have announced countless release dates for Wii, DS and 3DS games. For North America, the biggest news is Kid Icarus: Uprising's release date of 23rd March, but there's a bit more to discover in the list below; Rayman Origins is on course for a release in...
News Mario Party 9 and Rhythm Heaven Fever Release Dates Revealed
Not long to wait
Nintendo of America's release schedule just confirmed release dates for three Wii games due out in early 2012. Rhythm Heaven Fever is the earliest first-party release, arriving on 13th February — just in time for Valentine's Day. It'll retail at $29.99 too, making it an even better present for that special someone. That's followed...
News Inazuma Eleven 2 Shoots for Europe in 2012
A game of two halves
Football RPG Inazuma Eleven must have done reasonably well for itself across Europe as Nintendo has announced the sequel is on the way in 2012. The tentatively titled Inazuma Eleven 2 is to be split into two games, currently subtitled Firestorm and Blizzard, as it was in Japan upon its initial release back in 2009. If you're not...
News 3DS eShop Has All These Games Launching in Quarter 1
It's a good list
The 3DS eShop is picking up steam lately, what with the recent update and excellent software like Pushmo, and Nintendo wants to keep that momentum going into early 2012. The company just released a broad outline of its release schedule for the eShop in the first quarter of next year, with some good titles in the mix. Sadly there's...
News Nintendo Dates 3DS Download Software for Early 2012
Roll up
Nintendo of Europe just released some vague dates for upcoming 3DS download software to kick off 2012. WiiWare puzzler ThruSpace is set for a 3DS sequel as Nintendo Europe has announced SpeedThru: Potzol's Puzzle is coming to the eShop in February 2012. It's already out in Japan but we'll get to try it out in a few months time. Elsewhere...
News Nintendo Europe's 2012 3DS Release Schedule Is In
What's on the cards?
Nintendo Europe's seemingly never-ending list of games due out in 2012 includes this list of gems on the way to 3DS in the next 12 months. As well as confirming Professor Layton for 3DS in 2012 and a March release date for Kid Icarus: Uprising, there are a few more gems in here to make 2012 look like a bright year of gaming...
News New Kid Icarus: Uprising Trailer Shows Dark Pit
He's here
Now we know that Kid Icarus: Uprising is due for release in March 2012, Nintendo has released a new trailer showing the game off. The Sin and Punishment-style aerial sections still look superb, and the new ground-based bosses are formidable as ever. There's also an appearance from adversary Dark Pit, who's sure to be one of the main...
News LEGO Batman 2 Gets Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and More
DC stays current
The LEGO games bandwagon shows no signs of slowing down, with LEGO Batman 2 — Super Heroes the latest blocky action game to be uncovered. According to flyers included in the new LEGO range — as posted by MCV — LEGO Batman 2 gives the Dark Knight two new comrades, with Superman and Wonder Woman both set to appear. The leaflets...
News Nintendo Outs Jett Rocket Super Surf for 3DS eShop
No secrets in this place
Nintendo just took the lid off Shin'en Multimedia's long-teased 3DS follow-up to WiiWare hit Jett Rocket. Called Jett Rocket Super Surf, the game will hit the 3DS eShop in early 2012. Other than that, we know next-to nothing about the game, but we're going out on a limb and suggesting it involves surfing. More details as we...
News Monster Hunter 3 G Helps 3DS to Its Best Ever Sales in Japan
Staggering numbers inside
In news equivalent to the revelation that the Pope is head of the Catholic church, Monster Hunter 3 G has racked up phenomenal sales in its first week in Japan. The game sold a staggering 471,055 copies in its first two days. As a point of comparison, Super Mario 3D Land accumulated 343,492 sales in its first week. Monster...
News Kirby's Block Ball Bouncing to 3DS Virtual Console
Brick your 3DS
Considering how well 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure and Kirby's Dream Land have been performing in the 3DS eShop Charts, it's no surprise Nintendo is bringing more pink-themed games to the 3DS next year. Nintendo's latest release schedule reveals Kirby's Block Ball is coming to the 3DS eShop
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Out in North America on 23rd March
Official date is in
We got a vague European release window for Kid Icarus: Uprising earlier and now we have a confirmed North American date: 23rd March 2012. Nintendo's sky-soaring adventure is set for release just under a year after the 3DS launched. We last played the game in July, so check out our most recent Kid Icarus: Uprising preview for our...
News 3DS Circle Pad Pro Reaches United States on 7th February
For $19.99
Nintendo has confirmed its Circle Pad Pro accessory will see release in the United States in early 2012. The optional attachment lands on 7th February — the same day as Resident Evil Revelations — and will cost $19.99. The add-on will only be sold through GameStop stores and at GameStop.com. Nintendo is also introducing an optional...
News Nintendo Europe Confirms Professor Layton for 3DS in 2012
Mystery solved
Nintendo of Europe has announced Professor Layton on 3DS will release across the continent in 2012. Known in Japan as Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle — currently called Professor Layton 5 in Europe — was released with 3DS in the Land of the Rising Sun. Layton and Luke arrive in the town of Montdol to investigate the...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Finally Lands on 3DS in March
About time
Nintendo Europe has finally issued a vague March release window for much anticipated 3DS game Kid Icarus: Uprising. Pit's glorious return has seen significant delays: originally intended to be a 3DS release game, it's been pushed back to respond to feedback about the controls during its ground section.. Nintendo Europe also gave a broad...
News Learn the Story of CRUSH 3D In This Trailer
It was a dark and stormy night
SEGA's CRUSH3D is ready to hit 3DS in early 2012, and now you can get a feel for the story that sets the whole thing up. The game is a dimension-squashing puzzler: main character Danny can compress — or "crush" — three-dimensional stages into two dimensions for easy passage. It's a lot simpler than it...
News There Are Still Some Games On the Way to DSiWare in 2012
Emerging Victorious
Nintendo Europe's DS release list for 2012 doesn't contain much in the way of retail — apart from the announcement that Inazuma Eleven 2 is on the way to Europe — with the rest of the schedule populated by DSiWare games. One of the new titles announced is Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut, which has just come out as a...
Monday12th Dec 2011
Mega blox
Intelligent Systems is mostly known for its work on the Advance Wars, Fire Emblem and WarioWare series, but occasionally, when it's not too busy, it develops some unique games: it's created titles like Cubivore on the GameCube and Eco Shooter Plant 530 on WiiWare. Now it's back with another original creation for the eShop, and it can quite...
Hide and don't seek
Hey, kids — remember the movie Ghostbusters? Remember how exciting and fun it looked? Well, be prepared to have that illusion siphoned out of you by The Hidden, which takes the concept of ghost busting and marries it to the embarrassment of walking in circles in public places. The Hidden bills itself as an "augmented...
News Miyamoto Sure Has Some Weird Game Ideas
Baby-raising and family struggles
Shigeru Miyamoto's ideas come from all angles. Pikmin came from gardening; Wii Fit from his wife bringing home a new set of bathroom scales. We're almost afraid to ask about the inspiration of an idea revealed in a recently translated discussion all the way from 1989 (thanks to Siliconera.) The discussion in...
Review Castle Conqueror - Against (DSiWare)
Another day in paradise
Another Castle Conqueror game? If CIRCLE Entertainment keeps this up, this just might turn into a monthly tradition. It's worth reading our previous reviews of Castle Conqueror and Castle Conqueror — Revolution as the gameplay here is largely the same as its real-time predecessors. The basic concept remains untouched:...
News Aonuma: "Future Zelda Games Will Use Motion Controls"
Buttons undone
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's motion controls are here to stay, according to series supremo Eiji Aonuma. Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, Aonuma believes using buttons would be a step back: I honestly think we cannot go back to button controls now, so I think that these controls will be used in future Zelda titles, too...
News These Cut Scenes Never Made it Into Majora's Mask
Yet here they are
It's always fascinating to see what gets left out of games before they make it to players, and while these two cut scenes from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask aren't the most exciting we've ever seen they do show Link doing press-ups, so that's something. The clips below come from a beta version of the game, but we won't spoil...
X-cceptable
Less than a month ago, EnjoyUp Games released Pinocchio’s Puzzle, a jigsaw puzzle game that proved to be good fun for the whole family. Now, just in time for the holidays, EnjoyUp’s second jigsaw puzzle videogame emerges as Xmas Puzzle. But is this puzzle worth finishing and framing, or is it just a cheap Christmas cash cow? If you...
Charts 12th December 2011 (North America)
Shopping all over the world
After our UK 3DS eShop Charts it's time to see what people on the other side of the Atlantic have been picking up. As this is the first time we've run these charts we haven't got the details of previous positions, but we'll pick that up in future weeks. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: A strong showing for Pushmo in...
Charts 12th December 2011 (UK)
Did Pullblox reach the top?
It's Monday morning and time to take a quick look at everything that's selling well in the Nintendo 3DS eShop across the UK. With plenty of new releases last week it'll be interesting to see how the new titles fared against established titles. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a...
News Abylight Wants to Recruit You For Elite Forces: Unit 77
Heading to DSiWare, maggots!
Abylight's Elite Forces: Unit 77 is bringing a touch of strategy to DSiWare this week in North America and Europe. A downloadable port of the 2009 DS retail release, Abylight has taken the opportunity to introduce new features: there's now local multiplayer for up to four players, a more accessible difficulty curve and...
News Soccer Up! Videos Show Off Four-Player Mode
Briefly
WiiWare sports sim Soccer Up! is out next Thursday, and if you feel like gathering a few friends around for some holiday season soccer action here's two brief videos showing all the fun you could have. The game supports four-player local play with no need for Nunchuks. It all looks like the kind of silly knockabout football that did the...
Sunday11th Dec 2011
Review Tales of the Abyss (3DS)
Abyssmal?
In the nine months or so that it’s been on sale, the 3DS has had a number of obstacles thrust upon it, but one major problem for early adopters to lament has surely been the distinct lack of quality software available, with only a handful of truly great games seeing release. Of course, in the last few weeks that’s picked up somewhat,...
Review Blaster Master: Enemy Below (3DS eShop / GBC)
Underground hit
When the original Blaster Master made its appearance on the NES in 1988, it was lauded for its unique gameplay style and vast environment. Sunsoft would follow up the game with releases on Sega's Genesis and Nintendo's Game Boy, but it wasn't until it decided to create a sequel for Nintendo's Game Boy Color that Nintendo fans really...
News Nintendo Takes Home Four Awards at Spike VGAs
Read all about it
Last night's Spike Video Game Awards might have been more of a glossy advert reel than a bona fide awards show, but that doesn't take the sheen off Nintendo's four awards on the night. The biggest gong saw The Legend of Zelda receive the first-ever Video Game Hall of Fame Award, picked up by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, who...
News Photos of Shigeru Miyamoto Sat in a Real Life Mario Kart
No words required
It's been more like Shigeru Miyamoto Life around these parts this week, with Nintendo's legendary designer hitting the headlines for his apparent — though later rescinded — announcement of his retirement. He's still a fun lovin' kind of guy though, as these photos of him sat in a real-life Mario Kart prove. Miyamoto was in...
News Flipper 2 Gets European Release Date
And a brand new gameplay trailer to boot
Goodbye Galaxy Games has announced that its upcoming DSiWare game Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish is set to be released in Europe on December 29th at a cost of 500 Nintendo Points. You can check out our Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish preview if you're still on the fence and the game's brand new trailer is below...
Saturday10th Dec 2011
Talking Point The Evolution of the 3DS
Learning to walk
On 7th December the latest firmware update arrived on the 3DS, adding new features, functionality and playable content to the handheld. In fact, the system now has a more rounded feel to its functionality, with the current fully updated console boasting significant additions to its original capabilities. We've already put together a...
News Nintendo Crows About November Sales for Wii and 3DS
The figures are in
Now November is long gone it's time to review how Nintendo did in the sales front across the United States. We know the 3DS beat the DS first-year sales in just 8 months, that Mario and Skyward Sword set series sales records, but here's Nintendo's official overview. November was a the biggest month yet for 3DS, with 795,000...
News Cake Ninja is Fruit Ninja But With Cakes Instead
Ninja
Never let it be said that originality is dead. Cypronia is about to unleash Cake Ninja on an unsuspecting DSiWare service next week. The game tells the story of a ninja sent to destroy all the cake so his wife can't eat it. We're not making this up. As you can see in the video below it's more than a little similar to Fruit Ninja. Cake Ninja is...
Friday9th Dec 2011
News Miyamoto: "Eventually Nintendo Must Survive Without Me"
It is inevitable
All the talk of Shigeru Miyamoto retiring or stepping down — neither of which he's doing, of course — got many thinking about Nintendo's future after its talismanic figure leaves. Miyamoto himself spoke to the Wall Street Journal blog briefly about company life after his departure, and acknowledges Nintendo must prosper without...
News WarioWare Takes Christmas Movies and Makes Them Better
Much better
We kicked off the year by reliving 2010's biggest news stories through the wonder of WarioWare D.I.Y., and as we approach the most magical day of the calendar the talented NGamer crew have put together a WarioWare rendition of some of your favourite Christmas movies. The video below puts favourites such as Miracle on 34th Street, Home...
First Impressions Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish
Don't forget to flush!
Flipper was an engaging and imaginative DSiWare release: not only did it feature one of the more unique visual styles seen on the service, it had simple and addictive gameplay too. Rather than merely take that idea and run with it for the follow-up, developer Hugo Smits decided to mix things up and create a completely...
News Bleep Bloop, Rytmik: Retrobits is Out on 22nd December
In North America, that is
Chip music studio Rytmik Retrobits is set to reach North America in two weeks, Cinemax tells us. Out on 22nd December for 800 Nintendo Points, the latest entry in the Rytmik series uses 16-bit-styled samples to let you create your own tunes that evoke memories of gaming days of yore. We rather liked it, as you'll glean from...
Thursday8th Dec 2011
News Club Nintendo Gets Major Overhaul, Pay for Games with Coins
And more
Update: Club Nintendo now lets you buy download games with coins. Original story: Fed up of those Club Nintendo coins going to waste? A major update is on the way that will let you turn them into games. You'll be able to use your coins to purchase download games for the Wii or 3DS using either system's download voucher redeem ability. For...
Nintendo Download 8th December 2011 (North America)
Pushmo!
There's some good stuff on the Nintendo Download today, so make sure you read our Guide to the Nintendo 3DS System Update to get your machine up to speed before checking out the latest downloads. 3DS Download Software: Pushmo (Nintendo, $6.99) — Known as Pullblox in Europe where it is also released today, this is a quirky little puzzler...
Review Lock 'N Chase (3DS eShop / GB)
Puzzle Pac-Man
Data East had quite a few relatively unknown Game Boy games back in the day. Much BurgerTime Deluxe, released a few weeks ago, Lock 'N Chase is essentially a "sequel" to the original arcade game, with the same general gameplay but with many more levels and even a few new gameplay mechanics. If you've played the arcade game,...
News Just Dance 3 Gets Mario DLC on 14th December
Wa-ha!
Just Dance 3 is about to get a whole lot more plumber-y, as Nintendo UK has announced a Mario song is on the way next week. From 14th December you'll be able to download The Mario Song for 250 Nintendo Points, a medley of classics beats and tracks from Mario games past. An on-screen Mario jives to the beat, and the dance marks all wear Mario...
News Expect the Circle Pad Pro Battery to Last for 480 Hours
Or thereabouts
The Circle Pad Pro attachment needs its own AAA battery, but don't think you'll need to shell out on new ones every time you fancy a game of Resident Evil Revelations. According to one eager Japanese early adopter, the device's instructions claim it can last for up to 480 hours on a single AAA battery. Good job too, as the battery...
News Nintendo: Miyamoto Is Not Stepping Down
Issues statement
Shigeru Miyamoto is not stepping down from his current position as head of Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis and Development team, Nintendo has confirmed. In an interview with Wired Miyamoto seemingly announced he was stepping down into a smaller role, but an official statement from Nintendo says this is not the case: Video game...
News Europe Gets The Last Story on 24th February
Are you ready?
Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that Wii RPG The Last Story will reach the continent on 24th February 2012. The long-awaited RPG from Final Fantasy legend Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker studio includes online multiplayer for up to six players simultaneously, with Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Co-operative modes all included...
News 3DS Was UK's Biggest-Selling Console Last Week
Nearly 70,000 sold
Buoyed by the releases of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, 3DS was the biggest-selling console in the United Kingdom last week. Nearly 70,000 units of the console were sold around the UK in the last week, MCV reports. By comparison, the 3DS racked up 113,000 sales at la
News UK Retailers: "We'll Have Enough 3DS Stock for Christmas"
No need to panic
Last week UK 3DS sales hit 70,000, making it the biggest selling console in the nation amid reports of low 3DS stock levels around the country. Now retailers have stepped in to assure customers there'll be enough to go around for Christmas. Representatives from GAME Group, HMV and Sainsbury's all confirmed to
News Miyamoto Not Stepping Down Into Smaller Role
Update: Nintendo clarifies
Update: Nintendo has issued a clarifying statement that says Miyamoto has not left his position: Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto's role at Nintendo is not changing. He will continue to be a driving force in Nintendo's development efforts. In discussing his priorities at Nintendo in a media interview, Mr. Miyamoto...
News Wii Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary in Europe
Hasn't it grown?
Five years ago today, the motion control phenomenon started in Europe. The humble Nintendo Wii reached European stores on 8th December 2006, and set sales records in many territories: in the UK, over 105,000 Wii consoles were sold in the opening weekend, beating the previous record of 70,000 sales set by the Xbox 360. That success...
Wednesday7th Dec 2011
Guide Nintendo 3DS System Update
All the information you need
So you've got the 3DS system update and want to know exactly what's new? We've got you covered. Here you'll find a regularly updated account of how to get the most from your system's new features. If you have any questions, use the Contact form and we'll do our best to address them. Page 1: 3D Video Recording Page 2:
A sound investment
Mario and friends are no strangers to the board game scene: the Mario Party series is a perennial favorite, and rightly so. Those games are colourful, exciting and, most of all, fun. But it may come as something of a surprise to find our favorite denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom sharing a board with characters from the Dragon...
Review Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)
Olympic shames
It was four years ago that the old 16-bit rivals teamed up for the first time: Sonic appeared in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and the two took their tussle to the track in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. It wasn't exactly a high watermark for either mascot, but it felt right at home on the Wii at the time: motion gaming was taking...
News There Are How Many Mii Characters Worldwide?
Quite a lot, it turns out
Wii launched five years ago, unleashing an army of cheery little caricatures called Mii characters. How many of the little folks have made it across the world though? Nearly 214 million, according to Nintendo, and that's not including Miis on 3DS. The staggering facts don't end there: Nintendo Europe claims that the number...
News 3DS Firmware Update Available Now
Get to it!
The wait is over: the Nintendo 3DS firmware update is available now around the world. The update adds new features including 3D video recording, new games in the StreetPass Mii Plaza and the ability to download games from the 3DS eShop while the system is in sleep mode. Here's how to get your update. Bear in mind you'll need a wireless...
Talking Point The Overcrowded Holiday Release Schedule
Time for a congestion charge?
There’s a popular analogy that likens the act of waiting for buses to other everyday occurrences in life: around this time every year we’re all inevitably subjected to the same situation as we were last year, and the year before that, and so on. Picture the scene: you’ve endured summer months of crippling boredom,...
News Xenoblade Chronicles is Coming to Canada Too
More information due "soon"
Last week's announcement that Xenoblade Chronicles is coming to North America actually only specified a United States release, leading those north of the border to wonder if it would see release in Canada. It will. Nintendo of Canada confirmed to Examiner.com that the much-anticipated RPG is on the way to Canada: Xenobl
News Japan's eShop Gets Its First Demos
Try before you buy
The 3DS system update paves the way for paid add-on content and free demos to reach the eShop, but while Europe and North America has to wait a little while for demos Japan's store has a few to choose from. Owners of Japanese consoles can choose free trials of the following games: Dead or Alive: Dimensions Monster Hunter 3 G
News Japanese eShop Takes a Trip to Wario Land Next Week
He's-a gonna ween
Japan's Super Mario Land trilogy reaches completion next week, as Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 reaches the Virtual Console. Regarded as one of the best platformers on the Game Boy, Wario Land was OFLC rated so we expect to see it in Europe and North America pretty soon, perhaps even before Christmas. Cross those fingers now.
News Shifting World Flips 3DS Upside Down in 2012
Seem familiar?
Aksys Games just announced a new retail release for 2012: Shifting World. The game might seem familiar to the 16 million-plus people who've played Shift online or via its iOS release. It's an enjoyable puzzle game that flips black and white and up and down to create some mind-bending puzzles. Shifting World on 3DS obviously brings 3D...
News 3DS Nears 3 Million Sales in Japan
Mario Kart does the business too
3DS is selling better than ever, with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata telling the Nikkei newspaper (via Andriasang) the system is about to tip the scales at 3 million units sold in Japan — two weeks quicker than the DS reached the same milestone. The news comes a week after Nintendo confirmed 3DS beat the DS's...
Tuesday6th Dec 2011
News How to Avoid Skyward Sword's Game-Ending Glitch
Pay attention
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a fantastic game, but if you're not lucky you could encounter a serious bug that completely halts your progress. Now Nintendo has released instructions for how to avoid it — but no word of a fix. The following email comes from Sharon Matheny (via Zelda Informer: We have been made aware of the...
News Code of Princess is a 3DS RPG From the Guardian Heroes Team
Get excited
Treasure's Guardian Heroes is one of the SEGA Saturn's best games, and its recent Xbox Live Arcade re-release isn't bad either. The original development team has now banded together once more to create Code of Princess, a Japanese action roleplaying game for 3DS. Set for release by Agatsuma Games in Japan early next year, the game...
News Capcom Committed to Monster Hunter in the West
Wants it to be big
Monster Hunter 3 (~Tri) is the only taste of Monster Hunting action Nintendo fans in Europe and North America have been able to savour, but it's safe to say it's left them wanting more if the interest in Monster Hunter 3 G and Monster Hunter 4 is anything to go by. Capcom USA senior vice president Christian Svensson knows that,...
Nintendo Download 8th December 2011 (Europe)
Pull those blox!
The big release this week is the new puzzler from Intelligent Systems, but we should also highlight this week sees only the second Game Boy Color game to hit the 3DS Virtual Console after The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX in June. Let's see what's on the platter this week. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Pullblox (Nintendo,...
News Skyward Sword's Music Sounds Even Better When SNES-ified
Who needs an orchestra?
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's music is up there with the best of the series, and made all the more powerful by its use of a real orchestra. But how do the melodies themselves hold up when taken back to something a little less realistic? "Very well indeed" is the answer. YouTube user MischievousMusings has...
News Ubisoft Recruiting for Triple-A Wii U Online Game
What could it be?
We already know Ubisoft is one of the many third-party Wii U developers — it announced Killer Freaks From Outer Space at E3 2011 after all. The company's throwing more weight behind the platform though, now recruiting for a "AAA Wii U game" at its Quebec studio. Two positions are available: senior engine programmer and,...
News Japan Buys Half a Million Copies of Super Mario 3D Land
Off to a flyer
Super Mario 3D Land saw release in Japan last month and made light work of the competition, selling over 500,000 copies across the country. Andriasang reports the game shifted 542,842 copies across Japan between 31st October and 27th November, with the best first-week sales of any 3DS game yet. In North America Super Mario 3D Land set...
News UK Retail Reports Red 3DS Reaching Really Rare Rating
Not many about
It's Christmas time, and you may need to be afraid if you're after a red 3DS, according to a report from MCV. The trade magazine claims UK retailers are struggling to keep the red 3DS in stock in the run up to Christmas, with other colours also tough to get hold of. The releases of Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land and a...
News DSiWare Goes Commando in Steel Disaster on 22nd December
Ten-hut!
Cinemax is best known for its Rytmik games but it's got something entirely different lined up for Europe in the next few weeks. Commando: Steel Disaster is an old-fashioned run-and-gun shooter that saw a retail release in North America several years ago, but Cinemax and developer Mana Software are taking another shot at it with a DSiWare...
News Soccer Up! Dribbles for Goal on 22nd December
Christmas fixture
Soccer Up! has been knocking the ball around comfortably in its own half for some time now, but it's finally committed to a serious attack on WiiWare's football-free zone and is due out in two weeks. North America and Europe both get the Mii-powered kickabout on 22nd December for 500 Wii Points. Here's the teaser trailer below...
Monday5th Dec 2011
Be magnificent in MK7
By now you'll probably have pumped a stack of hours into Mario Kart 7, but if you're still finding yourself more loser than leader we've got Mario Kart medallist James Newton to put together a few short tips to help you shave seconds off your performances. If you want to put your new skills to the test, check out our Mario Kar
Review Power Rangers Samurai (DS)
Go go Power Rangers
Centuries ago, dark forces threatened to destroy civilisation in Japan. The danger was thought to have been destroyed by a clan of fearless warriors wielding power symbols that had been passed down for generations. Now these dark forces have returned to finish the destruction they started so long ago, and the survival of Earth...
Review Zen Pinball 3D (3DSWare)
Flippin’ fun
As gaming arcades and old-fashioned pinball tables become increasingly rare in public spaces, pinball enthusiasts can now revert to digitised versions for their fix. It’s good news for these gamers as the 3DS eShop’s latest 3D offering is Zen Pinball 3D, a stereoscopic edition of the highly rated PlayStation Network release. We...
News Aonuma: "We'll See" About Zelda Voice Acting
Never say never
There's been much discussion about whether or not The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword should have used voice acting; some appreciate the mute characters, others feel a whole chunk of the game's potential atmosphere is missing. Game Informer recently asked Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma and music maestro Koji Kondo about the possibility of...
Wii salutes you
Some things in life never change. When you're in a rush in your lunch hour, there will always be a massive queue outside the bakery. If you trip on a loose bit of pavement, you will always attempt to turn it into a jog to appear completely in control to the strangers around you. Failed sneezes are forever disappointing, there's never...
News Monster Hunter 4 Video Was All Real-Time, All the Time
Actually playable
If, like us, you were wowed by the Monster Hunter 4 video Capcom revealed back in September but thought "that can't possibly be accurate" — apparently it can. A recent Iwata Asks interview (via Andriasang) reveals that not only was it real-time footage of the upcoming 3DS game, it was actually played by Capcom staff...
News Super Mario Galaxy Director Said No to Kuribo's Shoe
Not a wind-up
After Super Mario Bros. 3 it took the Tanooki tail years to make a resurgence, appearing in both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, but it's not the only retro power-up from the game overdue a revival. IGN recently spoke to Super Mario 3D Land director Koichi Hayashida about the game and asked about the legendary Kuribo's shoe, one
News Nintendo Grabs Europe By the Pullblox This Week
Here comes the little guy
Pullblox — known as Pushmo in North America — is the next downloadable piece of 3DS software to hit the eShop. The Nintendo Channel updated today with the Thursday release date for Pullblox, the new game from Advance Wars and Fire Emblem team Intelligent Systems. You play a little chap who must pull and push blocks to...
News Hunting King is an Augmented Reality eShop Shooter
Oh deer
The 3DS comes with a few augmented reality games built-in, but Arc System Works is going one better than arrows and boards: it's going hunting. Hunting King hits the eShop in Japan next week for 500 Yen (£4.00/$6.50/€4.75), and while it uses computer-generated backdrops as you try to shoot deer and secret animals, you can also engage its...
Serving up eShop eCharts
It's Monday morning again and that only means one thing in these parts: eShop charts. Accidental poetry aside, here's the list of everything that's selling well in the world of 3DS digital downloads, as collated and published by Nintendo itself. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a...
Sunday4th Dec 2011
Not in pole position
Codemasters has a rich heritage in racing games and over the last 20 years has produced cracking examples of virtual car racing from just about every discipline. Whether it be off-road and rally in its Colin McRae and DiRT series, more track-based events in TOCA and GRID or even the art of pitting minuscule vehicles against one...
Bloobin' boring
For those who aren't aware, Double Bloob was actually announced over four years ago as a DS retail title. After disappearing for a few of those years, the game has now resurfaced on DSiWare. It'd be easy to assume that those four years of development time were used to make sure that the game was polished and enjoyable. That...
News Nintendo Life Takes the Podium at Mario Kart 7 Launch Event
We're number... two!
Mario Kart 7 is out now around the world, and to celebrate the release of Mario's latest racing outing Nintendo UK shelled out on a launch party at London's Sports Café this past Wednesday. Nintendo Life editor James Newton was there. The café's interior was decked out in Mario Kart livery, with stacked tyres and plenty of 3DS...
Saturday3rd Dec 2011
Feature Memorable Zelda Moments
The wonderful world of Hyrule, and beyond
The Legend of Zelda is one of the best loved Nintendo franchises, over 25 years old and still finding new ways to thrill gamers. The significant number of Zelda releases means it boasts an incredible history and reputation, with each new entry’s adventure contributing its part to the lore of the series...
Friday2nd Dec 2011
News Register 2 3DS Games and You Could Win a Mario 3DS
Get 3D Classics: Kid Icarus free, too
Nintendo Europe has just announced a new sweepstakes contest to encourage 3DS owners to purchase and register select 3DS software titles. Club Nintendo members who register two selected 3DS games between 1st November and 31st January 2012 will receive a free download of 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, and will also be...
News Grab Victini and Pikachu with Super Pokémon Rumble Codes
Two toys to go
Super Pokémon Rumble (known as Pokémon Rumble Blast in North America) is out in Europe today, and to get you off to a great start we have two codes to beef up your Pokédex. Talk to Munna in the game's second town, Easterly Town, and enter the following passwords to get your special 'mon: Victini: 90827838Pikachu: 75805216 There'll...
News SupaBoy Is a Portable Super Nintendo for $80
And it's out now
After last year's pleasing Retron2 console from Hyperkin, the manufacturer's back with a brand new toy: the SupaBoy. A portable Super NES with a built-in 3.5" screen, the machine takes Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges and features TV out and two controller ports, perfect for settling scores on Super Mario Kart. It...
News Join the Official Nintendo Life Mario Kart 7 Communities
Let's see some skill
Mario Kart 7 is out around the world this week, and to get you all playing together we've set up an official Nintendo Life community for you to join. To make sure everyone finds something to enjoy we've set up a range of game types, all in the 150cc class. To join the Nintendo Life community on Mario Kart 7, follow these steps:...
Feature Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide
Have a Mario holiday
The festive season is almost upon us, which means that it’s time to lighten our wallets and top up the gift stockings. For those who fancy some Nintendo gaming in the coming holiday, we thought we’d pass on some hints and tips on the games and consoles to buy. We’ll cover some of the console bundles available, as well as...
News It's Official: Xenoblade Chronicles is Coming to North America
Out next Spring
After all the excitement with rumours today, finally confirmation: Xenoblade Chronicles is coming to North America. Nintendo of America just announced the game is on the way in Spring, though didn't give much else away. North America, your patience has been rewarded. XENOBLADE CHRONICLES COMING TO NINTENDO'S WII CONSOLE IN SPRING...
News Customise Your Home Inside and Out in Animal Crossing 3DS
Developer interview inside
Things have been a little quiet on the Animal Crossing 3DS front so far, with Nintendo dropping new information as often as rare furniture falling from a tree. However we now have an officially translated version of a recent developer roundtable, revealing some juicy new details. One of the more interesting updates is the...
News First 3D Classics: Kid Icarus Footage Flies In
The pits?
Club Nintendo members in Europe who register 2 3DS games could win a Mario 3DS, with everyone who registers getting a free download code for 3D Classics: Kid Icarus. Want to see what the game looks like before you go rushing out and buy two 3DS games? Here's the first trailer. As you can tell the game adopts the same aspect ratio as 3D...
Review Battle of the Elements (DSiWare)
Elementary, dear Watson
Lists. Who needs 'em? Whether it's a shopping list or a year-end "Best Of" list, you just know when you're writing it that you'll end up forgetting something important. When the year ends, Battle of the Elements probably won't be on our Best Of list. If you're the kind of person that makes lists of games to buy,...
Review Play & Learn Chinese (DSiWare)
Might leave you hungry for more a few hours later
DSiWare isn’t just for games, you know. Comprising a small, inconspicuous corner of the market, a handful of language applications serve to assist those who can’t quite afford a pocket translator or a class at the civic centre. So far we’ve seen entries in German, French and Spanish, and now...
News Nintendo America Posts Xenoblade Art on Facebook
And Gamestop confirms listing
After the earlier Gamestop rumour we now have more evidence that Xenoblade Chronicles is heading to North America after all. The Nintendo Facebook page just posted up an album of Xenoblade artwork, adding further fuel to speculation the the much-req
Rumour Xenoblade Chronicles North America-Bound
Only at Gamestop
Update: A Gamestop representative has confirmed to us that the listing is true. Here's a rumour we can all hope is true: Xenoblade Chronicles could be coming to North America as a Gamestop exclusive. A forum poster on NeoGAF has posted a photo of what's claimed to be a Gamestop release schedule, with Monolith's RPG right down at the...
News Resident Evil Revelations Trailer Goes Back to Basics
Dire-logue
Resident Evil Revelations might be one of the best looking games on the way to 3DS but, as is the series' tradition, it's not just an exercise in graphical grunt: there's a nonsensical plot tying it all together too. Publishing partners Nintendo and Capcom just released a new trailer introducing Terragrigia, a European city that's central...
News Shin'en Putts Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! Into the eShop Cup
!
As proof that three exclamation marks is just enough to express excitement, Shin'en Multimedia has announced Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! for the 3DS eShop. After an outing on WiiWare, the 3DS version brings with it several key features, including the ability to play as your Mii using either touch or button controls. There are 54 holes — half as...
Thursday1st Dec 2011
News Reggie: Virtual Console on Wii Isn't Dead
It's only sleeping
It's been over three months since the Wii received a new Virtual Console game in North America, and close to a staggering six months since Europe got a new old game to play with, but Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime wants to assure you the service isn't dead. Speaking to Time about upcoming games, Fils-Aime...
Review Big Bass Arcade (WiiWare)
Cast from the past
Just six months back, Big John Games released Big Bass Arcade on DSiWare, offering up pick-up-and-play fishing action on the go. While the game certainly did what it said on the box, the overly simplistic design left us wanting a bit more content-wise. Enter Big Bass Arcade on WiiWare, a revamped port of that game offering updated...
News Nintendo Doesn't Want a 3DS Price Situation on Wii U
Of course
The 3DS price drop has had an extremely positive effect on the system's sales, but it left some early birds wary of buying a Nintendo console at launch in case the same thing happens again. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime knows this, touching on it briefly in an interview with Fox Business. The Wii was priced for profit at...
News Nintendo UK Reconfirms GBA Ambassador Games for This Month
It's all good
After the GBA Ambassador games release date rumours of a delay, Nintendo UK has confirmed to Official Nintendo Magazine that the games are still on course to release this year. A spokesperson told the magazine's website: The forthcoming 10 GBA Virtual Console titles available for registrants of the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Programme,...
Nintendo Download 1st December 2011 (North America)
First of the month and no returns
After today there are just four more Nintendo Downloads left in 2011, so let's see what Nintendo has in store to kick off this final month of the year. 3DS Virtual Console: Adventure Island (Game Boy, Hudson, $3.99) — Master Higgins makes it across the pond four weeks after his European appearance. Read our...
News Aonuma: Wii U Zelda Will Challenge Series Conventions
"Expect big things"
We've only had a few weeks of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but already series producer Eiji Aonuma is thinking about Zelda on Wii U. Speaking to Nintendo Power (via GoNintendo), Aonuma touched on what users can expect from the next home console entry in the 25-year old series: Skyward Sword is a title where we took aim at...
News HandyNES Is a Portable NES and That's Cool Enough
And we want one
Getting ten free NES games as part of the 3DS Ambassador program is good, but for some inexplicable reason the 3DS doesn't take original NES carts. This baffling oversight may never be corrected, but at least talented modder LovableChevy has created a portable NES to give 8-bit gamers on the go a reason to be cheerful. The HandyNES...
Rumour GBA Ambassador Games Delayed to 2012
Ruh-roh
Update: Nintendo UK has stated the 3DS GBA Ambassador games will still release this year. After the delay of the 3DS system update we've got another digital delay rumour: according to Nintendo Spain, the Game Boy Advance Ambassador games won't be available until 2012. The site says "disponibles a partir d
News 3DS Beats First Year DS Sales in Just 8 Months
What problem?
Nintendo made a lot of sales in the week running up to Black Friday: Mario and Zelda both hit record sales and the company sold over 500,000 Wii consoles in one day. The 3DS also hit a milestone on Saturday, overtaking the entire first-year sales of the Nintendo DS. Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed to Time that in its first eight month on...
News Digital Makes Up 14% of Key Nintendo Franchise Sales
The figures are in
Nintendo does not release sale statistics for its digital content, leaving us with no real idea of how the company's download sales are doing. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime did give away one intriguing nugget of information in a recent interview with Time, however: The packaged content gets all the buzz and the...
Review Just Sing! Christmas Vol. 3 (DSiWare)
Ho! Ho! Oh…
The festive season is almost upon us, so that means presents, sparkly lights, too much food to eat and another entry in the Just Sing! series. Just Sing! Christmas Vol. 3 has arrived, the third festive entry in DTP Entertainment’s karaoke franchise. As this particular set of games is now in its third year we can look forward to some...
News New Resi Revelations Screenshots Lurk Within
Some scary, some not
Early 2012 sees Resident Evil Revelations hit 3DS with some of the best graphics we've seen any portable console pump out in a good long time. Nintendo just sent over some fresh new screenshots showing off the game's Raid Mode, an online-enabled co-operative game type opened up after you finish the game. One enemy certainly has...
