The scene above NL HQ

It's the very first day of 2012, and we want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy New Year.

2011 was our best year yet — we were featured in the 3DS eShop, teamed up with Eurogamer and even won a Mario Kart 7 medal — but we wouldn't be able to do any of this without the support of a great number of people.

Just breaking our site's third-person rule for one minute, I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who works so hard to make Nintendo Life a success: our dedicated and knowledgeable directors Ant, Darren and Damien, our insightful and committed editors Jon, Tom and Corbie, community genius Des and all our reviewers — Zach, Phil, Ron, Jacob, Marcel, Pete, Chris, Jamie, Mat, Mark and those who've worked with us but moved on this year.

I also want to thank all the developers and publishers we've worked with in 2011, and of course we send a big high-five to Eurogamer.

Most of all though I want to thank you, the Nintendo Life readers. You play a huge part in our success — we get so many compliments on our friendly and welcoming community, from new members and other industry staff, and you're a vital part of our growing reputation. I want to say a personal thank you to you all for continuing to visit and support Nintendo Life: without you, there is no Nintendo Life.

We've enjoyed huge support and growth this year, but I can assure you we're just getting started. We have huge plans for 2012 and I'm really excited about what awaits us in the next 12 months.

On behalf of everyone here, happy New Year and enjoy your Nintendo life in 2012.

James