News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Download Size Breaks Some Blocks
2950 of them, to be precise
Review Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS)
Like a dream, or just plain heartless?
News - July, 2012
Tuesday31st Jul 2012
Review World Heroes Perfect (Wii Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Not quite perfect
When World Heroes was first released on SNK's Neo Geo arcade and home console system, it was yet another attempt to capture the popularity of Capcom's Street Fighter, this time by developer ADK. While the game featured some unique gameplay and visual features, it was still regarded more as a nice attempt at the genre than any type...
Talking Point What Do You Think of 3DS XL?
Is bigger better?
3DS XL landed on European and Japanese shelves over the weekend. It seems to have had a good start; in the UK it outsold the original 3DS model at a rate of around 2:1 and bumped up the software sales of Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games — thoug
News Programmer Shares Experiences of Developing on N64 and GameCube
'N64: Everything just kinda works'
There may be some who read this article that are aspiring game designers, possibly playing around with PC development tools or maybe even a Raspberry Pi device — that's a super-cheap computer, for those that don't know. Beyond that group there are surely plenty of gamers curious about how a game goes from code to...
News Legend of Zelda Prototype Cartridge Posted on eBay
Yours for just $150,000
When it comes to online purchases, you're unlikely to find any other website with quite the same variety as eBay. You can quite easily buy some custom made birthday cards for a few dollars, or a rare prototype The Legend of Zelda cartridge for just $150,000, which is the price of a small house or expensive sports car. The...
News 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 Boast Big Sales in Japan
Mario's reaction: 'wahoo!'
We've already brought you news of 3DS XL enjoying a steady start in the UK, but figures for Japan are showing a positive weekend of sales for Nintendo both in terms of the new hardware and New Super Mario Bros. 2. To start with 3DS XL, chart company Enterbrain has confirmed that over 193,000 units were sold in the first...
News Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical: Sing & Dance Confirmed for Wii
Don't cry for Wii, Ninty gamers
Before Wii shuffles off to the back room to be replaced by its more modern, flashy and powerful successor, it has a few more months as Nintendo's current generation home console. While the release schedule is looking rather bare, fans of singing and dancing on the console may have one final curtain call before the...
News King Nintendo 64 Lords It Up At Otakon
Kneel, PS1 loyalists
The console wars are long since over for Nintendo 64, the curvy chunk that heralded the end of the cartridge era and fought heroically before succumbing to its rivals. If that particular console war was ever re-imagined, however, then there seems to be one gamer that could ride into battle with Epona: King Nintendo 64, of...
News 3DS XL Enjoys a Steady Start in UK
Outsells 3DS 'by a factor of just over 2:1'
3DS XL arrived on Saturday in Europe and Japan, with some retailers in the UK having permission to hand out pre-orders the day before. As we reported yesterday, the latest UK charts showed a bump in some software sales, even if the new titles launched alongside the system failed to break into the top 40...
News Capcom Hopes to Expand Fighting Game Audience
Training the next generation
The fighting genre has always been one of the harshest tests of gaming prowess; bruising tests of hand-to-eye co-ordination and memory as you try to remember all those combos and special moves. Just as that's appealing to the initiated, however, the necessary dedication can be a barrier to entry for newcomers. Capcom is...
News Live Action Zelda Video Has Poe Trouble
A moody adventure
After showing you a rather quirky take on finding a real life Master Sword yesterday, today brings another live action Zelda production onto our radar. In terms of approach, it's a very different proposition, with a very literal and moody representation of Link, Epona and accompanying fairy — Navi, it seems. This one is from...
News Female Ace Attorney Production Hits the Stage in Japan
Take that!
Japanese theatre company Takarazuka Revue is currently readying a musical spin-off production of Capcom's Ace Attorney franchise, which will be held in January 2013. The show will be made up of an all-female cast complete with plenty of hair gel, and will be performing its second production based from a Phoenix Wright game, the first of...
Monday30th Jul 2012
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2012 (Europe)
Kung fu, Toki Tori, edutainment and retro fighting
Once again we have news of this week's download delights in Europe, with something on offer for every system you own. Let's get started. 3DS Download Software: Jonny Kung Fu (UFO Interactive, £5.40/€6) — On paper this sounds full of promise, being an old-school side-scrolling action game with...
News Pre-Order Harvest Moon: A New Beginning, Get a Plush Yak
Yakety yak
It's time to welcome a new animal to your Harvest Moon plush farm. Having previously unleashed adorable dogs, chickens, alpacas and more on the world, Natsume has announced that the latest addition to the family will be a not-so-traditionally-cuddly yak. You'll be able to get your hands on the beast if you pre-order upcoming 3DS game...
News Find The Real Master Sword in This Ocarina of Time Tribute
Expect the unexpected
For gamers infatuated with iconic moments in gaming, who also happen to have a camera and a bit of film-making expertise, there's only one place to go: YouTube. While there's plenty of appalling rubbish on everyone's favourite video-sharing site, there's also some good work that re-creates memorable sequences with a twist. One...
News Katsuya Eguchi: Wii U Design Philosophy is For Everyday Life
Wii U Pro controller designed so some gamers don't 'feel left out'
Katsuya Eguchi is one of Nintendo's prominent figures, with credits as far back as Super Mario Bros. 3 and senior leadership roles in some of the company's biggest titles, such as Animal Crossing: City Folk and Wii Sports Resort. Perhaps his most important role to date is his latest,...
Feature Olympics Fever on Nintendo Systems
Button mashing for gold
If you’ve been living in a cave and isolated from the world for the past couple of weeks, then you may not have been bombarded with coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It’s now well under way, and thousands of athletes are running, cycling, swimming and more in the name of winning a shiny gold medal. None of the...
News Nintendo Talks Dragon Quest X in Latest Direct Broadcast
Spot the Treevil
Nintendo has published its latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, this time focusing on the upcoming Japanese release Dragon Quest X. The broadcast began with an introduction from Satoru Iwata, and then included gameplay commentary from Dragon Quest designer Yuji Horii, series producer Yousuke Saito and director Jin Fujisawa, who you...
News Golf Tees Up as a US Club Nintendo Reward
Worth a swing?
3DS Virtual Console title Golf is the latest game up for grabs as a US Club Nintendo reward. It's on the green until 12th August for 150 coins. Golf replaces Starship Defense, which has now blasted off out of orbit. Is it above par and worth your virtual reward money? Read our Golf review to find out. Don't forget that WiiWare's...
News Nintendo: Indie Developers are 'Definitely Important' on 3DS
Independently speaking
Nintendo 3DS's eShop has seen quite a lot of action from independent developers since its launch, with the likes of VVVVVV, Bomb Monkey and Zen Pinball 3D gracing the service so far, to name just a few. It's a trend that Nintendo is keen to continue. Speaking to VG247, Nintendo UK marketing manager Ben Tayl
News Bravely Default Demo Flutters onto the Japanese eShop
Get a job
Square Enix has announced that the next Bravely Default: Flying Fairy demo will be heading to the Japanese 3DS eShop on Wednesday. This will be the fourth playable demo available to the public, and is entitled 'Job and Ability Volume'. Those who download the demo will be able to sample five of the jobs on offer in the game: Knight, Mystic...
News SpeedX 3D Races Onto eShop on 9th August
PAL regions only for now
Gamelion Studios, the developer behind plenty of Nintendo download titles including the Carmen Sandiego series, has confirmed that SpeedX 3D will hit the 3DS eShop in PAL regions on 9th August. It's the developer's first title on the handheld and will come in at the budget price of £2.70/€3, though it doesn't yet have a...
News Mario Kicked Out by FIFA as UK's Top Seller Since 1996
Former rival Sonic slows down in 6th
If you read our earlier news about Mario & Sonic coming 3rd in today's UK charts, then you may have spotted the little fact about the Pokémon franchise being the 10th biggest seller in the UK over the last 15 years. Eurogamer.net has now been provided with the full top ten by GfK Chart-Track (copyright...
News Mario & Sonic Win Olympic Bronze in UK Charts
Coming through the field
You'd expect a title released 38 and 25 weeks ago on Wii and 3DS, respectively, to have left the UK charts long ago, especially as it's not available on other platforms. Yet Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games has achieved just that, consistently sitting in the top ten of the all-format software chart. Thanks...
News E3 Confirmed for Los Angeles Until 2015
E3 2013 scheduled for 11-13 June
After E3 2012, rumours began to circulate that the gaming event of the year would change venue and relocate to Las Vegas. For those unaware, a big part of the L.A. Convention Centre will be involved in a major building project as it's constructed into the new Farmer's Field stadium. Some wondered whether the...
News 3D Solitaire Hits North American eShop on 2nd August
It's Solitaire, with 3D
Occasionally a game title can be mysterious or confusing, but Zen Studios kept it simple with 3D Solitaire. It's a basic app for the popular card game with some pretty stereoscopic 3D backgrounds, and that's all it is; it couldn't be simpler. It did hit Europe at a budget price, and the good news for North America is that...
Sunday29th Jul 2012
Feature Nintendo Life Presents... Our Freakyforms
Freak'n you
Most people have imagined up a character at some point, right? Whether it's your own fantasy Pokémon, an odd person or a bizarre monster, grabbing a pen and paper and drawing whatever comes into your mind is a lot of fun. Thankfully we're not the only ones who think so, as evidenced by games such as Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive!,...
Saturday28th Jul 2012
Review Planet Crashers (3DS eShop)
Crash and burn
On first inspection, Planet Crashers is the cute, warm and whimsical RPG world you would expect from Mutant Mudds developer Renegade Kid, providing a shot of humour, quirkiness and style to an already crowded and tired genre. However, much like other adventure RPGs lining our shelves at the moment, Planet Crashers is very much a case...
Review Mole Mania (3DS eShop / GB)
Dig in
Poor Muddy Mole has returned home to find his family kidnapped by the evil farmer Jinbe. That's the entire plot, and we're happy about that. After all, Mole Mania isn't about storytelling; it's about a massive gauntlet of clever puzzles, and that's exactly why we like it. Divided into eight very large levels, Muddy's adventure finds him...
First Impressions New Super Mario Bros. 2
Master of coin
New Super Mario Bros. 2 feels like any of the other games in the New sub-series. The look of it, the audio, the themes of the worlds – they're all safe, familiar comfort blankets that hit the same beats as the rest of the family. That is, until you encounter the central focus that Nintendo is betting its coin on: this time, Mario...
Review Dot Runner: Complete Edition (3DS eShop)
On the dot or a runaround?
Dot Runner: Complete Edition is the latest release from Intense, developer of unique DSiWare RPG GO Series: Picdun. This outing shares the dual perspectives of that title but little else; here you collect dots as a futuristic man-on-a-mission named BOLT in a chase puzzler that's fast and fun, but seriously flawed. While...
News Full 3DS Retail Downloads Have Teething Troubles
Bandwidth buster
Full retail games can now be downloaded to Nintendo 3DS in Japan, but there was a problem or two early on. Nintendo's online service page reported server troubles on the eShop shortly after launch, though it's now been fixed. Andriasang reports that the eShop issues came between 9:00am and 11:30am on the service's launch day. It...
Review Decathlon 2012 (DSiWare)
Torch it
Well, the London 2012 Olympic games are officially underway, and the eShop now has its equivalent of those ubiquitous bootlegged t-shirts in the form of Decathlon 2012, a digital souvenir that hopes to coast on the excitement of the Olympics without shelling out for the rights to refer to them by name. Already we're off to a great start,...
Feature Nintendo Life Presents... Colors! 3D Artwork
Because art is beauty
Ever since Nintendo introduced the touch screen on the original DS, it was clear to artists that there was plenty of potential to produce art without the need to dig out a canvas and materials. The Art Academy series was a high-profile example on DSi that scratched that itch, as well as being titles that helped to attract yet...
Friday27th Jul 2012
A flawed masterpiece
New Art Academy’s arrival on 3DS comes as no surprise, as the original DSiWare titles and the retail compilation on DS further boosted the handheld’s appeal, particularly to those who wanted more from a gaming machine. As part of a group of ‘bridge’ titles from Nintendo, designed to attract new audiences, it served its...
Interview Tomorrow Corporation - Little Inferno
Burning down the house
When some of the folks behind WiiWare wonder World of Goo and the creator of DS darling Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure team up for a project, well, you best sit down and pay attention. Tomorrow Corporation is hoping to light up Wii U when their debut title Little Inferno hits this winter. We caught up with the men...
News Namco's Harada: Smash Bros. Design is Sakurai's Job
Super Smash Boss
If you're worried that Namco Bandai's involvement in the next Super Smash Bros. will mean an influx of Tekken characters, fear not. Tekken series director Katsuhiro Harada says that usual Smash main man Masahiro Sakurai remains in control of design. Harada assured Dusty Cartridge that he is focused on Tekken — including upcoming...
News Take a Look at These Nintendo DS Testing Machines
Plastic breach
Readers of a nervous disposition, turn away now — the following images of Nintendo DS testing may prove disturbing. Nintendo has published its 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility report, which contains several images of portable console torture. The report shows off some of the vigorous tests that Nintendo hardware goes through to...
News Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Races to Over 20 Characters
Number will vary per platform
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed hits 3DS in Europe on 16th November — we expect the North American release to be similar — and promises to offer a different experience from Nintendo's own Mario Kart 7, with flying and underwater stages having their own vibe. When it come to kart-racing style titles,...
News GameStop Exploring Possibility of Second-Hand Digital Sales
This could affect us, Nintendo fans!
As you can tell from our tagline, it's with a sense of genuine delight that we can bring you news about potential industry changes with retail download software, and actually have an interest in the outcome. After so long lagging behind Sony, Microsoft and PC platforms in terms of full retail downloads, Nintendo...
Talking Point What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Four
On your marks...
Today brings us the opening ceremony of some sporty-thing in London; it starts with an O and involves lots of very athletic people doing silly things for medals. Frankly, unless any of them have unlocked all of the StreetPass Plaza achievements we refuse to be impressed, and we'll be far too busy playing video games to pay any...
News Kingdom Hearts 3D Composers Praise 3DS
Making dreamy music
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is already in stores in Japan and Europe, with North America joining in on 31st July. While the series is loved for many things, whether it's the Disney influences or the storylines, its music has played a big role in making it memorable to fans. In an interview with Destructoid, the three...
News Mario Kart 7 'Fastest Family' Video Gets Serious
Real life weapons
Not long ago we brought you a video with UK celebrity Rufus Hound, which was a promo for the Mario Kart 7 "Fastest Family" competition. With regional heats due to start in August, and with a real car and coveted Leaf Cup at stake, the latest video has one simple message: get training. As you can see in the footage below some...
News 3DS XL UK Launch Trailer is Quite Small
30 seconds of familiar Mario action
With 3DS XL officially arriving in stores tomorrow, Nintendo UK has released a short promotional trailer to celebrate the fact. The footage used appears to be recycled from the announcement trailer broadcast on Nintendo Direct a little over a month ago, showing the original and larger model side-by-side, with some...
News Two Tribes Has 'Something Big' Coming to Nintendo
Tell us all about it
Two Tribes has already confirmed that it's working to bring Toki Tori 2 to Wii U, with the goal of arriving on the system on or near its launch. As it's a developer that's already keen to be involved in Nintendo's next console, we were certainly encouraged when the following exchange took place on our Twitter feed...
Thursday26th Jul 2012
Nintendo Download 26th July 2012 (North America)
Planet crashing, Wario, moles and more
This week we have all three Nintendo consoles catered for, including a long awaited platformer on the 3DS Virtual Console, the latest from Renegade Kid and much more. Let's get right to it. 3DS Virtual Console: Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — This has no doubt been on a number...
Return to Wonderland
Remember the old adage “less is more"? Even if you don’t, Agetec certainly does, as is clearly reflected in Rabi Laby 2, its most recent DSiWare release. While it’s true that not much has changed from the first instalment, the original Rabi Laby was pretty good, so there’s not much to find fault with here. Much like its...
Site News Nintendo Life's "Summer Picks" eShop Shelf
We're back!
You might remember that last year Nintendo Life got its very own eShop shelf, and we directed your attention to a variety of DSiWare and 3DS Download gems. It was such a success that Nintendo has decided that we're awesome enough for a second run, so we're back in the store with our recommendations of the hottest games to get you through...
Review Successfully Learning English: Year 2 (WiiWare)
Back to the classroom
If you combine DSiWare and WiiWare, Tivola’s Successfully Learning series has been one of the most prolific franchises available for download. Just when we thought it was all over, Successfully Learning English: Year 2 makes the transition from DSiWare to WiiWare, and young pupils can breathe a sigh of relief. The question is...
News Michael Pachter Doubts 3DS XL's Powers of Revival
Put away those pitchforks
It's been an interesting week in the world of Nintendo and, in particular, its handhelds. First up we had Bing Gordon, a man with decades of experience in the video game industry at the highest level, sharing the view that Nintendo's on track to primarily focus on software. He even went so far as to say that "the handheld...
News Monster Hunter News Teased by Capcom Community Representative
North American hunters on alert
The release of Monster Hunter 3 G and the confirmation of Monster Hunter 4 have been contributing factors to making 3DS the must-have handheld console in Japan. When 3 G was released it contributed to week-one 3DS console sales that surpassed the actual launch of the system, and the game itself passed 1.5 million...
News Skylanders: Giants Introduces Swarm the Super-Sized Bee
UPDATE: Release dates confirmed
Activision has now confirmed the release dates for Skylanders: Giants, set to arrive on Wii and 3DS on 19th October in Europe and 21st October in North America. Original article Skylanders: Giants, the sequel to the rather successful original, is confirmed for 3DS, Wii and Wii U. That means whatever your console of...
News Toki Tori Hatches on European eShop Next Week
Is it cheep enough?
Two Tribes' platform puzzler Toki Tori is chirruping its way into the European 3DS eShop next week. It was originally released on Game Boy Color in 2001; if you missed it back then, here's your chance to see what all the squawking was about. The concept is the same as the WiiWare version. You join the titular chick on a mission...
News Crytek: Crysis 3 on Wii U 'Is a Possibility'
Some decisions would be nice
The Crysis series is highly regarded by many FPS fans who get their game on with an Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. With Crysis 3 due to arrive Spring 2013, it's natural for some Nintendo gamers to wonder whether this title will make the jump to Wii U. After all, developer Crytek was in the Wii U cheerleading brigade just one month...
News The Last Blade Sharpens Up for European Wii Virtual Console
Unsheathed
The Last Blade is finally slicing down onto the European Wii Virtual Console on 2nd August. That means you've got a week to make sure your swords are sharpened up before it's released. The 2D fighter thrusts you into the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history. You can choose between two different sword types per character, so it's up to you...
News Eurogamer Expo 2012 Expecting Sell-out Crowd
20,000 tickets sold to date
The UK's premier consumer game show, Eurogamer Expo, returns to London's Earls Court from 27th-30th September 2012 and is expected to welcome over 50,000 gamers through its doors. With over two months until the show starts Eurogamer.net have reported current ticket sales in excess of 20,000 ahead of forecasts based on...
News Infinite Interactive Hint at More Puzzle Quest
The big tease
If you like puzzles, questing and DS, then it's more than likely that you enjoyed the appropriately named Puzzle Quest on DS, or possibly its sequel. These titles generated a fair bit of buzz when released, while fans may regard them as providing some of the most addictive and compulsive puzzling on the handheld. The good news for...
Wednesday25th Jul 2012
Those Pikmin have a lot of heavy lifting
With 3DS XL hitting Europe and Japan on 28th July, there'll be a number of 3DS owners that decide to take the plunge. With that in mind you'll need to make sure that you transfer your system account and data, otherwise a lot of saves and costly downloads will disappear — and no-one wants that. Before we...
News 3DS System Update is Available Now
Don't get excited, though
Nintendo's relatively regular updates to the 3DS system continue today, with version 4.3.0-10U available for download now in Europe and North America. If you don't update manually we'd expect a SpotPass notification and prompts to arrive shortly. Unfortunately for those of us still dreaming of adding colours or icons to...
News New Club Nintendo of Japan Rewards
Featuring the Mario gang and Kirby
Today Nintendo of Japan has added two more goodies to its already bountiful collection of merchandise on the Club Nintendo website. For a mere 200 points you can bag yourself a rather snazzy-looking 40x40mm Kirby 20th Anniversary Special Collection medallion, to celebrate Kirby's recent escapade at the top of the...
News Heroes of Ruin Updates and DLC a Possibility
Discussions and fan support vital
Heroes of Ruin is now available in both Europe and North America, so the online action-RPG will have adventurers from both sides of the Atlantic hacking and slashing their way to loot and glory. In terms of functionality alone, it's one of the most substantial titles on 3DS, with a major online co-op component and...
News 3DS Retail Codes Being Sold Through Online Retailers
Codes only, no download card
While most of us wait until mid-August to see the Nintendo retail download machine kick into action, it's already up and running in Japan ahead of the arrival of New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Demon Training this weekend. It's now emerged, courtesy of Andriasang, that as well as download cards available from stores, online...
News Nintendo Financial Results: Console and Software Sales
How are they all doing?
Earlier on today we brought you the headline news that Nintendo reported a financial loss for the first quarter, which was very much expected. Despite some pre-results whispers, Nintendo didn't adjust its projections for returning a profit this financial year, showing a degree of confidence in the process. The financial...
News Dragon Quest X Nintendo Direct Confirmed
Free 3DS app on 22nd August in Japan
Dragon Quest X is being shown a lot of love in Japan at the moment, and Nintendo has confirmed that there'll be another short Nintendo Direct broadcast focused on the title on 30th July at 8pm Japanese time, which is 12pm British standard time, 1pm central European time and 7am U.S. eastern. This is the second...
News Mole Mania Burrows onto US eShop Tomorrow
Can you dig it?
North America's 8-Bit Summer promotion continues to heat up 3DS' Virtual Console — tomorrow you'll be able to dig into Game Boy puzzler Mole Mania. Mole Mania originally came out in North America in 1997. Shigeru Miyamoto was producer on the puzzle game, in which you push, pull and throw a black ball around to help Muddy Mole work...
News Nintendo Confirms Financial Loss for First Quarter
Not a surprise
As you may recall, Nintendo announced its first annual loss in 30 years in April, as the company faced the music for problems with the 3DS launch and a declining Wii. It's just announced its results for the first quarter of this current financial year and, as anticipated, it's a loss. In the three months that ended 30th June this...
News Kirby's 20th Anniversary Collection Tops Japanese Charts
The pink one's still got it
Kirby may be little more than a pink blob with arms and legs, but he's become a beloved Nintendo mascot with a legion of dedicated fans. It's unsurprising that his anniversary is being celebrated, and it seems that plenty of Japanese gamers have shown their support by picking up Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection...
News Travel Across the Galaxies with Planet Crashers' New Trailer
That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
Developer Renegade Kid, of Mutant Mudds fame, has unleashed a brand new trailer to celebrate the release of its latest RPG adventure, due to hit both American and European Nintendo 3DS eShops this Thursday. In Planet Crashers, you must travel across the galaxies to stop an evil force from...
News Here's a Freakyforms Deluxe Launch Trailer
I told you I was freaky
If the mere idea of creating hilarious beasts doesn't entice you to try Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!, maybe this launch trailer will help. The expanded retail version of the 3DS eShop game is arriving alongside 3DS XL on 28th July in Europe. Just like the download-only original, you'll be able to play at Dr...
Tuesday24th Jul 2012
Review Petit Computer (DSiWare)
Massive potential, minor headache
There are few better places to learn programming than within the BASIC family — heck, it's in the name — which offers general-purpose, relatively simple environments in which to learn the ropes and concepts of coding. Petit Computer is a powerful BASIC coding environment, a type of homebrew application seldom...
Talking Point Nintendo's Digital Pricing
Is it persuasive enough?
This week we’ve been given a glimpse of Nintendo’s plans for retail download pricing and incentives, both for Japan and North America. It all begins with New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Demon Training in Japan on 28th July, with North America and Europe joining in with Mario’s title on 19th and 17th August respectively...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 was Once Called NSMB Gold
Gold digger
The latest edition of Iwata Asks is out now, and it focuses on 3DS's next goldmine: New Super Mario Bros. 2. This time Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata is joined by director Yusuke Amano, art director Masaaki Ishikawa and, arriving fashionably late, EAD general manager Takashi Tezuka. Apparently Mario's latest adventure is so...
News Retro Mario Discounts Jumping Onto North American eShop
Celebrating New Super Mario Bros. 2
When it comes to New Super Mario Bros. 2, you'd have to live in a deep, dark cave to not know about it. Trailers and videos swarm the web and its status as the first retail download being offered by Nintendo has given it even more profile. Still, that won't stop Nintendo of America doing some additional marketing...
Review Masyu by Nikoli (3DS eShop)
Circle gets the square
The ...by Nikoli series is nothing new to the eShop, but Masyu by Nikoli stands out for being a puzzle of Nikoli's own creation. This means that if you'd like to play it, more than likely this will be your only option on the service. Therefore the question really boils down to whether or not that puzzle is worth seeking out on...
News Project X Zone Unveils Yet More New Characters
Crossed over with a crossover
When it comes to crossover titles, Project X Zone is pushing the boat out by merging three universes: SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai. One issue that won't affect this game is a shortage of characters, with plenty of them lined up already and more just announced. Famitsu has revealed (via Andriasang) that Tron and...
News Post-It Note Mario Has The Moves
Only 7000 notes used
As Mario is, arguably, the biggest icon in video game history, it's little surprise that he's the subject of various fan-projects and videos. One new video, posted yesterday on YouTube by user FinalCutKing, apparently uses 7000 post-it notes — and a lot of patience — to create a stop-motion video that sees Mario platforming...
News Bing Gordon: Nintendo's 'On Track' to Primarily Focus on Software
But not while Miyamoto's around
The evolution of inexpensive tablet computers with gaming potential, and the continuing 'will they/won't they' question of whether Apple or Google will enter the home console market means that Nintendo, and its competitors, face big challenges. Those challenges may have been in the mind of experienced industry figure...
News Super Motherload Cancelled on WiiWare
Can't dig out of this hole
Yesterday our attention got drawn to a Super Motherload Kickstarter page, which mattered to us because it was announced for WiiWare two years ago. After searching the campaign from top to bottom we saw plenty of references to PC and Mac releases for the project, but none for WiiWare, so reached out to the developer for a...
News Retail Download Cards in Japan Set For Small Discount
And we mean small
Last week we shared the news that Japanese gamers will be offered incentives for retail downloads, and that there'll be a Club Nintendo bonus in North America: this is against a context of the eShop downloads being full retail price. Purchases from the eShop aren't the only retail download option, of course, with download codes on...
News Get a Double Helping of Cooking Mama With New Combo Packs
Well done
Sometimes just one serving isn't enough. Majesco understands that, so it's pulled together a few Cooking Mama double-game packs for Wii and DS. They're currently only announced for North America. For starters there's a pair of DS appetisers. Mama’s Combo Pack Volume 1 is a stew of the original Cooking Mama and Camping Mama: Outdoor...
News Bonsai Barber is a Snip at 150 Coins on US Club Nintendo
Hairing to go
There's some vegetation in need of a trim if you pop over to the North American Club Nintendo page right now. Bonsai Barber is the latest reward in the program, listed for just 150 coins. Zoonami's bizarre WiiWare barber simulator takes Mario Tennis' spot and will be available until 5th August. Read our Bonsai Barber review if you're...
News pitchWinPLAY Competition Cancelled
Lack of interest to blame
In March this year a competition called pitchWinPLAY was announced that'd give creative gamers an opportunity to see their game produced by Renegade Kid, of Mutant Mudds fame, and then released on the 3DS eShop. It was an exciting grand prize, but a lack of interest since launch has brought the contest to an end. Our very...
News Go Behind the Scenes of Disney Epic Mickey 2's Story
Power paintbrush
Disney Interactive has given us a peek at the story writing process behind Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. But just a little one — you wouldn't want any surprises spoiled now, would you? Junction Point creative director Warren Spector and senior designer Brian Freyermuth speak of their excitement at Marv Wolfman joining...
Monday23rd Jul 2012
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Download Size Breaks Some Blocks
2950 of them, to be precise
The arrival of New Super Mario Bros. 2 will herald the dawning of a new downloadable retail age for Nintendo, with gamers having the option of buying direct from the eShop or as download codes from retailers: old-fashioned physical copies are still an option, of course. For those carefully managing their SD card space,...
Review Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive! (3DS)
Get your freak on
When it was released on eShop, Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! was a thoroughly charming and cheerful creature creation tool, tailored to entertain kids and big kids alike. Its positive sales on the digital platform were clearly enough to convince Nintendo to expand the package, with Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!...
Review The Phantom Thief Stina and 30 Jewels (3DS eShop)
Hidden gem or a kick in the jewels?
The Phantom Thief Stina and 30 Jewels is an arcade-like game that has you breaking into an assortment of stages, grabbing keycodes, deactivating security systems, and escaping into the night with shiny jewel in hand. As a concept, Phantom Thief is intriguing, but while it can be fun, it's ultimately let down by...
Nintendo Download 26th July 2012 (Europe)
Crashing, pinball, candles and athletics
It's another Monday, so let's cheer ourselves up in Europe with news of what downloads are coming this week. This week almost every platform is catered for, so let's get to it. 3DS Download Software: Planet Crashers (Ignition, £9/€10) — Planet Crashers is the latest title developed by Renegade Kid, of...
News GAME Goes Large With 3DS XL Trade-In Deal
Game on, retailers
With 3DS XL arriving in just five short days in Europe, UK retailer GAME has launched what seems to be the best trade-in offer so far. If you trade a 3DS console with its original packaging you can get an XL system, and an all-important AC adaptor, for £79.99. You can check all of the details for yourself on GAME.co.uk, which...
News Genius Sonority's Denpa Ningen no RPG Heading to the West
You know, the guys behind Pokémon Colosseum
We at Nintendo Life absolutely loved Pokémon Colosseum. Who didn't? Which is precisely why we are so excited to hear that Colosseum developer Genius Sonority is bringing its latest 3DS eShop game over to the West. Back in January, we introduced you to the utterly absurd-looking Denpa Ningen no RPG...
News WayForward is Making a Hotel Transylvania Tie-In Game
Such a lovely place
To coincide with the upcoming release of Sony Pictures Animation's animated comedy Hotel Transylvania, GameMill Entertainment has announced a 3DS / DS game of the same name. Don't look so terrified — WayForward is on development duties. We're promised a wide variety of locations, puzzles and boss battles, but that's about all...
News Dragon Quest X App Adventuring Onto 3DS
StreetPass and game updates included
Dragon Quest X, the Wii and Wii U exclusive with substantial online play, is currently only confirmed for Japan, which may bother those who got so engrossed in Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on DS. To compound the anxious wait for news of localisation, it's being reported by Andriasang that a...
News Square Enix Presents the Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Collectors Pack
Heaven-sent goodies
The rather oddly named Bravely Default: Flying Fairy is heading to 3DS consoles all over Japan on 11th October, and to celebrate the release of one of the prettiest games on the system Square Enix has compiled a rather amazing Collectors Edition of the game. The pack includes a copy of the game, the original soundtrack, a 3DS...
News Fan Group 'Operation Zero' Attempts to Scare Nintendo of America
Into localising Fatal Frame 2, that is
Project Zero 2: Wii Edition arrived in Europe at the end of June, and despite a few flaws has been scaring gamers witless since. This isn't survival horror in the shoot-a-zombie-in-the-face Resident Evil sense, but exploring dark, creepy locales with nothing but a camera to protect you from malevolent ghosts...
News Yves Guillemot: Nintendo's 'Created Something Good' with Wii U
Nintendo 'taking lots of risks with the games they create'
When it came to judging console manufacturer's and publisher's efforts at E3, Ubisoft was the recipient of plenty of praise from attendees and those viewing on the web. Its own press conference may have included some sketchy, cringeworthy jokes — though that's not exactly rare at E3 —...
News Vigil: Darksiders II Uses Wii U GamePad in "Interesting Ways"
But deathly silent for now
We're all a bit in the dark about just what Darksiders II will be doing with Wii U GamePad. So far we only know that it'll be used for an easy access inventory — but according to the game's lead designer, there's more to come. Speaking to our sister site Push Square this weekend, Vigil Games' Haydn Dalton implied that...
News Nnooo Approved for Wii U Development
Yesss
Australian development studio Nnooo will be familiar to afficionados of Nintendo download services. The company was there for the WiiWare launch with Pop, followed up with some DSiWare apps before releasing its best title to date, escapeVektor: Chapter 1. The studio's continued support for Nintendo means that escapeVektor is on the way to 3DS,...
News FIFA Producer: Wii U Potential is "Pretty Exciting"
Goal?
FIFA 13 hasn't been announced for Wii U yet, but during an interview about the game and the future of the series, FIFA executive producer David Rutter expressed interest in the potential of Wii U GamePad, labelling it "pretty exciting". CVG asked Rutter if he found Wii U interesting and received an enthusiastic response in return. Rutter is...
News Kingdom Hearts 3D Flows Into UK Top Ten
Dreaming of top spot
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was a high-profile arrival in Europe last week, bringing the popular franchise to the current generation of handhelds. Square Enix and Nintendo — the latter dealing with distribution in PAL regions — invested plenty of hype, particularly online, behind the title; has it paid off? The...
Sunday22nd Jul 2012
News So, you think Nintendo Life is pretty neat?
If so, then nominate us for a Games Media Award
Nintendo Life has come a long way since it's inception. We've grown from a small personal project into a leading worldwide resource for all things Nintendo. We've seen the site cover every single WiiWare title, break through the 1 million monthly visits barrier and even appear in the 3DS eShop with our...
Saturday21st Jul 2012
Feature GameCube - GBA Connectivity and Wii U
Blazing a trail
Nintendo has been known to dip into its past when looking for the future. The 3DS is a good example: while the handheld may be the first glasses-free 3D video game system, it's hardly the company's first foray into the third dimension. The forgotten Famicom 3D System brought pop-out graphics to Nintendo's original home console in...
News 3DS XL Represents 'The Progress of Technology'
More than just a super-sized 3DS
3DS XL lands in Europe and Japan a week from now, with North America joining in on 19th August. There's been a justifiable temptation for some to readily dismiss the new model as a re-scaled 3DS with no actual technological improvements. While that's a true comment in terms of processors and graphics chips, the new...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 eShop Bonus Confirmed for North America
Double the coins for digital
Nintendo's efforts to tempt gamers into an eShop purchase of New Super Mario Bros. 2 instead of the boxed alternative is now kicking in outside of Japan. We've already reported on retail download incentives in Japan, but Nintendo of America is joining in with its own offer, and like Mario's new adventure it's all about...
News Demon Training Demo Heads to the Japanese 3DS eShop
Get a first look at Dr Kawashima's demonic floating head
Last week we reported that Nintendo would be broadcasting a short Nintendo Direct conference dedicated entirely to the upcoming 3DS game, Dr Kawashima's Demon Training. The broadcast featured examples of some of the puzzles on offer, which can be seen listed below, as well as some disturbing...
Friday20th Jul 2012
Review Wario Land II (3DS eShop / Game Boy)
Greed is good
After the success of the first Wario Land, Nintendo decided to take another shot at putting its beloved new anti-hero in the spotlight. To differentiate it from Mario even further, it removed the "Super Mario Land" prefix and also made a massive gameplay change for Wario Land II. But is it one for the better? Defeated at the end of...
News Snakebyte Gets in Early With 3DS XL Accessories
And so it begins
3DS XL is just eight days away — at the time of writing — in Europe, so it goes without saying that we can all look forward to plenty of accessories and extras flooding stores and online retailers. We've received an initial shot across our bows today from Snakebyte, a company that provides plenty of low cost cases, adapters and...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Official Website Reveals Complex Plot
Kidding, but 'world coin total' will use SpotPass
As it's a Friday, and because we've just learnt about it through the wonders of the internet, we've checked out the official New Super Mario Bros. 2 website and discovered a couple of interesting details. First up, here's a summary of the complexities that the plot will offer in Mario's newest...
News Level-5's Fantasy Life Living it up With Official Website
What a life
The official website for Level-5 / Brownie Brown RPG Fantasy Life has finally burst into existence. The website can be found here. It's all in Japanese, but if you pop over there you can at least see some new screens and artwork that show off the town and avatar system. Much of the information was also published in Japanese magazine...
News Nintendo Offering Incentives for Retail Downloads in Japan
Virtual goodies only
Retail downloads on the 3DS eShop start, for most of us, with New Super Mario Bros. 2 in mid-August. For Japanese gamers, however, it all starts in just eight days, the same day as the arrival of 3DS XL and Five Minute Demon Training, the next Brain Training entry that's also known as Onitore. A common criticism of the download...
News Satoru Iwata: 'We Have Not Changed Our Strategy'
Return to profitability not far away
With Wii U getting closer, and various opinions swirling around about the system's capabilities and even Nintendo's long term future in the industry, Satoru Iwata has spoken to Gamasutra to once again outline Nintendo's philosophy and plans. On the subject of profitability, Iwata has reiterated that the company...
Feature Batman's Nintendo Adventures
Holy topical feature, Batman!
Today sees the launch of The Dark Knight Rises in UK and North American theatres, amongst others, and it's become a cultural phenomenon, dominating the thoughts of Batman geeks and film lovers alike. We figured that you'll see the word 'Batman' wherever you go, so we might as well wrap it up in our favourite...
News Apple Co-Founder is a Tetris Master
Those other gamers can't deny
Tetris is a brand that will forever be in the history of handheld gaming in particular, as it's credited by many as being the key title to launching the Game Boy to popularity. It had appeared on various consoles before Nintendo's handheld, but found its home on the system and became a phenomenon. The second part of...
Talking Point Another Look at the News - 20th July
Sonic, retail downloads and a certain analyst
It's that time again, when a few members of the Nintendo Life team look at recent news and decide that they simply have to give their opinion on it. Last time out things were very serious, with topics such as Nintendo's online services, the number of 'new IPs' on Wii and the continued madness that is...
Thursday19th Jul 2012
News Catch a Special Porygon in Pokémon Black and White
You know you want to
Recently we told you all about the updates and improvements to Pokémon Global Link, such as a new Global Trade Station or the Icy Cave area, for just two examples. Now, courtesy of our friends at Eurogamer.net, you can get yourself a special version of one of the original 'mon. The special creature that you can claim is...
Nintendo Download 19th July 2012 (North America)
Kid Icarus, thievery and puzzles
Update details were slower than normal today, but we do now have a mixture of 3DS VC games, a couple of mystery eShop titles and some good-old DSiWare to look at this week. Let's get right into it. 3DS Virtual Console: Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — Before his high profile 3DS...
Review The King of Fighters '96 (Wii Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
A step in the right direction
King of the Fighters '96 marks the third release in the popular SNK fighting game series, and while we've already seen KoF releases from both before and after this title, SNK has finally decided to go back and release this pivotal release in the series. With a host of new gameplay additions, many of which help balance...
News Grab Your Kirby 20th Anniversary Puzzle Swap Piece Now
Hiii!
If you're a Kirby fan, you'll want to check the blue SpotPass light that's blinking on your 3DS today. Nintendo has released a brand new Puzzle Swap panel to celebrate the upcoming release of Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition on Wii. Internet-connected 3DS systems will receive a SpotPass message informing them of the new treat. With...
News Mario Kart 7 'Fastest Family' Competition Calls in a Celeb
No, we don't mean Mario
Not long ago we brought you Nintendo's announcement of the Britain's Fastest Family competition, which is naturally all about Mario Kart 7. Young and old family members team up and enter regional heats around the UK in August, with the grand finale in October. Regional winners receive 'a year’s worth of Nintendo 3DS games',...
News Nintendo Direct Channel Arrives on YouTube
In Japanese, of course
Nintendo Direct has been a regular event in 2012, with game reveals and major announcements served up at regular intervals. It's a strategy that Nintendo is taking seriously, even unveiling 3DS XL in one of the broadcasts, and after the first presentation in February we even argued that it was all part of Nintendo joining the...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 on Wii U to Have 'Nintendo Like' Features
The E3 sizzle-reel didn't lie
Sometimes we see reveals and footage at E3, allow ourselves to get intrigued and excited before an inevitable disappointment, weeks later, when we find out it was all a big tease. It happened to an extent at E3 2011, when a third-party Wii U sizzle reel showed off games that have since been withdrawn from the console;...
News Dot Runner Comes to the US eShop 26th July
Eat up
Get ready to devour some dots when Dot Runner: Complete Edition is released on the North American eShop next week. It's a follow-up, of sorts, to the rather excellent DSiWare title GO Series: Picdun; it's known as Dot Eater New Picdun in Japan. You've got to trample through 100 stages gobbling up all the orbs and destroying any enemies in...
News Create 'A Game By Its Cover' Competition is Underway
Heading to Nottingham's GameCity festival
Indie game developers have delivered some memorable titles, mainly downloadable, in recent years. While blockbuster experiences can be terrific, there's a growing market of determined programmers and game designers going their own way, and 'A Game By Its Cover' is a competition that's encouraging people to...
Wednesday18th Jul 2012
Review Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS)
Like a dream, or just plain heartless?
This is a good month for Square Enix fans. First rhythm-action masterpiece Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy came storming into our midst and now it's Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance’s turn to hold the spotlight. Kingdom Hearts 3D may be one of the best looking games on the 3DS, yet like many previous Kingdom...
Review Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition (WiiWare)
Hopping mad
Frogger reached its 30th anniversary last year so, as is tradition for gaming birthdays, Konami has marched out a new edition of the arcade classic. Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition sets out to bring multiplayer and new play styles to the franchise, but it's not quite all it's croaked up to be. It's split up into eight modes – six game...
News Michael Pachter Admits That Wii U Pro Controller Comments Were an 'Educated Guess'
Oh dear
Earlier this week we shared comments from well-known — and polarising — industry analyst Michael Pachter, which were made at the Develop conference in Brighton. Pachter stated that he was unimpressed with the Wii U concept, but most notably claimed that Activision had pressured Nintendo to produce the Wii U Pro Controller, as it may have...
News Pokémon Orchestra is Suitably Epic
Gotta compose 'em all
The Pokémon franchise has always been home to some quality music, but one fan has taken it to another level. Over the last couple of years Braxton "Skotein" Burks has been putting together orchestral versions of some of the series' best loved tunes to super effect. Burks is currently working with Joypad Records to release a...
News New Mario Bros. 2 Footage Hops Over From Japan
Giant Boo and boulders
Japanese gamers are getting a double treat on 28th July, as they'll not only be able to pick up a shiny new 3DS XL but also a copy of New Super Mario Bros. 2. The rest of us need to wait until mid-August, but we can still cast our eyes over the latest trailers for the plumber's new adventure. Although some of this footage may...
Talking Point Music and Rhythm Games Are Coming Back
No plastic guitars needed
There was a time, in the not too distant past, when Harmonix and Activision were locked in a gaming battle of the plastic bands, with the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises facing off in the charts. It was a phenomenon, capitalising on the rise of a new generation of gamers, that allowed us to live out fantasies of being...
News NetherRealm Still Unsure About Injustice's Wii U Features
Indecision
NetherRealm's DC Universe fighter Injustice: Gods Among Us has already been confirmed for Wii U — but the team isn't yet sure what to do with the unique features of Wii U GamePad. Speaking to Polygon, creative director and Mortal Kombat master Ed Boon said that the game will share the same features across every platform, but also...
News Streets of Rage Gets Real in Fan Movie
Street art
If you like Streets of Rage and have 23 minutes to spare, grab some popcorn and make yourself comfortable. Some ambitious fans have brought the series to life with the magic of street fighting, fireworks and YouTube. The video follows Axel Stone as he swaggers through the streets, punishing any thugs that dare to threaten him and kicking...
News Pokémon and 3DS Still Top of the Japanese Charts
Happy days for Nintendo
The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we haven't reported on the Japanese software and hardware charts every week recently, mainly because very little has changed. Despite that, we thought that we'd share the latest results, as at the very least the software chart includes some interesting games that we're pretty...
Out Now Heroes of Ruin Lands in North America
Yes, we're one day late
On occasions when European and North American release dates are weeks apart, in this case a full month, then it's worth giving a quick reminder for anyone that hasn't kept track. This one is all about Heroes of Ruin, the action RPG developed by n-Space and published by Square Enix, and it's in North American stores now. It's...
News First Kart Krashers DSiWare Trailer Skids In
Krash out
Big John Games' Kart Krashers is speeding onto DSiWare and the 3DS eShop later this summer. Unlike many kart racers it's a single player affair; your aim is to charge through 10 courses looking for stars and smashing up any obstacles in your way. Grab enough points and you might just earn some Golden Wheels. Check out the first trailer...
News Check Out Kingdom Hearts 3D Worlds in the Latest Trailer
A virtual Disney World
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance hits EU stores this week, and at the end of the month in North America, so Square Enix is duly winding up the hype-generator. How does it do that? With a flashy trailer showing off cool bits of the game, of course. This latest trailer, below, shares a number of environments and areas,...
Tuesday17th Jul 2012
News 3DS XL With Two Circle Pads Advertised by UK Store
UPDATE: HMV issues an apology, of sorts
After this story attracted a lot of attention today, HMV has issued a clarification and apology to Eurogamer.net, confirming that this false information was only shown in one store. It's apparent this was just one particular store being a little over-enthusiastic — and the poster has been removed. If it's...
Review Sparkle Snapshots 3D (3DS eShop)
Take a pretty picture
It’s easy to forget about all of this multi-functional nonsense and think of 3DS as an all-out gaming machine, but occasionally a new app appears to remind us that, actually, Nintendo intends for the system to offer much more. The arrival of Sparkle Snapshots 3D in the eShop is one such reminder, a camera app designed to...
Review Johnny Kung Fu (3DS eShop)
Like a punch to the Wang
We're on to you, UFO Interactive. You've released these side-scrolling action games every few months now and, we'll admit, each one has had a fairly interesting premise — a samurai slicer with RPG elements and a zombie-flavored rhythm game? We can dig it. Now you roll out what seems like an ode to LCD handheld games...
News Adventure Time Collector's Edition is Full of Goodies
Land of Ooohh?
The snappily titled Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! is on the way this fall, and some retailers are listing the collector's edition on both DS and 3DS, knowing how tempted us gamers can get by extra bits 'n bobs. At the moment Amazon.com and
News World of Goo Developers Returning With Little Inferno
Wii U release may be console-exclusive
When WiiWare was still relatively fresh and home to some excellent indie games, World of Goo was a high profile arrival that charmed with its intuitive physics puzzles, attractive visuals and quirky sense of humour. It seems that 2D Boy — developer of that title — is now Tomorrow Corporation, with Allan...
News 8-Bit Summer Brings Myths and Monsters
Plus tumbling and popping
We've just got word of the latest titles in Nintendo of America's Virtual Console 8-Bit Summer promotion. We hope you like monsters. If you should log onto the 3DS eShop on Thursday you'll find Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, Pit's second ever outing. Are you up to the task of traversing the underworld, overworld and...
News Gearbox Interested in Bringing Borderlands 2 to Wii U
Lots of love, but no commitment yet
The developer response to Wii U has been remarkably mixed, with studios contradicting each other on a weekly basis in terms of the machine's capabilities and potential. One particularly vocal developer in the supporter's camp has been Gearbox, which has talked about the system's power and contributed plenty of...
News SEGA Wants Sonic to be the Next Hello Kitty
Hogmoney
It seems that Hello Kitty Sonic plush was a sign of things to come. SEGA hopes that Sonic the Hedgehog can become as big an icon as Sanrio's top cat. SEGA Europe COO Jurgen Post spoke to MCV about the lucrative merchandising potential of Sonic. With licensing teams dedicated to the task in both the UK and US, SEGA has golden rings in its...
News Rise of the Guardians Set to Protect the Holidays on Wii U
Tying into Wii, 3DS and DS too
Some things stay the same in every year's Holiday season: lots of money is spent on gifts and merriment, too much food is eaten, and a CG movie based around festive characters arrives in cinemas and theatres worldwide. One of these movies will be Rise of The Guardians from DreamWorks Animations, and we all know what...
News Mass Effect 3 Extended Ending on Disc for Wii U
If you don't like it, tough
Mass Effect 3 will be one of the big-name HD ports to come to Wii U and it's easy to forget that, when it was originally released, fans of the series were exceptionally hyped and excited. As a finale to the epic trilogy, however, some didn't like the ending, making such a noise online that developer Bioware felt compelled...
News Zombi U Trailer Takes in the London Sights
Not quite the holiday season
Last week's Comic Con expo had plenty of games coverage, and Ubisoft took the opportunity to show two new trailers for its launch window Wii U title, Zombi U. The footage gives more insight into the basic premise of being a survivor stranded in a zombie-infested London, scavenging for whatever resources can be found,...
News Put Your Trivia Knowledge to the Test in Quiz Party
Let's get quizzical
Nintendo is encouraging Wii owners to party smartly with Quiz Party. It's out in the UK on 27th July and is hosted by none other than television quiz show legend Roy Walker of Catchphrase fame. Say what you see! Using just one Wii Remote, an unlimited number of competitors can take part and answer questions about history,...
News Pokémon Company Was June's Top Publisher in Japan
We'll give you one guess why
While game and hardware sales information can be limited or tough to get hold of for Europe and North America, we can always rely on Japan to bare all and reveal the movers and shakers in the country. One monthly chart that normally sees Nintendo nestling in top spot has had a bit of a shake-up today, though the news is...
Monday16th Jul 2012
Talking Point 3DS XL's Media Potential
Look ma, no glasses!
One of the biggest shifts of the last generation has been the evolution of games consoles into entertainment centres, allowing almost all forms of media to be played back through your TV. It’s a far cry from the old cartridge systems when gaming ruled supreme, but thanks to their knowledge outside of video games both Microsoft...
News FIFA 13 Faces Licensing Dilemma with Rangers FC
What to do?
Many that follow football — or soccer — have more than likely heard about the troubles faced by Scottish Glasgow-based team Rangers FC. Despite being one half of the overwhelmingly dominant 'old firm', along with Celtic FC, Rangers got itself into trouble with the tax-man and lots of other people who were owed money. The club...
Nintendo Download 19th July 2012 (Europe)
Wario, revenge, flipping and learning
The details for this week's Nintendo Download in Europe are out with 3DS, Wii and DSi all getting some love, as well as the long-awaited return of a favourite edutainment series. Let's get to it. 3DS Virtual Console: Wario Land II (Game Boy Color, Nintendo, £4.50/€5) — While Wario's first appearance on...
News Michael Pachter: Activision Demanded Wii U Pro Controller for CoD
Wii U 'a solution in search of a problem'
For those that didn't know, last week Brighton — South England — hosted the Develop conference, where many figures from the industry chewed the fat and debated the games industry. Being one of the big three console manufacturers that also has a new system on the way, it's only natural that the subject of...
Review 2020 Super Baseball (Wii Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Step up to the plate
Taking a popular sport and fusing it together with a futuristic theme is certainly nothing new in the world of video games. Atari managed quite a bit of success with its robotic football release Cyberball, so it comes as no surprise that other companies would follow suit. Back in 1991 SNK took a page out of Atari's book and...
Candlelight delight
Candle Route is a unique and colourful puzzle game starring Sparky, a plucky, anthropomorphic flame charged with bringing light to Crayon Castle before night comes around. The adventure that follows feels a bit like a cross between ChuChu Rocket!, mini-golf, and being a mother duck; most importantly it's beautiful, original and...
News Starship Defense is Your New US Club Nintendo Reward
Starship super
If you're a US Club Nintendo user with 150 coins jangling around in your cyber-pocket, there's a new reward that might tempt you: Q-Games' DSiWare title Starship Defense, known in Europe as Starship Patrol. It replaces Electroplankton: Rec-Rec and will be available for a limited period of time. Have a read of our Starship Defense...
News Mario Explores New Environments in Latest Trailer
Or should we say, 'New'
The hype train seems to have truly left the station in the case of New Super Mario Bros. 2, hitting 3DS in just under a month's time. Late last week we brought you the latest trailer featuring Gold Boo and more, and as it's Monday we thought a bit more Mario may make the start of the week feel a bit better. This shorter...
News New Marvel Avengers Media Assembles
Hulk out
It's summer, now traditionally the season of the superhero, so Ubisoft has released some new screenshots and a CG trailer of Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth to celebrate. There's also some cool key art from Marvel artist Leinil Yu. Marvel Avengers is coming to Wii U later on this year and will give you the chance to get to grips with...
News Gaia's Moon Flies Into Japan on 25th July
Into the Land of the Rising Sun
DSiWare has its share of budget gems, and it's also a service that deprives some regions of excellent titles for long spells: ask a European DSi enthusiast about Cave Story, for example. Japanese gamers are about to have one of their wrongs resolved, however, with confirmation that Gaia's Moon is due on the country's...
News Nintendo Appoints New UK Marketing Director
Marketing leader
Nintendo has appointed Shelly Pearce as its UK marketing director. The role was vacated earlier this year when Dawn Paine left to become marketing vice president at Universal Pictures. Pearce joined Nintendo 14 years ago in 1998, and has been the head of European PR since 2002. Senior managers James Honeywell, Ben Taylor and Jo...
News Nintendo Unleashed Hits Manchester on 21st July
Going large
Over the past few months Nintendo has been travelling around the UK to share upcoming games to eager gamers, and it's set to keep up the pace this weekend. It's been confirmed that Nintendo will have a stand at the Manchester Comic Con event this weekend, or Saturday 21st July to be precise, at which it'll show off both shiny new...
Sunday15th Jul 2012
Review Ace Mathician (DSiWare)
Smooth operators
Ace Mathician, from Flipper developer Goodbye Galaxy Games, is a unique puzzle-platformer that succeeds in combining the magic of both marsupials and maths. The basic idea is to help a friendly koala named Ace reach the fruit at the end of each single-screen stage by rearranging platforms using algebraic equations. Make no mistake:...
News Wreck-It Ralph is in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic'll still win
SEGA and Disney have collaborated to make Wreck-It Ralph's dreams come true: he's going to be a playable character in upcoming kart racer Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The character, who will star in Disney's computer animated movie Wreck-It Ralph, will rev up on the starting line alongside SEGA all-stars including...
Saturday14th Jul 2012
Review The Sword of Hope II (3DS eShop / GB)
The great black and white hope
Poor Prince Theo. Not only is his first game still unavailable in the eShop, but his second adventure begins with all of his previous hard work being undone, an evil spirit being set free by would-be grave robbers, the Sword of Hope being stolen, and a young orphan accusing him of murdering his father. He really can't...
News Get Down With The Hip Hop Dance Experience
Gettin' jiggy wit it
You love dancing games, right? Good, because Ubisoft has announced a new one. The Hip Hop Dance Experience hopes to have you jumping around to some of the biggest names in hip hop when it comes out on Wii in November. Following in the two-steps of Michael Jackson: The Experience and The Black Eyed Peas Experience, it's being...
Review Kirby's Pinball Land (3DS eShop / GB)
Less than the sum of its parts
While primarily known as the star of a reliably charming series of platformers, Kirby has also starred in a fair share of spin-offs. One of those, Kirby's Block Ball, came to the eShop just a few months ago. It's a flawed but fun reimagining of Breakout. It plays to the strengths of both Breakout as a template and...
News New Trailer for Adventure Time on DS and 3DS
Mathematical!
In March it was announced that the cult US cartoon series Adventure Time would be getting its very own DS and 3DS game, Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!. Two months later we heard that it would hitting shelves in North America 'late fall'. D3Publisher has now released a new teaser trailer, sure to make
Talking Point What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Three
Now it's officially a trilogy
It's time, once again, for the Nintendo Life team to share their weekend gaming plans with you in their own lovely, lovely words. You may have noticed that this entry has been slightly delayed, as yesterday our esteemed editor James Newton completed his last day by sharing his favourite Nintendo Life moments; he now...
News New Tekken Trailer Tags In
Team spirit
Namco Bandai has released a new trailer for its upcoming Wii U fighter Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Featuring over 50 fighters, including punchy Panda, wooden man Mokujin and dozens of slightly less absurd characters, it boasts brawling a-plenty and a Snoop Dogg collaboration. At E3 we saw that Mario power-ups are in the Wii U version too...
News Planet Crashers Smash Down on 26th July
The power is yours
Renegade Kid's adventure-RPG Planet Crashers will make impact on the Nintendo 3DS eShop on 26th July in North America. Are you ready to save the universe? An evil force has, for some reason or another, decided that it's nigh on time to destroy the sun. As a rookie of the Planet Crashers Academy, you've been inexplicably chosen to...
News Touch Battle Tank 3D Rolls Out Next Month
Tanks a lot
North American tank enthusiasts, mark 9th August in your diaries — Touch Battle Tank 3D is on its way to the 3DS eShop. The arcade-style title has you taking control of your very own tank and blasting away any enemy forces that happen to be about. If you've ever played the Tanks! mini-game in Wii Play, you'll know roughly what to...
News Grandpa Danger Jya Coming to 3DS
But most likely never leaving Japan
Today Namco Bandai opened a new teaser site for the little known Denjarasu Jii-san Jya. It's a 3DS game based around the manga Grandpa Danger, which features in the monthly Japanese manga publication CoroCoro magazine. Grandpa Danger's teaser site features a trailer, which doesn't shed any light on the game, but...
Friday13th Jul 2012
Review Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns (3DS)
Come a cropper
Marvelous, Natsume and Rising Star Games certainly feel like they're onto a high-yield crop with Harvest Moon; Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns might be the first 3DS entry but it's the eighth HM game in five years. Any concerns that the creative well is running dry are understandable — after all, it's only farming — but...
News Iwata Explains Lack of Second Circle Pad on the 3DS XL
Size matters
In an interview with The Independent, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata explained why the upcoming Nintendo 3DS XL has not squeezed in an extra Circle Pad. According to Iwata, while it would have been "possible", Nintendo would have needed to make the 3DS XL body even bigger in order for the second Circle Pad to fit. Iwata expands...
News Unreal Engine 4 Ports Possible on Wii U
Get Unreal
After months of mystery, the will-it-won't-it of Wii U's ability to handle Unreal Engine 4 finally seems to have come to an end — sort of. Epic Games vice president Mark Rein told Videogamer that it'll be possible to port Unreal Engine 4 games to Wii U, though Epic itself doesn't intend to bring the engine to the console. Instead it'll...
Feature James's Favourite Nintendo Life Moments
Trip through time
As you might have seen earlier this week, our esteemed editor James Newton is leaving Nintendo Life to take up a new job at Nintendo of Europe. Here he picks some of his favourite moments of the past four-and-a-half years at Nintendo Life. Being Recognised: Let's face it, this was always going to be first. I wouldn't say I ever...
News Mega Man is Going to Blast 3DS Virtual Console
In Japan at least
NES classic Mega Man is coming to the 3DS Virtual Console in Japan next week. The Blue Bomber's legendary 8-bit adventure lands in Japan on 18th July for 500 Yen — around £3.99 or $6.30 — but expect the pricing to be slightly different when it reaches the West. If you're interested in playing some Mega Man on the go but...
News Nintendo Direct Next Week Focused on Demon Training
10 minutes in hell with Demon Kawashima
Get out your diaries and Japanese dictionaries, as Nintendo will be hosting a 'mini' Nintendo Direct conference on 18th July, next week. The broadcast will only be ten minutes long and will centre entirely around the upcoming 3DS game, Dr Kawashima's Demon Training, a sequel to the hugely successful Dr...
News Dragon Quest X Advert is a Call to Arms
In Japanese
Dragon Quest X will no doubt storm the Japanese charts with or without any advertising, but that hasn't stopped Square Enix putting together a cutesy trailer showing off the enemies and action in store. Japanese players can pick up the MMO from 2nd August, with a particularly snazzy black Wii Dragon Quest X bundle on sale too. The game...
News Limber Up for Decathlon 2012 on 26th July
In time for the opening ceremony
Cinemax is ready to wrap up its sporting summer with Decathlon 2012 in Europe and North America on 26th July, the day before the London 2012 Olympic Games' opening ceremony. The DSiWare download mimics the official decathlon events — that's 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110 metre hurdles,...
Thursday12th Jul 2012
Guide How to Transfer Your Data from 3DS to 3DS XL
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Nintendo UK's put together a very useful video explaining how to transfer everything from your 3DS to a 3DS XL console. Remember that you'll need both your 3DS and 3DS XL consoles and an internet connection in order to make the transfer, so if you're planning on trading in to upgrade consider these things first. Still not sold on...
Nintendo Download 12th July 2012 (North America)
8-bit summer heats up
Two 3DS Virtual Console games plus new titles on WiiWare, DSiWare, Virtual Console and the eShop make another very strong week for the Nintendo Download in North America. Here's what's going live today. 3DS Virtual Console: Kirby's Pinball Land (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — The little pink ball makes the most of his rotund...
News Nintendo Patents Improvements for 3DS Download Play
Less pesky waiting
Download Play has been a positive feature since it was introduced in the DS family of handhelds, especially for those that don't have an internet connection or in some games where only one game cart is needed for multiple people to play. Many of us may not use it that often, but it's an extra that shows Nintendo's devotion to...
News Europe's Club Nintendo Gets Real-Life Mario Kart Trophies
The race is on
You might not be a real-life Mario Kart medallist like some people, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little silverware of your own to put on display. Europe's Club Nintendo just updated with three snazzy Mario Kart trophies — Shell, Leaf and Special — at just 5,000 Stars each. They're miniature versions of the trophies...
Feature Bizarre Emails Sent to Nintendo Life - Volume 5
The final frontier
Since our last Bizarre Emails Sent to Nintendo Life — Volume 4 the number of idiotic missives reaching our inbox has drastically decreased. Perhaps it's due to the fear of being shamed so publicly, or maybe stupidity is a finite resource and the world is running out. Missed a previous round-up of dumbness? Catch up! Bizarre...
News Gold Boo and More in New Super Mario Bros. 2 Trailer
It's raining coins
New power-ups and freshly minted enemies make their appearances in this New Super Mario Bros. 2 trailer, straight from Nintendo. A gold Boo, gold Bullet and Banzai Bills and more all appear to dole out cash, helping you to your target of one million gold coins. The Mini and Mega Mushrooms return, and now we can finally answer...
News Angry Birds Trilogy to Cost $29.99
Plucky dip
The recently announced Angry Birds Trilogy will retail at $29.99 in the U.S., Activision has announced. The compilation of digital releases Angry Birds, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Seasons will have exclusive 3DS features like StreetPass and stereoscopic 3D. It'll also have extra content over and above its iOS origins, but Activision...
News FIFA 13 3DS Takes to the Streets
Curb stomping
Soccer fans, get ready to pile up those jumpers for goalposts. An ESRB listing has revealed that FIFA 12 3DS's Streets mode will return in the portable version of FIFA 13. It's likely to take inspiration from off-shoot series FIFA Street, which focuses on five-a-side matches and fancy footwork. EA got in touch with
News 3D Won't Be a "Key Feature" of Future Nintendo Consoles
Taking a backseat
Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata has revealed that stereoscopic 3D will play a role in future systems — but it won't be one of the "key features". Speaking to The Independent, Iwata insisted that Nintendo remains enthusiastic about 3D, but also acknowledged that some people tire of the effect's novelty quickly. As such,...
News Secret Third-Party Wii U Games Under Wraps Until Autumn
More in the pipeline
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed we'll see brand new third-party Wii U games later this year when Nintendo reveals the console's price and release date. Iwata told The Independent that while we've seen some of the machine's third-party line-up, there's more to see: I think some of these projects have already been...
News Nintendo 3DS Sales Pass 5 Million in U.S.
Zelda goes gold too
Nintendo of America sold over 155,000 3DS consoles in June to take the system's total U.S. sales past the five million mark. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D managed to squeak past the one million mark inside a year, joining Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 at the top of the sales tree. Those three titles have sold...
News Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed 3DS Out 16th November
Wii U date "to be confirmed"
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on 3DS has a confirmed release date for Europe: 16th November. The SEGA racer is still on course for release on Wii U but its release date is still to be confirmed by the publisher. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed features characters and courses from classic SEGA...
News Disney Epic Mickey 2 Trailer Sets the Scene
Comic-Con appearance also confirmed
It seems to be a week of news about Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Two, due to arrive on Wii this November. Yesterday Warren Spector said he was proud that Epic Mickey 'polarised people'; he'll no doubt share his thoughts on the original, sequel and 3DS spin-off Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion when he...
News Picross E Rated for Australian eShop
So you know what that means
Fans of numbers and colouring in boxes, rejoice: it looks like Picross E is finally leaving Japan. The Australian Classification Board has rated the eShop game, which says to us it'll come to PAL regions in the coming months or, if we're really lucky, weeks. The last we heard of the Jupiter-developed puzzle game was...
Wednesday11th Jul 2012
Hardware Review Nintendo 3DS XL
The official Nintendo Life verdict on the new super-sized console
It’s fair to say that the 3DS didn’t have the start that Nintendo was hoping for. Launched amid high expectation and a groundswell of three dimensional hype, the system initially struggled to find an audience; it took a price cut and an injection of big-name quality software to...
Review The Amazing Spider-Man (3DS)
Hyperbole, True Believers!
You've got to hand it to Beenox for its stewardship of Spider-Man's games. While each entry has had its share of problems, the studio has pushed the webslinger in fun and genuinely interesting new directions by tapping into the character's rich diversity and exploring comic book universes largely ignored in video games,...
Review Family Tennis 3D (3DS eShop)
A good second service
Arc System Works, most fondly known for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series of 2D fighting games, also dabbles in the casual sports genre with its Family series for WiiWare. Those titles generally haven't been very well received, but the series' first entry into the eShop, Family Tennis 3D, is a happy reversal of that trend...
News White Raccoon Mario to The Rescue in New Super Mario Bros. 2
No platformer left behind
Super Mario 3D Land may not have tested series veterans in its early worlds, but by the time we got to the later levels — the real later levels — various members of the Nintendo Life team were faced with the temptation of White Raccoon Suit Mario. Dying five times in the same area made this power up appear, and Mario...
Pit stop
Kid Icarus: Uprising developer Project Sora has shut up shop. The studio's official site shows it closed on 30th June, and the site itself will go at the end of this month. Before anyone gets too carried away, it's worth remembering that Project Sora was originally established as a subsidiary of Sakurai's own, and decidedly ongoing, Sora...
Feature Bizarre Nintendo Life Search Results - Volume 2
"But I still haven't found what I'm looking for..."
In November 2011 we brought you a sample of the most bizarre Nintendo Life search results, and now we're over halfway through the year (and our current editor ready to leave) we think it's time to dive into the log files again to bring you more oddball ideas that have all brought users to Nintendo...
News 8-Bit Summer Flips Out With Kirby Pinball Tomorrow
There's also a sword of hope
Nintendo of America normally releases details of eShop downloads on the morning of the update, but our source has given us a heads-up on the Virtual Console '8-bit summer' titles that you can look forward to this week. As you've no doubt guessed, the headline Game Boy title is Kirby's Pinball Land, which sees the...
News The Last Story Hits North America on 14th August
Operation Rainfall yet to claim release date responsibility
We've known for a good while that The Last Story will arrive in North America this summer, and publisher XSeed has finally confirmed the details to IGN. The date for your diaries is 14th August, and there are a number of goodies awaiting eager buyers. It's been confirmed that all...
News 3D Video of Plants to Soil 3DS
That's right. Plants.
3DS will get its best video series since Threediots at the end of this month when Nintendo and Atlantic Productions release a 90-second clip from Kingdom of Plants 3D. The time-lapse video was filmed over the course of a year and gives a "revealing and fascinating new look at plant life", apparently. You can check it out for...
News Warren Spector Proud That Epic Mickey 'Polarised People'
Key improvements made to Epic Mickey 2
The upcoming release of Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two may be coming at the end of the Wii's lifespan, but is probably worth more focus than it's currently attracting. It's worth consideration simply because the original Disney Epic Mickey on Wii was praised for its many positive features, but suffered...
News Nigoro: Still a Chance for La-Mulana on WiiWare
It's never too late
Japanese developer Nigoro has said there's still a possibility we'll see La-Mulana reach WiiWare in the West. The team said on its official blog: To be honest, we don’t give up WiiWare version for overseas. So, we want to let you know in advance, “There is a possibility to release WiiWare version.” It will be without the...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Whips into Eurogamer Expo
Bump in the day
Much-anticipated 3DS action game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate will be playable at this year's Eurogamer Expo in London. Konami's portable vampire-basher joins other high-profile games on the showfloor from 27th to 30th September at London's Earls Court. If you want to learn more about the Belmont's next challenge...
News Escape! Zombie City Set to Infest Japanese eShop
The latest from Tom Create
Tom Create is a Japanese developer that may be familiar to gamers who enjoy a lot of download titles from the GO series. The studio has produced DSiWare titles such as GO Series: Earth Saver and GO Series: Tower of Deus, with many being thoroughly decent downloads at a budget price. It now seems that the developer is...
Tuesday10th Jul 2012
Review Let's Create! Pottery (WiiWare)
Different console, same game
Every now and again a game gets released that makes its players collectively ask “why? Why did this happen?” Then, inexplicably, the same exact game gets released on a completely different console after it has barely been changed at all. As you may have already guessed, this is exactly the case with Let’s Create!...
News New Super Smash Bros. Is a 'Big Priority' for Namco
Roster decisions a way off
The game may still be a fair bit away, with the only publicly shown development being a whiteboard sketch, but the next entry in the Super Smash Bros. series is, it's safe to assume, high on the hype lists of a lot of Nintendo gamers. It's the ultimate fan-service franchise, so it's only natural to want to know as much as...
Site News James Finds a Warp Zone
Going up to the mother ship
Current Nintendo Life editor James Newton is to bid farewell to the site this week. James has been a part of Nintendo Life since way back in January 2008 when he came on board to plug the enormous gap in the site's coverage of Harvest Moon and Sonic games. Over the coming months he started taking on other duties, soon...
News Dylan Cuthbert Talks Star Fox, Game Development and Miyamoto
Interested in returning to Star Fox in the future
Dylan Cuthbert is a name well-known to fans of the original Star Fox, as a member of the Argonaut development team that relocated to Nintendo HQ in Kyoto to work on the Super NES title. Cuthbert's had a long and successful career since, and his studio Q-Games was most recently seen on a Nintendo...
News Angry Birds Trilogy Takes Aim at 3DS
Golden eggs
Rovio has finally announced Angry Birds Trilogy for 3DS, on the way in 2012. The retail release combines the first three Angry Birds games — Angry Birds, Rio and Seasons — on one cartridge with new StreetPass features. Sadly the gravity-based Angry Birds Space doesn't feature, but three games in one isn't too bad. We haven't got...
News Square Enix: Nintendo Works With a 'Different Perspective'
Going its own way
One debate that has swirled around Wii U is its graphical power and grunt, with many debating whether it's on par, stronger or potentially weaker than its Microsoft and Sony counterparts. One thing we do know is that it produces HD visuals and that Mario and company have never looked so pretty, all while coming out with its...
News What Do You Make of this Hello Kitty Sonic Crossover?
Straw poll
Two of the world's most recognisable animals combined today in what scientists are probably calling "disgusting". This Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog plush toy — officially called the Sonic x Hello Kitty Super Jumbo Plushy — is heading to Japan this weekend to commemorate the reopening of SEGA's flagship Joypolis arcade. It's...
News Enter the Pokémon World Tournament in Black & White 2
Pokémon Black & White 2 comes with a few new features to boost it over its predecessor, with Nintendo recently talking more about the Pokémon World Tournament mode. Here you'll be able to take on gym leaders and champions from past games — Lance and Volkner both return — while using moves and battle tactics from Black and White 2. If...
Monday9th Jul 2012
Review Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (3DS)
You spoony bard!
This is how you celebrate the 25th anniversary of a beloved game franchise. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, a rhythm game celebrating a quarter-century of some of the most iconic music in video games, is a fantastic title. Every facet radiates care and polish, with the accessible and addictive rhythm mechanics framed by a gorgeous...
Nintendo Download 12th July 2012 (Europe)
Sparkles and frogs
This week's Nintendo Download is a metaphorical mixed bag, with 3DS add-on content and WiiWare sitting alongside weird eShop applications. Scan the list below for the full lowdown. 3DS Download Software: Sparkle Snapshots 3D (Nintendo, £4.50/€5) — Remember Sparkle Snapshots on DSiWare? How would you like a similar...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Cards Out Now in UK
Tasty Panini
Panini and Nintendo want to fuel your thirst for all things Pit with a big collection of collectible cards for Kid Icarus: Uprising. UK fans can pick up a Starter Pack, including a binder and three card packs, for £5.99. Individual packs of cards will set you back £1.50 each. With 404 cards to collect it's probably best not to do the...
Review Akari by Nikoli (3DS eShop)
Spark in the dark
Hamster is now at the halfway point of chopping up upcoming retail release Sudoku + 7 other Complex Puzzles by Nikoli and selling each puzzle type individually through the eShop. With Sudoku and Kakuro out of the way, the far more interesting chunks have started to hit as evidenced by last month's Slitherlink and now Akari.
Review 3, 2, 1... Words Up! (DSiWare)
Fun with words
3, 2, 1... Words Up! is a great example of how simple can be satisfying. This word-unscrambling game does one thing and does it well, providing a solid dose of portable wordplay to anyone looking to test their lexical limits. The basic objective is to create as many words as possible from a bank of seven letters, and there are two...
News Time Travelers Live Action Advert is All Tears
Why so serious?
Level-5 has been very cryptic so far with information about its upcoming release of Time Travelers in Japan this week, and things aren't about to get any clearer with these two latest trailers. Even with only three days before its launch on Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita, and ten days until Time Travelers releases on PSP, Level-5 are...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Keeping it Simple on Wii U GamePad
Second screen can be 'distracting'
We've already read and heard much about the Wii U GamePad, with its screen and various control methods set to be explored and tested by developers. While these features are likely to be prominent in a number of launch window titles, it seems that one in particular will be keeping it simple. Tekken Tag Tournament 2...
News Metroid Fan Film is Light on Action, Heavy on Chat
Ceres-ly
We've seen some great Nintendo fan films over the years; films that made us think "if only". This short film, Metroid: Encounter at Ceres Colony, wants to be next. As the name suggests, the short takes Super Metroid as its inspiration but mixes in some elements from the Metroid Prime Trilogy too. Serious Samus fans will also enjoy other...
News 3DS XL and Upcoming Titles Head to Comic-Con
Mario and more
Nintendo will once again show off new games and hardware at Comic-Con International in San Diego this weekend. From 12th to 15th July attendees can try the new 3DS XL and upcoming titles like New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate. There'll be no Wii U presence there,...
News What's Cuter Than Pikachu? A Crochet Pikachu, Of Course
But you knew that
Everything's cuter when it's knitted: take this Sonic Sackboy, for instance. Could it make Pokémon mascot Pikachu any cuter, though? Yes, as it turns out, it could. Serial knitster MaDonna — she of Game Boy gloves infamy — spun a yarn Pikachu from her own pattern. We don't know much about knitting, but we're willing to bet...
News Inazuma Eleven GO 2 Has a Time Travelling Trailer
And a talking teddy bear
The Inazuma Eleven series takes a relatively simple game, football — or Soccer to our North American friends — and surrounds it with world-saving antics and outrageous special moves. It's a bit like football from the perspective of a hyper-active six year old, which happens to make it a lot of fun. Europe is slowly...
Feature Another Dimension Opening Night
Nintendo warps into trendy East London
Nintendo continues to find ways of expanding the reach of 3DS to new audiences with events such as this month’s UK photo competition Another Dimension, which saw a group of photography enthusiasts get to grips with 3D picture-taking using the system in organised field trips hosted by a wide range of...
News Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Earns Passing Rank in UK Chart
Fantasizing about top spot
The UK charts can be a tough place for Nintendo system exclusives in recent times, but Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy has secured a reasonable 19th place in the UK all-format charts in its first week. While that may not sound like something to celebrate, we should consider that the excellent Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's...
News Pixel Nation Volume 2 Hits Stands
Bubbly bobbly
Independent retro games magazine Pixel Nation has just published its second issue, available in both physical and PDF form. This volume comes loaded with articles on topics as diverse as bizarre NES accessories — ever heard of the Miracle Piano? — and a look back at classic gaming year 1986, there's something for everyone,...
Sunday8th Jul 2012
Review NES Open Tournament Golf (3DS eShop / NES)
Retro golf gaming at its finest
While the eShop already has Golf for the Game Boy available, anyone who purchased that game may now start to wish they had saved their money. NES Open Tournament Golf is a superior experience in every way. Perhaps not substantially so, but it's certainly a more rewarding way to spend a day on the links. NES Open...
Saturday7th Jul 2012
Feature A Visual Guide to Nintendo's Handheld Revamps - Part Two
Time for double vision
Earlier this week we brought you the first part of our visual guide to Nintendo's Handheld Revamps, starting with Game Boy and going all the way up to Game Boy Advance SP. In terms of handheld console models, and despite the number of years covered, that only covered about half of the story; now we'll pick up with the first...
It may be a map, but it's no legend
Congratulations are in order for Abstraction Games: it released a topography game that's even less fun that it sounds. Topoloco almost deserves an award for just how much it gets entirely wrong. Before you read the rest of this review, know that we didn't expect this to be much of a game, per se. Topoloco markets...
Friday6th Jul 2012
News Club Nintendo's Gold and Platinum Prizes Have Emerged
Which are you?
It's that time of year again, when North American Nintendo gamers are rewarded for their loyalty and spending power. After a year of meticulously registering your Nintendo games and saving up those coins until it was all reset on 30th June, what free treats await you this year? Although the Nintendo website hasn't officially revealed...
Review Castlevania: The Adventure (3DS eShop / GB)
Belmont's first portable adventure
When the Game Boy hit store shelves in 1989 it didn’t take long for a vast swathe of third-party publishers – many of which had grown fat on the profits generated by Nintendo’s astonishingly popular NES – to sign up to produce software for the device. Konami was one of the first to pledge its allegiance to...
Review Project Zero 2: Wii Edition (Wii)
Poltergeist snap
If you're more than a little wary when it comes to bumps in the night, it might be best to stay away from Project Zero 2: Wii Edition. Tecmo Koei's ghastly survival horror series, also known as Fatal Frame, throws you within the clutches of dozens of malicious apparitions with only a camera for protection. A proton pack it ain't...
First Impressions Wii U Panorama View
Look around you
Wii U's ability to output different scenes to television and controller is something truly special, but many of the games we've seen have been content to use the GamePad's extra screen to provide an alternative take on the main display, or an inventory, or a map. Wii U Panorama View is a startling look at the possibilities of the new...
News Nintendo Drops Price of 3DS AC Adapter in Japan
The writing's on the wall socket
The upcoming 3DS XL packaging in Europe may say in big letters that an AC adapter is not included in the box, but that won't stop complaints on the internet and a few confused customers. It was a decision taken, apparently, to make the console more affordable, with adapters and cradles available to buy separately:...
News Ice Climber Now Has Download Play Multiplayer in Japan
Double the fun
With a steady increase of retro titles on 3DS Virtual Console, including those from NES and Game Boy Advance for 3DS Ambassadors, notable omissions from most re-releases have been multiplayer modes. For those hoping to recreate nostalgic days of 8-bit goodness with a friend, 3DS iterations have been a disappointment. It seems to be...
Talking Point Another Look at the News - 6th July
Telling it like it is
A couple of weeks ago we published the first of this new series, where members of the team share their personal views on news stories of the week. Last time around James, Tom and Mike wrote about the only story in town, 3DS XL. Now we start the real business of team members sounding off about different articles, giving their...
First Impressions Trine 2: Director's Cut
Triple trouble
Three: it's the magic number. It's also the number of playable characters in Trine 2: Director's Cut, a 2D puzzle platformer that sees you regularly switching between a mismatched trio of varying skillsets to traverse beautiful lands. The wizard Amadeus commands bridges and blocks with the tips of his wizened fingers, either...
Out Today Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise (Europe)
Skip to the beat
Nearly five months after it hit North America, Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise lands in Europe today. The European release lets you choose between the English and Japanese soundtracks, a feature exclusive to Europe, but is otherwise unchanged from its North American release. If you're interested in some Wii-based rhythm, check out...
Thursday5th Jul 2012
News Mario & Sonic eShop App Hits the UK
Scan this
Fancy a free app for your 3DS? Of course you do. Scan the QR code below and you can download the Mario and Sonic at the London Olympics 2012 Virtual Card Album for free. The app lets you collect themed cards based on Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games via SpotPass, StreetPass, connecting to Nintendo Zone hotspots or by...
News Letter Box Update Adds Coloured Ink
At last
Popular message-swapper Nintendo Letter Box got an update today that lets you write and draw with coloured ink. European 3DS owners can simply scan the QR code below to go straight to the update, which adds five coloured inks to the free application: red, blue, green, purple and orange. Black remains an option too. To scan the QR code...
Nintendo Download 5th July 2012 (North America)
8-bit summer starts
Nintendo of America kicks off its 8-bit Summer campaign this week with new 3DS Virtual Console games, plus there's a new Wii Virtual Console game and some eShop games too. 3DS Virtual Console: The Legend of Zelda (NES, Nintendo, $4.99, 49 blocks) — This game surely needs no introduction. See where it all started for Link and...
Feature The Best Soundtracks on Wii
Wii music
Often overlooked in favour of graphics, music can elevate gaming from the memorable to the unforgettable. Since 2006 the Wii has provided players with some truly incredible music, from humble chip tunes to fully orchestrated epics. Here’s a selection of the most gratifying experiences to delight your ears, all thanks to the humble Wii...
Review Flip the Core (DSiWare)
Hit or bore?
We've already seen a few shoot 'em ups pop up on DSiWare, but for the most part the selection has felt more gimmicky than traditional. Flip the Core continues that tradition with a unique "flip" design that allows you to flip the flat background planes, greatly altering the level with one push of a button. And while this interesting...
News Pink and Blue 3DS Consoles to Hit Taiwan and Hong Kong
Look on in envy
3DS is already available in Rose Pink and Aqua Blue in the West, but Nintendo has put together two new colours for Taiwan and Hong Kong: Cerulean Blue and Shimmer Pink. The two vibrant colours are very similar to the light blue and pink DSi consoles we saw a few years back. Feel free to ogle them but don't get too carried away:...
News History of Sonic Book Announced for North America
Start saving your rings
UDON Entertainment has revealed a huge History of Sonic hardback book for launch in North America this September. It's the same book as Pix'n Love Publishing announced for Europe, though it doesn't look like North America will get the cool embossed gold foil cover. The book itself spans nearly 300 pages and has been produced...
Wednesday4th Jul 2012
News Nintendo Determined to Beat Hackers with Wii U and 3DS
Pirates beware
Most will agree that, when it came to online functionality and security, Wii and DS were both below par. Hacking and modding on both systems appears to have been widespread, which not only led to issues with some online games but, most importantly for Nintendo, cost the company money due to the extensive number of pirated games on...
News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Pre-Order Bonus is Golden
Not real gold, though
It's a big Mario release, so it's time for retailers to coax us to their stores with some 'collectibles' that, in all likelihood, will be lost behind the furniture within days. Still, extras are always nice, and lucky UK gamers will have the chance to get hold of a gold coin cartridge case — not actually made of gold,...
Review Marvel Pinball 3D (3DS eShop)
Dat Mahvel
Unlike video games based on movies or popular comics, licensed pinball tables have a reputation of being pretty great — The Twilight Zone, The Addams Family, Indiana Jones and Monster Bash are but a sampling of the rich properties that have yielded some of the most popular pins of the past 20 years. Marvel Comic's iconic characters are...
News Monster Hunter 4 Director Says It's All About 'Adventure'
As opposed to 'grinding', perhaps?
Plenty of gamers, including various members of the Nintendo Life team, thoroughly enjoyed Monster Hunter Tri, not least because it was a terrific Wii title that had the impressive scale and online functionality often reserved for its HD rivals. There was a nagging feeling amongst some, however, that the story in...
Feature A Visual Guide to Nintendo's Handheld Revamps - Part One
Because one is never enough
The recent announcement of 3DS XL less than 18 months after the original 3DS hit shelves drew a lot of discussion, so we thought we'd dive through the archives to present you with a visual history of the evolution of Nintendo handheld consoles, starting with the good old Game Boy. We're not going to go into all of the...
News Iwata Expects Wii U to Last a Generation
Microsoft doesn't seem to agree
An obsession that has plagued video gaming since its earliest days is power, whether it was the 'BIT' wars of the 1990s or the current-day complexities of graphics processors. Wii has been a staggering success that has faded away in its twilight years, arguably because its lack of power has deprived it of many big...
News 3DS Sales Momentum in U.S. and Europe is 'Not so Good'
Post-Holiday slump
When it comes to sales in Japan, 3DS has been the undisputed number one for a number of months, finishing top of the hardware charts and often out-selling all other consoles combined. The story elsewhere, however, isn't as rosy, and while we're probably not looking at poor sales of the level that prompted a significant price-drop...
News Satoru Iwata: 'Deep' Online Services May Have a Cost
'Ordinary' services should be free
Satoru Iwata has recently chaired the latest Nintendo Shareholder's AGM, and as expected faced some tough questions about the future of the company and its plans. One subject that came up was online services, primarily whether the enhanced functionality on Wii U and the developing role of Nintendo Network on 3DS...
Tuesday3rd Jul 2012
News 3DS XL Comparison Gallery
We go hands-on with Nintendo's new portable
The 3DS XL launch is almost upon us, but thanks to our godly status in the world of Nintendo, we've been sent a pre-release retail unit to touch and fondle. Thanks to our steadfast belief in the spirit of sharing, we thought you might like to see what the 3DS XL looks like when placed alongside its...
News No Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 for Wii U
Fangs for nothing
Despite Nintendo's insistence that Wii U won't miss out on support from third party developers and will be getting key multiformat releases, it seems that developers are yet to be convinced. As part of an upcoming interview with Konami's Dave Cox, it was confirmed that the forthcoming sequel to popular reboot Castlevania: Lords of...
Nintendo Download 5th July 2012 (Europe)
Vampires, zombies, viruses and mutants
This week's European Nintendo Download plays catch-up with North America and includes DLC for a game about to hit stores. Let's get to it. 3DS Virtual Console: Castlevania: The Adventure (Game Boy, Konami, £2.70/€3) — Considering the enthusiasm that normally greets a new Castlevania title from within the...
News Super Smash Bros. Needs A 'Change of Direction'
Not just about adding new characters
Nintendo gamers with a fondness for the Super Smash Bros. series can now rest easy as night. Masahiro Sakurai, alongside Namco Bandai, is on the case and directing his full attention to the game. Considering the fact that development hadn't even started when the next entry was announced for Wii U and 3DS, we...
Feature Sharing Some Hits at a StreetPass Event
Go for that green light
Did you leave the house today? If you did hit the streets to go to the shops, work or school, then we have two more questions for you. Did you take your 3DS with you, and did you get any StreetPass hits? It’s easy to forget that, when 3DS was launched, Nintendo placed a fair bit of emphasis on the idea of taking the...
News Wii Has Featured Fewer New IPs Than Rivals
Is anyone surprised?
It's a fairly common perception that Nintendo is typically happy to reproduce its existing IPs rather than develop new characters or franchises. That theory was put to the test over at Gamespot, where the numbers of new franchises per year were calculated for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3, restricted to each company's own developed or...
Interview Dave Cox - Castlevania: Mirror of Fate
Burning questions answered
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate remains one of our most eagerly-awaited 3DS titles here at Nintendo Life, thanks to the simple fact that several of our staff are absolutely potty about Konami's long-running vampire-hunting franchise. Following hard on the heels of the sublime DS 'Metroidvania' titles,...
News Mighty Switch Force! HD Heading to Wii U eShop
Lick of paint
WayForward's eShop favourite Mighty Switch Force! is getting revamped for the Wii U's download store. Mighty Switch Force! HD is currently on course to launch alongside Wii U later this year, with all-new graphics akin to the hand-drawn style of Wii title A Boy and His Blob. It'll also include all the extra content recently released...
News 99Seconds Dodging Its Way to Europe on 12th July
A bit more than 99 seconds to wait
99Seconds is a budget DSiWare game that is ideally suited to short, compulsive gaming sessions on the go, or is the equivalent of a coin guzzler at a local arcade. As our 99Seconds review said, 'had 99seconds an arcade cabinet yelling for our attention, we would stroll right on up to it and put in the equivalent of...
Monday2nd Jul 2012
News Petit Computer Lets You Make Games on Your DSi and 3DS
Coming soon
Gamebridge has announced it's bringing DSiWare game creation software Petit Computer to North America this summer. The package serves as an introduction to the BASIC programming language that's powered games for decades. If you're not artistically inclined you can use the 512 pre-packed sprites and 256 backgrounds, or using the DSi's...
Mario returns with an uncharacteristic greed
When Nintendo announced New Super Mario Bros. 2, reactions were certainly mixed. Many greeted the news with immediate excitement and anticipation, whereas others were less enthusiastic about what they felt to be underwhelming news of a predictable sequel. Whichever side of the argument you fall on,...
News July's Club Nintendo Rewards are Up
Rec-rec and tennis
While we don't know what the Platinum reward is for Club Nintendo members, we do know what games you can spend your Coins on in the coming weeks. Wii Virtual Console: Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64) — 150 Coins. Available until 22nd July. Read our Mario Tennis review to see if it's worth the coins. DSiWare: Electroplankton:...
Review Jewel Legends: Tree of Life (DSiWare)
Was it meant for you?
Not that there’s any shortage of them on DSiWare, but right off the bat it should be said that Jewel Legends: Tree of Life is a puzzle game. Not only is it a puzzle game, but it’s a match three puzzle game, which means that you know exactly what to expect with this download. While there are some new features to spice up...
News Project X Zone Trailer is 10 Minutes of Chaos
And thirty seconds of clarity
Capcom-Namco-SEGA strategy RPG Project X Zone might not make sense just yet — we blame all that pesky Japanese writing and dialogue — but its blend of tactical turns-based battles and all-out chaos makes it fun to watch. The trailer below shows what the game looks like in action (though you'd probably already...
News New Documentary Tells The Last Story
Fan service
The Last Story finally hits North America this month, so it's a good time to learn a little more about the game's development. This documentary by French site Sidekick.fr explains more about Mistwalker's background, The Last Story's original concept as a much darker game called Lost World and more. It's well researched and slick, and...
Game of the Month June 2012 - Pokémon Conquest
Conquers all
June wasn't a great month for game releases it must be said, but the long-awaited arrival of Pokémon Conquest netted it our Game of the Month award in June. A blend of Japanese strategy series Nobunaga's Ambition and Nintendo's beloved pocket monsters, it straddles the middle ground between the two RPG approaches, creating something...
News E.X. Troopers May Feature Co-op Multiplayer on 3DS
New trailer has explosions and mechs
E.X. Troopers is a spin-off from the Lost Planet series that's coming to 3DS and PS3, an unlikely combination. We first became aware of it in May when it was announced for Japan, but much like Project X Zone it's still not confirmed for worldwide release. During the weekend, as part of its Summer Jam event,...
News The Lost Town Finds Its New Trailer
Shooting and scavenging
The Lost Town - The Dust was an action/adventure title with RPG elements that was set in 2037, requiring you to guide the mysterious Chilia from an overhead view while exploring, shooting monsters and protecting innocents. The sequel — or perhaps prequel — is called The Lost Town - The Jungle and looks like a continuation...
Sunday1st Jul 2012
Review Bomb Monkey (3DS eShop)
Enough bang for your buck?
Welcome to Bomb Monkey, which does in fact feature both bombs and a monkey. Whew, that's a relief! Now that we no longer have to worry about false advertising, we can talk about the game itself. As any screenshot will suggest, Bomb Monkey is a colour-based puzzle game. You hold your 3DS book-style, and use either the...
News Here's the Monster Hunter 4 Trailer You Wanted
Beastly
Yesterday we told you about Monster Hunter 4's spring release in Japan, announced yesterday alongside a new trailer. This is that trailer. Like last year's Monster Hunter 4 concept video, this trailer shows off new terrain features, the ability to climb on monsters and destructible surroundings. It also teases new monsters alongside...
Review Escape the Virus: Swarm Survival (DSiWare)
Mini-thrills with micro-organisms
Escape the Virus: Swarm Survival, an offshoot of the WiiWare title Viral Survival from a few years back, is a collection of two score-based arcade games that take place under the microscope. While there's not a lot to this simple petri dish offering, what's there is an awful lot of fun and the core mechanics are...
