News Nintendo Acknowledges Network Issues and Suggests Patience
eShop platforms now live for limited time periods
Guide Using Miiverse And The Nintendo Network ID On Your 3DS
From getting started to making the most of your ID
News Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter Releases Delayed in the West
Nintendo Network issues cited as the cause
News - December, 2013
Tuesday31st Dec 2013
Review Angry Birds Star Wars (Wii U)
The one that flew over the cuckoo's nest
Star Wars games have had something of a tumultuous journey in recent years. Whereas the nineties and early noughties saw a slew of fantastic Star Wars games, there’s no denying that quality control has taken something of a back seat in more recent times. The franchise has been increasingly used to primarily...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Readers' Awards 2013
You have spoken
On Christmas Day we asked you to choose your Game of the Year winners, and we've been delighted by your enthusiasm to do just that. We received thousands of votes across all categories as you had your say on the best gaming that was on offer with Nintendo's systems. The categories were the same as for our Staff choices, yet you...
Feature A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue Nineteen
Rainbow Road 3DS stage! Yellow things! Zelda! More!
We're a day late with this article, so our apologies. As is always the case Masahiro Sakurai took to the Super Smash Bros. Director's Room on Miiverse to share screens of Super Smash Bros., even doing so during the main Holiday week. He has confirmed that the pic of the day feature is taking a...
Site News How was 2013 for Nintendo Life?
Killed it
Whilst 2013 might not go down in history as a vintage year for Nintendo, it draws to a close with Wii U sales seemingly on the increase and 3DS still holding its firm dominance of the handheld market. For us, here at Nintendo Life, 2013 has been a fantastic year - our best yet. If I had to choose a single highlight of running a gaming...
News Cliff Bleszinski Seems Pretty Pleased With Nintendo's Willingness To Put Fun First
More positive words from the former Epic man
Not so long ago we reported that Cliff "Cliffy B" Bleszinski had some very kind words to say about Super Mario 3D World, but the former Epic Games staffer has more positive things to say about Nintendo. He has taken to Twitter to praise the Japanese company's business approach at a time when other...
News StreetPass Games Producers Tell Origins of Mii Plaza's Playground
Also explain that pesky 10-Mii limit
With all the fond looks-backsie on the year that was in gaming, the creative, StreetPass-powered games pushed by that rabbit who suddenly appeared in the 3DS Mii Plaza tend to be overlooked. Stephen Totilo, a self-professed fan of the games at Kotaku, thought this was a shame, so he went straight to Nintendo to...
Monday30th Dec 2013
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2013
A great year for gaming
As 2013 draws to a close it's time to look back and consider which games we enjoyed the most, and then heartily debate the results. It's Game of the Year time, and first up we have the Nintendo Life staff votes. The categories for the site's staff were the same as those in the community votes, though the results were...
News New Ace Attorney Title Confirmed to be in Development
Hopefully being pointed towards 3DS
Although its download-only release format won't have been to the taste of all series fans, gamers outside of Japan thankfully got a chance to play the latest entry in the Ace Attorney series — Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies — on the 3DS eShop; we thought it turned out rather well, awarding 9/10...
News Eurogamer's Game of the Year is a Nintendo Winner
A purrfect result?
Later today we'll publish the results of our staff votes for Game of the Year, in a whole host of categories, with the Reader votes to be counted and shared tomorrow for the Community Awards. We're fascinated to see which games come out as winners in various categories, but while we collate votes we thought we'd share the overall...
Review Bird Mania Christmas (3DS eShop)
Making holiday travel fun
We loved Bird Mania 3D. Its superficial simplicity hid a surprising gem of a game that sunk its talons into us and never let go; news of Bird Mania Christmas, as you might expect, got us very excited indeed. The fact that it missed release in time for the holiday is unfortunate, but the game itself is no worse for the...
Video This New Harmony of Heroes Smash Bros. Album Trailer Sets the Scene
Let's play spot the franchise
Earlier this year we told you about Harmony of Heroes, a Smash Bros. fan album from the same group that led the Harmony of a Hunter Metroid music projects. Like those albums, when this offering arrives in 2014 it'll be a free download, with a dedicated website to be setup soon. As a number of months had passed since...
Sunday29th Dec 2013
News Nintendo Apologises for Nintendo Network Issues as Full eShop Services Return
Information on Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter "as soon as possible"
As most eager Nintendo gamers will be aware, the Nintendo Network suffered extensive problems and downtime on 25th / 26th December, with a gradual but limited return to services — particularly the eShop stores — on 27th / 28th December. It seems that all is now fully up and...
Round Table Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
There were some awesome Wii U games this year, you know...
In the second part of our round table, covering 2013 — part one's discussion of the 3DS is right here — we talk over the Wii U and its biggest games. We also look ahead to what's coming, list some random favourite games and, somehow, return the subject to Altered Beast, as is now...
Matters Of Import Welcome To The Bizarre World Of Namco's Numan Athletics
'80s popstar Gary Numan sadly not involved
Nintendo’s Virtual Console service has been a constant treasure trove of classic gaming for many years now, covering hundreds of titles across some of the greatest systems to ever exist. It’s thrown up more than a few unexpected surprises along the way too – including this Japan-only port of the...
News Gunman Clive Sells Quarter Of A Million Copies Across All Formats, "Vast Majority" On 3DS
Japanese eShop sales have been "very good", too
Bertil Hörberg — the talented fellow behind the excellent Gunman Clive — has already revealed that the 3DS version of the game has sold better than its smartphone counterparts. However, he now has more good news to share — the game has been downloaded 250,000 times across all formats, with most...
Saturday28th Dec 2013
Review LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril (3DS)
Another bag of bricks
With a great franchise comes a great number of releases. In the case of the LEGO video games series, their multi-platform games have hit just about every major gaming console of the past 10 years. Having no desire to be left out of the series’ success, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril brings an original adventure...
News Nintendo Network Services Now Starting to "Operate Normally"
Europe provides update to state that store will still close for 12 hours
Update 2: Nintendo of America appears to be making some progress in returning to a full service in the region, having all services up and running with the exception of the 3DS eShop, which is closed from 4pm Eastern until 4am Eastern on 29th December. Update: As of 1pm...
Round Table Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - 3DS
Some serious and not-so-serious discussion, with a little madness
A little before Christmas a number of Nintendo Life staffers got together in a large, comfortable virtual room and had a chat about Nintendo throughout 2013. There were some well-judged and considered opinions on the prospective years of the 3DS and Wii U, some moments of silliness...
News Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Is One Of Ken Levine's Best Games Of 2013
Irrational Games creative director and co-founder loves a bit of Link
While many of us would have preferred a brand-new Zelda adventure to play on our shiny new Wii U consoles in 2013, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD was the next best thing. A gorgeous remaster of a certified classic, the game kept many Nintendo fans happy this year —...
News Sega Looking To Bring More Free-To-Play Titles To The 3DS
Initial D: Perfect Drift Online just the beginning, says Toshihiro Nagoshi
Sega is currently working on Initial D: Perfect Drift Online, a Free-to-Play 3DS title which is scheduled for release in Japan this Winter. Speaking to Famitsu, Toshihiro Nagoshi has revealed that the game is merely the start of a prolonged campaign to see how freemium gaming...
Friday27th Dec 2013
News Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter Releases Delayed in the West
Nintendo Network issues cited as the cause
Boxing Day was an odd day in the world of Nintendo Downloads. Issues with the Nintendo Network continued, while Nintendo disabled Pokémon Bank and withdrew it from the eShop in Japan; it emerged that the launch of the app on 25th December in the company's homeland had contributed to the issues we've...
Competition Win The Prima Official Game Guide The Legend of Zelda: Box Set
A treasure trove
Santa may have been and gone for the year 2013, but in our opinion it's still the season for giving. With this in mind Nintendo Life is thrilled to bring you a very special competition this Christmas courtesy of the lovely folks at Prima Games, who earlier this year released the exceptional The Legend of Zelda: Box Set of Prima...
News Notch "Not Aware of Any Plans" for Minecraft on Wii U
That'll be that, then...
Earlier this week we shared a rumour that Minecraft was in development for Wii U, but urged that you take it with a bucket of salt. It originated from a claim based on an unnamed retail source, and while we wondered how a retailer would know that Mojang was working on Minecraft on Wii U development kits, it was certainly...
News UK Champion Sami Cetin Breaks World Record Barrier On First Ever Mario Kart Track
21 years after release, the record is pushed even further
On Christmas Day 2013 — 21 years after UK gamers received Super Mario Kart for the SNES — a great Time Trial World Record barrier was broken. The person who achieved this feat is none other than current UK Champion Sami Cetin, who is currently ranked 2nd overall Worldwide on the PAL...
Review Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles (3DS eShop)
A jungle trek that won't break the bank
Simplicity isn't always a bad thing. Handheld titles are inherently more limited in technical scope than their more advanced home console contemporaries, but that doesn't necessarily make them lesser games. The 3DS eShop has had no shortage of downloadable beauties in 2013, ranging from simple to sublime, and...
Feature Our Nintendo Moments of 2013 - Part Two
Tom, Dave and Lewis share their favourite 2013 memories
In the slightly delayed second part of this series, three more members of the Nintendo Life team share their favourite moments and memories from 2013. This time around we have features editor Tom Whitehead, US reviewer Dave Letcavage and news hound Lewis Childs. Tom Whitehead: 2013 has...
Video Persona Q Website Shows New Footage
Some downloadable goodies for your PC too!
The Persona Q website has been updated with a new trailer showing off a lot of new event scenes in both movie and real-time forms, as well as some brief and irritatingly small screens of actual gameplay. Sharp-eyed readers may also spot a quick cameo from Catherine's Vincent Brooks! The trailer closes with...
Thursday26th Dec 2013
News Pokémon Bank Withdrawn From 3DS eShop in Japan as Nintendo Network Issues Continue
Western release on 27th December in doubt
Since Christmas Day there have been serious problems with the Nintendo Network, with the big N assuring gamers that its working hard to resolve the issue. At the time of writing various online games are functional, but there are still problems with both eShop platforms and the 3DS version of Miiverse across...
Nintendo Download 26th December (North America)
Dr. Luigi, CastleStorm, Pokémon Bank, many discounts and more
Update: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nintendo has now confirmed that the release of Pokémon Bank is delayed, contrary to the Download Update issued on Boxing Day. Original Article: Nintendo is yet to update its official press site, but the latest Download Update details have been...
News Clash Of Clans Creator Supercell Doesn't Want To Compete With Nintendo
Smartphone studio has been branded "The Finnish Nintendo"
Supercell's Clash of Clans and Hay Day are two of the most popular and profitable games on the iTunes App Store, but the company behind them is relatively new — Supercell was only founded in 2010. However, the studio's incredible success — which was emphatically underlined by the recent...
News Zelda Unveiled as New Smash Bros. Challenger
The legendary Princess is back
It seems that even the festive season doesn't stop Masahiro Sakurai and his team from bringing us more Super Smash Bros. goodness. The official website for the game is once again causing buzz with the unveiling of a new challenger, and it's the return of another favourite. Zelda has been revealed this time, once again...
News Nintendo Dominates Festive Hardware Charts in Japan
Wii U sales increase to over 100,000 units
The most recent Japanese Media Create game charts were revealed on Christmas Day, and will have certainly brought festive cheer to Nintendo HQ. In the last full shopping week before the big day there were major successes for the company in terms of both hardware and software, with the 3DS dominant and the...
Review Life with Horses 3D (3DS eShop)
Say neigh
Horses are magnificent creatures. Whether humble labourers or prize-winning performers, each is a complex creature that can be both challenging and rewarding to care for and understand. Life with Horses 3D manages to portray the aspect of hard work in raising horses, but puts the whole “rewarding” part out to pasture. Players in the...
Feature A Year in Development - Shin'en Multimedia
Life in the FAST lane
In our third Year in Development feature we have a guest article from Shin'en Multimedia's Manfred Linzner. The eShop developer has, over a number of years, forged a reputation for developing high-quality, polished games on Nintendo's download platforms. In this article Linzner summarises the studio's 2013, including surprise...
Wednesday25th Dec 2013
News Nintendo Acknowledges Network Issues and Suggests Patience
eShop platforms now live for limited time periods
Update 3: In its own version of Nintendo of Europe's update, Nintendo of America has now confirmed that the eShop platforms are live once again, but will be offline in the Americas between 4pm and 4am Eastern Time. You can see the full update post on the company's official Facebook page. Update 2:...
Feature Time to Vote For Your Game of the Year 2013
You thought we'd forgotten...
2013 is drawing to a close, so you know what that means — annual awards. As is becoming our norm we'll have staff awards, votes of which will be counted shortly, while also giving you the chance to contribute to the Reader Awards. There can be no injustice in the ultimate online democracy, we hope... In past years...
Feature Our Nintendo Moments of 2013 - Part One
Ron, Morgan and Lee share Nintendo memories
In the first of a festive two-part series, some of your humble Nintendo Life writers share their favourite Nintendo gaming memories of 2013. In this first part we have three of our U.S. reviewers and news hounds, Ron DelVillano, Morgan Sleeper and Lee Meyer. Ron DelVillano: One of the strangest...
News Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From All At Nintendo Life
A time for games
It's Christmas Day, a time for family, friends, and gaming. The festive season may mean different things to different people, but hopefully the act of spreading good will and being awesome towards each other is universal — if in doubt play some Nintendo games, they always lighten the mood. We've had another wonderful year here at...
Tuesday24th Dec 2013
Review Wii Sports Club: Golf (Wii U eShop)
Definitely under par (that's a good thing)
It seems slightly odd that, nearly two-and-a-half years after it made an appearance in the big reveal of Wii U at E3 2011, we now finally get to play Wii Sports Club: Golf. Perhaps unlike its contemporaries to date — Bowling and Tennis — this is the first of the new download-only series that feels like...
Rumour Minecraft Is Already In Development For Wii U, GamePad Said To Be The Focus
Could be released by the end of 2014
Minecraft is something of a smash hit, having sold over 30 million copies since its launch a few years back. The game is currently being ported to the PS3, PS4, PS Vita and Xbox One — and, if a new rumour is to be believed, the Wii U. The source is a retailer who has previously shared inside information with...
News Do You Want This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Themed NES? It'll Cost You A Pretty Penny
Heroes on a NES shell, Turtle power!
Sometimes a good console modification can brighten a day. We've seen plenty such as a custom Tron Nintendo 64, a Zelda-inspired SNES and a Luigi-themed 2DS; now more recently, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle coated NES. The console features Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo on a backlit panel, with...
Guide Understanding The Basics Of Japanese For Import Gaming Goodness
Prospective import players: We've got you covered
Buying and playing Japanese imports is one of gaming's little adventures. It can be exciting and rewarding, but it's not without its pitfalls — the most obvious of which is the language barrier. While many import games will feature a small amount of English text, most will be impenetrable to those...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Super Mario 3D World Captures Hearts
A perfect Christmas Day game
Over the past two weeks we've covered eleven games, trends or events from the year that we feel represent some of the best of Nintendo in 2013; we'll have a lot more 2013 reminiscences and Game of The Year awards in the coming week, too. Yet it seemed appropriate to end this series on potentially the biggest high for...
Video Bravely Second Teaser Trailer Goes Live
An even bigger tease than presents under the Christmas tree
Square Enix has just released a short teaser trailer for Bravely Second, the sequel to the beautiful 3DS RPG Bravely Default. Like all good teaser videos it reveals absolutely nothing and yet somehow still leaves you gasping for more - the video opens with a fantastic shot of Istantahl...
Competition Winners The Twelve Days of Animal Crossing Christmas
And now Christmas has started...
Not too long ago we launched our 12 Days of Christmas Animal Crossing competition in collaboration with Nintendo UK. The big N kindly provided the lyrics for a new version of the famous song and we asked you — our lovely readers — to sing your hearts out in front of a camera. And you know what? A surprising...
Monday23rd Dec 2013
Nintendo Download 26th December and 2nd January (Europe)
Storming castles, classic Mario, Pokémon banking, EDGE and much more
Update: Nintendo of Europe issued details for two full weeks of downloads previously, so a fresh update isn't expected. Please note that Pokémon Bank has been delayed due to the Nintendo Network server issues encountered during the festive season. Original Article: With this...
News Wii U "More Than Capable" Of Providing The Core Project CARS Experience, Says Developer
Slightly Mad's Andy Tudor says Wii U version is "extremely promising"
Project CARS is a unique game in more ways than one. A rival to the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza, the racer has been crowd-funded and is being developed with the assistance of more than 35,000 backers. Alongside Kickstarter, Slightly Mad's Worlds of Mass Development platform...
Review Castlevania (Wii U eShop / NES)
Just like Dracula, it keeps coming back to life...
Konami, admittedly following the lead of others such as Nintendo and Capcom, sure likes to remind us it was making awesome games way back in the 1980s. "Hey", it says, "remember how great Castlevania was on the NES?" We sure do, Konami and, oh look, now we can buy it again on the Wii U! It's one of...
Feature A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue Eighteen
Rosalina and Luma! Wily Stage! Cool Nintendo Direct video! Other stuff!
It's the last entry of this series of features before Christmas, and we think last week's screens will certainly help us get into the seasonal spirit. As always Masahiro Sakurai took to the Super Smash Bros. Director's Room on Miiverse to share screens of Super Smash Bros.,...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Pokémon X & Y and the 2DS, Perfect Together
Rapidashing through the snow with a Horsea on our sleigh
The Pokémon series has certainly evolved (some might even say mega-evolved) since the days of Pocket Monsters Akai and Pocket Monsters Midori in 1995. While franchise creator Satoshi Tajiri still has a hand in the development of main series Pokémon games, things have certainly moved on since...
Review Orion's Odyssey (DSiWare)
A little Odyssey
Island Officials' Kickstarter-funded puzzler Orion's Odyssey is the spiritual successor to Hands On! Tangrams, a fun but one-note title that had solid gameplay but little variety and was severely lacking in presentation. Island Officials has crafted a more polished experience with a charming presentation and story, but with...
Video Nintendo Minute Chooses Its Top Games of the Year
All must have games
Over the past week we've shared a mini series of videos from "Nintendo Minute", a regular YouTube show from Nintendo of America. Its hosts have been shortlisting their favourite 3DS, eShop and Wii U games, and in the final part confirmed each other's top choices. We should think only one guess is required to predict the Wii U...
News Animal Crossing: New Leaf Climbs Back Into the UK Top 20
Remainder hold firm or drop slightly
The last UK chart results before Christmas are in, and they show a largely steady week with minimal changes, albeit with some discounts or last minute rushes moving some positions around. The best story from Nintendo's perspective is Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which climbed eight places in the all-format charts...
Sunday22nd Dec 2013
News GamePad High Capacity Battery Now Available in North America
From the Nintendo Store
Earlier this year Nintendo finally released an official high capacity Wii U GamePad battery, which promises to boost a typical charge from around 3-5 hours of playtime to roughly eight hours. Aside from the case of the most dedicated marathon gamers, the battery can potentially make the blinking red light of doom a thing of...
News Nintendo Reiterates Confidence That the Wii U Can Compete
"We’re standing apart offering variety and value"
The Wii U's year to date, though undoubtedly showing upward momentum of late, hasn't yet hit the targets that Nintendo has set. It's looking like a statistical long shot that it'll come particularly close to the company's nine million sales target for the financial year, which will have Satoru...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Fire Emblem's Awakening
Long-running strategy RPG dodges permadeath with one of the year's best
There were greater commercial and critical successes than Fire Emblem: Awakening's in this Year of Luigi, but none could be as sweet. The underdog series finally saw the acclaim that it deserved from a mass audience for a banner year, one in which the stakes couldn't have been...
Review Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (3DS eShop / NES)
Challenge accepted
What do you get when you combine the River City Ransom theme with Track and Field-style gameplay? You get Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge. The game takes the street gang theme and creates some fitting Olympic-style events to go along with it. It sounds like a mouth-watering proposition, but sadly while the unique urban...
Review My Style Studio: Hair Salon (3DS eShop)
Crimped style
Remember that toy where you used a magnetic wand to move iron filings over a drawing of a guy’s head, creating hair, moustaches, and eyebrows? My Style Studio: Hair Salon feels a bit like that, except with less personality and sense of joy. The Hair Salon does offer you more options, in certain ways. There are five “customers”...
Feature A Year in Development - Renegade Kid
A Q & A with Jools Watsham on 2013
In the second of our "Year in Development" mini-series, we sit down for a Q & A with Jools Watsham, co-founder and main spokesman for Renegade Kid. We already reported on confirmation of Mutant Mudds Deluxe content as a free update on 3DS, and below is the full manuscript that focuses on the studio's year, from...
Saturday21st Dec 2013
Review Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (3DS)
Throw away the key
Being ambitious is no easy task. Playing a full, big-budget console game on a portable system is likely in every gamer’s wildest fantasies, but due to hardware limitations, we’re often left disappointed by half-hearted ports. Armature Studio, in its infinite wisdom, recognized this concern and chose to take this one in a...
Video Just Look For The U On The Box, Nintendo's New Wii U Promotion Helpfully Suggests
Nintendo finally gives the console the commercial it deserves
Nintendo itself will be the first to admit that it hasn't done the best job of communicating exactly what Wii U is all about, and that has led to confused costumers all over the globe. Is it a new system? Is it an add-on? Is it more powerful than the original Wii? These are all questions...
News Mario Kart 8 Jump Festa Impressions
They're floaty light!
Over in Japan gamers attending the Jump Festa 2014 show are getting to grips with Mario Kart 8, lucky things. Reports so far tell us that there are three tracks for attendees to play — "Circuit", "Resort" and "Ghost House", which sound the same as the demo builds we've enjoyed in the West — and the game allows two players...
Review Jump Trials Supreme (3DS eShop)
Might as well jump!
On DSiWare, G-Style's Jump Trials games followed in the fleet footsteps of 10 Second Run, providing short bursts of one-track, one-button gameplay with no fuss and few frills; if Super Mario Bros. is an epic platforming poem, Jump Trials is a list of words that rhyme with "cat". There's certainly a place for the simpler things in...
Video This Atmospheric Tengami Trailer Makes The Wait For The Wii U Version Even Harder
Turning the page
Tengami is certainly one of the most unique games we've seen in quite some time, and is one we've been keeping a watchful eye on ever since we broke the news that it's coming to the Wii U eShop. Developed by former Rare staffers Phil Tossell and Jennifer Schneidereit, Tengami is an adventure where you can interact with parts of the...
News Dreamcast Shooter Radirgy Is Coming To The 3DS eShop In Japan
Milestone's blaster is due for release in February
Back in 2005, Japanese developer Milestone Inc. released Radirgy for Sega's NAOMI arcade hardware. This vertically scrolling shooter was subsequently ported to the Sega Dreamcast, and later the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2, where it met with mostly positive reviews. The game is now...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - EarthBound Escaped The Wilderness
Fans rejoiced
If you tell a non-interested observer that the release of a Super NES game on the Wii U caused a frenzy of excitement online, they may raise an eyebrow or, more likely, give you a quizzical look. Why would a game from so long ago be thrilling, when we have all of these highly cinematic HD experiences to enjoy? Of course, being a gamer...
Feature A Year in Development - Image & Form
The SteamWorld Dig developer shares its 2013 experience
In the first of a mini-series here on Nintendo Life, some of the most respected eShop developers share their experiences of 2013. First up we have Brjann Sigurgeirsson of Image & Form, which brought us the terrific SteamWorld Dig on the 3DS eShop. Below is the studio's 2013, in...
News Retro City Rampage Confirmed for Q1 2014 and a Discount Price on 3DS
The release will also hit Australia and New Zealand
Retro City Rampage was a welcome slice of anarchic madness on WiiWare, though the flaws of the service and a download userbase long gone blunted the title's impact on Nintendo's system. Nevertheless, it was released on pretty much every other platform, so it was pleasing when the 3DS was confirmed...
Friday20th Dec 2013
Review 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (3DS eShop)
Much more than an Average Joe
In many ways, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master represents Sega at its very best. It boasts lush visuals, excellent music and a surprisingly versatile lead character, all wrapped up in a game which practically screams action and excitement. Launched at a time when the Mega Drive was really beginning to hit its...
Review 3D Streets of Rage (3DS eShop)
Street smart
When Nintendo secured the domestic conversion of Capcom's Final Fight for its newly-launched SNES console way back at the dawn of the '90s, it left many Sega fans utterly distraught. Cody, Haggar and Guy's coin-op escapade was the hottest ticket in arcades at a time when the side-scrolling fighter was very much the genre of choice...
Review 3D Ecco The Dolphin (3DS eShop)
A bit grim beneath the surface
Ecco the Dolphin has always been something of an oddity. At the time of release, the Mega Drive / Genesis platform was defined by its solid arcade ports and action-packed titles such as Golden Axe and Ghouls 'n' Ghosts, so when a dolphin-based adventure came along it was a totally original concept for players to take...
News New System Update Is Winging Its Way To 3DS Consoles Right Now
7.1.0-14 improves "stability and usability"
A new system update has gone live for the 3DS, but before you get too excited, it's worth pointing out that this one merely brings additional stability to Nintendo's handheld. Update 7.1.0-14 is clearly intended to smooth things over, as the change log on Nintendo's site attests: Improved system...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - A Year of Promotions from Nintendo
Spend a little, get a bit more
While we could argue until the end of days about some aspects of Nintendo pricing, particularly with download retail games, 2013 has been another year where the company has taken positive strides to offer promotions and incentives on key games and their systems. Whether in Europe or North American there are decent odds...
We dread to think how long it takes him to clear his StreetPass hits
You may have noticed that Nintendo UK is running a campaign on YouTube at the moment where 3DS owners talk about what they love the most about their consoles, as well as the games that have entertained them the most. We've already seen some notable — and not so notable —...
Exclusive Mutant Mudds Deluxe Content Coming as a Free Update on 3DS
Q1 2014 is the target
In October 2012 Renegade Kid provided those that own the 3DS eShop original of Mutant Mudds with 20 free 'Granny' levels that had previously been available on the PC version of the game. In a conversation with the studio's Jools Watsham today he's confirmed to us that Q1 2014 — potentially March — will bring another free...
Review Double Dragon (Wii U eShop / NES)
Solo komodo
Double Dragon is notable for a whole host of reasons, among them that the NES version bears one of history's most misleading game titles by being a solo adventure with nary a dragon in sight. It also opens with an iconic, if anachronistic, bang — or, more specifically, a pow. A gangster brute socks a woman in the gut and carries her...
News Nintendo Launches NES Remix Contest on Miiverse
Regular tips are also on the way
NES Remix was a surprise release from the most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts, serving up bite-sized challenges and twists on 16 games from the iconic 8-bit system. We were big fans in our NES Remix review, and we certainly hope that more NES games — or perhaps those from other retro systems — will get the...
Reaction Nintendo Direct's Final Flourish of 2013
Damien and Tom share their thoughts on this week's broadcasts
It's like Nintendo read our minds, or at least deduced what a number of enthusiasts may be thinking. Aside from a slightly awkward appearance at the VGX awards to reveal Cranky Kong for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, we've had festive season advertising but relatively slim pickings...
News Club Nintendo Australia Receives Luigi Coin And Nintendo Hanafuda Cards
Year of Luigi coin already sold out, though
If you live in Australia, you’ll already know how rarely the local Club Nintendo is restocked. On average, it happens only a handful of times per year, with a few exclusive items occasionally made available on the side. This year, Aussies have received Mario shoelaces, Paper Mario adhesive notepad sets,...
Video Nintendo Minute Highlights Its eShop and Wii U Favourites of 2013
Nintendo Life also makes a very brief cameo...
Not too long ago we told you about the Nintendo Minute show kicking off its Favourites of 2013 with the 3DS. Since then two new episodes have emerged covering the eShop platforms and the Wii U, as it all builds up to the overall favourites that are yet to be published. The eShop list in particular has...
News Persona Q: Shadow of Labyrinth Website Launched
Demons and dungeons coming soon!
The Persona Q: Shadow of Labyrinth website opened today, giving us a touch of artwork and info on the upcoming 3DS dungeon crawler as well as a handy place to view the trailer released last month. At the moment there are a few short character bios for members of the Persona 3 and 4 cast, as well as the all-new...
Weirdness Show Your Loved One You Care This Christmas With Phantasy Star
Tyler "Christmas Sega Kid" Esposito provides some sound advice
Tyler Esposito — the lucky scamp you saw in that heart-warming compilation of Sega-released Christmas footage — is of course all grown up now, but that doesn't mean he has lost his adoration for the Japanese video game veteran. Esposito dropped us a line to let us know about another...
Video Unlock This Footage Of Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Iru and Luca's Wonderful Mysterious Keys
Gotta catch 'em all?
We've reported before on Square Enix's upcoming 3DS remake of the Game Boy Colour Dragon Quest Monsters 2, but now we've got some footage to show, too. As you'd expect, much of the video focuses on showing off the enormous G-sized monsters and giving us a quick peek at small portion of the 800+ beasts in the game, but there are...
Thursday19th Dec 2013
Review NES Remix (Wii U eShop)
Mixing it up
During what is likely to be the final Nintendo Direct of 2013, there were a few surprise game announcements. One of these was a bit more surprising than the rest, because it was available immediately after its announcement — NES Remix. At first glance, NES Remix might just seem like a collection of NES games, but in truth it's more...
Nintendo Download 19th December (North America)
Knytt Underground, Classic Konami, 3D Sega and more
It's that time again, North America, when we can calm down from Nintendo Direct madness and consider the week's download options; this is the last pre-Christmas update, too. This week brings us new offerings on the Wii U and 3DS eShop platforms, with plenty of diversity and styles to choose from...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms Upcoming eShop Discounts
Top up those funds
Yesterday's Nintendo Direct broadcasts were certainly full of surprises, with some reveals also coming in as little as 10 seconds of video. One announcement that's worth pointing out for those that missed it in Europe is that there's an extensive range of discounts coming over the next few weeks, covering retail and download-only...
News Sony's President of Worldwide Studios Actually Has Two Wii U Systems
"The latest Mario game is really good, too"
There's pandemonium on the streets, cats and dogs are living together, self-professed hardcore gamers are playing pet sims, and Mario's main power-up is now an AK47. The gaming world has lost its senses, there's no going back. Well, not really, it's just that Sony's President of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei...
News Tech Site The Verge Thinks The Wii U's Failure Won't Change Nintendo
Console a "bad idea," but software-only rumors are ridiculous
As should be well known by now, plenty in the media have not looked favorably upon the Wii U's performance to date. Yet while some say Nintendo should throw in the towel when it comes to hardware or dive headlong into the new hotness of mobile games, Sam Byford on The Verge holds a...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 18th December 2013 Broadcasts
Hyrule Warriors, NES Remix, Kirby, Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 and much more
With the Holiday season rapidly approaching, Nintendo took the opportunity to bring us all new Nintendo Direct broadcasts to show us what's to come, throw in a surprise or two and build some buzz around both the Wii U and the 3DS. Broadcasts in Europe and North America —...
News Funky Kong's Return Confirmed for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Nintendo is being suitably vague on whether he's playable
When quizzed on whether there would be a fifth playable character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze at the recent VGX awards, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime nudged and winked so enthusiastically — not literally, admittedly — that it was clear more tricks were up...
News Renegade Kid and Nicalis Titles Reduced on eShop Platforms
Ho ho holy moly so many discounts...
It seems that the 3DS and Wii U eShop platforms are going discount crazy, with plenty of reductions in Europe today, more on the way, and now North America happily getting in on the act. Both Renegade Kid and Nicalis are feeling festive, in the former case across regions and the latter just in North America...
News Nintendo of Europe's Ed Valiente Highlights the Creative Value of Indie Developers
"If there are interesting, creative... and fun games, consumers will come"
In what's surely been one of the most notable shifts of power in recent years, download and 'Indie' developers have gone from being underdogs struggling to release games to being central in a home console battleground. The continuing and extravagant growth of the PC Steam...
News Puzzle & Dragons Z Shifts Almost 80% Of Its Initial Shipment With Half A Million Copies Sold
GungHo is hoping for one million units sold
As we reported yesterday, GungHo's smartphone RPG port Puzzle & Dragons Z has sold more than half a million units in its first week on sale in Japan. That's impressive in anyone's book, but we're now hearing reports that the figure accounts for 78% of the initial shipment — which means that more...
News Sega's Japanese Christmas Present For 3DS Owners Is Puyo Puyo Tsuu
A popping gift
Sega continues to shine with its 3DS retro download offerings, this time it’s the turn of Game Gear puzzle classic Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu, due out on Christmas day in Japan for just 400 Yen. The game — the Mega Drive version of which was also released on the Wii Virtual Console back in 2008 — will include local multiplayer (both...
Video Watch The Chickens Come Home To Roost In The New 3DS Harvest Moon
It's going to be moo-velous
Due out in Japan on the 27th of February 2014, Bokujou Monogatari: Tsunagaru Shin Tenchi (roughly: Harvest Moon: Connect to the New World") will be the latest entry in the evergreen farming series and the third outing on 3DS. The theme of the game is "connectedness", interacting with other farmers online and via local...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - The Azran Legacy Solves The Professor's Last Puzzle
We hope the franchise will find a solution
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is already out in Europe and arrives in North America on 28th February; for some the end is still to come while others have already closed their 3DS lid — or hit a button on the 2DS — with a regretful sigh. Level-5 may have kept the door open for the series to...
News I Am In The Movie Aims To Transform Your Humble Handheld Into A Hollywood Film Studio
Arnie is sadly not included
Indie developer Moragami has lifted the lid on its latest DSiWare project, entitled I Am In The Movie. A visual effects application which allows you to create small clips to share with friends, it will be available early next year in North America and Europe for 200 Nintendo points. Here's a run down of the features,...
News 3DS Hardware Sales Reach the Two Million Landmark in the UK
That includes 2DS, too
We've heard much positive news about the 3DS this year, with the UK market also enjoying strong sales of the portable and its big-hitting games. Major releases such as Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Pokémon X & Y — along with various others — have delivered success in the software charts and driven hardware purchases...
News Bird Mania 3D Christmas Flying onto the 3DS eShop Next Week
A festive flight
Developer Teyon has announced that a revamped version of Bird Mania 3D will be landing on the Nintendo 3DS eShop next week in the festive form of Bird Mania Christmas. That's right, Mojo is back and he's set to take on the chilling effects of winter by flying through each level collecting new items such as Christmas baubles and...
Wednesday18th Dec 2013
News Get Mythical Time Travel Pokémon Celebi When You Download Pokémon Bank
Between December 27th and September 30, 2014
The Pokémon Bank goes live on December 27th, and to encourage fans to make use of the service, Nintendo and Game Freak are giving those who download it a special treat. If you download and access the Pokémon Bank application on your 3DS between December 27th, 2013 and September 30, 2014, you'll be...
News Nintendo Network 3DS Promotion to Offer Free Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Download in Europe
Wahoo!
Today's European Nintendo Direct broadcast certainly showed a festive spirit, with Nintendo of Europe President Satoru Shibata outlining a "Nintendo Network Promotion" to encourage 3DS owners in the region to either create an ID or link their Wii U equivalent. Nintendo Network IDs were added with the major 3DS system update on 10th December,...
News Hyrule Warriors Is Zelda Meets Dynasty Warriors, And It's Coming To Wii U In 2014
New crossover title announced during today's Nintendo Direct
Nintendo and Tecmo Koei have announced during today's Nintendo Direct a brand-new title which unifies the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors. Hyrule Warriors — that's a working title, by the way — takes the combat-heavy gameplay of Tecmo Koei's popular Warriors...
Nintendo Direct Watch The North American Presentation Live
Spring 2014 titles for Wii U and 3DS expected
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast is due to air at 6AM PT (9AM ET) and will focus on Wii U and 3DS games set to launch in Spring 2014. You can watch the entire thing right here on Nintendo Life. Make sure you tune in and post your thoughts in the live chat area to tell us what you think about the...
News Wii U Sales Jump Again as Nintendo Maintains Hardware Dominance in Japan
It's the most wonderful time of the year
After a year of enjoying the triumph of 3DS in Japan while wincing at Wii U sales, it seems both of Nintendo's systems are now showing strong form in Japan. This week's results see another major leap for the Wii U, while the 3DS has an outstanding week along with the highest selling software titles. To start...
News Super Mario Bros. 3 Arrives on Wii U and 3DS Virtual Console on 26th December in Europe
Includes a launch week discount
It's been in demand since Nintendo teased it earlier in the year, and it's almost here. Super Mario Bros. 3 with arrive on the Virtual Console for both Wii U and 3DS on 26th December; it was announced in the European Nintendo Direct by Satoru Shibata, though unfortunately had no mention in the North America equivalent...
News This Year of Luigi Diorama Brings a Dark Moon to Club Nintendo
Grab it now in Europe, pre-order in North America
Today's European broadcast wasn't all about games, but also revealed an attractive collectible that's up for grabs on Club Nintendo; it's a diorama based on this year's terrific 3DS release Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. This is available right now on the European Club Nintendo stars catalogue, with a...
News Designer Creates a 3D Model of Onett from EarthBound
Prompts dreams of a HD game
When it comes to inspiring video game culture Nintendo is arguably top of the class, and one game — among many — that can inspire impressive levels of fan devotion is Super NES RPG EarthBound. Its release on the Virtual Console this year caused a frenzy of excitement after years of waiting, satisfying waiting retro...
News NES Remix Confirmed And Available Today on the Wii U eShop
16 NES classics with a twist
During today's Nintendo Direct extravaganza, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata confirmed NES Remix, a title previously outed in a rating by the Australian Classification Board. Available from today in the Wii U eShop, it contains mini-game versions of 16 classic NES titles, including the likes of Super Mario Bros.,
News Exclusive Sonic Lost World DLC Now Available For Download On The Wii U eShop
Might we add that it's free?
Sonic is set to embark on an adventure into the world of everyone's favourite green dinosaur Yoshi, as Yoshi's Island Zone becomes the first of two Nintendo-themed levels available for Sonic Lost World on the Wii U. If this news isn't good enough, you'll be pleased to know that's available to download right now on the...
News Rosalina, Baby Characters, New Courses And Unique Rides All Confirmed For Mario Kart 8
UFOs, ATV buggies and bikes all inbound
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast was bursting with new information about a host of Wii U and 3DS titles, and those looking forward to Mario Kart 8 weren't left disappointed. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed a whole host of fresh info about the forthcoming Wii U racer, including new tracks and...
News Dr. Luigi announced for Wii U eShop
The Year of Luigi continues
During today’s Nintendo Direct presentations it was announced that Dr. Luigi will be coming to the Wii eShop. Based on the classic puzzler Dr. Mario, Dr. Luigi also requires players to line up colour-coded pills to destroy viruses. Dr. Luigi offers an original mode called 'Operation L' where the pills are, of course,...
News Rosalina And Luma Work Their Magic On The Super Smash Bros. Roster
The gang is getting bigger
It has been revealed during today's Nintendo Direct that Rosalina and Luma will be adding their strength to the Super Smash Bros. line-up on Wii U and 3DS. The announcement came in a rather cheeky video which began with Kirby racing through the Rainbow Road circuit with Kart-riding Mario and Donkey Kong, leading some to...
News Nintendo Looking Into "Little Experiences" on Smartphones and Tablets
"It’s largely going to be much more marketing activity-oriented"
When it comes to smartphone and tablet content Nintendo has been painstakingly clear on two points in recent times — it has no plans to release its full games on the platforms, but is looking at ways to utilise the enormous number of smart devices to promote its hardware and games...
Nintendo Direct Watch The European Presentation Live
See what's in store for Spring 2014
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast is going to offer a tantalising glimpse of the kind of games you'll be playing on your 3DS and Wii U in Spring next year. The video goes live at 2PM UK time, so be sure to tune in and share your thoughts in our live chat stream...
News PC Engine And MSX Games Coming To Japanese 3DS And Wii U Virtual Console Services
Retro goodies promised for next week
Nintendo has confirmed that it is expanding both the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Console services in Japan to cover additional systems. On the 25th December, PC Genjin (600 Yen) and Parodius (800 Yen) will be hitting the Wii U Virtual Console — titles which originally released on the PC Engine and MSX respectively...
News Bravely Default North American Demo To Include Unique Quest and Hours of Exclusive Content
Arrives on 2nd January
While European gamers are fortunate enough to have Bravely Default available on 3DS now, it seems North American gamers will also have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the game ahead of its retail release. Nintendo of America has confirmed that a demo for the title will hit the region's 3DS eShop on 2nd January, and stated that...
News Nintendo Is The Company That Made Me Love Gaming, Says Zelda Williams
"I can’t imagine a gaming world without Nintendo"
Zelda Williams is a famous and very talented actress in her right, but seeing as this is a Nintendo site read by Nintendo fans, there's a good chance many of you know her best from the recent Zelda adverts she starred in with her dad, Robin Williams. (He's pretty famous too, so we hear.) Williams...
We won't object to this news
It's not that long since Nintendo confirmed that Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney was getting localised for release in North America and Europe in "early 2014". During today's action-packed Nintendo Direct presentation, Satoru Iwata brought European 3DS owners the good news that the game's arrival date...
News Wii Sports Club: Golf Swings Onto the Wii U eShop
Available now and includes an extra retro-inspired course
Rumoured yesterday due to system maintenance targeting its app, Nintendo today used its Nintendo Direct broadcasts to confirm that Wii Sports Club: Golf is available right now in Europe and North America. When you log into the game (or download it for the first time) you should automatically...
News Ender's Game Star Asa Butterfield Cut His Teeth On The Nintendo GameCube
"The HD version of Wind Waker makes me want to get a Wii U"
British actor Asa Butterfield may only be a tender 16 years of age, but he's already got a pretty impressive CV. He starred in the harrowing World War II drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas back in 2008 before hooking up with legendary director Martin Scorsese for the dream-like Hugo. More...
News UK Magazine EDGE Names Nintendo Publisher Of The Year
Fire Emblem and Super Mario 3D World considered two of 2013's best games
Nintendo hasn't had the best year, what with the Wii U underperforming and third party support on the wane, but there have been some incredible highs to consider — including a robust performance by the 3DS and some amazing first-party releases. As if to acknowledge...
News New Donkey Kong Trailer Grabs Attention as European Release Date is Confirmed
21st February, same as in the Americas
We can't help but feel that Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has been given a tough time by some, by virtue of the fact that it's a Retro Studios game that isn't Metroid. But still, it's a follow-up to the brilliant Donkey Kong Country Returns, so could be an excellent 2D platformer. We will see, in any...
News Fresh Details Are Sucked Up for Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Two new mini-games outlined
Kirby: Triple Deluxe launches in Japan on 11th January, just a few weeks from now, but today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts didn't narrow down the Western release any more than '2014'. Nevertheless, we did get to see a lot more of the game in action and learned of some additional mini-games that will be featured. First of...
News Initial Run of Conception II Coming With a Bonus Disc
Pre-orders to be bundled with joy
Atlus has announced an incentive for its upcoming 3DS title Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars. Apparently rampant innuendo just isn't enough for some people. According to a company press release, the first run of Conception II will come in a special box and include a 10-track CD of game music composed by...
News New Teaser Trailer For Yoshi's New Island Emerges During Today's Nintendo Direct
It's oh so beautiful
A brand new teaser trailer for Yoshi's New Island was shown during today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, along with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announcing the game would arrive on 2DS and 3DS consoles in Spring 2014 in North America and Europe. The game is being directed by Nintendo’s Takashi Tezuka, who previously worked on...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Wii Fit U Steps Up a Level While the Trainer Gets Ready to Brawl
Feel the burn
Wii Fit U has had an odd history to date, with little mention for much of 2013 before Nintendo then announced a terrific trial download offer. We knew it was still a project very much on the way, however, because it was part of quite possibly the oddest E3 reveal in recent memory — to the point that we initially thought it was a...
News Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai Update On The Way
Includes tweaks such as a faster, more agile character
Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai was certainly on the radar of many download fans prior to its recent arrival, following on from the impressive original on WiiWare. It blends 2D and 3D levels along with crisp visuals and a rock-solid frame-rate. We gave this one a 7/10 recommendation in our...
Tuesday17th Dec 2013
News Nintendo Direct Focusing On Wii U And 3DS Games Coming Spring 2014 To Air Tomorrow
Could we see some new titles?
Nintendo has just confirmed that a Nintendo Direct broadcast devoted to Wii U and 3DS titles coming in "Spring 2014" will air tomorrow — that's Wednesday 18th December, just in case you're confused. The video will go live at 6AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM UK, and you'll be able to watch it right here on Nintendo Life. Expect...
No need to block this one
The Wii U eShop is gradually building its library, but for the large part has been populated by relatively substantial games that cost a decent amount of change; while that's absolutely fine, this is a platform also suitable for inexpensive experiences either quick-fire or simple in nature. RUSH, like its Two Tribes...
Feature 10 Sega Titles We'd Like To See Reborn As 3D Classics
M2, please take note
Sega's range of 3D Classics has finally hit the west, and with the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Harrier, Super Hang-On and Galaxy Force II already thrilling 3DS owners, this fine selection of reheated vintage legends proves beyond all doubt that good, old-fashioned gamepl
News System Maintenance Targeting Wii Sports Club Shortly After Nintendo Direct
What a coincidence
As many Nintendo enthusiasts likely already know, tomorrow will bring another Nintendo Direct broadcast to capture our attention. Coincidentally — or not, as the case may be — a short burst of system maintenance will affect Wii Sports Club online play and rankings shortly after that broadcast. Below are the compiled details...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Animal Crossing Helped 3DS Turn Over a New Leaf
A game for all
While a number of 3DS titles have performed well for Nintendo in 2013, Animal Crossing: New Leaf has been a notable success story. While its core sales numbers have been impressive, it's perhaps been the cultural impact of New Leaf that's been the most pleasing for those keen to see 3DS success. To give some context of how well...
Video Fresh Footage Of 3DS Action RPG Swords & Darkness Emerges From The Shadows
New title from Arc System Works is coming to the 3DS eShop
Arc System Works has released a new trailer for its upcoming 3DS eShop title, Swords & Darkness. A 2D fantasy-themed brawler with RPG elements, the game is set to launch on the Japanese eShop tomorrow. Looking a lot like a Dungeons & Dragons take on River City Ransom, the game will...
Video Lycra-Clad Promo Insists That Wii Fit U Is "Fitness That Fits"
Working up a sweat doesn't have to be that hard
Wii Fit U is available for download from the eShop right now, and aims to expand on the massive global success of Wii Fit and Wit Fit Plus. In order to spread the word and educate the masses, Nintendo has released a promotional video which illustrates how versatile the game is and shows the benefits of...
News Miiverse on 3DS Expands Its Collection of Communities With More Favourites
Fire Emblem: Awakening! Kid Icarus: Uprising! FIFA 14?
When Miiverse recently launched on the 3DS one shortcoming was its rather limited selection of communities. While users can post about anything they want on Activity Feeds, the option to include screenshots was limited to just 23 games, a list that unsurprisingly missed even some of Nintendo's...
News French Manufacturer Renault Rolls Into The Project CARS Garage
The roster expands again
It has been confirmed that Renault has joined the large list of car manufacturers that will be allowing its vehicles to appear in the forthcoming Project CARS. Six famous Renault cars will be included, ranging from the new 2014 Mégane RS to the legendary 1978 Alpine A442B, as driven by Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre...
News Wii Fit U Retail Release Pushed Back to 10th January 2014 in North America
Lose those excess pounds
Wii Fit U has had an odd history to date, arriving with a neat download trial and Wii Fit Meter offer, but having issues making it to the retail market. The retail disc version was delayed to 6th December in Europe and failed to make an impact on the charts, while in North America alternative official Nintendo websites cited...
Video This Charming Professor Layton Advert Sets the Scene
A gentleman's farewell
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is, unless Level-5 changes its mind, the last of this particular series; the Layton name will continue, but not in the same form or branding with everyone's favourite puzzle-solving, tea-drinking Archaeology Professor. Six games across two systems is a strong run, admittedly, but...
News Physics-Based Puzzler BLOK DROP U Is Slotting Into Place On Wii U In 2014
Drop it like it's hot
BLOK DROP U — one of the first Nintendo Web Framework titles — will be hitting the Wii eShop early next year. Developer Michael Aschenbrenner got in touch with us to confirm the release date, as well as deliver a few details about the game. BLOK DROP U is a physics-based puzzle title where the objective is to guide a red...
Monday16th Dec 2013
Review The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past (SNES)
A link to perfection
It's no accident that when Nintendo first decided to do a direct 3DS sequel to a Zelda title, it chose The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past as its reference point. A Link Between Worlds is set some years after the events of the 1991 SNES classic, but it uses a very similar map layout and very effectively tickles that...
Nintendo Download 19th December (Europe)
Knytt Underground, more 3D Sega goodness, discounts galore and more
It's the start of another week as 2013 draws to a close, dear readers, and it seems that various download publishers have decided to get into the festive spirit with a lot of discounts available on both the Wii U and 3DS stores. We have new games, too, with Knytt Underground on Wii...
News New eBook Will Analyse Wario Land 4 In Nearly 600 Exhaustive Pages
"A Critical Analysis of Wario Land 4 is unusual in its approach"
We suspect that a number of gamers, including some of us at Nintendo Life, hope to see video games become an increasingly respected medium in comparison to veteran forms such as the book, film and TV. Even compared to the latter two gaming is a young art form, and due to a variety of...
News Two Mega Man Titles Get a Two Day eShop Discount in U.S.
"2 Games, 2 Dollars each, 2 Days"
UPDATE: Nintendo of America has confirmed that the promotion only applies to the United States and not all of North America as was originally reported. Original story: Nintendo of America has been running weekly Virtual Console deals on the eShop platforms for around a month, but is now shaking things up with a...
Feature A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue Seventeen
Steel Diver, Nintendogs, The Yellow Devil and more
The start of another week means more Super Smash Bros. screens for us to enjoy; Masahiro Sakurai treated us to some particularly charming examples last week in the Super Smash Bros. Director's Room Miiverse community board, making some minor reveals in the process. The reveals are mostly centred on...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Devours Time and Pushes Boundaries
Wii U and 3DS cross-play brings Hunters together
Monster Hunter Tri on the Wii was a standout not just for its epic scale and unique style, but for its ability to bring owners of the system together in a solid, cohesive online component; that was a rarity. With honourable exceptions such as Mario Kart Wii, many titles on Nintendo's last-gen system...
News Nintendo Titles Fail to Infiltrate the UK All-Format Top 20
Super Mario 3D World does finally beat Knack, though
Monday morning means that it's UK game charts time, with the all-format results — perhaps unintuitively — making better reading for Nintendo at the present time. This is due to the charts being packed with multi-platform games, in particular, with single-platform titles placing higher when not...
News Shantae and the Pirate's Curse Delayed Into 2014
Darn
We suspect that a number of 3DS download enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Shantae And The Pirate's Curse from WayForward, the third portable entry in a series that's cultivated a loyal following. Its release date has been gradually pushed back, however, and the studio's Matt Bozon has now confirmed what was becoming increasingly obvious...
Competition The Twelve Days of Animal Crossing Christmas
On the twelfth day of Christmas...
Here's a competition that we are offering in conjunction with our friends at Nintendo UK — and is limited to the UK — which is sure to get you into the Christmas mood. The winner will get £100 eShop credit, while four runners up will each get £50 eShop credit. To enter, simply record a video of you (and...
News Wii U Version Of How To Survive Will Be Reanimated Next Year
Zombie title launched on other formats in October
Remember How to Survive, the zombie-infused action title which hit Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and Windows in October? The game was due to see release on the Wii U eShop as well, but we've heard nothing about it since then. Thankfully, publisher 505 Games hasn't totally forgotten about the...
News CastleStorm Bringing the Battle to Wii U on 26th December
Includes GamePad-only features
After some delay, Zen Studios has now confirmed — after the official Nintendo game page had suggested as much — that CastleStorm will arrive on the Wii U eShop in Europe and North America on 26th December; it'll cost $9.99 / €9.99. This has certainly had our attention for a good while, blending tower-defence...
Video LEGO The Hobbit Prepares Us For Adventure in Its Début Trailer
One Ring to rule... ah, wrong one
Not too long ago we brought you the happy news that LEGO The Hobbit has been confirmed for 2014, with the Wii U and 3DS included in its release lineup. It'll cover events from the first two films of the film trilogy, An Unexpected Journey and The Desolation of Smaug, and like those movies will probably take enough...
Weirdness This Game Combines Hello Kitty With Rhythm Cooking and Arcana Heart
Either awesome, strange or a mix of both?
Quite often games arrive earlier or exclusively in Japan, and those of us elsewhere in the world can only look on with envy or splash the cash on imported systems and games. Occasionally these Japan-only games are intriguing primarily due to the fact that they're peculiar — Hello Kitty & Apron of...
News Boogie On The Dancefloor With New DLC For Just Dance 2014 This Week
Includes Lady Gaga, Calvin Harris and that PSY guy again...
Owners of the latest entry in the Just Dance series, Just Dance 2014, will be able to download some of 2012 and 2013's biggest hits such as Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding's 'I Need Your Love' and PSY's 'Gangnam Style'. A new version of 'Applause' is included, featuring the official dance...
Sunday15th Dec 2013
News Reggie Cuts North America's Biggest Wii U Fans A Sweet Pizza Hut Deal
Club Nintendo members, rejoice
Pizza and gaming — they go hand-in-hand. Since the early days, Nintendo gamers have sat on their couch alongside family and friends with a box of pizza, the latest Mario Kart, and multiple greasy controllers. It's the natural order of things. Now, to further this relationship between pizza and gamers, Nintendo of...
News Target Offering 3DS XL Models For $149.99 Until 21st December
Includes Zelda and Mario & Luigi bundles, if you can find them
While many shoppers may have scrambled for the various hot 3DS / 2DS deals available over the Black Friday week, festive shoppers can still pick up great deals if they know where to look. One example for North Americans is the current deal doing the rounds at Target stores, where all 3DS...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Pikmin 3 Finally Ended the Long Wait
A more than welcome return
When considering Nintendo's most treasured franchises it can be humbling to consider how many began in the 8-bit NES era or even, in more primitive forms, in Arcade cabinets before then. It can be argued as a wonderful strength or as an area of concern, depending on an individual's opinion or whichever way Nintendo's...
Review Hooked on Bass Fishing (DSiWare)
Clear and shallow waters
Fishing has never promised to be a thrill-a-minute sport; there is no LeBron James of fishing, as well there shouldn’t be. There are those who take fishing as a very serious and technical endeavour, certainly, but others take a more laid-back approach: just get out there, fiddle with things and see what you can nab! Hooked...
Video Nintendo Serves Up Another Batch of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Adverts
Ace
Over the past couple of months Nintendo has released a number of TV commercials featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Unsurprisingly, Wii Sports Club: Tennis was one of the first games to be promoted in the series of adverts, which saw Agassi get beaten at his own game by a little girl. The latest batch of trailers starring the...
Saturday14th Dec 2013
Review The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (Wii U eShop / SNES)
The true karate kid
Konami's classic action title The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is a welcome addition to the Wii U's slowly expanding library of Virtual Console offerings. In an era where lighthearted, fun characters have all but been forgotten in favour of grim shooters, playing as "Kid Ninja" — or Goemon, for fans of his Nintendo 64...
News Marty Reminds 3DS Users What Not To Do On Miiverse
Now be responsible!
Nintendo of Europe's Marty has issued a new announcement via Miiverse regarding Code of Conduct and the sharing of Friend Codes on the 3DS and Wii U social network service. This timely reminder slots in with the recent Miiverse update for the 3DS, and has likely been issued to inform first-time Nintendo Network ID users about...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - The Legend of Zelda's Legacy Continues
Plenty to enjoy for 3DS and Wii U owners
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most powerful and iconic brands, a franchise capable of exciting a legion of fans with little more than a subtle hint of a teaser. In pure sales numbers it doesn't always match up to the mighty Mario, but its impact has arguably been as great as the plumber's in terms...
News Nintendo of America Keen to Boost StreetPass Participation and Explore New Ideas
The company is "looking for more creative content that we can use"
This is an official "StreetPass Weekend" in North America, in which Nintendo Zone StreetPass Relay points are not only giving 3DS owners hits from their local area, but from around the region. Nintendo of America has publicised it with a couple of short videos, including this...
Friday13th Dec 2013
Review 3D Galaxy Force II (3DS eShop)
A sense of Super Scale
Galaxy Force II has something of a bad reputation with many players, purely because the domestic ports of the game which followed the arcade release way back in 1988 were, by and large, abysmal. Many fans base their opinion of this on-rails space shooter on the Mega Drive / Genesis version, which was downright unplayable...
News Pokémon X & Y Update Mandatory for Online Play, Reportedly Blocks Data Cheats
Rating Battles reactivated
Not too long ago we reported on an issue with online play in Pokémon X & Y, which saw cheats using software to intercept and view an opponent's team and data before a battle, providing a notable advantage. It seems that Game Freak was aware of the issue, with reports that a new update for the game shuts out exploits...
News These Refurbished Nintendo 64 Consoles Go The Extra Mile
And cost some extra coins, too
While many may be gearing up to play the latest games and systems this festive season, some may dig out some retro goodies to amuse over the Holidays. For those busting out a Nintendo 64, it may also be an occasion to bemoan its ageing looks; each year takes that new console shine further and further away. There is a...
News SpillPass-Pi Could be a Clever Workaround for All The StreetPass Hits You Need
Gives you your own personal Nintendo Zone
For those that haven't heard of it, the Raspberry Pi is a computer that, slowly and surely, could be a revolution in computing. It's a super-cheap computer that comes only as a circuit board with some connectors and ports, and it's up to individuals to plug it into a monitor, keyboard and internet...
News NPD Results Deliver a 3DS Milestone And Modest Wii U Sales
3DS contributes towards NPD's best November hardware sales on record
After some speculation over performance during the Black Friday period, the NPD sales results — which cover the U.S. market — have begun to emerge. Nintendo has issued its press release to give its version of events that paint a particularly positive picture for the 3DS, while...
Review Donkey Kong 3 (3DS eShop / NES)
Third time's the swarm
Nintendo has a bit of a tradition of mixing things up for game number three. Super Mario Bros. 3 added a world map and the famous Tanooki Suit, Super Mario Land 3 nonchalantly swapped Mario for his arch-rival Wario, and Starfy's third adventure saw him graciously sharing the spotlight with his little sister. It should come as...
Review Race to the Line (3DS eShop)
Race to the eShop
It seems like every day the 3DS eShop is graced by another interesting or quirky budget title that bolsters its entire catalogue of games. Enjoy Gaming’s Race to the Line is no exception to this rule, as the traditional-style racer manages to pack some solid gameplay and visuals into a small but endearing package. While Race to...
Matters Of Import Shining Force Feather
We take a look at Sega's Japan-only DS strategy RPG
Sega's Shining Force series is still well thought of, even if the PS2 instalments arguably got off on the wrong foot by drastically rewriting series canon and deviating from the strategic gameplay found in older titles. Evidently someone was buying these games anyway, as after four entries on the...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Year of Luigi
Yay green!
This is the first of 12 special features that will look back and highlight some of the best things Nintendo gave us in 2013. It's only natural that we start with the mascot that made 2013 his own. 2013, the Year of Luigi. Though, it may incorporate some of 2014, but let's not quibble. Nintendo declared this to be the green one's year...
News This Video Brings Back Festive Sega Memories of the '90s
When new games dominated letters to Santa
We suspect many know what we mean when referencing "the Nintendo 64 kids", a short video that showed the excitement that a new games console could prompt on Christmas Day. Naturally a games console is for life — or at least a generation — and there are plenty of Holiday seasons when games for our...
News Nintendo Announces Its YouTube Video Challenge Winner
They're off to Sundance for a DK project
In recent times Nintendo of America has been running a contest with a number of popular YouTube channels, in which they were challenged to produce videos based on Super Mario 3D World or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. We featured one of the entries, in which a cat wasn't impressed by the idea of...
Video This New Pokémon Bank Trailer Shows The Upcoming App in Action
As well as the Poké Transporter, both arrive on 27th December
If you that plan to devote some time to Pokémon X & Y during the upcoming festive season, it's worth remembering that the Pokémon Bank and accompanying Poké Transporter will arrive on 27th December, just in time to shake up the experience when you have all that free gaming time...
News Mega Man Board Game Hits Kickstarter
The Blue Bomber, Unplugged
How about we shift away from recent Mega Man-related Kickstarter madness, take a deep breath, and cleanse the palette with some other Mega Man-related Kickstarter news? Back in July we reported on the intent of Jasco Games to develop a Mega Man tabletop game, trading in pixels for pieces. That game has now hit
News UK Retailer Blockbuster to Close All Remaining Stores This Weekend
The end of an era
It's been clear in recent years that the high street environment is becoming increasingly challenging in the entertainment market, with video games retail enduring its share of problems. Major U.S. retail groups have battled dropping revenues — perhaps eased with recent hardware releases — while GAME had a spell in...
News Adventure Time Video Game Soundtrack Available Now
Available to stream on SoundCloud
Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! may flutter between a wonderful homage to the series and a slightly disappointing sequel, but one thing's for sure, the musical score is up to scratch and is no doubt something you'll want to listen to when the game comes to an end. So you'll be glad to hear...
Video Meet The New Kings of Kong Documentary Shows Off Chien and Lemay Rivalry
Extended cut of VGX video
Those that endured the VGX broadcast may have enjoyed an early segment that focused on the most recent Kong Off contest; it followed world record holder Dr. Hank Chien and body-building trash-talker Vincent Lemay. It gave a brief insight into both characters and the event itself, showing the passion of the small band of...
Thursday12th Dec 2013
News Mighty No. 9 Studio Comcept Facing Fan Backlash Over Community Manager Appointment
"This is basically not what we were promised"
Mighty No. 9 creator Comcept appears to have irked some of its fans by appointing a female community manager known for her outspoken personal views on social issues. It has been revealed in a recent update that Dina Abou Karam has taken up the position, and will be in charge of engaging with fans across...
News Aussie Pirate Sued For Illegally Sharing New Super Mario Bros. Gets Ganon Statue From Nintendo
"I do still love Nintendo even after being sued"
Those of you with especially good memories may recall the story of Australian gamer James Burt, who was successfully sued by Nintendo in 2010 to the tune of $1.5M AUD (around $1.3M USD, or £839K) for illegally copying New Super Mario Bros. Wii and making it available for download on the web. It...
Nintendo Download 12th December (North America)
RUSH, Double (Double) Dragon, 3D Sega and more
It's Nintendo Download day, North America, and your collection of download treats for the week has been revealed. This week brings a mix of the old and new on both Wii U and 3DS, while DSiWare also makes an appearance. There's certainly decent variety on offer, so check out the details below. Wii U...
News Platinum Games Producer Hates "Pedantic Port-Begging" Regarding Bayonetta 2
"We heard you. We get it."
Platinum Games Creative Producer JP Kellams has taken to Twitter to voice his displeasure at people who continue to ask when Bayonetta 2 is coming to a Sony or Microsoft console. Bayonetta 2 is currently a Nintendo exclusive, and is likely to remain that way as Nintendo itself has invested money in its development...
Talking Point Miiverse Can Promote System Unity And Serve As A Powerful Wii U Advertisement
Tens of millions of Nintendo fans can now interact
This week Nintendo finally delivered Miiverse, along with the Nintendo Network ID and shared eShop fund support, to the 3DS. While it has its flaws — which we'll cover to some degree this weekend — that's to be expected with any launch, especially one such as this that fundamentally shakes up...
Video This New Kirby: Triple Deluxe Footage is Rather Marvellous
Oh my giddy Aunt
Kirby: Triple Deluxe on 3DS has had an odd but brief existence, revealed with a short trailer earlier in the year and with its name recently announced as an afterthought. Considering so little has been revealed and shown to date, it's surprising to think that this arrives in Japan on 11th January; we hope the Western release won't...
News Nintendo Confirms a New Orchestral Zelda Concert That's Coming to London
Symphonic Legends tickets go on sale soon
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most revered franchises, and like any game series that's developed over many years it's established a range of iconic moments, characters and ideas. Music is a major part of the appeal, of course, with dedicated fans often eager to be swept away by their favourite...
News Devil May Cry's Dante And Lady Are Crossing Over To Monster Hunter Frontier G
Cool new costumes and weapons for the online monster-slaying epic
Capcom has revealed that Monster Hunter Frontier G — the MMORPG version of its popular beast-killing franchise — is getting some Devil May Cry-related content. Dante’s costume is for sword users of level seven or higher, and offers two different blades: Rebellion I and...
News Industry Analyst Predicts Disappointing Outcome For Wii U Lifetime Sales
Here we go again
While Wii U sales momentum continues in Japan, analyst reports in the west continue to paint a dire picture for the future of Nintendo’s latest home console. A market research report provided to IGN by research and consultancy firm DFC Intelligence unsurprisingly considers the Wii U as a video game s
News SNES Inspired 'Super World Karts GP' Adds Wii U to Funding Goal
Mode-7 inspired kart racer adds Wii U funding goal to Kickstarter campaign
With Mario Kart 8 on the horizon, you wouldn't be judged for wiping away a lone tear when thinking of some of the many great kart games of yesteryear. But as with any retro-binge, we are sometimes faced with a terrible realisation after a race down memory lane – these...
News Proposed Ghosts 'N Goblins Reboot Is Cancelled Following An Intellectual Property Dispute
Not all that shocking, really
Remember the Kickstarter campaign we reported on a while back about a possible reboot of Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins? The team behind the project stated that they would try and produce the game with or without Capcom's blessing, but did say that even if the Japanese giant refused to become involved, the name of the title...
Video Nintendo Minute Highlights Its 3DS Favourites of 2013
A reminder of some of the year's best
Over the coming days and weeks we'll be sharing our Game of the Year results and a variety of articles looking back at 2013 — you'll have a chance to vote, of course. 'Tis the season, and now Nintendo of America's YouTube show "Nintendo Minute" has taken the chance to outline some of its favourites on the 3DS...
News Shift Into Fifth With These New Screenshots Of Initial D On 3DS
New info as well
Open-road racing, manga-inspired visuals, wage battles – it’s all there according to fresh translations and screenshots for Sega’s free-to-play Initial D Perfect Shift Online. As previously reported, this new title is headed to the 3DS and will allow wannabe delivery drivers to experience the thrill of high speed mountain...
Video Family Gamer TV Is Putting Wii Fit U Through Its Paces This Christmas
Fight the flab
With Christmas approaching and the excess that goes with celebrating the season appropriately, our thoughts will soon be turning to reclaiming our former vigour. Don’t worry though — Wii Fit U is at hand, and what’s more you can try it for free for a month (up to January 31st). If you like it you can then get the full game by...
News Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles Is Heading to the 3DS eShop
Monkey Magic
The latest collaboration between Teyon and Mechanic Arms has been announced in the form of Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles, an action puzzler that’s due to arrive on the 3DS eShop next week. The game is your typical kind of primate love story, as Morris is a monkey on a mission to impress his beloved girlfriend Molly. His aim is to...
Wednesday11th Dec 2013
Parent Trap StreetPass Makes Social Networks Social Again
StreetPass is social networking without the junk, says Andy Robertson
We all have peculiar reasons to like particular videogame hardware. Whether it’s the diminutive form factor of the Game Boy Micro, the wonderful ergonomics of the GameCube controller or the ingenious speaker on the Wii Remote, these designs trigger something inside us that...
News Wii U Hardware Sales Take a Significant Leap in Japan
A new Dragon Quest X release certainly helps
The Wii U has enjoyed an upward trend of sales in Japan in the last couple of weeks, a welcome respite from troubling figures and disappointing news. This week gives even more cause for optimisim, as Nintendo's home console achieved the sort of numbers we haven't seen since its launch weeks in late 2012;...
News Sonic Lost World Gets Patched Up On Wii U
100 rings finally grants an extra life
It's fair to say that we didn't think all that much of Sonic Lost World when it arrived on the Wii U a short while ago. However, you have to give Sega credit for trying to improve things after release, as the company has released a patch which aims to fix some of the title's many problems. Here's the full list...
News Nintendo Confirms That Smash Bros. Isn't Lined Up for Spring
Denied
Yesterday we reported a rumour of a Spring release date for the new Super Smash Bros, though urged plenty of caution and pointed out the dangers of misquoted executives. It all came about from Nintendo Germany's Bernd Fakesch tying the release of the new fighting game in the same window as Mario Kart 8 on Wii U; the racing game has been...
Feature Why I Love Import Gaming
Import gaming addict Kerry Brunskill explains the appeal of overseas gaming
I’ve been fascinated by Japanese games for as long as I can remember, going right the way back to faux-Japanese Amiga games like Leander and Apidya II. There's something appealing about Japanese game design and art which can't quite be matched by western titles, and...
News Cast Your Gaze Over These Rare 3DS Models
Open to Flets Hikari customers, or you can go to China
We often hear of limited edition 3DS hardware models available around the world, though many of the best examples are typically reserved for the Japanese market. That's going to be the case once again, though this time around Chinese gamers did get in there first. The two 3DS XL models pictured...
News Cap'n is Looking Rather Dashing in This Smash Bros. 3DS Screen
In a word, awesome
While we do a weekly summary of screens for the upcoming Super Smash Bros. titles every Monday, occasionally the daily screens catch our eye and, well, we can't help ourselves. Today's is for the 3DS version, and features one of our favourite characters currently serenading millions of gamers in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Cap'n...
News Side-Scrolling Cyberpunk RPG Dex Is Hacking Into The Wii U eShop
Kickstarter campaign reaches Wii U stretch goal with a day remaining
Indie developer Dreadlocks has confirmed that its 2D Cyberpunk RPG Dex has successfully met the Kickstarter stretch goal which secures a Wii U eShop version. The side-scrolling title needed £14,000 of funding initially, and has now reaching almost £27,000 at the time of writing...
Weirdness Nintendo of America Unleashes a Peculiar StreetPass Weekend Trailer
Elevator music! Creepy Mii heads!
Last week we told you about the upcoming StreetPass weekend in North America. In what's a rather neat touch, Nintendo of America will be tweaking Nintendo Zone-distributed StreetPass hits so that they actually come from all around the region — a gamer on the East coast of the US could get a hit from someone on the...
News Lobodestroyo Kickstarter Funded, Festival Of Magic Campaign Postponed Until New Year
Victory and retreat
We report on the latest Kickstarter happenings quite often here at Nintendo Life, and it's great to see so many great projects reach their funding goal purely on the basis of fan interest and support. It's not a guaranteed success for everyone though, so today we have some good news, bad news, and a rescheduling. First off is a...
News 3D After Burner II Is Jetting Towards The Japanese 3DS eShop
Missiles locked on
Take a moment to reflect on the gaming days of yesteryear, and no doubt there’ll be some fond memories of Sega’s jet fighter classic, After Burner. Originally released in 1987 — and following on from Sega’s equally successful arcade racer Out Run in 1986 — After Burner placed the player in the seat of an F-14 Tomcat...
News 3DS Owners Can Connect And Play With StreetPass UK's Relaunched Site
Find your local StreetPass community
Long-running StreetPass portal StreetPass UK has relaunched with a new-look site that makes it easier than ever to find like-minded 3DS owners near you who want to indulge in a spot of social gaming. As well as offering information on StreetPass-related news in the United Kingdom, the site also allows you to...
News Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy Aims to Pedal to the West in 2014
Hits Japan in just a week
As 2013 draws to a close some 3DS download enthusiasts may consider Bike Rider DX to be one of the eShop's finest gems, with simple gameplay and graphics hitting their marks and an excellent soundtrack pushing it along further. We certainly talked up its pedal power with an 8/10 in our review. The good news is that...
Tuesday10th Dec 2013
Guide Using Miiverse And The Nintendo Network ID On Your 3DS
From getting started to making the most of your ID
Today has brought us the latest major 3DS update, and it's one that's been anticipated for a good amount of time. It introduces Nintendo Network IDs to the portable, which now allows unified eShop funds with the Wii U equivalent and, perhaps most importantly, Miiverse access. Until now participation...
News 3DS System Update Adds Nintendo Network ID, Miiverse and Unified eShop Funds
Say hello to version 7.0.0-13
Since its launch the Wii U has introduced the Nintendo Network ID and Miiverse, the latter of which was promised for the 3DS when it was revealed just before E3 2012. In its most recent Nintendo Direct broadcast Nintendo confirmed that a December update would introduce the ID and shared eShop funds across the 3DS and...
News Serial Upgraders, Rejoice - Nintendo Has Finally Abolished The 3DS System Transfer Limit
Good news for lovers of special edition consoles
The recent 3DS update may have brought such delights as Nintendo Network IDs and Miiverse to Nintendo's popular handheld, but one of the most significant improvements is hidden away in the update notes. After years of limiting 3DS owners to just five system transfers, Nintendo has finally removed the...
News Refurbished Wii Remote Plus / Nunchuk Combos Discounted at Nintendo Online Store
Hagglin' for some wagglin'
Need an extra Wii Remote Plus? Don't want to be caught woefully lacking when friends show up to play Super Mario 3D World? Nintendo's online store has a new price on used but working Remote-and-Nunchuk combos that may interest you. The store has temporarily reduced the price on its refurbished combos from $30 to $20 for...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Are Updated for December
Retro Picross! Really Difficult Mario! Surprisingly Pricey Balloon Fight!
Nintendo of America has taken its time updating its Club Nintendo rewards for this month, teasing us an extra day before dishing out the final dose of downloadable treats for 2013. As always there are four new games to choose from, and for the first time one of the home...
Rumour Could This Contra III Image Mean That SNES Games Are Coming To The 3DS eShop?
Or is it just an honest mistake?
As you'll no doubt be aware, the 3DS has received an update which not only links the console to your Nintendo Network ID — thereby allowing you to combine your available funds across both the 3DS and Wii U — but also introduces Miiverse to the handheld realm. Interestingly, when you view the Contra III: The...
Soapbox Nintendo's Appearance at VGX Underwhelmed, But the Show Itself Was Far Worse
Tom Whitehead cringed for three painful hours
I'll start this with a confession — I'd never bothered watching the VGA awards until this year's rebranded VGX event. I'd pre-judged it based on its own marketing message and what others had said, which isn't actually the best way to approach it; nevertheless life is short and, frankly, I was always...
Rumour Smash Bros. Heading for a Spring 2014 Release
Lost in translation?
There have been rumours bouncing around for a few weeks that Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS may arrive during the Spring of 2014, mainly based on retail listings. They've been loose rumours at best, but an interview given by Nintendo Germany's Bernd Fakesch has prompted speculation that Sakurai-san's hotly anticipated...
News Sega's Free-To-Play Racer Initial D Perfect Shift Online Is Coming To The 3DS
Based in the hit manga and anime series
The latest issue of Famistu magazine has revealed that Sega is bringing the latest in its long line of Initial D games to the 3DS. Based on the long-running manga series — which has been adapted in both anime and live-action forms — Initial D Perfect Shift Online is a free-to-play offering which...
Video Nintendo Releases A Handy Introduction to Setting Up Your 3DS Nintendo Network ID
Three minutes of clean graphics and jaunty music
The latest major 3DS system update has arrived, bringing Miiverse, the Nintendo Network ID and shared eShop balances to the portable. There are various aspects to figure out, and we've put together a detailed guide for you. In any case, if you want a snappy, quick introduction to get you started with...
News Nintendo Applies Minor Miiverse Update on Wii U and Web Versions
A tweak to the reporting function
Today has, unsurprisingly, revolved around the major 3DS system update that, along with other enhancements, finally brought Miiverse to the portable. So far the handheld version of the network has been running fairly smoothly, and we imagine eager gamers are testing out what they can and can't do on the new version...
News Soundtrack for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Released on iTunes
Kanto allegro
Looking for a soundtrack to emphasize a day spent roaming through tall grasses or being challenged to battle by everyone you make eye contact with? Game Freak has released a new option on iTunes for your listening pleasure. Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen: Super Music Collection hit the iTunes music store today, joining its...
News Keiji Inafune's KAIO: King Of Pirates Isn't Setting Sail Until 2014
Long-delayed 3DS adventure gets another release date
Remember KAIO: King of Pirates, the 3DS title developed by Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune? The last we heard, the game was looking good for a worldwide launch, but the proposed 2012 release date never materialised and the title has been considered MIA since then. However, according to the
News EnjoyUp Games Announces Rock'N Racing Off Road For The Wii U eShop
It's gripped, it's sorted, let's off-road
Spanish developer EnjoyUp Games has confirmed today that it will be releasing a new title in 2014 by the name of Rock'N Racing Off Road. No screens are available at present, but EnjoyUp has revealed some details as well as a sample of the rocking soundtrack which will accompany the mud-splattered on-screen...
Monday9th Dec 2013
Review 3D Sonic The Hedgehog (3DS eShop)
Sonic with a dash extra
The modern gaming scene may still be regularly broken down to battles of hardware technology and game exclusives, but back in the early '90s it was also a battle of mascots. The original Sonic the Hedgehog was the catalyst for the famous Tokyo-based company in the early days of the 16-bit battle for supremacy, as it delivered...
Review Ben 10 Omniverse 2 (Wii U)
Big bad Ben
With a plucky, wise-cracking kid hero, a host of supporting characters with funny and unique personalities and abilities, a surprisingly deep mythos and aliens to beat up, the Ben 10 franchise is rife with potential for great video games. Unfortunately, D3Publisher and developer High Voltage Software completely miss the mark with Ben 10...
Nintendo Download 12th December (Europe)
Classic SNES Zelda, 3D Sega, RUSH, Level-5 discounts and much more
The European Nintendo Download update makes its usual Monday appearance and, this week, has plenty to offer. Another Super NES classic finally hits the Wii U eShop, we have new Wii U eShop software and 3D re-releases gracing the 3DS, along with a lot of very tempting discounts. This...
Review 3D Altered Beast (3DS eShop)
Please don't rise from your grave again
Every video game veteran has a title in its back catalogue which for unknown reasons keeps being dredged up for modern audiences. With Nintendo, it's arguably Urban Champion — a game so lacklustre that it wasn't wanted even back in 1984 — while one-time rival Sega has Altered Beast. A shallow 2D brawler in...
News Nintendo of America Reminds Gamers of 20% Discount on eShop Cards at Best Buy
Download fans, unite up!
Nintendo is certainly keen for Wii U and 3DS owners to consider going the download route with their favourite games. While there are still some obstacles scaring some away — such as premium prices and hardware-based account data — there have been growing numbers making the move to a virtual library. Nintendo of America,...
Feature A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue Sixteen
Skull Kid, Turnips, a Lloid rocket and more
It's Monday, so that means it's Super Smash Bros. screens time; once again we have Masahiro Sakurai to thank, as he diligently gives us our regular fix over on the Super Smash Bros. Director's Room Miiverse community board. To half-quote Depeche Mode (google them, younger readers), we just can't get...
News These Zelda Plush Toys Make Monday Much Better
Tingle may be our favourite
It's the start of another week and, more notably, we're getting increasingly close to the Holiday season in which we give each other presents and accrue monstrous debts. It also means stress and incredibly crowded shopping malls, so sometimes it's nice to sit back, take a deep breath and contemplate the pleasant, cute...
News Super Mario 3D World Drops Down UK Charts in Second Week
Link Between Worlds is top Nintendo game in 19th place
Last week brought the PS4 to Europe, which made life rather difficult for Super Mario 3D World on its UK charts début. While it had been hoped that the staying power of the franchise may see it enjoy a strong second week in the UK market, today's all-format charts haven't produced the desired...
Review Heathcliff: Spot On (DSiWare)
Off the mark
The Heathcliff comic strip is a longtime favourite in many funny pages, having remained curled up on its spot for 40 years. If you want to create a spot-the-difference game, then the widespread character recognition and enormous backlog of source material Heathcliff offers would seem to make a good foundation. It certainly may, but...
News Genius Sonority Reconsidering Denpa Men Direction After Underwhelming Sales In The West
Studio also eyeing a move into Wii U development
Genius Sonority president Manabu Yamana has been speaking to Nintendo Everything about the critically-acclaimed Denpa Men series, and has revealed that the games haven't sold as well in the west as was previously expected — forcing a rethink for the entire franchise: Both “The Denpa Men: They...
Weirdness This Real-Life Version Of Mario Kart Looks Extreme
Blue shells seem thankfully absent
Australia is the place to go if it's raw thrills you're after. Even just putting on a shoe is a potentially heart-racing experience as you wonder what kind of multi-legged monster is waiting within. Bungee-jumping and surfing may be getting a bit stale for some adrenaline junkies though, so what better way to liven...
Video The LEGO Movie Game Unleashes Its Début Trailer
Batman appears because, why not?
In future years we may look back at this as an era of many things in gaming, but LEGO will surely get an honourable mention. LEGO games are everywhere, with the latest being LEGO Marvel Super Heroes; 2014 is already gearing up to deliver even more. One of these is The LEGO Movie Videogame which, unsurprisingly, is...
News Nothing Would Make XSEED Happier Than Localising GameCenter CX 3, But It Isn't Happening
Retro-themed sequel could remain Japan-only
US publisher XSEED has ruled out localising the third GameCenter CX title, which means that the game could well remain a Japanese exclusive. The same fate befell GameCenter CX: Arino's Challenge 2, which XSEED passed on due to poor sales of Retro Game Challenge, the English version of the first GameCenter...
News Capcom Unity's Christmas Card Design Gets Festive With Monster Hunter
Cute and not deadly
It's the season of giving, and we can expect game companies to give us attractive image files of Christmas greetings; it's not quite a shiny new game wrapped in festive paper but, still, it's the best that's on offer. Capcom Unity's approach this year was to run a contest for its readers to design the company's official card,...
Sunday8th Dec 2013
Talks up positive Super Mario 3D World sales
Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has made his appearance on the VGX Awards, and despite heavy prompts from Geoff Keighley didn't deliver a killer reveal that many would expect. What he did do, however, is confirm Cranky Kong as the fourth playable character in Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze...
News The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Picks Up Best Handheld Game VGX Award
Disappointment in the Best RPG and GoTY categories
The VGX Awards have finished for another year, in which Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime revealed that Cranky Kong will be playable in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, while also giving the Wii U title an Americas release date of 21st February 2014. It was also an awards ceremony...
News Super Mario 3D World Picks Up Best Nintendo Game VGX Award
Animal Crossing: New Leaf wins Best Casual Game
As a nominee, if not the ultimate winner, of the VGX Game of the Year award, there's an air of inevitability to the news that Super Mario 3D World has scooped the Best Nintendo Game VGX prize. Mario's latest adventure was up against some strong competition from other Wii U releases, in the forms of...
Video Here's Another Chance to Check Out Nintendo's VGX Appearance
And spare yourself the other three hours of the event
This weekend brought us the VGX awards, which we live-blogged for you. It's safe to say that we're contemplating our options in terms of an editorial over the event as a whole, as it perhaps wasn't a show that represented video games in its best light. Opinions on that will naturally vary. It...
No objection to this development
Way back in August we finally had confirmation that Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney was being localised for an early 2014 release in both Europe and North America. Updates since then have been non-existent, however, so it's reassuring that the title has now been rated by the Australian Classification Board, which...
Video Learn Some Sega History in Just One Minute
Right up to the Genesis / Mega Drive era
After the VGX shenanigans absorbed far too lengthy a period of our lives this weekend, perhaps a snappier, more to-the-point video is needed. This will work nicely, in that case, as it's a history of Sega's early days in just over a minute. While we've had plenty of opportunity to learn about Nintendo's...
Saturday7th Dec 2013
News Watch the VGX Awards LIVE!
It's all about Reggie and his Wii U appearance
Join us for Spike TV's annual game awards, now called VGX, for a very Nintendo-centric take on proceedings. Reggie Fils-Aime will be introducing a Wii U premiere, and Nintendo may even win an award or two. [liveblog=vgx_2013]#VGX
News Digital Foundry Heaps Praise on Super Mario 3D World
"It [Nintendo] clearly understands what it takes to produce a classic"
Super Mario 3D World has been critically acclaimed, may become a commercial success story in the coming weeks, months and years, and has already played a role in switching up perceptions around what the Wii U can offer gamers. We're yet to see how substantial that impact will be...
Review Chevrolet Camaro Wild Ride 3D (3DS eShop)
Car wreck
Hey Enjoy Gaming! 1997 called and guess what? It wants its game back! That’s right — Chevrolet Camaro Wild Ride 3D has finally landed on the 3DS eShop, and not only does it look like a game that was ported directly from the PlayStation, but also it’s pretty terrible to play, too. In fact, it’s downright offensive to even think...
News Nintendo's Point of Sale Cards Helping to Drive Downloads in Japan
"It’s safe to say that it’s a risk-free system for the retailers"
New Super Mario Bros. 2 may not be regarded in the future as an iconic, unforgettable 2D Mario game — though various members of the Nintendo Life team do think it's rather good — but it did represent one important piece of Nintendo's modern history. It was the first physical...
News CastleStorm Gets Closer to Storming the Wii U eShop
"It should be ready to rock soon"
Zen Studios, to date, has been supportive of the Wii U eShop in bringing both Zen Pinball 2 and Star Wars Pinball to the platform, but we were starting to wonder whether the promised CastleStorm would ever make an appearance. The good news is that the title appears to be finally approaching release, with the studio...
Friday6th Dec 2013
Review LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (Wii U)
Super studs
There was really no way to predict it so long ago, but the modern series of LEGO franchised games are undeniably great. When the first LEGO Star Wars game hit store shelves in 2005, it’s probably safe to assume that Traveller’s Tales didn’t foresee the growth that the franchise would go on to enjoy. Eight years and more than 10...
News Majora's Mask Appears Again, This Time as a New Smash Bros. Assist Trophy
Sakurai-san strikes again, the big tease
If anyone accuses Nintendo of losing its sense of playful mischief, perhaps we should just mention The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. The iconic Nintendo 64 title has been teased on various occasions as potential remake material, while excitable fans have done enough speculation (and mocked up trailers) to...
News Nintendo of America Announces StreetPass Weekend and Nintendo Zone Shake-Up
You should also take your 3DS / 2DS to your New Year party, apparently
The 3DS may have blazed ahead with tasty sales figures this year of the back of major retail game releases, but it's easy to forget that it has more to offer. StreetPass is still cited by some as the best thing since bread was first sliced, and is a concept that's spawned many...
Weirdness Donkey Kong And Other NES Classics Can Now Be Played On Your Wedding Cake
Perfect for a gorilla-suited groom
If you've ever dreamed of smothering the face of your brand new spouse with a giant slice of virtual dirt from the game Dig Dug, now is your chance. An entertainment company out of New Jersey, USA named POSH Entertainment has figured out how to make you lose even more of your hard earned coins by getting married,...
News These Pokémon X & Y Playing Cards Would Be Perfect for Poké Poker
Let's all speculate over brand confusion with Trading Cards, or not...
When it comes to Pokémon X & Y, it's unlikely that many merchandising opportunities will be missed; the games have sold in seriously impressive quantities and have a fiercely loyal fanbase, so collectibles and extras are likely to be doing a reasonable trade. As is often...
News Retail Company Rakuten Highlights the Wii U and iPad as Most Talked About Children's Presents
Somebody think of the children
A week has passed since the actual Black Friday, and in a slight departure from convention all but Sony have been quiet on firm figures; in that respect we know little (in terms of reliable data) about the Wii U's performance in the festive shopping season to date. It is becoming clear that Nintendo's marketing...
News Fit Meter Iwata Asks Outlines Panasonic Partnership and Moving Beyond Pedometers
Also highlights the game maker's lack of fitness
Wii Fit U's retail release is creeping closer — it hits stores in Europe and North America on 13th December — yet it's been available for over a month as a free trial. In a change from the Wii original that best reflects the stronger distribution options that the eShop gives Nintendo, the trial...
Parent Trap Children Are Our Future, So Let Them Play
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson on the topic of game length
The perfect game length is a personal thing. Those with oodles of time will want maximum value from their purchases and demand at least 30 hours of gameplay, but those with less time — such as myself and the many other games-playing parents out there — may prefer games to be shorter. I...
News Wales Interactive Bringing Gravity Badgers and Master Reboot to the Wii U eShop
Physics puzzling and first-person "psychological adventure horror"
While a number of titles are taking their time to come to the Wii U eShop, the list of those that are on the way continues to grow. It's emerged that Wales Interactive — which is based just outside Cardiff — is bringing two titles to the download platform, with the first due in...
News Knytt Underground Arrives on the Wii U eShop on 19th December
A chance to explore during the Holidays
Knytt Underground, previously released on multiple platforms, has been one of the most intriguing upcoming Wii U eShop games since it was confirmed by publisher Ripstone. The work of Nicklas Nygren (best-known as Nifflas), it's an atmospheric and potentially lengthy experience that encourages exploration,...
News Festive Monster Hunter UK Meet-Up To Include Awesome Nintendo Prizes
Serious hunting ahead
The ongoing absence of Western localisation news for Monster Hunter 4 may be a sore point for fans of the franchise, but it's clear that the series does have a core of dedicated fans outside of Japan. We don't know whether Capcom deems that fanbase to be sufficient as yet, but nevertheless online matches can still be organised...
Thursday5th Dec 2013
Review One Piece Romance Dawn (3DS)
Just give it up, Luffy
Anyone would be forgiven for thinking crafting a decent RPG from the lore of established anime juggernaut One Piece would be a simple task; the bombastic characters, epic quests and thrilling battles the series is known for should, in theory, make for an excellent adventure. With One Piece Romance Dawn, what developer Three...
Soapbox Even With The Arrival Of PS4 And Xbox One, I'd Still Pick The Wii U
Damien McFerran experiences buyer's remorse thanks to a recent purchase
Before we stumble headlong into what will surely be a touchy subject to some, allow me to clarify something. As many of you will be aware, Nintendo Life is but one third of a network of gaming-focused sites. Nestled in the bosom of a growing media empire, this site is flanked by...
News Reggie Declares The Year of Luigi Will Continue Into 2014
Party like it’s 2013
In years to come, Nintendo fans will look back on The Year of Luigi and remember it as a historic year when we remembered the sometimes forgotten, overlooked, neglected, and misunderstood, Luigi. So far this year, we’ve been blessed with a sequel to the original Luigi’s Mansion on the 3DS, an excruciatingly difficult...
Weirdness UK Store GAME Creates Christmas Dinner In A Can
9 layers of festive food – including turkey and Christmas puddling
We apologise if you've just eaten something prior to reading this particular news story, as the following information may cause you to involuntarily bring up your previously consumed meal — you have been warned. It has been revealed today that UK video game retailer GAME has...
Nintendo Download 5th December (North America)
3D Sonic and Altered Beast, Classic Goemon, DK galore and more
It's another download update, North America, and this week is jam packed full of retro offerings, including some that have been spruced up in fancy 3D ways. The 3D Sega series continues, a Konami classic lands on Wii U and it all goes a bit ape with retro Donkey Kong everywhere, plus...
News TIME Lists Its Reasons For Picking Wii U Over PS4 And Xbox One
Is the tide finally turning?
Yesterday, we reported on story which was published on by The Financial Post which stated that the Wii U was the "best bet" for gamers this Christmas. Today, there's more good news for Nintendo — TIME's tech portal has given 10 very convincing reasons to pick Nintendo's console over the PS4 and Xbox One. Penned by...
News Extended Nintendo Network System Maintenance Scheduled for 9th December
3DS system update and Miiverse speculation ahoy!
What do you get when you combine a major 3DS system update loosely pegged for December with a lengthy session of system maintenance on the Nintendo Network? Speculation, that's what! Nintendo's network status pages for North America and Europe are showing aligned and extended maintenance scheduled for...
News M2 Developed a "Virtual" Sega Console for 3D Sonic the Hedgehog
We want a "GigaDrive"
Just last week we shared details from an interview with M2 President Naoki Horii and SEGA CS3 Yosuke Okunari that revealed some of the challenges in producing 3D Space Harrier, making it clear that producing a 3D remaster of the arcade classic wasn't a simple process. With 3D Sonic the Hedgehog arriving in Europe and North...
News Hideki Kamiya Explains Reasoning For Not Leading Bayonetta 2 Development
"It's not that I don't want to make sequels – I really do!"
Although yet to receive a release window beyond a vague "2014", Bayonetta 2 is a highly anticipated arrival on the Wii U; it's also easy to forget that, when confirmed for the system in August 2012, large parts of the internet given up to game forums suffered a meltdown. While the...
News Sony Considering Purchase of Factory That Manufactured Wii U eDRAM
Not really a DRAMa
Occasionally we post news articles not necessarily to reveal anything thrilling, but to try and steady uncertainty making its way around the web that, potentially, isn't quite based on solid ground. When dealing with issues of manufacturing embedded DRAM for Wii U consoles in Japan, figuring out the realities of a situation is...
Video Wii Fit Trainer Is Captivating In This Funky Animated Music Clip
One gamer’s love of the Wii Fit Trainer
Inspired by the Bruno Mars song Treasure, Hidden Block has put together a new music video titled "Lovely Wii Fit Trainer." The animated clip follows the story of a Nintendo gamer's infatuation with the Wii Fit Trainer who stars as one of the playable characters in the upcoming Super Smash Bros.* for the Wii...
News Bravely Default Notebook Spotted On Official Square Enix Online Store
It's too nice to write in
We just can't seem to get enough of Bravely Default this week - a sequel has been confirmed for release in Japan with an unspecified release date, a gorgeous new trailer made its way to our computer screens, and the game arrives in Europe on 6th December. However, it doesn't end there. A replica Notebook based on the...
News Teslagrad Wii U Release Drops Into 2014
Arrives on PC / Mac / Linux on 13th December
We've made little secret of the fact that we're anticipating the arrival of Teslagrad on the Wii U eShop, as our impressions in time spent with the game so far have been undoubtedly positive. Unfortunately it won't make its appearance on the store in 2013 as originally planned, with Rain Games officially...
Video Let This Pikmin 3 DLC Trailer Give You That Festive Feeling
Plus see the new stages in action
We shouldn't forget that, despite the fact it was released in a particularly quiet spell for the Wii U and games market as a whole, Pikmin 3 is a top-notch game; lest we forget, it had been in demand for a number of years. It's also a relatively rare instance — though there are other examples — of Nintendo being...
Weirdness Scrub Up With These Nintendo Cartridges
Promotes gamer hygiene
Like professional athletes, Nintendo gamers are commonly known for generating foul odours during long and enduring marathons. It’s part of the whole experience. Whether it involved gaming with friends back in the day with a copy of GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64, or more recently playing through the latest Zelda adventure...
Wednesday4th Dec 2013
News Reggie Fils-Aime: Petitions Don't Affect Nintendo's Decisions
“100,000 signatures doesn’t mean 100,000 sales”
Movements like Operation Rainfall demonstrate a community’s interest in seeing certain games or features become accessible; in Operation Rainfall’s case, advocates eventually saw their wishes granted by Nintendo, but was that a direct result of their efforts? According to Nintendo of America...
Review Contra III: The Alien Wars (Wii U eShop / SNES)
Lasers and missiles and heliobombs, oh my
Just when you thought the Wii U eShop had reached a maximum capacity of irresistibly cute little creatures with the likes of Pikmin 3, Toki Tori and Kung Fu Rabbit, here comes Contra III: The Alien Wars to mow down the competition with its terrifying alien invasions, flamethrower-wielding protagonists and...
News Wii U Console Sales Climb in Japan as 3DS XL Maintains Dominance
Positive signs
While sales results in North America and Europe are infrequently shared and occasionally vague, it's easy to keep track of Japanese equivalents with the country's weekly charts. The trend has been largely the same for a long time — the 3DS is dominant. Last week brought a slightly underwhelming début for Super Mario 3D World, and...
Talking Point Moving To Smartphones Is Not The Answer For Nintendo
The numbers don't add up
It seems that a month can't pass by — in the past couple of years — when investment analysts, games industry figures and Nintendo's own investors aren't saying that Nintendo needs to expand and release games on alternative platforms. It's creeping into discourse around the Wii U due to the hardware's struggles to date,...
News Rare: Relationship With Nintendo Was Built On Mutual Respect And Benefited Both Parties
Also, explaining Cricket to Shigeru Miyamoto isn't as easy as it sounds
Earlier today we reported on a Red Bull feature regarding the history of UK games studio Rare — the creator of such classics as GoldenEye 007, Banjo Kazooie and Killer Instinct — which revealed that the firm almost released a Game Boy rival
News The Financial Post Thinks Wii U And 3DS Could Be The "Best Bets" This Christmas
At last, some positive mainstream reporting
There's a lot of Nintendo-related doom and gloom floating around at the moment — some of which we feel it is our duty to report — but today we've got a little bit of positive news. The Financial Post has stated what we knew all along: Nintendo's two systems are the best option for prospective buyers...
News Luigi Actor Danny Wells Takes The Great Warp Pipe To The Sky, Aged 72
Death of Mario Bros. Super Show star brings a somber end to Year of Luigi
Those of you old enough to recall The Super Mario Bros. Super Show will no doubt be saddened to hear that Danny Wells, who played Luigi, has passed away at the age of 72. The actor — whose real name was Jack Westelman — passed away last Thursday. He starred in the Mario...
Video Nintendo Teases Footage Of Wii Sports Club: Golf In Full Swing
Complete with floor-based Wii U GamePad
Wii Sports Club consists of just Tennis and Bowling so far, but the long-term plan is to release all of the sports eventually — and as if to remind us of this fact, Nintendo has shared some footage of Wii Sports Club: Golf in action via its Instagram account
News Bravely Default Sequel Confirmed for 3DS in Japan
To be called Bravely Second
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy — shortened to Bravely Default in the West — has been a commercial success for Square Enix in its homeland. That's likely contributed to its localisation (along with support from Nintendo) in its follow-up and improved form that's known as Bravely Default: For The Sequel in Japan. As that...
News Monster Hunter 4 Has Shipped Over Four Million Units in Japan
That includes eShop downloads
It's no secret that Monster Hunter 4 has been a significant success in Japan, quickly surpassing Capcom's sales projections and capturing the imagination of 3DS owners in the country; it's now hit another major sales landmark to emphasize its success on Nintendo's portable system. Capcom has confirmed that the title...
News Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns Discounted on North American eShop
Only 20 potatoes through December
Prospective farmers in North America may want to ready their hoes, as Natsume has announced its digital crop of Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns will be on sale all through December on the 3DS eShop: [tweet 407920309547704320] That's a saving of $10 off the original price to put the towns of Bluebell and...
Video The Latest Bravely Default Trailer Sets the Tone
RPG goodness is at hand
Earlier today we were pleased to share the news that a Bravely Default sequel has been confirmed for 3DS, yet we shouldn't forget that gamers outside of Japan are still waiting for the original to arrive. The wait will be over for European 3DS owners this week with a 6th December release, while the North American iteration...
News RUSH Confirmed for 12th December Release on Wii U eShop
The Two Tribes Classics Trilogy comes to an end
For those looking at low-cost additions for their Wii U download library, the Two Tribes Classics have certainly been tempting options — Toki Tori and EDGE have arrived so far. The final of the three releases now has a confirmed release date, with RUSH arriving in Europe and North America on 12th...
Weirdness This Chinese School Has an Enormous Mario Mural on its Building
The lessons probably aren't as awesome
We often see examples of Nintendo culture and its brands appearing in fairly unlikely places and forms, and this is another example that undoubtedly qualifies. It's an enormous New Super Mario Bros. — it suits the later series in terms of design — mural on the side of a Chinese school building; as you'll be...
News Pokémon X & Y Bundles Land In North America Ahead Of The Holiday Season
Available while stocks last
Black Friday may well and truly be over, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo from announcing a brand new 2DS bundle for North America just in time for the upcoming Holiday season. Starting from 6th December, customers can purchase a red 2DS system at Target with Pokémon X pre-installed at an affordable price of $149.99...
News Tappingo Gameplay Footage and Challenging Puzzles Emerge
Tap it out
Tappingo is the next title from Hugo Smits of Goodbye Galaxy Games, the developer that earned our DSiWare Game of the Year Award in 2012; it may not have been a crowded field, but Ace Mathician was a clever, charming game. As revealed previously, Tappingo
Tuesday3rd Dec 2013
News Former Sony Developer Feels The Wii U "Won't See Another Christmas"
Former BigBig Studios staffer Kenny Linder voices his opinion
Nintendo launched Super Mario 3D World in the UK last week, on the same day as Sony released its PS4 console in the country. It was a bold move — no doubt intended to prove that while Sony has the new tech, the Wii U has the best games this Christmas — but it didn't quite go according...
Review Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! (Wii U)
Mathematical?
D3Publisher, Cartoon Network and WayForward were definitely onto something in last year's Adventure Time: Hey, Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! Though the title was over too soon, it took players all over the Land of Ooo on a true-to-series nonsensical quest using Zelda II-like gameplay, with a top-down overworld and...
News VGX Award Ceremony To Include New Footage of an Upcoming Wii U Game
Reggie Fils-Aime will be on hand to introduce it
The upcoming VGX 2013 ceremony — formerly the Video Game Awards — is expected to bring its usual flurry of world premiere trailers for major upcoming games. In previous years the awards have been known for their rather bombastic presentation, though the VGX rebranding is apparently going to be...
Weirdness Super Mario 64 Corruptions Yield Hilarious and/or Terrifying Results
Where is your Luigi now?
Every now and then, it doesn't hurt to remember that the video game worlds and characters we love are really little more than bits of data, pieced and strung together to compose the beauty and fun we see before us. And there's no better way to appreciate that said data is so well organized than witnessing the abominations...
Hands On Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre
A touch of class
When Nintendo announced, in Spring 2012, that it was taking on the role of providing the interactive museum guides at the Louvre in Paris, it seemed slightly odd. The prospect of visitors wandering around the famous site with a 3DS around their necks seemed peculiar, but there it was in undeniable reality. We learned that it had...
News New Kirby: Triple Deluxe Screens Emerge in Magazine Scans
They sure don't suck
Kirby: Triple Deluxe was announced so recently, both in its initial reveal trailer and an off-the-cuff reveal of its name following the most recent Nintendo Direct, that we initially assumed it'd be a 3DS title for late 2014. How wrong we were, at least in the case of Japan, with the pink one's new adventure arriving in...
News StreetPass Quest Villain Appears in Latest Smash Bros. 3DS Screen
Or Find Mii, if you're in North America
While we normally reserve our Super Smash Bros. screenshot coverage for our weekly round-up, we do make exceptions for new challengers or stages. Today's screen from Masahiro Sakurai brings us the latter, with the Dark Emperor from StreetPass Quest / Find Mii appearing and intimidating the Wii Fit Trainer. As...
News Analysts Weigh In With Estimates for Wii U Fiscal Year Sales
6-6.5 million Wii U system sales for the year predicted by some
While we wait for Black Friday week sales to emerge — beyond the widely cited but speculative projections to date — they'll hopefully provide another indicator for the Wii U's performance this Holiday season. The ultimate proof will come in Nintendo next quarterly results, which...
News Meet Project NEMO, The Nintendo Killer That Never Was
The amazing story of Hasbro's video-based games console
The history of the video game industry is filled with runaway successes, such as the NES, SNES, PlayStation and Xbox, but for every best-selling system there are just as many duds. Back in the '80s, many big companies saw how well Nintendo and Sega were doing and wanted to grab a share of the...
News Epic Vice President Mark Rein Remains Unconvinced By Second Screen Gaming
“I think we’ve yet to see the real value of the second screen idea"
The Wii U has taken quite a beating in the last few days — first being outsold by Xbox One and PS4 — and then Super Mario 3D World under-performing at retail despite critical acclaim. With the PS4 and Xbox One currently doing rather well, what exactly is the Wii U doing...
News Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened Available Now on DVD in North America
Doesn't appear to be available in Europe
Earlier this year, around the time that pre-release hype for Pokémon X & Y was somewhat spinning out of control, we told you all about a Cartoon Network event showing Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened for the first time. That took place shortly after the games were released, keeping...
Weirdness Hori Creates Strange, Antibacterial Funnel For Wii U Microphone
Probably won't make Christmas-party warblings sound much better, though
Horicorp — which manufactures a variety of licensed accessories for pretty much every console out there — has finally delivered what we've all been waiting for; a sound-reducing, antibacterial guard for the Wii U microphone. Well somebody out there wanted it anyway...
News Cute Konami Shooter Pop'n Twinbee Is Coming To The Virtual Console
The only question now is which one
The Australian Classification Board has revealed that Konami's Pop'n Twinbee is coming to the Virtual Console. The vertically-scrolling shooter is the sequel to the original Twinbee, and takes place in a cartoon-like world where you pilot a ship with arms. However, before you get too excited about the prospect of...
News Renegade Kid Provides Status Update, With Treasurenauts Targeting 2014
Free Mutant Mudds 3DS update in 2014, new game in the works
With 2013 drawing to a close, there's an inevitability that games targeting "Q4 2013" may start to slide into next year. We're also entering a period where developers can let us know what's in the works and coming up soon, something that Jools Watsham of Renegade Kid has done in a new blog...
News Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams DLC May Come To Wii U Next Year
This news sounds quite dreamy
Two months ago, Black Forest Games released Halloween-themed DLC for PC-exclusive stand alone add-on Giana Sister: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord. This content didn't make its way to Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams for the Wii U eShop, with Managing Director of Black Forest Games Adrian Goersch promising that...
Monday2nd Dec 2013
Review 3D Super Hang-On (3DS eShop)
Definitely a Winning Run
As Sega delivers its range of retro 3D reproductions to the 3DS eShop, it'll certainly be interesting to see how sizeable an audience warms to each release. For some, fond memories of iconic Sega arcades or home console ports will make purchases irresistible, but perhaps the greatest challenge facing these releases is...
News Here Are Some Cyber Monday Nintendo Deals for North America
Console bundles ahoy!
If Black Friday is the day / week of enormous shopping crowds, rudeness and occasional fisticuffs over deals, Cyber Monday is the online equivalent. Thankfully when online it's impossible to be trampled, unless you try to do your web shopping on a phone while walking through a shop — but that'd be silly. In any case, we've...
News Super Mario 3D World Struggles Against PS4 Titles in UK Charts
Yes, even Knack
We're huge fans of Super Mario 3D World here at Nintendo Life, giving it a 10 in our review and generally sharing the view that it's a worthy entry into the 3D Mario canon, unique and up there with the best. Those were opinions shared by various outlets, too. Sadly, the positive press and marketing hasn't led to an impressive launch...
Rumour Cranky Kong to be Fourth Playable Character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Joining the young whippersnappers
With much noise around the Wii U currently focused on Super Mario 3D World, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is coming in early 2014, given a release period of February for North America. Considering it's the follow up to the outstanding Donkey Kong Country Returns and...
News GAME's Wii U Cyber Monday Console Deals Should Shift Some Units
Hurry up!
We've had to share some relatively grisly UK Wii U sales news today, but there's nothing like a Cyber Monday promotion to push some buttons and shift some units. Retailer GAME is offering the following bundles for £199.99. Black 32GB The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD bundle — this includes the rather attractive limited edition...
News PS4 and Xbox One Surpass Wii U Lifetime Sales in the UK
Back to square one
We don't always have the opportunity to share happy news here on Nintendo Life, so let's just suck it up and say it — the PS4 and Xbox One have already surpassed the lifetime Wii U sales in the UK. It was already reported last week that the Xbox One's launch weekend sales of 150,000 units had almost taken it past the Wii U's...
Nintendo Download 5th December (Europe)
Bravely Default, more retro SEGA goodness, Scribblenauts and more
Another week begins as we creep towards the Holidays, and Nintendo of Europe once again sends us on our way with a fresh download update. This week has some promising offerings, including more 3D SEGA goodies, a long awaited 3DS RPG and a much overdue Wii U and 3DS retail release;...
News Former Naughty Dog And THQ Head Jason Rubin Says Nintendo Is "Irrelevant" In The Hardware Arena
Feels "it's a crime" that Nintendo doesn't publish on other platforms
Nintendo may make some of the best games in the world, but it also creates some of the finest piece of gaming hardware, too. However, the industry as we know it is changing. The traditional console makers are now competing with the likes of Apple and Google. In addition to this,...
Feature A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue Fifteen
The new Ray Gun, a Zelda train, Bowser schooling Sonic and more
Monday is here again, so it's time to enjoy our regular dose of new screens for Super Smash Bros.; they arrive, as always, courtesy of Masahiro Sakurai on the Super Smash Bros. Director's Room Miiverse community board. We know how hard he's working on these games, so we're always...
Weirdness Amazon Plans Drone Air Delivery Service for 2015
We suggest designing them to look like propeller blocks
As technology advances, those slightly silly sci-fi ideas we see in video games start to creep into real life. Following an announcement today it looks like, within a couple of years, you will have a little drone aircraft fly your Amazon deliveries to your house. It's awesome and slightly scary...
News AeternoBlade Slashes Its Way To 3DS With New Trailer And Demo, Full Game Arrives 14th January
3-Dimensional demon slashing has its day
Back in June, we reported that Corecell Technology's exciting new action sidescroller for 3DS, AeternoBlade, was turning to crowdfunding on Indiegogo. The small Thailand-based company responsible for a handful of Nintendo titles, including Wicked Monsters Blast for the Wii, seemed to be struggling to raise...
News Check Out These Space-Themed Kickstarter Updates For Wii U
Narwhals....In Spaaaaaceeee!
Anyone who's grown a tad disinterested in military shooters and sports licenses can usually look to Kickstarter for some titles with genuine creativity and unabashed weirdness. The latest multiplayer title looking for funding on Wii U, PS4 and PC can be summed up as 'a war between narwhals fought among the stars',...
Video Batman: Arkham Origins Initiation DLC Trailer Shows Off Challenge Maps With Story Elements
Video game Bruce Wayne has a better beard than Christian Bale
It was only days ago that we were reporting on new DLC for Batman: Arkham Origins, with Skins and a Challenge Pack released. They were to keep players busy until the arrival of the Initiation DLC, which is a set of Challenge Maps with story elements, taking in the early days of Bruce...
News Shovel Knight Release is Pushed Back to Early 2014
The developers dig in
We've made no secret that we're looking forward to getting our hands on Shovel Knight, the début release from Yacht Club Games which is, itself, largely comprised of former WayForward employees. The formerly crowdfunded project is coming to the Wii U eShop, 3DS eShop as well as PC, Mac and Linux. Its original campaign cited a...
Sunday1st Dec 2013
Review Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (3DS eShop / NES)
A fitting farewell to the NES trilogy
The three Ninja Gaiden games on the NES are remembered with great fondness, and for very good reason. They may never have reached the same heights of popularity as the original Super Mario Bros. games, or even the first three Mega Man games, but they stand to this day as a testament to the classic years of 8-bit...
Review Deer Drive Legends (WiiWare)
Legends of the Fail
There’s a new WiiWare game available in North America. Let that sink in for a moment. After nearly nine months of silence, a new title emerges from the depths of Maximum Games's back pocket and lands squarely on the WiiWare service as Deer Drive Legends, the light gun shooter that you probably haven’t been waiting for...
Poll Nintendo and the Wii U Fight For Your Attention in This Busiest of Gaming Months
Will Nintendo's platform and games succeed this December?
We're now approaching — or in some places have reached — the end of the madness of the Black Friday shopping weekend, an annual fixture in North America and to a lesser extent elsewhere. Of course, the Holiday shopping gig isn't up, and as we enter December we kick off a vital few weeks...
News Super Mario 3D World Sells 57% of Its Initial Shipment in Japan
Roughly 175,000 copies shipped at launch
Last week we reported that Super Mario 3D World had sold 99,588 copies in its first week in Japan, making it the lowest debut for a 3D Mario platformer, although this does not take into account eShop download sales. The game came in at number 2 in the Japanese charts behind Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy...
News SEGA Working on Second Round of 3D Classics
May come worldwide if the first set sells well
This week saw the arrival of the first two titles in SEGA's range of 3D re-releases on the 3DS eShop, with 3D Space Harrier and 3D Super Hang-On. There are another six games coming in the next three weeks to give retro SEGA fans — and perhaps those trying them for the first time — a taste of...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Emphasizes the Wii U's Unique Content in Sales Pitch
"It's our responsibility to show consumers how much fun you can have"
The most vital shopping season is no longer an upcoming event on which we can speculate, but is very much under way. The Black Friday madness has done its worst, and we now settle into a frantic few weeks as consumers weigh up whether to buy a home console and, if so, which one is...
