News You Can Now Control Your PC With Your Wii U GamePad
UPDATE: Actually, it's the Pro Controller, not the GamePad
News Sony Trolls Nintendo Ahead of PlayStation 4 Announcement
"Oh, Yay, Another Mario Game."
News Turns Out Destiny Could Be Coming To The Wii U After All
Game's official preorder page contains Wii U listing
Nintendo Download 21st February 2013 (North America)
F-Zero, demos to hunt, adventures, vikings and a famous green dinosaur
News - 2013, Week 08
Sunday24th Feb 2013
News Digimon World Re:Digitize Decode Coming To 3DS in Japan
Going head to head with Pokémon X & Y
Last year Digimon World Re:Digitize was released on the PSP in Japan, but it never made it to the 3DS — or to the West for that matter. Well, Namco Bandai has now revealed that an updated version of the game called Digimon World Re:Digitize Decode is on its way to the 3DS in Japan. Digimon World Re:Digitize...
Review Yoshi (3DS eShop / NES)
Soft boiled
Mario's loyal dinosaur companion Yoshi may have made his debut in the Super Nintendo classic Super Mario World, but one year later Nintendo gave him his own title on the rapidly fading NES. That game was Yoshi, and it's now come to non-Ambassadors on the 3DS eShop. It's a falling block puzzler, which is a genre every video game...
Talking Point WiiWare's Vital Role in a Retro Revival
Introducing bits and pixels to a new generation
The upcoming release of Retro City Rampage on WiiWare arguably represents two important trends for the service — it could be the last notable release on the platform, and it's also yet another "retro" themed release. We'll consider the possible swansong and end of WiiWare in the near future, but for...
Video Grab a Sneak Peak of WiiWare Console-Exclusive "ROM City Rampage"
15 seconds of glorious pixels
A few days ago we were relieved to confirm that Retro City Rampage arrives on WiiWare on 28th February, a long-awaited and delayed retro homage to the original GTA titles. That description may sell it a little short, as it's packed with pop-culture references and diversions that are set to distract gamers on a regular...
Saturday23rd Feb 2013
Hardware Classics Nintendo DS Lite
This is how you redesign a console
Let's be brutally honest here — the original DS design was ugly. Quite what Nintendo's designers were thinking when they came up with it we'll never know, but the dumpy, two-tone casing hardly got pulses racing, even back in 2004. It felt like a system that was rushed out of the door purely to meet a deadline,...
Rumour Wii Mini on the Way to Europe
Just, well... because
Remember the Wii Mini, released in Canada late last year? With a top-loading disc-drive, no online connectivity of any kind, SD slot or even support for component cables. It's the basic Wii with much stripped out to allow an even lower retailer price than the standard last-gen model, no doubt targeting those on exceptionally...
News Nintendo - "Innovation is Important" for the 2D Mario Series
"We need innovation that retains 2D Mario's play sensation"
At E3 2012 Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime stated that Nintendo gamers want Mario at a system's launch, and that's what was given with New Super Mario Bros. U, the latest in the re-born 2D series. After a notably mixed reaction among Nintendo gamers to New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS,...
News More Ace Attorney 5 Information Is On The Way
Capcom's Psyche-Lock is nearly broken
Last September it was announced that the upcoming Ace Attorney 5 would be making it over to Western shores. However, since then news has been relatively thin on the ground... Hold it! It appears Capcom's senior vice-president Christian Svensson has left some evidence in the C
News Developer Says Watch_Dogs Will Offer The "Same Experience" On All Consoles
"Players will have the same enjoyment; they will not feel any letdown."
Ubisoft's hotly anticipated Watch_Dogs was officially announced as a Wii U title last week. The game will now be released on Nintendo's system as well as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC and the newly announced PlayStation 4. Naturally, when games go multiplatform some people want...
News Take-Two Snaps Up WWE Licence
Grappling with a new publisher
Back in January, the unfortunate demise of THQ became complete as several developers swooped in to purchase its assets at auction. As a result Relic, the developer of Company of Heroes, is now owned by SEGA, THQ Montreal is under Ubisoft's wing and Volition, the studio behind the Saint's Row franchise, has become a...
Friday22nd Feb 2013
News Side-Scrolling Fighter Dusty Raging Fist Is Punching Its Way To The Wii U eShop This Year
Inspired by Double Dragon, Streets of Rage and Devil May Cry
There was once a time when titles like Final Fight, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and Double Dragon were the biggest draws in gaming, but the side-scrolling fighting genre has been unfairly sidelined of late. Thankfully, Singapore-based PD Design Studio is doing its best to turn things arou
News Street Fighter Chess - For More Intellectual Brawling
Try the Ryu opening
Some say video games are violent, to which the response is often "yep, as are TV and films". Without getting dragged into a debate, we've found a product that is arguably as violent as anything else, it's the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Chess Set. Chess? Violent? You bet, it's a game where minions are sent to their slaughter...
Play Mario Kart 7 with Nintendo Life
Start your engines
It's been too long, so much so that we may need to renew our licenses, but it's time to take to the track for some Nintendo Life community races in Mario Kart 7. We all like to think we're the next Sebastian Vettel with a red shell in hand, so now we have to prove it. Yesterday we asked you which rules you want in both our both...
News "Emergency Maintenance" Planned For Nintendo Online Services on 26th February
Don't get too excited
It seems we have a monthly trend of service maintenance kicking into effect with Nintendo online functionality, as more "Emergency Maintenance" is on the way in major territories next week. There was a round of downtime on various platforms on 28th January, and a similar period is on the way from 26th February, or very late on...
News BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2 Was Originally Going To Skip Wii U
...until Gaijin Games saw what it could do
BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is the next instalment of the popular BIT.TRIP series, which originally began as a humble WiiWare exclusive. It will be the first game in the series to be fully HD and is due to be released before the end of the month for the Wii U eShop, as well...
News Capcom's Arcade Cabinet Games Could Be Hitting The 3DS
We're gonna party like it's 1943
A while back, we reported on Capcom Arcade Cabinet — a venture by the esteemed industry veteran to resurrect some of its coin-op classics. So far, the package has only been released on PS3 and Xbox 360, but a recent ESRB listing for vertically-scrolling shooter 1943 seems to suggest that the individual titles will...
News Cars Confirmed As Another Disney Infinity Play Set
Parents, hide your wallets!
Ahead of the summer release of Disney Infinity on Wii U, 3DS and Wii, we can expect Disney to continually reveal more details about the optional extras that we'll be able to buy. Like Activision's Skylanders series, there'll be all manner of toys that unlock characters, as well as other add-ons that'll act as buffs for...
Video Chase McCain Introduced in New LEGO City: Undercover Webisode
Fighting crime and free running
LEGO City Undercover is a major Wii U title that's now roughly a month from arrival in North America and Europe, bringing a new franchise to the popular series of games. Ahead of its release (18th March in North America and 28th March in Europe), Nintendo is stepping up its marketing to introduce the City franchise...
News Indie Puzzler The Witness May Explore a Wii U Release Next Year
Will initially be a timed exclusive on PlayStation 4
Among the blockbuster teases and graphic engine demonstrations that featured prominently in the Sony unveiling of PlayStation 4, game developer Jonathan Blow emerged to confirm that his studio's next title would arrive on the system. Although it can be touted as an exclusive, it's now confirmed...
News Latest Castlevania: Mirror Of Fate Trailer Teases Simon Belmont's Tale
It's a family affair
It's not long until Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate launches on the Nintendo 3DS in North America and Europe, and the latest trailer for the game is here to push excitement levels even higher. The trailer focuses on Trevor's son Simon Belmont, who was the star of the first few Castlevania titles on the NES but has...
Thursday21st Feb 2013
Nintendo Download 21st February 2013 (North America)
F-Zero, demos to hunt, adventures, vikings and a famous green dinosaur
It's Thursday, and it's time for Nintendo Download news in North America. Continuing the recent trend also seen in Europe there are only offerings for Wii U and 3DS, with a variety of demos, download-only games and a retail release to test your resolve. Let's see what's on offer...
Review World Heroes 2 Jet (Wii Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Jet setter
Speed upgrades became all of the rage during the early fighting game craze during the early '90s — Capcom practically made a living at it for a while. So when arcade gamers began complaining about the sluggish speed of World Heroes 2, SNK did the logical thing and borrowed a page from Capcom's book. When World Heroes 2 Jet burst onto...
News Monster Hunter 3 G on 3DS to Go Online Via Wii U Adapter
An optional extra for those with just the 3DS game
While today's 3DS Nintendo Direct from Japan showed a variety of interesting upcoming games, there was a surprise announcement of a new peripheral that will allow those with Monster Hunter 3 G on 3DS in Japan to take their local multiplayer games online for the first time. All you need is a Wii U...
Talking Point Sony's PlayStation 4 Poses a Fresh Challenge for Wii U in the 2013 Holidays
A festive dust up
If you live somewhere with no internet access or connection to the outside world, it may be news to you that Sony unveiled its PlayStation 4 console in New York on 20th February. Over the course of two hours it confirmed a Holiday 2013 release, showed off the system's user interface and social functions, a new version of the...
News Ubisoft CEO Not Satisfied With Wii U Sales
But says they will improve
Ubisoft has been cruel and kind to Wii U recently. Of course there was the now infamous announcement that the publisher would be delaying Rayman Legends until September to allow for a multiplatform release, then it made a peace offering with the announcement of an online challenge mode for the delayed game th
News Watch Dogs Confirmed For Release On Wii U
Though Ubisoft insists we now call it Watch_Dogs
While plenty of Sony gamers are drooling over the announcement of the Playstation 4, some good news has come to light for Nintendo fans - in particular, Wii U owners. You read the headline right, Watch_Dogs is coming to the Wii U. We reported last week that the title was rumoured for release on the...
Nintendo Direct Watch the Japanese 3DS Direct - Live!
Focused on third party games
Last week we told you about a planned Japanese 3DS Direct with a focus on third-party games, and rather late last night Nintendo confirmed a time for this latest extravaganza. Naturally we're interested to see what's on the way, even if there's a danger of it featuring some games that won't make it West. It all kicks...
News The Legend of Zelda Oracle Titles Coming to Japanese 3DS Virtual Console
We'd be amazed if the same doesn't happen in the West
Nintendo has hosted a Japanese 3DS Direct, focused on titles on the way in the big N's homeland. While a number of games on show may never make it to the West, two upcoming Virtual Console titles seem inevitable for worldwide appearances. It was confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages...
Rumour Scribblenauts Unlimited UK Recall Due To Lack Of UK English
You say tomato, I say tomato
At the start of this month it was revealed that Scribblenauts Unlimited would be subject to a delay in Europe. We've not been given a solid reason for the delay, but a rumour has emerged which seems plausible. According to Nintendo Nation, a GAME customer was told by a store m
News Future Wii U Need For Speed Titles Will Ship On The Same Day As Other Platforms
Criterion Vice President "loves" the Wii U
The high-octane racer Need for Speed: Most Wanted is heading for Wii U in North America and Europe on 19th and 21st March respectively. As we already know, the upcoming release will be the definitive version of the game, with assets taken from the superior PC iteration, rather than the other home console...
Play Mario Kart 7 Community Rooms - Choose The Rules
It's back
Last year we had a couple of rather fun community sessions playing Mario Kart 7, where the Nintendo Life community did battle with each other and some of the humble writing team. They were blood-baths of shell and banana skin-related tumbles, while tears were shed along with some choice curse words as podium places were lost. It was...
News Wii Street U Developers Discuss its Incredible Attention to Detail
Latest Iwata Asks delves into Wii Street U
Wii Street U is available to download right now from the Wii U eShop. The expansive application allows you to explore the world through 3D environments made up of thousands upon thousands of photographs taken by Google. It's based on Google Maps' Street View, though it doesn't include any additional...
News You, Me, and the Cubes Designer Dies Ages 42
Kenji Eno passes away
Respected game designer and musician Kenji Eno passed away yesterday. Cause of death was heart failure induced by high blood pressure. He was 42 years old. Best known for founding the game studio WARP, Inc. and creating the Sega Saturn RPG adventure D, Eno was also involved in the WiiWare title You, Me, and the Cubes. He also...
News Yes, Retro City Rampage Has A Release Date
The WiiWare wait will finally be over
Retro City Rampage has been eluding us for as long as we can remember. It sees you play as the bad guy in an open-world 8-bit environment and has been out on PC and PlayStation Network for a while now. Unfortunately the WiiWare version has been delayed more than a few times, leaving some to speculate that it...
News Guild02 Coming To Japan As Three Separate eShop Downloads
Trio of treats
It has been confirmed during today's Japanese Nintendo Direct that Guild01 is being followed up by Guild02 - a trio of 3DS eShop titles developed by some of Japan's leading designers. Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune is contributing a tank shooter with insect-sized enemies. Mini Kitchen's Kazu Ayabe is working on The Friday When The...
Wednesday20th Feb 2013
Nintendo Download 21st February 2013 (Europe)
NightSky brings delight, F-Zero in 60 Hz, price cuts and monstrous demos
Nintendo's been keeping its download details for Europe under-wraps for a little longer this week, but now we know what delights are due to arrive. Both DSi and Wii are resting their weary circuits, with 3DS and Wii U stepping up with some enticing offers and big-time freebies;...
News The European Version Of F-Zero On Wii U Virtual Console Comes With 60Hz Support
Nintendo does listen, after all
If you're a European gamer then you'll no doubt be aware of how TV standards can impact the way games play. Back in the days of the SNES, NES and Mega Drive, EU gamers were saddled with slower versions of existing software. This is because Japanese and American TVs used the NTSC standard, while in Europe the PAL...
News Assassin's Creed III's Tyranny of King Washington DLC Goes for the Kill On 21st February
The Infamy is the first of three parts
Assassin's Creed III was a major launch release on Wii U, providing a version of one of the year's biggest multi-platform blockbusters. Like a lot of high profile games it offers various DLC packages, and after an initial mission add-on and a multiplayer pack — though it can be hard to actually find an active...
Rumour Aliens: Colonial Marines Had Resources Moved to More "Important" Projects
Supposedly while still collecting cheques from SEGA
Aliens: Colonial Marines is a title that has rapidly moved from being a hyped blockbuster release to a poorly received disappointment. That hasn't necessarily damaged sales excessively — it went to number one in the UK charts — but it has nevertheless had a lot of negative press and gamer...
News No Off-Screen Play For Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate On Wii U
It's vital to maintain the two-screen experience, says Capcom
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate producer Ryozo Tsujimoto has revealed that the Wii U version of the game will not support off-TV play. Speaking to Joystiq, Tsujimoto explained that the reasoning behind the move was to maintain the all-important two-screen experience: We don't have that...
News Nintendo Returns To Gamescom 2013
Confirmed for Euro trade event
Nintendo has confirmed that it will be returning to European gaming exhibition Gamescom in 2013. The Kyoto company sat out last year's event, which takes place in Cologne, Germany. Tim Endres, Gamescom project manager at organiser Koelnmesse, is clearly happy with the news: Nintendo's return is an absolute...
News Shin Megami Tensei IV Special Edition 3DS XL Coming To Japan
Sure looks pretty
Shin Megami Tensei IV is coming out in Japan this May, and to mark the event lucky Japanese fans will also have the chance to pick up a rather fetching limited edition 3DS XL (or LL as it is known in that part of the world). The release date is May 23rd, to coincide with the stand-alone game. People who pick up the first-print...
News F-Zero Available To Download Now In North America
Speeding onto the Wii U eShop
Last month Nintendo announced that it would be running a special promotion that would see seven classic NES and SNES games made available to download for a measly 30c/30p. F-Zero is the second game released under the promotion, and we can now confirm that there's no need for North Americans to wait until tomorrow's...
Talking Point Gamer Protests Can Earn Small Wins From Publishers
From 60Hz retro releases in Europe, to freebies and localisations
It seems that in the modern era of social networks, free online news and consumers with greater choice than ever before, there is always something to get thousands of online commentators hot, bothered and outraged. On many occasions there are justifications and genuine reasons behind...
News Filtering Miiverse Content Is Easier With A New Update
Cut out the unwanted posts
Nintendo has been busy behind the scenes updating Miiverse, including changes to make filtering content that little bit easier. A verified member of staff, Marty, appeared on the platform today to inform us of the new update. You can now filter for 'Player Posts' in each gaming community. If you touch the option at the...
Video Iwata and Miyamoto Perform Skit As The "Luigi Brothers"
Another classic Nintendo Direct moment
Since the broadcasts began in late 2011, Nintendo Direct has produced a number of memorable moments, even prompting us to name ten of our favourites last year. It seems that Japanese viewers were treated to another example in the most recent broadcast on Valentines Day, which has now been posted by Nintendo UK...
News Toys R Us CEO Hints at Exclusive Disney Infinity Figures
"Plenty of room" for both Skylanders and Disney Infinity, too
Jerry Storch, CEO and Chairman of Toys R’ Us has spoken to Family Gamer TV about his stores’ anticipation of Disney Infinity to further substantiate the toys-to-life genre. Talking at the Skylanders Swap Force launch event, Storch confirmed that he thought there was “plenty of room...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Kept Mercury Steam Afloat
Producer Dave Cox gives more details on 3DS epic
In an interview with Eurogamer, Konami producer Dave Cox has revealed that were it not for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, Spanish developer Mercury Steam might not be here today. Reflecting on the current demands of video game development, Cox said: Look what's happened to [Darksid
News John Lasseter Speaks of His Appreciation For Video Games
Pixar's chief creative officer is excited by Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity is due to be released this summer on Wii U, Wii and 3DS as well as other platforms, and it looks to be Disney Interactive's most ambitious project yet. It allows the player to scan real-life toys into the virtual world from all sorts of Disney universes like The Nightmare...
Tuesday19th Feb 2013
News You Can Now Control Your PC With Your Wii U GamePad
UPDATE: Actually, it's the Pro Controller, not the GamePad
Update: As several helpful readers have pointed out, this hack is actually for the Wii U Pro Controller and not the GamePad — although someone is working on it. Apologies for any misunderstanding or disappointment caused. Those bedroom coders. Is there anything they can't do? Take the Wii...
News Turns Out Destiny Could Be Coming To The Wii U After All
Game's official preorder page contains Wii U listing
Yesterday we were sad to report that Bungie's promising online sci-fi epic Destiny wasn't looking likely for a Wii U release. The guys behind the game revealed that although the final platforms haven't yet been 100% decided, PlayStation and Xbox versions of the game were almost certain — and...
News Activision: New Skylanders Portal Of Power Down To "New Functionality"
Still works with the old figures, though
Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision has spoken to Family Gamer and given a few more details about Skylanders Swap Force, which is due out on Wii, Wii U and 3DS later this year. One of the hot topics is the new Portal of Power, which is name for the USB portal that you plug into your console to access the toy...
News Surprise Ubisoft Sale Arrives on Wii U eShop in North America
Should be codenamed "Operation Rayman Appeasement"
There's certainly been a lot of fiery outrage around the web and here on Nintendo Life in the past week, with Ubisoft being a target following its delay of Rayman Legends on Wii U — implemented in order to accommodate a simultaneous release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Wii U owners excited about the game...
Propellerheads
G-STYLE's latest import from Japan, Moke Moke stars a mysterious race of flying, forest-dwelling fuzzballs known as Moke. Combining the evolutionary advantages of sighted moles with the whimsical utility of those novelty helicopter hats, the Moke spend their time whizzing around the forest in an eternal contest to see who among them...
News Rayman Legends Challenge Mode Coming Exclusively To Wii U This April
And it's free, too
As we all know Rayman Legends has now been delayed until September to accommodate a now mutiplatform release. To ease Wii U owners' pains, Ubisoft said it would be bringing a second demo to the Wii U eShop. However, it turns out that instead of a demo, it will be releasing the game's full online challenge mode for free in April
Developer Interview Dakko Dakko On Creating The Ultimate Social Arcade Game For This Generation
"Wii U is great fun to develop on", says Scram Kitty developer
UK studio Dakko Dakko has Nintendo at its heart, thanks to the fact that founder Rhodri Broadbent has ties with the famous video game veteran — he worked on Star Fox Command during his tenure at Dylan Cuthbert's Q-Games in Japan. Dakko Dakko's next project — the wonderfully titled...
News Fan Feedback Prompted Capcom's Resident Evil: Revelations HD Development
Giving the fans what they want
Resident Evil: Revelations has been out on 3DS for just over a year, and soon we'll be able to play it in full HD as the game is now in development for Wii U, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Many people have wondered why Capcom made the decision to make the switch to home consoles, and whether or not this was all part of...
News GameStop Lists Watch Dogs Wii U For Preorder
Wishful thinking or inside knowledge?
Last week, we reported on the rumour that Ubisoft's Watch Dogs was Wii U-bound. The story was the result of a leak of promotional materials which stated that the game was coming to "All home consoles". That rumour has been given a little more weight by the fact that GameStop has posted a preorder listing for...
News Coaster Creator 3D Ride Starts on 28th February in North America
No height restrictions, thankfully
After its confirmation at the start of the year, Coaster Creator 3D now has a confirmed release date for the North American 3DS eShop; gamers can join the queue — candy floss in hand — ahead of its arrival on 28th February for $9.99. Rather than being a full-blown theme park simulation, this is exactly as the...
Monday18th Feb 2013
Hardware Classics Nintendo AV Famicom
Give the dog a bone
The Nintendo Entertainment System — or NES, for short — is arguably the console on which Nintendo's current lofty status was built. Launched in Japan as the Famicom, the 8-bit platform is home to an almost endless list of solid-gold classics, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid,
News Sony Trolls Nintendo Ahead of PlayStation 4 Announcement
"Oh, Yay, Another Mario Game."
U mad bro? This week, Sony is expected to unveil its next home console, which may (or may not) be called the PlayStation 4, but is currently being referred to by many sites by its codename, Orbis. Not wanting to miss the chance to have a cheap dig at one of its rivals, Sony has taken out online adverts like the one...
Review Castlevania (3DS eShop / NES)
Drac attack
A while back we were "graced" with the arrival of Castlevania: The Adventure on 3DS Virtual Console, an overly simplistic attempt to bring the series to handhelds. Now the NES original has arrived on the service as well, but is it still worth going batty over? If you've played almost any other "classic-style" Castlevania game, you'll be...
Rumour Aliens: Colonial Marines Tester Says Wii U Version Is "The Worst"
"It is a bit of a joke"
One of the worst things about the internet is that people can post things with very little proof and others will gleefully report it as fact. So please, as you read and digest the following item of news, be aware that we're treating it as a rumour for the time being. A Reddit poster by the name of “soetester” (Sega of...
News 3DS eShop Version Of Gunman Clive Outsells Android Edition
Quick on the draw
Gunman Clive developer Bertil Hörberg has confirmed via his Twitter account that the 3DS eShop version of the game has now passed the Android edition in terms of units sold. We reported last month that the 3DS eShop version had outsold its iOS sibling, but the Android version was the clear leader. It's amazing that the Nintendo...
News It Doesn't Look Like Bungie's Next Epic Is Coming To Wii U
Halo creator keeps silent on Nintendo version
Former Halo studio Bungie has revealed more information about its next project — including hints about the platforms it is coming to — but sadly it would appear that the Wii U won't be getting any action. Destiny is being billed as a "shared-world" shooter, and has a strong focus on co-operative...
News Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse Heading For Europe
Buxom ladies ahoy
Back in August 2012, dungeon crawler Dungeon RPG Picdun 2 was released in Japan on DSiWare. It appears the game is heading to Europe under the guise of Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse, as it has received a PEGI rating, the European age rating system. Picdun 2: Witch's Curse has three main characters: a magical girl, a whip-welding woman...
News Dragon Quest X Release Date Announced For Japan
The quest begins in the east
Square Enix has revealed today that it is set to release Dragon Quest X in Japan on 30th March. Boasting the same content as the Wii release, the Wii U version has enhanced graphics and the option to play the game entirely on the Wii U GamePad. The MMO RPG will retail at 6,980 yen (that's around €55 / £48 / $75) and...













































































