News Get Mythical Time Travel Pokémon Celebi When You Download Pokémon Bank
Between December 27th and September 30, 2014
News Nintendo Direct Focusing On Wii U And 3DS Games Coming Spring 2014 To Air Tomorrow
Could we see some new titles?
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
News - 2013, Week 51
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...
Wednesday18th Dec 2013
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...
Thursday19th Dec 2013
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 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
Monday16th Dec 2013
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...
Tuesday17th Dec 2013
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 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...
Most Read
News Get Mythical Time Travel Pokémon Celebi When You Download Pokémon Bank
News Nintendo Direct Focusing On Wii U And 3DS Games Coming Spring 2014 To Ai...
News Nintendo Network 3DS Promotion to Offer Free Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Do...
News Hyrule Warriors Is Zelda Meets Dynasty Warriors, And It's Coming To Wii ...
Review 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (3DS eShop)














































































































