Exclusive We Almost Got A Wii U F-Zero Created By Burnout Studio Criterion
Would have been shown off at E3 2011
"Several more characters" due before development stops
Review Cube Life: Island Survival (Wii U eShop)
A summer blockbuster?
"Now, I have nothing. I'm an empty shell"
News - June, 2015
Tuesday30th Jun 2015
First Impressions Digging Up Details on Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories
Meanwhile, back at the ranch
Natsume always has a diverse catalog of games to show at E3, but the cream of each year's crop is undoubtedly Harvest Moon, the premier farm-life simulation series that's been offering players quiet pastoral pleasures since 1996. This year, after having just produced their first in-house Harvest Moon with last year's The...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Defends Star Fox Zero's Controls
"Compared to other games, it is a bit complex."
Though response to Star Fox Zero has been generally positive, one of the main criticisms seems to lie with how the Arwing controls. As we echoed in our first impressions of the game at E3, the dual screen, gyroscopic controls definitely have a learning curve to them and this has been a point of concern...
News Nintendo Confirms Splatoon Tower Mode Release and Live Nintendo Treehouse Broadcast
Jump on board, new stage may feature
Splatoon is the game that keeps giving, for free no less, and the latest major update has gone live to tidy up gameplay. More tangible content is also coming, though, with Nintendo confirming that the Tower Control mode will be joining Ranked Battles on 1st July. It'll launch at 7pm Pacific / 10pm Eastern in...
Live Nintendo Treehouse Plays Splatoon's New Tower Control Mode
See the new Tower Control mode in action
Join us to watch the Nintendo Treehouse team tackle the new Tower Control ranked battle mode in Splatoon! Chat, laugh and basically be merry! [liveblog=splatoon_new_content_june_2015]#Splatoon
News Natsume Promises a Return to Basics in Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories
"We heard what our fans had to say”
With Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley receiving mixed reviews, it's no surprise that Natsume is trying to replicate more popular games from the series. The terra-forming won't be included within the new title Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories, as it is more of a throwback to retro titles in the series. In fact the...
Review G.G Series WONDERLAND (DSiWare)
We're all mad here
It's not often that a new DSiWare game shows up on the eShop, as that particular line of software is on the brink of extinction. Imagine, then, the shock when the G.G Series made its return to the service when Genterprise chose to localise the remaining games in the series. G.G Series WONDERLAND marked the beginning of the...
Wednesday1st Jul 2015
News Shovel Knight is Coming to Retail
Will include the Plague of Shadows expansion and Challenge Mode
Shovel Knight is easily one of the best Indie games to come to the eShop. Created as a love letter to fans of the 8-bit era of gaming, the action platformer has been met by nearly universal critical acclaim and it's sold almost a quarter of a million copies. Not ones to let their...
Tuesday30th Jun 2015
Video Shigeru Miyamoto Visits Jim Henson Studios
Like a kid in a candy store
Some of the most memorable parts of this year’s Nintendo Digital Event were the segments featuring the strangely familiar puppet recreations of the Japanese company's most famous figures. Shortly after the presentation, it was revealed the Jim Henson Company – the team behind The Muppets – was responsible for the...
Review G.G Series THE SPIKY BLOWFISH!! (DSiWare)
Under the sea
DSiWare is admittedly a pretty hit or miss service, with games on it typically being forgettable mini-games and otherwise unexceptional apps. The G.G series does a remarkable job of providing decent quality arcade experiences, and the next game in the long list of titles in this series is no different. G.G Series THE SPIKY...
Monday29th Jun 2015
Nintendo Download 2nd July (Europe)
Going rogue, Ocarina of Time, Fire Emblem, Advance Wars and much more
Another week begins, and as usual we have the Nintendo Download Update for Europe to get us started. This week seems to have a pretty strong line-up, with three excellent retro experiences accompanying a retro-style Nindie release on the Wii U. A delayed retail title also lands on...
Weirdness T-Pose Result Screen Glitch Found In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Although very difficult to perform
YouTuber Master0fHyrule has created a video of a glitch found by Miiverse user Glob in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and for once it's not one that can turn the tide in mid-battle. The glitch results in the winning character/team poised in a 'T-Pose' position during the results screen after a match. For those...
News Super Mario Maker Producer Tells Fans Not To Expect Zelda Maker Any Time Soon
"I think that might be a difficult task"
Super Mario Maker might not have been a brand-new title at this year's E3, but it certainly turned a lot of heads with its inventive mechanics and use of iconic Mario imagery. It also had many people wondering if Nintendo could perform the same trick with any of its other classic IPs - Legend of Zelda...
News Mercenaries Saga 2 Is The Closest You'll Get To A New Final Fantasy Tactics On 3DS
Launches this week in North America
Final Fantasy Tactics fans should be interested to know that CIRCLE Entertainment is publishing Rideon Japan's Mercenaries Saga 2: Order Of The Silver Eagle on the North American 3DS eShop. The game - which originally launched on smartphones - looks almost identical to Square Enix's legendary turn-based strategy...
Guide How to Get Involved in Splatoon's First Splatfest
Ink-capable of resisting
After a short delay, Splatoon's fabled Splatfest event is arriving in the West this weekend beginning on the 4th July. If you're in North America the theme is Cats vs. Dogs, and if you're in Europe the choices are more musically orientated: Rock vs. Pop. We'll be taking part alongside our chosen teammates, but just in case...
News This Legend of Zelda Quest Items Infographic Sure is Pretty
The Oracle games didn't mess around
We often get sent infographics here at Nintendo Life, and will no doubt get bombarded with more as a consequence of sharing this particular example. Some are downright silly, such as placing values on Princess Peach's dress collection*, and as a result get ignored. Sometimes a genuinely nice example comes...
News The Captain Toad Figurine Lamp is Now Lighting Up Club Nintendo in PAL Territories
Just look at it
Club Nintendo is going through a longer farewell in PAL territories than in North America - which closes very soon, we'll post a reminder - and is still introducing some charming new items to separate us from our final stars. One that was promised was the Captain Toad Figurine Lamp, which has now popped up in Europe and Australia...
Reaction The Concept of eShop 'Early Access' is Both Exciting and Slightly Terrifying
Tom Whitehead thinks it would be the best of times, and the worst
Nintendo is rapidly disproving the suggestion that it's behind-the-curve or old fashioned in the download gaming space. Aspects of the company's decision-making remain cautious, but the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores have not only brought Nintendo up to speed with a number of modern...
News Pokémon Shuffle is Heading to Android and iOS, to the Surprise of No-One
Micro-transactions are Super Effective!
Pokémon Shuffle remains a trailblazer on the 3DS, a free-to-play match-three title on the portable reliant upon micro-transactions to actually return the development investment. It's been downloaded about 4.5 million times, though we don't know whether it's actually made Nintendo any notable profit. If...
News Nintendo Is "Exploring" The Idea Of Early Access Games On Its Consoles
"There could be some benefits there"
Nintendo of America's third-party relations and indie development boss Damon Baker has revealed that the company is currently pondering the idea of "Early Access" games on its consoles. Speaking to Polygon, Baker said: We don't have anything to announce, but I can say that we're certainly exploring options and...
Reminder North American Club Nintendo Rewards Will Disappear Very Soon
You have until 11:59pm Pacific on 30th June
Club Nintendo, oh how we'll miss you. A new rewards program is due this Fall, and the curtain is starting to close on the service that - despite some flaws - had become part of the furniture in Nintendo gaming. In PAL territories such as Europe the service and its catalogue will remain open until 30th...
News Analogue Nt Starts Shipping To Buyers, Pitched As "The Leica Of Home Consoles"
"We've always looked up to the standards of companies like Leica"
Analogue Interactive's Analogue Nt has completed its initial production run and is now shipping out to consumers. The aluminium-cased console - which plays NES and Famicom carts - comes from the same company which gave us the wooden SNK Neo Geo AES and features a wide range of AV...
News Stay Fresh With This Funky Splatoon Themed Album From GameChops
Name your price
If you want to be the coolest squid on the street you’re going to need some fresh beats. With this in mind, the record label dedicated to electronic video game remixes – GameChops – has just released a new album to celebrate Nintendo’s latest hit, Splatoon. A collaboration between the GameChops “Squid Squad”, the album...
Matters Of Import 3D Gunstar Heroes Is Hyperactive Run And Gun Action At Its Finest
Another classic to treasure on your 3DS console
Gunstar Heroes charged onto the Sega Mega Drive in 1993, significantly marking the début of quirky developer Treasure, having been formed from ex-Konami staff wanting to go it their own way. Often seen floating near to the top of many 'best game ever' lists, Gunstar Heroes is a bona-fide classic of...
News Veterans Of 3DS Title Xeodrifter Will Get The Upcoming Wii U Version For Free
Developer reports disappointing EU sales, though
Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham has confirmed that existing owners of the 3DS version of Xeodrifter will get the forthcoming Wii U eShop port for nothing. The game will be cross buy, which means that when you purchase one edition, you get the other entirely free of charge. Huzzah! According to...
News Terraria Rating for North America Brings Its Wii U Release Closer
Let's just say it's a thing that is happening
Through the course of retail listings and Australian ratings, it's no secret that Terraria appears to be heading for Nintendo hardware. Though early rumours pointed to it coming to both Wii U and 3DS, a fresh ESRB listing for North America has it down only for Wii U, with the record in question also...
News Yoshi's Woolly World Cuddles Up to Fourth Spot in the UK Charts
Described as a 'great start' by Chart-Track
Last week brought two major new retail releases in the UK - Batman: Arkham Knight was always an absolute certainty to take top spot in the country's charts, but it was the launch of the fantastic Wii U platformer Yoshi's Woolly World that was of most interest to Nintendo fans. The pleasing news is that...
News Capcom Turns to Comedy Duo in Quirky Marketing for The Great Ace Attorney
No objections
The Great Ace Attorney is approaching its court date - oh alright, release date - in Japan, and Capcom is ramping up its marketing for the new 3DS entry. While we may be hoping for news of localisation, in the meantime we can enjoy the attention the game is getting in its homeland. With a 19th Century setting and Sherlock Holmes...
Sunday28th Jun 2015
News Nintendo Reportedly Pitched NX To Third Parties During E3 2015
Miyamoto takes a step back from NX discussions
As the NX's presence becomes more prevalent in the minds of many, it's understandable that some fans are both curious and concerned about Nintendo's next move. Shigeru Miyamoto has suggested that the Wii U's downfall was down to the console being outshone by the growing tablet industry, and that is a...
Video Mario is Unreal in This New Take on The Plumber's Adventures
Utilises Unreal Engine 4 and goes viral
Though we now have Mario looking fabulous in HD, most notably in Super Mario 3D World, fans and those keen to work on their coding still like to create their own flashy re-imaginings of the plumber's adventures. A recent example that went viral was a Unity-based recreation of one stage from Super Mario 64 in...
Talking Point The Mystery of Devil's Third and Its Drift Away from the Spotlight
Nintendo of America remains silent while Europe has a release date
Cast your mind back to E3 2014 - Nintendo's first 'Digital Event' had finished and, by many accounts, had gone down rather well. It was a broadcast designed for all audiences, so a surprise immediately followed with the announcement that mature title Devil's Third, originally planned...
Interview Warren Spector Discusses Game Choices, Development Leadership and Shigeru Miyamoto
"I'm a Link to the Past guy. It's maybe my favorite game."
If you only began telling Warren Spector's history by the time he joined the game company Origin in 1989, you will have glossed over a career that already included professional film critiques, his time producing tabletop games for the ubiquitous Steve Jackson Games, and a thesis about Warner...
Saturday27th Jun 2015
News The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is Hitting the Wii U Virtual Console Very Soon
Confirmed for Europe, NA surely not far behind
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is, by popular concensus, one of the finest video games of all time. Following its original Nintendo 64 release it's appeared on GameCube and the Wii Virtual Console, while also having a fabulous remastered version on 3DS. For fans who simply can't get enough of it,...
Talking Point Nintendo's Approach to Transforming Franchises Clashes With Fan Expectations
New ideas that haven't necessarily been welcomed
It's safe to say that Nintendo's E3 efforts have been received with mixed responses from fans. Especially given that Microsoft and Sony arguably brought the thunder this year, many expected that Nintendo would have some similarly headline grabbing announcements to match. What we received instead was...
Nintendo Life Weekly F-Zero Wii U, Octolings, and Same-Sex Marriage
Go week at the knees
Being the veritable saints that we are at Nintendo Life we've once again thrown together a way for you to take in all the biggest Nintendo news of the week, as well as all the reviews and releases you'd expect. In the video this week we talk about playable Octolings in Splatoon, a cancelled F-Zero title for Wii U, same-sex...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Suggests Low Key and Accessible amiibo Support in Star Fox Zero
"I’m really not thinking about there being locked content"
Just recently we all had our first real look at Star Fox Zero, and the response to its various E3 showings seemed to be a mix of excitement and hype, combined with some mutterings of disappointment and divided opinions on the control scheme. Nintendo has a number of months to convince...
Friday26th Jun 2015
News Splatoon Hackers Make Octoling A Playable Character
Are you an octoling or a squid?
It’s been nearly a month since Nintendo’s squid-shooter was released and already the community is hungry for more. Following on from a cheeky fan who "data-mined" a disc copy of Splatoon to find out what exactly Nintendo had in store for the game's player base, a video has now emerged of a playable octoling thanks...
News Nintendo Isn't Talking About NX Because It Doesn't Want Rivals To Steal Its Ideas
"The NX is new hardware, and will start from 0"
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has claimed that Nintendo has to keep quiet on NX because it believes that competitors will steal the unique ideas it is cooking up for its next console. Much has been written about the forthcoming console but we still don't have a solid NX release date. However, during...
News Splatoon Version 1.3.0 Update Due on 30th June, Gameplay Adjustments Detailed
Annoying Kraken Special Weapon to be powered down, a bit
Splatoon is being spruced up with new content on a weekly basis, adding new stages and weapons to the mix. It's also had fairly regular software updates, and the next major set of changes will be implemented on 30th June with version 1.3.0. It'll fix some Splatfest issues from Japan - prior to...
Interview Knitting Together the Pattern of Yoshi's Woolly World and Cuddly amiibo
"We still have lots more ideas to explore"
Yoshi's Woolly World is out now in Europe - it heads to North America on 16th October - and is the latest major retail arrival on the Wii U. First teased back in 2013, its visual style and design brings a natural evolution to the yarn aesthetic seen in the excellent Kirby's Epic Yarn on Wii. Utilising the...
First Impressions Getting Into The Spirit With Yo-Kai Watch
An Inspiriting Invasion
Yo-Kai Watch's Western début has been a long time coming - two 3DS games, several anime and manga series, and a mountain of merchandise have already conquered the imagination of young Japanese players, and now the first portable RPG in the series is making its way to the rest of the world courtesy of Nintendo and Level 5...
Review WarioWare Twisted! (GBA)
A turn for the best
Mario's diabolical, greedy and slightly-overweight rival Wario is a genius of sorts. After all, why bother with long games when you can make many quick-paced, five-second challenges? The third game in the WarioWare series, entitled WarioWare Twisted!, never made its way to Europe - which is a crying shame, as it's one of the most...
Video Unboxing the Yarn Yoshi amiibo & Seeing How it Works in Yoshi's Woolly World
A stitch in time
Nintendo's been making waves with its latest foray into the toys-to-life genre, namely the crocheted Yarn Yoshi amiibo which takes on a plush, more toy-like form than the plastic statues found in the rest of the lineup. In this video we unbox the blue version of this cuddly critter and see how he and the rest of the amiibo range...
News Ganondorf, Palutena, Dark Pit and Zero Suit Samus amiibo In Stock With Multiple UK Retailers
GAME and official store offer best deals
Earlier this week the Nintendo Official UK Store had a re-stock of some rare amiibo, some of which are now gone while others are still available. Today has brought more additions with the latest wave of figures, with stock available for those that haven't pre-ordered. The following four amiibo figures are...
News Two More New Weapons Coming To Splatoon Tomorrow
Ink-credible staying power
Nintendo has confirmed that two more weapons will be added to Splatoon tomorrow. The Carbon Roller and Custom Dual Squelcher are the items in question, and according to the recent leak, these are the sub weapons they'll be shipping with: Carbon Roller - Burst Bombs & Inkzooka Custom Dual Squelcher - Squid Beakon...
Video This Fresh Project X Zone 2 Footage Will Get Your Pulse Racing
New trailer shows off in-game action
Project X Zone 2 is coming to a 3DS near you this fall, and Bandai Namco has unleashed a new trailer which shows off some of the characters contained within the game. As well as usual suspects like Ryu and Ken, you'll be able to control characters from Sega's Yakuza: Dead Souls, Namco's Tekken and Bandai Namco's...
Gallery The Yarn Yoshi amiibo Is So Cute And Cuddly, It Hurts
We're not pulling wool over your eyes, either
Today sees the release of Yoshi's Woolly World in Europe, and we've been lucky enough to get some hands-on time with the Yarn Yoshi amiibo which accompanies the game. As you can see in the shots below, he's settled in nicely in the Nintendo Life office, even going as far as to have a friendly chat with...
News Gunman Clive's 3DS Outings Are Dashing To Wii U In Rootin'-Tootin' HD
Two for the price of one, partner
Gunman Clive and Gunman Clive 2 are two of our personal favourites on the 3DS eShop, so we're pleased as punch by the news that the games are being released on the Wii U - but in 60 frames per second high definition. Gunman Clive HD Collection - for that is its name - has already been submitted to Nintendo of...
News Nintendo Board Members Retain Roles After AGM as Share Value Remains Strong
Iwata's the man with the plan
There can be a sense, sometimes, of doom and gloom around Nintendo - there are valid concerns for fans, but some fears can be overblown. While Wii U sales, unhappy E3 followers and more can have some trotting out the silly 'Nintendoomed' memes, it seems the company itself is relatively happy with its overall prospects...
News Nintendo Didn't Mention Mobile At E3 2015 Because It Was The Wrong Crowd
"You can hear the groan when a particular company talks about mobile"
Nintendo's entry into the mobile phone gaming arena was pretty huge news, and some fans suspected that the company would show off something at E3 2015 related to it. However, that didn't come to pass - and Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime has been explaining to
News There Are Now Over 600 DSiWare Games And Apps
Not dead yet
The 3DS may be entering its twilight years but that doesn't mean that DSiWare - the downloadable software service which launched with the 3DS console's forerunner, the DSi - is completely dead. In fact, thanks to the large helping of DSiWare games in this week's Download Update, there are now 604 games and apps available for DSiWare...
News Reggie Talks Yo-Kai Watch And The Importance Of Keeping The Series Nintendo Exclusive
"The partnership is very strong with Level 5"
This year sees the Western launch of Level 5's Yo-Kai Watch, a game which has already proven itself to be a smash-hit in its native Japan. Nintendo is publishing the game in the West and there are hopes that it will turn into the kind of cash-cow that Pokémon has been for the firm. Speaking to
News Castles Hits Steam Target Ahead of Planned Fall Release on Wii U
An "adventure/action puzzle game"
There are plenty of download games aspiring to make their way to consoles, including the Wii U eShop, and one that's got one step closer is Castles by Spanish developer WhootGames. The project is celebrating its successful elevation to being Greenlit on Steam, which will prompt the next stage of the title getting a...
News Nintendo UK is Bringing a Few E3 Gems to HYPER JAPAN
Star Fox! Super Mario Maker! Tri Force Heroes! Other things!
HYPER JAPAN is one of the more diverse expo events to arrive in London every year. Rather than being focused on one particular hobby, it covers multiple aspects of Japanese culture - previous years have featured areas and exhibits dedicated to clothing, toys, art, food and - yes - video...
Video Art Academy and Yoshi's Woolly World Combine Beautifully in This Time-Lapse Showcase
Worthy of any virtual gallery
A neat new feature in Art Academy: Atelier / Art Academy: Home Studio is the option to upload time-lapse footage of your creations to YouTube. It's a practice popular among artists on the video platform, and provides multiple options that are automated - rather like Mario Kart TV in Mario Kart 8. The new Art Academy is...
News Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions Tour Announces Show Dates For Australia
"The must-see video game concert of the year"
If classic tunes from the long-running Pokémon video game series bring back fond memories of your earlier years and you happen to live in Australia, then the Pokémon Symphonic Evolutions Tour may worth checking out. Provided you live in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or Sydney – The Pokémon Company...
News Co-Op Teleporting Platformer Roving Rogue Releases On Wii U eShop July 2nd
What's left to do after the final boss?
Roving Rogue is a unique take on a classic formula. Players control an adventurer named Kurt who has just defeated the final boss in a castle. Traditionally the reward is a kiss from a princess, but on this particular occasion, the hero has forgotten why he’s even in this castle in the first place. This...
Video New Factotum Trailer Feels Like Red Dwarf Meets Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
Forthcoming Wii U eShop release is lost in space
Indie developer TACS Games has kindly sent us a brand new trailer for his upcoming Wii U eShop title Factotum, and we're really digging the "BBC Sci-Fi" vibe. Looking and sounding like a cross between the cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf and the equally funny Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Factotum...
Thursday25th Jun 2015
"Several more characters" due before development stops
It may seem like ancient history now in internet land, but Masahiro Sakurai defied early leaks to deliver a rather entertaining Super Smash Bros. video presentation prior to E3. A whole lot of DLC content was released right away, too, including three characters, new stages and a batch of Mii...
Nintendo Download 25th June (North America)
Star Fox and Mario & Luigi DS games! Art Academy! Shiftlings! More!
It's Nintendo Download Update day, and as usual we now have the North American details. It's a busy line-up with three interesting Wii U eShop titles, two popular franchises on the Virtual Console, some discounts and another hefty batch of DSiWare. Yep... DSiWare. So, let's get to...
Video Avert Your Eyes, This Japanese Animal Crossing Commercial Features Shameful Groping
Poor Tom Nook
Nintendo is pretty unique in the video game industry because unlike Sony and Microsoft, it actually spends money reminding people that some of its evergreen hits are still on sale. Take this latest Japanese commercial for Animal Crossing: New Leaf - a game that originally launched in that region in 2012 - featuring pop star Kyary...
News Animal Crossing Director Talks More About Happy Home Designer and amiibo
"To be sure, Happy Home Designer can be played without any Amiibo cards."
It's safe to say that fan reaction has been rather mixed towards the amiibo-centric focus of the two upcoming Animal Crossing games for Wii U and 3DS. While it's far too early to definitively judge the quality of these upcoming games, it's very apparent that these new games...
News Monolith Soft Open To Helping Get Zelda Wii U Ready For Launch
"Monolith Soft is always available and we would love to help"
The talented development team at Monolith Soft is busy polishing off Xenoblade Chronicles X for its Western release on the Wii U in December, but that hasn't stopped them thinking of their next project. In a recent interview with Game Informer, Xenoblade director Tetsuya Takahashi and...
Feature The Biggest Wii U eShop Games of 2015 - Summer Edition
Plenty of choices
Not long ago we published our updated list for the biggest Wii U retail games of 2015, opting out of continuing our recent approach of combining retail and selective eShop titles in one. This was to give the eShop its fair due - there are plenty of promising titles heading to the home console's download store, and we wanted to give...
News Japan Is Getting A Pokémon Periodical Aimed At Adults
Living the Pokémon Life
Pokémon has been around for almost two decades now, and has fans of all ages. It's insanely popular with kids but those who grew up with Pikachu and company still buy the games, invest in the merchandise and generally continue to hold a candle for the brand - despite its often shady history. It would seem that The Pokémon...
News The First Western Splatoon Splatfest Kicks Off on 4th July
"Sorry for the delay—we experienced some…tentacle difficulties"
Not so long ago Nintendo of America confirmed a delay to the first Splatoon Splatfest in the West, following matchmaking and connection problems in the first Japanese event. These are online challenges in which you pick a side in a simple debate and then fight for your choice in...
News Working On F-Zero Wouldn't Have Been My Idea Of Fun, Says Former Criterion Boss
Alex Ward responds to news regarding the F-Zero that never was
We recently broke the news that Nintendo asked UK studio Criterion to create an F-Zero title for the Wii U, but sadly the discussion came to nothing. Criterion founder Alex Ward has responded to the story on Twitter, pointing out that F-Zero was simply one project amongst many pitched...
News Eight SEGA 3D Classics Get Discounts in North America
50% off on some beauties
Earlier today the Nintendo Download Update details for North America promised discounts of SEGA 3D Classics, but only specified two of the games that are in the promotion - now the official eShop offers website has confirmed eight of the series that are available at half price. It's not the full range, and more recent...
News Nintendo's Official UK Store Restocks on Some Rare amiibo
Shulk! Little Mac! Captain Falcon! More!
Update: Little Mac and Shulk are now sold out. Original Article: Just recently we shared a teasing email sent out to customers of Nintendo's Official UK Store, promising restocks of "some" amiibo "this week". Sure enough there's some fresh stock available to grab right now, and it's not disappearing too...
Movie Review Behind Nintendo Quest's Game Collecting, There's A Surprisingly Human Story
For the love of the find
Kickstarter-funded movie Nintendo Quest isn't exactly a documentary about NES games. They're definitely in the film; don't worry about that. You'll see so many shelves and boxes and displays chock full of gray cartridges that they'll dance behind your eyelids whenever you close them. But those who expect huge reels of play...
News AI Program Learns How To Build Super Mario Levels By Watching Gameplay Videos
Next stop, the complete destruction of mankind as we know it
Not so long ago we reported on a computer program which can "learn" how to play Game Boy games, but now someone has gone one better. A team at the Georgia Institute of Technology is currently working on a program which can build its own Super Mario levels - without the use of Super Mario...
Video Spin a New Yarn with these Top Ten Ways to Waste Time in Yoshi's Woolly World
Lighter than lighthearted
Sometimes following the rules and going from A to Bin a game just isn't enough to cut it if you're in a sillier mood than usual, but does Yoshi's Woolly World allow such informal pastimes? You bet it does! Check out the video below to see the top ten ways you can have fun outside the rules and regulations that "the man"...
News Gold Mario amiibo Exclusive To Target Australia Sells Out Early Online
Oh no!
Earlier this month Nintendo revealed the gold Mario amiibo figure would arrive exclusively at Target stores in Australia on 25th June. Fans were further informed the rare figure would receive only a single run and would be limited to one per customer with no pre-orders available in-store or online. With such odds, the chance of missing out on...
News Former Nintendo "Gamemaster" Howard Phillips Joins Mobile Studio GameDuell
The bow tie is gone, but the magic remains
Howard Phillips - one of the most recognisable figures in Nintendo's history - has a new job. Phillips - who was once given the nickname "Gamemaster" at Nintendo and was responsible for overseeing many of the hit titles that were released for Nintendo's NES console - has joined Berlin-based GameDuell and...
News The Swindle is Sneaking Closer to a Wii U eShop Release
Will come after PS4 and Xbox One, though
The Swindle looks set to be the next Curve Digital-published release heading to the Wii U eShop. Developed by Size Five games, it's a "platforming, action and stealth game set in a Victorian Steampunk world" with procedurally generated levels. It's not far from release, too, though unfortunately the Wii U...
Video Watch Hiromasa Shikata And Katsuya Eguchi Hack And Slash Through Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Not forgetting Nintendo Treehouse staffer Tim O'Leary
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is one of the more unique entries in the franchise we've seen in recent years, offering multiplayer action where individuals have to work together to conquer various dungeons and bosses. During E3, Nintendo pulled together three of its staffers to...
Wednesday24th Jun 2015
Talking Point E3 Highlighted Nintendo's Development Shift Towards NX, and Away from Wii U
3DS also delves into spin-offs and sequels to pass time
It's been a little over a week since E3 2015, the shared temperature of frustrated Nintendo fans has simmered down a little, and we can reflect on both what the big N showed and kept behind the scenes. Both tell us much, and also indicate that the Wii U seems to be heading for a short lifespan...
News Nintendo Gets Tough With Miiverse Bans, and Some Users Aren't Exactly Pleased
Rules aren't always there to be broken
Miiverse, Nintendo's bespoke social network, has been one of the company's most notable moves in this generation. Social networks are old hat now, of course, but with immediate access from games, screenshot sharing and the option to doodle drawings, it's proved a relatively popular app. As it's web based it's...
Review Never Alone (Wii U eShop)
A beautiful mess
One of the best things about indie games is the freedom available to the developers; with all the money involved in publishing triple-A titles, there's little incentive to take risks. There's no way you'd ever see a title like Never Alone coming from a major publisher, and that's what makes it so refreshing. Developed with the input...
Playable prototype actually exists
Next Level Games has a long and proud history with Nintendo, having worked on a wide range of titles including Super Mario Strikers, Punch Out!! and Luigi's Mansion 2. However, not all of the projects pitched by this developer have seen the light of day, and Unseen64 has posted an updated video explaining what...
Our salt is ready
Rumours are always around with Nintendo, and as E3 taught us (again) it's a case of picking the sources you trust carefully. While not right on everything, Revogamers has been on the ball with rumours occasionally in the past, so with a bucket of salt handy it's worth considering what it has to say. The site's latest dollop of...
News Fans Are Creating A Brand-New Quest For The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
It's called Third Quest
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a game that speaks, well, volumes. The revolutionary 3D entry to the Zelda series has led to the game holding its own to this day, encouraging replay value for copious amounts of reasons. Aside from receiving a beautiful 3DS remake in 2011, it has fired-up the competition in the world...
Review Comic Workshop 2 (3DS eShop)
Back to the drawing board
With its built-in touchscreen and dual display, it's no surprise that the Nintendo 3DS is host to a plethora of applications and games based around drawing and creating. Comic Workshop, an application focused on the premise of creating pages for manga comics, is just one example from the selection of well-received products...
News Fire Emblem Fates Will Allow Same-Sex Marriages
Nintendo wants its games to "reflect the diversity" of its audience
Nintendo has confirmed that Fire Emblem Fates will be the first title in the long-running strategy series to feature same-sex marriages. In Fire Emblem: Awakening, it was possible to marry characters you had formed a strong bond with, but it was only possible to wed members of the...
Weirdness Someone Captured E3 2015 Using A Game Boy Camera
And then downloaded the images using a cool new device
Remember Jeremy Parish? He's the guy behind Game Boy World and the boss at US Gamer. He's also the kind of guy who thinks nothing of taking ageing retro tech to the world's biggest gaming event and snapping photos of famous video game celebrities. Parish snapped the likes of Nintendo's Bill...
News Fire Emblem Fates Iwata Asks Explores Multiple Storylines, Its 500 Page Plot and My Castle
"I ended up writing so much that it could be turned into about two books"
Fire Emblem Fates - known as Fire Emblem If in Japan - is out in Nintendo's homeland this week, before heading to the West in 2016. After the franchise-saving antics of Fire Emblem: Awakening the new title seems like a somewhat dramatic step-up for the series, with two...
News 3D Gunstar Heroes Brings New Modes And Local Co-Op To 3DS
Launches this week in Japan
This week 3D Gunstar Heroes hits the 3DS eShop in Japan, and it's bringing with it a host of new features. In addition to being in stereoscopic 3D and offering the usual range of screen filters, the game will also include a brand-new "All Spec" mode which grants immediate access to all 14 weapons available in the game...
Thursday25th Jun 2015
News The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Promises a Lot of Content and Playtime
"If you’re a completionist, you’re gonna be playing for a long time"
When it was announced we were rather taken in by The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes; any opportunity to revisit the engine and tweaked gameplay from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a positive in our book. Very much a spiritual successor to Four Swords, albeit...
Wednesday24th Jun 2015
First Impressions Plugging In To Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash
Little Robo, big heart
The first time we played Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash at this year's E3, it was on a 3DS tethered by cable to a mobile Nintendo representative. It felt oddly appropriate given the wired nature of the game's protagonist, but sadly, pressing 'B' did not - as we would have hoped - release the cord. Later on during the show, we got to...
News Splatoon Has Inked 1 Million In Sales Since Its Release
Are you a kid or a squid?
Nintendo’s Digital Event during E3 2015 was a challenging time for the Kyoto-based company. While many viewers hoped for a series of uplifting announcements stating the house of Mario was back in the game, the presentation sadly left a bitter taste in the mouth of Nintendo fans worldwide. Brushing this aside, Nintendo...
Video New Nintendo Game Seminar Titles Make Début Ahead of Japanese Wii U eShop Releases
Developed in Unity to utilise the GamePad
Last year we reported on the Nintendo Game Seminar event in Japan - open to University Students in the Tokyo metropolitan or Kansai region, those lucky enough to be included received support and advice from Nintendo in creating simple gaming experiences. The challenge, from August 2014 to March 2015, was to...
News Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus Tops Japanese Charts as 3DS and Wii U Lead in Hardware
Splatoon also performing well
The Media Create charts have rolled around once again, having brought some positive news for Nintendo in recent times; pleasingly, that trend continues. To start with software we have two 3DS games and a Wii U title leading the way - Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus is top (maybe thanks to its awesome commercials?) on...
Weirdness Man Finishes Super Mario World In 23 Minutes Whilst Blindfolded
...and 14 seconds
How quickly can you finish Super Mario World? 23 minutes 14 seconds? That sounds like a pretty fast time to us, but imagine doing that totally blindfolded. That's exactly what PangaeaPanga has done - and the amazing thing is that he was only practicing the run very recently - he started his training on June 16th. He dies during...
News Titan Tank Rumble Is "Twisted Metal Meets N64-Era Rare", Says Developer Hexagon Games
Rumbling towards the Wii U eShop
Indie studio Hexagon Games has revealed that its vehicular combat title Titan Tank Rumble is headed to the Wii U eShop. Originally called DestructoTanks, the game is a "4-player online competitive game with leaderboards, featuring lots of hectic tank mayhem and explosions". The developer has compared the title to...
News Nintendo's Official UK Store Promises Extra Stock of "Certain amiibo Figures" This Week
What a tease...
Oh, amiibo, we love you and we hate you. The cute little toys are utterly charming, but some of them are more elusive than a Samus Aran fan excited about Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Many of the toys are rare, and the dance when hoping for pre-orders to be fulfilled - if you even get a pre-order down - is a familiar jig to many...
Video Nintendo Minute's Latest Vlog Recounts The Best Moments Of E3 2015
Thor Aackerlund! John Numbers! Shigeru Miyamoto!
E3 is but a distant memory for many of us now, but the Nintendo Minute team has put together a highlight vlog which sums up all of the cool stuff which happened during the event. That included meeting 1990 Nintendo World Champion Thor Aackerlund, talking to 2015 winner John Numbers and even getting...
Tuesday23rd Jun 2015
Exclusive We Almost Got A Wii U F-Zero Created By Burnout Studio Criterion
Would have been shown off at E3 2011
F-Zero is one of those franchises which Nintendo fans are constantly clamouring for, and not an E3 passes without demands from the masses for a brand-new entry. The series has been dormant for quite some time, although recent events - such as a F-Zero mini-game in Nintendo Land and the inclusion of the legendary...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Tackles Metroid Prime: Federation Force and amiibo Criticism
"Look, we know that the fans want a straight Samus Aran game"
Reggie Fils-Aime has - as we observed during E3 - the propensity to talk a load of old PR guff at times, which to be fair is part of his job. His annual LA interviews conducted with Kotaku do occasionally get beyond copy-and-pasted standard responses, however, making the latest...
News Nintendo Says That Star Fox Zero's Gyro Controls Can Be Turned Off
Do a barrel roll, we guess!
Along with the sublime looking Super Mario Maker, Nintendo focused a lot of their E3 efforts this year on Star Fox Zero, a game which seems to be dividing opinion based on previews. A common sticking point seems to be the use of gyro controls to look around in cockpit view on the GamePad. It would appear that you either...
News Square Enix Shuts Down Dragon Quest VII Fan Translation Project
Hopefully points to official localisation
A Dragon Quest VII re-release arrived on 3DS in Japan back in early 2013, yet fans in the West have seen over two years pass with no sniff of a localised version. Square Enix suggested last year that it needs confidence in the size of the audience, yet the absence of news seemed to spur on fans in other...
Hands On Logging More Flight Time With Star Fox Zero
“Impressive, Star Fox!”
In this second look at Star Fox Zero, Morgan Sleeper has a more positive experience than colleague Alan Lopez. To reflect the divisive nature of the controls, Alan's updated impressions from another playthrough are also included. When Miyamoto-san's Muppet started sprouting Star Fox features during the Nintendo Digital...
News Luna Blaster Weapon Arriving Tomorrow For Splatoon
It's out of this world
Nintendo UK have confirmed that the "Luna Blaster" - the latest new Splatoon weapon is available for us Brits from tomorrow morning (Wednesday the 24th). As of yet, Nintendo of America haven't tweeted out the news, but it will presumably be available this evening - in keeping with the usual DLC release patterns. Little...
Wednesday24th Jun 2015
Gallery The Splatoon T-Shirt Market Has More Variety Than the Game's Store
Take that Jelly Fresh!
When it comes to fashion, Splatoon is cutting-edge gaming. Apart from those amiibo outfits that only dedicated collectors have, there are plenty of varieties of t-shirts, hats and shoes bopping around in the game's plaza at any time, while the stores rotate their offerings on a daily basis. Sure, you can pick outfits based on...
Tuesday23rd Jun 2015
News Pokémon Jukebox Arrives For Free on Android Devices in the West
Not all fans are happy...
While we await Nintendo's first formal foray into smart device gaming this year, it's worth remembering that the Nintendo-owned but independently operating Pokémon Company has been doing a roaring trade in apps of various kinds for multiple years. It's now released another app on Google Play, though it's not without its...
Parent Trap Woolly Yoshi amiibo Finally Turn Toys To Life Figures Into Actual Toys
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson has a yarn Yoshi, don't hate him
It may seem that the knitted amiibo for Yoshi's Woolly World are simply a gimmick. However, for children the difference here is more than aesthetic. They mark a new toys to life trend of offering playable toys rather than collectable figurines for the shelf. Of course, historically toys...
News Mario Parody Kill The Plumber Rejected From iOS App Store On Grounds Of Copyright
Despite the fact that it showcases entirely new content
Smartphone clones of popular games are a real problem for developers, with shady individuals gleefully copying any successful venture in the hope that they can earn a few shillings from unsuspecting punters. These irksome chaps certainly need dealing with, but sometimes the approach of the...
News Sonic The Hedgehog is Now 24 Years Old
Unless you want to be pedantic and count Rad Mobile
If you're a Sonic fan in North America or Europe then today has a little significance - it was 24 years ago, on 23rd June (not July as we originally wrote), that the original Sonic the Hedgehog on SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive was released. Sonic had previously appeared as a decoration in the arcade...
News Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden Fighting Its Way to the 3DS in the West This Year
Shout loudly in Japanese to celebrate
Earlier this year we shared the news of Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden being announced for release in Japan - it's a fighting title in the franchise with 20 playable characters and "more than 100 support characters". Of course, Dragon Ball Z seems to have had a big year in the West, helped along by Dragon Ball...
Video Here's Our Montage of the Latest Super Smash Bros. DLC
Be a kid, a squid, a Mega Man and more!
Nintendo has once again Smash-ed it out of the park with some brand new DLC content, all of which has been collected together in one handy bundle pack. Released just prior to E3, AOC Collection #2 features an eye-watering amount of costumes, new stages and - of course - new characters! You can check out the...
News Spooky 2D Adventure Whispering Willows Will Be Haunting Your Wii U This Summer
An out of body experience
Indie publisher Abstraction Games has confirmed that it is bringing Night Light Interactive's spooky adventure title Whispering Willows to the Wii U eShop. Originally released on Ouya, the game features gorgeous 2D visuals and an haunting soundtrack. The unique hook is that you'll be able to exit the main character's body...
News Little Battlers eXperience is Now Coming to Europe a Little Sooner
Battling for a release slot
In Nintendo's quirky pre-E3 Nintendo Direct Micro, it announced LBX: Little Battlers eXperience - just called Little Battlers eXperience in Europe - for the West; based on the anime series, you build and customise miniature robots to fight on your behalf. Add in local multiplayer and you have a candidate for a dark horse...
Video Enjoy Some Nostalgia With This Stylish History of Yoshi Games
Ending with Woolly World, of course
Yoshi's Woolly World arrives this week in Europe and Australia, with Good-Feel giving Mario's buddy the yarn treatment. We couldn't help but love it in our review, and we're sure a number of Wii U owners are contemplating whether to splash the cash. Whether you're picking Woolly's World up or waiting for its...
News These 3DS Home Themes for The Great Ace Attorney Are Rather Neat
We're waiting, Capcom
The Great Ace Attorney, which takes us to 19th Century England and teams our hero up with an interesting version of Sherlock Holmes, is rather close to release in Japan - it arrives on 9th July in the country. As regular readers will also know we rather like 3DS HOME Themes, and it's perhaps no surprise that Capcom has showed...
News Quadcopter Pilot Challenge is Flying Into North America Soon
Gives a first-person view on the GamePad
Not so long ago we told you about Quadcopter Pilot Challenge, an upcoming Wii U eShop release from TACS games. Incorporating a third-person view on the TV and a first-person camera angle on the GamePad, it has a Pilotwings vibe while utilising the popular vehicles / toys as the star attraction. For those in...
Monday22nd Jun 2015
Review Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
Knitting ideas together
Nintendo has long been the leading light in the platforming genre, a part of that legacy being the focus of Super Mario Anniversary celebrations this year. It's a genre with plenty of scope for variety, however, which is something Nintendo pushed forward with the superb Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on Super NES,...
News Unreleased Splatoon Maps And Weapons Get Detailed, Rainmaker Mode Explained
Look away now to avoid spoilers
There's plenty of fresh content coming to Splatoon, and one cheeky fan has "data-mined" the disc to find out exactly what it is. They've uncovered new stages, weapons and info - all of which counts as a leak, so if you'd rather find out through official channels, turn off your screen now and go outside for a walk or...
Nintendo Download 25th June (Europe)
Yoshi! Kirby! Art Academy! Samurai Warriors! More!
It's the start of a normal week in the world of the big N, so naturally it kicks off with the Nintendo Download Update details in Europe. This week brings three promising and relatively high profile retail releases, two diverse offerings on the Wii U eShop along with some retro goodies, some...
News Tablets Stole The Wii U's Thunder, Laments Shigeru Miyamoto
Legendary designer hoping that the NX will be a "big hit"
The Wii U's lack of commercial success is largely down to the rapidly-expanding tablet sector, says Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. Speaking to NPR, Miyamoto stated that during early development the Wii U GamePad was seen as a game-changing controller, but by the time it made it to market in...
News Hyrule Warriors Producer Confirms More Characters Are Coming to Hyrule Warriors Legends
But won't say who exactly...
For some, the announcement of Hyrule Warriors Legends coming to the Nintendo 3DS is a great reason to relive/start the game that originated on the Wii U. However, to those needing more of an excuse, it was confirmed during Nintendo's E3 Digital Event that Hyrule Warriors Legends will come with all the DLC from the...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Hints at Smaller New Nintendo 3DS for North America
Also states that New 3DS-exclusive download games are coming
When Nintendo announced earlier in the year that only the New Nintendo 3DS XL would come to North America, heads were scratched, petitions were launched and fury was vented. Subsequent justifications from Nintendo of America generally weren't accepted by online communities - including when...
News Yet Another PAC-MAN Glitch Has Surfaced In Super Smash Bros.
This is whacka-whacka
PAC-MAN has had his history of glitches in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (the double-team infinite jump in 2v2, as well as the fire hydrant being able to go through the Smashville stage), but thankfully these were patched out. Not so fast Nintendo, there's a new glitch in town, and this one makes PAC-MAN an...
Gallery Marvel At This Woodgrain Styled N64
Taking retro to its logical conclusion
We've seen some lovely console mods over the years here at Nintendo Life, but this one from our Texas-based reader Marshall Clark was too good not to share. While the classic N64 design had some nice curves and came in a range of colours during its lifespan, Marshall has given it a woodgrain makeover which...
Music Tissues At The Ready For This Yoshi's Woolly World Song
Still a better love story than Twilight...
You know that music video you've always wanted? The one where a boy expresses his love for a tiny, knitted, fictional, egg-laying video game character? Well want no more! Yoshi has been my favourite character from the Nintendo universe for as long as I can remember. His gorgeous little face and that...
Exclusive First Gory Detail Devlog Shows Off More Of The Gorgeous-Looking Rusty Pup
Mind the gap
You may recall that a while back we lifted the lid on Gory Detail's new adventure title The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup, which is coming to the Wii U and 3DS eShops in the not-too-distant future. The work of former Rare staffers Chris "Conker" Seavor and Shawn Pile, Rusty Pup is shaping up to be a truly sumptuous 2D brain-teaser with...
News Cancelled Wii Adventure Zblu Cops Is Unearthed, Looks Amazing
Based on the cult French comic book
Those chaps at Unseen64 have done it again and unearthed another cancelled and forgotten game from the annals of history. This time it's Wii adventure Zblu Cops, which was based on a French comic book all but unknown in the west. The work of entertainment group Biodroid, this promising title used a cel-shaded...
News There Will Only Be One Physical Copy Of Rusty Pup In The Entire Universe
You'll have to solve the title-screen codex conundrum to win it
UK studio Gory Detail has revealed during its first devlog that it will be producing just one physical copy of its forthcoming Wii U and 3DS adventure title The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup. The copy - hand-made by Gory Detail's Chris Seavor, the man behind Conker's Bad Fur Day - will...
News Keiji Inafune Would Still Be Interested in Making Mega Man Legends 3
Just when you thought you'd forgotten!
Keiji Inafune and his studio - Comcept - showed at this E3 that they've been quite busy as of late. With development of Mega Ma-, er, Mighty No. 9 wrapping up, it was revealed that the studio's now working on a brand new game called ReCore for Xbox One, with Armature studios co-developing. ReCore will be a...
Review Funk of Titans (Wii U eShop)
Funk off, Titans
On the surface, it seems like Funk of Titans might be crazy enough to work. Take a jive-talkin', funk-lovin' interpretation of Perseus, toss him in a Mount Olympus setting occupied by an Aretha Franklin-inspired goddess, add a dash of hop-and-bop auto-running and stir vigorously. This project had the recipe for cheesy goodness, but...
News Splatoon Holds Its Territory in the UK Charts
Still battling it out in the top 10
Splatoon's arrival at the end of May certainly brought some hype to the Wii U, and early chart results were certainly positive for the title. As it approaches one month on the market, however, we're left to wonder how it'll fare over the summer months. It's holding its momentum fairly well, it seems. Still...
News Don't Hold Your Breath, But Axiom Verge Is "Probably" Coming To Wii U Next Year
Developer Tom Happ gives us a solid "maybe"
Axiom Verge is one of the best Metroid-style games we've seen in a long time, and we already know that Nintendo is super-keen to get the game onto its consoles. It would appear that developer Tom Happ is actively working towards that goal, as he has told Destructoi
Review Cube Blitz (Wii U eShop)
More like a square than a cube
Every once in a while, you play one of those games where it just makes one wonder how exactly it got published in the first place. Usually, this is due to a woeful lack of polish or because some part of it could be argued as being fundamentally broken, be it due to core game mechanics or unforgivable performance...
Sunday21st Jun 2015
Feature The Biggest Wii U Retail Games of 2015 - Summer Edition
E3 has added some new hits
It's the Summer Solstice here at Nintendo Life HQ in the UK, the longest day of the year. That comes at the end of the longest week of the year following E3, at which Nintendo had a mixed showing. What the event did deliver, in addition to some controversy and a clutch of wonderful moments, was a clearer look at the...
First Impressions Celebrating a Gaming Icon With Super Mario Maker
Let's Super Mario!
Super Mario Maker, recently powered-up from its initial moniker of 'Mario Maker', was a huge part of Nintendo's E3 presence both this year and last. Just a few months ahead of its September release it still had plenty of new surprises in store for this year's show, and still managed to captivate attendees' imaginations. The...
Saturday20th Jun 2015
Editorial Nintendo's Approach to amiibo is Increasingly Frustrating
Tom Whitehead wonders what the deal is
When amiibo was unveiled in 2014, and it was still relatively mysterious, I wrote a feature outlining the pros and cons of the platform. It was a hugely exciting project from Nintendo, and the concerns highlighted weren't in line with what's happened since the toys made their début. In fact, it's amazing to...
News Début Splatfest Postponed in North America
Though the Bluefin Depot stage is in action, at least
Splatoon has been a game that, since launch, has kept serving up new content to freshen up the experience. We've have new stages and guns, with Ranked Battles also being an early addition, which have all helped to spruce up the content on offer. One major new feature, the Splatfest, will...
News Australian Rating Confirms That ZombiU is Shuffling Its Way to Xbox One
Now it's just Zombi
Before E3 the rumour did the rounds that Wii U-exclusive ZombiU was heading to Xbox One and PS4, though the LA event passed by with no sign of the title. It seems to be on track, nevertheless, as a result of an Australian Classification
Feature Our Impressions of the Full Nindies@Home Line-Up
Some delights are on the way
One of Nintendo's earliest E3 announcements may not have drawn the headlines it deserved, but is a promotion that is worthy of praise. The Nindies@Home promotion has served up nine free eShop demos on the Wii U, featuring some hugely promising games that are on the way to the store. Once you've downloaded the demos...
News Never Alone Will Start Keeping North Americans Company on 25th June
Snow kidding!
Never Alone is a unique puzzle platformer with a rather fascinating development background. After collaborating with about forty members of a native Alaskan tribe, Upper One Games crafted a folklore inspired game about the journey of a girl and an arctic fox as they travel to find the source of an eternal blizzard. Playable in either...
Friday19th Jun 2015
News Super Mario Maker Will Allow You to Unlock amiibo Mystery Suits for Figures You Don't Own
At least 90 Mystery Suit slots will feature
We've now finished the final full day of Nintendo Treehouse coverage, which provided some useful insights into the company's biggest games from the show. Super Mario Maker naturally featured prominently, and we learned some particularly welcome details around the amiibo-enabled Mystery Suits in the game...
News French Retailers Are Cancelling Yoshi Woolly World amiibo Orders Due to "Destroyed" Stock
Or "détruit" if you'd prefer
Not so long ago, we reported that Splatoon amiibo orders were cancelled in the UK due to an entire truckful of the blighters being stolen. Just when you thought that things couldn't get any worse in the world of amiibo collecting, we're now hearing reports from France that retailers are cancelling orders because of...
First Impressions Getting Into the Fold With Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
A crossover aiming for the funny bone
The world has seen its fair share of monumental crossovers: DC vs. Marvel, Jetsons meets the Flintstones. And now, Mario meets Mario in a game of the same genre but technically in another universe because one is made of paper and, uh… The specifics of how this all happens in the story likely doesn't matter,...
Publisher remaining tight-lipped about "complementary" versions
While there has been lots of noise and pizzazz around the Wii U version of Skylanders SuperChargers at E3, not so much attention has been spent on the Wii and 3DS versions. When Superchargers was announced it was clear that both Wii and 3DS were not the same as the other console...
Feature Five Key Moments from Nintendo's E3
Highs and lows
It's the end of the week that was, and what an E3 we had. Your humble writer, in his relatively short history of actually covering the event, has never had to tackle a Nintendo showing quite like it. Some are comparing the big N's E3 2015 unfavourably with other notably bad years, and after the general positivity of 2014 this year has...
News Reggie Explains Why Donkey Kong And Bowser Were Chosen For Skylanders SuperChargers
As well as how the Activision partnership came to be
If you caught E3 earlier this week, you'd know that Nintendo has teamed up with Activision to create two new amiibo for the latest instalment to the Skylanders series: Skylanders SuperChargers. However, the announcement left some scratching their heads as to why Nintendo decided to use Donkey...
News Fresh Details Emerge For Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem
Music is my radar
Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem - AKA Genei Ibun Roku #FE - was shown off in a brief and almost incomprehensible video during Nintendo's E3 Digital Event which left fans none the wiser as to what kind of experience this crossover will provide. Thankfully, GameSpot has been talking to the team behind the game to get a better idea...
Video Star Fox Zero - What We Know So Far
Alex tackles confirmations and maybes
Over the course of the last three crazy days we saw a fair amount of Star Fox Zero, which is being co-developed by Nintendo and PlatinumGames. It's had a mixed reception, but is nevertheless one of the most anticipated games on the Wii U this year. In the video below our man Alex tackles the confirmed details,...
News Take More Risks With Your eShop Purchases, Pleads Nintendo's Damon Baker
"Nintendo fans and consumers...gravitate towards nostalgia"
Nintendo's Damon Baker has lamented the fact that fans don't seem to be leaving their comfort zones when it comes to buying eShop games. The senior manager of marketing in Nintendo of America's licensing department has been speaking to Gamasutra about indie games on Nintendo systems, and...
News The Current State Of Virtual Reality Just Isn't Fun, Says Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime
"It's not fun, and it's not social. It's just tech"
Nintendo prides itself on discovering new ways to play. This is the company that gave us touchscreen handhelds, motion controls and - lest we forget - the Virtual Boy. However, the company is noticeably absent in the arena of Virtual Reality. While its rivals Sony and Microsoft are both making...
Video Here's Everything That Was Shown On The Final Day Of Treehouse Live At E3 2015
That's all, folks!
E3 2015 is slowly becoming nothing but a memory, but we thought you might like to feast your eyes on the third and final day of Nintendo's Treehouse Live event, where forthcoming games are shown off in a little more detail. We got to see some more of Star Fox Zero and Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, as well as some new titles like Fatal...
News Nintendo Japan Releases Two Neat E3 Summary Videos
Get a feel for the booth and Nintendo World Championships
It may seem peculiar to those of us that savour the E3 bubble, but it's not as big a deal globally as some may think. Nintendo's Japanese homeland is an example - there's an awareness of E3, but probably not the laser focus that's applied in the West. For those that found it all a bit much...
Thursday18th Jun 2015
Editorial Cheer Up, There Are Some Exciting Games on the Way
Tom Whitehead looks on the bright side of life
It seems that the clouds are starting to clear after an E3 day one that was largely full of rancour, disappointment and online fury. By day two the feelings lingered but started to ease off, and my hope is that as E3 heads towards its conclusion - and we all return to something resembling normality - we...
Nintendo Download 18th June (North America)
Classic Fire Emblem! Weird Smash 3DS controller thing! Discounts! More!
Some things don't even change in E3 week, whether it be the underwear of those of us watching everything unfold over three days or the arrival of the Nintendo Download Update. This week's North American update has a treat for Fire Emblem fans, some new eShop-only releases,...
News Satoru Iwata Didn't Apologise For Nintendo's E3 Digital Event, Says Reggie Fils-Aime
"Essentially it was an 'I hear you' message"
Nintendo's E3 Digital Event has generated plenty of discussion, not all of it positive. There's been an incredibly downbeat response to the broadcast, with many fans complaining that Nintendo isn't giving them what they want. Things appeared to be so bad that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata
News Nintendo Is A Slave To Its Past Success, Says Gearbox President Randy Pitchford
Japanese company needs to reach new customers
During this year's E3, a whole bunch of industry veterans met at the Lunch with Luminaries event. In this yearly talk Gaikai and Shiny founder Dave Perry invites big names for a in-depth discussion about the games industry, and this time around we had Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford, Boss Key...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Attempts To Explain Why Zelda Wii U Wasn't At E3 2015
"Our mentality is more near-term when we think about E3"
Nintendo didn't show the Wii U version of Zelda at this year's E3. That caused quite a bit of concern, with some fans even going as far as to speculate that it's going to be an NX title, given that Nintendo is going to be talking about the new system a whole lot more next year - when Zelda is...
Live Let's Watch Nintendo Treehouse at E3 - Day Three!
The final countdown...
It's the third day of E3, which brings the final Nintendo Treehouse live broadcast of the event; it's sure to feature prominent titles and potentially some Indie appearances. Join us for all of the action along with a live blog and chat. [liveblog=live_lets_watch_nintendo_treehouse_at_e3_-_day_three]#NintendoLive
First Impressions Linking Up in The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Wisdom, Power, Cosplay
While saving Hyrule has traditionally been a one hero job, multiplayer adventures have become a fan-favourite subset of the Legend of Zelda series since Four Swords made its début in 2002, and we were ecstatic to see The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes - an all-new co-op title for three players - revealed in Nintendo's...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Acknowledges the Need to Improve amiibo Stock Availability
Doubling and tripling volume estimates
An issue that remains a sore spot for dedicated Nintendo fans is amiibo stock - while some figures are commonly available, others are particularly rare and hard to find. Over-pricing from private sellers and rapidly sold out pre-orders are common occurrences with particularly popular figures. Nintendo has...
News Muppets Creator Responsible For Those Amazing E3 2015 Digital Event Puppets
The Jim Henson company confirms its involvement
One of the highlights of Nintendo's E3 Digital Event was the amazing puppets of Satoru Iwata, Reggie Fils-Aime and Shigeru Miyamoto - and the trio of Star Fox characters, Fox, Peppy and Falco. The quality of the puppets led many to speculate that the world-famous Jim Henson company was involved - the...
Interview Image & Form Discusses SteamWorld Heist And Why It'll Be on 3DS First
"I'm proud to say it's a matter of loyalty"
Image & Form is an established, experience game development studio and publisher, yet it was SteamWorld Dig on the 3DS that gave the company a notable break and turnaround in fortunes. After causing a stir on 3DS it was eventually ported to Wii U and most platforms, so the announcement of follow-up -...
Video Catch Up With The Treehouse Live, Day Two, in Glorious 60fps
FAST Racing NEO! Zelda Tri Force Heroes! amiibo! Mario Tennis! More!
The Nintendo Treehouse continued its task of showing Nintendo's E3 games in detail over the expo's second day, in the process given us a first extended look at new titles. Highlights included Shin'en Multimedia's stunning Wii U eShop exclusive FAST Racing NEO, while amiibo and...
Exclusive 2D Hack And Slash Title Wulverblade Has A Fighting Chance Of Coming To Wii U
Already speaking to Nintendo about porting the Xbox One brawler
Fully Illustrated's Michael Heald has revealed that 2D fighting title Wulverblade has a chance of coming to the Wii U. The game - which is like a mixture between Golden Axe and Final Fight set in Roman Britain - was previously unveiled as one of the Xbox One's mo
Video Here's Some Delicious Off-Screen Footage Direct From The E3 2015 Nintendo Booth
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson is in LA - don't hate him for that
E3 is slowly but surely winding down but there's still plenty to get excited about - and we've got some off-screen footage direct from the Nintendo booth for you to feast your eyes on. Have a look at all footage below and let us know what you think by leaving a comment!
Video Take Another Look at the Skylanders SuperChargers Bowser and Donkey Kong amiibo in Action
A behind-closed-doors preview
While it probably wasn't an announcement to prompt huge buzz in the E3 audience, Nintendo scored a commercial coup with the arrival of big N-themed Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs, featuring exclusive Bowser and Donkey Kong figures that also function as amiibo. Just yesterday we posted a gallery of the press...
Wednesday17th Jun 2015
First Impressions Our Maiden Flight In Star Fox Zero Prompts Mixed Emotions
You okay over there, Fox?
One of our men on the E3 floor, Alan Lopez, had a first run on Star Fox Zero in a short session. We'll aim to have a longer playthrough - to tackle the GamePad control scheme, in particular - in a separate media session later this week. When I got to the Star Fox Zero kiosk inside the Nintendo media room, the Nintendo rep...
News Next Metroid Prime Home Console Title "Would Likely Now be on NX"
On Wii U game - "I haven't been able to collect a team or the resources"
In what will possibly be the last Metroid Prime-related post of the day, another interview with series producer Kensuke Tanabe has revealed some telling additional detail in relation to the current status of the IP beyond Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Some of the negative...
Talking Point Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Entitled Fury
Federation Farce
You can read our headline in two ways - that the fury towards Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Nintendo's Digital Event as a whole is justifiable, or that 'entitled' is a criticism of attitudes in consumers that make specific, harsh demands and react angrily when they're not met. That's deliberate, as there's merit to either side...
Live Let's Watch Nintendo Treehouse at E3 - Day Two!
More new games on the way
We're now into day two of E3, which brings another full Nintendo Treehouse live broadcast; it's sure to feature big hits and new demonstrations. Join us for all of the action along with a live blog and chat. [liveblog=live_lets_watch_nintendo_treehouse_at_e3_-_day_two]#NintendoLive
News Super Mario Maker's Packaging Sure Looks Pretty
Hardcover artbook gets shown off
Super Mario Maker is coming with a hardcover artbook which celebrates the 30th birthday of the portly Italian plumber, and Nintendo Europe has posted a very brief video of what it looks like on its Instagram account. In case you didn't know already, the Wii U game allows you to forge levels using assets and art from...
News Metroid Prime: Federation Force Producer Explains Why Samus Aran Isn't In The Game
"If we have four 'Samuses', that would be odd"
Engadget has been speaking to Metroid Prime: Federation Force producer Kensuke Tanabe about the game, its origins and how it plays. While the title has gained a lot of hate from various parties online, it's actually shaping up to be a very interesting team-based shooter - and it would appear that it
"There’s still more I want to build around the story of Sylux and Samus"
It's fair to say that Metroid Prime: Federation Force was not well received during and immediately after its Nintendo Digital Event reveal; the online reaction to it was, at times, brutal. We'd argue that the subsequent Treehouse Live segment showed it to be a reasonably...
Video The Nintendo Life Reaction to Nintendo's E3 Digital Event
With smiles on our faces...
In the chaos of E3 day one we decided to abort our semi-tradition of a live stream video reaction to Nintendo's Digital Event, which was probably for the best considering the general online reaction. Having had a day to digest the results we've come into this video with the best possible intentions. We talk over many of...
Poll How Excited Are You About Nintendo's E3 Games?
Tell us which are must haves, maybes or misses
Now that we've all had a little time to chill out and think about the games we've seen so far at E3, we can think about which Wii U and 3DS games can claim places on our wishlists. There is, once you list the upcoming releases, quite a lot on the way in 2015 and beyond into next year - enough to keep us...
Thursday18th Jun 2015
First Impressions Holding Court with Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Racquet Riot
A surprise service sent over the net in Nintendo's Digital Event at this year's E3, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash for Wii U marks the first home console appearance of this particular Mario Sport in over 10 years. If early impressions are anything to go by, it's one to watch for - the demo we played on the show floor was very simple,...
Wednesday17th Jun 2015
Gallery Marvel At The New amiibo Which We Will Probably Never Get To Own
Look but don't touch
Our roving reporter Alan Lopez is on the E3 show floor as we speak to bring you exciting developments as they happen. Of course amiibo are a crucial part of Nintendo's E3 presence this year, so it would be remiss of us to not tantalise you with the latest and greatest new figurines in this toys-to-life sensation. Of course you...
Starter packs for both consoles getting hybrid figures
One of the shock announcements from Nintendo's Digital Event yesterday was the news that Skylanders Superchargers on Wii U would be getting two brand-new amiibo figures. Donkey Kong and Bowser are both joining the cast of Activision's forthcoming toys-to-life sequel, complete with special...
First Impressions Kicking Off With Metroid Prime: Blast Ball
Samus Soccer
First unveiled as a suspiciously Samus-shaded title at the Nintendo World Championships, Metroid Prime: Blast Ball was more recently revealed to be part of the upcoming Metroid Prime: Federation Force for 3DS. While the main multiplayer action of Federation Force wasn't on the show floor at this year's E3, we did get a chance to take...
News New Nintendo 3DS XL Back On Top In Japan As Wii U Leads Home Console Sales
Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ makes debut in first place with over 150,000 sold
The latest Media Create Japanese sales charts are in, and it's good news for Nintendo as its games and hardware have risen to the top of the pile. Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ made its debut at number one with 157,591 copies sold between the 8th and 14th of June. This robust...
News Star Fox Zero Started Life Way Back On The Original Wii, Says Shigeru Miyamoto
"Every time we get new hardware, we do a Star Fox prototype"
Star Fox Zero is Nintendo's biggest game of E3 2015, and while fans have been excited about the return of Fox McCloud and company, the overall reaction has been somewhat mixed - as you'll know if you've already ready our very early impressions. Speaking to
Not the most promising information
The Shenmue 3 announcement at the Sony PlayStation Press Conference was undeniably one of the highlights of this year's E3. At first it was unclear if Sony was providing Shenmue creator, Yu Suzuki, with a platform to announce the Kickstarter or if it was collaboration between the two. Yesterday there was...
News Show Your Inner Geek With These Stylish Pokémon Watches
Who needs an Apple Watch?
Pokémon fans have certainly seen their fair share of Pocket Monster themed watches throughout the franchises' history. After all, there are few forms of merchandise Pikachu has not decorated with his adorable face. Watches, however, are usually aimed at the younger audience, with next to nothing available for the more...
Review Journey of a Special Average Balloon (Wii U eShop)
Balloon Fight this ain't
TreeFall Studios has had a rocky experience on the Wii U. The Letter, which is one of our worst-rated titles, was followed up by Maze, which was poorly received but at least contained some semblance of functional gameplay. Its latest title, Journey of a Special Average Balloon, continues to show TreeFall's growth and...
Video Catch Up With The Key Nintendo Treehouse Sessions From Day One
Super Mario Maker! Star Fox Zero! Metroid Prime: Federation Force! More!
Following the Nintendo Digital Event we had a number of hours with the Treehouse team, with the big N repeating the successful format from 2014. Once again the talented team showed extensive coverage of key games, sometimes joined by luminaries such as Shigeru Miyamoto. If you...
Tuesday16th Jun 2015
Live Let's Watch Nintendo's E3 2018 Digital Event - Live!
It is time
The time is here. Nintendo's E3 Digital Event is ready for broadcast, and we're excited about potential Wii U and 3DS blockbusters set to be revealed. Expect games, humour, amiibo and more. Join us for the action! [liveblog=live_lets_watch_nintendos_e3_digital_event_-_live]#NintendoE3
"Now, I have nothing. I'm an empty shell"
You're never going to please everyone, and Nintendo's Digital Event at E3 this year may have left more people disappointed than the Big N would like, but you can be sure that you weren't as upset over the presentation as this young man. You can find the original post from NeoGAF here, but we think you'll...
Poll What Did You Think of Nintendo's E3 Digital Event?
Share your happiness, or otherwise...
OK. So Nintendo's E3 Digital Event is over, around 50 minutes of reveals, puppets and release dates. We saw plenty of Star Fox Zero, had new games in the Zelda, Metroid and Animal Crossing franchises, and a long Mario montage at the end. Intriguingly, though, the franchises weren't exactly delivered in familiar,...
News Nintendo's E3 'Roadmap' Infographic Shows Off Upcoming Releases on Wii U and 3DS
Not as bad as feared?
It's easy, in the influx of information and internet reactions, to lose context on the number of games and releases confirmed by Nintendo in its E3 Digital Event and elsewhere. An infographic can help bring a bit of context, so Nintendo has naturally obliged. As you can see below, the company's keen to highlight a reasonable...
News Metroid Prime: Federation Force Is The Metroid Game You Didn't Expect, Or Perhaps Want
Multiplayer 3DS action in the Metroid universe, Next Level Games coding
Everyone wanted a new Metroid at this year's E3, and Nintendo has delivered one - but not in the form you might have wanted. Metroid Prime: Federation Force is a 3DS multiplayer title coded by Next Level Games which features four-player co-op missions - online or local - set in...
News Surprise eShop Sale Discounts Up To 30% Off Dozens of Wii U and 3DS Titles
A treat for North Americans
As part of their E3 celebration, Nintendo is rolling out a beefy selection of discounts available across the Wii U and 3DS eShop, encompassing a very strong collection of titles indeed. North Americans can save up to 30% off select games, which are based off some of Nintendo's biggest franchises as well as a decent...
All feedback is good feedback?
Nintendo's Digital Event has been and gone, and to say the reaction has been somewhat mixed would be an understatement. While Star Fox Zero ticked all of the relevant boxes, other announcements didn't get the kind of response Nintendo was possibly looking for. The reaction has been so strong that Nintendo president...
Live Let's Watch Nintendo Treehouse at E3 - Day One!
Day one will bring plenty of new footage
Nintendo's Digital Event is done, and we've moved onto the live Nintendo Treehouse broadcast, which will run all day. Join us for all of the action along with a live blog and chat. [liveblog=live_lets_watch_nintendo_treehouse_at_e3_-_day_one]#Nintendolive
Reaction Nintendo's E3 Digital Event Brought Franchises We Wanted, But Not The Blockbusters
Metroid and Animal Crossing in unexpected forms
Nintendo's E3 Digital Event has concluded after the usual hype and build up, and as expected it contained a number of surprising twists. Some of our predictions were on the right track, but Nintendo also left out some releases and IPs that were much anticipated while, intriguingly, other brands we...
Feature What We Expect from Nintendo's E3 Digital Event
Franchise comebacks, Star Fox details and much more
The build-up is almost over and Nintendo's Digital Event is just hours away. After E3 leaks last week this broadcast appears to have escaped too many leaks, and as a result anticipation is starting to build nicely. We've had shots fired by Microsoft, Sony and third-party Media
News Yu Suzuki's Shenmue 3 Could Yet Come To The Wii U
"I see"
Yu Suzuki shocked the gaming world yesterday by announcing that Shenmue 3 is happening, and has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support development. It's been 14 years since the last Shenmue game, and many believed that a sequel would never happen. Amazingly, Suzuki and his company Ys Net have managed to obtain the support of Sega and...
News Two More Splatoon Weapons Are About to Arrive
We can expect them today / tomorrow
Update: It's now confirmed that, as normal with these updates, these weapons will arrive at 7pm Pacific / 10pm Eastern today, which is 3am UK / 4am CET on 17th June in Europe. Because one new weapon just doesn't seem like enough, the L-3 Nozzlenose is being added to the ink gun arsenal today at 7 PM PT! This...
News Don't Worry, The Legend of Zelda is Still Coming to Wii U
Be happy
Ever since The Legend of Zelda on Wii U was delayed into 2016 there's been concern that it would fall far enough down Nintendo's schedule to become a title on the company's next 'NX' hardware. This hasn't always seemed to be an overly accurate assumption, as the NX won't even be revealed until 2016, with no release window clear as yet...
News Star Fox Zero Marks An Explosive Return To Form On Wii U
Not a sequel, but not a remake either
Nintendo has lifted the lid on its biggest game of E3 2015 - Star Fox Zero. The game was first announced at last year's event, where it was assumed it would be a collection of mini-games somehow tied in with Project Giant Robot and Project Guard. However, during today's Digital Event, the game was revealed in a
News Good News, Zelda Fans, A Free Costume Awaits in Hyrule Warriors
A silver lining
Hyrule Warriors Legends may have only had a brief mention in the Nintendo Digital Event, and had been leaked last week anyway, but there has been a surprise celebration of its announcement in the form of free DLC for Hyrule Warriors in Wii U. It comes in the form of an outfit for Link, which is a rather fetching Classic Tunic...
News Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival Is Basically Mario Party With KK Slider And Company
Coming later this year with 4 amiibo in tow
Those of you expecting a fully-blown Animal Crossing game at this year's E3 may be disappointed, as Nintendo has announced Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival - a board-game style game which brings to mind the Mario Party series. The four amiibo leaked previously will launch alongside the game. Animal...
News Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Brings More RPG Action To 3DS Next Year
Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario all along for the ride
In a surprising reveal during today's E3 Nintendo Digital Event, Nintendo confirmed the second AlphaDream title on 3DS - Mario & Luigi Paper Jam. The paper-based mechanic is an unexpected twist, following the previous Mario & Luigi: Dream Team on 3DS, especially as a Paper Mario game had...
Video Here's Your Handy E3 2015 Wii U And 3DS Trailer Round Up
All the trailers in once place
So the Nintendo Digital Event is over, but there are still plenty of things to entertain your eyeballs with - we've compiled all the trailers from this year's E3 on one handy page. Are we good to you or what? Wii U: Star Fox Zero Super Mario Maker Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Fox trot
Following the full reveal of Star Fox Zero at this year's E3, our good friends at Eurogamer have secured an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto and Platinum's Yusuke Hashimoto, who talk about how the game has developed since we were first told about it last year. Miyamoto talks a little about how the game was first created, and how Nintendo...
Feature Nintendo Wins at Its Own Game - A Review of the Nintendo World Championships
The ground view with Nintendo's Krysta, Geoff Keighley, Cosmo and more
In this article Alan Lopez shares his experiences of the Nintendo World Championships 2015. I was three years old when the 1990 Nintendo World Championships took place in Universal Studios, Hollywood. Like most events held in Hollywood at the turn of its decade, the flair of...
News Star Fox Zero Doesn't Have Online Multiplayer, Yet
I can't let you play online, Star Fox!
Speaking to IGN, Shigeru Miyamoto has confirmed that upcoming Wii U space shooter Star Fox Zero will not feature an online multiplayer mode. Here is Miyamoto-san's reasoning for this not entirely surprising omission: So, we're really prioritising getting this new game playing at 60 frames-per-second. In...
News Hyrule Warriors Legends Features All The DLC Of The Wii U Version, Plus Wind Waker Content
Leaked title gets confirmed
The reveal of Hyrule Warriors Legends during Nintendo's Digital Event won't come as much of a shock to many, as the game was leaked by Tecmo Koei before E3 even started. However, Nintendo has confirmed a few more details during its broadcast, including the fact that characters from
News Nintendo Posts a New Fatal Frame V Trailer, Fall Release Confirmed For North America
I'm ready for my close-up
Nintendo's E3 Digital Event this year was a rather mixed affair, a rollercoaster ride of high peaks and low valleys. However you may have felt about it, there's no question that it was unsurprisingly light on third party content, with Yo-kai Watch, Skylanders Superchargers, and Hyrule Warriors Legends being the only games...
News The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Resurrects Zelda Co-Op On Nintendo 3DS
Channelling the spirit of Four Swords
Nintendo has revealed a new Zelda game for the 3DS called The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes during its Digital Event at E3. Calling to mind Four Swords Adventures, this 3-player title appears to use the Link Between Worlds game engine and
News Super Mario Maker Arrives This September With amiibo Support In Tow
Costume Mario also revealed
Nintendo's E3 Digital Event just wrapped up for another year and sure enough new information has emerged regarding the upcoming Wii U title, Super Mario Maker. Firstly, the game will be released on 11th September. This launch aligns with the 2015 celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Mario Bros. series. During a...
News Yooka-Laylee Reaches Final Stretch Goal On The Last Day Of Its Kickstarter Campaign
Now the real work begins
Playtonic's Banjo-Kazooie successor Yooka-Laylee has hit its final Kickstarter stretch goal, unlocking free-of-charge DLC for those who backed the project. Yooka-Laylee's original target was a modest £175,000, but it quickly
News Star Fox Zero Is Being Co-Developed By Platinum
But no, Hideki Kamiya isn't involved
When Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that the Wii U would be getting a new Star Fox, he stated that Nintendo was seeking a partner to aid development. Miyamoto has now confirmed via Nintendo's ongoing Treehouse Live segment that Star Fox Zero - for that is its name - is being co-developed by PlatinumGames. Platinum's...
News Skylanders Superchargers Is Getting amiibo Characters
Donkey Kong and Bowser gatecrash Activision's Wii U title
It might sound like a sick joke, but amiibo support is coming to Skylanders Superchargers. The news was confirmed during Nintendo's Digital Event, and marks one of the most interesting crossovers of recent memory. Two amiibo figures will be available. "Turbocharged" Donkey Kong comes with a...
News The New 3DS Fire Emblem Will Be Called Fire Emblem Fates In The West
Final title announced during E3 event
Nintendo has revealed the final Western title for the new 3DS Fire Emblem during its Digital Event at E3. Fire Emblem Fates is the final name - in Japan, it is known as Fire Emblem If. Both titles reflect the fact that this is one of the most open-ended instalments in the series yet, offering two different...
News New Trailer Emerges for Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem
Pretty colourful stuff
A new trailer has been revealed during Nintendo's 2015 E3 Direct showcasing the latest crossover between two of the most beloved RPG franchises in the Nintendo family. Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem will arrive in the West in 2016, with the new footage showcasing characters, colourful imagery, and catchy music. You can...
News Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash Is Coming To The Wii U Centre Court This Holiday Season
Game, set and match
During today's Digital Event at E3 Nintendo has been revealed that the Mario Tennis series is blasting onto Wii U this Christmas in the shape of Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash, bringing with it the usual arcade-style gameplay the franchise is famed for. This time around, the Mega Mushroom power-up will be making the cut, and will...
Video LEGO Dimensions Opens a New Valve in E3 Trailer
Crossover craziness
LEGO Dimensions is likely to be one of the year's biggest releases, bringing the hugely profitable toy franchise into the toys-to-life market. Thankfully the Wii U will have a version, too, so Nintendo fans won't miss out on the new franchise and crippling debts it'll entail. We've already seen a little of LEGO Dimensions in the...
News Nintendo Is Thinking About Making A Transformable Star Fox Arwing amiibo
"We have an actual model & we're thinking how much it would actually cost"
Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed to IGN that Nintendo is currently experimenting with the idea of a transformable Awring amiibo which could have some connectivity with the forthcoming Star Fox Zero. The legendary designer was pushed for details by the site, and explained that...
News Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Promises Domestic Bliss This September
New trailer shown at E3 2015
We've known a fair amount about Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer since it was initially revealed, especially following details in a recent Japanese Nintendo Direct. Nintendo confirmed North American release details in today's Digital Event, with release due on 25th September. This title will see you use amiibo cards...
News RPG Stella Glow Heading to 3DS this Year in North America
"Can't you hear me yell-a?"
Atlus has announced that Imageepoch's RPG effort Stella Glow will arrive this Holiday season in North America on 3DS. The game revolves around the main protagonist Alto as he uses mysterious 'Song Magic' in order to save the world from an untimely end. These songs will retain their original Japanese lyrics and singers...
News Nintendo Wants You To Celebrate Super Mario's 30th Birthday In The Name Of A Good Cause
Make a fool of yourself, help others
Whether it's through covering songs or acting like lunatic plumbers in public, the Super Mario series has inspired people to express their love in all kinds of ways. Nintendo's Digital Event wrapped up with an occasionally awkward but overall charming video compilation showcasing some silly examples, but it...
News Pokémon Shuffle Receives Yet Another Code for More Puzzling Goodness
Everyday I'm shuffling
Nintendo has released the third code for its free-to-play puzzler Pokémon Shuffle, via its Pokémon Daisuki Club in Japan. This latest code entitles you - regardless of where you are in the game - to three items that give you an additional five moves. This can seriously help you catch any particularly tricky monster or help...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Launching In The West Just In Time For Christmas
Add it to your list for Santa
During today's Digital Event at E3 Nintendo has revealed that Xenoblade Chronicles X will arrive on Western Wii U consoles this Holiday season - December 4th, to be exact. Monolith Soft's RPG epic is already available in Japan and offers hours of mech-based questing and some of the most impressive visuals yet seen on...
Sorry New Zealand
The Nindies@Home promotion may have arrived in North America and across Europe yesterday, but one area on the map which falls under the PAL region has been left behind due to local classification laws. Nintendo’s branch down under has revealed the nine game demos, including a 15 percent discount on the final releases, will need...
News Yoshi's Woolly World Launches in North America This October
Kept you waiting
Yoshi's Woolly World launches this month in Europe, but has thus far been denied a solid North American release date. Today's Digital Event at E3 changed all that - Nintendo has confirmed that Yoshi's next adventure will land in that particular region on October 16th. Developed by Good-Feel, Woolly World is the first home console...
Video Blow Off Some Steam With This New SteamWorld Heist Trailer
Coming Fall 2015
If you were a fan of Image & Form’s SteamWorld Dig, then this trailer of its upcoming Wii U and 3DS release on the eShop, SteamWorld Heist, may be of interest. Coming fall 2015, SteamWorld Heist promises plenty of tactical stand-offs with the opportunity to punch, shoot and generally just beat-up on robots. Players will have...
Video Here's Our Nindies@Home Showcase
Tasters for all nine demos
As if you weren'l already aware, as part of E3 Nintendo has partnered with nine independent developers to bring you a heap of free demos for upcoming Wii U eShop games. Nindies@Home gives you a rare chance to try out some new indie games for the grand total of nothing. What's more, downloading each of these demos before...
News Fresh YO-KAI WATCH Trailer Showcases Colourful New Gameplay
One to watch
The newest trailer for YO-KAI WATCH showcases a brightly coloured world with plenty of Yo-kai to find and collect. Yo-kai can be used to fight in battles to rid the world of evil and protect the town of Springdale, with a style similar to that of Pokémon. YO-KAI WATCH launches this Holiday only on Nintendo 3DS. You can check out the...
Video These Nintendo World Championships and Super Mario Maker Highlights Should Get You Warmed Up
The hype countdown begins
It's the day of the Nintendo Digital Event, in which Nintendo will stake its case to gamers and fans with games and reveals for this year and - probably - beyond. Yet of course the company has already been busy hosting the Nintendo World Championships at the weekend. We've already argued that we think Super Mario Maker...
Video Ubisoft Unleashes A Flood Of Just Dance 2016 Clips
Warning: Footage of old people abandoning their dignity contained within
One of the most predictable elements of Ubisoft's E3 event was the reveal of Just Dance 2016, the latest entry in the company's best-selling music franchise which has now sold 54 million copies during its lifetime. The game is coming to the Wii U and the Wii, along with new...
Monday15th Jun 2015
News Rare Replay on Xbox One Will Include 30 Games, Including Classics from Nintendo Systems
$30 for 30 games, sad face time
The Microsoft ownership of Rare can be a sore spot for Nintendo gamers, and the announcement of Rare Replay for Xbox One will sting. Incorporating some games previously available as downloads but many that haven't been, it's a compilation of 30 Rare classics that'll sell for $30 from 4th August. Games highlighted as...
Exclusive Get Revved Up With the First FAST Racing NEO 60fps Footage
Hitting top speed
E3 week may typically be associated with the big beasts of gaming, but there's more to be enjoyed from the LA extravaganza. It's an industry event also graced by many smaller Indie developers, and the Nindie contingent will be there in force to show off exciting new downloads on the way. We have a Nindie treat before the expo...
News Super Mario Maker is the Final Name for the Anniversary Title
Yoshi, Kuribo's shoe and more appeared in NWC 2015
During the live Nintendo World Championships 2015 event Mario Maker made an appearance in the final round, and it's had a rebrand to Super Mario Maker. The final challenge incorporated the visual styles of Super Mario Bros.,
Talking Point Super Mario Maker Stole the Show at the Nintendo World Championships 2015
A game changer for the franchise
The Nintendo World Championships 2015 was an event that had various similarities to the Super Smash Bros. Invitational from E3 2014 - it was charming, had some flat moments, the occasional hiccup, yet managed to seize momentum at key moments to keep us watching. It was a lengthy event that actually started rather...
Feature Our Hopes and Dreams for Nintendo at E3 2015
Our staff's hopes for the Digital Event and week ahead
E3 week is upon us, and as a build up to Nintendo's Digital Event showcase we naturally want to do one thing - fantasize about our gaming dreams coming true. This is that blissful early period where Nintendo's reveals remain secret, and we can allow our imaginations to run wild on what the week...
Live YouTube Brings Us The Nintendo Power Half-Hour and LEGO Dimensions - Live!
Watch it with power
YouTube is going all out with E3, running its own live broadcast - in this segment we'll have the Nintendo Power Half-Hour, LEGO Dimensions and a look at a previously leaked PlatinumGames title. [liveblog=live_youtube_brings_us_the_nintendo_power_half-hour_and_lego_dimensions_-_live]#YouTube #E3
News Nindies@Home E3 Promotion Offers Wii U eShop Demos With 15 Percent Off The Final Game
Nintendo brings E3 to you
Nintendo has just lifted the lid on a new Wii U eShop promotion aimed at driving interest in some of the console's forthcoming indie titles. Nindies@Home runs from today until June 22nd and features demos for 9 different titles, all of which are being showcased at E3 in some shape or form. Downloading any of these demos...
Nintendo Download 18th June (Europe)
Harvest Moon, Xeodrifter, Comic Workshop 2 and more
Surprisingly, and later than normal, we now have this week's Nintendo Download Update details for Europe. This week's new offerings are all on the 3DS, with a retail title and two high quality eShop options, though the official press release doesn't mention EarthBound Beginnings, which is an option...
Live Ubisoft's E3 2015 Press Conference - Live!
Should be 'interesting'
It's part of the E3 tradition here at Nintendo Life to watch the Ubisoft press conference for Just Dance, cringe-worthy moments and to hope for a download gem to be confirmed for the eShop. Join us for the fun! [liveblog=live_ubisofts_e3_2015_press_conference_-_live]#UbiE3 #E3
Guide Here Are the Live Nintendo-Related Streams We'll Share Today
Includes the "Nintendo Power Half-Hour"
E3's doors technically open on 16th June, but the event itself is well underway. Nintendo's already played a notable part with the Nintendo World Championships 2015, an event which showed fantastic footage of Super Mario Maker and even revealed the Metroid-style
Video Try Not To Jump At This New Trailer For Capcom's Luigi's Mansion Arcade Game
Sure to suck up some coins
Earlier this year we reported on the news that Capcom and Sega were working on an arcade semi-sequel to Luigi's Mansion, which features first-person, ghost-busting gameplay. The game's official site has now gone live, along with a trailer which gives you a taste of what the final product has to offer. The final name is...
News Just Dance 2016 is Bringing Its Funky Moves to Wii U and Wii
Just Dance Unlimited streaming service coming to the Wii U version
Ubisoft has announced Just Dance 2016 during its E3 Media Briefing, which was an expected reveal. There were a couple of surprising elements to keep us on our toes, however. For starters, it is coming to Wii once again, maintaining the series' impressive run on the last gen...
Review Big Brain Academy (Wii U eShop / DS)
So keep on playing those mind games
The advent of the Nintendo DS into the handheld arena back in 2004 ushered in a fresh experience for many gamers, made possible by the system's many new features and abilities. This brand of entertainment was often referred to as "Touch! Generations" by Nintendo, and ran throughout the Nintendo DS and Wii era...
A surprise from E3 2015 you may not have expected
In case you missed it, this year Bethesda Softworks hosted its very own E3 press conference for the first time ever. As expected, the company teased the new DOOM, Dishonored 2 and their most cherished creation, Fallout 4. During one of the many Fallout 4 segments, the company revealed the latest...
News Splatoon Successfully Inks Top 10 Territory in UK Charts
LEGO Jurassic World stomps into second spot
Splatoon has had a positive impact for Nintendo in assorted sales charts, including the often tricky UK market. The shooter had a strong début in second place at launch in the country, while it held onto a top 5 spot in its second week. The latest results are in, and in its third week it's secured 8th...
Video Check Out the Official Trailers for the Nindies@Home Games
All available to try for free right now
Earlier today Nintendo launched its Nindies@Home E3 promotion in North America and Europe; it's a limited-time promotion in which you can download nine free demos and, should you do so, you'll be eligible for a 15% discount on the games when then launch. There are some exciting titles in the line-up that you...
Gallery Here's What The Nintendo World Championships 2015 Looked Like
Images from the big event
The 2015 Nintendo World Championships have been and gone, with John "John Numbers" besting Cosmo Wright in a tense and action-packed final round. After and shaky and rather confusing start with Splatoon, the championships delivered some real entertainment with the likes of Zelda, Super Metroid and
Sunday14th Jun 2015
Feature Breaking Down Ryu's Moves and How He'll Shake Up Super Smash Bros.
Gawk at the reveal video and screens, too
Masahiro Sakurai's Special Presentation for Super Smash Bros. lacked many surprises, courtesy of numerous leaks from recent days and, in hindsight, details from hacks earlier in the year. Nevertheless, the volume of content available right now was unexpected, and we also learned how Ryu will shake
News Ryu, Roy, New Stages and More Now Available in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS
Servers may struggle...
Masahiro Sakurai's Super Smash Bros. Special Presentation has ended, and though most of the included details had been leaked in some form over the past days, weeks and months, the main surprise came in how much content is available right now - server meltdown has already begun, apparently. The following content is available...
News The First Mother Game Is Finally Coming To The West As EarthBound Beginnings
1989 NES prequel gets localised at last
The very first title in the critically-acclaimed Mother series is finally coming to the West. EarthBound Beginnings is the new name for this Western release of the 1989 NES/Famicom prequel to the SNES title EarthBound, which was known as Mother 2 in Japan. This is the first time that the game has ever been...
Live Watch the Full Nintendo World Championships 2015 - Live!
Who will triumph?
For the second year running Nintendo is running a competitive live theatre event, and this time we have a blast from the past. The Nintendo World Championships 2015 will be fought out between eight qualifiers and eight guests - join us for all the action!...
Live Watch Masahiro Sakurai's Special Video Presentation for Super Smash Bros. - Live!
A smashing start to E3
E3 is almost upon us, and we have a Super Smash Bros. presentation to get us started. Some big news already leaked earlier in the weekend, but we'll see what Masahiro Sakurai has up his sleeve - join us for the stream and live coverage!...
Monday15th Jun 2015
News Metroid-Style 'Blast Ball' Unveiled For Nintendo 3DS During Nintendo World Championships 2015
Nintendo's take on future sports
The Nintendo World Championships are happening as we speak, and during the event Nintendo has just shown off a brand new 3DS game by the name of Blast Ball. It's a future sports title where players step into giant mechs and shoot a ball towards the other team's goal. The neat touch here is that upon scoring a point,...
Sunday14th Jun 2015
News Nintendo Apologises for eShop Issues Caused by High Super Smash Bros. Traffic, Urges Patience
The DLC will be waiting for you later on
Nintendo knew what would happen when Masahiro Sakurai announced the immediate release of a substantial batch of Super Smash Bros. DLC, with the creative lead of the franchise stating in the broadcast that we should expect busy servers when trying to purchase the
Rumour Animal Crossing and Pixel 8-Bit Mario amiibo Look Set For E3 Reveal
Nintendo Spain is to blame this time
It seems that inadvertent E3 reveals are continuing to spill out, this time courtesy of a sloppy promotional email sent out by Nintendo Spain. In a mailing to promote the new amiibo announced during Masahiro Sakurai's Super Smash Bros. Special Presentation, it seems that some artwork has outlined more of the...
Interview Lilian "Milktea" Chen Talks Smash Bros., Sexism and a Brighter Future
"Strides regarding social inclusion in Smash can be seen for themselves"
An inescapable reality within the eSports world, regardless of the game in question, is the stark contrast between male and female participants. Whatever the culprit, the stories of many female professionals are often squashed, missed or, even worse, stunted before they even...
News Smash Bros. Presentation Confirms Ryu and Mii Fighters amiibo, New Batch Arrives This September
All playable characters in Smash will eventually have corresponding amiibo
After much speculation, Nintendo's pre-E3 Super Smash Bros. video presentation today revealed Mii Fighters will be receiving their very own amiibo line. When used in the game, the Mii Brawler, Swordfighter and Gunner amiibo characters can be configured with custom faces and...
News YouTube Replays And Tourney Mode Coming To Super Smash Bros. Later This Year
Both for free, too
Nintendo has confirmed two new features that are coming to Super Smash Bros. later this year. The first is Tourney Mode, which will launch as a free update in August. This is made up of two modes - Community Tourneys let players complete for the highest points in a certain amount of time, while Regular Tourneys have more detailed...
Saturday13th Jun 2015
News Street Fighter Legend Ryu And Fire Emblem's Roy Found In Super Smash Bros. Patch Code
Set to be officially revealed tomorrow?
Remember that rumour we reported on some time ago that Ryu and Roy could be coming to Super Smash Bros.? Well, it seems to be getting more real, as the character has been found in game patch data in the Japanese version of the game. Unseen64's Liam Robertson found the footage, which has been posted in...
News Eager Splatoon Players Aim to Make Sense of the Inkling Language
Only linguist enthusiasts and big fans need apply
Anyone that's been playing Splatoon has likely noticed the symbols scattered around in the environment and collectable log files, while some characters talk in what many will assume is gibberish. Keen fans, however, have spent recent times attempting to decipher and translate this language, employing...
News Satoru Iwata Outlines His Reasons For Not Attending E3 This Year
Plans to be active on Twitter
Satoru Iwata is a popular figure with many Nintendo fans, so when the announcement came that he would not be attending this year's E3 there was some disappointment and concern. Concerns arose after Iwata-san missed last year's E3 due to an operation to remove a tumour from his bile duct. At the time some were worried...
News Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Smashes Records and Hits All Stretch Goals
Over $5.5 million raised
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, widely regarded as a Castlevania successor and led by Koji Igarashi, has been a phenomenon on Kickstarter. It's become the most successful game project ever on the platform, and its success has brought plenty of stretch goals and a
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Animal Crossing
Time to expand the town
In the lead up to E3 we'll be doing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance at the show, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this article Nintendo Life editor Tom Whitehead makes the case for Animal Crossing on Wii U and its potential use of...
News Comic Workshop 2 Releases Next Week in NA and EU
Discounted drawing for owners of the original
Creative applications are no stranger to the Nintendo 3DS, but with its built-in touchscreen and ability to export images via SD card, this should come as no surprise. Recognizing and taking advantage of the portable's potential, Collavier Corporation has already released both Comic Workshop and Painting...
Friday12th Jun 2015
News Here's A More Detailed Look At Nintendo's E3 2015 Schedule
Your one-stop guide to the week's events
E3 is happening this weekend, and Nintendo has plenty of events taking place - kicking off the with a special Smash Bros. video broadcast and the much-hyped return of the Nintendo World Championships. We've also got the Digital Event to look forward - surely the biggest part of the whole E3 schedule for...
News Rare Co-Founder Tim Stamper Is Tweeting Some Crazy Stuff About Project Dream On The SNES
A gaming legend finally speaks
Rare co-founders the Stamper brothers have always been famously reclusive when it comes to interviews - they've given very few over the past couple of decades and since selling Rare to Microsoft have drifted from the public eye altogether. However, Tim Stamper appears to be moving back towards the games industry. Last...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Pokémon
We wanna spot 'em all!
In the lead up to E3 we're publishing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this entry, Nintendo Life news and reviews regular Conor McMahon considers the Pokémon franchise. Ever heard of these little things...
News New Yoshi's Woolly World Video Shows Off Fluffy Cuteness and Confirms Splatoon amiibo Support
Ink-redible news (we have no shame)
With Yoshi's Woolly World just two weeks from release in Europe and all set for a Fall arrival in North America, we're seeing more videos and hype building for the soft-natured platformer. It's big on cuteness, and the latest video from Nintendo UK is no different. Rather like a recent Japanese video showcase...
Saturday13th Jun 2015
News Exciting Hints of amiibo Restocks Can Be Found in Dull Manufacturing Forms
Influx of documents in early May
Occasionally we've used CPSIA Certificates of Compliance as an indicator of upcoming amiibo restocks or arrivals in North America - no, really, it makes sense. These are product forms that are required for the NFC figures to prove their safety, but also provide handy manufacturing dates. Nintendo shares them within a...
Friday12th Jun 2015
News Splatoon Grabs Fifth Place in NPD Results as amiibo Leads Toys-to-Life Sales
Smash Bros. also breaks back into top 10
Following its late May release Wii U exclusive Splatoon has returned multiple positive results in different charts - in the UK it made its début in 2nd place and claimed fourth in its second week, while it's been top of the Japanese Media Create charts for two weeks running. We now have the May NPD results,...
News There's Another New Weapon Coming To Splatoon Today
Or tomorrow, depending on where you are in this crazy world of ours
Nintendo sure isn't letting up when it comes to Splatoon content - we've already had a new map this week, and today we'll be getting a brand new weapon as well. Bing's handy translation feature gives us this in English: Ibuki sharp markers are added. It's less variation in...
News Official Nintendo UK Store Flogs Rare amiibo in Bundles
That's the spirit...
Oh amiibo, what went wrong? Once a concept that brought happiness and a fulfilment of child-like dreams, it's become a frustrating, irritating endeavour where you can get Link anywhere, but some figures are over-priced, out of stock and rarer than an original idea in a Call of Duty game. Some rare figures include any in the...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Pricing and Features Outlined by Nicalis
New 3DS misses out on multiplayer
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth was a slightly surprising announcement for Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS earlier this year, for multiple reasons; it's a game that was previously rejected by Nintendo due to its themes and content, and it'll also likely be the first eShop title exclusive to the New models of the portable...
Nintendo Life Weekly Hyrule Warriors on 3DS, New Splatoon Content, and More
A big week before E3
Despite the week before E3 typically being a quiet one, there have been a number of developments that are well worth squeezing down into a concentrated video format. This week focuses on Hyrule Warriors accidentally being announced for 3DS, a new weapon arriving in Splatoon extremely shortly, as well as the usual roundup of...
News The Nintendo World Championships Legend of Zelda Challenge Has Been Detailed
Thor Aackerlund and Jeff Hansen to be guests of honour
The Nintendo World Championships are now just two days away, and details around the live event continue to be revealed. The latest batch of information from Nintendo of America relates to one of the game events and some welcome special guests that will feature. First of all, details have been...
News Best Buy Canada Message Suggests a Mario Maker Release Date of 11th September
Makes sense...
Nintendo confirmed a September release for Mario Maker back in its April Direct, and now an over-eager Best Buy community manager appears to have outed the release date for Canada. It seems pretty legitimate, falling on a Friday and within that anticipated month - the date given is 11th September. This potential reveal - and we think...
News Nintendo Opens E3 2015 Miiverse Community
All aboard the hype train
Nintendo and hype go hand in hand, so why not celebrate this year’s E3 by drawing a picture of Reggie riding a train? To assist this creative process, Nintendo has opened a new community on Miiverse with the handle: Nintendo @E3 2015, where users can make predictions and even crazy demands in regards to what they would...
Video UCraft's CraftyKart PowerPack Mod Gets Its Own Hard Rockin' Trailer
The need for speed
Minecraft clones are hitting the Wii U eShop thick and fast these days, and just in case you've not already had your fill, here's a fresh look at the forthcoming UCraft. In this trailer - which is accompanied by some of the most obnoxious guitar playing we've heard since Spinal Tap last toured - the game's modular credentials are...
News Arc System Works Now Owns The Rights To All Of Technos Japan's Titles
Double Dragon, Super Dodge Ball, River City Ransom and Kunio-kun snapped up
It has been revealed today that Arc System Works has acquired all of the rights to Technos Japan's back catalogue. This includes hits such as Double Dragon, the Kunio-kun series and Super Dodge Ball. Double Dragon is one of the most famous fighting game franchises in the...
Video This LEGO Jurassic World Trailer Made Our Glass of Water Move
Hold onto your butts
LEGO Jurassic World is out today on Wii U and 3DS, bringing the latest batch of LEGO madness to both Nintendo systems. That's the case in North America, at least, as in Europe only the 3DS version has arrived today in some territories, with the Wii U version pushed back to 19th June in some countries and later in others. That...
Weirdness Drink Back Your Childhood With This “Bartendo" Line From Ink Whiskey
Drunk on nostalgia
Think back to 2013 and you may or may not remember the release of the Ink Whiskey Entertainment Flask, which was an alcoholic take on classic NES games of the past, with titles such as, “Legend of Drink" and “Drunk Hunt." It might not have been one of the classiest ideas, but it had a strong Kickstarter campaign and was...
Thursday11th Jun 2015
Review Cube Life: Island Survival (Wii U eShop)
A summer blockbuster?
For the past few months, multiple developers have been releasing their own clones of Minecraft in an effort to provide Nintendo gamers with the closest approximation to that source material as possible. Though the concept may seem simple initially, most developers have failed to recreate it in any meaningful way, with...
Review Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure (3DS eShop)
The cure for boredom
Nintendo seems to have been following a pattern with Dr. Mario in recent years. First, it releases a new title in the series for its current console which adds a new gameplay mechanic. Then, sometime later, it releases a new handheld entry, which plays it a bit more safe and doesn't really do anything new. The latest game, Dr...
Review Don't Starve: Giant Edition (Wii U eShop)
Tim Burton meets Minecraft
The general approach of playing Don't Starve: Giant Edition is set rather early. Once you reach your first rank up - no doubt through a few feeble run-throughs where you are easily offed by the environment, whimpering and confused - you're awarded with a pyromaniacal character with which you can prattle about and convert...
Nintendo Download 11th June (North America)
LEGO Jurassic Park x2, more Harvest Moon, Dr. Mario and much more
It's the final North American Nintendo Download Update before the E3 shenanigans in LA, and there's a diverse range of options. We have the first GBA Harvest Moon, two versions of LEGO Jurassic World, the return of Dr. Mario, some quirky eShop offerings and four DSiWare games. Let's...
Third playable character and prequel mini-game also confirmed
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is already Kickstarter's most successful video game campaign ever, and with just over a day remaining on the clock the momentum shows no signs of dropping - in fact, the total is getting dangerously close to the $4.5 million mark. New stretch goals have...
News Mighty No. 9 Features on Wii U and 3DS Versions are Outlined
So long, amiibo dreams
Mighty No. 9 is just a few months away, a project treated by many as a spiritual successor to Mega Man. Though we don't yet have a final date for the 3DS port, it's heading to Wii U in September on the eShop and as a physical retail release. A development update has now been posted outlining features for each platform, and...
"Every now and then someone will vent their misplaced anger towards me"
With a roster as massive as that seen in Super Smash Bros., making sure each fighter is balanced can be a tricky business - hence the issues with Diddy Kong, which have recently been patched. However, there are some Smash fans who feel that creator Masahiro Sakurai has...
Rumour Could Female Link Be In Hyrule Warriors On 3DS?
Mysterious crossbow has chins wagging
When Hyrule Historia [EDIT: it's actually from the Hyrule Warriors artbook, apologies for the confusion] launched a while back, the inclusion of concept art for a female Link - christened "Linkle" - caused quite a bit of excitement. It seemed that Nintendo was at least considering swapping the gender of its...
News Here Are Your Eight Qualifying Nintendo World Championships 2015 Finalists
AKA: The guys who had to actually work to get there
Nintendo recently confirmed eight of the guest competitors who will be taking part in the 2015 Nintendo World Championships, and today the names of the eight qualifying participants - that is, the guys who actually had to earn their place in the finals - have been published. These eight...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Kid Icarus
Time to soar again?
In the lead up to E3 we'll be doing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this entry, Nintendo Life news, reviews and features regular Mitch Vogel goes over the Kid Icarus franchise. There are minor plot spoilers...
News Bloodstained Is Officially Kickstarter's Most Successful Video Game Campaign
Over $4 million raised and there's still hours to spare
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is officially Kickstarter's most successful video game venture after pushing past the $4.1 million record set by Torment: Tides of Numenera back in April 2013. Bloodstained currently stands at $4,194,391 with 41 hours remaining. Almost 50,000 people have...
Also hints at big third party announcements in the near future
Splatoon has been a massive commercial and critical success for Nintendo - which has surprised a lot of people, considering that the company has limited experience in the realm of online shooters. However, for Nintendo Canada General Manager Pierre-Paul Trepanier, the game's triumph...
News Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Looks Stunning in New E3 Trailer
Bring on the hair-whipping and belly dancing
With E3 on the way next week, the talented folk at WayForward have belly danced past all the cacophony and released their E3 trailer for the upcoming Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. As the fourth game in the esteemed Shantae series, Half-Genie Hero marks the first cross-platform HD outing for the hair-whipping...
News The Legend of Legacy is Heading to 3DS in the Americas
Seven story perspectives to explore
Having inadvertently revealed the news in early May, Atlus has now officially confirmed that it's localising 3DS RPG The Legend of Legacy to the West. It's due in the Americas in the Holiday season and will cost $39.99 / CA$49.99. Development studio FuRyu has some hugely respected industry figures in its team,...
Video Get Cosy With This Yoshi's Woolly World Showcase from Japan
Ramping up the cuteness
Yoshi's Woolly World isn't far away in Europe, the second Good-Feel platformer to wrap its game world in soft, cuddly fabric. We think it should definitely be on your radar if you like chilled out platforming with an optional edge of difficulty to take on. Its Japanese release is close too, and the video below therefore...
Video Fan-Made Mother 4 Gets Shown Off In 'Attract Mode'
A blast from the past
For quite some time a group of dedicated fans have been working on Mother 4, an unofficial sequel for the iconic series that'll be free on PC. It's been a labour of love for the volunteers concerned, going past its planned 2014 arrival but evidently still progressing well; despite plenty of publicity in the past year it's been...
News 3DS Hits 15 Million Sales Landmark in the US
Nearly 270 million US Nintendo system sales overall
After a rocky start in 2011, the 3DS family of systems - which includes the 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS - has evolved into a success. Against increasingly challenging odds due to the rise of smart devices and plenty of other distractions, it's led the charge for the dedicated gaming handheld space...
Video Watch the Lovely Moment When a Nintendo World Championships Finalist Gets The Decisive Call
Will go up against 15 rivals in LA
Just recently Nintendo of America revealed the eight qualifiers for the Nintendo World Championships final event, taking place in LA on 14th June. These hardy souls made their way to qualifying events and set impressive scores in the Championship Mode of Ultimate NES Remix to secure their spot. With travel and...
News Splatoon’s Kelp Dome Multiplayer Map Is Now Live
The game that keeps on giving
Nintendo’s squid shooter, Splatoon, continues to grow, with the latest update now live. The Kelp Dome map, previously featured in the single player portion of the game, will now appear in the multiplayer modes. Kelp Dome is a map featuring maze-like greenhouses. There are two pathways to take in this arena – above...
News Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 Details and Official Website Enter Battle
Character edits and dynamic story mode outlined
It may have had a relatively quiet run-up to release, but Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 is just a short time away from release on 3DS in the West, a somewhat surprising localisation effort by Koei Tecmo as a result of the second title being Japan-only. With its arrival not far off Koei Tecmo has...
Wednesday10th Jun 2015
News Hyrule Warriors Is Slashing Its Way to 3DS
Whoops, Koei Tecmo went early
Update: Koei Tecmo has now taken the original video offline, but many mirrors have already been uploaded, one of which is included in this article. Original Article: Well, it seems someone at Koei Tecmo needs to re-take YouTube Management 101, as a video has been posted unlisted - but available - that reveals Hyrule...
Rumour ZombiU Is Shedding Its Wii U Exclusivity To Infect The PlayStation 4 And Xbox One
Ubisoft bringing the game back from the dead?
ZombiU was a fantastic Wii U launch title, but one which sold poorly and didn't generate any profit for publisher Ubisoft. Its dismal commercial performance put the brakes on the development of a sequel, but it would appear that the French company is now looking for alternative ways of generating more
News Splatoon is Still Number One in Japan as Wii U Sales Increase Again
The momentum Wii U needs?
The Japanese Media Create chart results are in, and much focus has been on Splatoon and Wii U; after an excellent début for the shooter, it's momentum has been key. The numbers that have come through seem rather positive, too, especially for a new IP. In its second week the Wii U exclusive sold 68,913 copies in Japan,...
News Get Messy in Splatoon's Latest Free Stage, Kelp Dome
If you get in trouble, just cry for kelp (sorry)
Update: It's now been confirmed that this stage will arrive today (10th June) at 7pm Pacific Time / 10pm Eastern, which supports the previous 'tomorrow morning' announcement from Nintendo of Europe as this is 3am UK / 4am CET. Original Article: Splatoon is turning out to be the game which keeps on...
News Yup, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 Is Definitely Skipping Wii U
Despite the confirmation of Xbox 360 and PS3 versions
Despite the fact that last year's Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare skipped Nintendo's current home system, there were hopes that Black Ops 3 - the next entry in Activision's yearly shooty-shooty-boom-boom franchise - would still arrive on Wii U. Slim hopes admittedly, but hopes all the same. It's...
News Tomonobu Itagaki's Devil's Third Will Lay Waste To Your Wii U On August 28th
New trailer and screens explode into view
It's been a while since we heard any solid information on Devil's Third, but with E3 fast approaching it seems like Valhalla Game Studios is making up for lost time. Studio boss Tomonobu Itagaki may have kept any insights relating to the Wii U exclusive close to his chest, but that has all changed today -...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Promises 3DS E3 Reveals While Being as Vague as Possible
Things you want and "things you never even thought of wanting"
Pre-E3 interviews are strange beasts - game companies want to get you interested in their upcoming efforts, but don't want to give too much away for fear of spoiling the surprise. What you therefore get is a peculiar blend of statements with enough vagueness and dodging to make a...
News Fresh European Trademark for Diddy Kong Cranks Rumours Into Gear
Racing? Platforming? Nothing?
Trademarks are wonderful for pre-E3 speculation, as they can mean nothing or - alternatively - be an early twitch ahead of an announcement. With that in mind, fans of the Kong clan should pay attention. A trademark has been filed in Europe today (10th June) for DIDDY KONG, which covers games, gaming 'apparatus'...
News Capcom Thinks It Can Shift 2.5 Million Copies of Monster Hunter X By March Next Year
Hunting huge pots of gold
Last month, Capcom's financial report suggested that the company expects to sell 2.5 million units of an undisclosed Monster Hunter title by March 2016 - a title which the company has since confirmed is the forthcoming Monster Hunter X. That's a pretty bold prediction, but one which seems positively pessimistic when you...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Paper Mario
A sound theory on paper
In the lead up to E3 we'll be doing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance at the show, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this article Nintendo Life editor Tom Whitehead makes the case for a particularly popular one in the Rumour Mill, Paper...
News Sega Is Focusing On 3DS For Sonic Boom Because It Wasn't Happy With The Wii U Version
"We totally feel the 3DS was the stronger of the two"
Sonic Boom was supposed to be a big initiative for Sega. Not only was the company pushing two brand-new games to market - one for Wii U and one for 3DS - but it was going to support these titles with a tie-in TV show and a flood of merchandise. Things didn't quite work out that way; while the 3DS...
The two rivals talk Sonic, Mario and much more besides
Cast your mind back to the console war of the early '90s and one thing springs to mind - Sega vs Nintendo. The titanic struggle between these two Japanese giants dominated the video game industry for the best part of a decade, with the incumbent Nintendo - along with world-famous mascot Mario -...
News Online Co-Op and Versus Modes Confirmed for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Armature to share Unreal Engine 4 Wii U code
Though Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night won't arrive until 2017, the spiritual Castlevania successor led by Koji Igarashi has become an outstanding success in crowdfunding on Kickstarter and Paypal. In fact, combining both sources it's now raised over $4 million, unlocking an exciting stretch goal in...
Video Who Needs a New Sonic Game When You Have Splatoon's Inkbrush?
Speed up
With the surprise announcement of Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice arriving on 3DS later this year, we here at Nintendo Life have found our own ways to enjoy the lightning pace gameplay attributed to the Sonic series using Splatoon's brand new Inkbrush weapon. Check out the video below for a hot, violent injection of all the super speed you'll...
Video Feast Your Eyeballs on Extended Footage of Fire Emblem If
Plus quirky Splatoon and Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus vids
Though we're looking at a 2016 release in the West, Fire Emblem If is all set to arrive in Japan on 25th June, shaking up the standard formula with two separate releases - and a third storyline available as DLC. It'll likely have all of the strategy gameplay we can handle. With the...
Kevin Pereira to host
The Nintendo World Championships live event in LA will be a fun way to kick off E3 week, and Nintendo of America has now outlined key details on the contest. We now know two of the games to be included - one freshly announced - along with a basic format, the competitors and the host. In terms of the format and games included,...
News Rodea the Sky Soldier Release Dates Pushed Back to October
Delayed landing
Rodea the Sky Soldier - originally led by Yuji Naka - has had a troubled route to Wii U and 3DS, after its original development for the Wii got stuck in limbo. Publisher Kadokawa Games eventually completed it for release, though it's sold very few copies in Japan since launch. Not to be deterred, NIS America is bringing it to the...
News Gold Mario amiibo Arrives At Target Australia On 25th June
No pre-orders, one per customer & limited supply
At the end of last month Nintendo revealed the silver Mario amiibo figure would be available in Australia and New Zealand exclusively from EB Games from the 30th of May onward, with limited stock and strictly one per customer. It was also revealed the gold Mario amiibo figure would be exclusive to...
News PolyKid's Indie 3D Platformer Poi Is Coming To Wii U
Inspired by the classics
Indie developer PolyKid has announced its 3D platformer, Poi, is coming to the Wii U. The team behind Poi are drawing inspiration from the classic platformers they grew up with including the likes of Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie and even Super Mario Sunshine on the Nintendo GameCube. In Poi, players take control of a child...
Video Lego Marvel's Avengers Blast Onto Wii U And 3DS With This New Trailer
Building up the hype for E3
Warner Bros. has just lifted the lid on the E3 trailer for its next big Lego game - Lego Marvel's Avengers. Developed by UK studio TT Games - as always - this new offering will be hitting a wide range of systems at the end of this year, including the Wii U and 3DS. Based on the two recent Avengers movies, the video game...
News Free DLC Heading to Affordable Space Adventures, With Plans for Future Paid Content
Extra Value Space Adventures
Affordable Space Adventures is one of a small group of Wii U exclusives, and arguably does more for the cause of the Wii U GamePad's unique capabilities than a number of Nintendo's own efforts. A collaboration between KnapNok Games and Nifflas, we gave it a strong recommendation in our review. It's a premium-priced...
Tuesday9th Jun 2015
News Disney Infinity Producer Brands amiibo Stock Shortages "Irresponsible And Rude"
Says the same mistake won't happen with its own range of Star Wars figures
Nintendo's stock problems with its amiibo range are well documented, with demand vastly outstripping supply on many of the more desirable figures and fans being forced to pay way over the odds on the secondary market in order to complete their collections. Heck, we've even...
News Latest Wii U System Update Removes TVii On European Consoles, Piles On Stability Elsewhere
TVii, we hardly knew ye
Wii U system update 5.4.0 has just gone live worldwide, and for most of the planet, it's all about that luscious stability - basically, there's very little else to talk about. However, if you're in Europe then you'll find the update hammers the final nail into the coffin of TVii. The service - which was heavily-promoted at...
Review FullBlast (Wii U eShop)
A blast from the past
Fullblast is the latest indie title to make the transition from mobile platforms onto Wii U, having been available on iOS and Android since the end of last year. Harking back to the days when arcades were king, Fullblast is an old school vertically scrolling shoot-em-up presented with modern 3D graphics. The gameplay remains...
News Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice Is Dashing To The Nintendo 3DS This Winter
Sanzaru Games developing, Nintendo distributing
Sega and Nintendo have just confirmed another entry in the Sonic Boom video games series, this time exclusive to the 3DS. Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice - like its 3DS forerunner Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal - is being developed by Sanzaru Games. Nintendo will be handling distribution duties. The game...
News PlatinumGames to Unveil a New Title at E3
IGN to host the reveal
Anticipation for E3 just stepped up a notch for fans of intense, bombastic and hugely entertaining games, with the news that PlatinumGames will be unveiling a new title at the show. The news comes from IGN, who will host the début announcement and footage on Tuesday 16th June at 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 11pm UK / midnight...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Star Fox
It's certain to be shown - but what form will it take?
In the lead up to E3 we'll be doing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance - or see more of - at the show, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this entry Nintendo Life Editorial Director Damien McFerran mulls what...
"I like their wobbly movements"
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's crowdfunding drive has just three days to go and has raised over $3,700,000 at the time of writing. To drum up even more interest and perhaps encourage a final surge of backers, creator Koji Igarashi has published a video showing some off-screen footage from a very early version of...
Video Extended Trailer For Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is Released
Travel the world
Following its recent reveal, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon now has some extended footage; the latest entry in the spin-off series is coming to Japan on 17th September, North America later this year and Europe in early 2016. This entry follows its predecessors in challenging you to venture through randomly generated dungeons, and...
Video Share The Joy of Receiving a Launch Day Super NES
A young gamer's dream
We're still some time away from our next new hardware release from Nintendo, but it's always an occasion to savour. Before attention falls to sales, the library of games, online services and all of those shenanigans, there's that glorious first day when all is new, shiny and full of potential. It's arguably even more exciting...
Review Vector Assault (Wii U eShop)
Identity theft
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but in the case of WizByte Games' Vector Assault, it isn't flattering. Heavily inspired by Geometry Wars - a game that in many ways helped usher in the era of downloadable console games - Vector Assault is not nearly as polished, addictive, or fun. While it's playable and functional on...
Video Check Out What Can be Done in Art Academy: Atelier Without Any Experience
Hung, drawn, & water-coloured
Nintendo's latest foray into its Art Academy series will no doubt appeal to the arty and the creatively-minded, but that's not the only audience that can benefit from Art Academy: Atelier (known as Art Academy: Home Studio in North America). This reporter has barely touched an art supply in ten years, and has never...
News Nintendo Confirms Treehouse Pre-Show for Nintendo World Championships
Warming us up
The Nintendo World Championships are no longer the exciting début of E3 week, but will now follow a Super Smash Bros. Special Video Presentation that'll be hosted by Masahiro Sakurai. Nevertheless the live event from LA could be intriguing, with its format still to be revealed. Nintendo of America did promise a pre-tournament...
News Image & Form Tackles SteamWorld Heist E3 Plans, Pricing and Development Progress in Q & A
Not digging too deep, though
With SteamWorld Heist building up, well, steam for its release later this year, the studio's latest Q & A provides some further update on development progress, plans for E3 and planned pricing. As for E3, company CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson will be in LA to show off the game to the media, including your humble Nintendo...
Monday8th Jun 2015
News Capcom Reveals E3 Plans and Mega Man Legacy Collection for 3DS
Wii U unfortunately misses out on HD version
Capcom evidently hasn't completely forgotten about its iconic mascot and has announced Mega Man Legacy Collection, which will spruce up the first six NES titles with new features. It's confirmed to be on the way to the 3DS eShop in the Winter for $14.99, though the Wii U misses out on the Summer arrival...
News Fan Site Randomly Generates a "Leaked" List of Nintendo's E3 Plans
Prepare yourselves for the worldwide reveal of Metroid: Badger
As previously pointed out in a talking point earlier this week, we are officially in the thick of E3 silly season. Every year, we receive "official internal documents" from various fans and readers who claim to have received such highly confidential information from their best friend's...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Metroid
Crawling into the current generation?
In the lead up to E3 we'll be doing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance at the show, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this entry Nintendo Life news, reviews and features regular Mitch Vogel thinks over the Metroid franchise...
Let the E3 hype begin
Nintendo has made clear before now that it would have some broadcasts running before this Sunday's Nintendo World Championships, and we can get excited as details on one such presentation have been revealed; this one's for Super Smash Bros. fans. It's confirmed that a 'Special Video Presentation' from Masahiro Sakurai will be...
Nintendo Download 11th June (Europe)
Dr. Mario, LEGO Dinosaurs on the go, Mega Man and more
Another week begins with the Nintendo Download Update in Europe, and this particular batch brings us the result of a Nintendo Direct reveal, a LEGO movie adaptation, more classic Mega Man and some discount options. It's a relatively short list, bringing us a slight pre-E3 lull. Wii U Virtual...
Video This Fan-Made Zelda Sketch Shows What Happens When Link Runs Out Of Loose Change
High-res rupees
Fan creations are always something that spark a lot of interest, as they allow fans to see what could've been without them having to wait for it to actually happen from the official source - if ever. Take Project M for example - a modified version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl created by dedicated members of the Smash community - which...
Reminder Time's Running Out to Grab the Humble Nindie Bundle
It ends at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern on 9th June
The Humble Nindie Bundle has been an intriguing development for the Wii U and 3DS eShop; though limited to the Americas, it has caused a notable impact as the first Humble Bundle to support console platforms. It was a pretty bold move by both Nintendo of America and Humble itself, and allows gamers...
News Splatoon Holds Onto Top 5 Territory in the UK Charts
Only trailing The Witcher 3 in the single format battle
Following its high-profile launch we shared the news that Splatoon secured second place in the UK charts on début, a strong effort from the Wii U exclusive. In positive news it's held a top five position in its second week, and that's despite a 50% drop on launch sales (a fall off that's...
News Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Smashes Past $3.5 Million, More Stretch Goals Announced
Less than a week to go!
It's pretty safe to say that the Kickstarter for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has been a massive success. The spiritual successor to the Castlevania series will now be coming to nearly every current-gen console and the money still keeps rolling in, practically guaranteeing that this will be the gothic Metroidvania to end...
News Pokémon Shuffle Gets Its First Ever Escalation Battle
Gotta get a Giratina
Nintendo's free-to-play experiment Pokémon Shuffle continues to get some neat updates, with the latest offering the game's first ever "Escalation" battle. Of course, the title has had challenge updates in the past, but this one is unique. While the other challenges have largely been timed events, the difference here is that as...
News Sonic Dash Passes 100 Million Smart Device Downloads for SEGA
An indication of why Nintendo's interested in the market
For those that are generally against the idea of Nintendo pursuing the smart device market in collaboration with DeNA, it can be tempting to downplay the impact that a successful game on iOS and Android can have. It's with that in mind that our eye was caught by a SEGA press release today that...
News USK Reiterates That IARC, A Quick and Global Age Ratings Option, Will Come to the eShop
Should help developers to release globally quicker
We've highlighted in the past how obtaining age ratings can be a complicated and expensive process for Indie developers on tight budgets. While the ESRB service in North America is free and based online, complaints over the slower processes in PAL territories - which also cost a fair amount of money...
News Cube Life: Island Survival Confirmed for 25th June Release in Europe
Cypronia highlights positive early reception in North America
We now have a few games available - depending on your region - that are heavily influenced by Minecraft, seizing the day in the absence of Nintendo system ports of the best-selling title. The latest is Cube Life: Island Survival from Cypronia, which aims to provide both an open-world...
News Europe, You're Getting Three More New 3DS Cover Plates This Month
Splatoon Cover Plates coming earlier than planned
Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that three new Cover Plate designs for New Nintendo 3DS consoles will be arriving on June 26th - including the famous Splatoon plates, which weren't expected until next month. The Splatoon design is - as you might expect - covered in colourful ink splats. The other...
News Xeodrifter Port Confirmed for Wii U eShop
Time for another run through Renegade Kid's Metroidvania
Back in early December, Renegade kid released a new bite-sized Metroidvania called Xeodrifter to generally positive feedback. We awarded it an 8/10, citing the short length and occasionally frustrating platforming as drawback, but we were overall quite pleased with it. It may have been over...
Gallery Sometimes a Silly Dino 3DS Case Can Brighten Your Day
For small versions of adults
Life can be a serious business sometimes; even gaming can be rather intense. We should perhaps embrace opportunities to be silly, irreverent or cute, and today brought us a gift on all three scores with a press release for 2DS and 3DS XL Dino cases. These are from accessories company iMP Gaming, which is clearly timing...
News Momonga Pinball Adventures Is Bouncing And Flipping Its Way To The Wii U eShop
Another mobile title makes the jump
Update: D'oh. We've just realised that we actually reported on this back in 2013 - presumably Paladin Studios has reconfirmed the arrival of the game on the Wii U eShop. We'll find out and let you know when we know. Original story: Paladin Studios has revealed that its 2013 mobile title Momonga Pinball...
Sunday7th Jun 2015
Review Art Academy: Atelier (Wii U)
Magnum opus
By its very nature, inspiration often strikes when we least expect it to. A random walk through city streets might spark the idea that forms an entire novel, just as the sound of rain lashing against a bedroom window could help to shape the mood of a composition. The Art Academy series has always respected and encouraged the creative...
News There's Already a Splatoon Inspired Minecraft Mod
Where there's a will, there's a way
It seems like there's a mod for just about anything in Minecraft. The extremely open ended and modular nature of the core game leaves the door wide open for just about any type of game to be created within it, from platformers to shooters to racers. Granted, there's usually an absurd amount of complicated...
News World of Goo and Little Inferno Developers Announce New Game - Human Resource Machine
"A puzzle game for nerds"
Tomorrow Corporation - a studio set up by former members of World of Goo developer 2D Boy - has ended its relatively lengthy spell away from the spotlight to announce its next game - Human Resource Machine. Eager Wii U eShop gamers may remember its release that greeted the console launch - Little Inferno - which was a...
News Reggie Has Been Pushing For Binding Of Isaac To Come To Nintendo Consoles Since 2012
Nintendo of America boss is quite a fan, it seems
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth will be hitting Wii U and 3DS this year, and boy has it been a long time coming. The game was teased for Nintendo systems way back in 2012, but Nintendo was initially opposed to the idea - citing the game's "questionable religious content" as the reason for blocking a...
Video Did You Know Gaming? Takes to the Skies With Star Fox
A nice warm-up for E3
There are some titles that we know - courtesy of release-windows, common sense or Nintendo confirmation - will be shown at E3; one of these is Star Fox for Wii U. Hopefully we'll learn of a release window, a final name and get a good look at what's come of Shigeru Miyamoto's desire to produce a cinematic, innovative GamePad...
Monday8th Jun 2015
Video Latest Teens React Episode Proves Age Has Done Little To Dull Contra's Insane Difficulty Level
Co-op for experts
We're keen followers of the excellent React YouTube channel, especially the retro videos which show gamers young and old struggling to come to terms with some of the most famous titles in the business. This time up, it's Konami's hard-as-nails run-and-gun shooter Contra (or Probotector if you're in Europe). Contra is considered to...
Sunday7th Jun 2015
Talking Point Looking Ahead to the Nintendo World Championships 2015
Nintendo can start E3 with a bang
A week from today Nintendo will host a live event in Los Angeles that'll get the E3 party started for its fans. For the second year running the company's template for the expo is to combine a pre-prepared Digital Event with a live event and hour-upon-hour of Treehouse coverage, while some Best Buy customers will...
Saturday6th Jun 2015
Poll We Need to Talk About amiibo - Where Do You Stand?
Awesome collectibles, source of frustration, a bit of both?
As we approach the 'expo we cannot name' - oh alright, E3 - we can't help but wonder how many times Nintendo will mention amiibo. Will we learn more about the amiibo cards that'll accompany Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer? Will there be more blasted Smash Bros. waves that we'll...
News Nintendo UK Confirms Its Community's Top 10 Wii U Games
All highly recommended
Not so long ago Nintendo UK put a call out to its social media followers to vote for their favourite Wii U games, with any title on the platform being eligible. The top 10 has now been announced, and consists of retail games that are developed or at least published by Nintendo - releases such as ZombiU and Rayman Legends made...
Video We Get Artistically Destructive With The Splatoon Inkbrush
Not exactly Art Academy
It may be ink that we're splatting around in Splatoon, but with those bright colours and various paintball references it certainly has a painterly quality. The new Inkbrush certainly plays into that, which brings its own spin to the 'Roller' set of weapons. It can be used for quickly inking territory, but in much narrower...
Friday5th Jun 2015
Review Samurai Defender (3DS eShop)
Five Samurai
CIRCLE Entertainment and the Nintendo 3DS eShop go hand in hand. Boasting nearly 50 titles with its name attached as either a publisher or developer, seeing a CIRCLE game pop up on the eShop update list has become the norm. With so many to its name, it's no surprise that CIRCLE's games run the gamut from top-notch to downright terrible...
News Lucas DLC Confirmed for 14th June Release on Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS
Mother fighter
Nintendo has announced that Lucas will be available as DLC for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & Nintendo 3DS on the 14th June 2015. The Japanese giant's attitude towards paid downloadable content has changed significantly in recent months, and this inclusion of the PK-powered Mother character is testament to that. With E3 less...
News The Splatoon Inkbrush Weapon is Set to Arrive Today
Or very early tomorrow, 'cos timezones
Update: Nintendo of Europe has published a tweet confirming the roll-out of this weapon to the region: Original Article: Splatoon was perceivably slightly light on content at launch, but Nintendo's strategy for steadily rolling out additions continues at some pace. This week has already brought us Ranked...
News Splatoon Practically Sold Out at Launch in Japan, With Over 100,000 amiibo Also Sold
It's popular, then
Since release there's been a strong sense that Splatoon has been a hit launch on Wii U, and evidence is starting to support that assumption. There'd been social media chatter of stock being low in Japan, for example, and earlier this week it emerged that it'd stormed to top spot in the Japanese charts. We now have a clearer...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate June DLC Brings Animal Crossing, Devil May Cry and Awesome Designs
Oh my…
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is an enormous game, to a daunting degree. It keeps getting bigger thanks to free DLC, too - Capcom's playing the role of the devil to our Homer: "you want more donuts, have all the donuts you can eat!" Oh, we'll keep eating. That daft intro aside, Capcom has announced the details of the June DLC - they're...
Editorial Nintendo's Approach is Often Peculiar, Yet That's An Enduring Strength
Still treats video games as irreverent play-things
A thought has been rumbling around this writer's mind for the past few days - Nintendo is weird. It really is. Writing about the company on a daily basis brings on a permanent state of double taking, and it's when looking outside of the big N bubble it becomes clear how peculiar it is. It simply...
News Mighty No. 9 Signature Edition Will Not Be Available For Wii U
Ouch!
It seems Wii U owners have once again been excluded from the pack, with publisher Deep Silver revealing the recently announced US-only signature edition of Mighty No. 9 will only be made available to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners. The collectors edition deal – including a physical copy of the game, DLC, a foil signature and a posable...
News The Days Are Numbered For The Nintendo Video 3DS Application In North America
eShop now the primary host for video content
If you live outside the US, you will have already moved on from the 3DS application, Nintendo Video. Originally released in 2011, Nintendo Video has since been overshadowed by the recent Anime Channel, a YouTube application and the video service via the eShop. It appears its time is now up in North...
Review Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun & Blue Moon (Wii U eShop / Game Boy Advance)
Nothin' but net
In every long running game series, there's always "that" one game which greatly splits the fanbase. Usually due to a major overhaul of an aspect that flies in the face of series tradition, these black sheep games typically are wrongfully seen as a bad or disappointing release simply because they did something different. Mega Man...
News Curve Is Bringing RageSquid's Action Henk To The Wii U eShop
It figures
Curve Digital has revealed that it is bringing RageSquid's PC title Action Henk to consoles this Summer. The game features a wacky action figure who loves nothing more than racing across various environments in the quickest time possible. You'll be able to run, jump and butt-slide across 70 different levels, with the objective of shaving...
Review Rival Turf! (Wii U eShop / Super Nintendo)
Pulls too many punches
Double Dragon may have kicked off the beat 'em up craze, but Capcom's Final Fight was the game that came out of nowhere and quickly became the measuring stick for the genre. So when Capcom had to cut the beloved cooperative play mode from the Super NES home version of the game, Japanese developer Jaleco decided that it would...
Nintendo Life Weekly Possibility of Pokémon amiibo Cards, Monster Hunter X (Cross)
All the reviews, releases, and top news from the past week
We're nothing if not hard working here at Nintendo Life, and in order to help you digest seven days word of news, releases, and reviews, we've bundled it all together into a video to make your life easier. This week we look at the possibility of Pokémon amiibo cards sucking all the cash...
News Looks Like We May Get To Play PoPoLoCrois Harvest Moon After All
XSEED teases a Western localisation
PoPoLoCrois Harvest Moon launches in Japan soon, and brings together two very famous names in the world of Japanese role-playing adventures. Of the two, Harvest Moon is arguably the most well-known - this farming RPG has been a staple of the games industry since the days of the SNES. PoPoLoCrois is perhaps less...
News That's No Moon, It's The Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars Rise Against The Empire Play Set
The Force is strong in these fresh assets
Disney has just revealed another play set for the forthcoming Disney Infinity 3.0, and this time around it's based on everyone's favourite Star Wars trilogy - the original one. The Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set takes key moments from Episodes IV to VII, placing you in the shoes of Luke...
News Nintendo UK Marketing Boss Shelly Pearce Leaves After 17 Years
Joining Anki Europe as Senior Marketing Manager
Nintendo's UK Marketing and PR Director Shelly Pearce has parted company with the firm after 17 years, it has been revealed today. Pearce is joining Anki Europe as Senior Marketing Director. Anki makes Anki Drive - which is a bit like Scalextric, but you control the car using your a smartphone...
News Antipole DX to Defy Gravity on Wii U and 3DS This Year
This ain't no DSiWare any more
DSiWare was / is a quirky yet admirable service, bringing some excellent slices of gaming in just 16MB or less. One title that was certainly in the top tier was Antipole, a gravity flipping action platformer that we rather enjoyed in our review. The good news is that it's heading to the eShop on Wii U and 3DS later...
Weirdness This Pokémon Get☆TV Teaser Prepares Us for Milk Madness and Karate Mascots
Too amazing not to share
It's the end of a long week, so some light relief is certainly in order; we present the latest teaser for Pokémon Get☆TV to serve that very purpose. This is from the official Pokemon Japan YouTube channel, and a scan of its recent content suggests that this is an impressive level of weirdness even by its own standards...
Thursday4th Jun 2015
Rumour Code Digging With amiibo Raises Potential for a Future of Pokémon Cards and Mii Fighters
The door has been opened
While there are many opinions regarding the ongoing challenges of successfully collecting amiibo, the continually expanding range - there'll even be a Chibi-Robo figurine - suggests that it's a major part of Nintendo's plans. The possibilities for expansion are certainly vast. Clues to Nintendo's intentions can be found in...
Guide Use these Splatoon Tricks & Advanced Techniques to Improve your Inking
Think ink
Splatoon has been out for nearly a week and already people have been looking at the inner workings of the game's intricacies in order to give them an edge when it comes to the crunch. We're nothing if not diligent and have compiled a good number of tips that can help give you the upper hand online. This is by no means a complete guide,...
News Squid Girl Collaboration Set to Invade Splatoon in August
Are more tie-ins and partnerships inevitable?
New content for Splatoon will be a recurring theme throughout the summer months, with modes, stages and weapons all on the agenda. It seems there'll be some fashionable extra outfits, too. Magazines in Japan have made some fans in the country happy by confirming that Squid Girl - Shinryaku! Ika Musume -...
Nintendo Download 4th June (North America)
Pip, Cube Life, AVGN on 3DS, Lord of Magna, DSiWare rebirth and more
It's that time again, North America, for the latest Nintendo Download Update details, and this week is varied and a tad bizarre. We have an eagerly anticipated eShop platformer, a world-building title aiming to bring a bit of Minecraft-style glamour to the home console, while the...
News Fresh Monster Hunter X (Cross) Details Emerge From Japan
Beastly bonus
This week Japanese publication Famitsu has some more details on Capcom's freshly-revealed 3DS title Monster Hunter X (Cross) - which is said to be 60 percent complete and will launch in Japan in Winter 2015. We have a host of new info, starting with the return of the Felynes - obviously the Monster Hunter series would not be complete...
Talking Point Prepare Yourselves - E3 Silly Season is Here
There's no escape
E3 is a peculiar beast, and comparisons to Christmas certainly work. In one sense it's "the most wonderful time of the year" - you can croon along to that line in your own head - but it's also a stressful nightmare. We may love the festive meals, jolly times and moments of relaxation at the end of the year, but they're bookended by...
Review Adventures of Pip (Wii U eShop)
It's Pip to be square
Pixel art has certainly not disappeared into the mists of gaming history. If anything, in our nostalgia-heavy age of reboot-a-thoning, the pixelated style holds its place firmly as a manageable form that can evoke those classic retro feels, whether by intention or not. While it's a sound gimmick, it's not as often that we see...
Rumour GameStop No Longer Taking amiibo Preorders, Limiting Sales To One Figure Per Person
Store apparently cracking down on multiple purchases, too
The amiibo stock situation shows little signs of improving, despite Nintendo's assurances that it's trying its utmost to sort things out. Each new wave of figures seems to sell out instantly, and within hours sites like Amazon and eBay are flooded with people re-selling the precious NFC toys...
Review Flying Warriors (Wii U eShop / NES)
"I won’t stop at this"
Culture Brain USA's NES title, Flying Warriors, draws its inspiration from the previous North American release in the Hiryū no Ken series which debuted in 1988, Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll. Starring a Shorinji Kempo warrior named Rick Stalker, the story basically mirrors the tale of the original NES entry, with the...
News Super Mario Bros. Inducted Into the World Video Game Hall of Fame
Along with Tetris and four other games
Not too long ago we told you about the World Video Game Hall of Fame, an initiative launched by the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. A committee of games writers, academics and industry veterans was formed to deliberate over what games would be admitted into the list, with an initial...
Friday5th Jun 2015
News There's A New Producer In Charge Of All Things Mega Man At Capcom
Keep those expectations in check, people
Boy, Capcom really doesn't seem to have a clue what to do with Mega Man right now. The Blue Bomber's 25th birthday came and went with whimper, and the biggest news relating to the character in recent memory is that he'll be starring in a TV series - but not until 2017, when he celebrates 30 years in the...
Thursday4th Jun 2015
News Humble Nindie Bundle Has A Dramatic Impact On eShop Charts
All change in the top 10
The Humble Nindie Bundle has been a massive success - despite the lack of cross-region availability - and has, at the time of writing, raised $618,463.11 over more than 67,000 bundles. If you needed any further indication of its popularity, you need look no futher than this week's Wii U and 3DS eShop charts. While Splatoon...
News You Can Now Wear The Mushroom Kingdom On Your Wrist
We've got a lot of time for this Super Mario-inspired watch
London-based watchmaker Mr. Jones Watches has released a timepiece inspired by Super Mario - and it comes with the added bonus of showing whether it's daytime or nighttime. That might be useful if you, like us, are currently spending every waking hour of your day indoors playing Splatoon...
News Playtonic Wants Yooka-Laylee To Eclipse Banjo-Kazooie When It Comes To Sheer Size
Putting those fears to bed
Yooka-Layee's amazing Kickstarter campaign has ensured that Rare fans will be getting the next best thing to a Banjo-Kazooie sequel, but some supporters have expressed doubts about the size of the adventure, given that the game will retail for a low price and - comparatively-speaking, at least - its budget remains modest...
Video This Is What It Will Be Like To Play Guitar Hero Live
Gameplay and controller revealed
Guitar Hero Live is coming to Wii U later this year, and will use live action video segments to put you in the action. GameSpot has published a video which not only shows how this will work, but also gives a little glimpse of the new controller peripheral that will be launching alongside the game. While the use of...
Video RIVE's Latest Explosive Trailer Invents An Entirely New Word For Destruction
"SHMUPSTRAVAGANZA" indeed
Two Tribes has just launched the latest trailer - amusingly dubbed "SHMUPSTRAVAGANZA" - for its shooter RIVE, and it's so packed with pyrotechnics you might want to don a pair of shades before clicking the "play" button. The trailer contains content that has been added since the game was shown off at PAX, and shows off...
News Dress Like A True World Warrior With One Of These Limited Edition Street Fighter T-Shirts
Designed by famed illustrator Stanley Chow
FunStock has announced that it will be carrying Numskull's limited edition 2015 range of Street Fighter T-Shirts. Designed by the supremely talented Stanley Chow, these are strictly limited and can be preordered now, with shipping taking place in June. The UK price is ?
News Natsume Is Bringing Smartphone Title Ninja Strike To The Wii U eShop
Will be showing it off at E3
Natsume has just confirmed the titles it will be showing off at E3, and among them you'll spot a new name: Ninja Strike. Before you get your hopes up, it's not some exciting simulation of what it must have been like in ancient Japan when the Shogun's best assassins decided to down tools over low pay - instead, it's a...
News Tappingo 2 Puzzles Its Way to Europe on 25th June, But Germany May Miss Out
Developer hoping to self-publish separately in Germany
It's taken a while, but the rather enjoyable Tappingo 2 has almost arrived in Europe. It's been confirmed that it'll hit the region on 25th June, though it will skip Germany, at least initially, which has its own separate rating system - USK. The title's developer, Hugo Smits, has clarified...
Video Check Out This Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut Speed Run
New video shows extended puzzling gameplay
We first heard that first-person puzzler Q.U.B.E. - The Director's Cut would be arriving on the Wii U back in April 2013. You'd be forgiven if you had forgotten all about this intriguing Portal 2-style game, but thankfully GRIP Games hasn't given up on the idea of a Wii U release; we're assured that it wil
Wednesday3rd Jun 2015
News Splatoon Producer Inks Out Reasons For Lack Of Voice Chat And Staggered Content Roll-Out
"We really do understand the fun that can be had with this"
Nintendo caused quite a bit of heated discussion when it confirmed that online shooter Splatoon would lack voice chat. The ability to communicate with fellow players is a staple of other online shooters, but Nintendo decided against including it in this ink-covered offering. Critics...
News Fake amiibo Figures Spotted In The Wild
Toys to strife
Nintendo's amiibo toys are highly collectable items these days, so it should come as no surprise to learn that counterfeit figures are starting to appear. Info Amiibo has reported that Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Samus figures have been spotted. Each figure has telltale signs that it's a fake - for example, Pikachu's feet are raised...
News FAST Racing NEO Details Finally Exit The Garage
Coming this year, online and 60fps confirmed
Shin'en's FAST Racing NEO has been in development for what seems like forever and we've heard - and seen - very little of the Wii U eShop racer so far. Thankfully, that has changed today as the developer has kindly shared some screenshots - taken from the Alpha version of the game - to the official FAST...
News Splatoon 1.2.0 Update Promises A More Pleasant Gaming Experience
Party on squids
Splatoon has been out for less than a week, but it doesn't appear that Nintendo is resting on its laurels in fine-tuning the online multiplayer experience for it's ever-growing fanbase. The much anticipated Ranked Battle mode was unlocked only yesterday, along with the all new Port Mackerel map. Today brings the first patch in the...
News Splatoon Storms to Top Spot in Japanese Charts With Six Figure Sales
Wii U sales more than double to lead hardware chart
It's that time of the week, once again, for Media Create Japanese chart results, and there are some strong sales for the latest Wii U exclusive, matching up to chatter that stock had been scarce due to demand; Wii U hardware sales jumped, too. We're referring, of course, to Splatoon, the colourful...
Interview Splatoon Producer Hisashi Nogami on Claiming New Territory for Wii U
Aimed to create "an entirely new form of gameplay"
Though the claims that Nintendo simply doesn't tackle new ideas aren't entirely fair, there's little denying that Splatoon has been a breath of fresh air on Wii U. As a new IP that utilises a genre so rarely entertained by Nintendo - a third-person shooter - it appears to have succeeded in grabbing...
News Mighty No.9 Looks Rather Neat in This 60fps Trailer
Mega Man says hi
Keiji Inafune may not always spin gold in the many projects with which he's associated, but the hype is very real for Mighty No. 9. A hugely successful crowdfunding campaign, it drifted off the radar a little - while also missing its original release window - but is rapidly coming back into view. At the end of April it was given...
Wii promised a "complimentary" experience
Skylanders SuperChargers has been announced today and brings with it vehicle toys for special Skylanders to pilot and modify. It's a bold move that not only adds more value but changes how the game plays on the screen. There will be 20 vehicles to collect, each one with a special SuperCharger Skylander that...
Feature Game Boy Collector Tracks Down Original Owner Using The Power Of Social Media
A very modern mystery
The internet is a wonderful tool which allows us to do all kinds of things – shopping, keeping in touch with loved ones and (of course) reading amazing websites like Nintendo Life. It's also rather handy when you pick up a second-hand piece of vintage gaming technology and want to know who owned it a few decades ago – and...
Video Smash Bros. Characters Get Gruesome with Mortal Kombat X's 'X-Ray' Moves
FINISH HIM!
Despite inhabiting the fighting game realm - a genre perhaps associated with lifelike violence - the Super Smash Bros. series has done exceptionally well in keeping its games clean and friendly. However, YouTuber Sterling has added a twist to the beloved Nintendo franchise, and created a video containing a mash-up of two of the current...
Video We Check Out The Squid amiibo Challenges
We have an Inkling you're having problems tracking these amiibo down
We have yet more Splatoon videos coming your way. By now you should be aware of the amiibo challenges available in Splatoon, and thanks to a lack of stock - or certain unscrupulous folk spoiling the fun for UK GAME shoppers - you may be struggling to obtain all three...
Video The World is a Better Place Thanks to These Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus Commercials
We defy anyone to not find these entertaining
Not so long ago we shared some Japanese commercials for Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus on 3DS, which has 100 rhythmic mini-games - 30 are all new and 70 are taken from previous entries. Known as the Rhythm Heaven series in the West, it's a franchise that some of your humble Nintendo Life writers...
Weirdness Man Gets Inked In Splatoon, Literally
Don't try this at home, squids!
We're no stranger to seeing Nintendo fans getting "inked up" here at Nintendo Life. Over the years we've seen the worst ever Charmander tattoo, a ink-covered gaming comedian and even someone who adorned his wrist with a 3DS AR Card tattoo.
News Asynchronous Online Multiplayer to Feature in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Virtual gravestones are on the agenda
In a trend typified by titles such as Mighty No. 9 and current crowdfunding effort Yooka-Laylee, hugely respected veteran developers are forming teams to bring retro back. Or, if not retro, a return to classic design that isn't necessarily enough of a sure thing to receive backing from major publishers...
Tuesday2nd Jun 2015
Hands On Checking Out Splatoon's Freshly Unlocked Ranked Battle Mode
Laying it all on the line
If you booted up Splatoon this morning you might have noticed that without even the need to download an update that you can now play on the new Port Mackerel map. You can also buy the N-ZAP '85, a new weapon which looks suspiciously familiar. Of course what will be most exciting for competitive gamers is the introduction of...
News Humble Nindie Bundle Adds Three New Games
Two for Wii U and one for 3DS
After a week the Humble Nindie Bundle has raised over $500,000 and sold more than 58,000 bundles; eShop gamers in the Americas have had the option of paying whatever they want for three games, or adding an extra five titles by paying just $10 - some have been voluntarily paying much more, of course. It's a first for...
News 3DS System Update 9.8.0-25 Launches With More Stability Than You Can Deal With
"You want stability? You can't handle the stability!"
A new system update has just gone live for the Nintendo 3DS, and - you've guessed it - it offers more stability. How much stability is too much stability? Who knows, but we doubt Nintendo has reached the limit just yet. Here's the official word from the Big N itself: Further improvements to...
Matters Of Import Fire Emblem (Sort Of) Exists On The Sony PlayStation
A look at Shouzou Kaga's forgotten classic
For various reasons we now live in an era where developers breaking away from their parent companies to make similar-but-different pseudo-sequels to dormant, dead, or defiled game series is now a relatively commonplace occurrence, with Koji Igarashi's Castlevania successor Bloodstained being the latest to...
News Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories Heading to Wii U This Winter
Promises nostalgia and a return to series roots
Natsume has opted to go early with an E3 reveal, confirming that Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories is coming to Wii U this Winter; oddly it's also coming to PC, Android and iOS, which is a diverse mix of platforms. Perhaps in response to criticism from some fans that the franchise has drifted away from...
Feature Humble Nindie Bundle - The Developer's Perspective
"I won't pretend I saw it coming, but it does make sense"
Humble Bundle is long established as a service that groups together games, eBooks and music into affordable packages, for which you pay what you want and determine how much money goes to the creators, Humble itself and a chosen charity. It's in gaming circles that it's best known, is hugely...
News Despite the Rumours, Nintendo NX Will Not be Android Based
Rumour shot down by Nintendo spokesman
It was only yesterday that brought a rumour of Nintendo's next console potentially using Google's Android OS, courtesy of Japanese business publication Nikkei. Unfortunately for lovers of Google's trendy OS, it appears this rumour is unsubstantiated. Speaking to The Wall Street
Review Little Ninja Brothers (Wii U eShop / NES)
Big trouble in little China
With origin characters Jacky and Lee a distant memory, Culture Brain's successor to Kung-Fu Heroes follows the adventure of two new upbeat ninjas named Jack and Ryu as they attempt to put a stop to the evil Blu Boltar and the Yoma Clan who have invaded Chinaland. Little Ninja Brothers – known as Super Chinese 2 in...
News New Mega Man TV Series Blasting Its Way to Screens in... 2017
Epic trolling, Capcom
2017 is the 30th Anniversary of the Mega Man franchise. Now, admittedly, the 25th Anniversary was a tad rubbish for those of us that like to play games - Capcom released figurines, USB sticks and tissue dispensers, but the only game we got was a free fan-game on PC. Oh, Capcom... Will 2017 finally bring the series back? We can...
Video Here's All Your Pre-E3 Nintendo Direct Video Content In One Handy Place
Moving images are fun!
Nintendo's final Direct broadcast before E3 was something of a surprise - we knew the Japanese event was happening but the Western Nintendo Direct Micro came out of nowhere. Still, when it delivered so much new-game goodness, it's hard to grumble about being blindsided - even if poor old Tom had to be shackled to his PC...
"We put the power into the hands of the consumer"
The Humble Nindie Bundle is the first of its kind, bringing the pay what you want model applied so effectively to other games and media into the console market. It was a surprising coup for the Nintendo eShop when announced, and has raised over half a million dollars in its first week - there are...
News No FIFA For Nintendo Fans This Year, States EA
Soccer action absent on Wii, Wii U or 3DS
Electronic Arts has confirmed that its best-selling FIFA series is skipping the Wii, Wii U and 3DS this year. Pocket Gamer got the scoop on the lack of a 3DS edition of the game, and EA's soccer series has famously been absent on the Wii U ever since FIFA 13 underperformed commercially. EA's official press...
Video Teaser Trailer Illuminates Forthcoming Wii U JRPG Project Light
Turn-based combat in a cyberpunk world
Indie developer Neko.Works has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming Wii U eShop JRPG, Project Light. Inspired by "mid '90s classics" such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VII and Secret of Mana, Project Light takes place in a cyberpunk-style city ruled over by an evil empire. The main protagonist teams...
News Xeodrifter Targeting 18th June Release in PAL Regions, Pricing Confirmed
That includes you Australia / New Zealand
Xeodrifter is a particularly intriguing 3DS eShop title from Renegade Kid. Due to some delays and struggles in 2014 the popular studio took a decision to turn around this passion project for 3DS in just five months, and the resulting Metroidvania retro-styled experience proved to be a critical success. It's...
News Art Academy: Home Studio Listing Suggests amiibo Support
Intriguing...
Art Academy: Home Studio - or Art Academy: Atelier in Europe - is shaping up to be an intriguing title and potentially the most impressive entry in the series to date. There'll be a bigger touch screen to work with than at any point before, and there'll be an option to upload videos to YouTube that show your creations coming together...
Video A Guide to Splatoon's New Weapon & Map
Zapper-de-doo-dah
In a surprisingly bold move Nintendo has already begun to drip-feed us new content for its acclaimed new shooter experience Splatoon, despite the game having been released less than a week ago. This takes the form of the new shooter-style weapon called the N-Zap '85 styled after the NES Zapper, and Port Mackerel, a new map for both...
Wednesday3rd Jun 2015
News LEGO Dimensions Vehicles Can be 'Rebuilt' With Three Variations
Actual toys coming to life?
LEGO Dimensions is certainly not what the creators of Skylanders and Disney Infinity want to see, and rather like Nintendo with amiibo it's been tempting to wonder why it took so long for the hugely popular brick-building franchise to step into the toys-to-life market. With some serious brand power in terms of...
Tuesday2nd Jun 2015
News Arc System Works Bringing Swords & Darkness And Ninja Usagimaru To The North American 3DS eShop
Full of Eastern promise?
Arc System Works has confirmed that it is bringing two of its 3DS eShop titles to the North American eShop on June 11th. Swords & Darkness launched in Japan a while back and is a side-scrolling 2D action RPG. Our resident import expert Kerry previewed it some time ago, and wasn't that impressed. Ninja Usagimaru – The...
News The Latest SteamWorld Ambassador Challenge Seeks Your Witty Social Media Ideas
#wittytagline
Image & Form has been running a series of SteamWorld Ambassador Challenges every two weeks, with lucky winners set to receive copies of SteamWorld Heist on all available platforms later this year. Contests so far have included designing hats for robots and thinking up witty one-liners, accommodating those with creative minds and...
News Bike Rider DX3 Is Rolling Out Transformers Crossover Content In Japan
Till all are one
Chari-Sou DX3: Time Rider - the latest entry in the series known as Bike Rider here in the West - is getting Transformers crossover content in its native Japan. The update will be available as DLC for 200 Yen, and will unlock various Transformers-related features in the popular 3DS eShop title. You'll be able to play as...
Monday1st Jun 2015
News Nintendo of America Unleashes a Nintendo Direct Micro With New Game Details
Release dates for some of the Japanese Nintendo Direct reveals
Over the weekend there was a Japanese Nintendo Direct that unveiled some exciting details, all of which is summarised right here. Nintendo of America has now release a neat 'Nintendo Direct Micro' with localised details on some of these reveals. Examples include Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure,...
Video Ever Wondered What Happens When A Splatoon Turf War Ends In A Tie?
Judd doesn't play fair
Splatoon launched last week and has already become something of a smash-hit with Nintendo fans. The game's Turf War mode is addictive online fun, with the goal being to cover as much of the map as possible in your team's ink. However, have you ever wondered what happens when the match is tied and neither team has an ink...
News Splatoon Ranked Battle Mode and First Free DLC Go Live Today
Or very early tomorrow, depending on your timezone
For Splatoon fans waiting for a little extra content to shake up the online action, today brings good news. Very soon there'll be an extra mode, map and gun available for extra ink splatting action. Included in today's Nintendo Direct Micro video, it's confirmed that the following will all arrive...
Gallery Let's Take A Look At The Incoming Splatoon Maps And Weapons
Squid seen with a Rapid Blaster Deco at Camp Triggerfish
Splatoon is out now and thrilling Wii U owners as we speak, but the game we're playing at the moment is a long way off being the finished article - Nintendo has plenty of other content planned, including new modes, maps and weapons. Thanks to the Prima official game guide to Splatoon, we can...
Nintendo Download 4th June (Europe)
Don't Starve, Lord of Magna, Big Brains, FullBlast and much more
Another week begins, which means European gamers have Nintendo Download Update details to peruse. This week's offerings include a critically acclaimed indie title on Wii U, a shmup, another DS Virtual Console release and a promising RPG on 3DS; in addition there are a huge number of...
News Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash and Its amiibo Confirmed for North America and Europe
Swinging onto 3DS
Over the weekend we saw a new Chibi-Robo announcement from Japan, including a rather cute amiibo. Pleasingly this is making its way around the world, with the title being given the name Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash in the West. The platformer looks set to be a retail release in North America, at least, as the amiibo (pictured above) will...
News LBX: Little Battlers eXperience Will Be Fighting It Out On 3DS This Year
Silly customisations ahoy!
Today's surprise Nintendo Direct Micro did more than just provide localisation details from the weekend's Japanese broadcast, but has confirmed another title on its way to the West. LBX: Little Battlers eXperience is hitting the 3DS in North America on 21st August this year, and is due in Europe in November. As the name...
News Minecraft Rival LEGO Worlds Released As Early-Access Download on Steam
Consoles will likely wait for a long time
Just last week rumours began to swirl about a LEGO rival to Minecraft, LEGO Worlds, which was spotted on a flyer included in a new set. The brick-building brand has been expanded even further in gaming recently, with LEGO Dimensions bringing it into the toys-to-life market on Wii U and a range of platforms;...
High scores, high tensions and high times
Patrick Scott Patterson is one of the most recognisable faces in video gaming fandom, and has appeared many times in various forms of media in order to celebrate our hobby and share his own personal love of the industry. Like so many hopefuls over the past weekend, Patterson took part in a Nintendo World...
News Splatoon Grabs Second Place in UK Chart Début
Biggest ever new IP launch on Wii U
Splatoon has just had its first big weekend on Wii U, with plenty of players hitting the online servers to splat the ground and each other with ink. It's a new IP that's had a fairly substantial marketing campaign, too, so the question has been whether all of that promotional activity would pay off at launch. We...
News K.K. Slider Hat and Outfit Confirmed as DLC for Super Smash Bros.
It's a dog's life
While Mario Kart 8 has provided two core packs of fairly substantial DLC, Super Smash Bros. has delivered a range of options with one new fighter so far - Mewtwo - and a batch of Mii Fighter outfits. When you add all of the Smash Bros. DLC together there's already a hefty selection, albeit the outfits are limited to specific...
News Nintendo Wants Metroid-Style Title Axiom Verge On One Of Its Systems
We don't mind which, personally
Axiom Verge is a fantastic Metroid-style action title which really belongs on a Nintendo system, and if former NoA employee Dan Adelman - who is in charge of PR for the game - is to be believed, it's only a matter of time. Speaking to Game Informer, Adelman was asked if Nintendo had been in touch about the game:...
Review Super E.D.F. Earth Defense Force (Wii U eShop / Super Nintendo)
All buck and no bang!
Its certainly no secret that the 16-bit era of gaming was a great time to be a shoot em' up fan. Not only were there a large number of titles released, there were also some of the best the genre ever had to offer on display. While the Sega Mega Drive and NEC PC Engine were the definitive hot spots to get your shooter fix, the...
Rumour Nintendo NX Could Use Google's Android Operating System
Bridging the gap between home and portable?
Nintendo's next console could use Google's Android OS, according to Japanese publication Nikkei. An editorial by Nikkei on Nintendo NX contains alleged "insider" knowledge which suggests that the Wii U's lack of third party support has impacted the approach Nintendo is taking to its next system. According...
News Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure Will Try to Make Us All Feel Better Soon
No need for Apple today
During the weekend's Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast a new Dr. Mario title was released for the 3DS; today's Nintendo Direct Micro has now brought the news that this title is pretty close to release in the West, too. Called Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure, it's getting released in North America and Europe
Review Mega Man Zero 4 (Wii U eShop / Game Boy Advance)
The battle for Neo Arcadia
After three enjoyable Mega Man Zero entries, Capcom just had to sneak in one more. Released extremely late into the Game Boy Advance's life - after the Nintendo DS had already been released, in fact - Mega Man Zero 4 is the final game in the series and mostly follows along with the previous three titles. Once again...
Rumour Skylanders Superchargers Details Leak, Features A Focus On Vehicles
Amazon spills the beans ahead of June 3rd reveal
The next game in the Skylanders series has a focus on vehicles, it has been revealed. Skylanders Superchargers is the name, and this time around you'll be able pilot amazing vehicles in order to stop the evil forces of Kaos. According to an Amazon listing - which has now been removed - the Starter...
Pre-show broadcasts also promised
Following the past weekend's Nintendo World Championship's qualifiers, Nintendo of America has used its quirky Nintendo Direct Micro and subsequent details to flesh out the final event that's taking place in LA on 14th June. For starters, the big event will be at 3pm Pacific time on 14th June, which is 6pm Eastern...
Book Review 33 1/3 - Koji Kondo's Super Mario Bros. Soundtrack
Going deep into the classics
The themes of Super Mario Bros. are such a prominent part of our culture that they're easily celebrated, but perhaps not so easy to truly appreciate. The tracks - especially the original Overworld/Ground Theme - pop up in so many places and are so readily playable in our heads that we can treat them as simpler and less...
News Art Academy: Home Studio Heading to North America as Wii U eShop Exclusive
$4 discount for SketchPad owners
It's been a while coming, but just recently we learned that Art Academy: Atelier is heading to Wii U in Europe on 26th June, this being the full home console retail entry in the series. It's now been confirmed in a Nintendo Direct Micro that'll it'll be called Art Academy: Home Studio in North America, and will...
News Splatoon Ranked Battles Creep Closer as the 'Splatometer' Fills
Server stress testing nearly done, then
Nintendo likes to make a game of everything, that's a key strength of the company. With Splatoon, our theory is that it's made a game of server stress testing, which perhaps explains the ongoing wait for the Ranked Battle mode - it was always expected, but is still slightly odd. Earlier this weekend Nintendo...
News Bravely Second End Layer is Heading to the West in 2016
The wait begins
Bravely Second End Layer has proven to be a success in Japan, and considering the highly respectable sales of its predecessor in the West it's little surprise that it's now confirmed for localisation. The Square Enix-published RPG had recently been trademarked in Europe, so this isn't particularly surprising news. Both Nintendo of...
News Unused Code In Super Smash Bros. For Wii U Suggests YouTube Upload Feature Was Planned
Could it be coming in the future?
One of Mario Kart 8's most amusing features was the ability to upload replays to YouTube so you can share your epic wins and dismal fails with the wider world. It would appear that there were similar plans for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, but the feature was cut prior to launch. Evidence of the cut was found by a...
Video Footage From Nintendo World Championships 2015 Qualifiers Starts To Trickle Through
Did you go along and try your hand?
The Nintendo World Championships 2015 qualifiers took place recently, and we're already starting to see footage appear online which gives a flavour of these events. The qualifiers all happened May 30th at eight different locations up and down North America. The top scorer from each event is going ahead to the...
