News Prototype SNES PlayStation Found In The Wild, Unicorn And Big Foot Expected Next
Update: Video of console now live
News Super Smash Bros. Is Getting A Massive Update On July 31st
Tourneys! YouTube uploads! New stages! King K. Rool Mii costume!
"We've lost trust, and we were left with nothing but reputation"
Rumour Nintendo NX Won't Be As Powerful As PlayStation 4
Nintendo not interested in playing the power game?
News Nintendo President Satoru Iwata Passes Away Aged 55
Thank you for everything, Iwata-san
News - July, 2015
Friday31st Jul 2015
News Super Smash Bros. Version 1.1.0 Update is Now Live
Tourneys, YouTube uploads and new DLC
Earlier this week we shared the exciting news around the major Super Smash Bros. update, due on both the Wii U and 3DS versions. Set for 31st July (which it is at the time of writing in Europe and Japan, for example) it's now gone live in both versions of the game. It's a fairly meaty update, taking over five...
Guide How to Get the Most Out of Super Smash Bros. Tourneys
The good, the bad and the fun
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U now has online Tourneys. Ever since the feature was announced during the '50 things' Nintendo Direct prior to the game's release, it's had some fans dreaming of competitive online battles. Now that the feature is here we can see whether it delivers on that promise; as with so many things,...
News Splatoon's Next North American Splatfest is Detailed
Let's be frank, we always want s'more
For whom does the Sacred Fax Machine dial-in, Splatoon fans? It dials in for thee, North Americans! The orders have descended for the next Splatfest, starting 7th August at 9 p.m. PST and running a full 24 hours. Squids are asked to take sides this time on what they prefer to roast over a campfire: the mystery...
"Turnaround will happen after first smartphone game"
Earlier this week Nintendo unveiled its Q1 financial results, which matched the company's modest targets and brought a welcome profit. Following those results share prices have shown a positive spike upwards, passing 22,000 Yen. Bloomberg has consulted some financial and industry analysts, who've...
Guide Surviving the New Miiverse Update
Into the wild green yonder
The most recent Miiverse update has met with mixed responses; some feel it's a marked improvement, others are reacting as though it's the spawn of something horrendous. For better or for worse, this new layout is here to stay. The new features may take some getting used to, but in order to speed up this process we've...
Video Classic N64 Stages Make a Triumphant Return in Super Smash Bros.
Two castles, two princesses
Amidst all the new Mii Fighter costumes and the revamped Tourney mode, it's easy to miss the fact that two classic stages have returned in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & Nintendo 3DS; namely Hyrule Castle and Peach's Castle which both herald form the original N64 game. We've thrown together some footage of these 'new'...
News Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plates Spotted in the Wild
Heading to Japan on 17th September
In the absence of a main-series entry this year, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is the IP's main release on the 3DS. Though it's due by the end of the year in North America and early next year in Europe, its arrival in Japan is much closer - it hits the country on 17th September. It's now been confirmed that some...
News Terraria Is Coming To The 3DS And Wii U, But Not Until Next Year
Retail release happening via 505 Games
We all knew it was going to happen, but it has finally been confirmed - Terraria is coming to Nintendo platforms. Re-Logic's 2D platforming sandbox title will be getting a retail release on both the 3DS and Wii U, with both versions offering touch-screen support which should make the Minecraft-style world...
News Range Blaster And Inkbrush Nouveau Coming To Splatoon Tomorrow
Or tonight, if you're in North America
Two more weapons are coming to Splatoon tomorrow (tonight in North America), giving players even more options when it comes to deciding on their perfect load-out. The Range Blaster and Inkbrush Nouveau are the weapons in question. They're not entirely new weapons but variations on already-available armaments...
News Super Smash Bros. Evo 2015 Champ ZeRo Is Joining Team SoloMid
"I had a lot of very interesting offers from a wide selection of teams"
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U champ Gonzalo "ZeRo" Barrios has been signed to eSports organisation Team SoloMid, it has been confirmed today. The Chilean player has a winning streak of 39 tournaments and recently emerged victorious at this year's EVO event. He was previously...
Play Beat Each Other Up in the Nintendo Life Super Smash Bros. Tourneys
Settle it in Smash
Update: As of 11:30am Pacific / 2:30pm Eastern / 7:30pm UK / 8:30pm CET on 1st August, there are still some places available in our NL For Glory 01 and #FANFIGHTER01AUG Tourneys, with details below. Sorry, NLife For Fun 01 is full up! Original Article: The big Super Smash Bros. version 1.1.0 update is here, and in addition to...
News Fire Emblem Meets Front Mission In Galaxy Robo, A Freshly Fan-Translated SNES RPG
Robot rock
Not a week seems to pass without another Super Famicom RPG getting translated by devoted fans, and this particular week it's the turn of Copya Systems' Galaxy Robo, a turn-based strategy title that was published in Japan by Imagineer in 1994. Playing like a cross between Fire Emblem and Square's Front Mission, Galaxy Robo has been...
News Gunslugs 2 is Bringing Some Pixel Shooting Mayhem to the 3DS eShop
Shoot all of the things
It can seem like most new eShop game announcements are for the Wii U, which is certainly the case. Thankfully promising new download games for Nintendo's portable do come along occasionally, and Gunslugs 2 certainly fits the bill. It's being published by Engine Software, which is experienced in working on the 3DS, and was...
News Final Fantasy Explorers Will be Playable at Gamescom
You'll need to venture to Hall 9
Gamescom is statistically the biggest gaming expo in the world, attracting enormous crowds and stuffing itself into many, many halls. There'll be plenty for attendees to do next weekend, and now 3DS fans have an extra stop for their itinerary. Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy Explorers will be playable...
News Brave Tank Hero Rolling Onto The 3DS eShop On August 11th
Wii U eShop version to follow "in the coming weeks"
Natsume has confirmed that it is releasing the 3DS version of Arc System Works' Brave Tank Hero on August 11th in North America. The game is also coming to the Wii U eShop, and will launch on that platform in a few weeks. Here's some information on the game, direct from Natsume itself: It's up...
News Puzzle Platformer Hue Bringing Some Much-Needed Colour To The Wii U eShop Next Year
Colour me excited
UK publisher Curve Digital has confirmed that it is bringing indie title Hue to consoles early next year. A unique puzzle platformer which allows you to shift the colour of the level to overcome traps and hazards, Hue has already gained a lot of attention on the indie dev circuit. Here's what Fiddlesticks Creative Director Henry...
News Kung Fu FIGHT! Will Exchange Blows With the Wii U eShop Next Week
The second release from Nostatic Software
Though Nostatic Software is a studio with quite a few games in its release history, it's new to Nintendo hardware. Just recently it published a compilation of small games as The Quiet Collection on the Wii U eShop in North America, which we gave a recommendation in our review. The studio is wasting no time...
News Astral Breakers Is Bringing Old-School Puzzle Action To The Wii U eShop Next Week
It's in the stars
Those of you who have enjoyed playing the likes of Tetris, Columns or Puzzle Bobble against another human opponent will know that this sort of competitive play offers a buzz that few other genres can match - and developer Intropy Games is of the opinion that we don't see enough of this kind of action puzzler these days. Therefore,...
Thursday30th Jul 2015
Review Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight (3DS)
A Knight to Remember
Atlus' evergreen Etrian Odyssey series got its start on the DS with a trilogy of excellent map-making adventures, and it's found similar success on Nintendo's newest handheld, with Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan and spinoffs Etrian Mystery Dungeon and Persona Q all right at home on the 3DS. Thanks to 2013's
News Nintendo Is Planning Its Own Loot Crate-Style Subscription Service
Limited to the UK for now, it would seem
MCV has reported that Nintendo is planning its own "Loot Crate" subscription service, and will operate it via The Hut Group, which is in charge of the company's UK Online Store. The "N-Box" will contain toys, clothes and other merchandise, and will apparently adopt a 3, 6 and 12 month subscription plan. They...
Review The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Wii U eShop)
Gross. Gripping. Great.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has been a long time coming on Wii U, but it was worth the wait. With excellent enemy and boss variety along with a seemingly endless supply of pickups and items to help Isaac escape his mom's horrifying basement, the game constantly surprises players with something new. The only thing you'll see...
Nintendo Download 30th July (North America)
Three Kirby games, BADLAND, Xeodrifter, Flick Golf and more
It's time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week brings a fairly busy and diverse line-up. The Wii U is offering a triple-header of Kirby games, alongside a welcome port from Renegade Kid and a promising Game of the Year Edition. On 3DS we have a...
News Zombi Reveal Trailer Suggests That Wii U Gamers Need Not Be Too Jealous
Re-animated rather than brought to life
ZombiU was a standout game at the Wii U's launch, bringing some excellent horror to the system while utilising the GamePad to enhance the experience. It was a tad rough around the edges, like launch games often are, but nevertheless did a lot of good things. News of its impending re-release on PS4 and Xbox...
First Impressions Learning to Fly With Rodea the Sky Soldier
Winging It
Rodea the Sky Soldier has had quite a turbulent time in development. Originally announced in 2010 for the Wii, this character-driven flight action game from Sonic and NiGHTS into Dreams creator Yuji Naka looked set to soar, but ultimately never got off the runway. After years of radio silence, Rodea was cleared for takeoff as a rebuilt...
Video Splatoon Co-Director Tsubasa Sakaguchi Gets Grilled By Kids
Kids say the funniest things
Splatoon game director Tsubasa Sakaguchi isn't often available for interviews, so Family Gamer TV was understandably excited when he invited the families and children it works with to share their pressing questions. While we might want to know how he came up with the design for the game, or what the business drivers...
News Rare's Gregg Mayles Shows Off The Scribbled Origins Of Banjo-Kazooie
Work in progress
Banjo-Kazooie is one of Rare's most beloved properties, and while the series is now firmly entrenched on Microsoft hardware following the company's purchase of the famous British developer, Nintendo fans will always have a soft spot for the bear-and-bird duo thanks to the fact that they made their official début on the N64. Over...
News Team17 Is Publishing Yooka-Laylee And Wants To Produce A Physical Version
“There is a large demand for a physical game”
UK veteran Team17 is publishing Playtonic's Yooka-Laylee, it has been announced. The 3D platformer raised more than £2M via Kickstarter earlier this year, and is coming to the Wii U. Team17 will assist with localisation, certification, QA, marketing and other business concerns. Here's what...
News Final Fantasy Explorers is Journeying To The West Early Next Year
And we thought it had been forgotten about
Square Enix has confirmed that Monster Hunter-wannabe Final Fantasy Explorers is coming to the west next year. The company has released an announce trailer - shown below - which lists the release date as January 26th 2016. Given that Square had gone quiet on the title during most of 2015, many had assumed...
Gallery Facebook and Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker Hackathon Has Chosen Its Winner
Do you Like this tie-in?
Not too long ago Nintendo announced a promotional partnership with Facebook for Super Mario Maker. Beyond the PR-friendly Hackathon - in which Facebook employees designed levels, with the winner to be included in the game - it's a smart move, as potential marketing deals and promotion with Facebook will certainly be useful...
News Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson Bursts Out Onto European Shelves At The End Of August
North American launch "slightly later"
Tamsoft's Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is coming to Europe and Australia on August 27th, publisher Marvelous has revealed. The fighting game features plenty of improvements over its forerunner, including pair battles, better visuals, local and online co-op and an enhanced dressing room. The game is hitting...
Weirdness Coffee And Zelda Collide In This Mildly Disturbing Video
Hot coffee
Have you ever wanted to grind your own coffee at home? Well YouTuber Matt Lees probably isn't the guy to ask about it, despite the title of one of his latest videos. We don't want to spoil anything for you, so it might just be best to watch the video below for yourself and express your bewilderment in the comments section below. Yes,...
Gallery Check Out These Fresh Adventure Time: Finn And Jake Investigations Screens
Mathematical!
Adventure Time: Finn And Jake Investigations is the latest video game to be based on the exploits of the boy-and-dog combo, and is coming to Wii U and 3DS in October. We've been given some new screenshots taken from the forthcoming release, which is different from previous Adventure Time titles in that it adopts a story-driven,...
Weirdness The Previously Untold True Story Behind Rusty Pup Developer Gory Detail
(Disclaimer: May not actually be true)
Gory Detail is the studio founded by former Rare developers Christopher "Conker" Seavor and Shawn Pile, and the pair are currently hard at work on The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup, which is coming to both Wii U and 3DS. Those of you already familiar with Seavor's work will know he likes a good laugh - and the...
News Nintendo UK Launches 'Friendship Fiesta Concert Hall Contest' in Tomodachi Life
Shaky-cam submissions ahoy!
In recent times Nintendo UK has been putting a lot of effort into giving Tomodachi Life a second wind on the 3DS. A commercial success in the West last year, it's certainly one of those 'evergreen' titles that continually shifts copies as the months drift by. The subsidiary is now ramping up its efforts with a contest...
News New Politics, Fall Out Boy and More Get Into the Game for West End Kids Music Video
A cool Konami code extra is also up for grabs
Occasionally we see tributes to gaming from the famous or near-famous, with musicians being no exception. Plenty of current-day entertainers have been heavily influenced by games and, occasionally, they like to make a point of showing that off. That seems to be the case with New Politics, a band that's...
Video Image & Form Talks Gamescom and Shows Off SteamWorld Heist on 3DS
Portable version will be playable at the expo
SteamWorld Heist is one of the biggest titles coming to the 3DS eShop this year, and in fact was duking it out as joint leader Mighty No. 9 in a recent poll we ran. As announced during E3 it's coming to the portable first this Fall, too, so attention is shifting from the HD iteration (which will also...
News Nindies@Home Promotion Arrives In Australia & New Zealand Tomorrow
Better late than never
The Nindies@Home Wii U eShop promotion arrived in North America and Europe last month, but was noticeably absent in Australia and New Zealand on launch day due to local classification laws. Nintendo Australia released the following statement via Facebook explaining it was at the time working with developers to make the...
Wednesday29th Jul 2015
News Super Smash Bros. Is Getting A Massive Update On July 31st
Tourneys! YouTube uploads! New stages! King K. Rool Mii costume!
Nintendo has confirmed that Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS will be getting a significant update at the end of this month. The much-hyped Tourney mode will be landing on the Wii U, along with YouTube replay uploads. Tourneys are divided into two categories: Community Tourneys which...
Feature Hands On With The Spooktacular Luigi's Mansion Arcade
Don't cross the streams
Deep in the dimly lit bowels of Japanese arcades lurks a surprisingly wonderful new first person shooter (sucker?) with an unlikely arcade hero. It's not surprising that Luigi is running the show this time around. After all he's saved Mario from the notorious King Boo on two separate occasions at this point. The surprise...
News The Legend of Zelda on Wii U Still Has a TBC Release Date, Project Guard is Still a Thing
Project Giant Robot also given a TBD date
Alongside the main document that announces Nintendo's latest financial results, there's also typically a 'Supplementary Information' document; it's as exciting as it sounds, but does occasionally have snippets of interesting information. Mostly this revolves around the upcoming games list, which provide the...
News Wii U Squeezes Past 10 Million Lifetime Sales as Nintendo Remains on Target With Profits
Splatoon "contributed to vitalizing the Wii U platform"
Nintendo has today revealed its financial results for Q1 of the 2015 / 2016 year, with the three months reported representing a relatively quiet spell in terms of major software arrivals. With that said, the results bring profits, and notably Nintendo is sticking with its original projections...
Review Xeodrifter (Wii U eShop)
Muddvania
Renegade Kid has shown Nintendo a lot of support in the form of nicely crafted downloadable titles for the 3DS, including its the retro-styled Mutant Mudds and Metroid-esque adventure Xeodrifter. Like Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter has made its way to the Wii U eShop, and like Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter is a very good game - if you don't mind...
News Muramasa: The Demon Blade And Trauma Team Hitting The Japanese Wii U eShop Next Month
Classic Wii titles inbound
Nintendo has revealed that two fan-favourite Wii titles will be coming to the Wii U eShop next month. Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Atlus' Trauma Team (known as Hospital: 6 Doctors in Japan) are the titles in question, and will launch on August 19th for 2,700 Yen each. "Muramasa: The Demon Blade and games...
News The Miiverse Redesign Has Gone Live
Up and running on Wii U, 3DS and web browsers
As promised, Nintendo has launched its Miiverse redesign, which is structured to re-shape the platform back into a game-centric social network. It's changed how our posts are categorised, and a 30 post a day rule - which doesn't include all in-game posts - is certainly the most controversial move,...
Video This Japanese Super Mario Maker Overview Is Surprisingly Well-Constructed
Game details and amiibo footage, it's all here
It's not long until Super Mario Maker graces Wii U systems all over the world, and our own personal interest surrounding this intriguing DIY title grows with each snippet of fresh news. Today's interesting titbit is a new video from Nintendo of Japan which shows off the game's mechanics in a...
News CIRCLE Entertainment Highlights Early Sales Figures and Success for Mercenaries Saga 2
Encouraging early results
Mercenaries Saga 2: Order of the Silver Eagle is just one of various CIRCLE Entertainment releases on the 3DS this year, but the relatively recent arrival certainly has some appeal. Visually it draws comparisons to Final Fantasy T
Video Catch Up With Extensive Monster Hunter X (Cross) Details From Famitsu
So, yeah, #MHXForTheWest
For Monster Hunter fans there can never be enough of a good thing, which Capcom seems to know with its monthly deliveries of DLC. Of course gamers in the West don't get all of the spin-offs and variations that grace Japan - we're hoping that Monster Hunter X (Cross) will buck that trend. With a renewed action focus and...
News 3DS Software Is Getting Patched To Work With The New NFC Reader/Writer Accessory
Amiibo at the ready
Nintendo is launching its NFC Reader/Writer accessory for the non-New models of the 3DS family this Thursday in Japan, and as a result many NFC-compatible games are getting updated so that they support the amiibo-granting dongle. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., Fire Emblem If (or Fates, if you prefer), Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy...
News First 4 Figures Aims to Slash Your Bank Balance With This Meta Knight Statue
Pay extra for LEDs
We have an interesting relationship with First 4 Figures here; we admire the company's figurines / statues, but as they typically cost the same as a full game console we don't often convert that admiration into a purchase. Sure, it's tempting, with various Legend of Zelda, Mega Man and Kirby figures, among others, trying to lure...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X Will Be Playable at Gamescom Next Week
Ich fühle es wirklich!
Gamescom opens up next week, the biggest game-related expo and trade show in Europe. The doors open to trade visitors on 5th August but the public crowds arrive on 9th August, with hundreds of thousands of gamers arriving in Cologne for the event. Nintendo of Europe is a strong supporter of Gamescom, and has a treat in store...
News Yo-Kai Watch Busters and 3DS Continue to Rule in Japan
The Wii U holds steady, too
It's Wednesday, which means we cast our eyes over to the Japanese market to see the movers and shakers, and those titles that simply refuse to go away. It's another decent week from Nintendo's perspective, overall, despite a lack of major releases. Starting with software, Level-5 continues to have cash fights and all-day...
Plus Marty McFly taking it to eleven
Lego Dimensions aims to combine Skylanders-style NFC toys with a full video game adventure, and Warner Bros. has just released a story trailer which hints at the kind of action you'll be enjoying when the game launches later this year. The trailer features the game's primary antagonist, Lord Vortech, and shows...
News High-Speed Action Platformer Spark The Electric Jester Seeking Support On Kickstarter
Inspired by classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man X
Modern games inspired by classic 16-bit titles from the 90s are all the rage as of late. With the release of Freedom Planet for the Wii U eShop just around the corner, it appears a new game of a similar variety, titled – Spark the electric jester – is next in line for a potential...
Event Movies, Mirth And Mario Kart Mastery At The First Nintendo Life Gaming Night
Hosted at the Centre for Computing History, Cambridge
As you'll no doubt be aware, here at Nintendo Life we've got a real soft spot for vintage gaming. Keeping this in mind, our recent event at the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge, England was something of an eye-opener. Our relationship with the museum itself goes back some time - thanks...
News ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon Dimension! Dated for Europe, Aims to Draw You In With a Discount
Fully updated with improvements from NA launch version
There have been a number of Nintendo Web Framework releases on the Wii U eShop that haven't made it to Europe, for a host of reasons. One that is making the transition - however - is ZaciSa's Last Stand, though as announced earlier in the year it'll be called ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon...
Tuesday28th Jul 2015
News Dragon Quest XI Is Coming To The Nintendo 3DS And Nintendo NX
Dragon Quest X also confirmed for NX
Square Enix has confirmed that the next entry in the best-selling Dragon Quest series is coming to the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo NX. The news was delivered at an ongoing special event in Japan. The Nintendo versions will be joined by a version for the Sony PS4. The game's full title is Dragon Quest XI: In...
News Mattel Is Releasing Mario Themed Hot Wheels Racers
Lead the way
As of late, Nintendo has been collaborating with a wide variety of companies to help increase its brand exposure. Just last week, for example, it announced a special partnership with social media giant, Facebook, to promote the upcoming Wii U title, Super Mario Maker. This week, news has surfaced via Brazillian toy site T-Hunted, that...
Feature The Biggest 3DS eShop Games of 2015 - Summer Edition
Gaming on the go
It's the Summer - though it's overcast and raining outside this writer's window at the time of writing - and we've published articles pointing out some of the biggest and best games coming to the Wii U, Wii U eShop and the Nintendo 3DS. Now, after an intolerab
News Splatoon's Big Update Will Also Include New Music, Have a Listen
Dat piano riff
Exciting times are ahead for Splatoon fans, with its next big update coming on 6th August. It'll include a whole load of new outfits, new 'Slosher' weapons, a new level cap (50), Squad Battles and also Private Battles. Plenty to come, then, though a new music track is also on the way. Posted on the
News Nintendo of America is Bringing Three 'Classic Kirby Games' to the Wii U eShop This Week
Celebrating the pink one's birthday
Pretty soon Kirby will turn 23 in the West, and Nintendo of America has announced that the mascot will have a a few classics on the Wii U eShop this week to celebrate. The download update is on 30th July, a couple of days before the 23rd Anniversary of Kirby's Dream Land being released in North America. As you...
News Nintendo NX Might Be The First Social VR Platform, Claims Analyst Firm Digi-Capital
Virtual insanity?
It's no secret that the Virtual Boy - which recently had it's 20 year anniversary - wasn't the greatest success for Nintendo. Launched in 1995 to almost complete consumer apathy in North America, it bypassed Europe entirely and was discontinued the following year. Could this negative experience in launching a VR product have put...
Livin' large
"Fat City" is the colloquial name for a well-to-do section of New Orleans, and became the primary inspiration for the idiom "being in fat city," a phrase that unsurprisingly means to be doing well. Fat City is now also the name of an action-puzzler on the Wii U eShop by Heavy Iron Studios (which has a record for work-for-hire Disney...
Video This Trailer For Super Mario Maker Is Rather Nostalgic
Remember your favourite Mario moments in new ways
Since the initial reveal of Super Mario Maker, Nintendo has been hard at work promoting the Wii U title's upcoming release. We've already seen the game in action on a competitive level at this year's Nintendo World Championships, held during E3, and just recently, the Kyoto-based company announced it...
"I want to get the tone, the mood, the mystical elements right"
Marked by dreamlike brushstrokes and an uncanny mind for fan service, Orioto's artwork is the type to stick with you after you've seen it. For years, this Paris-based digital artist has created moving portraits of a who's-who in the fictional gaming sphere: Link, Ryu, Sonic, and many...
News Freedom Planet is Speeding Onto the Wii U Soon
Retro Sonic fans, get ready
Update: Well, we said these Nintendo website listings aren't 100% right. Freedom Planet's developer has tweeted that the game will actually come after the RTX convention (which is 7th-9th August) as development has taken longer than expected. Thanks to Grumblevolcano for the heads up in the comments. Original Article:...
News The Legend of Legacy is Coming to Europe... in Winter 2016
NIS America believes in providing plenty of notice
The Legend of Legacy is another promising RPG on the way to the 3DS in the West. It's due in North America towards the end of this year, and we were left with high hopes after going hands on during E3. But what about Europe? The good news is that NIS America is picking it up for the region - Atlus...
News Suda51 Isn't Done With No More Heroes and Travis Touchdown
More No More Heroes please
Were you a fan of Travis Touchdown's beam katana slashing action in No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle on the Wii? Both titles were interesting arrives on the system, with their adult humour and different censorship per region - the blood was edited out of the first game in Europe, for example. Series...
Video Enjoy the Glitchy Glory of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric in This Summer Games Done Quick Speedrun
Don't forget to tune in all this week
As per the reminder we gave at the weekend, Summer Games Done Quick is currently providing round-the-clock entertainment with speedruns and competitions, covering classic games both old and relatively new. At the time of writing it's already raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Doctors Without...
Video We Tackle Crazy 9-Player Wii U Fun in Chompy Chomp Chomp Party
We ask about the plot too, because why not?
Just recently we held our Nintendo Life Gaming Night in Cambridge (England), in which lots of responsible adults (mostly) gathered to play all sorts of delightful games, both retro and brand new. We had a couple of Nindies at the event, and we've previously shared our video interview for the F-Zero-ish...
Monday27th Jul 2015
'Special' amiibo cards for character's houses not otherwise accessible
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is arriving in Europe on 2nd October, and the region's subsidiary has now confirmed release details of various bundles and packs that'll give all 3DS owners a chance to get hold of the game and some amiibo cards. The cards themselves are...
News Splatoon's Big Update is Coming on 6th August
Private lobbies, tag team matches and more
Update: Nintendo as issued a press release which gives a few more details. The following will all be included in this update: Squad Battle - Set up in your own teams with friends in Ranked Battles Private Battle - Set up your own custom rooms with any team combinations up to 8 players, with options for...
Editorial Super Smash Bros. Should be Integral to Nintendo's NX Future
Tom Whitehead attended a fighting tournament and had his eyes opened
As I'm somewhat reliant on Nintendo success to put food on the table and amiibo on the shelf - the clue's in the site's name - I sometimes ponder and get genuinely concerned about the company. I think Nintendo will be 'fine', courtesy of its talented staff and billions of dollars...
News This Plate & Watch New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate is Hard to Resist
The clock/alarm/timer/thermometer cover plate you never knew you wanted
It was only a matter of time before entrepreneurial third parties started making their own creative New Nintendo 3DS cover plates, and this is a beauty. Taking inspiration from Nintendo's classic series of Game & Watch devices, the Retro Plate & Watch actually looks...
Nintendo Download 30th July (Europe)
Badland, Legend of Kay, Flick Golf, Hello Kitty themes (?!) and more
Another week begins with the Nintendo Download Update details in Europe. This week brings a couple much anticipated Wii U releases, a smartphone smash hit, more welcome puzzles and various discount options. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition...
News Mario Kart 8 Soundtrack CD Club Nintendo Reward Powerslides Into View
The perfect driving accompaniment
Club Nintendo might be about to close soon in Europe (it's already finished in North America), but in the meantime Nintendo is still being generous with the goodies on offer for dedicated Stars collectors in the region. For only 3000 Stars in Europe (2000 in Australia) you can now grab the Mario Kart 8 Original...
Video Pokémon Gold & Silver Glitches Deliver Celebi Magic
And some weird stuff
The A+Start YouTube channel specialises in showing off fun game glitches, both practical and otherwise, and its latest video is sure to be worth a watch for Pokémon fans. It tackles Pokémon Gold & Silver, and in particular the lengthy method for obtaining one of the rarest 'mon in the games. We're talking about Celebi,...
Review The Quiet Collection (Wii U eShop)
Shh...
If you've ever gone digging through old diskettes (or, like some reviewers, are kind of old yourself), you might have come across some pixelated shareware adventures from the '90s. The Quiet Collection has four little games that feel like a love letter to these old-school distractions, in ways that are both fun and potentially frustrating...
News This Lovely Mario New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate May Be The Rarest Edition
No, you can't have all the nice things
It feels necessary, with every post about New Nintendo 3DS cover plates, to open with an apology to rightfully disgruntled North American gamers. Please understand, we can't help liking them, and in this case it's likely none of us in PAL regions will get this particular edition either. That's because this...
Video We Get To Grips With F-Zero Inspired New Nintendo 3DS Racer Lifespeed
Or is it more like Star Fox?
We had a blast at the Nintendo Life Gaming Night this weekend, and we're looking forward to sharing the highlights of the evening in a video soon for all those who couldn't make it. We were lucky enough to have two indie developers exhibit at our event, and resident YouTube superstar Alex interviewed both of them so...
Review I Love My Dogs (3DS eShop)
A Man's Bog-Standard Friend
Pet simulators have certainly come a long way since the days of Tamagotchi. Where once we raised an LCD dinosaur on a screen the size of a digital watch, now we're treated to 3D renditions of cute, fluffy puppies and kittens, so realistically rendered you half expect them to leap from the screen and naively urinate on...
News PewDiePie Fans May Recognise "Coolest Puzzle Game Ever" Dreii, Which Is Coming To Wii U Soon
Connecting people with cross-platform multiplayer
You'd be forgiven for having not heard about indie game Drei yet, but we hate to break it to you - it's kind of a big deal. YouTube megastar PewDiePie declared it the "coolest puzzle game ever", so there you go! A new version of of the award-winning puzzler by the marginally longer name of Dreii...
"I believe it's going to take shooters to the next level"
Devil's Third is now roughly one month from release in PAL territories, with its Japanese release also coming in August. It's been a source of plenty of debate, with various early previews being critical of the title, yet there's naturally hype and excitement around the action experience...
Video Chill Out With This Acoustic Arrangement of the Yoshi's Woolly World Main Theme
Another charming musical channel on YouTube
As we've written many, many times before, there's a rich culture of celebrating Nintendo and its games around the web. With artwork, animations and music all part of the mix online, a reader of ours (thanks Mo) pointed us to The Team Players, a channel that focuses on acoustic arrangements of memorable...
News Promising Platformer Mekazoo Adds Local Co-Op Multiplayer
Due in Q1 2016
Though we always have to wait for games to arrive before judging whether they live up to their potential, some download titles are obvious examples of a dedicated team striving to produce a high quality game. In an era when concept games of questionable quality and value flood the eShop, projects with more love and care given to them...
Sunday26th Jul 2015
News Awesome New Nendoroids are Unveiled at Wonder Festival 2015
Kirby, Marth, Mega Man and an all new Link
Summer Wonder Festival 2015 is currently taking place in Chiba, Japan - showcasing the many up and coming toys, figures and models that will leave our wallets looking a little desolate, and boy are there plenty of Nintendo figures on the way that will do just that. We can't get enough of Nendoroids, and...
Poll Where Do You Stand on Miiverse and Its Planned Changes?
Assessing opinion 2.5 years after its original launch
Miiverse, Nintendo's bespoke social network service, will undergo a major redesign on 29th July. It's easy to forget that the service is only a little over two and a half years old, having arrived with the Nintendo Network ID upon the launch of the Wii U. NNIDs and Miiverse are familiar now, but...
News Limitations on Console Manufacturing and Sales Lifted in China
Once again there's talk of money to be made
In 2013 it was announced that China would, very slowly, lift its ban on video game consoles. Implemented in early 2014, the process was exceptionally stringent, limiting manufacturing and distribution to the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Though stock prices of major game companies had a bump...
Review Epic Word Search Collection (3DS eShop)
Searching for Simpsons, Sausages, Slayer and Skateboarding
The word "epic" sure gets thrown around a lot these days. The vast cosmos is epic, the unfathomable depths of the ocean are epic, but so is this sandwich I just ate, you guys! SO EPIC! Perhaps some of the meaning has been lost, but even the crankiest purists would have to admit that Epic...
Saturday25th Jul 2015
Project Cars is one of the last to bite the dust
A few years from now the Wii U will have surely become 'last gen', following the Wii in having occasional Just Dance titles and being available at throwaway prices for those curious about the system. An excellent console it is too, with a retail library full of absolute gems and an eShop that's...
News Crunchyroll Wii U App Can Now Be Used Without A Subscription
Exciting news for anime lovers
Upon its arrival, the Crunchyroll Wii U application was a welcome addition to Nintendo’s digital library of offerings. The one setback was the fact users had to sign up to Crunchyroll’s premium service or use the trial period to watch their favourite anime on demand. As of today, a significant change has been...
Reminder Grab a Mythical Diancie in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire This Weekend
One time only
Announced a good while ago, a particularly tempting distribution has finally gone live in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. On this occasion everyone with one of these games can grab a Mythical Diancie, but only until 27th July; importantly, this is a 'mon that can't be found in the wild. It's the usual drill to get hold of...
Video Japanese Splatoon Advert Teases New Weapons, Gear, Map & Rainmaker Mode
Lock n' load with new paint bucket and mini-gun weapons
Since its release at the end of May, Nintendo’s third-person squid shooter, Splatoon, has received several updates enhancing the overall game experience – with new content arriving on a regular basis. It appears more free DLC is now on the way, with a new Japanese Splatoon trailer...
News Here's a Lowdown of the Pokémon Trainer N Nendoroid and Pre-Order Options
Team Plasma's leader has never looked so cute
We love Nendoroids here at Nintendo Life, especially when they're Nintendo themed. Earlier this year we reported on the latest Pokémon Nendoroid (Champion Cynthia) going up for preorder. Now, another Challenger has approached - Pokémon Black & White's Trainer "N", who can be yours (for a small...
Review KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker (Wii U eShop)
Weak Beats
Keytari: 8-Bit Music Maker seems to be an interesting entry in the eShop for anyone who's ever grooved along to the chiptunes that played during NES games. After hearing music from Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man for decades, Keytari tries to put the tools in your hand to make your own. Unfortunately, its limited capabilities turn it into...
News Nintendo TVii Service Ends In North America On 11th August
That's all folks!
After never releasing in Europe, and being officially cancelled for the region earlier this year, the Nintendo TVii service will now close its doors in North America on 11th August after almost three years of activity. At the same time, Nintendo will also end the TVii Miiverse community. Take a look at the official Miiverse...
Review Santa Factory (Wii U eShop)
Ho ho ho? More like no no no
XINESS Games' Santa Factory isn't likely to inspire much confidence in players over the age of five. It's clearly aimed at very small children, featuring extremely simple platforming mechanics and some light edutainment elements after each level. That being said, it's not fair to write it off for its target demographic...
Video Camp Triggerfish is Splatoon's Newest Map, See It in the Flesh
But no one's serving up imitation gruel
We're treated yet again to a brand new map to try and out-splat our foes: this time it's the long-awaited Camp Triggerfish that's been teased for far longer than the game's been on shelves. Camp Triggerfish is a symmetrical but strangely portion map that allows you to easily infiltrate your enemy's spawn at...
Nintendo Life Weekly Nintendo & Facebook Partner Up for Super Mario Maker
Make Mario With Us
If you've ever found yourself unable to keep up with all the hustle and bustle in the world of Nintendo you can find yourself in some pretty sticky situations; that's why we've once again compiled all the biggest and best news, reviews, and releases into one easy video. This week we look at the surprise partnership between...
Friday24th Jul 2015
Review 3D Streets of Rage 2 (3DS eShop)
Grand Upper
There was a time when playground arguments didn't revolve around resolutions, framerates or what PewDiePie's favourite toast topping is. In the early '90s it was simple; which is the best: Final Fight or Streets of Rage? Final Fight was, for a time, exclusive to Nintendo and jealous Mega Drive owners glared with envy at their smug...
News Nintendo Quality Of Life Patent Applications Appear Online
A possible glimpse of Nintendo NX?
An eagle-eyed NeoGAF user has noticed that some Nintendo patent applications were recently published, and they make for quite fascinating reading as they are related to the mysterious QOL (Quality Of Life) project. We know that an early project in this new range of products will be a sleep sensor, but beyond that...
"We worried that they're still sleeping and eating!"
Splatoon co-director Tsubasa Sakaguchi has revealed to Eurogamer that he and the rest of the team were surprised at how quickly players reached the game's level cap. As you'll be aware if you've already played Nintendo's excellent online shooter, Splatoon features an experience point system...
Video The Original Starter Pokémon Look Simply Unreal On This Game Engine
Watch Charmander breathe fire & run along sprawling green fields
It wasn’t long ago we were teased with a video of Nintendo’s iconic Italian plumber in action on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4. Showing Mario across a range of high-res environments, it was a stunning display that perhaps envisioned what a future Mario title would be like from a...
Weirdness Super Mario Bros. 3 is Rather Creepy With "The Plumber's Dream" Theory
The hills have eyes
Super Mario Bros. 3 is an undoubted classic, and one of the finest platformers of all time. At times bizarre, always great to play, it's a testament to what could be achieved on the 8-bit NES. Naturally it's an enduring topic for gamers of all types, and some like to really dive into the meaning of the colourful and bonkers...
Weirdness Here's What An All-Human Star Fox Team Looks Like
Don't worry, Slippy's here!
We've seen some cool cosplay ourselves recently, but nothing prepared us for the awesomeness of seeing the Star Fox team reimagined in human form. The cosplayers known as York In A Box have been busy barrel rolling ahead of the release of Star Fox Zero on Wii U. In the photos below you can see Chri
Reminder Amazon-Exclusive Palutena amiibo Orders Open Today in North America
2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern
Whether you're an amiibo collector going for the full set or a Kid Icarus fan in North America with a bit of spare cash, you'll need to get yourself to your Amazon account today. As announced earlier this week, Amazon is running a timed order window to give eager fans the best chance of getting hold of the Palutena amiibo,...
News Super Smash Bros. Battles Its Way Into US Top 10 for the First Half of 2015
The only game on Nintendo systems among NPD elite
Sales results are often interesting, either for confirming expectations or defying them. Some information on the top selling games in the US for the first six months of the year - based on physical retail sales via NPD - are worth a look then, even if there's only one Nintendo title in the top 10...
News Vote For The Next Character To Appear In Disney Infinity
Twenty fan-favourites to select from
Before LEGO Dimensions and amiibo came along, the toys-to-life category was predominantly occupied by Skylanders and Disney Infinity. With both of these series evolving at a rapid rate over the past number of years; it appears Disney has raised the stakes once again, with news fans will be able to vote for a...
News Japanese Retailer Highlights Stock Issues With Animal Crossing amiibo Cards
Play-Asia is taking pre-orders, though...
Slowly and surely, the stock scenario with amiibo has become a little better. Through a combination of Nintendo churning out stock and retailers trying to help fans, more of the figures have been up for grabs. It's still difficult for hardcore collectors, of course, but there have been signs of progress...
News Splatoon's Camp Triggerfish Map Opens For Business Tomorrow
Happy camper
Nintendo has confirmed via its Facebook page that the Camp Triggerfish map will go live tomorrow morning in the UK. This new map has a tribal feel which sets it apart from the levels we've seen so far - it's like a wooden assault course, complete with squid-like totem poles. The stage is unique in that it features floodgates which - in...
News Here's What The Mario & Sonic Rio 2016 Olympics Arcade Game Looks Like
Arriving Spring 2016 in Japan
We recently reported on the fact that Sega is releasing an arcade variant of its forthcoming Wii U and 3DS title Mario & Sonic at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The Japanese firm has now published an image of the cabinet, as well as an official site. The game is scheduled for release next Spring in Japan, and one w
News Nintendo's Official UK Store Promises More amiibo Stock Today
Details on which figures are being restocked inside
Update: We asked Nintendo UK for comment on which figures will be restocked, and the following are expected between 15:45 and 16:00 UK time: PAC-MAN No.35 amiibo Ness No.34 amiibo Lucina No.31 amiibo Robin No.30 amiibo Olimar No.44 amiibo Marth No. 12 Ike No.24 amiibo Toad amiibo (Super Mario...
News The Miiverse Redesign Will Go Live on 29th July
Batten down the hatches
There have been hundreds - probably thousands - of comments complaining, but the Miiverse redesign is coming regardless. On the one hand the new layouts look like a slick way to share screens and progress in games, but the comment limits and move away from supporting 'chat' isn't going down well with all fans of the platform...
News Elliot Quest For Wii U To Get Free Content Update
Miiverse features and additional content
We really liked 8-bit style RPG platformer Elliot Quest when we took it for a spin in our review. Anyone looking for a challenging, satisfying action adventure should give this game a look; it's also great showcase for what HTML5 can do. The developers at PlayEveryWare aren't finished with Elliot Quest,...
Reminder Summer Games Done Quick Kicks Off on 26th July
All the speedrunning you can want
Games Done Quick is one of the best known and most-loved speedrunning organisations. With two major events a year that raise plenty of money for charity, it gives us an excuse to watch extremely skilful gamers play a mix of old and relatively new games. It's taking place in St. Paul, Minneapolis this year, and...
Video Watch Splatoon Co-Director Tsubasa Sakaguchi Make Some Sushi
"Maybe in ten years I can start working here"
Our friends over at Eurogamer have posted an excellent in-depth interview with Splatoon co-director Tsubasa Sakaguchi, which we recommend you read right now. However, they've also posted a more light-hearted video in which Sakaguchi prepares some sushi. Because why not? He talk
Thursday23rd Jul 2015
Feature How to Track Down Nintendo's Original Kyoto Headquarters
A pilgrimage in Japan
Nintendo, as a company, has been around for a staggeringly long time. The Kyoto-based gaming giant has a very interesting past that is speckled with differing ventures such as playing cards, love hotels and innovative new toys. For some the journey to its original headquarters is a pilgrimage. I am certainly one of those...
Review LEGO Jurassic World (3DS)
Don't go into the long grass
In case you've been living under a rock or have been crystallized in amber for millions of years, a new film in the Jurassic Park series has been unleashed into the world. As has been the case with so many film franchises before it, this release also brings along with it a LEGO video game adaptation. Welcome to the 3DS...
Nintendo Download 23rd July (North America)
Binding of Isaac Rebirth! 3D Streets of Rage 2! Legend of Kay! Much more!
It's Nintendo Download Update time once again, and we have a fairly packed week in North America. We have a relatively controversial and long-awaited arrival on Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS, cross platform RPG goodness and some quirky efforts on the home console, while a budget...
News Donkey Kong Nearly Missed Out On Pixels Stardom
Nintendo only agreed if DK would be treated with respect
The Pixels movie certainly has a creative plot. When aliens intercept video feeds of classic arcade games and misinterpret them as a declaration of war, they attack Earth using the games as models. This leaves the President of the United States no option but to recruit a team of old-school...
News Nintendo is Partnering With Facebook for Super Mario Maker's Launch
...Now it's been officially announced
Update: Now Nintendo of America has issued a press release (which popped up in our inbox minutes after original publication), explaining how a 'Hackathon' at Facebook will determine the stage that'll be included in the game. Hackathon events are a unique element of the Facebook company culture, and an...
News EVO Players Loved Hyperkin's New GameCube-Inspired ProCube Pad
"Every single person loved how comfortable the controller is"
We recently reported that Hyperkin was demoing a new GameCube-inspired Wii U controller at this year's EVO event. Aimed at Super Smash Bros. for Wii U players, the wireless pad has the added benefit of working with all Pro Controller games. According to Hyperkin's Chris Gallizzi, the...
News ESL Announces Tentative Move Into Competitive Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Tournaments
eSports for EU, initially
ESL - Electronic Sports League - is undoubtedly a big deal in the world of eSports, serving as a major global hub for online and venue events. Its most popular events are typically based around franchises such as Call of Duty and League of Legends, but it's now dipping its toes into Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. We are...
News If Chibi-Robo Ever Came To Wii U, He'd Be Very, Very Shiny
Shiny happy robot
Chibi-Robo is one of Nintendo's most adorable characters, and the heroic 10-centimetre-tall robot is making a welcome comeback in Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash on the 3DS. While it might appear like a fairly simple platformer, we found Zip Lash to be fresh, fun, and genuinely charming in our first impressions from E3. Siliconera recen
Gallery Nintendo Cosplay July Round-Up
Dressed to impress at Hyper Japan and Comic Con London
In the first of what we hope to be a regular series of features devoted to the wild and wacky world of cosplay, Erica Jones brings us a selection of snaps showcasing the most notable Nintendo-related efforts of the month. July has been a great month for Nintendo costumes. Hyper Japan and London...
Video Here's What Luigi Mansion Arcade Looks Like In The Ghoulish Flesh
Ain't afraid of no ghost?
Luigi Mansion Arcade is one of Nintendo's more unusual ventures of late - it's an arcade shooter developed by Capcom based on the Luigi's Mansion game series. It's recently been released in Japan and we're now seeing off-screen footage of the game in action. As previously confirmed, it's a first-person light-gun style...
News Japanese Devil's Third Site Details Online Modes, Microtransactions And File Size
New gameplay videos also revealed
Devil's Third launches in Japan and Europe next month and as a result we're seeing plenty of fresh information relating to Tomonobu Itagaki's forthcoming action title. The official site for the game has just gone live in Japan, and contains plenty of interesting data. For example, the game's online mode is...
News Animal Crossing New 3DS Cover Plates Coming To Europe In October
Same day as Happy Home Designer, in fact
Nintendo's Italian office has confirmed that Animal Crossing New 3DS cover plates will be coming to Europe on October 2nd - the same day that Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer hits the console. Three plates will be available, one showing Isabelle, the other portraying K.K. Slider and the third showing a...
News Dave & Buster's is Planning Location Testing for Pokkén Tournament in North America
"If it does well in test we'd bring it everywhere."
Pokkén Tournament is out in the wild in Japan, so attention naturally turns to hopes of seeing it in Western arcades. The arcade scene may not be as prominent outside of Japan, but we shouldn't forget that The Pokémon Company has talked up the prospects of some units making it to the West. It...
Video Chill Out With Smooth McGroove's Onett Theme A-Cappella From EarthBound
Released in honour of Satoru Iwata
Fans of awesome video game music with a taste for a-cappella are likely familiar with Smooth McGroove, who's covered a huge number of iconic tracks in his own style. There'd been a bit of a gap (around three months) since his last video at the time of writing, but the singer / composer has now released a fresh...
Video Translation of Tomonobu Itagaki's Devil's Third Showcase Released
Plenty of details on various modes
Back when the Japanese and European release dates of Devil's Third were confirmed in early June, Nintendo's Japanese YouTube channel released a 10 minute video showcase of the game. Presented by game director Tomonobu Itagaki, it gave us a look at the game even if we couldn't all understand the language. Nintendo...
Friday24th Jul 2015
Review G.G Series THROW OUT (DSiWare)
Throw this one out
We return to the G.G series with the sports genre, this time looking at a soccer game with combative elements reminiscent of the Mario Strikers series. It somewhat succeeds in this attempt, but matches are seldom challenging and consequently feel dull. While the game mechanics themselves are solid enough, one can't help but...
Thursday23rd Jul 2015
News Xeodrifter Cross-Buy Will Include 3DS eShop Early Adopters When Wii U Version Lands
Great news all around
Xeodrifter is a gem on the 3DS eShop, a rapid Metroidvania-style project from Renegade Kid that's rightly earned plenty of praise. With its imminent arrival on the Wii U eShop in North America there had been doubts that early adopters would be able to enjoy the offer - this was the result of eShop limitations and the existing...
News Aperion Cyberstorm's Multiplayer Versus Modes Look Suitably Chaotic
Twin-stick blasting that's coming to the Wii U
Aperion Cyberstorm may be taking a little while to arrive, but it's a promising twin-stick shooter that's on the way to the Wii U eShop. Developed by aPriori Digital, it'll have a Metroidvania-style single player campaign but will also have a notable focus on local multiplayer, with co-op and versus...
Wednesday22nd Jul 2015
News Nintendo Announces Super Mario Maker Wii U Hardware Bundle
PDF of artbook coming with eShop version, too
Update: Nintendo UK has now confirmed that the Super Mario Maker hardback artbook will not also be sold separately on the official UK store, as stated in its original press release. It will only be available in the bundles outlined below and as a PDF with eShop purchases of the game. Original Article:...
News Genyo Takeda The Likely Choice For Nintendo President, Analysts Claim
More likely than Shigeru Miyamoto
Following the tragic death of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata there has been much speculation on who will take on his role within the company. Shigeru Miyamoto's name has been brought up - a logical choice, given his fame in the games industry - but it would appear that the smart money is on Genyo Takeda, who gave a...
News Nintendo Explains Reasoning Behind Upcoming Miiverse Redesign
"Miiverse is created for gamers to talk about games"
At the start of July Nintendo confirmed plans for a major redesign of Miiverse this Summer. The social network has already evolved a fair amount since its launch with the Wii U in November 2012, with plenty of updates tweaking functions and the user interface. This redesign is more of a...
Review Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Tending to the roots
If you're a fan of the Harvest Moon series, you know that a faithful instalment will leave only two questions: who do I get to marry and just how much free time can I afford to sacrifice over the next month or two? Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town sticks closer to this original formula than some of its more modern cousins,...
News Super Smash Bros. Creator Pays Tribute To His Former Superior And Friend, Satoru Iwata
"My mind went white and even now the reality hasn’t sunk in"
Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai has used his column in Weekly Famitsu to pay tribute to his former superior at HAL Laboratory, Satoru Iwata. Iwata passed away recently after a long battle with cancer, and Sakurai says that after hearing the sad news his "mind went white and...
Talking Point Assessing the Odds of Super Mario Maker Making a Commercial Splash This September
Anniversary-busting August may have been better
We're still waiting for a North American announcement - which we hope is just a matter of time - but we were rather pleased about confirmation today of a Super Mario Maker Wii U hardware bundle. It's coming to Europe on the same day as the game (a simple but important requirement) and certainly...
Video Watch Sonic Repeatedly Rescue Tails In 3D Sonic The Hedgehog 2's Credits Sequence
To be this good takes ages
3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 recently landed on the 3DS eShop in Japan. This version of the game sports all the features of the Mega Drive / Genesis original, including two player support. In cooperative play, player two gets an invincible Tails and two players can race on a split screen in Match Play mode. Of course the main...
News M2 Initially Felt Porting Streets Of Rage 2 To 3DS Was "Impossible"
"We just didn’t know if we could pull it off"
This week sees the western launch of 3D Streets of Rage 2, the latest in Sega's line of 3DS-based 3D Classics. It's one of the most beloved games of the 16-bit era, and also one of the most technically impressive Genesis / Mega Drive titles seen so far. In fact, the game is such a potent showcase of...
News Yoshi's Woolly World Has Limited Impact in Japan as Yo-Kai Watch Busters Dominates
3DS retains overall hardware lead despite PS4 boost
The latest chart results have been released out of Japan and bring a mix of good and middling news for Nintendo. To begin with software, the results bring us the début of Yoshi's Woolly World on Wii U, and its impact has been fairly underwhelming; the title sold 31,158 units in its first week...
Hardware Review Awesome Super Mario Inspired Watch - Sun and Moon Miyamoto
Partner in time
A while ago we reported that Mr Jones Watches had produced a limited edition wristwatch inspired by the Super Mario series. The response to the design was so positive that the watch became a permanent fixture in their lineup after a small design change to differentiate itself from the limited edition variant. We were kindly given...
Thursday23rd Jul 2015
News Amazon Confirms Sale Window for Palutena amiibo in North America
Now it's time to fight! (Over stock)
Double check that internet connection, sort out your Amazon login details - a date and time has been given for the Palutena amiibo going on sale in North America. As previously reported, Palutena and Dark Pit are retailer exclusives in the region. Dark Pit is a Best Buy exclusive and will only be available in...
Wednesday22nd Jul 2015
Review G.G Series THE LAST KNIGHT (DSiWare)
Hopefully this really is the last knight
The G.G series has grown a great deal in recent weeks, and another addition is an action adventure game that bears more than a passing resemblance to dungeons from The Legend of Zelda. Unfortunately, G.G Series THE LAST KNIGHT doesn't hold any of the same magic and fails to deliver entertainment that has much...
Video Nintendo Shines The Spotlight on Aya Kyogoku and Risa Tabata
"Please cherish what you really want to do"
In recent years we've seen a number of young faces move to the forefront of Nintendo development, and we've also seen key women step up with increasing visibility in the company. One of the most recognisable is Aya Kyogoku for her leadership in the Animal Crossing franchise, and in a video from Nintendo...
Daigasso! Band Brothers P has never been used in a better way
The Japanese Nintendo YouTube channel is pretty consistent with weekly updates, and the latest batch are all entertaining in their own ways. Our favourite is a musical rendition of the main Splatoon theme using Daigasso! Band Brothers P, a neat 3DS game / app that sadly hasn't made it to...
Weirdness Doting Dad Transforms Nursery Into The Ultimate Mario Kart 8 Tribute
Defying gravity
Reddit user troymcklure didn't want any old nursery when he created one for his newborn child. He decided that bog-standard teddies and pastel-shades were too mainstream, and decided instead to create a room themed entirely around Mario Kart 8 - and the most amazing thing is, this work follows his Zelda and Yoshi-themed
News Natsume Revs Up Fresh Gotcha Racing Screens, Gameplay Details
Top-down racer coming this Summer
Natsume has released screens for its forthcoming top-down racer Gotcha Racing, which is due to arrive on the 3DS this Summer. Developed by Arc System Works and taking inspiration from the likes of Micro Machines and Super Cars, Gotcha Racing's unique selling point is that the vehicles you drive are constructed from...
News Assault Android Cactus Brings Mega Weapons and Neat Camera Angles Into the Battle
Boom
We're rather looking forward to Assault Android Cactus - the frantic bullet-hell shoot'em up is due this Summer on PS4 and 'later' on Wii U; it's been a long time coming. The Early Access PC build has been progressing nicely, so its arrival on Wii U is certainly something to look forward to. The latest information and footage of the title...
Video See Splatoon's New E-Litre 3K Scope & Neo Splash-o-matic at Work
3,000 litres under the sea
Nintendo has been gracious enough to grant us even more weaponry to splat our foes with in Splatoon, and the two most recent additions are the deadly long-range E-Litre 3K Scope and the re-imagined Neo Splash-o-matic. The E-Litre 3K Scope is what you'd expect: a standard E-Litre 3K but with a scope added for extra...
News BADLAND: Game Of The Year Edition Hits Wii U eShop On 30th July
Save the clones
The Wii U eShop is doing a good job of attracting quality multiplatform indie titles lately, and the next in line is BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition, which lands on 30th July in North America and Europe. The North American price is $9.99, with Euro pricing still to be confirmed. The Wii U version builds on the original tablet game...
Tuesday21st Jul 2015
Exclusive Project CARS "Simply Too Much For Wii U", Developer Now Waiting On New Nintendo Hardware
Update: Bandai Namco confirms the news
Update: Publisher Bandai Namco has confirmed to Polygon that Project CARS has been formally canned: Despite much perseverance on the Wii U version of Project CARS we will no longer be actively pursuing development on it as the quality does not meet our own high standards nor our intended vision for the title...
News Don't Worry, Samus Will Be In Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Super deformed Samus
It's no secret that the reaction to the reveal of Metroid Prime: Federation Force during E3 this year was somewhat negative. We even ran a talking point about the self-entitled fury which led to a petition demanding the cancellation of the game. As the petition now has over 22,000 supporters, it can safely be sa
News Industry Analysts Speculate On Nintendo's Future And Satoru Iwata's Possible Successor
"Iwata was infectiously enthusiastic about Nintendo"
Following the tragic loss of Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata last week, it was inevitable that thoughts would quickly turn to Nintendo's future. Beyond his business leadership, and the successes he delivered, Satoru Iwata will also be remembered for his humour and humility when fulfilling...
Wednesday22nd Jul 2015
News Nintendo Wins Patent Case Against Handhelds
Portables don't fit mold of "Computerized Information Retrieval System"
When you make things nowadays, especially in the realm of technology, odds are increasingly good that you will run into someone claiming patent infringement on your creation. Sometimes the plaintiff is in the right; other times they're just money-hungry patent trolls. Either...
Tuesday21st Jul 2015
News If Nintendo Did Decide To Make A Smartphone, We'd Want It To Look Like This
Mixing the old and the new
Nintendo's alliance with DeNA means that the company is moving into the realm of smartphones, something that was almost inconceivable just a short while ago. Making software for phones is a long way away from producing mobile hardware itself, but that hasn't stopped concept artist Pierre Cerveau from cooking up this...
Review Final Fight One (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Still the One?
It's fair to say Capcom was on a roll in the late '80s and early '90s. During this period it pushed out some bona-fide classic pieces of software, including 1989's seminal coin-op brawler, Final Fight. Indisputably one of the finest side-scrolling beat-'em-ups ever created, it joined a rush of similar coin-guzzling titles including...
PC version will be multiplayer-focused
There's been some more Devil's Third news, which in this case brings useful information and a notable surprise. First of all, Nintendo of America has confirmed that the action shooter will be published at retail (and on the eShop) by the company in the Americas - no final date has been given, though we do have...
Weirdness Sega's Repackaged Transformers Arcade Game Is An Unexpected Nod To Its Glorious Past
Feeling the G-Force
Back when arcades really mattered, Sega was one of the industry's big hitters. The company not only produced amazing titles like Golden Axe and Alien Storm, but also ran a pretty amazing line in dedicated coin-op cabinets. Titles like After Burner, Space Harrier, Out Run and Thunderblade were all housed in massive, hulking units...
News The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Master Quest World Tour Gets Extended
The journey continues with more dates
Without a doubt, The Legend of Zelda series has some of the most iconic music in video gaming history. As such, it's no surprise that Symphony of the Goddesses - a concert series that aims to bring exactly that music to life - would still be touring years after its initial conception, with no signs of slowing...
News E-litre 3K Scope And Neo Splash-O-Matic Headed To Splatoon Tomorrow
Even more inking options
The drip-feed of Splatoon weapons continues, with two more combat options coming to the game tomorrow. Nintendo has confirmed that E-litre 3K Scope and Neo Splash-o-matic will go live in the game, offering fans even more choice when it comes to their weapon load out. Do either of these weapons interest you, or are have...
Anniversary The Virtual Boy Is 20 Years Old Today
Nintendo's most famous failure is getting on a bit
According to the history books, the Virtual Boy is Nintendo's biggest failure — both commercially and critically — in the hardware arena. Launched 20 years ago today on 21st July 1995 in Japan to almost complete consumer apathy, it bypassed Europe entirely and was discontinued the following...
News Razer "Definitely Considering" Making Controllers For Wii U
Owing to the popularity of Smash on the fighting game circuit
Peripheral maker Razer is famed for its PC and console controllers, but it hasn't supported the Wii U so far. However, that all looks set to change as CEO Ming-Liang Tan has confirmed via Twitter that the company is "definitely considering" supporting Nintendo's console in the future...
Inking out a deal
Nintendo's been pro-active during this generation to support and promote game development from smaller studios around the world, helping the eShop to be a vibrant platform on both Wii U and 3DS. Another project is now set to get underway, and this time it'll be utilising development talent in Singapore to bring 3DS eShop games to a...
News Mario & Sonic At The Rio 2016 Olympics Is Getting An Arcade Release
Recently underwent location tests in Japan
Sega has confirmed that the forthcoming Wii U and 3DS release Mario & Sonic At The Rio 2016 Olympic Games will also be released in arcades. The game recently underwent location tests in Japan which allowed Sega to balance things and iron out any issues. It was on test at Club SEGA Akihabara and SEGA...
Video Capcom's Monster Hunter X Livestream Gets Analysed, Fighting Styles Investigated
New locations shown off, too
Monster Hunter X has a confirmed Japanese release date of November 28th, and to drum up interest in the new 3DS title Capcom recently livestreamed almost 30 minutes of footage. The gameplay shows off some of the new fighting styles, one of which allows you to perform jumping attacks with any weapon. As any Monster...
Monday20th Jul 2015
Nintendo Download 23rd July (Europe)
Yoshi! Streets of Rage 2 3D! Exciting discounts! More!
It's Monday, once again, and we have the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe to get the week started. This batch brings a promising mix of old and new on the Wii U, while a classic SEGA beat 'em up arrives in 3D form on Nintendo's portable along with a few other tempting options. Let's...
News Ubisoft Launches Its eShop Summer Sale in North America
Lots of tempting discounts
It's fairly standard for Ubisoft to run a couple of major sale periods on various download stores throughout the year, and the eShop platforms are no different. Some of the content may have been around for a good while, but that doesn't mean there aren't some gems to consider picking up. The latest sale is underway in...
First Impressions Heading Back to the Farm in Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale
Of Cabbages and Kings
Nestled snugly between Senran Kagura's bountiful bosoms and the Cold Steel of the latest Legend of Heroes chapter, Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale occupied a relatively unassuming spot at XSEED's E3 booth last month, but it certainly left quite an impression. This upcoming 3DS title is a crossover that...
News Playtonic Happy to Move Away From "Box-Ticking" Culture At Microsoft-Owned Rare
Creative lead Gavin Price talks about fresh beginnings
Yooka-Laylee has been hailed as a platforming rebirth created by some of the UK's most talented developers, and has recently become one of Kickstarter's most acclaimed success stories. Developer Playtonic - which is made up of former Rare staffers and, in recent months, has added more in the...
Video Summing Up The Good And Bad Of Devil's Third
The Devil is in the detail
Devil's Third has been the subject of much heated debate over the past few weeks with Nintendo of America's publishing status supposedly flip-flopping like a grounded Cheep-Cheep - and that's without even going into the recent previews that give a less-than favourable view of the game. Unfortunately as critics it's our...
News Monster Hunter X Japanese Release Date Revealed, Monster Hunter Stories Playable At TGS 2015
What's that coming over the hill?
Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter X will launch in Japan on November 28th. The next instalment in the company's best-selling franchise, Monster Hunter X - or Monster Hunter Cross if you prefer - will feature plenty of new content for fans to sink their teeth into. It's going to cost 5,800 Yen in its...
News Latest Splatoon Splatfest Results Are In, Eating And Roller Coasters Emerge Victorious
Bad luck, Sleeping and Water Slides
This past weekend saw another Splatoon Splatfest take place in North America and Europe, with the former having to choose between Roller Coasters and Water Slides while the latter's options were Eating and Sleeping. In North America it was Team Roller Coaster which emerged victorious once the ink had stopped...
News Nintendo Still Hasn't Decided Which Zelda Timeline Tri Force Heroes Fits Into
Voice chat was also considered at one point
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes may look and sound like Link Between Worlds, but that doesn't necessarily mean it takes place in the same universe, according to director Hiromasa Shikata. Speaking to Game Informer, Shikata covere
Video There's Plenty to Admire in this Super Mario World Speedrun
Son of a Glitch explains how it's done
Speedrunning is a particularly neat part of gaming culture, in which extremely dedicated and skilful players push games and their coding to the limit. Often exploiting glitches and - in the case of retro games - memory limitations of the original hardware, gamers find clever way to beat classic titles in a...
News Nintendo Of Europe Launching Tomodachi Life Friendship Fiesta This Month
You and Mii, always
Nintendo of Europe has announced a fresh campaign to promote 3DS life sim Tomodachi Life this month. The Tomodachi Life Friendship Fiesta takes place between July 30th and August 9th, and includes special downloads, a new puzzle piece board, fresh social sites and a discount on the game itself for those who have yet to take the...
News Secret Of Evermore's Epic Soundtrack Gets The Remaster Treatment
Sean Schafianski works his magic on Jeremy Soule's original tracks
Secret of Evermore is one of Square's forgotten classics - a SNES title created entirely in North America that tried to ape stable mate Secret of Mana, but didn't quite match it. Despite being less acclaimed than some of Square's other 16-bit titles, Evermore still has plenty of fans...
Review Neon Battle (Wii U eShop)
Ping
Every Indie developer has to start somewhere. However, it seems that in this day and age where just about anybody with a laptop can make a game, many fail to remember an absolutely critical fact: you've got to walk before you can run. Nowhere is this more evident than in Helix Games' sophomore outing, Neon Battle. While this simple arcade game...
Review Asteroid Quarry (Wii U eShop)
Lost and Bored in Space
The life of a space miner is a lonely, but simple one. With Earth's resources exhausted, a single miner is dispatched to cut ore from nearby asteroids and bring it back to a space station. It's not the most complex work, but it is complicated by the abundance of space pirates out there who want to capitalize on the player's...
News Nova-111 Is A Unique Strategy Puzzle Title From Two Former PixelJunk Developers
Curve Digital is publishing on Wii U eShop
Curve Digital has confirmed that it will be bringing Funktronic Labs' Nova-111 to the Wii U eShop. Founded by two former Q-Games (the studio behind the PixelJunk series, Star Fox Command, Star Fox 64 3D) staffers - Eddie Lee and Kalin - Nova-111 is a unique fusion of real time strategy and turn-based...
Sunday19th Jul 2015
News Negative Reception For Devil's Third Is Due To Poor Player Skill, Claims Tomonobu Itagaki
"I was be able to understand about the reactions"
Devil's Third has been in the press a lot recently. First came the rumours that Nintendo of America had declined to publish the game, followed by reports that the firm had quickly made a U-turn due to the reaction of fans. Then came the previews, based on the final European code. Our v
Live Watch the Super Smash Bros. Melee Finals from Evo 2015
Time for a champion to be crowned
Evo 2015 (Evolution Championship Series) is reaching its big conclusion - ZeRo has already triumphed in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and today brings the grand finale of the Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament. Join us for the action! [liveblog=watch_the_super_smash_bros_melee_finals_from_evo_2015]#Evo2015...
Interview Amy Andersson on Conducting the Symphony of the Goddesses
"Audience reaction has been phenomenal"
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to be part of the audience for the Seattle, WA performance of Symphony of the Goddesses: Master Quest. Since then, the concert has toured across parts of America, Europe, and Canada, now continuing its journey across the United States and back to Europe to finish out...
Talking Point Competitive Gaming With Super Smash Bros. and More Can Be Vital for Nintendo
New audiences and more headlines
It's been Evo weekend in Las Vegas, arguably the most notable fighting game tournament in the world. Super Smash Bros. Melee and the Wii U entry are two of the biggest titles of the event, with recognisable competitors and a lot of press coverage revolving around the series. If Masahiro Sakurai takes personal...
Review Land it Rocket (Wii U / Wii U eShop)
A crash landing
With the gaming world becoming more and more in love with storylines, deeper monologues and character building, simpler experiences are sometimes needed. These can come in any shape or size, on any system, and that is what Land it Rocket sets out to provide. Land it Rocket is a simple single-button game that pushes you into a world...
Review G.G Series VERTEX (DSiWare)
A bit too one dimensional
The next game in the G.G series is here, and this one is yet another unique take on the puzzler genre. While G.G Series VERTEX starts out strong with an interesting shooter-puzzler hybrid, it quickly peters out when this concept fails to develop into anything further. Pair this with lacklustre visual and sound design, and...
Saturday18th Jul 2015
News New Pokémon May Be On the Way Following Movie Trailer Reveal
A green blob, apparently
If we were betting individuals, which we're not, we'd expect some kind of main-series Pokémon title next year on 3DS or - who knows? - maybe even the NX. After two years on the bounce with Pokémon X & Y and then Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, this year we're in spin-off territory with Pokémon Super Mystery...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures 2 is Confirmed, and Looks Set for Nintendo Systems
More poop jokes inbound
The Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN) is still one of the biggest YouTube names out there in the minds of plenty of gamers, which was proven with the release of Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures across various platforms. That included Wii U and 3DS versions, and now that a sequel has been announced it looks like Nintendo fans will...
News Nintendo Releases Genyo Takeda's Full Eulogy from Satoru Iwata's Funeral
"You were a true leader in every sense of the word"
At the end of a long and difficult week for Nintendo employees, fans and many involved in the gaming industry, it seems fitting that Nintendo has released Genyo Takeda's full eulogy from Satoru Iwata's funeral, which took place on 17th July. Takeda-san, currently co-leading the company on an...
Live Catch All of the Super Smash Bros. Action from Evo 2015 - Day Two
Wii U finals and Melee semi-finals
Evo 2015 (Evolution Championship Series) is really kicking into gear now, and today a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U champion will be crowned, before we then have the Melee semi-finals. Join us for the action! [liveblog=catch_all_of_the_super_smash_bros_action_from_evo_2015_-_day_two]#Evo2015 #SmashBros
Video Check Out Splatoon's New Octobrush & N-ZAP '89 in Action
A brush with death
Splatoon updates are coming in thick and fast, and the latest addition to the proceedings include the Octobrush and the N-ZAP '89. The Octobrush is essentially a heavier version of the Inkbrush, but is weightier so don't expect the Sonic-like speeds from before. The N-ZAP '89 boasts identical stats to the original - including...
Nintendo Life Weekly Nintendo NX Processor May Be Supplied by AMD
Saturdays of thunder
It can be tough to keep up with all the Nintendo happenings that occur in a week, and we at Nintendo Life understand that. That's why we've once again combined all the biggest news, reviews, and releases from the previous seven days into one easy-to-watch video. This week we take a look at the rumours surrounding AMD providing...
Review G.G Series RUN & STRIKE (DSiWare)
Double fault
The next entry in the G.G series opts to branch out a bit and little something in the sports genre. While this works relatively well initially, the novelty of the gameplay soon wears off and it quickly becomes rather boring. G.G Series RUN & STRIKE is a decent arcade game, but players looking for anything more will be sorely...
Friday17th Jul 2015
Review Lord Of Magna: Maiden Heaven (3DS)
Domestic Bliss
When Rune Factory developer Neverland sadly shut up shop in 2013, there was still one project left on the table - a brand new story-driven SRPG named Lord of Magna. It lay unfinished until Marvelous miraculously reassembled part of the original team to finish the game, and we're lucky they did; it's not perfect, but with fun battles,...
Review Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Ryu on Wii U (again)
1991's Street Fighter II is a game that got people very excited and led to a surge of interest in the fighting genre. It's also a game that got updated a lot — new moves, new characters, new speeds... — while being ported to numerous home consoles and computers. Several of those ports have seen a Virtual Console release...
First Impressions Getting Cosy With Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
How to make a happy home
At Nintendo's E3 presentation two "spin-offs" based on the Animal Crossing series were shown: Animal Crossing amiibo Festival for Wii U, a Mario Party-style interactive board game, and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer for 3DS - an interior design based title. To focus on Happy Home Designer, it left many questioning...
News Speculation Grows That AMD Will Provide the Nintendo NX Processor
Crypic executive quotes all the way
It's time for Nintendo NX chatter again, but this time it's entirely reasonable and logical while still being relatively intriguing. On this occasion it's centred on the processor that power the system - rather than speculation on how powerful it'll be, this time analysis is focused on who'll provide the...
Live Catch All of the Super Smash Bros. Action from Evo 2015 - Day One
Both Melee and Wii U all day
Evo 2015 (Evolution Championship Series) is here, with this particular Las Vegas weekend being taken over by competitive gaming. Super Smash Bros. Melee and Wii U are key events, and we have both streams running live for your enjoyment...
Thousands pay respect to former company President
Satoru Iwata's funeral took place on 17th July in Kyoto, bringing a respectful farewell to the former Nintendo President. Iwata-san's final resting place in Kyoto has been visited by around 3000 people in the last few days who sought to pay their respects. The funeral itself was attended by a number...
News Atlus Leads the Way With eShop Discounts in North American Nintendo Download Update
A few 3DS HOME Themes and demos, too
Our standard North American Nintendo Download Update this week was shorter than normal, as a result of Nintendo of America postponing the issuing of its formal press release. We were advised of the delay, and it was clearly to accommodate Satoru Iwata's funeral. The region has now issued the full details, and...
News N-ZAP89 and Octobrush Weapons are Next Up in Splatoon Update
Don't duck this hunt
Splatoon's weekly dose of new goodies to try keeps on coming, and this time around we have two new weapons to consider. They're both variations of previous weapons, with neat designs and no doubt varied load-outs compared to their predecessors. As you can see below we have the N-ZAP89 and Octobrush on the way. At the time of...
News Nintendo Offers Humble Thanks For Condolences Following Satoru Iwata's Funeral
Gives "heartfelt gratitude" to those that attended the service
Following his untimely and devastating passing earlier this week, Satoru Iwata's funeral has now been held in Japan. The Nintendo President passed away on 11th July, aged 55, with the company issuing a notification on 13th July. The official Nintendo Twitter account has now shared its...
News Tomonobu Itagaki Explains Why the Pro Controller Trumps the GamePad in Devil's Third
The GamePad's too big, basically
Devil's Third is still over a month away from its European release, but it's attracting a lot of attention. Early previews have brought some criticism of the title, and we were among those rather unimpressed in our own first impressions article. Of course, these are only early impressions and only covered the single...
Parent Trap Skylanders SuperChargers Dials Nintendo Love up to Eleven, Even on Wii
FGTV learns more about cross-platform compatibility for Wii U, Wii and 3DS
The natural way of things in the video game world is be to moved on to the next generation of console pretty quickly. The Wii has changed all that, for better or worse. Millions of families who don't consider themselves avid gamers still have that little white box tucked...
News Splatoon Splats Top 10 NPD Position in June as Hardware Momentum Stays Positive
Combined Wii U and 3DS sales 20% up on last year
As is the norm for the middle of any month, we have NPD sales results to consider; these account for the US physical retail market and don't include second hand sales, eShop downloads and so on. Nevertheless, they provide a little insight into what's performing well in the country. The June results...
Video This Fan-Made Yooka-Laylee Animation is Pretty Neat
Give 'em a call, Playtonic!
Yooka-Laylee has clearly won over plenty of gamers, from Rare fans to those with fond memories of collect-a-thon 3D adventure platformers on Nintendo 64, and others who simply like exciting projects. It raised over £2 million before its Kickstarter campaign reached a close. The game itself is naturally some way off, but...
Weirdness Mario, Luigi and Wario Cheer On Tour de France Riders
Ooh la la
The Tour de France is well underway, and this great cycling event wouldn't be complete without some colourful characters to cheer on the riders. It's commonplace to see spectators such as El Diablo running on the roadside alongside their heroes, even if it is potentially quite dangerous and frowned upon by the event organisers. This year...
Thursday16th Jul 2015
Nintendo Download 16th July (North America)
Tiny Galaxy, airport management, Blaster Master, G.G Series and more
Following the passing of Satoru Iwata earlier this week Nintendo isn't actively issuing press releases at the time of writing; as a result the following is based upon checking the eShop stores. We have a promising Nindie effort on Wii U, a couple of quirky efforts on 3DS, more G.G...
Nintendo Download 16th July (Europe)
Mario & Luigi, Capcom classics, PokéPark and more
Due to the passing of Satoru Iwata earlier this week the information for the European Nintendo Download Update wasn't issued without request. The details are available now, and we have some particularly promising retro and familiar releases along with a music streaming service on Wii U, while the...
Interview Senran Kagura Producer Kenichirō Takaki Bares All
“I love games, I love girls, and I love sexy stuff”
The Senran Kagura series famously - and perhaps apocryphally - began life when its creator, Kenichirō Takaki, decided that the Nintendo 3DS' stereoscopic display was destined to display one thing over all else: breasts. Setting to work to fulfill his dream, Takaki-san produced two tales of...
Review Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Just like a black hole, it'll suck up hours of your time
With the first Advance Wars being a hit on the GBA not long after the system launched, it was no wonder that a sequel would eventually follow. Released about two years later, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising feels very much like an expansion pack, but one that is still more than worth the...
Gallery Feast Your Eyes on More Screens for Monster Hunter X (Cross)
Yes please, Capcom
Monster Hunter X (Cross) is coming to Japan by the end of this year in Japan, and will bring its own blend of action to the venerable IP. Incorporating villages from older entries and a slightly more action-oriented approach of spin-offs, it appears to be a blend aimed to entice action fans as well as dedicated MH aficionados...
Review Baila Latino (Wii U eShop)
Lati-NO
The Wii was (and is) a wonderfully appealing console, enticing folk who'd never considered picking up a joypad into a quick round of Wii Sports or Mario Kart. The Wii was also the natural home (and origin) of the Just Dance series of games, which went on to sell in vast quantities. Waving a Wii-remote to a spot of Katy Perry on a Friday...
News Tengami Passes Nyamyam's Sales Targets on the Wii U eShop
"I don't regret releasing on the Wii U"
Tengami is a relatively unique proposition within the Wii U eShop catalogue, with Nyamyam delivering a slow-paced yet intriguing adventure that's accompanied by a gorgeous David Wise score. It's arguably a rather niche offering, with limited scope offset by a lovely pop-up artbook style and a focus on...
News Pokkén Tournament Launch Brings Hype and Début Trailer for Blaziken
Western gamers play the waiting game
Pokkén Tournament has made its bow in Japanese arcades - the Bandai Namco-developed brawler has had plenty of months in build up and playtests and is now out in the wild. Accompanying the launch was a Famitsu announcement that Blaziken will be added to the game in August, and the début trailer has now been...
News Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley Update Tackles the Important Stuff, Like Fido's "Naughty Habits"
Out now in North America
Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley was a divisive 3DS entry in the franchise, with some opinion that Natsume's attempts at modernising and evolving the series weren't a success; for our part we considered it to be below par. In any case, it'll have its fans, and around eight months after its release Natsume has issued an update...
News The Quiet Collection Will Politely Release "Four Old-School Adventure Games" on Wii U
Due on 23rd July in North America
Quirky games are to be expected in download stores such as the eShop, and that's no bad thing. The Quiet Collection may fit into that category when it arrives on the North American Wii U store next week - the 23rd July release will cost $4.99. What does five bucks get you? This collection from Nostatic Software...
News Sharing to Miiverse in Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is a Breeze
No booting into the Home Menu here
Nintendo recently updated the Japanese website for the upcoming Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer on the 3DS, and lots of new information about the sharing functionality within the game has been revealed. In addition to posting images to Twitter and Facebook via the Image Sharing feature - as was the case in...
News Rakoo & Friends is Racing Onto the Wii U eShop
Adapted for Wii U with exclusive multiplayer mode
In the past couple of years we've seen some download titles transition from touch devices to the Wii U. The latest to do so is Rakoo & Friends, which was originally brought to smart devices by Bandai Namco as Rakoo's Adventure. This new version has its name change courtesy of an exclusive...
Wednesday15th Jul 2015
First Impressions Trying to Believe in Devil's Third
And like that... optimism's gone
Devil's Third seduced us in 2014, trumpeted as a mature exclusive that would change the way we think about action shooters, promising to be a system seller. Tomonobu Itagaki prepared us for a game changer, an experience to thrill - after spending some time behind the curtain, however, we're left sorely in need of a...
Review LEGO Jurassic World (Wii U)
Fun but lacking InGen-uity
A whole lot of chaos has ensued on the islands of Isla Sorna and Isla Nublar. Since 1993 we've seen two state-of-the-art theme parks abruptly go defunct and two rescue missions disastrously unfold on these isolated chunks of land. The crazy thing is, we relish in the spectacle that results from these unfortunate events...
News Multiple Sources Point to Nintendo of America U-Turn on Publishing Devil's Third
Lots of whispers make a lot of noise
Today we've shared our first impressions of Devil's Third, which aren't particularly positive. Focused solely on the single player campaign for now, we've highlighted concerns with performance, design and a range of factors. In some respects it's silly fun, but there are a number of issues hindering our enjoyment...
First Impressions Basking in the Glow of Atlus' Legendary Lineup
We take a look at Stella Glow and Legend of Legacy
From a steady stream of Shin Megami Tensei titles to an ever-growing assortment of Etrian Odyssey outings, it's safe to say that Atlus has shown the 3DS a massive amount of JRPG love over the past few years. The company's lineup at E3 last month continued that happy trend, but what was especially...
News Prime Day Brings a Few Deals for Nintendo Fans in the UK
Including a Wii U bundle
If you've missed the marketing from Amazon around 'Prime Day', we salute you. Essentially an Amazon-only attempt at a mini Black Friday, it's being promoted as a tempter for the company's Prime service, which costs a decent amount of money in exchange for free and quick deliveries and access to Prime Instant Video. Of...
News Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria is the Next Wii U and 3DS Cross-Buy Release
Out next week in North America
Choice Provisions - which we feel obliged to point out was formerly known as Gaijin Games - has confirmed that its next title will also be the latest cross-buy offering between Wii U and 3DS. The company is publishing Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria, a quirky RPG originally developed by Muteki Corp. It's a...
Video 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Trailer Confirms Local Co-Op Support
More M2 magic
The blue blur returns to the Japanese 3DS eShop next week in M2’s 3D revival of the classic 1992 SEGA title, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. To celebrate the special occasion, SEGA has released a trailer of 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on its new microsite. If this alone wasn't already enough, the trailer & microsite also reveal the title will...
Digital download block size also revealed
Nintendo has officially begun promoting its upcoming 3DS release, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, due out in Japan at the end of July. The two ad spot commercials highlight the seemingly endless amount of design possibilities featured within the title. In addition to this, the Happy Home Designer...
News The Great Ace Attorney and Yo-Kai Watch Lead The Way for 3DS in Japan
3DS still number one in hardware
It's a Wednesday, which means it's Media Create chart results day in Japan. This week brought some notable new releases, with the 3DS faring particularly well while the Wii U hangs on to five figure hardware sales. Kicking off with software, Yo-kai Watch Busters: Red Cat Team / White Dog Squad - an action spin-off...
Review G.G Series DRILLING ATTACK!! (DSiWare)
Rock solid
The next title to look at in the G.G series is yet another action platformer, but it manages to feel distinct from the others in more ways than one. Unlike every G.G game up to this point, G.G Series DRILLING ATTACK!! focuses less on being an arcade-focused game best suited for quick playthroughs, and more on being an experience that...
Ninterview Meet The Man Who Makes Hip-Hop Music From Classic Nintendo Hardware
"The controller we have created is like wearing my childhood round my neck"
We recently came across a UK based hip-hop producer and DJ by the name of Imperial, who makes quite a striking impression with a strange musical instrument strapped around his neck, which has parts that might seem very familiar to our readers. This musical instrument is...
News The Famicom is 32 Years Old Today
Should have a steady job and a mortgage by now
Here's one to make some of us feel old - the Famicom is 32 years old today, released in Japan on 15th July 1983. It was, of course, the system that would be revamped and remodelled as the NES in October 1985 in North America. Famicom was the shortened name for Family Computer; a key difference of this...
News Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 3 Announced for 3DS in Japan
Its predecessor came to the West...
Square Enix keeps bringing Dragon Quest games to the 3DS - sometimes they're remakes and on other occasions they're all-new games. Localisation has been an area of concern for gamers outside Japan, though teases around Dragon Quest VII and VIII keep ramping up. A new 3DS title has been announced in Weekly Jump...
News 2D Action-RPG Dark Flame Has A Chance Of Coming To Wii U eShop If Nintendo Fans Show Interest
Kickstarter assisting the process
The creator of the Metroidvania-style 2D Action-RPG, Dark Flame, has tweeted the title has a chance of a release on the Wii U eShop if Nintendo fans show their support. Dark Flame's creator is looking at taking his project to Kickstarter in hope of gaining funds to hire a few professionals and further polish the...
News Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut Heading to the Wii U eShop in August
Will cost €9.99 in Europe
Grip Games, which is publishing Toxic Games' Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut on consoles, has confirmed more release details for the upcoming physics puzzler. It'll cost €9.99 in Europe (probably $9.99 in the US) and is coming to Sony and Microsoft platforms in late July - the Wii U version doesn't have a completely final date...
Tuesday14th Jul 2015
Review Star Fox Command (Wii U eShop / DS)
Command and conquer
Fox McCloud and friends are coming back in a big way this Holiday season with Star Fox Zero for the Wii U, and while the jury's still out on whether the title will live up to expectations, Nintendo has given fans a refresher course in barrel rolls by releasing Star Fox Command on the system's Virtual Console in North America...
News Wreck-It Ralph 2 Confirmed to be Smashing Its Way to Theatres
Might a certain Nintendo character have a cameo this time?
Wreck-It Ralph was one of the animated movie highlights of 2012. It's the story of a video game villain (not unlike Donkey Kong) who just wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfil his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the arcade where he lives. On paper the movie sounds like it would be a...
News EarthBound Director Shigesato Itoi Pays Tribute to His Friend Satoru Iwata
SNES classic was among Iwata-san's programming credits
To many Satoru Iwata is the former Nintendo President, an executive that was innovative and had an extraordinary relationship with the company's fans. Before that role, however - and occasionally during his time in management - Iwata-san was a highly skilled programmer, contributing heavily to...
News 3DS System Update, to Version 9.9.2-26, Ramps Up Precious Stability
Almost too stable
The 3DS update train keeps on moving, with another firmware tweak arriving and taking us to version 9.9.2-26. Like a series of other updates, however, it's not clear what it achieves for users, as it appears to deliver behind-the-scenes tweaks. The following is from the official update history: Further improvements to overall...
Feature Our Tributes and Memories of Satoru Iwata
A Direct farewell
With the passing of Satoru Iwata in recent days, announced on 13th July, it's been a difficult period for fans of Nintendo and Iwata-san in particular. We dedicated a day to the former Nintendo President, though we're sure he'd want the company and its fans to now look ahead to the future and all it can bring. We've already shared...
News Dark Pit and Palutena amiibo Are Retailer Exclusives in North America
Looks like you could use a little help getting one
Prepare yourselves, amiibo collectors, we have retailer exclusives in North America. Oh, how we love them! Ok, not really, they're not a particularly wonderful thing, but we do have information on two upcoming Super Smash Bros. figures that will be exclusives. To get the bad news out of the way...
News Nintendo Cancels Camp Miiverse in Honour of Satoru Iwata
Had been due to run until 20th July
A week ago Nintendo of America launched its second annual Camp Miiverse event, which set new challenges in 3DS and Wii U games each day for fans to take on. However, after suspending activities on 13th July as a result of the announcement of Satoru Iwata passing away, it's been confirmed that the events -...
Wednesday15th Jul 2015
Review The Stonecutter (Wii U eShop)
Cut the crap
Visual novels haven't historically made much of a splash outside of Japan. It's only been in relatively recent times that titles like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward have shown Western gamers that reading can be fun - especially when mixed together with simple game elements like puzzles and branching...
Tuesday14th Jul 2015
Video Check Out an Extensive History of Super Mario Bros. 2
The real original and the Doki Doki Panic re-skin
Many Nintendo fans know the basic story around Super Mario Bros. 2 as known in the West, and the original sequel which would be called Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels outside of Japan. It's a familiar tale, but one nevertheless with some detail that's reserved for those keen to delve into the...
News Zeldamotion's Link To The Past Animated Series Takes to Kickstarter for Support
Aiming to complete the series
Fans of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past may remember episode one of Zeldamotion's Link to the Past Animated Series; the fan effort boasted impressive visuals as it began a re-telling of the game's memorable adventure. It's been around 10 months since that episode launched, but the Patreon pa
News Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Will Be Bigger Than Your Average Castlevania-esque Romp
Over 1,600 rooms to explore
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, widely regarded as a Castlevania successor and led by Koji Igarashi, was a phenomenon on Kickstarter. It's become the most successful game project ever on the platform, and its success brought plenty of stretch goals and a
News MEGABytes to Blend a Cafe and Arcade Together in Glasgow
Cake and NES, together at last
Retro gaming culture remains strong, with the collector's scene, events and expos remaining hugely popular around the world. Arcades are less common, though some entrepreneurs in Glasgow have decided that rather than simply open a cafe, it'd provide a blend of old and new. MEGABytes is opening in Glasgow (Scotland)...
Review Quadcopter Pilot Challenge (Wii U eShop)
Controls failin', players wailin', quadcopter
A common complaint among Wii U critics is that the platform's primary controller, the GamePad, doesn't get utilized enough to justify its existence. Whether or not you agree with this assessment, one indie developer that's making an effort to assuage these concerns is TACS Games, whose Quadcopter Pilot...
News Grim Tales and Horrifying Creatures Await in Year Walk for Wii U
Dakko Dakko helping to reimagine the game on the eShop
Year Walk was well received back in 2013 when it was originally released on iOS devices, then arriving on PC in 2014; the horror adventure is loosely based on an old Swedish tradition called Årsgång. In the game the player experiences grim tales, horrifying creatures and cryptic enigmas which...
News Arc System Works Keen to Develop 3DS Titles With Technos Japan IPs
Yes, we'd love a new Double Dragon or Kunio-kun game
Arc System Works is likely to be a familiar name to eShop aficionados, in particular, though the publisher hasn't always knocked it out of the park with its own games. It's picked up some popular franchise rights, however, including those of Technos Japan's titles. What brands does this...
Monday13th Jul 2015
News Nintendo President Satoru Iwata Passes Away Aged 55
Thank you for everything, Iwata-san
Deeply sad news from Japan this Sunday evening, Nintendo has announced the death of Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. Nintendo Co., Ltd. deeply regrets to announce that President Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015 due to a bile duct growth. From everyone here at Nintendo Life we extend our deepest...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Releases Statement on the Passing of Satoru Iwata
Committed to "development results which Mr. Iwata would appreciate"
Update: Nintendo of Europe has also issued a statement from regional President Satoru Shibata: Nintendo of Europe is today mourning the passing of Mr Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's Global President. It is difficult to put into words the sadness we feel at this time. Mr Iwata was a...
News Tributes and an Outpouring of Respect Are Shared in Honour of Satoru Iwata
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata"
As we're sure all who read this now know, Nintendo's 4th President - Satoru Iwata - has passed away. In respect for Iwata-san and his family, friends and loved ones, we won't be publishing the standard daily output of content here on Nintendo Life. For fans of Nintendo and Iwata-san around the world today is a...
Sunday12th Jul 2015
Review Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Wii U eShop / N64)
Kirby Sixty-Phwoar
Like many of Nintendo's properties during the transition from the SNES to the N64, Kirby underwent a shift from a flat 2D sprite to a fully rendered polygon rendition of himself. Rather than taking Kirby down the route of Mario and Link, however, the pink mascot stuck closer to his origins - the mechanics of Kirby 64: The Crystal...
Feature The Biggest 3DS Retail Games of 2015 - Summer Edition
A lot is coming out in 2016, too...
The Summer months are here, which gives us an opportunity to take reveals from E3 and beyond to contemplate what big hitters are coming over the rest of the year. We split the recent Wii U lists into retail and eShop sections, and we're doing the same here, starting off with retail games. Though we've picked out...
News This 'PikaBoy' Game Boy Color Mod Goes the Extra Mile
LED cheeks, a tail and feet to stand up
We sure like retro console mods here at Nintendo Life, as fans take classic systems and apply a neat twist to their design. Nintendo systems are often re-imagined in wonderful ways, and this 'PikaBoy' system is another example. The creator, 'eforie', had the idea in 2011 but made it a reality for...
Saturday11th Jul 2015
Weirdness Revenge is a Dish Best Sold on eBay, as This EarthBound Sale Shows
Ouch
Retro gaming, most notably collecting, can be an expensive business. Not all gamers are content with downloading whatever classics pop up in the Virtual Console, as there can be a desire to own the original cartridges and play them on their retro systems. Collections can be treasured, then, but based on an eBay sale can also be used as...
Poll What Do You Want From Nintendo's NX Platform?
Go on, ask for anything you want
It's been an interesting couple of weeks in the world of the Nintendo NX. We still know little about it, but rumours of varying reliability made it a hot talking point online and within the community here at Nintendo Life. It's dominated the forums, and all the while we're left to wonder what this platform will...
Review Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time (Wii U eShop / DS)
Fun for all ages
It takes quite a lot of star power to be able to co-star with yourself in something. The upcoming Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is set to show that our favourite plumbers are not lacking in this department, but it's not the first time developer AlphaDream has pulled a similar gimmick! For that we should look to Mario & Luigi:...
News Nintendo of America Confirms Plans to Bring Devil's Third to Region
"We are excited to bring the game to Wii U"
Nintendo of America has broken its silence on Devil's Third, and has confirmed plans to bring the action title to its region. A tweet on the subsidiary's official account acknowledged that fans are eager for news on the title, stating it'll share details 'soon'. This follows an extended silence,...
News Splatfest Details Are Confirmed for 18th July Splatoon Battles
Pick a side
Splatoon's content continues to evolve and expand, and Nintendo has now confirmed the next Splatfest events for both Europe and North America. If you missed the previous memos, these are limited-time events in which you pick a side and battle for your team, with handy in-game prizes up for grabs. As you can see in the tweets below,...
Video Brace Yourself for these Top Five Most Exciting Intro Cutscenes in Gaming
Five alive
Intro cutscenes are generally the first real bit of a game you get to experience beyond the menu, so it's pretty important that they hook you as quickly as possible. We at Nintendo Life have coupled together five of what we feel are the most exciting examples, whether it be because of atmosphere, dialogue, or just downright awesomeness...
A bucketload of goodness
Update: There's an update on Devil's Third right here, with Nintendo of America tweeting confirmation that it'll be sharing news on its released in the region soon. Original Article: A week is a long time on Nintendo Life, and due to the sheer volume of content it's easy to miss some super-important info. That's why we've...
Friday10th Jul 2015
News Metallic Blue New Nintendo 3DS XL Looks Set for North American Release
Unless Play-Asia's made a listing error...
While a number of 3DS fans in North America are waiting for the smaller New Nintendo 3DS model to arrive, those eyeing up the New XL may soon have an extra choice in stores. At launch North America had the metallic red unit - which was only in NA - and the black equivalent, but it seems like the region...
News Amazon Teases an amiibo Announcement for Monday 13th July
Those cheeky scamps
If you're not a Reddit regular it can be a slightly baffling place, but it's an important home for plenty of serious gaming fans. That applies to amiibo enthusiasts, of course, and Amazon is using the platform to tease an announcement related to the figurines for Monday 13th July. The following message and image was posted by...
News Say Hello To What Could Be The Most Obscure Piece Of Nintendo Hardware Ever Made
Copy me do
There's been a lot of chatter lately about obscure gaming hardware, mainly inspired by the discovery of the prototype SNES PlayStation. However, if you want a truly off-the-wall slice of Nintendo history, then you need look no further than the Copilas. Produced in 1971 way before Nintendo had begun experimenting with video games, the...
Saturday11th Jul 2015
News Mojang is Still Open to Bringing Minecraft to Nintendo Systems
"If I had my way, we’d be on everything"
While the absence of a number of major multi-platform franchises and IPs from Nintendo hardware can be easily explained, the fact that Minecraft has never come to the Wii U or 3DS remains surprising. While technical limitations would hold a 3DS version back to being a lighter / smart device port, the Wii U...
Friday10th Jul 2015
News Cube Life Update To Bring Local Multiplayer And Lots More
Also #1 in the UK, Germany and France!
If Minecraft mania has taken over the planet, then certainly Cube Life: Island Survival has staked its claim for Wii U dominance. This Minecraft clone is now in #1 place in the Wii U eShop in the UK, Germany and France. Yes, that's right - above even Yoshi's Woolly World and Splatoon. Slovakia-based developer...
News Devil's Third Will Be Released In North America, Just Not By Nintendo
The rumours appear to be true
Yesterday we brought you the shock news that Devil's Third has been canned by Nintendo of America in the U.S. due to concerns about the final quality of the product. We noted that an alternative publisher will have to be found if Devil's Third is ever going to see the light of day in America. It appears that the rumour...
"I want to grow Splatoon as an IP"
Splatoon was a bit of a risk for Nintendo - it was a new IP in a genre that the company has little experience in. However, the title has proven to be a sizeable critical and commercial smash hit all over the world, repaying Nintendo's faith in a young and creative development team. We were lucky enough to sit down...
Review Roving Rogue (Wii U eShop)
Stark roving mad
So what exactly does an adventurer do after they beat the last boss? This is the question Padaone Games' Roving Rogue poses to its players, and it gives a pretty straightforward answer: they walk back to the first level, of course. Kurt the Righteous does just that in this light platforming adventure, which begins promisingly but...
Video Capcom Shares Footage of Resident Evil 0 N64 Prototype
Fuzzy horror
We love a bit of survival horror here at NL Towers, and Resident Evil 0 was one of our favourite GameCube games, along with the slightly more accessible Resident Evil 4 of course. What you might not have realised is that Resident Evil 0 was originally intended to be a Nintendo 64 game which was planned to come out in 2000. The game...
"I see these as spin-offs"
In the general trend of E3 delivering Nintendo franchises in unexpected forms, Animal Crossing amiibo Festival on Wii U joined the previously announced Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer as an unexpected update to the series. Aya Kyogoku, the series director, has been speaking to U
News Stay Fresh This Summer With Some Colourful Splatoon Clothing
Jelly Fresh
Aside from being a totally rad game, Splatoon has currently inspired it's own frozen yogurt along with a range of awesome official and unofficial t-shirts. We just came across
News NIS America Confirms Stella Glow for March 2016 Release in Europe
More RPG goodness
Early 2016 is bringing a couple of enticing first-party RPG experiences to 3DS - of very different kinds - in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam and Fire Emblem Fates. There are also a number of third-party efforts, of course, and European gamers have one more to look forward to in Spring 2016. This time around it's Stella Glow,...
News "Moray Towers" Stage Coming to Splatoon Today
Towers above the rest
Nintendo UK, Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe have all tweeted confirmation that we will be seeing the new stage, "Moray Towers" dropping as the latest DLC stage for Splatoon today and early tomorrow. As the name would suggest, Moray Towers is set upon a skyscraper-like structure, set looming above all other...
News Gravity Falls: Legend Of The Gnome Gemulets Arrives On 3DS This Fall
A partnership between Ubisoft & Disney Interactive
Ubisoft and Disney Interactive are teaming up to release a new video game adapted from Disney XD’s hit animated series, Gravity Falls. Coming to the 3DS this Fall, Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets, delivers the cartoon’s trademark quirky humour in the form of a platform game. The...
News If You're A Female In Japan, Then The Nintendo Girls Game Museum Is For You
No boys allowed
We've already seen the Nintendo Girls Club YouTube channel as evidence that Nintendo is keen to reach out to the ladies with a tailored marketing message. The next logical step is to have events aimed at this sizeable demographic of gamers. The idea behind the Nintendo Girls Game Museum is to reach out to ladies in Japan who are...
News Catch Up With the Mario Kart World Cup as it Enters the Knockout Stages
A blue shell away from glory
Mario Kart is one of Nintendo's most beloved and bankable franchises - with just one release per system and the addition of DLC on Wii U, it's an integral part of any console from the big N and a must have. Mario Kart 8 on Wii U is no different. It's also a popular game to watch, and the next two weekends bring an...
Review G.G Series THE HIDDEN NINJA KAGEMARU (DSiWare)
The way of the ninja
The next game in the G.G series opts to return to the platformer genre yet again, and the end result is surprisingly engaging. G.G Series THE HIDDEN NINJA KAGEMARU is a unique arcade focused, 2D stealth platformer that manages to put forth a distinct and compelling gameplay system that'll keep gamers coming back again and again...
Review G.G Series ALL BREAKER (DSiWare)
Are you worthy of the hammer?
We have another title in the G.G series to consider, and this one opts to go back to action platformer roots. However, G.G Series ALL BREAKER focuses on including puzzle elements into the mix alongside the oddly compelling, melee-centric action. The end result is an engaging experience that'll keep challenging both your...
News Pre-Orders Open for Capcom's Official Wearable Mega Man Replica Helmet
Yours for just (!) $150 + postage
Capcom is a company that knows how to produce merchandise of varying standards, from awful tat to desirable but expensive collectables. We're not sure where this wearable Mega Man replica helmet comes in with those definitions, to be honest - the 'replica' reference in the product description is also amusing, as how...
News 3D Streets Of Rage 2 Hits North America & Europe July 23
A slight delay
Last week the North American 3DS eShop revealed 3D Streets of Rage 2 would arrive on 16th July for $5.99. A week later, and SEGA has informed fans via Twitter that there has been a slight delay, with the second entry in the Streets of Rage series now scheduled to release globally on 23rd July.
News Summer Video Game StoryBundle Features Some Awesome Nintendo-Related Reads
Castlevania! Untold History of Japanese developers! Bible Adventures!
The Summer Video Game StoryBundle is now available, and might be of particular interest to Nintendo fans thanks to the inclusion of some riveting reads. Hardcore Gaming 101's superb Castlevania retrospective is in there, as is John Szczepaniak's indispensable Untold History of...
News Endless 3D Platformer Blocky Bot Jumps Across To European Wii U eShop On 23rd July
Additional points for the bloopy bloopy blop rap video
After launching on the North American Wii U eShop in May, Mobot Studios has announced Blocky Bot is jumping across to Europe on 23rd July. The endless 3D platformer featuring 'mini arcade action' promises to test even the best players’ platforming skills and reflexes, pushing them to the...
Thursday9th Jul 2015
Review Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 (3DS)
Live by the sword, grind by the sword
Koei's hack and slash franchise returns to Nintendo platforms with Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 – a title that provides a more personal touch when it comes to retelling the events of Japanese history. This is a game that's largely about your own custom made character, as you follow a mostly historically...
News Fire Emblem Fates Third Path And New HOME Theme Launch In Japan
Invisible Kingdom is now available
If you are a Fire Emblem fanatic and you have been following the updates of Fire Emblem Fates - called Fire Emblem If in Japan - you will know that there are two scenarios that have been released in Nintendo's home country. The two scenarios, named Birthright and Conquest, have the same storyline up until the sixth...
Rumour Nintendo Isn't Bringing Devil's Third To North America
An alternative publisher may need to be found for the Wii U exclusive
Remember Devil's Third? An action title from the creator of the more recent Ninja Gaiden games - Tomonobu Itagaki - it was first announced a few years ago for the PS3 and Xbox 360, but when publisher THQ went under the game was left in limbo. Nintendo shocked everyone by picking...
Nintendo Download 9th July (North America)
Mario Tennis, Epic Indie Sale, loads of Wii U downloads and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update line-up to tempt you ahead of the weekend. It's a busy line-up this week with a glut of varied releases on the Wii U eShop, the arrival of a classic Mario sports game and the rather impressive 'Epic Indie...
Editorial Nintendo's Strategy Needs to be Global, With a Western Touch in the Boardroom
Combine the vital Japanese culture with a broader outlook
Nintendo is, in the ongoing understatement of the ages, very Japanese. That can be a huge strength, and some of its key successes as a business have resulted from sticking to its core culture and, as a result, winning over legions of fans. In the current day the big N is well known for its...
News Ubisoft's Former Wii U Exclusive ZombiU Confirmed For PS4 & Xbox One Release
Now titled Zombi
At the beginning of last month, a reportedly reliable source informed Unseen64 that Ubisoft was busy porting its Wii U launch title, ZombiU, to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as it had failed to generate any profit for the French publisher as an exclusive to Nintendo’s latest home platform. While the news was filed under the...
Review Glory of Generals: The Pacific (3DS eShop)
War never changes
Whether fighting in fantasy worlds or gritty reality, 3DS-owning strategists have had a steady stream of wargames to keep them busy since the system's launch. CIRCLE Entertainment has been responsible for a particularly prolific eShop invasion, with World Conqueror 3D, European Conqueror 3D and Glory of Generals all joining the...
News Mewtwo amiibo Spotted In The Wild
We'll take (mew)two please!
It seems like only yesterday that Pokémon favourite Mewtwo was added to the Super Smash Bros. roster as a DLC update. The only thing that has been missing is an accompanying amiibo, which even prompted a fan to create their own! Mewtwo fans need not give up hope however as an our Nintendo Life features contributor Alan...
News Mario Kart Arcade GP DX Gets a Timely Boost with Major Update
Metal Mario and Rosalina join the roster
It's easy to forget that arcades exist in this day and age; if you've seen Wreck-It Ralph, that's how some of us still picture them in our mind. Unfortunately the majority of arcade machines nowadays are confined to bowling alleys alongside Whack-a-mole and Air Hockey tables. But we digress, Mario Kart Arcade...
News Epic Indie Sale For Wii U eShop Is On Its Way To North America
Own or buy one receive 60 percent discount off the rest
As discovered earlier this week, the 'Epic Indie Sale' is on its way to the Wii U eShop in Europe. As part of the promotion, if you own or purchase any of the eligible titles, you’ll receive a 60 percent discount on all other offers. We now have confirmation that this same sale will be...
News Nintendo Official UK Store Throws in a Neat T-Shirt With Super Mario Maker Pre-Orders
You can choose yellow, yellow, or yellow
Super Mario Maker pre-orders have been available in the UK for a short while, but the Nintendo Official UK Store has taken its time, sauntering in fashionably late. It is fashionable though, as its pre-orders come with a neat yellow t-shirt, below. In terms of price, the t-shirt is a free extra, with the...
Video This News Anchor Sure Is Excited About Super Mario Maker
"Oh man, this is so awesome!"
When Nintendo of America tweets a link to a TV news segment, we're normally inclined to shrug it off. We've seen enough news anchors stumble their way through a conversation about Nintendo games for one lifetime. Yet this one's a bit different. A Nintendo of America rep appeared on Fox 5 Morning News with some props,...
Video Prepare Your Creative Appetite with these Top Five Things to Make in Super Mario Maker
A fistful of favourites
Super Mario Maker is just a few months away, and in order to keep those creative juices flowing we've compiled a super concise list of five things we feel you absolutely must create in this stand-out creation game. Of course you no doubt have your own ideas as to what your creative fingers will be most keen to create first,...
Video See Greninja's Taunt Actually KO Opponents At High Enough Damage
Bringing the hurt with a water spurt
It's no secret that a select few of Super Smash Bros. characters can deal damage (albeit very little) using taunts. In fact, it's been the case since the very first iteration on the Nintendo 64, with Luigi's shyly executed kick being able to hurt opponents by up to a whopping 2%. With the arrival of Super Smash...
Review Shiftlings (Wii U eShop)
Stuck in second gear
Puzzle-platformers are all the rage in the world of indie games. Perhaps it's because they're so accessible for so many different kinds of gamers - or because they're a genre well suited to exploring unconventional narratives. Whatever the case, intuitive design is central to the success of these generally more minimalist games...
Review Don't Crash (Wii U eShop)
Crash and burn
The Wii U eShop sometimes comes under fire for having a library of games that seem better suited to mobile platforms. Let's be fair, though: despite their reputation, mobile games aren't intrinsically bad - there are plenty of quality titles to play on smartphones and tablets if you're inclined to seek them out. That said, the eShop...
News Pokkén Tournament Is Being Considered For A Release In The West
“The possibility definitely exists”
There’s no denying the fact Pokkén Tournament looks awesome. While fans of the long-running Pokémon series may already be able to battle their pocket monsters in multiple other games, Bandai Namco’s Tekken-inspired recreation of the classic scenario takes it to the next level. Due out on 16th July in...
News You'll Have the Chance to Own an Official Wearable Mega Man Helmet
Prepare yourselves, Rockman fans
Have you ever gone to an expo, fancy dress party or your local Mega Man Appreciation Club and thought "hm, I wish I could look more like Mega Man"? Well, don't worry, Capcom's here to make that dream come true with one of its better merchandise ideas. In a Capcom Unity blog post outlining exhibit plans for the...
Video Take A Drip Down Memory Lane With Game Freak's Second Game, Jerry Boy
Or Smart Ball, if you had the misfortune of playing the American version
Game Freak may be most famous for the Pokémon series, but the company's history goes back a little further than that. Back when the firm was still learning the ropes, it released the platform title Jerry Boy on the Super Famicom. A cute and cuddly romp through a colourful...
Video Doctor Who Joins The Cast In LEGO Dimensions
Step into the TARDIS and save the world
LEGO Dimensions is shaping up to be something special featuring an ever-expanding cast of characters from a wide range of notable franchises. Unbelievably, the toys-to-life title coming to Wii U on 27th September is now even more impressive with the reveal the Doctor from Doctor Who will be fighting alongside...
News Poncho Will Bring Some Robotic Style to the Wii U eShop This September
Try to restore humanity - no pressure
Rising Star Games will be bringing another title to Nintendo hardware soon, confirmed that Poncho - developed by Delve Interactive - will head to the Wii U eShop and other platforms this September. This is a puzzle platformer in which you jump between layers of depth in order to find your maker and save...
Wednesday8th Jul 2015
News Unseen64 Digs Up Development Insights Into Metroid Prime: Hunters, Dread and Federation Force
Dread "literally looked like a port of Fusion on DS"
Just recently we shared the most recent work of Unseen64, which produced a devastating expose of the doomed Project H.A.M.M.E.R., highlighting the problems between North American studio Nintendo Software Technology (NST) and Japanese management. It was an episode that, ultimately, didn't reflect...
News Wii and Wii U Get Special Treatment for Skylanders SuperChargers Dark Editions
Not a dark day
Activision has recently announced the Skylanders SuperChargers Dark Edition packs at Comic-Con San Diego; t
News Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader Pre-Orders Begin to Pop Up in the West
Joining Happy Home Designer in the US
Are you one of those people who haven't upgraded to the New Nintendo 3DS yet? Aside from getting extra processing power, extra shoulder buttons, a C-Stick nubbin and super stable 3D screen - one of the nice benefits is that you can just tap one of your amiibo on the screen and it can be scanned via the device's...
News The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure Will Bring Its Wit to Wii U and 3DS
Also suitable for those with nut allergies
The Peanuts comic-strip, by Charles M. Schulz, is a truly iconic part of the art-form. Readers of various ages are surely familiar with the adventures of Peanuts, Charlie Brown and company, and it's not surprising that celebrations are due for its 65th anniversary. A big part of the celebrations will be a...
News Sony's Shuhei Yoshida Plays It Cool With The SNES PlayStation
"Actually, I played some games [on it] as well"
Shuhei Yoshida, rather like his contemporaries at Nintendo, is refreshingly light-hearted and open in interviews - the President of Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios has popped up in these pages in the past speaking positively about Nintendo and sharing amusing tales of getting banned on...
News DeNA Executive Confirms Plans For Five Nintendo Smart Device Games in Five Genres
One by the end of 2015, five by the end of March 2017
Nintendo has been relatively clear on its smart device plans with DeNA in recent times, emphasizing that we'll be playing the first game / app by the end of this year. Quite what that'll be is still an unknown, and we're most certainly intrigued. It's also been made clear that the volume of...
Review Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in Suburbs #1 (3DS eShop)
Yes, that's actually the title
Every once in a while you play one of those games where it just makes you ask, "Why?" This isn't necessarily because the game is bad, as such, but occasionally one wonders what compelled the developer to make a game so decidedly perplexing. Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in Suburbs #1 is one of those games. While it more...
News Updated Club Nintendo Game Card Case Now Available to PAL Gamers
Reversible covers for Mario, Legend of Zelda and New 3DS cover plates
Club Nintendo is now shut down in North America, but will keep on rolling in Europe and Australia until 30th September. With user star collections no doubt dribbling down, there continue to be new rewards offered to tempt gamers to clean out their accounts. The latest addition is...
News Mario Tennis is Smashing Its Way to the Wii U Virtual Console This Week
The original classic
The Nintendo 64 was home to various classics and also kickstarted some key franchises, and though Mario Tennis may not be on many top 10 lists for the system it is - in the opinion of this writer - up there with the most fun games on the console. Yes, that's nostalgia speaking. One of a number of games on the N64 that had...
It's a-me, charity!
While much of his time at E3 was spent attending events, previewing games and working alongside Morgan Sleeper to produce LA-based content on Nintendo Life, Alan Lopez also took the opportunity to work on a charitable side project. With Charles Martinet on hand to promote Super Mario Maker, Alan was able to get the voice of...
Thursday9th Jul 2015
Review G.G Series GREAT WHIP ADVENTURE (DSiWare)
I hate snakes, Jock! I hate 'em!
The G.G series continues onward, and once again goes back to the platformer genre. G.G Series GREAT WHIP ADVENTURE does its best to provide gamers with a compact action platformer, and it largely succeeds in achieving this goal. While it may seem a bit derivative at times, the solid platforming action on offer here...
Wednesday8th Jul 2015
Soundtrack release is also planned
The Wii U eShop certainly has some promising games on the way this year, and one of these is Shin'en Multimedia's FAST Racing NEO, the pacy futuristic racer that impressed in its Nintendo Treehouse E3 showing. It's a title that's taken a while, yet seems all the better for it. Some key details are already known;...
News Fire Emblem Fates Leads Japanese Charts Alongside Rhythm Heaven and Splatoon
3DS still dominates in hardware, too
With another passing week we have the latest Media Create charts out of Japan, and the focus this time is on momentum and solid sellers, with no major new releases arriving to shake up the results. From Nintendo's perspective the news is positive, with its releases showing decent numbers and hardware holding...
Video Reggie Fils-Aimé Discusses His E3 Puppet, Rival Games and More
"It's going to make its way to my office"
One of the highlights of E3 this year was the Nintendo World Championships, which was hosted by Kevin Pereira. Proving that he is more than just a game show host and presenter, Pereira put his investigative journalism hat on and sat down with NOA big cheese Reggie Fils-Aimé last week to grill him about...
Thursday9th Jul 2015
Coming to Wii U and 3DS
Back in April we brought you the announcement of Adventure Time: Finn and Jake Investigations, which is coming to a whole load of systems including Wii U and 3DS. Confirmed for 'Fall', the reveal was bizarrely accompanied by a 20-second proof-of-concept video that demonstrated how the popular duo would look in a fully 3D...
Wednesday8th Jul 2015
News Nintendo Enjoys Success in the Game Critics E3 Awards
Best handheld & family game gongs
Nintendo might not have blown the doors off at E3 this year, but we still feel there are lots of exciting games on the way for Nintendo fans. Super Mario Maker and Star Fox Zero on the Wii U are both looking great and the 3DS is not without games to look forward to either, with tempting
Video This Official Art Academy Timelapse of Mario and Luigi Should Warm Up Your Summer
Luigi needs swimming lessons
Though the market for a relatively pricey drawing app from Nintendo may not be as sizeable as it was in the DS glory days, we're big fans of Art Academy: Atelier - Art Academy: Home Studio in North America - as it incorporates the hefty touchscreen of the Wii U GamePad with some nice home console features. One neat...
Weirdness A Mighty No. 9 Live-Action Movie is On the Way
Sounds... interesting
Not so long ago it was announced that there'll be a new Mega Man cartoon in 2017, which is something to look forward to, but Keiji Inafune and his Comcept team evidently don't want their spiritual successor to Capcom's IP - Mighty No. 9 - to be outshone. In an announcement that sent our collective eyebrows skyrocketing it's...
Video Watch a Super Mario 30th Anniversary Mural Come Together in London
Move over, Banksy
Last week we had the pleasure of attending Nintendo UK's post-E3 showing in trendy Shoreditch in London. We've already been sharing our thoughts on the games on show there to supplement the fine work which Morgan and Alan did on the LA E3 show floor for us. One of the most striking things as we approached the venue showing...
Tuesday7th Jul 2015
"We've lost trust, and we were left with nothing but reputation"
SEGA CEO and president Hajime Satomi and said sorry to loyal fans of the company after admitting that their trust had been "betrayed" in recent years. Speaking to Japanese publication Famitsu, Satomi held his hands up and acknowledged Sega's failings over the past decade: We did our...
News Gunpei Yokoi Discusses The Struggle To Make The Game Boy In One Of His Last Interviews
"Hardware design isn't about making the most powerful thing you can"
Gunpei Yokoi is one of the most important figures in the history of Nintendo. One of the engineers who helped turn the company into what it is today, Yokoi produced some of its most significant releases - including the iconic Game & Watch series and the world-beating Game Boy...
Feature Taking to the Skies for a Final Look at the Star Fox Zero E3 Build
Five more opinions on the divisive Wii U title
Star Fox Zero was a divisive reveal at E3, as it seemed to simultaneously delight and worry fans. Some loved the visual style, some compared them unfavourably to GameCube graphics. Some liked the gyroscopic GamePad controls, others thought they were awkward and poorly implemented. It's been a mixed bag...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Launches on the New 3DS and Wii U on 23rd July in North America
The countdown begins...
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a much anticipated release on multiple levels for Nintendo gamers. Not only will this be the definitive release of a cult classic Indie game, but it also marks the first time the game will be appearing in any form on Nintendo platforms. After the initial release of the game was famously...
News The Classic NES Lives On As An Awesome PC Case Mod
Pimp my NES
The iconic Nintendo Entertainment System was hardly a design classic back in 1985, but it holds special memories for many of us. What better way to keep the spirit of the humble NES alive than with a custom PC case mod? A PC Gamer reader gutted an old NES which he had lying around, went to work with a dremel and sandpaper and gave the...
News Japanese Gamers Share Their Views on Xenoblade Chronicles X
Many seem happy with Monolith Soft's huge RPG
Xenoblade Chronicles X is arriving in the West this December, but Japanese gamers have now been enjoying the RPG since 29th April. Some may only just be finishing it, too, as the adventure is said to clock in at 100 hours+ even with minimal messing around on side quests - we anticipate many Western...
News Two More New Weapons Are Coming To Splatoon Tomorrow
Arm up, Squids
The flood of new Splatoon weapons continues, with Nintendo UK confirming via Twitter that two new armaments are coming to the game tomorrow. The Sploosh-o-matic and the .96 Gal Deco are the weapons in question, and you can see images of them below. Will you be checking out these two new additions, or are you happy with your...
Wednesday8th Jul 2015
News Camp Miiverse is Back, and Has Extra Splatoon
Take me take me take me take me NOW!
If there's one thing your humble writer likes to do, it's to recycle jokes and/or references that were barely funny first time around. Thank you Nintendo of America, for making this possible with Camp Miiverse. After its original spin last year, the challenge-based contest is back, and is predictably kicking off...
Tuesday7th Jul 2015
Review G.G Series SHADOW ARMY (DSiWare)
Bob and weave
The next title in the G.G series opts to go once again into the shooter genre, and the interesting gameplay manages to set G.G Series SHADOW ARMY apart from its predecessors in a meaningful way. While some aspects of it may be dull and somewhat uninspired, the continuously variable and fast paced nature of its gunplay make it an...
Weirdness Twitch Plays Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel, With Hilarious Results
Chaos, failed stealth and furious Metal Gear gamers
The Twitch Plays phenomenon has been around for over a year now, which makes it positively medieval by internet standards. The concept of hundreds of viewers issuing input commands is predictably chaotic, of course, and the concept can still be entertaining with the right game. We think this...
News Square's Romancing SaGa Finally Gets Translated Into A Language We Can Easily Understand
Another Super Famicom classic liberated from the mists of time
1992 Super Famicom RPG Romancing SaGa has finally been translated into English. Designed by SaGa series creator Akitoshi Kawazu, this epic title never received a western release. The game is unique in that it abandons the linear structure seen in so many other JRPGs of the period and...
News Limbo Looks Set to Finally Arrive on the Wii U eShop
According to a German rating, in any case
Limbo was a title very much at the vanguard of popularising download 'indie' games on consoles - its arrival on Xbox Live Arcade was one of multiple breakthrough releases across Xbox 360, PS3 and, of course, the Wii and its WiiWare range. Developed by Danish studio Playdead, it was a timed exclusive on the...
Wednesday8th Jul 2015
Video Get the Full Breakdown of Ryu's Super Smash Bros. Moves and Their History
Spanning generations
The Super Smash Bros. series has had some particularly pleasing crossovers - from Snake in the past to the ongoing appearances of Sonic and more besides - but the DLC arrival of Ryu nevertheless feels like a notable high point. In terms of fighting royalty the lead fighter of the Street Fighter series is hard to ignore. As...
Tuesday7th Jul 2015
News Early Adopters of Xeodrifter Actually May Not Receive a Free Copy of the Wii U Port
Both versions will still support cross buy, but only after the Wii U launch
Shortly after the announcement that Xeodrifter would be receiving a Wii U port, Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham confirmed that the game would feature cross-buy and that those who've bought the game already on their 3DS would be receiving a free download code for the Wii U...
Review G.G Series EXCITING RIVER (DSiWare)
A quick trip through choppy waters
The G.G Series continues rolling forward with its seemingly endless number of releases, and this time it's branching out into light racing territory. True to the identity of the series that it's coming from, G.G Series EXCITING RIVER offers a barebones yet enjoyable arcade game that shows its value not through its...
News How Fire Emblem amiibo Interact with Fates
Memories of distant Battlefields...
In what likely comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody, Fire Emblem Fates comes with amiibo compatibility for figures from the series. One fun little twist, however, seems to be a solid nod to where these characters had been employed between installments. According to the folks at Siliconera, Robin, Lucina, Ike,...
Monday6th Jul 2015
We'd prefer Lasagne Sim 2016
Mario Kart has gone from strength to strength over the years, and many of us have our own personal favourite entries in this superb series; as Mario Kart has evolved, so have rival Kart games from other developers. There have been some notable successes; Diddy Kong Racing and Crash Team Racing spring to mind, but head...
Talking Point Raw Power Isn't Vital to Nintendo's NX, But It Does Matter
Wii and Wii U highlight challenges for Nintendo's next system
We're in the midst of a brief spell of Nintendo NX rumours, possibly as a result of it appearing behind closed-doors - according to multiple industry sources such as MCV - at E3, and the timelines that point to a 2016 release have cranked the rumour mill into gear. First there were...
Nintendo Download 9th July (Europe)
Mega Man goodness, Never Alone, Bike Rider DX2, 'Epic Indie Sale' and more
Another week begins, and as per our custom in Europe that means we can get warmed up with news of the download treats on the way later this week. We have a few new Nindie efforts on Wii U and 3DS, Mega Man RPG goodness, and also some tempting discounts in the Wii U eShop...
Review Kirby Squeak Squad (Wii U eShop / DS)
Squeaky Clean Fun
For a company so often associated as being at the forefront of innovative thinking in the video game industry, Nintendo can have a tendency to stick with a tried and tested formula. The Mario, Zelda and Pokémon franchises have all received their share of criticism for not drastically changing their instalments over the years, and...
Fluttering arms animation "was all Miyamoto’s idea"
Star Fox Zero will be a key release on Wii U this Holiday season, likely to lead the Wii U charge alongside diverse titles such as Animal Crossing amiibo Festival, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash and Xenoblade Chronicles X. The return of the franchise
News FreezeME, Coming to Wii U, Looks Rather Similar to Super Mario Galaxy
From indie dev Rainy Night Creations
There are plenty of new development studios that have chosen the Wii U eShop for their début release, and Rainy Night Creations is another with FreezeME, a 3D platformer that's still planned for the system despite a failed Kickstarter campaign earlier in the year. A couple of years in the works (a mix of part-...
News The Square Enix Teases for Dragon Quest 3DS Localisations Ramp Up
Could it finally happen?
Dragon Quest is a franchise with a decent recent history on Nintendo portables, exemplified by the global release of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on 3DS. Since that time it's been a franchise - from a Nintendo fans' perspective - stuck in Japan, however, with a Dragon Quest VII re-release on 3DS in Spring...
Video Disney Magical World 2 Looks as Charming as the Original, and Has Frozen In It
Disney won't let it go
It's easy to be a cynic when a game like Disney Magical World 2 is confirmed, but the original on 3DS was rather well put together and almost excessively charming, with Bandai Namco also providing regular DLC at excellent value. Overall, that first game was pretty darn good. Following on from its success it's no surprise that...
News Splatoon Amiibo Scheduled to be Restocked in Japan
Initially kid, then squid
Splatoon has undoubtedly been a huge success since release, with the game already shifting over 1 million sales worldwide. Much of the title's success has been in its native home of Japan, and those sales - coupled with the characteristically low stock of amiibo - resulted in the Splatoon amiibo vanishing fast from Japanese...
Mega Man Legends veteran developers brought on board
As was promised in teases last week, Keiji Inafune and his Comcept team have launched Kickstarter campaigns for new projects, both a game and animation. RED Ash: The Indelible Legend is a sci-fi adventure with the aim of "immersing players in a freely explorable anime world." The game project is...
News Yoshi's Woolly World and Splatoon Hang Tough in UK Charts
LEGO Jurassic Park on Wii U starts well
The UK chart results are in and, while Nintendo is hardly storming away at the top, it has some cause to be pleased. Some key titles are still shifting units, while a third-party effort's also had a reasonable start. Yoshi's Woolly World made its début in 4th place, and in its second week saw a 60% drop in...
Review G.G Series CONVEYOR TOY PACKING (DSiWare)
Fresh off the conveyor belt
Packing away hundreds of toys rolling off of a factory conveyor belt, who hasn't had that dream? The next title in the G.G series is another falling block puzzler, and while it presents a unique and enjoyable type of gameplay, it's impeded somewhat by some suppressive game mechanics and an uninspired soundtrack. That...
Video Catch Up With a Zero Escape Volume 3 Panel from AX 2015
The new title will take place on Mars
Over the course of the weekend there was some exciting news for fans of challenging, intriguing narrative-driven puzzle games - Zero Escape Volume 3 was announced for a release in the first half of 2016. It's coming to the 3DS, naturally. The next entry follows on from 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors...
Video Chill Out With Tetris Trivia, the Soviet Game That Took Over the World
Did You Know Gaming? strikes again
In the Nintendo history books that have already been written, and in more that will follow, Tetris inevitably get a prominent mention - its bundling with the Game Boy was an integral part of the success for both game and hardware. Its origins are from long before then, of course, and the game has had an interesting...
Rumour Nintendo NX Won't Be As Powerful As PlayStation 4
Nintendo not interested in playing the power game?
The Nintendo NX rumour machine rolls on, and we're now hearing reports relating to the power of the mysterious console. The source of this particular rumour is none other than Liam Robertson of Unseen64 - someone who is known as being incredibly reliable when it comes to inside info. He's the same...
Sunday5th Jul 2015
Tom and Anthony scratch their heads at Nintendo's Prime demo
Blast Ball had a peculiar reveal and presence in recent weeks. It first appeared in the Nintendo World Championships without Metroid branding, and was then revealed in the E3 Digital Event to be part of Metroid Prime: Federation Force, the divisive 3DS title in development by Next Level...
News F-Zero 'Spiritual Successor' Kickstarter Makes Classic Crowdfunding Mistakes
No video pitch, uses a Blue Falcon model that won't be in the game
F-Zero fans have had little to cheer them in recent times, thought the barnstorming - but brief - showing of FAST Racing NEO on the Nintendo Treehouse broadcast during E3 was a positive; it's not F-Zero and has its own style, but it is super fast futuristic racing that's looking...
Poll Does Nintendo's Drive Towards Multiplayer Gaming Appeal to You?
Big name IPs and co-op adventures
While Nintendo has plenty of single player experiences and adventures on the way, some of its notable recent reveals are determined to get us playing with others. The Legend of Zelda and Metroid Prime are two IPs announced recently that will try and tempt us to play with others online or locally on our 3DS, albeit...
Review G.G Series BLACK X BLOCK (DSiWare)
Block Dude 2.0
Another entry in the G.G series has arrived, and anybody who's owned a TI series calculator and spent a lengthy amount of time in a high school math class will immediately feel at home with the type of gameplay here. Indeed, the premise of G.G Series BLACK X BLOCK feels like a successor of sorts to the cult classic, Block Dude, and it...
Live It's The Final Day of the Pokémon US National Championships!
Champions will be crowned
It's the final day of the Pokémon US National Championships in Indianapolis; the winners will have glory and a place in the World Championships for their efforts. Catch all of the action live! [liveblog=its_the_final_day_of_the_pokemon_us_national_championships]#PlayPokemon
Saturday4th Jul 2015
News Project H.A.M.M.E.R. Exposé Reveals Torrid State Of Affairs At Nintendo Software Technology
The game that humbled a studio
Project H.A.M.M.E.R. was supposed to be a Wii title which catered for the needs of serious gamers, thanks to its gritty setting and focus on intense destructive action. Developed by Nintendo Software Technology - the North American studio responsible for titles like Wave Race: Blue Storm, Metroid Prime: Hunters and...
News The Animal Crossing amiibo Range is Bigger Than We Thought
Four more figures pop up on official website
Update: A number of readers are correctly observing how these figures were listed in the last couple of weeks. Your humble scribe had missed that, so please understand. Original Article: As amiibo fans will know, there are new Animal Crossing figures on the way that'll be supported in Animal Crossing...
News The Man Who Found The SNES PlayStation Thinks It Will Probably Be Sold
"Sure my dad would think about selling it because he's pretty broke"
Yesterday we reported on the stunning news that a SNES PlayStation has been located in the wild. The existence of this almost-mythical machine was never in doubt - Sony released promotional images back in the early '90s - but it was believed that all of the prototypes were either...
News Zero Escape Volume 3 Will Tell a New Tale on 3DS in 2016
A moment we never thought would come
Fans of Kotaro Uchikoshi's brilliant narrative experiences - 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors on DS and Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward on 3DS - have some terrific news to celebrate. Publisher Aksys Games has announced Zero Escape Volume 3 for an arrival on 3DS in the first half of 2016 in North...
Review G.G Series ALTERED WEAPON (DSiWare)
More than meets the eye
Short, sweet, and to the point. That's the phrase that best describes most games in the G.G series and G.G Series ALTERED WEAPON is no different - it offers an interesting and enjoyable gameplay experience that's over just about as quickly as it's begun. While it would be nice if there was a bit more meat to it, what is...
News Happy Independence Day / 4th of July / Random Saturday!
Wherever you are, it's still a weekend
Today is a notable Holiday for Nintendo Life readers in the US, as it's Independence Day. Writing this as a Brit, your humble writer is pleased that bygones are bygones and that battles of the past are now blown away in a cacophony of fireworks. We're all winners. If you're not in the US, however, today's just...
Feature A Tale of Adventure and Totemic Chaos in The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Three brave heroes seek triumph
This is the tale of identical triplets living in a quiet, uninteresting corner of Hyrule, each with an earnest desire to escape and see the world. Their section of Hyrule isn't on the lavish maps produced in honour of their hero Link, but is off the edge and out of view. Not even smashing pots is much fun in their...
Live Day Two of the Pokémon US National Championships
The battle continues
It's the second day of the Pokémon US National Championshipsin Indianapolis, the battle for glory now heating up. Catch all of the action live! [liveblog=day_two_of_the_pokemon_us_national_championships]#PlayPokemon
Friday3rd Jul 2015
News Prototype SNES PlayStation Found In The Wild, Unicorn And Big Foot Expected Next
Update: Video of console now live
Before Sony entered the home console arena it worked with Nintendo on a CD-ROM drive for the SNES. The aim was to eventually release a combined console - called the PlayStation - which would play SNES carts and SNES CD-ROM games. Of course, this never came to pass - at the 1991 CES Sony officially announced the...
Review The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Wii U eShop / N64)
A classic for any time
There's little remaining to say that hasn't already been said about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. A true masterpiece and a genuine game-changer; what was once revolutionary is today simply one of the greatest action/adventure games ever created. Now available to download from the Wii U eShop, this latest release...
News Fire Emblem Fates Birthright Edition Is The Popular Choice In Japan
Which path would you choose?
We know Fire Emblem Fates will be released in Europe and North America sometime in 2016, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying the action in Japan, where the game is already available. Fire Emblem: If - as it is known in Japan – has sold incredibly well, with the Special Edition Bundle being so much in demand that a...
News Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Updated to Version 1.0.9, Its Purpose is Unknown
Speculation that it's preparation for Tourney's and YouTube uploads
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has been patched to version 1.0.9. Hooray! Does it fix the deadly Pac-Man glitch? No! So, what does it do? At the moment, no-one seems sure - the official changelog says the following:
Nintendo Life Weekly Nintendo NX Release Date Rumour, Super Mario Maker, Federation Force
Everything you need to last a week
Having trouble keeping up with everything that happens in the world of Nintendo? Don't worry, it happens to us all, so here, we've bundled everything you'll need to get up-to-date on the biggest and best news from the site as well as all the reviews and releases so you're no longer left in the dark, all in one...
News Bill Trinen Will Compete at Evo 2015 as a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Competitor
"Just dipping a toe in the water"
We know that Nintendo Treehouse staff are serious gamers, and a former member of the club and now a well known Senior Product Marketing Manager at Nintendo of America is aiming to show his commitment to a favourite game. Bill Trinen, well known for his Nintendo Direct appearances and ongoing role as translator for...
Review G.G Series ASSAULT BUSTER (DSiWare)
Mega Buster
The G.G series keeps on going, and next up is another shoot 'em up; yet this one presents a unique and dynamic combat system that's surprisingly engaging. In an experimental series that's pretty hit or miss depending on the genre being attempted, G.G Series ASSAULT BUSTER provides a fun, arcade style shooter that's easily the most...
Will the tie-in pay off for Nintendo and Activision?
While Skylanders SuperChargers isn't - according to our surveys - particularly high up the wishlists of active Nintendo Life readers, it could be a notable release for Wii U, in particular. During E3 Nintendo and Activision confirmed a smart and unique collaboration that brings Bowser and Donkey...
Video Watch Acclaimed Manga Artist Kozaki Yusuke Draw Felicia From Fire Emblem Fates
The long and short version
Art design is vital in any game, and it's particularly important when there's a sizeable cast of characters to consider. It's with that in mind that the return of acclaimed manga artist and character designer Kozaji Yusuke to work on Fire Emblem Fates - called Fire Emblem: If in Japan - is such welcome news. Yusuke-san's...
Still dreaming of a console port...
Pokkén Tournament is a luxury that many of us can't hope to enjoy at present. The Bandai Namco-developed fighting game is still only confirmed as an arcade release in Japan, leaving us to gaze on with envy. It now has a release date, too, with the flashy new trailer confirming its arrival in the country on 16th...
News Keiji Inafune Teases Possible Mega Man Legends Successor Red Ash
Red Ash = ReDash?
Keiji Inafune is the man who created Mega Man, and for that reason alone people tend to sit up and take notice when he teases a new project. He's attending the LA Anime Expo and has hinted at a special announcement that - in his own words - "may interest Mega Man fans." Turns out that announcement is Red Ash, a new title being...
News The Smurfs Are Back For An Exclusive 3DS Adventure
Don't feel blue about it
Ubisoft has announced that The Smurfs are hitting the Nintendo 3DS this month in an exclusive adventure which aims to take advantage of the console's unique feature set. The game will make use of the touchscreen, gyro sensor and microphone to host a range of mini-games. We can tell you're gagging for more information, so...
Review Solitaire Dungeon Escape (Wii U eShop)
Fortress of solitaire
Since the introduction of Windows, most PC owners have had the ability play Solitaire for free. A simple, addictive game of strategy and luck, there's a reason it continues to be available for free in various forms, so releasing a paid version of the game is an uphill battle from the beginning. Jose Varela Games' Solitaire...
Live Day One of the Pokémon US National Championships
Who wants to be the very best?
The first day of the Pokémon US National Championships is underway in Indianapolis, with competitors battling for glory and a place in the World Championships. Catch the action live! [liveblog=day_one_of_the_pokemon_us_national_championships]#PlayPokemon
News Castles is Building a Base on the Wii U eShop this September
Details on its puzzle system are clarified
Castles is a promising strategic puzzler from Spanish developer WhootGames, and just recently we shared the news that - having been Greenlit on Steam - it's getting closer to a Wii U eShop release. The developer's not wasting any time, and has confirmed that it's now arriving on all current-gen consoles...
Thursday2nd Jul 2015
Rumour Nintendo NX Shipping This Time Next Year, 20 Million Sales Targeted In First 12 Months
Foxconn rumoured to be manufacturing the system
It is being reported that Nintendo's next games console - currently known as the Nintendo NX - will launch in July 2016. The source of the report is Taiwanese site DigiTimes, which is claiming that manufacturer Foxconn has won the contract to produce the console. However, it is thought that rival firm...
News Nintendo NX Will Avoid The Launch Issues Which Plagued 3DS And Wii U, Claims Iwata
"We intend to offer NX through a Nintendo-like solution"
The officially translated notes for Nintendo's 75th AGM are in, and unsurprisingly Satoru Iwata spends a lot of time talking about Nintendo NX, the company's next gaming system. During the Q&A session, Iwata was asked some rather direct questions about how Nintendo intends to avoid a...
Nintendo Download 2nd July (North America)
Ocarina of Time, Roving Rogue, Samurai Warriors, discounts and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for a look over this week's Nintendo Download Update goodies. One of the greatest games of all time is up for grabs, while there's a mix of Nindie and major third-party options through the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. Throw in a load of...
"Development of Virtual Console titles require detailed manual work"
The Virtual Console promised so much when it launched alongside the original Wii all those years ago. Indeed, on that particular console it became something of a goldmine of amazing retro titles, and when Nintendo announced that the service would carry over to the Wii U, many...
Talking Point The Pros, Cons and Questionable Likelihood of a Nintendo NX Release in Summer 2016
A new pillar? Is July 2016 too soon, or even likely?
In the first of what are sure to be multiple rumours before Nintendo lifts the lid on its 'NX' hardware in 2016, Taiwanese press site DigiTimes has made a range of claims around a potential release in July next year. Its general statements revolve around Foxconn handling much of the manufacturing...
News The SmartBoy Is Real, Will Let You Play Original Game Boy Carts On Your Smartphone
Hyperkin's April Fool's joke turns out to be true
Back in April, hardware maker Hyperkin posted what many people thought was an elaborate April Fool's joke. The "SmartBoy" was pitched as a bolt-on controller which allowed you to play your original Game Boy carts on your smartphone. A fantastic idea, but surely too bonkers to actually be true, right?...
News Hyperkin Is Working On The Ultimate Wii U Pro Controller
Meet the ProCube
Peripheral and hardware maker Hyperkin is working on what it hopes will be the ultimate Wii U controller option. The ProCube aims to fuse together the best bits of the Wii U Pro Controller and the GameCube pad. It works with all Pro Controller titles on the Wii U and is totally wireless - something that other Wii U GameCube clone...
Review Life of Pixel (Wii U eShop)
A passionate pastiche of pixels past
Independent games are well-known for reaching into the early days of the industry for inspiration. Many indies borrow the retro style of chiptunes and pixel art, being an aesthetic that's easily created on a smaller budget, and titles like Shovel Knight have even elevated the look beyond its original form. Life...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate's July DLC Brings Great Gear and Fan Favourites
Straight-up Monster Hunting this month
For its sheer volume of content its hard to look beyond Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate as a leading light on the 3DS. It's an experience catered to skilful, dedicated players, however, and the July batch of DLC is certainly full of challenges for fans and masters of the franchise. There are no quirky crossovers...
Weirdness Splatoon Has Been Impressively Recreated In Team Fortress 2
Modding madness
Splatoon has been a critical and commercial success for Nintendo, and has introduced an entire generation of players to the concept of an online, team-based shooter. In fact, it has turned so many heads that even PC gamers - the chaps who live and breathe this kind of game - are paying tribute in their own unique way. A team of...
Miyamoto-san doesn't approve
Courtesy of the internet and its never-ending ability to make a lot of noise, Nintendo's senior management will know only too well that some of the company's most vocal fans were rather disappointed with the company's E3 showing. Its focus on near-term releases meant there were plenty of previously announced titles,...
SNES title Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2 included as free 3DS download
Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden, the 2D brawler from Bandai Namco, is heading to 3DS in the West in October. While more details are sure to be shown off as release approaches, Europeans planning to pick it up have plenty of reason to be happy courtesy of some pre-order and...
News Super Mario Maker Won't Filter Your Naughty Levels, But Offensive Content Can Be Reported
Click a button and the level is "reviewed" by Nintendo
Super Mario Maker launches in September, and will give players the chance to create their very own Super Mario levels which they can then share with friends online. As is the case with any user-generated content, there's always the risk that some wannabe joker will create an offensive or...
Guide Master Splatoon's New Tower Control Mode with these Easy-to-Use Tricks & Tips
We all want control
Splatoon's new Tower Control game mode has been released to the public, and as with any new set of rules it can take a while to learn how best to approach the matter. That's why we've played and played since silly o' clock in the morning in order to better understand the ins and outs and more importantly deliver our findings and...
News Nintendo Has No Plans For amiibo Support In The Legend Of Zelda: Triforce Heroes
"This game isn't a natural fit for it"
While Nintendo’s amiibo line has resulted in a mixture of happiness and frustration for fans, it’s clearly a goldmine for Kyoto-based company right now. For these reasons it comes as somewhat surprising news the upcoming 3DS title, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, will not include amiibo support. In...
News More Zelda Manga Is On The Way From Akira Himekawa
Returning after seven long years
Zelda (and manga) fans have much to rejoice over as after a seven year hiatus, the female partnership of Akira Himekawa - the pen name for two manga artists working together since 1991 - will return to publish another series of manga based on Nintendo's legendary franchise. No news as of yet as to when we can expect...
News Nintendo Aims to Avoid 'Notorious' Smart Device Business Models With Its Releases
Keen to "appeal to a wide variety of people"
By the end of this year, barring unexpected delays, we'll have downloaded Nintendo's first dedicated game / app for smart devices. In partnership with smart device veterans DeNA, Nintendo is plotting a small number of apps that it hopes will generate significant revenue, transforming its profit margins...
News Smash Fighters Settling it at Evo in Big Numbers
Wii U edges out Melee in registered competitors
Evo 2015, the largest fighting game tournament event of year, is coming up this July 17-19, and hoo boy there will be a lot of Smashers there. According to figures released by Evo organizer Joey Cuellar, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Melee are the second- and third-highest titles...
Video Here's a Brief, and Entertaining, History of Donkey Kong
Iconic and diverse
We don't yet know what's next for Donkey Kong and his many relations, but we can certainly celebrate the mascot's diverse history to date. From transforming the fortunes of Nintendo's video game business with the self-titled arcade cabinet, to dazzling in the Rare and then recent Retro Studios days, with plenty of games in...
Video Rodea The Sky Soldier Takes Flight In This Fresh Gameplay Trailer
Sky fallin'
Rodea the Sky Soldier's rather drawn-out route to market would be enough to make any video game character feel a little downhearted, but this flighty protagonist isn't giving up. With the Japanese launch in the bag and a North American release just around the corner, we're being treated to some more gameplay footage from the Yuji Naka's...
Review G.G Series COSMO RALLY!! (DSiWare)
Get ready to activate your G-diffusers
This particular title in the G.G Series seems to have been inspired by a certain other futuristic racer, and while it presents an admirable take on the concept of high speed and interstellar racing, its lack of diverse content holds it back from being particularly memorable. That being said, G.G Series COSMO...
News 3D Streets Of Rage 2 Arrives In North America July 16
Take to the streets!
Widely regarded as one of the best side-scrolling fighters ever created, the 1992 hit – Streets of Rage 2 – is set to be released locally in both North America and Europe as a part of the SEGA 3D Classics line this July. A new listing on the North American 3DS eShop has now revealed 3D Streets of Rage 2 will be arriving in...
Video Marvel at the Madness of Project X Zone 2 in This Extended Footage
Over seven minutes of action
Project X Zone 2 is heading to the 3DS in Europe in 2016, which is great news - albeit a delay - for those that got drawn into the anarchic original RPG. Meshing together franchises from SEGA, Capcom and Bandai Namco, it doesn't have to make sense to be entertaining. Bandai Namco of Europe has now published a new video...
News 3D Out Run, Thunder Blade And Fantasy Zone I & II Now Available On The eShop In Australia
Finally!
In exciting news, 3D Out Run, 3D Thunder Blade, 3D Fantasy Zone and its sequel have now been made available on the Australian 3DS eShop for $6.50 each. Out Run and the original Fantasy Zone were originally expected to launch alongside the wider PAL releases earlier thi
News Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy Is Finally Pedalling To The European 3DS eShop This Month
Better late than never
Japanese developer Spicysoft has revealed that Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy will launch on the European 3DS eShop on July 9th - more than a year after it hit North America. The game is even older in its native Japan, having originally launched in December 2013. Still, better late than not at all, right? Let's hope we don't have to...
Wednesday1st Jul 2015
Review Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures (3DS eShop)
Nerd in My Pocket
As the Angry Video Game Nerd might tell you, the context of a system can matter a great deal toward the quality of the game. A title that isn't so bad on one console can be a putrid pukefest on another. Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures, which hit Nintendo first on the Wii U, has shifted to the portable 3DS. So what can you expect?...
Weirdness In Some Parallel Dimension, This Nintendo Cross Presentation Might Actually Be Real
Keeping it real fake
Nintendo is working on its next console - dubbed the "NX" - but the company remained tight-lipped at this year's E3. 2015 will go down as a period of transition for the Japanese veteran as it looks to slowly retire its current pair of consoles and move towards something new and exciting, but the lack of solid news means that...
News Fire Emblem Fates Storms to Number One in Japan
Beats equivalent launch sales of Awakening
The Japanese Media Create charts have brought positive news for Nintendo of late, and that continues this week with the arrival of the latest blockbuster from Intelligent Systems. Fire Emblem Fates - known as Fire Emblem: If in Japan - has launched in Nintendo's homeland and performed rather well. There...
A "Nintendo game", not just an FPS
We all know about the continued damage control around Metroid Prime: Federation Force, so how about we think about the actual game instead? Thankfully producer Kensuke Tanabe is happy to do that, and he's shared some interesting thoughts on the game with Wired. For starters, we have Blast Ball. Unveiled at the...
Rumour Former Rare Composer David Wise Is Working On An Unannounced Nintendo Title
Man behind Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze's music is back
David Wise is a living legend for many Nintendo fans, having contributed some amazing music to a dazzling array of classic Nintendo releases - the most famous of which is arguably the Donkey Kong Country franchise. Wise has since gone freelance but composed the fantastic soundtrack to...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Asks for Fan Trust With Metroid Prime: Federation Force
"There's no sugar coating" the negative reaction
It'll be interesting to look back on the E3 reaction to Metroid Prime: Federation Force this time in 2016, when the game's landed on 3DS and initial negativity has subsided. We don't yet know whether the game itself will be fun, for one thing, but it'll be worth assessing whether attitudes soften, as...
News Miiverse is Getting a Massive Redesign this Summer
Screenshot Albums, Play Journals, Redesigned Communities, and more!
Miiverse is Nintendo's take on implementing a social network-like platform that integrates and directly ties in with the games that people play. At the tap of a button, players can post screenshots, share thoughts and discussion, or draw pictures, and share this with the rest of the...
Weirdness Yoshi Gets Mad in Latest Yoshi's Woolly World Commercials
Not so soft and cuddly
Yes, we know, Yoshi's Woolly World is so last week in Europe, and a source of frustration for North America fans, but the latest Japanese trailer just has to be shared. Why? Because Yoshi gets angry. Even when beating up on fools in Super Smash Bros., Yoshi is a happy presence - he's playful and cute, and can't be thrown off...
News Rare Founders To Be Honoured At The Develop Industry Excellence Awards
Tim and Chris Stamper are this year's Development Legends
Rare founders Tim and Chris Stamper will be honoured as Development Legends at this year's Develop Industry Excellence Awards, which take place in Brighton, UK on July 15th. The Stampers established Ashby Computers and Graphics Ltd in 1982, the company that would eventually become Rare. One...
News The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Director Defends Absence of Female Playable Characters
"Link isn't the most masculine of guys"
In these times of greater equality, social media and ongoing debate around gender, even a cute and lighthearted game such as The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes isn't exempt from scrutiny. That's fair enough, in this writer's view - when avatars and customisation are part of a title, it's a valid topic. Of...
News Dark Pit amiibo Exclusive To Best Buy In North America
Pit's emo alter-ego launches later this month in the US
The Dark Pit amiibo will be exclusive to Best Buy in North America, it would seem. Searching for the figure on Best Buy's site reveals an "Only at Best Buy" label on the product page. The figure launches alongside fellow
Talking Point It's the Community That'll Put the 'Super' Into Mario Maker
Its legacy could be outstanding
Just this week we got another look at Super Mario Maker at a UK press event, and were struck by its significant potential. Yet we've already done a first impressions article from E3, which goes into detail on how well it's shaping up. If you want a strong outline of its core features and why we think it's marvellous,...
News Cypronia to Offer Future Release for Free as Celebration of Cube Life: Island Survival Sales
Early sales show promise in Europe
It's no secret that a number of developers have been producing variations on the theme of Minecraft for the eShop stores, filling a gap in the market. They've enjoyed some success doing this, and Cypronia has been in touch to state that its entry - Cube Life: Island Survival - is doing rather well since its launch...
News Disney Magical World 2 Is Happening, Folks
Happy happy, joy joy
Bandai Namco has confirmed that Disney Magical World is getting a sequel on the Nintendo 3DS. The game - which is known as Disney Magical Castle 2: My Happy Life in Japan - will get its full reveal on July 6th, via the official Japanese website. For the time being, you'll have to make do with the infectiously jolly teaser...
Review My Zoo Vet Practice 3D (3DS eShop)
My Zoophobia 3D
It's fair to say that we get our fair share of games to review over here at Nintendo Life that don't necessarily appeal to our core audience of readers. It's just as fair to say that Treva Entertainment's clumsily named My Zoo Vet Practice 3D certainly falls into that category, definitely having a definitive (if somewhat niche)...
Review G.G Series HERO PUZZLE (DSiWare)
A long journey
The G.G Series aims to provide players with quick arcade experiences on their DS systems at a low price point, and it experiments with a wide variety of genres to achieve this goal. Some of these genres are a better fit than others and this results in a somewhat unpredictable line of games that's a collection of highs and lows...
News We Could See Some Cult Lucasfilm Properties Coming To Disney Infinity In The Future
Nothing is off the table, apparently
Disney Infinity will be hitting its third iteration this year and has already covered an incredible amount of ground when it comes to using famous Disney and Lucasfilm IP. We've already seen the likes of The Avengers, Frozen, Toy Story, Cars and much more besides in the Disney Infinity universe, and this year...
News Nintendo's Gearing Up With Competitions and New Game Demos at San Diego Comic-Con
Rare amiibo up for grabs
Nintendo of America consistently puts on a decent show at San Diego Comic-Con, taking the chance to show off upcoming releases at the event. This year is no different, and there'll be some demos from E3 in addition to a range of competitions that'll have rare amiibo as prizes - it'll all be going down at the 'Nintendo Gaming...
News 30th Anniversary Super Mario Concert Comes to Japan this September
No love for the West, Nintendo?
It seems that Nintendo has a thing for putting on excellent concerts to celebrate landmark anniversaries for its most treasured franchises. Here in the West, fans have had the privilege for the past few years of attending the Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses, a touring orchestra that covers several tracks and...
