News Rare Co-Founder Has No Idea Why Nintendo Didn't Buy The Studio Outright
"I thought we were a good fit"
News GameStop Confirms amiibo 3-Pack Pre-Order Event This Weekend
An early Saturday start
Review Mercenaries Saga 2: Order Of The Silver Eagle (3DS eShop)
It’s just like Final Fantasy Tactics, but with a cheaper hairstylist
News - 2015, Week 32
Monday10th Aug 2015
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria (3DS eShop)
No longer a fantasy
As some of you are likely aware, Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria has been made available on the 3DS eShop in addition to the Wii U eShop. If you'd like a more in-depth analysis of why we love this excellent JRPG, you can find all the details here. So, how does Dragon Fantasy play on the 3DS? Extremely well, easily...
Sunday9th Aug 2015
Poll We Want Your Views on Splatoon Version 2.0
Splatfests, Private Matches, being both a kid and squid
Splatoon changes every week, but the most recent update was one of the biggest yet. It threw in much demanded private matches and the opportunity to team up with friends, while also adding a big batch of new gear, some extra music and boosted level caps. When you add the latest Splatfest round...
Review Kung Fu FIGHT! (Wii U eShop)
Hop and Chop
The world has seen its fair share of endless runners in the last few years. The genre has grown in popularity and moved from phones to home consoles and dedicated gaming devices almost overnight. Run, jump, dodge, slide, attack - Kung Fu FIGHT! follows the formula of the many endless runners that came before it. One doesn't have to be...
News Not Only Does Japan Have Awesome Arcades, it Has Cool 30th Anniversary Mario Prizes
We'll happily buy these, given the chance
The arcade scene in the West isn't completely dead, but it's certainly less vibrant and varied than in Japan. It's not just that Japanese arcades have incredible machines, old and new, but some of the amusements also offer awesome prizes. As an example we have the following prizes that, if we're making...
Saturday8th Aug 2015
News Fire Emblem Fates Looks Set to be a Single Release in the West, According to Amazon
In Europe, at least
Fire Emblem Fates promises to bring the most content of any entry in the series, so much so that it has two distinct versions at retail and a third path available as DLC in Japan. It's ultimately a choice between light and dark paths, with many Japanese gamers making their decision in stores. Due in 2016 in the West, no details...
Nintendo Life Weekly Xenoblade Chronicles Arrives on Wii U eShop in Europe
Now it's Shulk time
Do you ever have one of those weeks where you seems to end up doing everything you don't want to do and end up missing out on all the latest Nintendo happenings? Well we at Nintendo Life have once again slavishly compiled all of the week's doings into one easy to handle video just for you. This week we take a look at a double...
News Nintendo Scoops Three Gamescom Awards
Mario and Legend of Zelda do the trick
Gamescom is now entering the chaotic weekend days, in which a dizzying number of gamers descend on Cologne. Though the event isn't over, a week of industry events has nevertheless culminated in the official Gamescom awards; Nintendo of Europe, which is out in force at the expo, has a few wins to celebrate...
News Nintendo Localises Saitaro Komatsu's "Link's Hijinks" Zelda Comic
Fit that in your timeline
Nintendo often does a decent job of localising some of the quirky and entertaining content out of Japan, and has done good work with a new web comic. Released on the Play Nintendo site, this is a translated version of Saitaro Komatsu's comic, which originally featured in CoroCoro magazine. In its way functioning as an...
Review Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians (Wii U eShop)
Boots ‘n cats ‘n boots ‘n bugs…
You are Beatbuddy: a cute little blue fella who is tasked with travelling through the six, beautifully hand drawn worlds of Symphonia to do… something. The basic idea is to save Symphonia from the evil Prince Maestro, ruler of this world, who is planning to steal the planet's music all for himself. You're...
Live Watch Twitch Play Xenoblade Chronicles X at Gamescom
Yep, we're feeling it
It's the big weekend at Gamescom, and though many of us can't join in with the Cologne festivities, the official Twitch channel is showcasing an hour of the localised Xenoblade Chronicles X playable build. Join us for the action! [liveblog=watch_twitch_play_xenoblade_chronicles_x_at_gamescom5]#Gamescom #XenobladeX
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off The Best Facebook Super Mario Maker Hackathon Levels
Including the winner, 'Ship Love'
Not too long ago Nintendo headed to Facebook's headquarters for a Super Mario Maker Hackathon, in which employees of the company tackled the game to try and create their own levels. The winner, 'Ship Love', will be included with the final game when it's released on 11th September. Nintendo Minute's latest video...
Friday7th Aug 2015
News GameStop Confirms amiibo 3-Pack Pre-Order Event This Weekend
An early Saturday start
Earlier in the week we attempted to summarise the rumours around a GameStop-exclusive amiibo triple pack in North America, featuring R.O.B., Duck Hunt and Mr. Game & Watch. Nintendo went on to confirm the triple pack for a release on 25th September, and as expected GameStop has now confirmed i
Review Legend of Kay Anniversary (Wii U)
Legendary or just o-Kay?
Having never actually owned a Sony console besides a PSP that has rarely seen the light of day, this writer had never heard of Legend of Kay before this new HD re-release, so this review is coming with absolutely no expectations. Can it still hold the attention of a complete stranger a decade after its release? If you tried...
News Chris Pranger From Nintendo Treehouse Discusses Harsh Realities Of Localisation
The truth hurts
According to Chris Pranger from Nintendo Treehouse, Nintendo’s fan base fails to understand and accept the more serious business factors behind video game localisation. In an interview with Part Time Gamers podcast, the member of Nintendo of America’s Nintendo Treehouse made it clear the localisation game is a risky business,...
News Masahiro Sakurai Tackles Criticisms of Bonus Features in Games
"If it bothers you so much, then don’t use that feature"
Masahiro Sakurai shares regular articles in Famitsu magazine - on some occasions he discusses Smash Bros. features and updates or his personal plans, but occasionally he's happy to simply give his views on a topic that's clearly on his mind. This week he considers criticisms some level at...
"We are upset as well, just as much as the backers"
As we suggested in our article regarding Mighty No. 9's delay into early 2016, Comcept has endured a tough and damaging period for its image with fans. After the giddy highs of the game's successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013, multiple delays and some poor communication / decision making around...
Weirdness Sonic the Hedgehog is All About Self-Effacing Humour on Twitter
An account that opts to laugh, rather than cry
It's not easy being Sonic the Hedgehog - hot stuff in his youth, he's now on an iffy run of releases that earn shoulder shrugs or ridicule. Sure, there have been definite highlights in the past decade, but attention often turns to the horrible failures; it doesn't help that the mascot's most recent...
News Rayman’s Creator Is Designing One Of The 60 Levels In Super Mario Maker
As if we weren’t already excited enough
Following reports last month Super Mario Maker would include 100 pre-made courses, the official UK game site was updated earlier this week to read the upcoming Wii U title will feature "dozens of sample courses" to help inspire players to create their own levels. The latest news surfacing via Nintendo of...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate's August DLC Ramps Up the Challenge
Total Eclipse of the heart
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate keeps delivering loads of neat - and free - DLC, and this month is no different. The latest available quests don't offer much particularly attractive gear, but there are some cool looking challenges. Check out the video rundown below. There are some promising events there, though we're...
Video Three Reasons Why You Should Be Pumped For Shovel Knight's Plague Of Shadows Expansion
Straight from the developer
Shovel Knight may no longer be a Nintendo console exclusive, but the game is still one of our personal favourites on the 3DS and Wii U eShops - and it's about to get even better thanks to some free DLC. Showcasing the Plague Knight, Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows will be delivered entirely free of charge. In case you...
News Nintendo Won't Rule Out Giving Yooka-Laylee Additional Support On The eShop
"Never say never"
Nintendo's relationship with indie developers has undergone a truly dramatic transformation since the days of WiiWare, and both the 3DS and Wii U eShops are brimming with amazing games as a result. Nintendo has done a lot to support and highlight indie games on its platforms, with the most recent example being the successful...
News Moco Moco Friends Aims to be the Cutest Pokémon-Type Game on 3DS
Heading to North America this Fall
Fans of RPGs in which you develop teams of critters to explore and then fight other teams of critters are quite well served on the 3DS, but Aksys Games is pitching its own release into this crowded market. Originally developed by Racjin Co., Ltd, Moco Moco Friends is heading to the 3DS in North America this Fall...
News SNK Playmore's New Chinese Owners Aim To "Do A Marvel" With Its Famous Franchises
$63.5 million paid for 81.25 percent of the gaming veteran
SNK Playmore has been acquired by a group of Chinese investors, Gameindustry.biz is reporting. Ledo Millennium has paid $63.5 million for 81.25 percent of the company's shares, purchased from former SNK CEO Eikichi Kawasaki and his wife Natsuyo Kawasaki. Chinese companies Oriental...
News 3DS Version Of Dragon Quest VIII To Feature Brand New Ending
As well as a new dungeon to tackle once you complete the game
Dragon Quest VIII hits the 3DS in Japan on August 27th, and to build on the already intense interest for the game in its homeland, Jump magazine has delivered some more details. The most striking addition is that the game will feature a brand-new ending. There isn't a lot more detail...
Review Flick Golf 3D (3DS eShop)
Flicked from smartphones to the 3DS
Flick Golf 3D is yet another touch-based mobile game to receive a port onto Nintendo's handheld, having previously been launched in its original incarnation around five years ago on iOS. The title is both accurate and misleading at the same time; there's plenty of flicking to be had, but not too much golf. Flick...
Weirdness Get on Down and Dance, Dance, Dance With Pikachu
Step aside, left shark
Pokémon is weird; sure, it makes sense in some ways, but it's also conceptually bonkers. That doesn't harm its popularity, of course, and as a series with a heavy focus on attracting more children to buy into the brand its marketing - especially in Japan - can be delightful in its quirkiness. We think these Pikachu videos...
Review Endless Golf (Wii U eShop)
Golf a while. Golf... FOREVER!
The title Endless Golf pretty much explains the entire game. If you've ever found that eighteen holes just wasn't enough for you, then the constant rolling green hills of Endless Golf will call to you, promising a game that will never, ever end. By generating a new hole every time you sink a ball, the game's 2D golfing...
Video These Yo-Kai Watch Busters Commercials Focus On The Ghostbusters Vibe
Bustin' makes me feel good
Yo-Kai Watch Busters is doing pretty brisk business in Japan, as is to be expected when you consider how massive the Yo-Kai Watch series is in its native homeland. The title launched last month and a series of fresh commercials have been aired to maintain sales momentum, and they really push the whole...
Thursday6th Aug 2015
Review Mercenaries Saga 2: Order Of The Silver Eagle (3DS eShop)
It’s just like Final Fantasy Tactics, but with a cheaper hairstylist
In a time where titles such as Project X Zone, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. and the upcoming Fire Emblem Fates are renowned for spicing up the turn-based strategy genre, Mercenaries Saga 2: Order of the Silver Eagle opts for keeping the original recipe intact. The result is a game that...
Nintendo Download 6th August (North America)
Golden Sun goodness, classic Capcom, Picross, Kung Fu and much more
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update in North America, and this week serves up a fairly diverse range of options. We have two promising Indie efforts on Wii U, while a certain GBA Virtual Console release with 'Golden' in the title may go down well. The 3DS has a couple of...
News Splatoon's Massive New Update, to Version 2.0.0, is Now Live
Squad Battles! Private Battles! New Level Cap! Fashion! More!
It's finally arrived. One of the biggest updates - to version 2.0.0 - for Splatoon is now live, bringing with it a whole load of enhancements; it should automatically download when you next boot up the game. There are some balancing tweaks, of course, but it's the arrival of greater match...
Video Xenoblade Chronicles Marches Onto The Wii U eShop
It's Reyn Time... again!
This week Nintendo of Europe unleashed another one of its surprise eShop releases, and it's admittedly quite a puzzling one. Mere months after the New Nintendo 3DS exclusive port was released, Xenoblade Chronicles has made its way as a Wii digital release on the Wii U eShop in Europe. However, that's not to say there isn't...
The eShop can be key for smaller retail releases
In the glut of Gamescom announcements earlier this week, Nintendo of Europe confirmed interesting details for the launch of Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water, known as Fatal Frame: The Black Haired Shrine Maiden in North America; we'll opt for Fatal Frame as our preferred title. Given a
News 3DS Can Last For Another Two To Three Years In The West, Says NIS America Boss
Takuro Yamashita thinks Nintendo's current handheld still has time left
The next-gen console race is now in full swing, but NIS America president and CEO Takuro Yamashita thinks that the current pair of handheld systems - 3DS and Vita - have some time left before they need replacing. Speaking to MCV at Gamescom, Yamashita said he felt it was the...
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria (Wii U eShop)
A good, old fashioned JRPG
Take a look at just about any digital storefront and you'll see that many Indies are focusing on creating JRPGs that harken back to the classics of the 8-bit or 16-bit eras. While it's nice to see how a new generation of developers have been inspired by the games they played as kids, the problem is that many of these...
News Mario 64 Speedrunner Offers Cash Reward To Anyone Who Can Recreate Mysterious Glitch
$1,000 GET!
Super Mario 64 speedrunner Pannenkoek20012 is offering a cool $1,000 to anyone who can reproduce a glitch which has the potential to dramatically change future speedrunning attempts on the famous N64 platformer. The glitch - which was spotted in the game's Tick Tock Clock level and allows the player to skip part of the level - was...
Guide Get Competitive with 1v1 Online Matches in Splatoon
No items, Final Destination
Splatoon's big update to version 2.0.0 means that we can now play custom games online with friends, allowing us to dictate map, game mode, and even the number of players. This means that the much-sought after possibility of 1v1 matches online in Nintendo's ink-em-up is finally a reality, and they're a massive improvement...
News Nintendo Wraps Up Another Patent Win in Defence of the DS and 3DS
Secure Axcess loses out this time
Nintendo doesn't have a 100% record of winning patent cases, but it does win the majority. It often comfortably sees off particularly frivolous claims on broad technology patents, too - notable defeats have generally come against companies with which Nintendo has previously worked or liaised, not businesses that...
News Disney Infinity Sales Struggling To Maintain Momentum
Disney Interactive revenue falls by $58 million
Prior to more recent releases such as Nintendo’s amiibo line, and even the upcoming heavy hitter, LEGO Dimensions, the toys-to-life category has been dominated by Activision’s Skylanders and the Disney Infinity play sets. With market saturation in the toys-to-life category now at an all-time high,...
Witness the Mario Kart killer that never was
Given the amount of love and attention we've bestowed Xbox One title Rare Replay recently, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you'd logged onto our sister site Pure Xbox by mistake. Still, Rare will forever be a major part of Nintendo history, and there's a lot of bonus content in this collection which...
News Patched Version Of Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth Still Blighted By Bugs On New 3DS
Progress is being made on the Euro release, though
The Binding of Isaac certainly took its sweet time coming to a Nintendo platform, but now it's here, fans are finding that it's impacted by disappointing performance woes. At launch the 3DS version of the game was afflicted by bugs, but these were patched by an update shortly afterwards. However,...
News 3DS Free To Play Release Pokémon Rumble World Catches A Big Update
Lucky balloons and a new land to explore
3DS free-to-play release Pokémon Rumble World has just gotten a new update - version 1.1 - which should hopefully bring it back into your conciousness. Updating the game gives access to a new area - called Changing Land - where you're far more likely to encounter Pokémon you've not yet caught. Also added...
News The Mewtwo amiibo Will Arrive in Europe on 23rd October
Breathe...
Nintendo's been quite a tease with the Mewtwo amiibo - it was displayed at San Diego Comic-Con without much fanfare, and all has been silent on when it'll arrive. Thankfully the silence has ended, with details of a European release date for what's sure to be a particularly popular amiibo. It's still a little while away yet, but it's...
News Big Update For Cube Creator 3D Arrives This Week
Includes new environments, blocks and more
Cube Creator 3D from Big John Games is arguably one of the better Minecraft clones available on the 3DS eShop right now. If you’re located in North America you may have already experienced it. If not, perhaps now is a good time to consider downloading the title with the latest update arriving this week...
News Oddworld Inhabitants Is No Longer Working On Wii U Stranger's Wrath, But It's Not Canned
"It's not on our radar right now"
Oddworld Inhabitants may have confirmed that New 'n' Tasty is still coming to the Wii U this year, but it would appear that the studio's port of Stranger's Wrath has been put on ice. Responding to a story posted on GoNintendo, the firm pointed out that while the game isn't "cancelled", it is no longer being worked...
Coming to shopping centre near you
Nintendo UK has confirmed the dates and locations of its 2015 Summer Tour, where it will show off its latest games to hordes of shoppers up and down the country. The tour kicks off on 12th August and runs until 13th September. Forthcoming titles like Super Mario Makerand Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash will rub...
News Retailer Listing Suggests That Telltale's Acclaimed Walking Dead Series Is Shuffling To Wii U
Out in October, apparently
UK retailer GAME has listed Telltale's The Walking Dead series for the Wii U. The "combo pack" features Season 1 and Season 2 and is priced at £29.99. The pre-order page has the release date set for 30th October. The episodic series started over three years ago, and since then has come to a wide range of platforms,...
Video Get Splatting with Splatoon's New Slosher and Heavy Splatling Weapons
I am heavy weapons squid
Splatoon's massive update to version 2.0 is live right now, and in this new plethora of content we're gifted with two brand new weapons in the form of the Heavy Splatling and the Slosher. The Slosher is a glorified bucket, but don't let its humble origins fool you, this beast can lob a huge amount of ink over a wide area...
News US Bot Battlers Can Get a Taste of LBX at Select GameStops
This Friday, Friday, Friday!
If you live in the United States and have been dreaming of glory in robotic battle ever since LBX: Little Battlers eXperience was announced for the West, then an area GameStop might have a little something to get your fix before the game's 21st August release in North America. Certain GameStop stores will be holding LBX...
News Wii U eShop Space-Themed Title Factotum Arrives In North America 20th August
Can you save the day?
You’re deep in space and something has collided with your space vessel. The main power is offline and you’re now trapped. Fortunately you have access to a walker control terminal. Although it’s a tad outdated, with the assistance of two little robots, some cleaver thinking and an unknown voice guiding you, you might be...
News Nintendo Showcases Art Academy: Home Studio's YouTube Upload Feature and Launches Contest
For all you North American artists
No doubt helped along by strong ties to Google, Nintendo has been making integrated YouTube uploads a key part of some Wii U games. The option is particularly neat in Art Academy: Home Studio - Art Academy: Atelier in Europe - as uploads consist of time-lapse animations of your masterpieces. We're big fans of Home...
Wednesday5th Aug 2015
Oh my...
Update 2: Nintendo of America has confirmed that there'll be a special edition for the game in the region, but isn't announcing details yet: [tweet Update: Nintendo of Europe has now tweet an image of the Wii U bundle and special editions coming to the region for Xenoblade Chronicles X. Original Article: Take a deep breath,...
News Nintendo Confirms Full Gamescom Line-Up
Including Shovel Knight's 'Plague of Shadows' DLC
Nintendo has been keen to ahead of Gamescom opening to the public with a range of announcements for Europe, covered in other articles, and has also outlined its plans for the show itself. If you are heading along to the world's biggest gaming expo this weekend in Cologne, Nintendo is keen to keep you...
News Nintendo Confirms September amiibo Release Details for North America
Triple-pack confirmed, Mii Fighters now due in triple pack in November
New waves of amiibo are still hot news for Nintendo gamers, and North American fans now have information on the next batch of figures heading to the region in September; in addition we have confirmation of a new triple pack, in addition to another that was recently leaked. The...
Try the horror for free in Europe
Update: The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes will arrive in North America on the same date as in Europe - 23rd October. Original Article: Nintendo has used its pre-Gamescom set of announcements to reveal a couple of key retail game release dates, and an intriguing approach for a much anticipated Wii U title in...
Gallery Take a Look at the Super Mario Happy Meal Toys Coming to the UK
Gotta collect them all
Earlier today we shared the confirmation that Super Mario Happy Meal toys are heading to the UK on 12th August, with stock arriving at outlets throughout the country. It'll result in plenty of people eating more burgers or, alternatively, walking into a fast food restaurant and asking to purchase small toys. Whatever the case,...
News Super Mario Happy Meal Toys Hit The UK On 12th August
Supersize me!
Move over Minions, it's Super Mario's time to take over McDonald's Happy Meals in the UK. From 12th August anyone who buys a Happy Meal will be treated to a Super Mario toy, starting with a Mario Visor and a Yoshi toy. A reader who wishes to remain anonymous shared these photos with us. This follows a similar promotion from March...
News Mega Man Legacy Collection Blasting Onto the 3DS in Early 2016
That's still technically 'Winter'
Mega Man Legacy Collection arrives soon on the PS4, Xbox One and PC, and Capcom has now given a little clarity to its 'Winter' release window for the 3DS version. It'll arrive on the portable in early 2016 - as a download and a physical retail title - so we can take this off our potential Holiday 2015 line-up...
Review DK: Jungle Climber (Wii U eShop / DS)
Aping the King of Swing
What do you get when you throw away an established series' playbook and try for something new? You get DK: Jungle Climber. Unlike previous entries in the venerable Donkey Kong franchise, DK: Jungle Climber takes a fresh look at the series by focusing on swinging and timing more than precise platforming. The problem? It gets...
News Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Dominates Japanese Charts, Boosts 3DS Sales
Wii U sales increase, too
It's that time of the week, once again, for the Japanese Media Create sales charts. Pleasingly for Nintendo a spin-off for one of its most successful franchises has had a strong start, allaying fears that it would struggle to grab attention. That title is Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, which launched with various...
News Get a Taste of Upcoming eShop Goodness in This Awesome Sizzle Reel
Beatbuddy is out today, don't forget
We love a good sizzle reel here at Nintendo Life, and Nintendo of Europe has released a beauty to celebrate its presence at Gamescom. Focused on Wii U and 3DS eShop releases, it rattles through plenty of exciting games that are out now or on the way relatively soon. Many of these are familiar, though its nice to...
Review Canvaleon (Wii U eShop)
Karma karma karma karma karma Canvaleon
Take a peek at some recent Wii U releases and you may see a painterly pattern forming. That's right; what with Art Academy: Atelier and Splatoon splashing some colour onto Nintendo's home console this year, it's almost like an artistic renaissance is upon us - just with more squids. On the surface, Canvaleon...
Video Kids React to Pokémon Snap In Rather Interesting Ways
Where's that darn Z button?
It's oddly fascinating when young gamers get given a retro game to play, which helps to partly explain the huge success of the REACT channel. Yes, it covers people of all ages reacting to all manner of things, but when you hand a kid a retro controller the results can be - in their way - educational. The latest episode...
News Mighty No. 9 Delayed Until Early 2016
Bugs and online issues to blame
Mighty No. 9 has had an interesting history. Its Kickstarter campaign was a spectacular success, with the desire for a spiritual successor to Mega Man and the leading role of Keiji Inafune causing a huge buzz. As it stands now, however, it's had a visual redesign that's been criticised by some, and now its release has...
Video Nintendo Challenge Gives You a Super Smash Bros. Target
Beat 100,000 points in Smash Run
Nintendo's done some good content on its YouTube channels in the past couple of years, and as a result the Nintendo of America account - particularly - has seen a big boost in its subscriber numbers. That channel now appears to be kicking off a new series, simply called Nintendo Challenge. In this video Bill Trinen...
News It All Gets Crazy in This Devil's Third Launch Trailer
Better the devil you know
It may have attracted some criticism and controversy, but none of that matters if you're excited about Devil's Third rocking up to Wii U soon; it arrives in Europe on 28th August, promising a unique blend of FPS and melee action. As part of its Gamescom press output today, Nintendo has released a launch trailer for the...
Gallery Check Out Nintendo's Gamescom Booth
Lots of expo goodies
Earlier today Nintendo went all out with release dates and Gamescom details; the announced line-up of games is pretty substantial for the thousands of attendees likely to flood into the booth. Though the expo in Cologne opens to the public on 6th August, Andy Pearson of Funstock has been at the event today along with press and...
News LEGO Marvel's Avengers Will Assemble in January 2016
Pre-order at GameStop and get a Silver Centurion Iron Man LEGO mini figure
If you're a fan of LEGO games and The Avengers, then you are in for a treat as LEGO Marvel's Avengers is getting ready to assemble on the Wii U and 3DS on 29th January 2016 in Europe and on 26th January in North America; this is perhaps a little later than expected, though...
News Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty Wii U Screens Remind Us That It's Due This Year
It's happening
Update: Below are another four screens showing the work in progress build for Wii U, with release due in 2015. Original Article: Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a critically acclaimed remaster - it's far more than a simple remake - that's gone down well on various systems. Its Wii U release has been elusive and long delayed,...
News Online Multiplayer and Kart Racing Gameplay Unveiled for Skylanders SuperChargers
Bowsers and Donkey Kong go up a gear
While we had expected Activision to unveil the Wii and 3DS version of Skylanders SuperChargers at Gamescom, when doors open today what we'll see is something much more substantial. Not only have we a new online multiplayer kart racing game in all versions of Skylanders SuperChargers, but also online for the main...
Review Tiny Galaxy (Wii U eShop)
A dizzying experience
Tiny Galaxy is an action platformer that takes the original concept of a platformer and turns it on its head. You play as a nondescript blue square, Orion, as you race through the "tiny galaxy", jumping from planet to planet to try and retrieve your stolen headphones. With a unique gameplay approach that blends the 2D...
News Just Dance 2016 Gets The Party Started With New Showtime Feature And Tracks
It's showtime!
Who says the Wii U does't get any third party games? Each year it's almost guaranteed to get the latest instalment of Ubisoft's dance series behemoth, and in October you'll be able to strut your funky stuff with Just Dance 2016. Today, at Gamescom, Ubisoft announced nine new tracks for Just Dance 2016 and revealed a new lip-syncing...
Tuesday4th Aug 2015
News Rare Co-Founder Has No Idea Why Nintendo Didn't Buy The Studio Outright
"I thought we were a good fit"
Rare co-founder Tim Stamper recently won the accolade of Development Legend at this year's Develop awards - along with his brother, Chris - and has now given his first interview since 2007. Stamper - who has recently returned to the games industry with mobile studio FortuneFish - talks about the origins of Rare, its...
News IRONHAX to Use Free-to-Play IRONFALL Invasion to Run 3DS Homebrew and Region-Free Workaround
Sorry, Cubic Ninja scalpers
It's tricky to broach the subject of mods and hacks on Nintendo hardware, as they can prompt diverse and at times feisty debate. This is in part driven by the severe damage that R4 cards did to the DS, with piracy of retail games a major problem that was - unbelievably in hindsight - facilitated and supported by major...
Talking Point Nintendo's Game Updates and DLC Are Fantastic, Albeit Starved of Attention
Key Wii U titles have evolved a great deal
It's easy to be a little blasé and spoilt as gamers, but it's been striking once again that, with a combination of economic savvy and a clear love for its products, Nintendo is making the most of key releases on the Wii U. Three of the system's biggest games have transformed since launch with a mix of new...
Still no official word on R.O.B., Duck Hunt and Mr. Game & Watch pack
Over the past 24 hours there's been plenty of online chat around an apparent GameStop-exclusive amiibo triple pack that'll go up for pre-order - in stores - on 8th August. Despite the attention it's received on Reddit, particularly, the retailer and Nintendo of America have so far...
Inside information
Nintendo has traditionally been very reluctant to allow its employees to speak to freely with the gaming press, but that stance has apparently been relaxed in recent years according to Treehouse staffer Chris Pranger - and as if to prove his point, he's taken part in a lively podcast where he covers a whole host of...
News This Controller Wants to Bring the 'Next Gen' to NES
Works on the 8-bit system or PC
Plenty of companies tackle the surprisingly complex challenge of producing a high quality game controller, and not all pull it off successfully. We somewhat admire the effort from Retro Fighters, then, which is aiming to crowdfund a 'next gen' NES pad. The main pitch for this pad is that it has both usb and a NES...
Video Players React to Splatoon and Star Fox Zero at Hyper Japan in London
Kids talking about being a squid, now
Hyper Japan was nearly a month ago in London, a major expo that brings together various aspects of Japanese culture. Nintendo UK has been a big supporter of the event and had a booth on hand, also giving attendees what was - at the time - the first opportunity for the European public to go hands on with Star Fox...
Video How Tourney Mode in Super Smash Bros. Could Be Improved in Five Ways
Another bunch of fives
As much as we at Nintendo Life love nearly everything Nintendo produces, we'd be lying through our teeth if we said that there wasn't room for improvement. The Tourney mode in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a classic example of a really good system that suffers from just a few minor oversights, and so we've trawled through...
News Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold is Out Now in North America, and Sure Has a Lot of DLC
Most of it is free at launch, though
Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight is now out on the 3DS in North America, and Atlus is keen to give early adopters plenty of extras in the game. Full details of the launch DLC have emerged, with only one set costing any money at launch. The full press release outline is below, with some of the free...
News PolyKid's Poi Hits Kickstarter, $80,000 Needed To Bring It To Wii U
2016 release date mooted
Back in June we reported on Poi, a 3D platformer from PolyKid which is inspired by the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The title was slated for release on Wii U and PC, and the team confirmed that Kickstarter would be used to raise funds. The
Review Astral Breakers (Wii U eShop)
Puzzling Over the Stars
Ever since the stars aligned and humans discovered the fun of matching coloured objects, we've been trying to invent new ways to make puzzle games based on this simple premise. Puzzle Fighter and Bust-a-Move are just some of the diversions we've come up with. Astral Breakers joins the fray and brings with it a little bit of...
Weirdness Keep Your French Fries Toasty Hot With These Yo-Kai Watch Holsters
Only in Japan, of course
Yo-Kai Watch is massive in Japan, and that means there are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of cross-promotional activity. However, few ideas are as zany as these McDonald's French Fry holsters, which allow you to slot in your pack of chopped potatoes and keep them warm during your quests to locate naughty spirits...
Video These Monster Hunter X Trailers Are for Lance Fans
Or treat yourself to the Gun Lance
Capcom's currently in the process of teasing its YouTube followers with flashy weapon trailers for Monster Hunter X (Cross), which is coming to the 3DS in Japan in late November. The footage is welcome, though, as it showcases a few monster variations and demonstrates how the co
Monday3rd Aug 2015
News Scathing Nikkei Report Hints At Shameful Treatment Of Staff By Dictatorial Konami Management
"Useless" employees used as cleaners and security guards
All is not well in the world of Konami. Recent rumours have suggested that the Japanese veteran could be planning a move out of the home gaming business, and the company's recent treatment of Hideo Kojima - surely its most famous staffer - has raised eyebrows throughout the industry. However,...
Soapbox It's A Tragedy That Rare Replay Isn't On A Nintendo Console
Rare's latest has filled Damien McFerran with delight, but there's a catch
Rare is one of the UK's most respected and adored software houses, with a lineage that goes back more than 30 years. While the company is now wholly owned by Microsoft, for a large part of its lifespan it was closely affiliated with Nintendo - initially as a third party...
News Here's Exactly What's Changing In This Week's Massive Splatoon's Update
610MB of goodness
Splatoon is getting a major update this Wednesday (Thursday if you're in Europe) which brings with it squad battles, private battles, a level cap rise and more gear and weapons to use. However, beyond these big changes there are many minor alterations that will have a sizeable impact on how the game plays. These have kindly been...
News Nintendo Is Licensing Hudson Soft IP From Konami
New Momotaro Dentetsu title in development
Earlier this morning, we posted some rather worrying news regarding the current situation at Konami, including claims that staff are being used as cleaners and security guards. If there's one positive to come out of the whole situation it's that Konami is so disinterested in harnessing its catalogue of IP...
Nintendo Download 6th August (Europe)
Beatbuddy, Star Fox, DK,Dragon Ball Z demo and more
Another week has begun, bringing with it the European Nintendo Download Update. This time around we have a long-anticipated Indie effort on the Wii U, alongside a lesser known title and two DS releases; the 3DS offers a demo, DLC and plenty of discounts. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop:...
Movie Review Pixels Proves Once Again That Video Games And Film Do Not Make Good Bedfellows
Game Over, man
Fun Fact: Pixels was a short, two minute film released in 2010 that briefly depicted a world overrun by an array of characters from old school arcade games. Not So Fun Fact: This short film would go on to be adapted into a feature length film of the same name five years later, starring none other than Adam Sandler. If that doesn't...
Review I am an Air Traffic Controller Airport Hero Narita (3DS eShop)
Not clear for takeoff
Usually the world of video games takes players to far off fictional lands filled with magic and wonder. I am an Air Traffic Controller Airport Hero Narita (yes, that's its actual name) does not take place in such a location. If one couldn't tell from it's exceedingly long and descriptive title (which is going to be referred to...
Review Mario Tennis (Wii U eShop / N64)
Love All
Some people would say Mario Tennis is worthy of praise solely for the fact it introduces the glorious specimen known as Waluigi into the Nintendo World. These people are right, but you can't write a full review out of that. In all seriousness, Mario Tennis marks a highlight in Nintendo's adaptation of the sport into a fun, casual style...
News Masahiro Sakurai Celebrates His 45th Birthday
And doesn't look a day over 25
We want to know more about Masahiro Sakurai's diet and grooming habits, as he continues to defy the passing of time - the rigours of developing Super Smash Bros. have been tough on the game designer, yet he retains an admirably youthful look. Masahiro Sakurai turned 45 on 3rd August - at the time of publication it's...
News Capcom Continues to Go Big With a Monster Hunter X Limited Edition and New Trailers
For those always on the hunt
Monster Hunter X (Cross) is being given a big push by Capcom ahead of its late November release in Japan, a fresh entry that brings a slight switch in dynamic to the core play. Considering the huge success of previous 3DS releases in the franchise the projections for millions of sales don't seem excessive. A pricey...
News Splatoon And Nintendo Dominated Japanese Retail During June
Over 50 percent of the top 30 were 3DS titles
Japanese gaming publication Famitsu has published sales figures for the month of June, and Nintendo's online shooter Splatoon has come out on top. The Wii U release sold 368,538 copies between May 25th and June 21st - almost 20,000 of which were digital - making it one of the most impressive débuts for...
Review Dare Up Adrenaline (Wii U eShop)
Don't you dare...
Dare Up Adrenaline is a game that doesn't have much going for it. The idea of a Pilotwings-style experience with high-flying stunts and tricks is certainly an appealing concept, but this title fails to deliver on every front. The main gameplay hook of Dare Up is controlling a wingsuit-wearing daredevil through the skies. The idea...
News Typoman Set to Spell Out a Release on 16th September
That's the target for all regions
Typoman was one of nine titles to feature in the E3 Nindies@Home promotion, a smart twist on puzzle platforming with wordplay and a Limbo vibe to the visual design. Based on that demo alone it's certainly full of promise. The good news is that it's not too far away from its arrival on the Wii U eShop. It's now been...
Video Learn More About Guitar Hero Live's Festivals and Rocking Out Online
Become a plastic guitar Rock God
The Wii U can't boast of many major third-party releases on the way this year, but one notable arrival will be Guitar Hero Live. As proof that all popular fads roll back around eventually, this will be battling it out with Rock Band 4, though Nintendo gamers won't have the option of picking up the latter. With a new...
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