Wii News (Page 7)
Feature The Unexpected Legacy of Wii Music
Life changing inspiration from the most unsuspected of places
In this guest feature, Nintendo Life regular and chiptune musician Shiryu explains how Wii Music played a pivotal role in encouraging his prolific output. As tradition mandates every year, I sat watching the Nintendo's 2008 E3 presentation with high hopes of a new F-Zero being finally...
News Skylander SuperChargers Racing On Wii And 3DS Will Offer Bespoke Tracks And Progression
Racing experience "unlike" anything you'll see on current-gen systems
Activision may have unveiled a lot of the Wii U version of Skylanders SuperChargers at Gamescom 2015, featuring heavily the platform-wide addition of its Kart Racing mode, but we are still light on details relating to the Wii and 3DS versions of the game. Talking to Vicarious...
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...
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: 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, Monolith...
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...
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 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...
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 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...
Playable prototype actually exists
Next Level Games has a long and proud history with Nintendo, having worked on a wide range of titles including Super Mario Strikers, Punch Out!! and Luigi's Mansion 2. However, not all of the projects pitched by this developer have seen the light of day, and Unseen64 has posted an updated video explaining what...
News Cancelled Wii Adventure Zblu Cops Is Unearthed, Looks Amazing
Based on the cult French comic book
Those chaps at Unseen64 have done it again and unearthed another cancelled and forgotten game from the annals of history. This time it's Wii adventure Zblu Cops, which was based on a French comic book all but unknown in the west. The work of entertainment group Biodroid, this promising title used a cel-shaded...
Publisher remaining tight-lipped about "complementary" versions
While there has been lots of noise and pizzazz around the Wii U version of Skylanders SuperChargers at E3, not so much attention has been spent on the Wii and 3DS versions. When Superchargers was announced it was clear that both Wii and 3DS were not the same as the other console...
News Star Fox Zero Started Life Way Back On The Original Wii, Says Shigeru Miyamoto
"Every time we get new hardware, we do a Star Fox prototype"
Star Fox Zero is Nintendo's biggest game of E3 2015, and while fans have been excited about the return of Fox McCloud and company, the overall reaction has been somewhat mixed - as you'll know if you've already ready our very early impressions. Speaking to
Starter packs for both consoles getting hybrid figures
One of the shock announcements from Nintendo's Digital Event yesterday was the news that Skylanders Superchargers on Wii U would be getting two brand-new amiibo figures. Donkey Kong and Bowser are both joining the cast of Activision's forthcoming toys-to-life sequel, complete with special...
Video Ubisoft Unleashes A Flood Of Just Dance 2016 Clips
Warning: Footage of old people abandoning their dignity contained within
One of the most predictable elements of Ubisoft's E3 event was the reveal of Just Dance 2016, the latest entry in the company's best-selling music franchise which has now sold 54 million copies during its lifetime. The game is coming to the Wii U and the Wii, along with new...
News Rodea the Sky Soldier Release Dates Pushed Back to October
Delayed landing
Rodea the Sky Soldier - originally led by Yuji Naka - has had a troubled route to Wii U and 3DS, after its original development for the Wii got stuck in limbo. Publisher Kadokawa Games eventually completed it for release, though it's sold very few copies in Japan since launch. Not to be deterred, NIS America is bringing it to the...
Wii promised a "complimentary" experience
Skylanders SuperChargers has been announced today and brings with it vehicle toys for special Skylanders to pilot and modify. It's a bold move that not only adds more value but changes how the game plays on the screen. There will be 20 vehicles to collect, each one with a special SuperCharger Skylander that...
News No FIFA For Nintendo Fans This Year, States EA
Soccer action absent on Wii, Wii U or 3DS
Electronic Arts has confirmed that its best-selling FIFA series is skipping the Wii, Wii U and 3DS this year. Pocket Gamer got the scoop on the lack of a 3DS edition of the game, and EA's soccer series has famously been absent on the Wii U ever since FIFA 13 underperformed commercially. EA's official press...
News Super Mario Galaxy Out Now on the Wii U eShop in Japan
Kiss those Super Mario Galaxy HD dreams goodbye
Early this year Nintendo surprised and delighted us by bringing Wii games to the Wii U eShop; though they're the same basic Wii titles and they're booted in the system's Wii Mode, it nevertheless allows us to download some retail games we may have missed in the last-gen. It kicked off with Super Mario...
Wii U's fate seemingly sealed for the HD Resi re-releases
The Nintendo exclusive, Resident Evil Zero, was well received by fans and critics alike when it was originally released on the GameCube in 2002. The Wii port – released in 2008 – did not receive the same level of applause. This particular entry in Capcom's long-running survival horror...
News Nintendo Wins Patent Battle Over Wii Balance Board
Its legal body was ready
Nintendo struck gold with the Wii, combining inexpensive technology with a motion controlled gaming hook that tens of millions of gamers found irresistible. That use of technology and the ludicrous profits it made naturally got the attention of other companies, however, with the home console and its accessories fighting a...
Video Did You Know Gaming? Explores the Fascinating History of the Wii
The surprising origins of Mii characters, original Remote designs and more
The Wii is Nintendo's biggest-selling home console in its history, out-performing lucrative predecessors such as the NES and SNES, while giving the company a lift after the relative struggles of the GameCube. It shook up the games industry - as the 'me too' reactions of Sony...
News Warren Spector Reminisces About the Development of the Epic Mickey Series
Learn how the series came together
Disney Epic Mickey could be argued as being something of a letdown on the Wii. After an initial reveal showcasing remarkably dark concept art and promising a dynamic and choice-driven narrative, many saw it as a bold and promising new direction to take Disney's famous mouse. The resultant game, and its sequel for...
Video Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Skies Shines On Wii U
A pleasurable experience
For the latest Wii release to get another chance on the Wii U eShop, Nintendo has given us something a little different in Treasure's Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Skies, or Star Successor as it's known in North America. A sequel to an N64 game that never even made it out of Japan (until a Virtual Console release on...
News Just When You Thought the Humble Wii Was Dead, Here Comes PSA World Tour Squash
Late to the Wii party?
Given that the Wii U first went on sale in November 2012, you might have assumed by now that publishers would have all stopped developing Wii games and moved on to take advantage of the power of the newer system. Alternative Software doesn't seem to have got the memo and is releasing PSA World Tour Squash on the Wii on the...
News Unseen64 Breaks Down the Hidden History of Metroid Prime
Unused bosses, a picky Shigeru Miyamoto and more
It's often enjoyable to consider what could have been - new IPs, sequels and spin-offs that never made it to stores. Examples such as Star Fox 2 and Metroid Dread have us wishing for the ability to visit an alternative universe, to play titles that were, at some stage, destined for our consoles. Even...
News Pandora's Tower And Sin And Punishment Coming To The European eShop This Month
Early bird discount applies, too
It has been confirmed during the recent European Nintendo Direct that the Wii classics Pandora's Tower and Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies will be coming to the Wii U eShop in Europe on the 16th and 30th April respectively. Both games will be subject to a 25 percent discount during their first week on...
News Modder Makes Chrom Playable in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Just because...
We recall a character reveal for the latest Super Smash Bros. titles last year that caused some confusion, as a brief appearance of Chrom and a dodgy live feed made some - including this writer - mistake him for a 'new challenger'. He wasn't of course, but was rather just part of Robin's Final Smash move - one of the lead characters...
Video Even the Glitches in Super Mario Galaxy Are Awesome
Makes us want to play it again
Super Mario Galaxy, in the opinion of this humble writer and we suspect a number of other gamers, is one of the best games ever produced; it's certainly near the top of the class in platformers, at least. Whether you regard it as Mario platforming perfection or not it does, nevertheless, have its share of glitches...
News First Run Wii U Copies of Rodea the Sky Soldier Will Include the Wii Version in Western Release
Two birds with one stone
It's rather hard to believe, but Rodea the Sky Soldier is finally on the home stretch to getting released. The previously vaporware game from Yuji Naka, of Sonic the Hedgehog and NiGHTS fame, is set to release sometime this Fall after a touch and go development cycle of over three years. Based around the concept of flying,...
Video Check Out Kirby's Adventure Wii on the Wii U eShop
You'll need shades with all those colours!
Nintendo's latest Wii digital re-release for Wii U in Europe is Kirby's Adventure Wii - AKA Kirby's Return To Dream Land. This Wii title from 2011 is a back-to-basics adventure that puts Kirby into familiar territory - there's no need to complain if you're in North America, you get the brand new Kirby and...
Videos show them off and hopefully point to similar Western releases
After a two week absence for Wii downloads on the eShop, this week's European Nintendo Download Update details confirmed the arrival of Kirby's Adventure Wii in the region. With that confirmed, focus for Wii fans inevitably turns to the remaining games that have already been...
News Nintendo Remains Silent on Third Party Wii Games Coming to the eShop
We can but hope...
In a rather surprising announcement during last month's Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that select games from the Wii catalogue would be making their way onto the Wii U eShop; it's been the first time that full scale Wii retail games have been available to download. Since then four Nintendo games have shown up (three each in...
News Club Nintendo Goes Rewards Crazy With Final Update in North America
Over 100 games and physical rewards
Club Nintendo is now into its final stretch, with members in North America having until the end of March to claim coins and the end of June to redeem their balance. Nintendo of America had promised one final huge update of content, and now that the line-up is confirmed we can say that it's certainly delivered. On...
Weirdness Katy Perry Accessorizes With A Wii Remote Strap During Super Bowl Half-Time Show
Safety first
The half-time show at the Super Bowl is arguably the most interesting part of the entire game. Increasing each year with ever more ridiculous set pieces and an growing "wow" factor, viewers can expect to see world-famous musicians, strobe lights, bombastic pyrotechnics and dancing galore. As if you prove this point, shortly after...
News Rodea The Sky Soldier Looks Set To Spread Its Wings For A Western Release
Kadokawa Games president Yoshimi Yasuda says "look forward to it"
Rodea The Sky Soldier has had a somewhat tortured development period. Originally slated for the Wii and overseen by Sonic creator Yuji Naka, the game has since been rebooted for the 3DS and Wii U under the eyes of Kadokawa Games when Naka bailed on the project. The fact that Rodea is...
Video You NEED To Play Metroid Prime Trilogy
Yes, you really do
Metroid Prime Trilogy is finally here - no longer will you need to trawl eBay for highly priced retail copies, because now you can play three amazing games, in one package, for a much more affordable price. Until 5th February the price is downright outrageous, a promotional cost of $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99; that's for one of the...
News Not Everyone is Thrilled That Metroid Prime Trilogy Lands on the Wii U eShop Tomorrow
Sorry Nintendo, but you can't please everybody!
For those of you that have defied the odds and are unaware, in the most recent Nintendo Direct a few weeks ago there was the surprise announcement of Wii U eShop digital re-releases for some of the Wii's best games. So far we've had the phenomenal Super Mario Galaxy 2 followed by the excellent
Rumour Cave Story 2 Teased at PAX South and Could Be in the Works
"Maybe, maybe not"
Cave Story is quite the tale of success. Developed over five years by one man, named Daisuke Amaya, it first saw release over ten years ago on PC. Since then, it's received universal acclaim, achieved widespread popularity and has been ported to numerous platforms. Taking inspiration from old school exploration and action games...
Feature 20 Wii Games We'd Love To Download From The Wii U eShop - Part Two
The second 10, plus your chance to vote
With Wii retail games now slowly making their way to the Wii U eShop for download, we kicked off a list of 20 games we hope to see make it to the store. In part one we listed our first 10, which included some likely releases and those that may have sketchier prospects. As the title suggests, however, they're...
Video Donkey Kong Country Returns...To Wii U
It's on like Donkey Kong. Again.
The second Wii re-release has arrived on the European eShop, and it's a doozy. Are you ready for Donkey Kong Country Returns? As we have come to expect from Retro Studios, they knocked it out of the park with a game that apes (pun intended) the original SNES trilogies' gameplay, but is it worth revisiting on Wii U?...
Feature 20 Wii Games We'd Love To Download From The Wii U eShop - Part One
We list our first 10 choices
It seems strange, but a reveal in last week's Nintendo Direct broadcasts that prompted one of the biggest reactions in the Nintendo Life community was confirmation of Wii retail games coming to the Wii U eShop. Bearing in mind that the system is already fully backward compatible we were a little surprised, yet...
News Club Nintendo Rewards are Updated for January, Kicking Off Its Final Run
Mario! Wario! Metroid! Zelda! More due in February!
After today's surprise news of the discontinuation of Club Nintendo, the North American version has had its regular monthly update, but with a bit of a difference. Though coins can only be earned in the region until the end of March, redeeming those coins is possible until the end of June. After a...
News Club Nintendo to Close, With Replacement Loyalty Programme Coming Later in the Year
Flipnote Studio 3D will be free to existing members
Club Nintendo has been a consistent part of the dedicated Nintendo fan's world since the Wii / DS era, with purchases registered for coins and stars - depending on region - to be traded for extras. At times the programme has been criticised for slowly updated catalogues, but it's been relatively...
News New Nintendo Wii Remotes Come in Bowser and Toad Colours
All Bowser, all the time
Nintendo may, in decades to come, regard the Wii Remote as its greatest controller. While we can argue until the cows come home about the layout of the GameCube controller or the merits of a classic SNES pad, the Wii Remote is a sales phenomenon that has been waved around by hundreds of millions of people. Spanning two...
News Wii Disc Software Heading to the Wii U eShop
Wii have been waiting...
Since the launch of Wii U the only way to play original Wii games was to enter 'Wii mode', which effectively emulated the Wii system menu. Whilst it was great that the Wii U contained this backwards compatibility it's implementation always felt cumbersome and unfinished. However, during today's Nintendo Direct it was...
News Details of Next Level Games' Cancelled Project, 'Clockwerk', Emerge
Game set in a magical floating clock tower, which was not to be
Canadian development studio Next Level Games is well known for its work on Nintendo games such as Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Punch-Out!! and Mario Strikers Charged. While the studio is now exclusively developing for Nintendo platforms, that wasn't the case with an intr
News Nintendo Points the Way With Another Wii-Related Patent Win
Long live waggle!
In recent days Nintendo secured a patent win over Creative Kingdoms in a case related to the Wii Remote, and it's now announced another favourable result in its defence of the innovative controller. In a press release issued by Nintendo of America, it's confirmed that a case with UltimatePointer over the Remote has been found in...
News Nintendo Secures Second Patent Win Over Creative Kingdoms
Hopefully that will be that
Nintendo faces plenty of patent challenges in the courts, the majority of which it wins. The Wii and its Remote have been targeted a great deal, in particular, and last year it saw off a challenge from Creative Kingdoms, a "theme park operator" that was claiming the Wii Remote infringed on the patent for it 'magic wand'...
News HORI's GameCube-Inspired Pikachu Controller Arriving Stateside
Yellow belly
The recently announced Pikachu variation of HORI's GameCube-like series of controllers will join its Mario and Luigi counterparts on 2nd March 2015 in the US. The controller is priced at $27.99 on Amazon, but given the popularity of the other two controllers in the range, it's highly likely that stock will run out fast unless Nintendo...
