Wii - News
January2012
Round Table Looking Ahead to Nintendo in 2012
Should be a good 'un
It's a new year, with a recovering 3DS and a fresh home console on the way from Nintendo: these are certainly interesting times. We decided to have a chat about the prospects for Nintendo in 2012, including our thoughts on the company's prospects, as well as our hopes, dreams and fears. Joining features editor Thomas Whitehead...
News LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Coming to Wii, 3DS and DS
Look who's in tow
After the LEGO Batman 2 leak last month, it was always a matter of time before Warner Bros. confirmed LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, and indeed the publisher just revealed the sequel is due this summer. Coming to Wii, 3DS and DS, as the title suggests LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes' cast includes more than just the Dark Knight,...
News Millions of Wii Games Pirated in 2011
Mario left all at sea
The Wii may be in its twilight years, but a large number of its retail titles are still being being downloaded and played illegally. Website TorrentFreak compiled figures of downloads in 2011 from a number of sources and trackers, providing results for three major formats, though these are estimates rather than official...
News Skyward Sword is Wii's 45th Million Seller in U.S.
Latest in a long line
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has sold over 1 million copies in the United States since its release on 20th November, Nintendo of America has announced. Link's airborne adventure sold 535,000 copies in its first eight days on sale to become the fastest-selling Zelda game ever, and has since reached the major milestone of...
Feature Nintendo in 2011 - Part One
An important year begins
It’s now 2012, which promises to be an eventful year for Nintendo. We’ll be giving our thoughts soon on what to expect in the coming year, but it's now time to look back at a dramatic 2011. There were plenty of major headlines and game releases, and we’ll pinpoint some of the key moments that defined the year. We'll...
December2011
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Staff Awards 2011
What won our votes this year?
With the launch of 3DS in March, the Wii U's unveiling at E3 and a Christmas period that included new Zelda, Mario and Mario Kart games, we rather think 2011 was a pretty good year all in all. But what were the very best stand-out games of the year? What moments will we think of when we reminisce about 2011? The...
News Disney Newsletter Accidentally Outs Epic Mickey 2
It's bound to happen
Rumours of a sequel to Disney Epic Mickey continue to swirl around the Internet like paint in a pot, with a Disney newsletter seemingly outing the game before its official announcement. The email mentions a brand new Epic Mickey 2 in development for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with a release set for fall 2012: Disney Epic...
News Skyward Sword Save File Fix Wii Channel Out Now
But there's a small catch
Wii owners in Europe and Australia can now download a free Channel to allow them to continue with their The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword save file if they've encountered Skyward Sword's game-ending glitch. Note the Channel is only any use if you've encountered the bug: if you're planning to work around it or have passed...
News Nintendo UK Brings Boom Street Forward to 28th December
Shifting stocks
Boom Street (aka Fortune Street) has been brought forward from its 6th January 2012 UK release date to make it out in time for the New Year party season. The board game will now release on 28th December. It's actually quite good, as our Boom Street review states. Nintendo UK announces an early release date for Boom StreetOut in...
News North America, Expect Xenoblade Chronicles Before May
Pre-order from Nintendo now
Nintendo gave a vague spring 2012 release date for Xenoblade Chronicles in North America, but now you can pre-order the game directly from Nintendo we have a slightly more precise date. The Nintendo store has the game up for pre-order at $49.99 with the following statement: We expect to begin by the end of April 2012. A...
News North America to Get Zelda: Skyward Sword Save File Fix
Everything's not lost
Nintendo Japan's save file fix programme for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is coming to North America. Affected users can either send in their save file on an SD card or wait for Nintendo to make available a piece of Wii software that'll repair the issue. Prevention is better than cure, so read up on how to avoid Z
Review Duracell Wireless Wii Sensor Bar
Worth a closer look?
You'd have to say the wire on the standard Wii sensor bar is of a reasonably generous length, but the fact it's wired at all irritates some, leaving wires trailing around if you don't have your TV and Wii set up how Nintendo originally envisioned. We took the Duracell wireless Wii sensor bar for a spin to see if it's worth going...
News Wicked Monsters Blast is WarioWare Meets Point Blank
Madness ensues
Budget Wii shooters are almost literally ten-a-penny these days, but PQube's Wicked Monsters Blast might have a little something about it. The four-player family-friendly shooter is already out in North America but is due to reach the UK in February 2012, and judging from the trailer below takes heavy inspiration from Point Blank and...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Available for £24.99 in UK
Missing Link?
If you haven't got around to picking up The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword yet, or you want to pick it up as a Christmas gift, GAME and Gamestation have just dropped the game's price to a superb £24.99. As you'll know if you've read our Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review, Link's latest outing is worth every penny. Buy The Legend...
News Nintendo Japan Preparing Skyward Sword Save File Fixer
Will it reach the West?
You may remember we posted how to avoid Skyward Sword's game-ending glitch, but if that advice came too late then Nintendo of Japan is preparing a solution in the form of a program to fix glitched save files. Full details aren't available yet but Nintendo will offer two options. Users with internet access will be able to...
News 3DS and Wii Get Frosty with Winter Sports 2012
Out in January
3DS doesn't have a huge number of sports games in its catalogue but you can add one to that number in January, when PQube's Winter Sports 2012 lands across the UK. The 3DS version of the chilly compilation features seven disciplines and 50 challenges to complete, with a character designer and slow motion replay mode too. There's also...
Feature Celebrating 10 Years of Animal Crossing
Population: glowing
Here's a fun game next time you're at a boring social occasion: try explaining the point of Animal Crossing to an elderly family member. Nintendo's genre-defying life series first appeared in Japan in April 2001 as Dobutsu no Mori ("Animal Forest") on Nintendo 64, but it was the enhanced Animal Forest+ for GameCube —...
News Rhythm Heaven Fever Box Art is Bright and Beautiful
It really is
Now we know that Rhythm Heaven Fever is out in North America on 13th February 2012 it's time to take a look at the shiny art that'll greet you upon arrival at your chosen purveyor of video gaming goods. Nintendo of America's gone for a very different approach to the slightly staid cover on Rhythm Heaven, throwing as much colour and as...
News Club Nintendo Japan Gets Gold Nunchuks
Jealous?
GoldenEye 007 has a gold Classic Controller Pro, Club Nintendo members can get a gold Wii Wheel for Mario Kart Wii and of course there's a gold Wii Remote Plus for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but there's not been a gold Nunchuk — until now. Japanese Club Nintendo members can now get a gold Nunchuk to go with their other golden acc
News LEGO Batman 2 Gets Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and More
DC stays current
The LEGO games bandwagon shows no signs of slowing down, with LEGO Batman 2 — Super Heroes the latest blocky action game to be uncovered. According to flyers included in the new LEGO range — as posted by MCV — LEGO Batman 2 gives the Dark Knight two new comrades, with Superman and Wonder Woman both set to appear. The leaflets...
News Mario Party 9 and Rhythm Heaven Fever Release Dates Revealed
Not long to wait
Nintendo of America's release schedule just confirmed release dates for three Wii games due out in early 2012. Rhythm Heaven Fever is the earliest first-party release, arriving on 13th February — just in time for Valentine's Day. It'll retail at $29.99 too, making it an even better present for that special someone. That's followed...
News Nintendo Has These Wii Games Planned for Early 2012
Mario Party and more
Proving that there's life in the old dog yet, Nintendo Europe has sent over a list of Wii games you can expect to play in early 2012 and beyond. While there's only one WiiWare game on the list — and most disappointingly no Virtual Console titles — the retail releases are still of a pretty high calibre, with big hitters...
News Aonuma: "Future Zelda Games Will Use Motion Controls"
Buttons undone
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's motion controls are here to stay, according to series supremo Eiji Aonuma. Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, Aonuma believes using buttons would be a step back: I honestly think we cannot go back to button controls now, so I think that these controls will be used in future Zelda titles, too...
News Nintendo Crows About November Sales for Wii and 3DS
The figures are in
Now November is long gone it's time to review how Nintendo did in the sales front across the United States. We know the 3DS beat the DS first-year sales in just 8 months, that Mario and Skyward Sword set series sales records, but here's Nintendo's official overview. November was a the biggest month yet for 3DS, with 795,000...
News Just Dance 3 Gets Mario DLC on 14th December
Wa-ha!
Just Dance 3 is about to get a whole lot more plumber-y, as Nintendo UK has announced a Mario song is on the way next week. From 14th December you'll be able to download The Mario Song for 250 Nintendo Points, a medley of classics beats and tracks from Mario games past. An on-screen Mario jives to the beat, and the dance marks all wear Mario...
News Wii Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary in Europe
Hasn't it grown?
Five years ago today, the motion control phenomenon started in Europe. The humble Nintendo Wii reached European stores on 8th December 2006, and set sales records in many territories: in the UK, over 105,000 Wii consoles were sold in the opening weekend, beating the previous record of 70,000 sales set by the Xbox 360. That success...
News Europe Gets The Last Story on 24th February
Are you ready?
Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that Wii RPG The Last Story will reach the continent on 24th February 2012. The long-awaited RPG from Final Fantasy legend Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker studio includes online multiplayer for up to six players simultaneously, with Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Co-operative modes all included...
News Xenoblade Chronicles is Coming to Canada Too
More information due "soon"
Last week's announcement that Xenoblade Chronicles is coming to North America actually only specified a United States release, leading those north of the border to wonder if it would see release in Canada. It will. Nintendo of Canada confirmed to Examiner.com that the much-anticipated RPG is on the way to Canada: Xenobl
A sound investment
Mario and friends are no strangers to the board game scene: the Mario Party series is a perennial favorite, and rightly so. Those games are colourful, exciting and, most of all, fun. But it may come as something of a surprise to find our favorite denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom sharing a board with characters from the Dragon...
Talking Point The Overcrowded Holiday Release Schedule
Time for a congestion charge?
There’s a popular analogy that likens the act of waiting for buses to other everyday occurrences in life: around this time every year we’re all inevitably subjected to the same situation as we were last year, and the year before that, and so on. Picture the scene: you’ve endured summer months of crippling boredom,...
Review Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)
Olympic shames
It was four years ago that the old 16-bit rivals teamed up for the first time: Sonic appeared in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and the two took their tussle to the track in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. It wasn't exactly a high watermark for either mascot, but it felt right at home on the Wii at the time: motion gaming was taking...
News There Are How Many Mii Characters Worldwide?
Quite a lot, it turns out
Wii launched five years ago, unleashing an army of cheery little caricatures called Mii characters. How many of the little folks have made it across the world though? Nearly 214 million, according to Nintendo, and that's not including Miis on 3DS. The staggering facts don't end there: Nintendo Europe claims that the number...
News How to Avoid Skyward Sword's Game-Ending Glitch
Pay attention
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a fantastic game, but if you're not lucky you could encounter a serious bug that completely halts your progress. Now Nintendo has released instructions for how to avoid it — but no word of a fix. The following email comes from Sharon Matheny (via Zelda Informer: We have been made aware of the...
News Super Mario Galaxy Director Said No to Kuribo's Shoe
Not a wind-up
After Super Mario Bros. 3 it took the Tanooki tail years to make a resurgence, appearing in both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, but it's not the only retro power-up from the game overdue a revival. IGN recently spoke to Super Mario 3D Land director Koichi Hayashida about the game and asked about the legendary Kuribo's shoe, one
Wii salutes you
Some things in life never change. When you're in a rush in your lunch hour, there will always be a massive queue outside the bakery. If you trip on a loose bit of pavement, you will always attempt to turn it into a jog to appear completely in control to the strangers around you. Failed sneezes are forever disappointing, there's never...
News Aonuma: "We'll See" About Zelda Voice Acting
Never say never
There's been much discussion about whether or not The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword should have used voice acting; some appreciate the mute characters, others feel a whole chunk of the game's potential atmosphere is missing. Game Informer recently asked Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma and music maestro Koji Kondo about the possibility of...
Feature Memorable Zelda Moments
The wonderful world of Hyrule, and beyond
The Legend of Zelda is one of the best loved Nintendo franchises, over 25 years old and still finding new ways to thrill gamers. The significant number of Zelda releases means it boasts an incredible history and reputation, with each new entry’s adventure contributing its part to the lore of the series...
Feature Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide
Have a Mario holiday
The festive season is almost upon us, which means that it’s time to lighten our wallets and top up the gift stockings. For those who fancy some Nintendo gaming in the coming holiday, we thought we’d pass on some hints and tips on the games and consoles to buy. We’ll cover some of the console bundles available, as well as...
News It's Official: Xenoblade Chronicles is Coming to North America
Out next Spring
After all the excitement with rumours today, finally confirmation: Xenoblade Chronicles is coming to North America. Nintendo of America just announced the game is on the way in Spring, though didn't give much else away. North America, your patience has been rewarded. XENOBLADE CHRONICLES COMING TO NINTENDO'S WII CONSOLE IN SPRING...
News Nintendo America Posts Xenoblade Art on Facebook
And Gamestop confirms listing
After the earlier Gamestop rumour we now have more evidence that Xenoblade Chronicles is heading to North America after all. The Nintendo Facebook page just posted up an album of Xenoblade artwork, adding further fuel to speculation the the much-req
Rumour Xenoblade Chronicles North America-Bound
Only at Gamestop
Update: A Gamestop representative has confirmed to us that the listing is true. Here's a rumour we can all hope is true: Xenoblade Chronicles could be coming to North America as a Gamestop exclusive. A forum poster on NeoGAF has posted a photo of what's claimed to be a Gamestop release schedule, with Monolith's RPG right down at the...
November2011
News Wii Owners, Catch Rhythm Heaven Fever in February
On tap
The latest issue of Nintendo Power has revealed a February release for Rhythm Heaven Fever on Wii. There's no exact date but at least we know the game is North America-bound within the next few months. Here's a trailer to get you into the tap-tap-tap spirit of samurai sword slashes and pea-stabbing.
News Explore Above the Clouds in New Skyward Sword Videos
Soaring high
The odds are that you've already bought a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and will be well into the adventure. For any remaining doubters or those yet to jump into Nintendo's latest epic, two new videos have been released with details and gorgeous footage of Link and Zelda's home, Skyloft, as well as Thunderhead, also above...
This platformer's got legs (even if Rayman doesn't)
As the gaming industry moves onwards and upwards and each genre evolves, it's interesting to observe how the platformer has come around full circle since its debut. Whereas the rest of the industry strives for more expansive and photorealistic environments or interactive storytelling, the...
News Mario and Skyward Sword Set Series Sales Records
Quick off the mark
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has told USA Today that the latest outings for Mario and Zelda have smashed series sales records. Super Mario 3D Land became the fastest-selling handheld Mario game in history, shifting over 500,000 units since it launched on 13th November. The plumber's long-awaited début gave 3DS...
News Nintendo Delayed Skyward Sword To Get It Just Right
The Nintendo way
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword spent five years in the works at Nintendo, but a recent Iwata Asks reveals the game could have seen the light of day last year. Shigeru Miyamoto said it's feasible the game could have been released last Christmas, but that plan wouldn't have been the best move for its quality: If we'd only been...
News Roll Up For An Exciting Fortune Street Trailer
Mario and friends take stock
Property board game Fortune Street (Boom Street to Europeans) might not sound like the most exciting upcoming game for Wii, but if this video below doesn't have you jumping for joy when Mario increases his net worth and is able to purchase the bank... well, there's a good chance you're not even human. Genuinely...
Feature The Revolution of the Wii
Five years on
We’ve just passed the fifth anniversary of the Wii, Nintendo’s current generation console. With the Wii U likely to arrive in late 2012 these are the final months for the Wii at the forefront of Nintendo gaming in the home, with the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword providing a much needed boost to the ageing...
News Japan Gets His 'n' Hers Wii Remote Plus Bundle This Month
The perfect match
While the rest of the world rejoices in the gold Wii Remote Plus included in the limited edition of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Japan is also getting a double pack of MotionPlus-packing controllers this month. The set of two controllers — one pink, one blue — launches across the country for a pretty reasonable ¥5,800,...
News Zelda and Mario Break Into UK Top Ten
Strong showing
In one of the most crowded release weeks in the gaming calendar, Nintendo's key players have performed well to enter the UK top ten chart. Super Mario 3D Land leapt into ninth place, while The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword grabbed seventh position. Further down the chart, the latest crossover between plumber and hedgehog, Mario and...
Round Table Let's Talk About the GameCube and Wii
From a cube to the revolution
With the GameCube recently reaching its tenth anniversary and the Wii five years old, we decided to get together to discuss both consoles, assessing their impact and legacy. These two consoles are in an interesting position of being relatively close in terms of graphical technology, yet wildly different in gaming...
News Classic and Modern Mario Stages Step Onto Fortune Street
World 1 awaits
Nintendo and Square Enix team-up Fortune Street is bringing the best of both franchises to its world of board games, with new screenshots showing some of the familiar sights you'll be trying to conquer with the upcoming Wii game. The game takes in spots of Mario history, starting from the classic World 1 from Super Mario Bros. and...
Out Today The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Wallpapers
The wait is over
After five long years, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is finally available across Europe. To celebrate Link's triumphant return we've put together some exclusive Skyward Sword wallpapers that you'll only find here at Nintendo Life. Available in all different sizes to suit your screen size, now you can make your desktop look...
Review Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Wii)
Tried and true
By the time you read this, Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has already sold millions upon millions of copies to a worldwide fanbase and been touted as the biggest entertainment launch of all time. To keep its unprecedented growth up, the franchise has continued to top itself year after year with increasingly elaborate...
Review The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
A legend redefined
In a way The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has very little riding on it: the Wii has already enjoyed huge success, with a library of critically acclaimed Nintendo games selling millions around the world. Its motion controls — dubbed a 'revolution' back in 2005 — have arguably inspired competitor formats to adopt their own...
News 100 Link Lookalikes to Get Free Copies of Skyward Sword
UK launch event revealed
We're just two days away from the European release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and Nintendo UK has a plan to give away 100 copies of the game to the most committed fans at the official launch event. From 9am this Friday at GAME Oxford Street, the first 100 customers dressed as Link will each receive a free copy of...
News Penny Arcade and Nintendo Team Up for Zelda Comic
Out this week
After the announcement of Nintendo's collaboration with West Coast Customs, here's another, only slightly less unexpected team-up. Nintendo and Penny Arcade are joining forces to create a series of webcomics for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, starting this week. According to Nintendo: The comics include characters and themes from...
News Take a Trip Down Boom Street on 6th January
The streets are paved with gold
Traditionally January isn't the best month for new game releases, but Nintendo of Europe is bucking that trend by releasing Boom Street — known as Fortune Street in North America — on 6th January. The party game will miss the lucrative Christmas and New Year party season but Nintendo is still hoping its cast of...
News Pandora's Tower Makes European Trailer Debut
Action RPG on the way
One of Wii's brightest lights for 2012, Pandora's Tower just got its first European trailer showing just what to expect when the game's released next year. Although the trailer isn't localised into English (or any other European language, for that matter) at least Nintendo of Europe is giving you a little peek into the game's...
Feature The Best Games on GameCube and Wii
Celebrating the cube and the waggle
This week presents a rather unique opportunity, as we’ll be celebrating major anniversaries for two consoles. The GameCube celebrates the tenth anniversary of its North American release on November 18th, while November 19th is the fifth anniversary for the Wii in the same territory. Not only does this dual...
News Pick the Alternate Artwork for Next Year's Big Wii RPGs
Flip-reverse it
Forget The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: this year's Wii coverage has been dominated by three other big Japanese games. Xenoblade Chronicles, Pandora's Tower and The Last Story have had gamers' eyes all year, and Nintendo of Europe wants to get you even more involved by asking you to help choose alternate cover art for the latter...
Be prepared for economy class... if you're lucky
Since the launch of the Wii and the success of its pack-in title Wii Sports, it seems that there isn't a major publisher or developer that hasn't had their finger in the mini-game collection pie. Most of these copycats have either been inoffensively average or outright terrible. In fact, when it comes...
News Blue Wii Heads Stateside for Black Friday
It starts
That crazy day of manic buying, also known as Black Friday, is very nearly upon us, and Walmart has sounded the first battle cry. Siliconera reports the retailer has the exclusive on the blue reconfigured Wii, and will be selling it on 25th November for just $99.96. However, the advert just lists the box's contents as a Wii console, Remote...
Feature The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword in Motion
Were the motion controls worth the wait?
Very few games over the past decade have had the sheer level of hype and anticipation that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has found heaped upon it. Not only has the game been in development for an extremely long time, but it's also been hampered by developmental challenges that, at one point, almost led...
News Abandoned Skyward Sword Ideas May Head to Wii U
Not done yet
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword might be one of Nintendo's biggest-ever undertakings — just read the Iwata Asks about its mammoth audio visual design teams — but that doesn't mean it includes everything Nintendo wanted to put in. Series producer Eiji Aonuma spoke to The Guardian about what may happen to ideas th
News Skyward Sword Had Nintendo's Biggest Audio Visual Teams
A huge undertaking
Nintendo has said before that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is one of its biggest-ever developments, and the latest Iwata Asks reveals just how vast the creative team was. The sound team alone took in ten members, the biggest sound team a Nintendo game has ever had: with five composers and five staff handling effects and the...
News Super Mario Galaxy Orbits London 2012 Olympic Games
It'll make sense
Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games takes inspiration from all corners of both companies' history: screenshots have reminded us of Yoshi Story, Sonic Adventure and more. But we've just received more screenshots showing the most universe-shaking crossover yet. Despite earlier rumours that Sonic would appear in
Review Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii)
Gotta buy 'em all
There's something magical about a good toy. Be it an action figure, doll, transforming truck, projectile-spitting dragon or a wooden block, it doesn't matter how many removable parts or points of articulation they have once burrowed into your imagination and destined for Great Adventure along with the rest of the toy chest. Your...
News Ubisoft Reveals Its Drawsome Wii Graphics Tablet
A work of art?
After the success of THQ's uDraw, Ubisoft's the next company to muscle in on some of the Wii touch screen tablet action with its own peripheral Drawsome. The tablet — set for release exclusively in the United States on 6th December — boasts a 6.5" x 5" screen, slightly larger than the Wii U's 6.2" surface. Drawsome...
Podcast NLFM Episode 22: Mascots and Mixes
New digs for old friends
Our chip and game music podcast rears its lovely head this month with a collection of Nintendo mascot sounds new and old, from that new Kirby game to Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Metroid remixes. Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando — Cookie Country (Kirby’s Return to Dreamland)The Greatest Bits — Fear Factory (Donkey K
News Nintendo Patents Touch Pad for Wii Remote
But to what end?
We've seen plenty of Wii controller patents in the past, not all of which saw the light of day — remember the inflatable horse and American football? Now the company's put out a patent for a Wii Remote touch-sensitive pad, as spotted by
A dull new world
Disney Universe holds a great deal of promise. A game in which you can play as a large number of characters spanning Disney's rich and impressive history? Levels designed in honour of some of its most classic films? Multiplayer for up to four people simultaneously? Yes, yes, and yes. Which is why it's so disappointing that the...
Talking Point Nintendo's Plans to Fight Back
Mario’s gloves come off
If we were to summarise Nintendo’s year so far, we’d say that it’s been having a tough time. There have been moments of brilliance that have reaffirmed the faith of loyal gamers, but there have also been a lot of mis-steps, mistakes and bad publicity, some of which has been unjustified. In fact, despite the release of...
First Impressions Fishing Resort
Is there a catch?
Yuji Naka's Prope studio has been responsible for some interesting Wii titles over the past few years, including Ivy the Kiwi and the upcoming Rodea the Sky Soldier. So when the developer announced Fishing Resort, many gamers were left wondering just exactly how a game like this would turn out. And while its cute look and feel is...
News Journey to the Desert in New Skyward Sword Videos
Hot foot it
Another week and another set of videos showing more of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword than you might want to see. As always bear in mind these videos will probably contain spoilers of items, areas and enemies you'll be able to encounter for yourself in just two weeks' time. If you're not bothered about spoilers, indulge yourself in...
Competition Share Holiday Photos, Win a Holiday in Go Vacation Contest
Seems a fair swap
Go Vacation is out in Europe today, and to promote the game Nintendo is offering a weekend break to the south of France for the winner of a new competition. Submit a holiday photo of you and up to three friends and, if it's the funniest, you could win a weekend for two at the Club Med Opio en Provence, which offers golf, a spa and,...
News More Stunning Zelda: Skyward Sword Artwork
How much more can you take?
We know The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is beautiful. Chances are, you know it too. Let's just leave it at that and get on with the latest batch of beautiful artwork from Nintendo then, shall we? From expansive vistas to more intimate portraits, there's everything here to get you geared up for the biggest Wii game of...
News Rising Star Games Bringing BIT.TRIP to Europe
Rejoice!
Triumphant compilations BIT.TRIP SAGA and BIT.TRIP COMPLETE are on the way to Europe in 2012, courtesy of Rising Star Games. The publisher — ignoring its "Home of Japanese Games" slogan for just a little while — has confirmed it'll be releasing both compilations across Europe in the first three months of next year. Excellent...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Origin Trailer Sets the Scene
May contain spoilers
Whether or not you agree with Nintendo's dripping tap approach to marketing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, you can't argue that the game looks anything less than beautiful, particularly in this new trailer. Although Nintendo's termed this the "origin" trailer, it might still contain the odd spoiler for what lies...
News This Skyward Sword Art is Too Good Not to Share
And no spoilers!
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is one of the most beautiful looking Wii games we've seen, and Nintendo's teams have created countless pieces of art for the game over the year: remember the E3 2009 reveal artwork? Here's another stunning piece showing Link, villain Lord Ghirahim and Zelda, but i
October2011
News Rayman Origins Trailer Shows Ten Ways to Travel
Q & A 2
In all the excitement over Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, we almost forgot another iconic gaming character is due to return this Christmas. Rayman Origins on Wii and 3DS are both on the way before Christmas, and so it's time to learn a little more about them with a new trailer and a little Q&A with director
News Japanese Virtual Console List: November 2011
A whopping seven new titles
Europe is now getting frightfully close to going five entire months without a Wii Virtual Console game, and North America also hasn't had anything in a while, but that isn't stopping Japan from trucking on. Although most of their previous months only had three or four games, this month has a whopping seven, one of the...
News Another Two Zelda: Skyward Sword Trailers Appear
But our lips are sealed
We're in the final few weeks before The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is finally available to buy. We know you're excited about the game, but that some of you don't want to see everything about the game before you have a chance to play it yourself. We understand. That's why we're not telling you anything about the videos...
News Rhythm Heaven Wii Still Alive and On Course for the West
Picks up a new name
The tentative name for Rhythm Heaven on Wii may have just been discarded, as the latest Nintendo release schedule has rechristened the upcoming beat 'em up (that's a pun.) The official title for the North American release now seems to be Rhythm Heaven Fever, though it's spelt "RHYTHEM HEAVEN FEVER" in the document. It's...
News Swimming, Cycling and Spin Attacks in Mario and Sonic Trailer
It gets weirder
The first screenshots of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games did indeed blow minds and collapse worlds: from dinosaurs riding horses to Sonic the Hedgehog taking part in a walking race, there were truly incredible scenes. This next trailer can't quite match it, but makes a good effort anyway. Events new to the series...
Review Kirby's Return to Dream Land (Wii)
A dream come true
To say that long-time Kirby fans have been clamouring for Nintendo to release a good old-fashioned Kirby title would be a gross understatement. While Nintendo has released several instalments in the series over the past few years, the majority of them, such as Kirby's Epic Yarn and Kirby Mass Attack, have been fairly radical...
News Three Brand New Zelda Skyward Sword Trailers
Just for you
It's Friday, and that means one thing: time to get down. It also means time to check out some brand new footage of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, with three trailers to choose from this week: Goddess Cubes, Eldin Volcano and the Earth Temple, all right here. Skyward Sword is just four weeks away. Getting excited? Goddess Cubes:...
News 3DS Gets Official Plans for Hulu Plus and 3D Video Recording
Streaming service also Wii-bound
Much of the hullabaloo surrounding the upcoming 3DS system update and its will-they-won't-they feature set can be put to rest, as Nintendo has now stepped in to reveal exactly what it will entail for the device's multimedia capabilities. At the end of November the 3DS will get the ability to record 3D video for up to...
News Learn About Heat and Music in Skyward Sword
Very important information
The latest update from Nintendo about Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword reveals more locales and more items Link will encounter along the way in his new journey which, you probably know, is just four weeks away. Zelda experts may be surprised to hear Nintendo refer to one particular item as "all new" as it bears a...
It's evolution, baby
The world is not lacking in Just Dance games. Since that original perfect storm of pop style, goofy fun and lack of inhibition crashed the Wii party near the tail end of 2009, Ubisoft's dance factory has put out an additional eight releases of varying quality in a short two years. It would thus be easy to dismiss Just Dance 3...
News Skyward Sword Nearly Had Button Combat Controls
Things could have gone very differently
We know that Nintendo nearly dropped MotionPlus from Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but it nearly had even less motion for your money, with the revelation in a recent Japanese Iwata Asks article that combat was nearly a button-based affair. The interview (via Silic
News Blue Wii Heads Down Under with Donkey Kong In Tow
Hide the bananas
The reconfigured Wii console continues to spread its roots around the world, with Australia due to receive the blue machine on 3rd November. Whereas Europe gets the new colour with Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Australian bundle comes with Donkey Kong Country Returns instead, and all for $198 AUS. It's...
News Ain't No Party Like a Mario and Sonic London Party
Just stay away from Soho
SEGA's next spin on multiplayer sports is just a month away, and to get you all excited for Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games the publisher has revealed a new trailer showing off the game's London Party mode. The minigame mode sees Mario, Sonic and friends take to the streets of England's capital city in...
News Kids, Nintendo Wants to Know What Your Super Ability Is
Kirby will help
If the recent Kirby's Return to Dream Land artwork inspired you, Nintendo of America has a competition just for you. From today, Nintendo is inviting visitors to Kirby's Super Ability site to submit their own drawings and descriptions of their own Super Abilities, all in support of Starlight Children's Foundation and the upcoming...
XY oh why
X-Men is the type of comic series that makes it tempting to visualise yourself in a starring role. Its heroes are just like the rest of us, give or take a few chromosomes, and its universe works both as an allegory for coming to terms with your identity as it does for the larger issue of race relations. But does X-Men: Destiny mutate into...
News Minigames, Insects and Giant Swords in Skyward Sword Shots
So much to see
It's Friday, which means more new screenshots and details from Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword gracing your Internet boxes. This week's details show the return of the whip, first seen in Zelda: Spirit Tracks, as well as the Scattershot, potion upgrading, giant swords, bug-catching and so much more. Here's Nintendo to tell you more...
Review Spider-Man: Edge of Time (Wii)
Here come the Spider-Men
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions had a lot going for it last year with its snappy presentation of four incarnations of the webhead powered by a scrappy developer. While not quite in swinging distance of comic game king Batman: Arkham Asylum, Shattered Dimensions brought a massive jolt to a franchise on life support — and...
News Kirby's Return to Dream Land Art is What Dreams Are Made Of
Also pink and cute
Kirby's Return to Dream Land is nearly here, and Nintendo is celebrating in fine style with a wealth of pink and cute artwork streaming forth from its archives. The artwork shows Kirby in all number of roles and poses: radio presenter Kirby, scuba diving Kirby, ninja Kirby. You name it, Kirby's doing it. Kirby's Return to Dream...
Feature Resident Evil's Nintendo History
Undead on the big N, past, present and future
The claustrophobic darkness. The creeping undead. The hideous monsters. The Resident Evil series has brought such thrills and chills to our TVs since 1996, and it’s taken quite a unique path when it comes to Nintendo consoles. With the month of All Hallows’ Eve upon us, we decided to take a look at...
News More European Christmas Wii Bundles Announced
How much more can you take?
Blue reconfigured Wii. White reconfigured Wii. Ready for some more Wii packages? Nintendo of Europe hopes so, with two new bundles on the way before Christmas. On 4th November, Europe will get a white Wii with Wii Party and Wii Sports, titled the "Wii Family Edition" by Nin
