Wii News (Page 9)
News LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer
FoundWinds
The Wii to Wii U system transfer may not be the most flexible or easy process, but we should be pleased that it is available, allowing those anxious for access to their WiiWare, Virtual Console and Wii save data to carry on with their shiny new system. The excellent LostWinds was an anomaly, however, as it was a game that could not be...
News Animal Crossing and Metroidvania GDC Talks Now Available For Your Viewing Pleasure
New Leaf and Castlevania devs discuss the intricacies of game development
Many of the presentations at last month's Game Developers Conference are now available to view for free on the GDC Vault website, including Animal Crossing: New Leaf producer Katsuya Eguchi and co-director Aya Kyogoku's "How to Turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing" and...
News Skylanders Trap Team Is Coming To Wii, Wii U And 3DS This Year
Series creator Toys for Bob is handling the Wii and Wii U versions
Skylanders has had a strong relationship with Nintendo platforms from the word go. In many ways its success was in part from capitalising from the high Wii install base in its target demographic. With both Giants and Swap Force selling well on Wii, Wii U and 3DS, all eyes were on...
Play Mario Kart Wii With Nintendo Life on Twitch - Live!
There will be blue shells
Nintendo Life does Twitch! Hopefully without it crashing, breaking down and basically not working. We're going all modern and trendy — next up an annoying catchphrase to open every stream! Well, maybe not on the catchphrase. We are, however, planning to run regular live streams of various Nintendo games that'll include...
News Nintendo Announces a Charming New Princess Peach Wii Remote Plus
Proud to be pink
Many of us parted with good money last year when Nintendo released Mario and Luigi Wii Remote Plus controllers, with a simple colour scheme enough to get us a tad excited. The big N is aiming to tap into that instinct again with a new Princess Peach-themed Remote, with Nintendo of America confirming that it'll arrive in the region's...
Play We'll Be Doing The Twitch Thing With Mario Kart Wii Online Multiplayer
Surely nothing can go wrong...
Twitch is all the rage, it seems, with the live streaming service used to watch gamers tackle a variety of titles and even team up in their thousands to play Pokémon. It's a social phenomenon in gaming. Aside from some retro titles being chaotically played by thousands of gamers at once, however, not much love is...
News Details Emerge of a Cancelled Nintendo-Exclusive Star Wars Game
It was about Darth Maul though, so never mind
Star Wars remains as one of the most powerful brands in the entertainment industry, progressing from reasonably humble origins in 1977 to a never-ending multi-billion dollar juggernaut. Its power is such that Disney bought Lucasfilm for $2.5 billion, with no doubt that it was actually interested in...
News Android Game Inspired by Muramasa Takes Some Heat
Developer to change any troublesome parts before release
It's true that video games often take inspiration from other games, leaving developers to occasionally answer tough questions over similar assets or design. Take for example the Flappy Bird fiasco that happened a few months back. The developer was attacked for having green pipes that bear a...
Feature How A Team Of Dedicated Fans Is Fixing Super Smash Bros. Brawl
The inside story on Project M
Super Smash Bros. Melee was a love letter from Nintendo to the company’s legion of fans — a fighting game packed to the brim with songs, stages, characters and art from the storied history of the Japanese game company. It’s an accomplishment quite unlike and unmatched by any other. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the...
News Wii Classic Controllers No Longer Being Manufactured By Nintendo
Both Pro & original models have stopped production
Eagle-eyed Twitter user @kitroplious has spotted an interesting tidbit about Nintendo's Wii Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro. The following message was discovered on Club Nintendo while the user attempted to order a Wii game using his reward credit: Perhaps this is an indication that...
Video Marvel Characters Making Their Way to Disney Infinity
Interestingly referred to as "version 2.0"
After Disney's acquisition of Marvel in 2009, it seemed fitting that speculation would crop up regarding the usage of the comic book giant's characters in the NFC-driven Disney Infinity. After all, that game's universe-merging crossover potential would only be better served by the appearances of...
Weirdness These Chinese Game Controllers Look Wii-ly Familiar
The designers at Xiao Bawang clearly ran out of ideas
China has recently lifted its ban on games consoles, and as a result we're seeing a few new challengers arrive on the market in the hope of leveraging the country's massive number of potential players. One such outfit is Xiao Bawang, the company which tried — and failed — to conquer China...
Video What Could Xenoblade Chronicles Look Like In HD?
Sharp as a blade
Did you enjoy our Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD videos? We certainly hope so, because we've got another one for you today, and it's a real jaw-dropper. For this Xenoblade Chronicles video, we've done things a little differently. There's no
News GameSpy Shutting Down All Online Servers on 31st May, Following Wii and DS Wi-Fi Disconnection
End of an era
In late February we had the disappointing news that online multiplayer, online-based communication apps and even some DLC will become unavailable on Wii and DS, due to Nintendo switching off the Wi-Fi connection. This happens on 20th May — though the Wii Shop and DSi Shop will remain open for business — and prompted some to...
Video What Could The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword Look Like In HD?
Flying High Definition
We've already shown you what Super Mario Galaxy could look like in glorious HD, and now it's the turn of fellow Wii classic The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the game voted for by you — our dear readers — as the next candidate for the comparison treatment. As before, we cannot stress enough that this is a hypothetica
News Dragon Quest X Reaches One Million Sales In Japan
A slow increase in popularity of the Square Enix MMORPG
The subscription-based Japanese exclusive Dragon Quest X – released on the Wii in 2012 and the Wii U just last year – has today reached a significant milestone. According to Producer Yosuke Saito via Twitter, the Square Enix MMORPG has now sold a total of one million copies. Last April,...
News Guitar/DJ/Band Hero DLC Catalogues Getting Unplugged at the End of March
One last encore of a sale until then
There was once a time when the rhythm game genre brought about by Guitar Hero felt like it would last forever, clacky plastic instruments with rainbow buttons becoming a living room or game room mainstay. Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be, with many of those instruments lying silent in closets and on...
News Koji Igarashi, Best Known for the Castlevania Series, Departs from Konami
"I've decided to break out on my own"
It's possible that gamers relatively fresh to Nintendo hardware won't know much of Koji Igarashi's work, but Castlevania fans that enjoyed the terrific series entries on the Game Boy Advance and DS — in particular — may mourn the formal passing of an era today, even if it's been on the cards for a...
News Yoshi's New Island Makes UK Chart Début in 12th Place
Avoids getting egg on its face
Last week brought us the launch of Yoshi's New Island, which was met with a decidedly mixed critical reaction. Despite that its success rests not in reviews but in the final results — its performance at retail and, of course, on the eShop. We have a chance to gauge part of its early performance courtesy of the weekly...
News Club Nintendo in North America to Remove Post-Play Survey Coins for Wii and DS Games
Sad face
Times keep on changing, and Nintendo is reminding gamers still rocking the Wii and DS that they should really consider an upgrade. There's the sledgehammer approach of disconnecting the Wi-Fi online multiplayer service on the systems, which is as loud a prompt as possible, but there are more subtle ways the message is being made. For those...
Four Nintendo titles in the top 10
We often report the weekly UK and Japanese chart results here on Nintendo Life, as well as the monthly NPD results for the U.S., but there are a significant number of other valuable territories in which Nintendo is competing. It can also paint a worrying picture for European sales as titles struggle in the UK,...
Soapbox The Nintendo Wi-Fi Disconnection Reminds Us Why Local Multiplayer Still Matters
Tom Whitehead goes on about online multiplayer's pitfalls, like an old man
I was disappointed to learn about Nintendo switching off online play on the Wii and DS; at the time I was on a short break spending some time with my family and, funnily enough, getting ready for some memory-jogging multiplayer gaming with my older brother. Growing up playing...
Rumour Wii and DS Wi-Fi Disconnection May Be Tied To Glu Mobile Takeover of GameSpy Technology
Both system's online infrastructures use GameSpy middleware
News last week that Nintendo is switching off the Wi-Fi connection services for Wii and DS on 20th May understandably caused some disappointment. While the Wii Shop and DSi Shop will remain open, online multiplayer and some services on both systems will cease to be, which will affect major...
News Disney Infinity Executive Producer Discusses Wii Version's Limitations
Won't be drawn on future Wii support
Disney Infinity arrived late last year with a big task on its hands to take on the all conquering Skylanders franchise from Activision, yet it's had a solid start — it was one of the top 10 selling games in the U.S. in 2013, and has enjoyed spells of out-selling its major rival. With its Toy Box mode and...
Weirdness See Through the Eyes of Samus Aran in Metroid Prime with Oculus Rift
Check out this visor
If Metroid Prime wasn’t already immersive enough, YouTube personality Chadtronic has stepped it up a notch, sharing his own Oculus Rift experiences with Retro Studio’s now-classic 2002 GameCube title. After many requests and much troubleshooting, he was finally able to get the game up and running. Coming in just under 10...
Video What Could Super Mario Galaxy Look Like In HD?
We give a Wii classic the High Definition treatment
While many other console owners made the leap into HD with the launch of the Xbox 360 and PS3 many years ago, Nintendo fans had to wait a little longer — lest we forget, the entire Wii era was spent in Standard Definition. This got us thinking — what would some of the Wii's best games look like...
News Nintendo Switching Off Wi-Fi Connection Service On Wii And DS
You've got until May 20th to play online
Online gaming may be a big part of our hobby these days, but it doesn't come for free — companies have to spend cash to keep the infrastructure in place and running smoothly. That also means that over time, services will be switched off when they're no longer deemed to be as vital as they once were. That's...
News New and Sealed Xenoblade Chronicles Copies Available in North America
A rare opportunity
For a Wii game released in 2012 in North America (2011 in Europe), Xenoblade Chronicles has shown an impressive ability to remain relevant to enthusiastic Nintendo gamers. Its limited run in Nintendo of America's domain took on a controversial tone when retailer GameStop began charging $89.99 for copies, while there were even...
News Nintendo Patented an "Illumination Device" for Gaming Use
A little mood lighting, perhaps?
Nintendo has proven itself a company willing to buck standard conventions and try out new concepts. Some ideas, such as dual screens and motion controls, become a solid entry into gaming culture. Others may never leave the drawing board. A Nintendo patent that was filed in September 2010 and widely spotted today...
Rumour Disney Infinity 2 Coming To Wii U, But Not Wii
Job listing appears to confirm sequel is on the way
Last year, we saw Disney Infinity hit multiple formats and impress with both its toy-based gameplay and commercial performance. Unsurprisingly for such a high-profile, family-friendly franchise, it would appear that Disney is keen to turn the series into a yearly event; a new job listing seems to...
Weirdness New Scientific Research Reveals The Horrifying Impact Of Texting On Mario Kart Drivers
Don't text and handle red shells, kids
As we all know, texting behind the wheel isn't a wise move — it has caused countless accidents on roads all over the world, and you should never, ever do it. Ever. However, less is known about the effect texting has on road safety in Mario Kart. Thankfully, some pioneering scientists (in reality nine adults...
Video Short Film Extols The Virtues Of Buttons, Features Nintendo Quite Heavily
Can you spot R.O.B. the Robot?
Gaming used to be exclusively about buttons, but with the rise of touch-screen gaming — pioneered by the Nintendo DS and taken to the next level by the proliferation of smartphones and tablets — we've got an entire generation of players growing up in a world where buttons aren't necessarily the default gaming...
News Nintendo's Expanded List of Million Selling Games Includes Some Surprises
Mario Kart Wii shifted one million units in nine months
Earlier today Nintendo's initial financial results highlighted some million sellers for the financial year so far, which covers nine months from 1st April to 31st December 2013. Fully updated results now include more details on some of those loosely confirmed earlier today, along with some...
News Ubisoft Describes the Origins of Just Dance and Reflects on its Success
"People dared to dance in front of a screen and in front of people"
Gone are the days when any gamer with respect for the enjoyment of others can casually dismiss the Just Dance series. It may not be to all tastes — this writer would rather play Urban Champion again than dance — but it is hugely popular, with yearly releases doing little to...
News Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Was "A Great Opportunity to Explore New Ideas and Techniques"
The aim was to exploit "different ways of using interactivity"
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories certainly stands out within its franchise, and was a notable Wii release back in late 2009 — early 2010 for Europe. Its attempts at psychological profiling and a focus on avoiding combat were divisive, but for our money it was an unmissable horror title,...
News Dallas Tech Company iLife Thinks Nintendo Stole Its Idea For Motion Control
Federal lawsuit has been filed by the firm
A Dallas-based technology company has filed a federal lawsuit against Nintendo claiming that the Japanese video game manufacturer has violated six of its patents by including motion-sensing tech in its Wii and Wii U consoles. iLife Technologies and Solutions — which claims to invent "innovative...
Matters Of Import Welcome To The Bizarre World Of Namco's Numan Athletics
'80s popstar Gary Numan sadly not involved
Nintendo’s Virtual Console service has been a constant treasure trove of classic gaming for many years now, covering hundreds of titles across some of the greatest systems to ever exist. It’s thrown up more than a few unexpected surprises along the way too – including this Japan-only port of the...
News Refurbished Wii Remote Plus / Nunchuk Combos Discounted at Nintendo Online Store
Hagglin' for some wagglin'
Need an extra Wii Remote Plus? Don't want to be caught woefully lacking when friends show up to play Super Mario 3D World? Nintendo's online store has a new price on used but working Remote-and-Nunchuk combos that may interest you. The store has temporarily reduced the price on its refurbished combos from $30 to $20 for...
News Reggie Fils-Aime: Petitions Don't Affect Nintendo's Decisions
“100,000 signatures doesn’t mean 100,000 sales”
Movements like Operation Rainfall demonstrate a community’s interest in seeing certain games or features become accessible; in Operation Rainfall’s case, advocates eventually saw their wishes granted by Nintendo, but was that a direct result of their efforts? According to Nintendo of America...
News Rune Factory Developer Neverland Closes Its Doors
Where now for Rune Factory 5?
After a sluggish financial performance due to business changes, Rune Factory developer Neverland has announced it will be closing its doors. The Japanese company made the announcement via its official website, explaining that its financial status had deteriorated considerably in recent times. After failing to raise the...
News Black Friday Madness Arrives in the UK, Too
Plenty of Nintendo options to consider
Black Friday used to be a single insane shopping day mainly limited to North America, potentially causing bemusement in other parts of the world seeing footage of enormous crowds fighting over discounted nappies. But still, like all things that make retailers and companies lots of money it's expanded, to the...
Weirdness Wii Love This Nintendo Polar Bear
Fashioned entirely from Wii controllers
Christmas is fast approaching, soon you'll see that Coca-Cola advert on TV, but what better way to get into the festive spirit than a Nintendo polar bear made from 142 pieces of Nintendo gaming history? John Lewis, famed for its lavish Christmas advertisements and decorations, has a new display at its flagship...
News Miyamoto: Nintendo Has Unfinished Business With Super Mario Galaxy Series
Release of Super Mario 3D World got in the way
Following on from Super Mario 3D World producer Yoshiaki Koizuma comments about the possibility of the Mario series returning to an open-world style approach if there was enough demand for it, EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto has now assured fans in the latest Iwata Asks Interview that the...
News Activision Rolls Out Transformers Combo Packs For Wii And DS
Just in time for Christmas
While it's easy to get excited about the new games coming to the Wii U and 3DS, it's worth remembering that there are an awful lot of Wii and DS consoles out in the wild, and plenty of people still rely on these superseded formats for their interactive entertainment — hence Activision's recent announcement of...
News Famitsu Reveals Japan's Best Selling Games Of The 21st Century
New Super Mario Claims Top Spot
Japanese video game publication Famitsu has just unveiled the top 100 Best Selling Video Games in Japan for the 21st Century (the period 1st January 2001 until 29th September 2013), and as expected Nintendo games feature heavily, with nine of the top ten games being for Nintendo platforms — seven of which are for...
News Nintendo Releases Handy Wii U Comparison Chart
Spot the difference
Since its launch, consumers — and even some retailers — have had trouble differentiating between the Wii U and its older sibling, the Wii. In a move to help consumers clearly distinguish between the two consoles, Nintendo has distributed a comparison chart detailing the different features of the Wii U and the Wii. The chart...
News Nintendo Updates Available Club Nintendo Reward Games in North America
Better start counting those coins
Update: WiiWare title Art Style: Cubello is also available as a reward until 8th December, at a cost of 150 coins. Original Article: Nintendo has updated its North American Club Nintendo Rewards service with three new games to download. From now until the 8th December 2013, users who have enough Club Nintendo...
News Take A Look At The Red Steel 2 We Never Got To Play
Leaked production screens show a different style
Red Steel was Ubisoft's big Wii launch title many years ago, and despite its cool visuals, it didn't quite get the gameplay right. Ubisoft atoned for its sins to a certain extent with Red Steel 2, but the game was almost unrecognisable thanks to a totally different "Samurai Western" setting. However,...
News The Wii Mini Will Arrive in the U.S. in November
Includes a copy of Mario Kart Wii and will cost $99
Back in December 2012 we imported a Wii Mini from Canada — before it was confirmed for Europe — and gave our assessment in a hardware review. Here's what we said in summary: The Wii Mini is, as we were largely aware - a scaled-down version of Nintendo's best-selling system. The lack of online...
News Super Mario Galaxy Is Eurogamer's Game of the Generation
It's not a Golden Joystick, but it'll do
Over the past 10 days or so, our friends over at Eurogamer have been charting the best games of the past generation - a feat that's easier said than done. Naturally, we kept an eye on proceedings, looking out for any Nintendo titles that might crop up. We watched blockbuster after blockbuster take the...
