Wii News

October2012

  • Feature Looking Back at Six Years of Wii

    Time to say goodbye?

    Despite strong first-party support, 2005 marked the beginning of the end for Nintendo’s GameCube, prompting the company to reveal its next system, the Revolution. The next year would see not only the unveiling of the revolutionary Wii Remote, but also the controversial unveiling of Wii; it was perceived by some as outrageous...

  • News Gangnam Style Confirmed for Just Dance 4

    Ubisoft seems Psy-ched

    Ubisoft announced earlier today that Gangnam Style, the number one hit song by South Korean rapper Psy, will soon be available as downloadable content for Just Dance 4. Having attracted more than 490 million views since it first appeared on YouTube in July, Gangnam Style has become one of the most viewed videos on the...

  • Review Inazuma Eleven Strikers (Wii)

    Crazy super-duper Strikers!

    When it comes to Inazuma Eleven Strikers, don't let any references to football (soccer if you're of the North America persuasion) or the snazzy kits fool you, this isn't a football game. It's a ball game with football-style rules, infused with extravagant special moves and buckets of charm, which is guaranteed to raise an...

  • News Disney Paints A New Epic Mickey 2 Trailer

    Now with 100% more Warren Spector

    Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is set to release next month, and to celebrate we've been given a new video which shows off some paint and thinner gameplay. Here's the official blurb: This new video features exciting gameplay as game developer Warren Spector discusses Mickey’s magic paint brush and his...

  • News Nintendo Drops Price Of Wii Ahead Of Holiday Season

    Inexpensive family fun this Christmas

    Good news for those of you who don't have a Wii, Nintendo is dropping the suggested retail price to $129.99 in advance of the busy holiday shopping season. This new console bundle will be available across the US on October 28th. Both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort will come included on a single game disc, as...

  • News Kylie Sing & Dance Coming To Wii Next Month

    We just can't get you out of our heads

    This year will mark Kylie Minogue's 25th year in music, and what better way to celebrate by singing and dancing the night away with Kylie Sing & Dance for the Wii in November. The game will feature 25 of Aussie starlet’s globally recognised smash hits, including tunes such as ‘Spinning Around’, ‘I...

  • News Rayman Origins Was In The Works For The Wii U

    Rayman Legends predecessor could have been on the Wii U

    Once upon a time, Rayman Origins was in the works for the Wii U, as Ubisoft expected an earlier launch date for the console. Sadly the team had no choice but to scrap development once they discovered that the system wouldn't be released in 2011. Rayman creator Michel Ancel told Nintendo Power...

  • News Justin Bieber Surprises Just Dance 4 Fans

    The girls just couldn't 'Belieb' it

    Ubisoft invited a bunch of young girls to come and play Just Dance 4 early for what they thought was a research focus group. The girls figured they were being asked to give some feedback on the game, but little did they know that Ubisoft had another trick up its sleeves. Justin Bieber was called upon to help...

  • News Activision Releases New Trailer For Transformers Prime

    Planes, trains and Autobots

    Based on the award-winning animated television show produced by Hasbro Studios, Transformers Prime lets you play as your favourite Autobot character and embark on an action-packed adventure to save the earth from the evil Megatron and his new secret weapon. Get a preview glimpse of the Wii U version in the video below,...

  • Review Just Dance 4 (Wii)

    Sweat baby, sweat

    The video games industry is currently inundated with a plethora of fitness games promising to give you abs like Schwarzenegger - if you're willing to pay the price. But how many of these titles actually perform? While the Just Dance franchise might be categorised into the silly party genre, Just Dance 4 in fact provides a fun...

  • News Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Confirmed for Wii U Launch Day in Europe

    Yes, you use the GamePad screen for the brush

    While North America has a rather juicy list of Wii U launch titles that will arrive alongside the system on 18th November, European gamers are having to be a little more patient for full details. Thankfully one more launch day arrival has been confirmed, with Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two...

September2012

  • News We Sing 80s Hits The Nintendo Entertainment System

    In the fictional world of video game promotion, at least

    We Sing 80s is the latest in a long line of Wii-based music titles, so it's a given that the promotional campaign for the game needs to be something special for it to get noticed. Publisher Nordic Games has done just that by mocking up a video which shows what the game would have looked like...

  • Review Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition (Wii)

    Sweet dreams

    The Kirby series has been a staple of Nintendo game systems since the pink fluff first appeared on the original Game Boy back in 1992. While the games have always been known more for their charm and unique gameplay than their difficulty, they've become some of the best selling video games in history. Now Nintendo has released Kirby's...

  • News Rodea the Sky Soldier Still Has No Release Plans

    Former Sonic man is keen to work on Wii U

    Do you remember Rodea the Sky Soldier from Yuji Naka's PROPE studio, the man who many credit with creating Sonic the Hedgehog? It's supposed to be released on Wii and 3DS, with the handheld version being handled by another developer, Kadokawa Games, the same organisation in charge of publishing the Wii...

  • News You'll Be Able To Play Your WiiWare and Virtual Console Games On Wii U

    Put down those pitchforks

    Today's Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation was packed full of cool new information, but one item that will prove especially interesting for hardcore Wii downloaders is the news that digital Wii purchases will be transferable to the Wii U. That means you'll be able to re-download all of your existing WiiWare and Virtual...

  • News Expect More Conduit News Before The End of 2012

    High Voltage teases new developments in the FPS series

    High Voltage Software has revealed that another instalment in the Conduit series is on its way. Answering fan questions on the GameFAQs message boards, a company representative had this to say: We haven't forgotten about Conduit over here...I would expect some new Conduit-related news before...

  • News Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 Footage Warms Up On The Sidelines

    3DS and Wii versions showcased

    Konami has released a Japanese trailer for the latest instalments of its Winning Eleven franchise, which is known in the west as Pro Evolution Soccer. The footage shows the 3DS and Wii versions in action. Not much seems to have changed since the previous editions on both formats, but football fans will no doubt want...

  • News Kevin Butler Seen Near a Wii Console... Apocalypse Confirmed

    You do know he's a fictional character, right?

    A story is starting to spread around the internet about a marketing betrayal that strikes a blow for Nintendo in the console wars. Or it's an actor doing his job for another company, but that's a lot less fun. Actor Jerry Lambert is regarded as an excellent comedic actor in the U.S., and has appeared...

  • News Kirby Fans Suck Up World Record At Pax

    The Pink One must be proud

    A little over a week ago we told you about Nintendo's plans to set a new Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous chewing gum bubbles blown at once. Taking place at PAX Prime, we had little doubt that the big N would find enough people to break the old record of 304, but would the inspiration of Kirby be enough to...

August2012

  • News Randy Pitchford Isn't All That Into Motion Controls

    ...despite his studio doing the Wii version of Samba de Amigo

    Gearbox head guy Randy Pitchford has spoken to Gamasutra about the future of the gaming hardware industry, and has revealed that he's not all that bothered about motion control 'gimmicks': Different people make different stabs. Some of these stabs folks make become standards. Most of...

  • Watch Japanese Nintendo Direct Live

    Now updated with the video to watch at your leisure

    Nintendo of Japan will host a new Nintendo Direct presentation today at 8PM JST (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK). EDIT: Here's the video in full. The presentation will focus on 3DS and Wii. Nothing on Wii U, I'm afraid. The video is expected to...

  • News Nintendo Taking No Prisoners At PAX Prime

    Wii U and 3DS presence, plus bubble-blowing and Kid Icarus multiplayer

    Nintendo has confirmed that it is bringing its Wii U and 3DS lineup to this year's PAX Prime, due to take place at Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center from August 31st through to September 2nd. A whole raft of games and events are planned, including a Kid Icarus:...

  • Nintendo Direct Expect 3DS and Wii Announcements This Week

    Nothing for Wii U, though

    Nintendo has confirmed the date and time of its next Nintendo Direct presentation in Japan, as well as divulging what goodies will be revealed within. August 29th - this Wednesday, no less - is the magical date, with 8PM JST being the time (around 4AM PST for North American readers, and 12PM BST for those of you in UK)...

  • News Nintendo Plans to Blow Away World Record in Honour of Kirby

    Forever blowing bubbles

    Celebrating anniversaries can be a tricky business: how do you do it? You can buy a nice cake, a bottle of champagne, or perhaps a nice bunch of flowers. Alternatively, if you're Nintendo celebrating Kirby's 20th anniversary with Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition, you also arrange to try and break the world record for...

  • News Nintendo's Hardware and Related Software Hits 70% Market Share in Japan

    The highest in five years

    Earlier this week we brought you the news that Nintendo was not only continuing to enjoy a good run with 3DS hardware sales in its homeland, but that the top ten in the software charts were all on Nintendo systems. Chart masters Media Create have now produced some follow-up information that makes even more good reading for...

  • News Nintendo In The Game For Golden Joystick Awards

    Your votes can help

    It's awards season, once again, with nominations for the 30th Golden Joystick Awards now confirmed and Nintendo games or exclusives featuring in a number of categories. These awards are decided entirely by the public, so if you feel that the big N deserves a chance to win you can have your say. Below are the nominations for...

  • News Nintendo Grabs Lots of Coins in Japanese Charts

    1-ups for everyone

    Japan is currently enjoying its summer break, which often represents a peak shopping period and, hopefully, plenty of Yen for gaming companies. The chart results for last week have come out rather well for Nintendo, continuing a positive spell of sales for the Kyoto-based company. In terms of software, the entire top ten consists...

  • News New Super Mario Bros. 2 Finishes Second in UK Charts

    Letting Sleeping Dogs lie

    New Super Mario Bros. 2 hit UK stores last Friday, and today's all-format chart shows the plumber's latest platforming adventure making its debut at number two. While we may instinctively wonder why it didn't make it to number one, that placing actually matches the performance of the original New Super Mario Bros on DS. It...

  • News Disney Epic Mickey 2's Characters Explained

    Cast out

    It's time for a new Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two trailer, and this time Warren Spector and company have characters on the mind. The video explains the reasoning behind some of the game's cast and their abilities. Good old Oswald the Lucky Rabbit has electrical powers which can be used in puzzles and to stun enemies into...

  • News Take a Ride in the New Dragon Quest 'Slime Car'

    Nissan gets Slimey

    Today Japanese automaker, Nissan, has announced its partnership with Square Enix in creating a special Dragon Quest themed car, the Serena S-Hybrid mini van 'Slime Car'. The collaboration was unveiled at the DQ-themed restaurant, Luida's Cafe in Roppongi. If you happen to be a Dragon Quest fanatic, then you might be out of luck...

  • News Dragon Quest X Storms to Number One in Japan

    3DS and Wii sell big, too

    Last week's Japanese charts brought big sales for New Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3DS, with the XL model contributing over 190,000 sales on its own. The good times keep coming for Nintendo in its homeland this week, with the latest results from Enterbrain showing strong performances in both software and hardware. The big...

  • News Namco Bandai Hooks a Trophy for Family Fishing Sales

    Prize catch

    Namco Bandai's Family Fishing — known in North America as Fishing Resort — has proven itself a keeper. The Wii game has surpassed 200,000 shipped units in Japan during its first year, and as a reward Nintendo has sent the team a snazzy trophy. Developed by Yuji Naka's Prope and published by XSEED in North America, Fishing Resort...

  • News Square Enix Targets Ten Years of Support for Dragon Quest X

    X marks the content

    Dragon Quest X has now arrived on Wii in Japan, with a Wii U version also said to be on the way in the future, and publisher Square Enix will no doubt be hoping that the substantial online play will attract a lot of loyal gamers. Any title like this with a focus of online play needs consistent and new content to keep gamers...

  • News Nintendo Wins Judgement in Wii Patent Lawsuit

    Talking 'bout a revolution

    Nintendo has confirmed that it's seen off yet another patent lawsuit in the U.S., with this one perhaps being the most significant victory so far. A company called Copper Innovations Group, LLC had claimed that both Wii and its controllers had infringed one of its patents, but a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the case...

  • News This is Why New Little King's Story Isn't on Wii

    Royal pardon

    Little King's Story remains a firm Wii favourite here at Nintendo Life. After all, how could you not love a game about a tiny king that deals with unemployment by day and bashes in gigantic mushrooms by night? It made us royal blue, then, that a sequel never came to Nintendo's system; in fact, follow up New Little King's Story chose to...

  • News 3DS Hardware Dominates Japanese Charts

    Demon Training has a modest start

    We already know that 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 have been able to boast of big launch sales in Japan, but we now have access to the full charts for a wider picture. The Enterbrain software figures (via Andriasang), show that six of the top ten games are found on Nintendo systems, though Demon Training only...

  • News Check Out This Beautiful Okami Papercraft

    Godly beauty

    We've seen some impressive game-related art over the years, but surely if two games are ideally suited to artistic recreations they're Okami and Okamiden. Both of these titles were designed to actually look like watercolour paintings in motion, but one set of artistic creations opts for a different approach. The attached image (click...

July2012

  • News Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical: Sing & Dance Confirmed for Wii

    Don't cry for Wii, Ninty gamers

    Before Wii shuffles off to the back room to be replaced by its more modern, flashy and powerful successor, it has a few more months as Nintendo's current generation home console. While the release schedule is looking rather bare, fans of singing and dancing on the console may have one final curtain call before the...

  • News Nintendo Talks Dragon Quest X in Latest Direct Broadcast

    Spot the Treevil

    Nintendo has published its latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, this time focusing on the upcoming Japanese release Dragon Quest X. The broadcast began with an introduction from Satoru Iwata, and then included gameplay commentary from Dragon Quest designer Yuji Horii, series producer Yousuke Saito and director Jin Fujisawa, who you...

  • Feature Olympics Fever on Nintendo Systems

    Button mashing for gold

    If you’ve been living in a cave and isolated from the world for the past couple of weeks, then you may not have been bombarded with coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It’s now well under way, and thousands of athletes are running, cycling, swimming and more in the name of winning a shiny gold medal. None of the...

  • News Mario & Sonic Win Olympic Bronze in UK Charts

    Coming through the field

    You'd expect a title released 38 and 25 weeks ago on Wii and 3DS, respectively, to have left the UK charts long ago, especially as it's not available on other platforms. Yet Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games has achieved just that, consistently sitting in the top ten of the all-format software chart. Thanks...

  • News The Last Blade Sharpens Up for European Wii Virtual Console

    Unsheathed

    The Last Blade is finally slicing down onto the European Wii Virtual Console on 2nd August. That means you've got a week to make sure your swords are sharpened up before it's released. The 2D fighter thrusts you into the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history. You can choose between two different sword types per character, so it's up to you...

  • News Skylanders: Giants Introduces Swarm the Super-Sized Bee

    UPDATE: Release dates confirmed

    Activision has now confirmed the release dates for Skylanders: Giants, set to arrive on Wii and 3DS on 19th October in Europe and 21st October in North America. Original article Skylanders: Giants, the sequel to the rather successful original, is confirmed for 3DS, Wii and Wii U. That means whatever your console of...

  • News Nintendo Financial Results: Console and Software Sales

    How are they all doing?

    Earlier on today we brought you the headline news that Nintendo reported a financial loss for the first quarter, which was very much expected. Despite some pre-results whispers, Nintendo didn't adjust its projections for returning a profit this financial year, showing a degree of confidence in the process. The financial...

  • News Kirby's 20th Anniversary Collection Tops Japanese Charts

    The pink one's still got it

    Kirby may be little more than a pink blob with arms and legs, but he's become a beloved Nintendo mascot with a legion of dedicated fans. It's unsurprising that his anniversary is being celebrated, and it seems that plenty of Japanese gamers have shown their support by picking up Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection...

  • News Dragon Quest X Nintendo Direct Confirmed

    Free 3DS app on 22nd August in Japan

    Dragon Quest X is being shown a lot of love in Japan at the moment, and Nintendo has confirmed that there'll be another short Nintendo Direct broadcast focused on the title on 30th July at 8pm Japanese time, which is 12pm British standard time, 1pm central European time and 7am U.S. eastern. This is the second...

  • News Go Behind the Scenes of Disney Epic Mickey 2's Story

    Power paintbrush

    Disney Interactive has given us a peek at the story writing process behind Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. But just a little one — you wouldn't want any surprises spoiled now, would you? Junction Point creative director Warren Spector and senior designer Brian Freyermuth speak of their excitement at Marv Wolfman joining...

  • News Get a Double Helping of Cooking Mama With New Combo Packs

    Well done

    Sometimes just one serving isn't enough. Majesco understands that, so it's pulled together a few Cooking Mama double-game packs for Wii and DS. They're currently only announced for North America. For starters there's a pair of DS appetisers. Mama’s Combo Pack Volume 1 is a stew of the original Cooking Mama and Camping Mama: Outdoor...

  • News Dragon Quest X App Adventuring Onto 3DS

    StreetPass and game updates included

    Dragon Quest X, the Wii and Wii U exclusive with substantial online play, is currently only confirmed for Japan, which may bother those who got so engrossed in Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on DS. To compound the anxious wait for news of localisation, it's being reported by Andriasang that a...

  • News Fan Group 'Operation Zero' Attempts to Scare Nintendo of America

    Into localising Fatal Frame 2, that is

    Project Zero 2: Wii Edition arrived in Europe at the end of June, and despite a few flaws has been scaring gamers witless since. This isn't survival horror in the shoot-a-zombie-in-the-face Resident Evil sense, but exploring dark, creepy locales with nothing but a camera to protect you from malevolent ghosts...

  • News Kingdom Hearts 3D Flows Into UK Top Ten

    Dreaming of top spot

    Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was a high-profile arrival in Europe last week, bringing the popular franchise to the current generation of handhelds. Square Enix and Nintendo — the latter dealing with distribution in PAL regions — invested plenty of hype, particularly online, behind the title; has it paid off? The...

  • Feature Batman's Nintendo Adventures

    Holy topical feature, Batman!

    Today sees the launch of The Dark Knight Rises in UK and North American theatres, amongst others, and it's become a cultural phenomenon, dominating the thoughts of Batman geeks and film lovers alike. We figured that you'll see the word 'Batman' wherever you go, so we might as well wrap it up in our favourite...

  • News Pokémon and 3DS Still Top of the Japanese Charts

    Happy days for Nintendo

    The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we haven't reported on the Japanese software and hardware charts every week recently, mainly because very little has changed. Despite that, we thought that we'd share the latest results, as at the very least the software chart includes some interesting games that we're pretty...

  • News Put Your Trivia Knowledge to the Test in Quiz Party

    Let's get quizzical

    Nintendo is encouraging Wii owners to party smartly with Quiz Party. It's out in the UK on 27th July and is hosted by none other than television quiz show legend Roy Walker of Catchphrase fame. Say what you see! Using just one Wii Remote, an unlimited number of competitors can take part and answer questions about history,...

  • News Rise of the Guardians Set to Protect the Holidays on Wii U

    Tying into Wii, 3DS and DS too

    Some things stay the same in every year's Holiday season: lots of money is spent on gifts and merriment, too much food is eaten, and a CG movie based around festive characters arrives in cinemas and theatres worldwide. One of these movies will be Rise of The Guardians from DreamWorks Animations, and we all know what...

  • News FIFA 13 Faces Licensing Dilemma with Rangers FC

    What to do?

    Many that follow football — or soccer — have more than likely heard about the troubles faced by Scottish Glasgow-based team Rangers FC. Despite being one half of the overwhelmingly dominant 'old firm', along with Celtic FC, Rangers got itself into trouble with the tax-man and lots of other people who were owed money. The club...

  • News Nintendo Unleashed Hits Manchester on 21st July

    Going large

    Over the past few months Nintendo has been travelling around the UK to share upcoming games to eager gamers, and it's set to keep up the pace this weekend. It's been confirmed that Nintendo will have a stand at the Manchester Comic Con event this weekend, or Saturday 21st July to be precise, at which it'll show off both shiny new...

  • News Get Down With The Hip Hop Dance Experience

    Gettin' jiggy wit it

    You love dancing games, right? Good, because Ubisoft has announced a new one. The Hip Hop Dance Experience hopes to have you jumping around to some of the biggest names in hip hop when it comes out on Wii in November. Following in the two-steps of Michael Jackson: The Experience and The Black Eyed Peas Experience, it's being...

  • News Dragon Quest X Advert is a Call to Arms

    In Japanese

    Dragon Quest X will no doubt storm the Japanese charts with or without any advertising, but that hasn't stopped Square Enix putting together a cutesy trailer showing off the enemies and action in store. Japanese players can pick up the MMO from 2nd August, with a particularly snazzy black Wii Dragon Quest X bundle on sale too. The game...

  • News Disney Epic Mickey 2 Trailer Sets the Scene

    Comic-Con appearance also confirmed

    It seems to be a week of news about Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Two, due to arrive on Wii this November. Yesterday Warren Spector said he was proud that Epic Mickey 'polarised people'; he'll no doubt share his thoughts on the original, sequel and 3DS spin-off Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion when he...

  • News The Last Story Hits North America on 14th August

    Operation Rainfall yet to claim release date responsibility

    We've known for a good while that The Last Story will arrive in North America this summer, and publisher XSeed has finally confirmed the details to IGN. The date for your diaries is 14th August, and there are a number of goodies awaiting eager buyers. It's been confirmed that all...

  • News Warren Spector Proud That Epic Mickey 'Polarised People'

    Key improvements made to Epic Mickey 2

    The upcoming release of Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two may be coming at the end of the Wii's lifespan, but is probably worth more focus than it's currently attracting. It's worth consideration simply because the original Disney Epic Mickey on Wii was praised for its many positive features, but suffered...

  • News Club Nintendo's Gold and Platinum Prizes Have Emerged

    Which are you?

    It's that time of year again, when North American Nintendo gamers are rewarded for their loyalty and spending power. After a year of meticulously registering your Nintendo games and saving up those coins until it was all reset on 30th June, what free treats await you this year? Although the Nintendo website hasn't officially revealed...

  • Out Today Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise (Europe)

    Skip to the beat

    Nearly five months after it hit North America, Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise lands in Europe today. The European release lets you choose between the English and Japanese soundtracks, a feature exclusive to Europe, but is otherwise unchanged from its North American release. If you're interested in some Wii-based rhythm, check out...

  • Review Project Zero 2: Wii Edition (Wii)

    Poltergeist snap

    If you're more than a little wary when it comes to bumps in the night, it might be best to stay away from Project Zero 2: Wii Edition. Tecmo Koei's ghastly survival horror series, also known as Fatal Frame, throws you within the clutches of dozens of malicious apparitions with only a camera for protection. A proton pack it ain't...

  • Feature The Best Soundtracks on Wii

    Wii music

    Often overlooked in favour of graphics, music can elevate gaming from the memorable to the unforgettable. Since 2006 the Wii has provided players with some truly incredible music, from humble chip tunes to fully orchestrated epics. Here’s a selection of the most gratifying experiences to delight your ears, all thanks to the humble Wii...

  • News Wii Has Featured Fewer New IPs Than Rivals

    Is anyone surprised?

    It's a fairly common perception that Nintendo is typically happy to reproduce its existing IPs rather than develop new characters or franchises. That theory was put to the test over at Gamespot, where the numbers of new franchises per year were calculated for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3, restricted to each company's own developed or...

  • News New Documentary Tells The Last Story

    Fan service

    The Last Story finally hits North America this month, so it's a good time to learn a little more about the game's development. This documentary by French site Sidekick.fr explains more about Mistwalker's background, The Last Story's original concept as a much darker game called Lost World and more. It's well researched and slick, and...

June2012

  • News Takuya Matsumoto: 'Nintendo Influence Was Big' on The Last Story

    The Mario Club has tough taskmasters

    Takuya Matsumoto has worked on some high quality SEGA titles in the past, such as NiGHTS and Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast, and was the development lead on The Last Story, the excellent Wii RPG that finally arrives in North America on 10th July. In an interview with Gamasutra, Matsumoto discussed the development...

  • News Wreck-It Ralph Confirmed for Wii, 3DS and DS

    Not a surprise

    A little while ago we reported that Bowser would appear in Wreck-It Ralph, an upcoming Disney animated film. It's now been confirmed that Disney Interactive and Activision will collaborate on the game to accompany the movie: it'll be released on Wii, with separate versions for 3DS and DS. The game will be a side-scroller where you...

  • News Dragon Quest X Japanese Bundle Shown Off

    Rest of the world looks on enviously

    Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies was an impressive RPG achievement on DS which was heavily marketed by Nintendo and Square Enix worldwide, with a concerted effort to make the franchise recognisable to a new generation of gamers. The sequel, Dragon Quest X, isn't far away from release in Japan and...

  • Feature Summer Sizzlers

    Hot stuff

    Dust off your swimming trunks and stock up on sun cream because summer is upon us. While this may not be completely true if you live in a certain southern hemisphere (or a country like Great Britain, where meteorological conditions defy all logic and expectations), here are some games that will bring you that warm, fuzzy feeling of the hot...

  • News Inazuma Eleven Strikers Scores in Europe

    Arrives 28th September

    European fans of the Inazuma Eleven franchise have so far had to be patient when waiting for localisation, with a number of releases yet to make it outside of Japan. The good news is that Inazuma Eleven Strikers is on the way to European Wii owners on 28th September, though we did think it was a possibility after spotting a...

  • News North American Nintendo Direct Set for Tonight

    Nobody's left out

    North America gets a Nintendo Direct presentation tonight, focusing on games for 3DS, DS and Wii. The show kicks off tonight at 9pm Pacific time/12am Eastern time. That's the same time as Europe's Nintendo Direct. You can watch it at the Nintendo Direct site.

  • News There'll Be a New Nintendo Direct Tomorrow

    Times inside

    Nintendo of Japan's announced a new Nintendo Direct presentation for tomorrow, focusing on 3DS and Wii. The show starts on 22nd June at 12 midday Japan time. Europe will get its own show from Satoru Shibata at 5am UK time/6am Central European Time (12 midnight Eastern/9pm Pacific.) This show for Europe will focus mostly on Nintendo...

  • News LEGO Batman 2 Launch Trailer is Super

    A true blockbuster

    LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes arrives today on Wii and 3DS in North America, with Europe only having to wait until the end of this week. The LEGO titles are prolific and consistently similar, but clearly have something going for them with the sheer range of franchises and sequels released. As the name suggests, this is the...

  • News Nintendo Continues Software Dominance in Japan

    But struggles in UK

    Today brings mixed news on software sales for Nintendo, though perhaps it's a positive in the market that brings the big N the most success. In Japan, Andriasang has translated results published by Enterbrain and Famitsu that show Nintendo as the biggest selling software publisher for May. Covering the period for 30th April to...

  • News Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection Doesn't Suck

    Even if Kirby has to

    A little under two months ago we brought you the happy news that Nintendo is planning a 20th Anniversary Kirby compilation for Wii, ensuring that fans of the pink one will have a chance to celebrate the landmark with a collection of classic games and other goodies. Courtesy of Andriasang we now know what will be included in the...

  • News Just Dance Greatest Hits Gets on the Dance Floor

    If you just can't get enough

    Just Dance is a franchise that has become unstoppable, swallowing up the Wii charts for weeks at a time and being responsible for adverts of attractive, rhythmic people jigging around with a Wii Remote in their hand. We've had three titles so far and know that Just Dance 4 is on the way, so it's not going anywhere. Back...

  • E3 2012 Transfer Wii Save Data and Shop Purchases to Wii U

    Keep it flowing

    Nintendo's confirmed it's working on a system to transfer Wii save data, WiiWare and Virtual Console purchases from your Wii console to the new Wii U. The good news came during last night's developer roundtable in a Q&A section, a Nintendo producer saying: We are readying the system to be able to transfer saves and everything...

  • News Sakaguchi - 'Certain Ideas' Missed in The Last Story Due to SD Resolution

    Arrives in North America on 10th July

    The Last Story has been available in Europe for a while now, and received warm critical praise. It was the first game directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi — the creator of the Final Fantasy series — in quite some time, and it was a title with impressive scope and attractive visuals that made the most of Wii. The...

  • News You Shall Not Pass This LEGO Lord of the Rings Trailer

    The voice

    LEGO Lord of the Rings on Wii and 3DS is happening this year, and Warner Bros. has released the first trailer of the blocky epic. Like the earlier LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes trailer, the characters in LEGO LotR speak, with dialogue taken straight from the films. Make up your own minds about that one. The game spans all three films...

  • News Some Club Nintendo Coin Values Will Change on 1st July

    Full details inside

    The number of Club Nintendo Coins you'll get for registering certain games will change on 1st July. For some games, the number will decrease; for some, it'll increase. If you want to see whether you should register those games now or wait until 1st July, check out our handy charts, straight from Club Nintendo. Page 1: 3DS...

May2012

  • News The Inflatable Kart Now Works With Your Nintendo 3DS

    Let your joy ring out!

    Those inflatable Wii karts are great, but what are you supposed to do when you migrate from Mario Kart Wii to Mario Kart 7? CTA Digital has you covered, revamping the kart to support 3DS as well as Wii. Slot your 3DS console into the steering wheel and turn away in games that support gyro controls. Interestingly the press...

  • News Mario Tennis Takes Second in Japanese Charts

    3DS on top, again

    The most recent Media Create results for the Japanese charts are in, and Nintendo can be quite pleased with the outcome. The software results are slightly less impressive than normal due to a glut of new releases on other platforms, though Mario Tennis Open made a solid debut at number two, coming in behind Capcom's Dragon's Dogma...

  • News Go To Mensa Academy to Train Your Brain

    On its way to PAL regions

    The Brain Training series has been big business for Nintendo, and has therefore seen rival titles emerge to compete for our brain time. The latest to enter the fray is Square Enix — collaborating with IQ specialists Mensa — to try and help us make the most of our grey matter. Mensa Academy is set to arrive in Europe...

  • News Mario Tennis Open Just Misses UK Top Ten

    Top of the 3DS chart, though

    Mario Tennis Open has arrived in time for the summer season of tennis grand slams and typical summer delights such as strawberries and cream and, of course, sunburn. With some interesting 3DS titles on the way in the next couple of months that could be described as 'core' games, to put it crudely, Mario's tennis outing...

  • News We May Yet See Inazuma Eleven Strikers in Europe

    Better late than never

    Europe's got two Inazuma Eleven games for DS but not the Wii entry Inazuma Eleven Strikers that came out in Japan in July 2011. Well, never say never, as Level-5's registered a trademark for the game in Europe. The Wii version follows the DS game's lead by blending football with RPG elements, but naturally with polygon...

  • News Natsume Teases Announcement of 'Celebration' Game

    What could it be?

    While some publishers or developers like to tease with vague images or high-production trailers, others do it the old-fashioned way — with hints to puzzle our gaming minds. Natsume, publisher of recent titles such as Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns and Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove, along with a significant number of titles...

  • News LEGO Batman 2 Trailer Comes Down Like a Ton of Bricks

    Visit Gotham City

    LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes for Wii and its 3DS counterpart are out in a month, which is more than enough time to watch this new trailer showing its open-world take on Bruce Wayne's home city. It's got all the things you'd want from a LEGO DC trailer — The Flash running fast, The Joker laughing maniacally and a pie calling on...

  • News Nintendo Still Top of Japanese Charts Despite Sales Drop

    Not a golden week

    Last week was a major holiday in Japan, and the Japanese charts brought golden results for Nintendo. This week brings more of the same in terms of chart positions, but it seems that all games and platforms have endured a major dip in sales after all of that holiday splurging. As reported by Andriasang, Mario Party 9 retains top...

  • News FIFA 13 in Development for Wii U

    Also on 3DS and Wii

    It's another year, so that means another FIFA game from EA Sports, an annual tradition that's never missed. The developer recently hosted a big reveal of features that will be new to this year's entry: Complete Dribbling will allow greater skill on the ball, First Touch Control will make the initial touch from a player more...

  • News Ben 10 and Friends Join Wii U Line-Up

    Omniverse us

    The Wii U announcements are coming thick and fast these days. Last week it was Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth and Cloudberry Kingdom; this week it's Ben 10: Omniverse. D3Publisher's next outing for the boy with multiple personalities will reach every current Nintendo format later this year, with development on the home console...

  • News Wii Pikmin 2 Hits North America on 10th June for $19.99

    Among other price drops

    The long-awaited Pikmin 2 on Wii reaches North America on 10th June for $19.99. Dropping the New Play Control! monicker, the enhanced romp launches as part of the Nintendo Selects range. It'll be joined by another Wii-enhanced remake, Mario Power Tennis, coming to Nintendo Selects for the first time. There are other price...

  • Feature Staff Memories of the Wii Launch

    Being part of the Revolution

    As E3 2012 and a Wii U bonanza looms ever closer, we're currently in the middle of a series of features that explore previous Nintendo console launches. We've already written about the magic of console launches, while editor James Newton was joined by Joe Walker in our most recent podcast, When We Were Excited About Wii...

  • News Xenoblade and Kid Icarus Missing from NPD's April Chart

    For different reasons

    The NPD Group has published its list of best-sellers across the United States for April, but two of Nintendo's biggest titles are nowhere to be seen. Xenoblade Chronicles' exclusivity deal with GameStop meant it wasn't eligible for the top ten. Before the official chart analysts from PiperJaffray had predicted the...

  • News Japanese Charts Bring Golden Results for Nintendo

    Holiday week brings extra sales

    It's time for the weekly Japanese charts update, and if you've been reading these articles for the past couple of months you'll already know the story: Nintendo dominates sales in its homeland. The company's performance around the world may be a mixed bag at present, but results in Japan rarely let Satoru Iwata and...

  • Talking Point Nintendo Should Offer Indie Game Bundles

    Competitive download prices for a good cause

    We’re just one month away from the 3DS eShop's first anniversary, a busy period that’s seen the service grow and evolve. A modest start, including a slow-burn of actual 3DS exclusives, made way for a vibrant period of service improvements, game demos and, most importantly, some top quality games. The...

  • News Mario Kart Wii Races Back into UK Charts

    Olympics still top of the podium

    The UK software chart hasn't been the most eventful or successful arena for Nintendo games recently, with 3DS and particularly Wii titles making only modest appearances. That trend continues this week, with the latest results from UKIE now available. Once again the highest flyer is Mario & Sonic at the London...

  • Podcast Episode 23 - When We Were Excited About Wii

    Kappa and the captain talk Wii

    After looking back at the magic of console launches we decided to hone in the last Nintendo home console launch back in 2006: the good old Wii. What better way to relive those halcyon days than with the return of the Nintendo Life podcast? NL editor and podcast host James Newton is joined by writer Joe Walker for a...