Wii U Features
Feature Nintendo Reveals the Final Club Nintendo Elite Rewards
Lots of games on offer, retail and download-only
The time has come for Club Nintendo members in North America - the last set of Elite Status rewards. It's the end of an era, and a final hurrah for everyone with a Gold or Platinum status that can be redeemed for an extra treat. As per last year the selection consists entirely of downloads. There are...
Parent Trap What My Kids Want From Lego's Toys To Life Concept, Lego Dimensions
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson on the future of Lego video games
Recent rumours of a new Toys to Life product from Lego has the internet buzzing and has made my kids put on their inventor hats. If you missed it, this is the news that Warner will team up with Lego for a new title called Lego Dimensions to compete with Skylanders, Disney Infinity and...
Talking Point It's Too Early to Write Off the Wii U Over The Legend of Zelda's Delay
The upcoming Nintendo Direct may show why
The delay of The Legend of Zelda on Wii U was undoubtedly disappointing for fans excited about its original 2015 release, but many reacted with a degree of acceptance - better to wait longer for a classic than have an underwhelming end result was a common refrain. We suggested the delay was perhaps good for...
Nintendo needs a plan B
There'll be a number of Nintendo fans that, if they feel so inclined, can now say "I told you so". After insisting in December 2014 that The Legend of Zelda for Wii U was on track for a 2015 release, despite bold promises of a sizeable integrated game world and innovative ideas, Eiji Aonuma released a video update stating...
Japan Weekly Bravely Second Jobs Revealed and Theatrhythm Dragon Quest Reviewed
Along with a handful of other 3DS and Wii U reviews straight from Japan
Finally — this week's Famitsu has made up for the last couple of disappointing releases when it comes to juicy Nintendo news. While we still haven't heard when Bravely Second: End Layer will make it outside of Japan, that hasn't stopped Famitsu from feeding Japanese gamers...
Feature The Legend of Zelda on Wii U - What Do We Know So Far?
What can we expect from the next Zelda adventure?
The Legend of Zelda is due for release on the Wii U this year, provided the game isn't delayed. Yet, Nintendo has released very little on what we can expect from this next adventure. We've taken a look at what footage has been released so far and picked it apart to see if we can find out any new...
Interview Nintendo and Nd Cube on Bowser, amiibo and the Pure Luck of the Dice in Mario Party 10
Part of the goal are "actions that are overflowing with energy"
Mario Party 10, as the name makes very clear, is just the latest in one of Nintendo's most substantial franchises. Especially frequent on the GameCube, it's evidently achieved a good degree of success and remains a mainstay on Nintendo hardware, with the home console entries being...
Opinion Splatoon Is to Shooters what Mario Kart Is to Racers
Ron and Alex share their thoughts on Nintendo's new IP
Our resident writing aficionado Ron and video guru Alex both got a chance to try their hands at a preview build of Splatoon recently, and despite writing an official preview, they felt they had more to say on a more personal note. We've made them scrawl out a few words to help explain just what...
Preview We Take Aim at Splatoon to See if It Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Catching up with Splatoon's solo and multiplayer modes
During past Nintendo Direct presentations, the main focus of Splatoon has undoubtedly been the multiplayer gameplay, leaving many caught off guard when it was announced that Nintendo's upcoming squad-based shooter would feature a single player campaign as well. Not much has been revealed about...
Talking Point It's Time for a Nintendo Direct to Set the Agenda
With two months since the last broadcast, our bodies are ready
Ever since the broadcasts began, Nintendo Direct has given fans a fix of reveals, footage and talking points about upcoming releases; so when a gap opens up between presentations, there's some nervous twitching. When is the next video coming, and will Satoru Iwata appear in front of any...
Along with a quick look at Stella Glow, the upcoming 3DS RPG
Unlike last week's Famitsu magazine, this week's magazine featured much less information on upcoming Nintendo games. One Famitsu magazine each month serves as a recap magazine for the gaming news of the past month, with some new information peppered throughout. Unfortunately, this means...
Poll Which 2015 Nintendo Blockbusters Should Have amiibo Support?
A welcome extra or occasional option?
Since the launch of the first 'wave' alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in November 2014, Nintendo's wasted little time in promoting and expanding amiibo. Continual waves have continued to take us towards coverage of the full cast in the brawling title, while an upcoming Super Mario range will accompany Mario...
Feature A Summary of the Xenoblade Chronicles X Battle Presentation
Full video and details on combat skills, customization and party members
Nintendo and Developer Monolift Soft have made it their goal to show Japanese gamers just about everything Xenoblade Chronicles X has to offer through 30 minute online presentations; it's an admirable endeavour, even if there are no English subtitles. The last video took a look...
Japan Weekly Famitsu Outlines More Details on Splatoon's 'Hero' Mode and More
Etrian Mystery Dungeon details, quirky Japanese games, reviews and more
Can't wait to hear more about games like Splatoon and Etrian Mystery Dungeon? As Japan's primary gaming magazine, Famitsu receives exclusive previews and reviews of Nintendo games well before the same coverage sees the light of the day elsewhere in the world. The 4th March...
The portable and home console gap slowly closes
The New Nintendo 3DS arrives this week, which is exciting news for eager portable games for a number of reasons. It's very much 3DS version 1.5, so the upgrade is down to the accumulation of a variety of relatively small improvements as opposed to a generational leap. It's standard Nintendo practice to...
Less sales yet increased profits highlight extensive streamlining
Nintendo's got a lot of tough balancing to do right now with its finances - not only does it have its annual research and development costs, but it's also moving into the health field with Quality of Life and is about to complete the worldwide roll-out of new hardware with the New...
Feature A Summary of the Xenoblade Chronicles X Presentation and What We Learned About Its World
Details on planet Mira, New LA, GamePad usage, plus the full video
To date details around Xenoblade Chronicles X have arrived in snippets, mainly through tweets and interview quotes; up until today Nintendo and developer Monolith Soft have adopted a rather coy approach when releasing information about the game. The last couple of weeks have brought...
Talking Point Star Fox for Wii U is an Ongoing and Surprising Mystery
When will Nintendo show off Shigeru Miyamoto's project?
Nintendo had an impressive E3 in 2014, winning plaudits not just for its reveals but also its approach to the show, with the Super Smash Bros. Invitational and Treehouse live streams keeping fans entertained. There were a number of notable reveals, too, yet it was Star Fox for Wii U that...
Poll Which Current Generation Nintendo Soundtracks Would You Buy?
Moving beyond occasional Club Nintendo giveaways
Earlier today Nintendo Europe added The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds soundtrack to Club Nintendo, which is jolly for those in the region with a load of stars to spend, but disappointing for anyone else. It continues Nintendo's slightly odd policy of creating some of the greatest soundtracks...
Which multiplayer games are you most excited about?
With 2015 now settling into a groove - and following Nintendo's first Direct broadcasts of the year - we now have a better idea of what to expect in the near future, along with further reassurances of big hitters to come later in 2015. As a result there's plenty for Nintendo fans to look forward...
Poll As amiibo Expands and Evolves, Which Features Are You Most Excited About?
Super Mario range, Mario Party 10 compatibility and more
Last week's Nintendo Direct broadcasts brought a host of fresh details on amiibo, taking us beyond the launch period's tales of Super Smash Bros. support, relatively minor features in Hyrule Warriors and Mario Kart 8, and the ongoing shenanigans of painfully limited stock. Well, the latter may...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 14th January 2015
Nintendo went big with New Nintendo 3DS and much more
With 2015 still only just picking up steam, the first Nintendo Direct broadcasts of the year ensured that the big N kicked off a vital 12 months with some style. It delivered some of its longer broadcasts in recent memory, with notable variations between regions, and as a whole kept momentum...
Reaction Nintendo Direct Went Crazy With Reveals, and Was Delightful and Confusing in Equal Measure
Tom Whitehead tries to make sense of 2015's first Nintendo Direct vids
Aside from a few small details that will be saved for a wrap-up article in the very near future, I reckon we've covered most of the important news and reveals from the recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts. It was an absolute bombardment of details, and after quite a few hours and a...
Feature Five Key Reveals We Want in 2015's First Nintendo Direct
New 3DS! Wii U release dates! Reward Scheme!
While January 2014 became entwined in fluctuating share prices and worrying financial results, Nintendo has shown its intent to kick off 2015 in a far more positive light. The year's first Nintendo Direct will be broadcast on 14th January at 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK / 3pm CET, confirming a focus...
Guide Collecting All the Gems in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Episode 3
Episode 3: Return of the Toad
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is now available in North America and Europe, adding another excellent title to the Wii U library. In this game the goal for Captain Toad and Toadette isn't simply nabbing the star at the end of each stage, but also picking up three gems hidden throughout each level. These become vital in...
Guide Collecting All the Gems in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Episode 2
Episode 2: Wingo Strikes Back
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is now available in North America and Europe, adding another excellent title to the Wii U library. In this game the goal for Captain Toad and Toadette isn't simply nabbing the star at the end of each stage, but also picking up three gems hidden throughout each level. These become vital in...
Guide Collecting All the Gems in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Episode 1
Episode 1: A New Toad
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is now available in North America and Europe, adding another excellent title to the Wii U library. In this game the goal for Captain Toad and Toadette isn't simply nabbing the star at the end of each stage, but also picking up three gems hidden throughout each level. These become vital in...
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2015
The Legend of Zelda! Star Fox! Splatoon! More!
2015 is here, and for Wii U owners it could be the most exciting year of HD Nintendo gaming yet. The past couple of years have delivered some truly fantastic games, of course, with the just-departed 2014 bringing two of Nintendo's biggest franchises into the current generation. Excitingly, though, the...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2014
Your favourites of the year
2014 is drawing to a close, and the festive spirit is no doubt getting plenty into the gaming mood. We've already revealed our Game of the Year Staff Awards, but now it's time to see which titles have most excited the Nintendo Life community over the past year. We opened voting for the Game of the Year Reader Awards on...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2014
2014 has served up some classics
It's hard to believe that another year of gaming has passed, yet here we are. 2014 was a busy year for Nintendo, and the company certainly delivered a lot of thoroughly enjoyable games on the Wii U and 3DS. We also saw both eShop platforms grow further, particularly on the Wii U, with high quality downloadable...
Talking Point Super Smash Bros. and amiibo Have Enjoyed Success, But Nintendo Could Have Done More
Communication, stock and implementation could have been better
For Nintendo fans and Wii U owners, we feel that the last few months have been a terrific period — there's been excitement and buzz around 2015 games and, more importantly, a selection of high quality and hugely enjoyable games that are in stores now. There's been a perceivable shift...
Stock issues have been ongoing since launch
Since late November there have been a few key products that Nintendo has used to drive sales of the Wii U, all related to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The main product has been the amiibo range, now into its second wave, while alongside that there's been the GameCube Controller Adapter and a related...
Re-telling Greek legends on the Wii U eShop
Aurelien Regard isn't perhaps a name which will be instantly familiar with gamers. While fellow countrymen like Éric Chahi and Michel Ancel attract plenty of attention thanks to their famous titles, Regard has been dutifully plugging away in the shadows. Formerly of the now-defunct French studio Arkedo...
"I’m curious about this too so let’s have a look"
The release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker in North America — it hits Europe on 2nd January — is sure to tempt a few into adding the retail release as a stocking filler. Bursting with charm and providing a substantial spin-off from the popular bonus stages in Super Mario 3D World, it...
Talking Point The Legend of Zelda on Wii U Steals The Show and Raises Expectations
With Star Fox apparently progressing well, 2015 could be thrilling
During E3 this year Eiji Aonuma introduced The Legend of Zelda on Wii U, the long awaited main-series entry on Nintendo's latest home console. We were shown an art style that shared some similarities with Skyward Sword, but with a slightly more nuanced, cel-shaded and detailed...
Live Watch The Game Awards 2014 From Las Vegas
Nintendo games and exclusives vying for 11 awards
The time has arrived, when we find out whether the glitzy Game Awards 2014 will successfully lay the ghost of VGX 2013 to rest, or simply bring the horror back once again. We hope for the former, and Nintendo's an active partner also up for plenty of awards; join us live for the show! [...
Feature How We'd Like to See amiibo Used in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Tracking treasure with amiibo
Nintendo’s ridiculously cute diorama puzzler Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is out today in North America (Europe will have to wait until 2nd January). In our review we said it was “relentlessly charming and joyous, and is another example of Nintendo's developers flexing their creative muscles along with game-making...
Parent Trap amiibo Packs a Hidden Family Payload
More than meets the eye
Toys and video games used to compete for family spending power at supermarket check-outs. The recent trend in toy-video-game crossovers does away with this rivalry, but for families makes purchasing decisions all the more confusing. With amiibo joining the likes Skylanders and Disney Infinity (not to mention more niche...
Guide The Best Cyber Monday Nintendo Deals in the US
Because Black Friday isn't enough
Last week's Black Friday shenanigans weren't enough for retailers, it seems, as the efforts to separate us from our cash continue on 'Cyber Monday'. The name suggests online deals, naturally, though there are still promotions running within stores too, with GameStop and Target already stating that their deals will...
Feature Five Nintendo Games Perfect For Multiplayer Fun and Thanksgiving
Gather around, dear friends
It's Thanksgiving in the US, a major celebration in which families and friends gather to spend quality time together; naturally entertainment will be high on the agenda. For those that enjoy gaming, meanwhile, it's a chance to break out all those excess controllers and get into the spirit of the occasion with party and...
Feature Five Reasons To Choose Wii U This Holiday Season
To borrow Nintendo's slogan, The Time Is Now
We're approaching a time of year defined by many things. Great times with friends and family, lots of food and plenty of fun. Of course, before the big Holiday itself we have lots of shopping and — with that — plenty of choices to make. For gamers there are a number of treats on offer, with Nintendo,...
Guide The Best Black Friday Nintendo Deals in the US
Wii U and 3DS are covered
Update: With the Black Friday deals now kicking in across online retailers, and with midnight store openings on the way, we'll update this guide (initially posted on 24th November) with additional attractive deals throughout the day. Original Article: It's that time of year, once again, when all etiquette and old-school...
Guide Getting the Most out of Your amiibo with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Oh, amiibo!
Nintendo’s near-field communication figurines, amiibo, have finally landed in North America; what better way for them to punch and kick their way into our homes (and hearts) than to do so in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Nintendo’s latest home console version of the crossover fighting series offers in-depth support for the figurines,...
Feature A Day in the Life of a Self-Confessed Super Smash Bros. Fanatic
It's always a smashing day
Martin Watts regularly thrashes his Nintendo Life colleagues in online Smash Bros. matches, and now we know why. In this article he outlines a typical day now that two versions of the brawler are available. Nintendo’s decision to release not one, but two Super Smash Bros. games in a single year has always been...
Talking Point Super Smash Bros. Can Finally Reach Its Money-Spinning Potential
All the pieces have come together
We often talk up Nintendo's alternative and unique approach in the current games market, primarily that of generally focusing on colourful, fun games that often run at a silky smooth 60 frames per second; when it comes to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, we're even looking at a native 1080p resolution to round off the...
Feature The Wii U is Two Years Old, But How's it Doing?
We feel it's a C minus, overall, on its anniversary
Two years ago today — on 18th November 2012 — the Wii U was launched in North America. It was the first of this current generation of hardware to arrive in stores and generated a decent amount of hype, followed up by subsequent releases in Europe (30th November) and Japan (8th December). After...
Feature Our Predictions For The Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2
Vehicles and tracks up for grabs
Earlier this week, ahead of the launch of the first Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack, we let our imaginations — and hopes — run free in creating more DLC packs that we want to see. It was certainly fun for us, though a common complaint was that they weren't realistic. Forgetting the fact that predicting Zelda DLC a year ago...
Poll Who'll Be Your Main amiibo Buddy?
For Smash Bros. training, more games and picnics
Nothing says it's Friday like some nice, relaxing polls, so we thought we'd take one of the big topics of the week — amiibo — and gauge how you'll be enjoying — or not as the case may be — the upcoming range of toys. It's all very well looking at the attention Nintendo's directing towards the...
Hands On Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter
Party like it’s 2001
The GameCube controller has become the community gold-standard for playing Super Smash Bros. So much so that Nintendo has wheeled out an adapter to make the controller released in 2001 compatible with its home console released in 2012. All for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The adapter is about as thick as two retail game cases...
Feature These Are The Mario Kart 8 DLC Packs We Want To See
This is just the beginning
At the time of writing the first DLC pack for Mario Kart 8 — The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8 — is just hours away. It won't stop there, either, as next May will bring a second pack to the successful Wii U racer. Yet as we eagerly anticipate blasting around Mute City while playing as Link on the Master Cycle —...