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'Wonderful 101' Dated and 'Legend of Zelda' Oracle Titles Priced in New Nintendo Direct

Fri May 17, 2013 at 11:20 AM ET
Tags: Nintendo, Wii U, 3DS (all tags)

Latest Nintendo Direct shy of reveals ahead of E3.

Today's Nintendo Direct fell short of any groundbreaking announcement with Nintendo promising big things in and around next month's E3. Nintendo did reveal several new SEGA related announcements including a Mario And Sonic Olympics Games 2014 title for the Wii U, 'Sonic: Lost World,' and several upcoming SEGA Game Gear re-releases for the 3DS virtual console. 'Sonic: Lost World' was described as an action-adventure titles exclusive to the Wii U and 3DS.

'The Legend of Zelda' Oracle titles, set for re-release on the 3DS Virtual Console were priced at $6 apiece and dated for May 30th, and Nintendo promised an initial dollar off to encourage players to buy both titles in the first three week period.

Nintendo showed off some of the eight new levels that will be packed into 'Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. The new levels are contained in an area called Cloud Gateway and each level is based off of one of the game's previous areas. The new levels can be played in classic difficulty mode as well as the new easier version.

Bits of other games like the downloadable 'Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis on the Move' title were shown. The level creator and sharing features of the already released 'Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis on the Move' were highlighted. 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf' and its town sharing ability was teased. Several 'Game & Wario' levels were shown with 'Island;' looking like a fun kind of Bocce ball like game to play at a party.

'Pikmin 3' was discussed at length with its three new protagonists, the need to get juice in order to keep exploring, and the ability to use the 'Kopad' (GamePad) for directing being the focus.

Platinum Games 'Wonderful 101' is now set for a September 15th release date.

Nintendo also mentioned how this E3 would be all about games rather than previous Wii U and 3DS hardware reveals, and thus they partnered with Best Buy to allow games to p[lay unreleased Wii U titles in Best Buys in the US and Canada.

Source: Nintendo

Author: Brian Hoss

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Nintendo Opens Up the Miiverse to Non-Nintendo Devices

Thu Apr 25, 2013 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Nintendo, Miiverse, Wii U (all tags)

Miiverse web access currently in Beta.

While the Wii U struggles, having managed less than 4 million units sold and currently suffering from a severe software shortage, several Nintendo Wii U agenda items are coming online. Today, the Miiverse, Nintendo's Wii U social platform finally grows ever so slightly beyond the Wii U.

Those with Nintendo IDs can log into the Miiverse Beta website, peruse and reply to topics. Those without a Nintendo ID can see a sampling of topics on the website.

The Miiverse is characterized by a number of features, one of the most visibly obvious from the website access is users' ability and tendency to draw pictures using the Wii U GamePad. Less apparent is the Miiverse's game integration. As a social platform, the Miiverse offers highlights accessible by highlighting different Miis as they group around topics. Unfortunately, that aspect is not something available from the current website.

The website can be accessed by mobile devices, however, Nintendo has promised in the past to provide dedicated apps.

The Miiverse launched five months ago with the Wii U, but is only getting a sliver of the access that was promised. Whatever Nintendo's intention was, non-Nintendo Miiverse access is part of a list of items that seem like they should have been available at or close to launch.

Source: Nintendo

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The Fan Translation of 'EarthBound' Sequel 'Mother 3' Offered For Free To Nintendo

Mon Apr 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM ET
Tags: Nintendo (all tags)

Nintendo's recent promise to re-release 'EarthBound' in the West prompts new hope for the localization of the sequel.

'Mother 3,' the quirky RPG and series sequel to 'EarthBound' is one of the many games to never make it to the West. Released in 2006, the game was released eleven years after its North American Super Nintendo predecessor, and it came to the GBA just as the Nintendo DS was taking hold. The best option until now for most Westerners to play 'Mother 3' was by applying a patch to the game's ROM that installed a fan translation from 2008.

As Nintendo has finally relented and promised to re-release 'EarhBound' for the Wii U's Virtual Console, it is clear that whatever obstacles such as the long rumored concerns over the game's soundtrack will be overcome. Ultimately though, Nintendo seems to have relented as a gesture of goodwill and recognition of the many requests that fans made in the Miiverse after the title had been revealed as a Japan-only Virtual Console title. That gesture has renewed the dormant hope that 'Mother 3' will finally be brought to the West officially.

The team behind the fan translation has offered to provide the translation for free to Nintendo to help facility an official release. Should the endeavor be successful, it would not be the first time that a fan translation made it into an official release. When Xseed published 'Ys: The Oath in Felghana,' a preexisting, free translation was optioned and used as the base for the localization of that game.

While the market for a port of a quirky GBA game might not be huge, those at Nintendo looking to derive goodwill from both current and potential Wii U owners may want to take notice.

Source: Destructoid

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'Earthbound' and 'Pikmin 3' Headline Nintendo Wii U Announcements

Thu Apr 18, 2013 at 08:30 AM ET
Tags: Nintendo (all tags)

Next week's Wii U system update brings new features in addition to improved load times.

The SNES classic 'Earthbound,' know as 'Mother 2' in Japan, was recently made available in Japan as one of the thirtieth anniversary Famicom Virtual Console teaser games. After much fan vocalization, Nintendo has announced that 'Earthbound' will be coming to the Virtual Console in North America and Europe before the end of the year.

Nintendo also shared a significant new Pikmin type for 'Pikmin 3' that is different from the rock Pikmin. The new winged Pikmin can fly and carry items essential to the game. Unfortunately, this news comes with the fact that 'Pikmin 3,' which at one point was supposed to launch with the Wii U, has now slipped to August.

Next week Nintendo will release the full spring system update for the Wii U. The update is billed as dramatically improving menu load times, and has several features that should ease the pain of updating both the system and its games. After the update, the Wii U will be able to automatically install software in the background, automatically update games, and be set to shut down after updating. The Wii U will also be able to boot directly into Wii mode by holding the B button down on the GamePad when powering up.

The Virtual Console will finally launch the day after the system update. VC games support GamePad play and will host individual MiiVerse areas.

Several mini-games from 'Game & Wario' were shown, and Nintendo is pushing the idea of single player 'Game & Wario' mini-games that are enjoyable in a group setting. 'Game & Wario' is set for a June 23rd western release date.

Nintendo system update details can be found at 17:45 in following video.

Source: Nintendo

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'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2' Leads a Slew of Nintendo Announcements

Wed Apr 17, 2013 at 12:30 PM ET
Tags: Nintendo, 3DS (25 posts) (all tags)

'The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons' titles also coming to the 3DS.

In today's 3DS themed Nintendo direct, several titles for the 3DS were either announced or discussed, culminating in Nintendo announcing a new direct sequel to the SNES classic 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.'

The 3DS list of games discussed include:

'Mario and Luigi Dream Team,' 'Mario Golf World Tour,' 'Donkey Country Returns 3D,' 'Yoshi's Island 3,' 'Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move,' 'Mario Party,' 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf,' The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2,' 'The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons' (May 30), 'Bravely Default,' 'Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy,' 'The Starship Damrey,' 'Bugs VS Tanks,' 'Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale.' and 'Shin Megami Tensei IV.'

Nintendo also showed off the 3DS XL from the upcoming 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf' 3DS XL bundle.

Nintendo spent some time detailing tweaks for the 'Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D.' Several new items are available to easy the games difficulty including, items that rescue the player from a bottomless pit and help with both the mine cart, and notoriously difficult rocket barrel sections. While the aids are there to make the game more accessible to players on-the-go, the classic untouched version of the game remains intact as an option.

'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2'occurs in the classic world of 'A Link to the Past,' but in 3D. The game maintains the traditional overhead top-down view and gameplay, but brings a new storyline and new abilities to the classic environment. Footage of 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2' can be found at 35:35 in the following video.

Source: Nintendo

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The Year of Luigi: 'New Super Luigi U' Coming to Wii U

Thu Feb 14, 2013 at 09:30 AM ET
Tags: Wii U, 3DS (25 posts), Nintendo (all tags)

DLC for 'New Super Mario Bros. U' promised as a whole new game.

In this morning's Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo teased a considerable number of 3DS titles including 'Luigis' Mansions: Dark Moon' and 'Mario and Luigi's Dream Team,' but was short on new titles for the Wii U.

The one Wii U related entry that fit into the declaration of "the Year of Luigi" was an ambitious DLC, entitled 'New Super Luigi U.' By reusing much of the base game and "changing the 80+ courses," this content is being billed as so sizable to considered its own title, as in "large-scale downloadable content, which is similar to the development of full software."

Otherwise, Nintendo announced a new 'Legend of Zelda' themed Miiverse community to help fill the current void for that property on the platform.

Other Wii U titles mentioned include 'LEGO City: Undercover,' 'Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate,' 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted,' 'Walking Dead: Survival Instinct,' Injustice: Gods Among Us' and 'Disney Infinity.' 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' will include the 'Ultimate Speed' pack as part of the game. 'Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge' is getting a free content pack soon, consisting of costumes.

The Wii U 'Zombie U' Deluxe set was also mentioned. The bundle includes all of the content of a Wii U Deluxe set, a copy of 'Zombi U,' a black Wii U Pro Controller, and collectible 'Zombi U' art booklet. The set will be available February 17th for $389.99, which compares favorably with the Deluxe set's normal $349.99 price. One other distinction from the normal Wii U Deluxe set is that the included copy of 'Nintendo Land' is digital, rather than disc-based.

Wii Street U powered by Google was also announced as now available for download from the eShop. The app allows the user to access Google's 360 degree panoramic view with the Nintendo GamePad. Nintendo has stated that the app will be free for a limited time.

Source:Nintendo

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Party N: New Wii U Zelda and 'Wind Waker' HD Lead Pack of First Party Games Teased by Nintendo

Wed Jan 23, 2013 at 12:30 PM ET
Tags: Nintendo, Wii U (all tags)

New 3D Mario game, 'Mario Kart' Wii U, and new 'Smash Bros.' all touched upon.

After declaring that January and February would lack for any first party Nintendo games for the Wii U and asking fans for patience, Nintendo teased a number of titles based off of classic Nintendo franchises.

A new 3D Mario game, a new 'Mario Kart,' and a new 'Smash Bros.' were mentioned, but will have to wait until June's E3 for further details. A sequel to 'Kirby's Epic Yarn' starring Yoshi was also revealed.

A new Zelda was discussed briefly with an emphasis on "re-thinking the conventions of Zelda."

Ten years after 'The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker' graced the GameCube, the game will return this fall for the Wii U in HD with MiiVerse support amidst other tweaks. The visual upgrade is being described as more than an mere jump in resolution.

One rational behind wanting to release this new version of 'The Wind Waker' is the long period of time necessary to complete the new Zelda title.

Source: Nintendo

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Total Re-buy: Wii U Virtual Console Detailed

Wed Jan 23, 2013 at 10:30 AM ET
Tags: Wii U, Nintendo (all tags)

Pricing includes upgrade prices to convert Wii Virtual Console purchases into Wii U VC purchases when avaialble.

Noticeably absent from the Wii U has been a Wii feature touted long before the Wii launched, the ability to buy classic titles through the Virtual Console. Likewise, while customers have the option to permanently transfer Wii purchases to their Wii U, but then are relegated to the Wii U's Wii mode lacking in GamePad and MiiVerse support.

In today's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed that gamers will need to be patient and will need to repurchase titles. The new Virtual Console lineup will start with only NES and SNES titles. Game Boy Advance titles, new for a console, were promised, but the rumored addition of GameCube games was not mentioned.

Users who have undertaken the one-way system transfer from their Wii to the Wii U will have the option of an upgrade price for titles purchased on the Wii's Virtual Console. Specifically, $1.00 for NES titles (normal price is $4.99 - $5.99), and $1.50 for SNES titles (normal price is $7.99 - $8.99).

While the Virtual Console will launch in April, Nintendo also announced a Trial Campaign that begins today. Titles in the Trial Campaign will be prices at $.30 to celebrate thirty years since the Famicon's launch. The first title is the NES 'Balloon Fight,' available today in the eShop. Once the trial period has ended per title (thirty days), the regular price points will apply.

Titles announced for the Trial Campaign in addition to 'Balloon Fight' are for February, 'F-Zero,' for March 'Punch Out! Featuring Mr. Dream,' for April, 'Kirby's Adventure,' for May, 'Super Metroid,' for June, 'Yoshi,' and for July, 'Donkey Kong.'

Three feautures promised for Wii U Virtual Console title games include the ability to play on the TV or just on the GamePad, MiiVerse support, and the ability to "save a back-up of your game progress."

Naturally, the biggest feature that typically gets gamers to upgrade these days, achievement support, was not mentioned and is not expected.

Source: Nintendo

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When Two Bros Go To War

Tue Nov 27, 2012 at 09:30 AM ET
Tags: Kotaku, journalism, Nintendo (all tags)

Game news giant accused of anti-Nintendo agenda over interview involving upcoming eShop title 'Two Brothers.'

In a sequence of events undoubtedly embarrassing to all parties involved, NotEnoughShaders.com printed an article entitled Gaming Journalism versus Nintendo, the thrust of which framed a promotional interview given by 'Two Brothers' developer AckkStudios as being aggressively pushed by the interviewer in an attempt to "bash Nintendo's indie policies." The article then went on to state the lack of anti-Nintendo statements in the answers as being the reason for the interview not yet being published.

The article went to some length to not directly name the site under accusation. These lengths included naming several major game news sites as not the site in question.

The devastating nature of the article combined with the author's personal involvement with initially helping the 'Two Brothers' Kickstarter become a project for the eShop lead to some sensation.

One of those who took note was Jason Schreiner over at Kotaku who then went to press identifying himself as the interviewer and giving his reasons for not yet publishing the interview, which was published along with his response to this situation.

In Shreiner's article on the issue, he states that calls to AckkStudios and to the accusing article's author did not bring a reconciliation on the subject with the studio stunned by the association to negative press and with an ongoing dubiousness regarding the target of the accusation.

Ultimately, the original article is no longer available on NotEnoughShaders.com, but has been preserved by NeoGAF. NotEnoughShaders.com currently has a statement up entitled 'Regarding Today's Events,' which would seem to represent their stance on the happenings.

Source: Kotaku

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When Two Bros Go To War

Sun Nov 25, 2012 at 09:30 AM ET
Tags: Kotaku, journalism, Nintendo (all tags)

Game news giant accused of anti-Nintendo agenda over interview involving upcoming eShop title 'Two Brothers.'

In a sequence of events undoubtedly embarrassing to all parties involved, NotEnoughShaders.com printed an article entitled Gaming Journalism versus Nintendo, the thrust of which framed a promotional interview given by 'Two Brothers' developer AckkStudios as being aggressively pushed by the interviewer in an attempt to "bash Nintendo's indie policies." The article then went on to state the lack of anti-Nintendo statements in the answers as being the reason for the interview not yet being published.

The article went to some length to not directly name the site under accusation. These lengths included naming several major game news sites as not the site in question.

The devastating nature of article combined with the author's personal involvement with initially helping the 'Two Brothers' Kickstarter become a project for the eShop lead to some sensation.

One of those who took note was Jason Schreiner over at Kotaku who then went to press identifying himself as the interviewer and giving his reasons for not yet publishing the interview, which was published along with his response to this situation.

In Shreiner's article on the issue, he states that calls to AckkStudios and to the accusing article's author did not bring a reconciliation on the subject with the studio stunned by the association to negative press.

Ultimately, the original article is no longer available on NotEnoughShaders.com, but has been preserved by NeoGAF. NotEnoughShaders.com currently has a statement up entitled 'Regarding Today's Events,' which would seem to represent their stance on the happenings.

Source: Kotaku



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