NINTENDO 3DS SALE WILL RESUME WHEN ESHOP IS BACK ONLINE

There’s a large selection of fantastic games on sale in North America for the Nintendo 3DS.  Games such as Shin Megami Tensei IV and Cave Story have been reduced and are well worth purchasing for the price they are currently advertised for on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop has been down for quite a while, but it may be back up now. Any of the games below take your fancy?

Atlus (Ending January 6)

• Code of Princess – $19.99 (Regularly $29.99)
• Devil Survivor Overclocked – $19.99 (Regularly $29.99)
• Etrian Odyssey IV – $19.99 (Regularly $29.99)
• Etrian Odyssey Untold – $29.99 (Regularly $39.99)
• Shin Megami Tensei IV – $29.99 (Regularly $49.99)
• A variety of Shin Megami Tensei IV ranging from $1.00 to $1.79
• Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – $19.99 (Regularly $29.99)

Level-5 (Ending January 2)

• Aero Porter – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Attack of the Friday Monsters – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Crimson Shroud – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Liberation Maiden – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Starship Damrey – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Bugs vs Tanks – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)

Nicalis (Ending January 3)

• Cave Story – $6.99 (Regularly $9.99)
• Ikachan – $2.99 (Regularly $4.99)
• Night Sky – $4.99 (Regularly $9.99)
• VVVVVV – $4.99 (Regularly $7.99)

Renegade Kid (Ending January 2)

• ATV Wild Ride 3D – $3.99 (Regularly $7.99)
• Bomb Monkey – $2.49 (Regularly $4.99)
• Mutant Mudds – $4.49 (Regularly $8.99)

Ubisoft (Ending December 31)

30 percent off the following titles:

• Petz Fantasy 3D
• Rabbids Travel in Time
• Rayman 3D
• Rayman Origins
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
• Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D

Merry Christmas

I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. 
Thanks again to everyone  for supporting this  blog and I look forward to seeing what surprises the New Year brings and can't wait. 

JAPANESE GAMERS CAN GET THESE TWO VERY RARE NINTENDO 3DS XL CONSOLES

New customers to Flets Hikari internet service in Japan have theopportunity to purchase a limited edition Mario White or Mario Silver Nintendo 3DS XL console. There’s only one hundred units of each model and they’re priced at 19,900 yen each. These special edition Nintendo 3DS consoles were previously released in China.

GRAB ANY 3DS XL INCLUDING ZELDA 3DS XL FOR $149.99 AT TARGET

Nintendo of America has revealed that those of you who wish to buy a Nintendo 3DS XL can get one for $149.99 at Target. This dea lincludes any official 3DS hardware bundles, so be on the look out for the special edition Legend of Zelda 3DS XL which comes bundled with a copy of the acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Be warned that the deal is only available from November 28th till November 30th.

Pick up any Nintendo 3DS XL hardware, including the Zelda 3DS XL, for only $149.99 at @Target from 11/28-11/30!

A Link Between Worlds poster set

On Club nintendo right now you can get a link between worlds poster set here for 500 coins

Nintendo 2DS For $99 During Black Friday At Walmart

If you’re thinking of picking up a Nintendo 2DS in the not so distant future then it’s well worth checking out this deal at Walmart. The popular US retailer is selling the Nintendo 2DS for a mere $99.99 during Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29th. 

Nintendo America Announces Big Discounts For The Nintendo eShop

Nintendo is offering a series of big discounts in the Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Starting today and running into December, select games featuring fan-favorite characters will be available for at least 30 percent off their normal prices. Link from the Zelda series kicks off the first round of limited-time discounts on select games. Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owners can visit the Nintendo eShop each Thursday to see which character’s games are next.

Between 9 a.m. Pacific today and 9 a.m. Pacific on Nov. 21, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owners with a broadband Internet connection can visit the Nintendo eShop to purchase the following discounted games.

• [3DS] The Legend of Zelda: $3.49
• [3DS] The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening: $3.99
• [3DS] Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: $3.49
• [Wii U] The Legend of Zelda: $3.49
• [Wii U] Zelda II: The Adventure of Link:  $3.49

Special Year Of Luigi Coin On European Club Nintendo

Nintendo Europe has updated its Star Catalogue with a special Year of Luigi Commemorative Coin which is available for 1500 Stars. 2013 is The Year of Luigi. Mark this special occasion by getting your hands on this gorgeous, gold-coloured commemorative coin. This hefty metal coin comes in its own green velvety Club Nintendo pouch, to keep it safe and sound. Please note: the coin is gold-coloured only, it does not contain any actual gold. Coin weighs approx. 29g, is approximately 40mm in diameter and 3mm thick. Pouch is approx. 50mm x 60mm.

GameStop Ad Shows Zelda And Luigi 3DS Bundles Coming To North America

A new GameStop ad for this upcoming Black Friday has leaked, and the ad displays the boxes for both the Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds 3DS XL Bundle, as well as the new Luigi 3DS Bundle, priced at 219.99 and 169.99, respectively. the two bundles had previously been announced for the European market, but no official word had come out about a North American release. A slew of new details about A Link Between Worlds have been revealed recently, increasing gamer interest in the title. Will you be picking up either of these bundles this holiday season? Let us know in the comments.

Nintendo Of Europe Announces The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds And Luigi 3DS XL Editions

Nintendo has announced not one but two brand new 3DS XL editions to be released next month in Europe. The first to be revealed is a special Legend of Zelda 3DS XL to coincide with the release of A Link Between Worlds on November 22. This gorgeous edition features a golden top cover, a golden interior, and black back, plus when the console is opened fully, you’ll find both the light and dark world triforce logos. Like others in the past, the 3DS XL model will come with a download copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. However, if you’re looking for the physical boxed version, Nintendo has confirmed that they will be releasing retail copies with a reversible front cover, one side in gold, the other in full colour.

But since it’s the Year of Luigi, Nintendo of Europe believes we should celebrate his return to the spotlight with the special Luigi 3DS XL edition. No longer a Japan exclusive edition, European fans can purchase the limited edition via Nintendo’s new online store only. The Luigi 3DS XL will release on November 1, exclusively for the Nintendo store, which you can visit here. For those of you in North America, we’ll keep you updated if we spot any new releases.

Zelda A Link Between Worlds GAME Exclusive Pre-Order Bonus Is A Musical Chest

UK retailer GAME has revealed that the pre-order bonus for those who order The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS is a special musical chest.  Nintendo Europe posted a short Vine video on Twitter showing Zelda producer showing the delightful musical chest to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. GAME has the Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds priced up at £34.99.

The Nintendo Direct US Roundup

A new Nintendo Direct video revealed more than a dozen new ways that Nintendo is delivering both variety and value to consumers in 2013 and beyond. Nintendo unveiled key characters in the next installments of the Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda series, new designs for Wii Remote Plus controllers in honor of everyone’s favorite video game brothers and a variety of free and paid downloads to expand the enjoyment of existing Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games.

“Nintendo is delivering unprecedented value and variety to consumers this holiday season,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “From shaking up the way players enjoy the next Zelda adventure to providing fans with more content to enjoy in Pikmin 3, we’re always looking for new ways to deliver the best entertainment experience possible to consumers.”

Wii U News

• Super Mario 3D World: The game contains a ton of fresh power-ups, like cherries that allow players to duplicate their characters, in addition to the series-first Cat transformation. A new website for the Nov. 22 game has launched. Visit it here:http://supermario3dworld.nintendo.com.
• Super Smash Bros.: Sonic is confirmed as a playable character in the upcoming fighting game, which is scheduled to launch for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in 2014.
• Pikmin 3: The game is getting a free software update (broadband Internet access required) that provides players with a new Mission Mode stage. Other new Mission Mode stages are now available for the game as paid downloadable content. Additional downloadable stages will become available for purchase in the future. The game update also improves the global ranking feature, allowing players the ability to see the world’s highest scores at any time. Learn how to get the update at http://pikmin3.nintendo.com/.
• New Wii Remote Plus Designs: Nintendo fans will have their choice of a Mario-themed controller or a Luigi-themed controller. These controllers will launch on Nov. 1 at a suggested retail price of $39.99 each.
• Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games: The game launches exclusively for Wii U on Nov. 15. For the first time in the Mario & Sonic series, players from around the world can take the action online and compete with others from around the world (broadband Internet access required). Four events are playable online: Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross and Short Track Speed Skating, in addition to Winter Sports Champion Race, a Dream Event that combines Skiing, Ice Skating, Bobsleigh and Snowboard into a single event. Every time players win a medal in online game play, they will win points for their home country. The points can be viewed through persistent online rankings. The game will be available as standalone software in the Nintendo eShop and in stores for a suggested retail price of $49.99, or bundled with a Wii Remote Plus controller (which is required for some events) at a suggested retail price of $59.99.
• Wii Party U: House Party mode places the focus on the Wii U system’s GamePad controller and couples its use with the Wii Remote controllers in unique, engaging and social ways. In Water Runners, for example, players scoop water from a stream displayed on the GamePad and must skillfully carry the water to a pitcher displayed on the TV. The game launches Oct. 25. The physical version of the game includes a Wii Remote Plus controller and the new Horizontal Stand for the Wii U GamePad, which allows players to use the GamePad in a more balanced and comfortable fashion with GamePad-exclusive Tabletop games such as Tabletop Baseball.
• October Third-Party Releases: Key third-party releases for Wii U in October include Just Dance 2014 from Ubisoft (Oct. 8), Skylanders SWAP Force from Activision Publishing (Oct. 13), LEGO Marvel Super Heroes from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Oct. 22), Batman: Arkham Origins from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Oct. 25), Sonic Lost World from SEGA (Oct. 29) and Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag from Ubisoft (Oct. 29).
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: In order to deliver the optimum gaming experience for fans, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze will now launch in February 2014. Developed by Retro Studios, the series’ first Wii U installment stars Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong as they go head-to-head against invaders from the northern seas who have taken over Donkey Kong Island. Featuring intense side-scrolling action with dynamic camera angles, cooperative play for up to two players and beautiful HD graphics, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the coolest Donkey Kong Country adventure yet.

Nintendo 3DS News

• A New Kirby Game: A new side-scrolling installment in the Kirby series launches in 2014, and features Kirby moving not only from left to right, but also from the foreground to the background. Kirby also gets an “inhale everything” ability that can be used in specific parts of each stage to help him clear anything blocking his path. More details about this game will be available in the future.
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: Many of the most essential items in the game will be available early on at a shop run by a new character named Ravio. Ravio lets players rent or buy items before they head off to their next dungeon adventure, meaning players will have more freedom to explore dungeons in the order they want. The game launches in stores and the Nintendo eShop on Nov. 22 at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
• Bravely Default: This highly acclaimed fantasy role-playing game developed by Square Enix introduces a new battle system, bringing deep, strategic combat to Nintendo 3DS. Bravely Default will launch in the first quarter of 2014, and will feature an updated UI system and new content not included in the original Japanese release. A new trailer providing an updated look at the game is now available at www.nintendo.com, www.youtube.com/nintendo and in the Nintendo eShop.
• Animal Crossing: New Leaf: The Nintendo Direct video offers owners of Animal Crossing: New Leaf a QR Code featuring a pattern of the shirt that Link wears at the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. Players just need to go to the Able Sisters shop in their towns and ask to use the sewing machine. Then they can scan the QR Code with their Nintendo 3DS systems to get the in-game shirt. Fans who want to access the QR Code can view the Nintendo Direct at www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct and pause the video during the Animal Crossing: New Leaf segment.
• Exclusive Nintendo Zone StreetPass Offers: A previous Nintendo Direct announced that Nintendo 3DS owners who have enabled the StreetPass feature and visit Nintendo Zone locations would receive StreetPass data from the previous visitor. Later this month, owners will receive data from the last six visitors, making it even easier for them to maximize their connections. Throughout 2013, Nintendo is offering free exclusive content to Nintendo 3DS owners at Nintendo Zone locations, including:
• October Third-Party Releases: Key third-party releases for Nintendo 3DS in October include Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl from ATLUS (Oct.1), Skylanders SWAP Force from Activision Publishing (Oct. 13), LEGO Marvel Super Heroes – Universe in Peril from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Oct. 22), Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Oct. 25) and Sonic Lost World from SEGA (Oct. 29). In anticipation of the game’s Oct. 24 release, a demo version of Nintendo eShop exclusive Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies is available for download in the Nintendo eShop.
  • Available now through Oct. 14: Fedora Chair furniture for Animal Crossing: New Leaf owners. A Sushi Platter will become available starting on Oct. 15.
  • Additional content for Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land, as well as special Gold Pants Mii character distributions, will become available later this year.

You Can Rent Items In The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has announced that you will be able to rent items in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. You’ll be able to rent the items you need before purchasing them. Therefore you can tackle dungeons in the order you like.

Mario & Luigi themed Wii Remotes coming November 1

Perhaps you're in the market for another Wii Remote Plus? If so, Nintendo has two new special controllers for you to consider. Both Mario and Luigi-themed controllers will be available on November 1st for $39.99 each. And because they're the latest model, they include MotionPlus tech built-in, so there's no worry about which games they'll be compatible with.

Wii Remote controllers work with both Wii and Wii U. However, if you don't want a special edition controller, there are two cheaper options for you to consider.

As previously announced, the retail version of Wii Party U will include a Wii Remote Plus controller. Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will also partake in this promo. The digital game-only release will cost $49.99, while a bundle including a Wii Remote Plus controller will be available at retail for $59.99--making the controller effectively cost $10. These are two options for you to consider should you need to stock up on controllers.

First 4 Figures finally announces their Mario line.Teaser Mario

Nintendo’s Former President Hiroshi Yamauchi Has Died

The Nikkei is reporting that Nintendo’s third president Hiroshi Yamauchi died this morning at 85. Yamauchi died of pneumonia at a hospital in central Japan and a  funeral will take place on Sunday. A spokesman for Nintendo said that the firm was in mourning over the loss of the former Nintendo president Mr Hiroshi Yamauchi, who sadly passed away this morning.

“Hiroshi Yamauchi transformed a run-of the-mill trading card company into an entertainment empire in video games. He understood the social value of play, and economic potential of electronic gaming. Most importantly he steered Nintendo on its own course and was unconcerned by the actions of his competitors. He was a true visionary.”

- Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop and former chairman of publisher Eidos.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U Deluxe Set Unboxing Video

IGN’s Jose Otero unboxes the Wii U deluxe set that comes with Wind Waker HD. This set is available at retailers on September 20th for $299.99. The special edition Zelda Wind Waker HD 32GB Premium bundle is currently doing well in Canada, where it’s fifth on Amazon Canada’s video game best-sellers list.

The Box Art For The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Limited Edition

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD bundled with a Ganondorf figurine launches at GameStop on October 4th. The limited edition collectible stands at 5″ tall and is of Zelda series’ primary antagonist, Ganondorf, as he appears in The Wind Waker. The suggested retail price of the bundle is $54.99, but GameStop is currently selling it for $59.99. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD will first be released in the Nintendo eShop for Wii U on September 20th, and then at retail on October 4th.

Kamiya Thinking About Bayonetta Spinoff Game For 3DS

Hideki Kamiya, whose star continues to rise with the recent release of The Wonderful 101 and the upcoming Bayonetta 2 on Wii U, has now stated he wouldn’t mind conquering Nintendo’s 3DS handheld as well. When asked about his aspirations for the 3DS at the Penny Arcade Expo, Kamiya revealed that he has thought about creating a Bayonetta spin-off for 3DS starring the game’s Jeanne as a history teacher. Kamiya also once again mentioned the idea of another Okami game. With all the new games Kamiya is considering, it will be interesting to see what the next project he delves into will be. The text of Kamiya’s statements appears below.

“Given the chance, I’d like to make a game based on Jeanne from Bayonetta, something that’s not as big in scale. Something….where she’s a history teacher and the kind of fun things that could come out of a scenario like that.

“If I could get away with it, I’d also like to come up with a spin-off of Okami, less focused on the grand idea of saving the world, but [rather] something focused on the smaller world of the fairy Issun

JUST ANNOUNCED: New Wii U bundle featuring The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Nintendo JUST ANNOUNCED New Wii U bundle featuring The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD available Sept. 20 at $299.99 MSRP! Also on Sept. 20, Wii U Deluxe Set MSRP lowering to $299.99 Who getting one?

Zelda Wind Waker HD In First Person Perspective, Plus Other Details

New information has emerged from this year’s Gamescom event regarding the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD. Interestingly, you can now play through Wind Waker HD in a first person perspective and you will have full movement while playing in this mode. Here’s some of the new information that has come from Gamescom.

• Triforce quest – the five Triforce pieces can now be grabbed directly
• Only the remaining three require translated charts instead of eight
• Hero Mode available from the start
• Picto Box has been upgraded
• Upgraded camera could still be used to snap photos of unsuspecting villagers or enemies
• Pictures can go up on Miiverse
• Link can also take funny self-photographs
• Switch between happy, sad, and surprised emotions
• Get the Swift Sail at the auction house after completion of the first dungeon
• No alert via an in-game prompt to signal the special sails availability
• No longer possible to accidentally skip Tingle’s island, as the developers have inserted an introduction to the quirky character into the main quest
• Enhanced first-person camera
• Can now have full movement in that perspective
• Can travel through hallways and shoot arrows like you’re in a FPS

Wind Waker HD Wii U Bundle Is A Possibility

Further to the rumour suggested back in July, the Wind Waker HD could be tied in with a Wii U bundle, according to an unnamed Target employee. The news was reported this morning by Destructoid following images that were sent in by the unnamed source of the major North American retailer. By all accounts, Nintendo will release a Wii U bundle containing the 32GB Premium version, which will be accompanied with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for an estimated $349.99.

Club Nintendo 2013 Elite Rewards Announced

Nintendo of America has finally announced the 2013 Elite Rewards for Club Nintendo users in North America. The yearly Club Nintendo Elite’ rewards, include free copies of the original Super Smash Bros and the Majora’s Mask soundtrack CD. Depending on your Club Nintendo status you can choose one of the following Elite rewards by August 15th. Which gift will you claim?

• Platinum — Three-Poster Set
• Platinum — The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask Original Soundtrack CD
• Platinum or Gold — 2014 Club Nintendo Calendar
• Platinum or Gold — Super Smash Bros.
• Platinum or Gold — WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase
• Platinum or Gold — The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
• Platinum or Gold — Super Mario Land
• Platinum or Gold — Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword

Club Nintendo Japan site hacked, customer data exposed

Ninetendo's member Web site has been breached and personal information of its customers in Japan may have been exposed, according to the company.

A report by The Japan Times on Saturday cited a statement by the game console and software maker which revealed about 15.46 million fradulent login attempts were launched against the site from June 9, 2013, through to Thursday last week. Of these, 23,926 were eventually successful, it said.

Data affected by the hacks included names, home addressses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of its 4 million Club Nintendo members in Japan, the company said.

Nintendo, however, did not confirm any misuse of the breached data. It had suspended the affected accounts and passwords used in the unauthorized access, and was contacting members whose data might have been illegally accessed and requesting that they changed their passwords.

The Club service is offered to registered Nintendo's customers who have purchased the company's consoles and software, allowing them to earn points which can be redeemed for rewards such as CDs.

This is not the first time the Japanese console maker has been breached. Last November, posts on user forum NeoGaf suggested its Wii U network had been breached just hours after its U.S. retail launch in 2011. In another incident, ahead of the expected debut of its next-generation Wii console, Ninetendo found itself the victim of Lulz Security.The company, though, said confidential information was not stolen.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Unboxing Video

Shin Megami Tensei IV arrives on 3DS in North America on 16th July, something that'll surely be keenly celebrated by fans of the series. Not only is it likely to provide an epic RPG adventure, but there'll also be a mix of free and paid DLC available from launch day, too.

Perhaps the biggest bonus for early adopters is the rather generous pre-order incentive; anyone who secures a first-print copy before launch day will receive the Limited Edition Box Set. As a pre-order incentive it'd be unsurprising if expectations were low, yet it includes a gorgeous 176 page Strategy Guide — which looks to be packed with concept art, too — an eight track soundtrack CD and a collectable slipcase with artwork designed by Masuayuki Doi.

Atlus has now released an official unboxing video of what pre-order gamers can look forward to, which is also undoubtedly an effort to tempt others into taking the plunge. The coverage includes a mandatory sniff-test of that new box smell, while the point is made loud and clear that those that pick up the game shouldn't delay in registering it on Club Nintendo.

Fans Launch Facebook Campaign To See Zelda As Playable Character

Nintendo fans have been busy as of late, as not only have they launched a petition against region locking, but some have also banded together to see Princess Zelda as a playable character in future titles. The Facebook campaign – which now has over 3,000 likes and counting – is spreading the word as to why Zelda should be fully integrated as a playable character in the series.

There has already been rumblings that series fans would like to see Zelda as the star of the show, as one artist dabbled in fan-inspired concept art to show Zelda in a ‘Clockwork Empire’ as the lead, with Link dubbed as the Prince of the Kingdom. And during aninterview with Eiji Aonuma, when asked the question of featuring Zelda in her own game, Aonuma responded as such: “I guess if people have strong feelings about it then it’s something to consider.”

The Facebook campaign aptly named ‘Nintendo, please give Princess Zelda a stronger role’ is seeking to do just that, and if the likes keep pouring in, Aonuma may just listen and incorporate something into the new Zelda Wii U title. If you want to support and ‘like’ the page, you can do so here.

The Pokémon Company Reveals Another Pokémon X And Pokémon Y-Themed Nintendo 3DS LL

The Pokémon Company has revealed another Pokémon X and Pokémon Y-themed Nintendo 3DS LL. The limited edition hand-held console – shown in the picture above – is gold-colored, displays silhouettes of new Pokémon Xerneas, Yveltal, Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie, and it will be released alongside the other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y-themed Nintendo 3DS LL and Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon X and Pokémon Y on October 12th in Japan. There’s currently no word on whether either of the two designs will be released outside Japan, but we’ll keep you posted.

The Pokémon X And Pokémon Y-Themed Nintendo 3DS LL

Earlier this week, Nintendo announced its plans to release a Pokémon X and Pokémon Y-themed Nintendo 3DS LL in Japan. The company today revealed a picture of the limited edition hand-held console, which you can see above. The new design, emblazoned with artwork of Legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal, will go on sale in Japan on October 12th and will retail for 22,800 yen. Also releasing on that day are Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.

New Miiverse Update Now Includes Facebook And Twitter Sharing

Nintendo has announced that the browser-based version of Miiverse now allows you to share your posts on a variety of social networks including Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Tumblr. The update has also seen an icon added to the post screen to let you share your posts easily and quickly. Sadly this functionality isn’t built into the Wii U version of Miiverse, but it may come at a later date. As for the Wii U version of Miiverse the thumbnail for screenshots attached to posts and comments is now larger.

Nintendo Free-To-Play Game Will Be Released This Fiscal Year

Nintendo has told investors at this year’s E3 event that they are currently working on a free-to-play title which will be released this fiscal year. The free-to-play title won’t be based on the Mario or Pokemon franchises and information regarding the game is understandably scarce. The free-to-play game should be available to download by March 2014.

“Nintendo free to play game will be released this fy but will not be Mario or Pokemon game as already have good relationship in those brands”

Nintendo 3DS - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds E3 Trailer

Nintendo has released The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds E3 trailer, which you can watch above. The game is the first original Zelda game for Nintendo 3DS and is a spiritual successor to Super NES classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

Wii U - New Super Luigi U E3 Trailer

Today, Nintendo showed a brand new trailer for the soon-to-be released New Super Luigi U for Wii U. The game includes all new reworked levels for players to enjoy. Luigi’s unique jumping ability gives you advantages, but you’ll still need to clear each course in under 100 seconds. New Super Luigi U will be released as downloadable content for the main game on the Nintendo eShop on June 20th. A standalone retail version will be released on July 26th in Europe and on August 25th in North America.

Nintendo 3DS - Mario & Luigi: Dream Team E3 Trailer

Nintendo has released the Mario & Luigi: Dream Team E3 trailer, which you can watch above. The game features similar gameplay to previous Mario & Luigi games, and it introduces new moves and characters. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team will be released in Europe on July 12th and in North America on August 11th – exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS.

Reggie To List Four Playable Games At Best Buy After Nintendo Direct

Nintendo of America has sent out a gentle reminder that the E3 focussed Nintendo Directwill be scooting its way over to us at the beginning of next week. But they’ve also detailed that NoA’s president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime will be giving us the low-down on what games to expect at Best Buy stores across North America. You can check out the official press release below:

Remember to visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct on June 11 at 7 a.m. PT to view Nintendo Direct@E3 2013, which will provide updates about upcoming Wii U games. After the video, Reggie will announce the four Wii U games that will be available during the Nintendo Experience at Best Buy on Nintendo’s social media channels. Fans can play these unreleased games at select locations around the country. For more details, visit www.bestbuy.com/NintendoEvents.

Reggie Explains E3 Move

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has told fans via video why the company has decided not to host an E3 press conference and instead hold a Nintendo Direct presentation. Reggie says that they have decided to use social media as a way to share information and that he believes this will both surprise and delight Nintendo fans.

“We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight. We’ll still be at E3 revealing new information about upcoming games and those of you at home will still be receiving the same stream of content and updates from the show as you always have, but it will be different and it will be better.”

Nintendo World Store Bringing E3 Exclusive Demos To Fans

The Nintendo World Store has an impressive treat for Nintendo fans across North America. Those lucky enough to attend the store, situated in the heart of Manhattan at the Rockefeller Centre, New York, will be able to play exclusive E3 games for five consecutive days. The announcement comes straight from the store’s Twitter account, where Nintendo gamers can immerse themselves in an E3 experience starting from June 11. Here’s what Nintendo World Store said:“Starting June 11th, the #E3 experience is coming to#Nintendo World! For 5 days, fans will have early access to our newly announced games.” 
So if you'r in new york that day stop by and check it out.

Nintendo Will Discuss New Smash Bros., 3D Mario And Mario Kart For Wii U “Before The Start Of E3″

Nintendo of America has revealed, via Twitter, that company president Satoru Iwata has confirmed that Nintendo will discuss multiple Wii U games “before the start of E3,” during a Nintendo Direct online presentation. Among the games that will be discussed before the expo begins are a brand-new Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and 3D Mario game – each of which doesn’t have an official name as of yet. Currently, the date of the pre-E3presentation is unknown, but we do know that E3 officially begins on June 11th.

Zelda Oracle Games Re-Releasing to Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on May 30

Good news Zelda fans, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons will be coming to the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on May 30.

Announced on Nintendo Direct, the release will see a special promotional price of $4.99 each, allowing 3DS owners to purchase both games for just under $10. The special promotion will last until June 20, in which the titles will go for a normal price of $5.99 each.

Both games can be linked together to unlock additional content, including a new final boss.

Check out the announcement video and trailers above  for a taste of the classic Zelda games:

Nintendo Will Sell A Standalone Retail Version Of New Super Luigi U

New Super Luigi U is essentially downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U. But players who don’t own a copy of the Wii U game won’t be left in the dust. Nintendo today announced that a standalone retail version of New Super Luigi U will arrive at stores on August 25th. In the upcoming DLC, Luigi’s red-garbed brother, Mario, will be absent, but critter Nabbit will be a playable character in its multiplayer mode.

Nintendo Direct US Roundup

The next title in SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise will be exclusive to Nintendo’s Wii U home console and Nintendo 3DS portable system. Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata announced the details of a new partnership with SEGA during a new Nintendo Direct video announcement today. Sonic Lost World is a new action platforming game, and more information about it will be announced before the E3 2013 video game trade show begins on June 11.

The Nintendo Direct also announced Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games for Wii U, and revealed that additional SEGA Game Gear games would be coming to the Virtual Console service for Nintendo 3DS. Outside of SEGA news, Nintendo announced that select Wii U games featured at E3 2013 will soon be playable at participating Best Buy stores, the launch date for New Super Luigi U, new Pikmin 3 game details and additional information about a variety of previously announced Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games.

Wii U News

• Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games: The game includes a variety of events from the Winter Games, including curling, skiing, figure skating pairs and snowboard slopestyle – which will make its Olympic debut in Sochi, Russia. Different events might use the Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii U GamePad controller or both. In addition to realistic events, the game also includes those set in the worlds of Sonic and Mario that let players perform moves not possible in real life. Launch details and timing will be announced at a later date.
• Experience Games from Nintendo’s E3 Booth at Best Buy: Exclusively at participating Best Buy locations in the United States and Canada, consumers will be able to play some of the unreleased Wii U games featured at E3 while the event is occurring in Los Angeles. Details about locations and which games will be featured will be revealed in the coming weeks.
• New Super Luigi U: The Year of Luigi-themed downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U offers players 82 updated courses. But it also includes a new playable character in multiplayer mode: Nabbit, who steals items from Toad Houses. Nabbit can’t power up, but also won’t take damage when he touches enemies. New Super Luigi U will be released as downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U in the Nintendo eShop on June 20 for $19.99. But in honor of the Year of Luigi, Nintendo is also offering a standalone packaged version of New Super Luigi U that doesn’t require New Super Mario Bros. U on Aug. 25 at a suggested retail price of $29.99.
• The Wonderful 101: The mass-action adventure from Platinum Games launches Sept. 15. Additional details will be announced after E3.
• Pikmin 3: New playable characters Alph, Brittany and Charlie recruit the Pikmin creatures to help them gather fruit so that they can return with the seeds to save their home, Planet Koppai. Players can divide activities among the different characters, and explore separate areas in the same map with different groups of Pikmin. Using the GamePad (known as the KopPad in the game), players can view the overall map and grasp what each character and Pikmin are up to. Players also can choose their preferred control option: GamePad in conjunction with the TV, Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk combo or GamePad only in off-TV mode. Players can also use the Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk with the GamePad as a second-screen monitor. Pikmin 3 launches Aug. 4.
• GAME & WARIO: The game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop June 23 at a suggested retail price of $39.99, and includes a number of games from WarioWare, Inc., that use the GamePad in different ways. Newly revealed games include: Island, which lets two to five people launch little creatures called Fronks onto islands in the sea to score points; Patchwork, a puzzle game that tests players’ pattern-recognition skills; and Kung-Fu, which challenges players to help Young Cricket navigate a course safely using the forward-looking view on the TV and the top-down view on the GamePad. A new Iwata Asks feature offers more details about the game at http://iwataasks.nintendo.com.
• Resident Evil Revelations: Capcom’s horror-survival game is launching in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on May 21. The game originally released for Nintendo 3DS, and the Wii U version offers players updated HD graphics, GamePad controls and new game content. Players can use the GamePad to view the map and change items using the touch screen without pausing their progress. Or they can play the full game on the GamePad in off-TV mode, or play with the Wii U Pro Controller. The game is Miiverse-compatible, and a demo version is currently available in the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo 3DS News

• SEGA Game Gear: Games from the classic hand-held system are headed to the Virtual Console service. These include:Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf: Because of the vast amount of content in the upcoming Animal Crossing: New Leaf game, Nintendo’s Treehouse localization team is hosting an ongoing video series to talk about the franchise and many of the fun features of the new game. The videos will be available on Nintendo’s YouTube channel and in the Nintendo eShop on a regular basis leading up to the game’s June 9 launch. Additionally, a new Animal Crossing panel for Puzzle Swap is now available for StreetPass Mii Plaza, and fans also might find a special Animal Crossing-themed message on Swapnote.
  • Columns
  • Crystal Warriors
  • Defenders of Oasis
  • Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
  • G-LOC: Air Battles
  • Shining Force II: The Sword of Hajya
  • Sonic Blast
  • Sonic Drift 2
  • Sonic Labyrinth
  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • Tails Adventure
  • Vampire: Master of Darkness
• Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D: This game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on May 24 and includes all the fun of the original Wii game, now optimized for portable play. It also includes eight new unlockable levels that are each based on one of the eight worlds from the original game. These levels will challenge players with new elements like platforms that force them to move at a faster pace, large drops of tar falling from the ceiling and giant rotating stone gears that can alter the level itself.
• A Legendary Sale: The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons arrive on the Virtual Console service for Nintendo 3DS on May 30. Because playing the games together unlocks so much additional content, Nintendo is offering them for just $4.99 each for the first three weeks after launch. After this promotion expires, the games will be available for $5.99 each.
• Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move: The game, which launched May 9 exclusively in the Nintendo eShop, challenges players to place tiles on the bottom screen to guide the Minis to their goal on the top screen. The game includes more than 180 stages, but also dramatically extends the fun of the game by letting players create their own stages and share them with others. Players can opt to try a random user-created level or one created by their friends. They can also select from the most popular levels overall or search the top levels of the week.

Japan Getting 3D Sonic the Hedgehog on Nintendo 3DS

 3D Sonic the Hedgehog will release this Wednesday on the Japanese eShop on the Nintendo 3DS. We’re still waiting on the 3D versions of Sega’s classic games here in the rest of the world, so that’s a bummer. Sega’s also released 3DS versions of Super Hang-On and Space Harrier.

The image above shows that there’s even a special picture mode that allows you to switch between modern gaming’s flat screen and the “classic” look of a tube TV with bent sides. Pretty awesome.

Japan will pay 600 yen for the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic the Hedgehog. That translates to just shy of six bucks by today’s conversion rates. If this game ever makes it internationally, assume that we’ll likely pay the same thing.