The Tanooki » Holly Green

Roses are red, violet’s are blue, now you can buy a pink 3DS too!

Holly Green — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:32:42 +0000

I’m just gonna put this out there: come Valentine’s Day, I’d rather receive a pink 3DS than any amount of roses. Even 170 bucks worth.

Starting February 10, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Nintendo will stocking the retail shelves with the new Pearl Pink 3DS. Previously only available as part of a limited edition bundle, this Pearl Pink 3DS can now be had as a stand alone for $169.99.

Nintendo News: Pink Nintendo 3DS System to Make Sweethearts Swoon Starting Feb. 10

NOTE: Multimedia available here

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo of America has a perfectly pink new option for consumers looking to win over their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Starting Feb. 10, a Pearl Pink edition of the Nintendo 3DS^™ hand-held system – previously available only as part of a limited-edition bundle – will be available as a stand-alone item at retailers nationwide, offered at a suggested retail price of $169.99.

In addition to free Wi-Fi access at thousands of locations across the nation, fun augmented-reality features and the ability to enjoy games and videos in 3D without the need for special glasses, Nintendo 3DS has a host of built-in social features that can keep users connected to their special someone throughout the year, plus a great lineup of games (sold separately) that lovebirds can enjoy together:

With the system’s built-in camera, sweethearts can each use their system to capture and share 3D photos and videos of romantic outings this Valentine’s Day – and always.

The new Swapnote^™ application, which is available for download from the Nintendo eShop at no cost, lets users create and send customized 3D love notes to their sweethearts from their Nintendo 3DS.

The adorable virtual pets in the nintendogs^™ + cats game can bring out players’ sweet side and make great portable companions on those lonely days when they’re apart.

Users can share creative passion with their beloved by playing downloadable games such as Pushmo^™ and Freakyforms^™: Your Creations, Alive!, both available from the Nintendo eShop, and by exchanging QR codes to show off their heartfelt handiwork.

The multiplayer modes in the Mario Kart^™ 7 game invite players to get their hearts and their karts racing on a wild array of 3D Mario-themed courses.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

This Deku shield shirt will protect you against all (except fire)

Holly Green — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:56:53 +0000

If you don’t wear this shirt backwards then you’re not a Ocarina of Time real fan.

$16.99 and it’s yours! Men’s sizes S-XXL available.

MuchNeededMerch

Nintendo Network officially confirmed

Holly Green — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:52:31 +0000

As anticipated, Nintendo has officially confirmed existence of Nintendo Network, the new online system overhaul that would see the company finally address the needs of the growing digital distribution era. In an investor’s program yesterday, Satoru Iwata lined out a number of key features of the new service, seeking to differentiate it from the Nintendo Wi-Fi service while addressing the many complaints about the system in place. For instance, online profiles will no longer be tied to to the console itself. Users will instead be able to create individual profiles on one system, not unlike what Xbox 360 and PS3 users experience now.

In terms of digital distribution, we may see full retail games sold directly through the Wii U and 3DS in the near future. Nintendo now has the ability to do so, though Iwata notes that retailer relationships and SD card capacity will be a factor in how extensive it will be.

As for downloadable content, the new model starts with Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, where users will be able to purchase additional songs. Iwata stressed that, as Nintendo also makes software, it is important to the company to find a way to stress that all their games can be enjoyed as-is, without the purchase of additional content, saying:

“As a software maker, Nintendo believes that its packaged software should be sold to our consumers in a form so that the consumers will know in advance that they can enjoy playing the software they purchased just as it is…We believe that our consumers will be able to feel more secure if we offer our add-on content as an additional structure in which those who love the game will be able to enjoy it in a deeper way for a prolonged play time.”

Given that many great games are enjoyable and worth the price without the additional DLC (the Fallout series and Borderlands come to mind), I think the consumer confidence they seek can be achieved. This is a great time to be a Nintendo fan, and I’m excited to see what these new changes will bring to the franchises we love.

IGN

Rumor: Nintendo renaming the Wii U?

Holly Green — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:29:54 +0000

Is Nintendo looking to move on from the Wii U moniker?

According to CVG sources, Nintendo was not pleased with the name confusion over the Nintendo 3DS and DS, a branding that left some consumers unsure which handheld they were purchasing. Seeking to prevent a similar situation when the Wii U debuts this year, a name change is apparently on the table.

Personally, I think “Wii U” sounds like the noise a hillbilly makes while exiting the outhouse, but that’s beside the point. The public already seems to be familiarizing itself with the name Wii U–would a name change backfire? Or could it help to quiet the complaints? And a better question, what will they name the Wii U instead?

Destructoid

Fall in love with these Nintendo themed Valentine’s Day cards

Holly Green — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:12:00 +0000

No matter what your relationship status come this Valentine’s Day, you’re gonna be in love–if not with an actual human being, then at least these cards. Crafted by the ever adorable pixel artist PaperRockScisorz, these print-your-own sentiments cover a range of games from Pokemon to Portal, each more clever than the last. Yours for $2.75, or buy an assorted five pack for $9.00.

Etsy

Nintendo to release MewTwo in February Wi-Fi distribution event

Holly Green — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:46:28 +0000

In celebration of MewTwo and his upcoming appearance in the Pokémon trading card expansion Next Destinies, Nintendo is having another Wi-Fi distribution event! Starting February 12, fans of Pokémon Black and White who do not yet have the legendary Pokémon will be able to download it to their 3DS using a Wi-Fi connection. The random level 70 MewTwo will come in a Cherish Ball and already have knowledge of the moves Psystrike, Shadow Ball, Aura Sphere and Electro Ball, the last of which is exclusive to the event.

This event is also to mark another MewTwo trading card pack, the Pokémon TCG: Mewtwo Collection, on sale in April at participating Wal-Marts. This pack will contain a Mewtwo figure, a Stadium card featuring Mewtwo and Kyurem art, three Next Destinies booster packs, an oversized MewTwo-EX card (marking the return of the Pokemon-EX to TCG), and a Pokémon Trading Card Game Online code card. From February to April, the next few months are all coming up MewTwo!

Official Nintendo Magazine
Bulbapedia

Show your Spiritual side with an Ocarina of Time inspired necklace

Holly Green — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:05:20 +0000

I know what you’re thinking. “If I buy all three, do I get a free Master Sword?” The answer is no. All the same, I suggest you do pick up all three of these simple and elegant Ocarina of Time Spiritual Stone pendants, available for $12.50 a piece, by DweebishDelights.

Etsy

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy box confirms Nintendo Network?

Holly Green — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:45:33 +0000

Is Nintendo finally rehauling their outdated DLC system? A little marking on the upcoming 3DS game Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy indicates yes.

The icon isn’t present on the actual cover art itself, but the dummy box is emblazoned with a bright orange “Nintendo Network” symbol in the upper right hand corner. Additional text indicates this title will have paid downloadable content. In tandem with its looming release date, this would make it the first game from Nintendo to follow the traditional DLC model used by their Western counterparts.

Nintendo Network is said to be an online service connecting the 3DS and Wii U, but few other details are available. With Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy‘s Japanese release date mere weeks away on February 16, we should have some answers soon.

NeoGaf
AndriaSang

Original 3D remastered Kid Icarus confirmed with Uprising pre-order

Holly Green — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:40:19 +0000

As you may recall, there was a rumor floating around some time ago that the original Kid Icarus would be included with the 3DS reboot of the Kid Icarus series, due in March. This rumor was only fed by an interview given by Nintendo designer Masahiro Sakurai, who could only say “No comment” when asked about the speculation. At the time, I thought it an interesting response, given there was no elaboration or even a flat out no. As it turns out, the original Kid Icarus WILL be included with Uprising…kind of. Those who pre-order Kid Icarus: Uprising will receive a bonus download code that can be redeemed for a copy of the 3D remake of Kid Icarus, entitled 3D Classics: Kid Icarus. The download will be made playable the same day as Kid Icarus: Uprising‘s March 23 release.

Nintendo News: New Story and Single-Player Mode Details Revealed for Kid Icarus: Uprising

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo has revealed new details about the storyline and single-player game play in Kid Icarus^™: Uprising, which will launch exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS^™ system on March 23. More than 25 years after the launch of the original Kid Icarus game for NES^™, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights.

Introduction: The game’s story begins with the return of the dark goddess Medusa and her Underworld Army. With the help of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, the heroic angel Pit must combat the forces of darkness as he battles Medusa and her minions by air and by land.

Fiend’s Cauldron: The Fiend’s Cauldron is an incredible new system that allows players to customize their play experience by adjusting the intensity level. Intensity ranges from 0.0 – 9.0 for each individual Chapter. As the intensity increases, players will be able to earn more Hearts and more powerful weapon drops from defeated enemies. Hearts also can be used to purchase new weapons. The standard intensity setting is 2.0, but players can precisely adjust it by increments of 0.1. In order to increase the intensity, players must bet by placing an increasing number of Hearts into the Fiend’s Cauldron. If the player is defeated during the Chapter, some Hearts will be lost and the intensity will be lowered.

Weapons: A wide variety of collectible weapons offers an extraordinary amount of replay value. With nine different categories of weapons, ranging from Bows to Claws, players can learn the unique characteristics of each weapon and determine which is best suited for each battle and their style of play.

Vehicles: During certain parts of his adventure, Pit will have access to special vehicles such as the Exo Tank. Pit can use the tank’s powerful drift ability to boost over jumps or defeat enemies with the tank’s ramming horn.

Stand: Kid Icarus: Uprising uses a control scheme designed to fit the game’s unique blend of flight, shooting and melee combat, and offers tremendous precision and depth for dedicated players. The left hand uses the Circle Pad while the right hand uses the stylus. Every copy of the game will come with a free stand that holds the Nintendo 3DS at an angle above any flat surface, providing players with a new kind of gaming experience.

Circle Pad Pro: Kid Icarus: Uprising is compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory, offering an alternate control scheme for left-handed players. With the Circle Pad Pro, players hold the stylus in their left hand and use the Circle Pad with their right hand.

Additionally, consumers who pre-order at select retailers will receive a bonus download code for the 3D Classics: Kid Icarus^™ game, a re-mastered 3D version of the NES original. The download code will be delivered with the purchase of Kid Icarus: Uprising. A deposit may be required for pre-order. Kid Icarus: Uprising will carry a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the United States.

More details about Kid Icarus: Uprising will be revealed prior to its March 23 launch. For more information, please visit http://kidicarusuprising.nintendo.com.

Resident Evil Revelations demo available now in Nintendo eShop

Holly Green — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:05:08 +0000

Not ready for the full Revelation? How about just a tidbit? Previously available with Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D, the Resident Evil: Revelations demo is now open for free download in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. Play as one of three characters, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, or Keith Lumley and their intrepid partners as they face a menacing new virus amid the confined spaces of an abandoned cruise ship. The full experience can be purchased when Resident Evil Revelations debuts February 7.

Rumor: Luigi’s Mansion 2 will be two player

Holly Green — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:59:31 +0000

Is Luigi about to get a little help in the ghost sucking department? According to MyNintendoNews, Nintendo Europe recently put up a listing for Luigi’s Mansion 2, and among other details, stated that the sequel will be two player. Examining the page, however, it appears that they either fixed a typo (the side panel says it’s a one player game) or playing Skyrim ten hours a day is affecting my eyesight more than I thought, ’cause I can’t find any mention of it.

So was this mere error, or fact? I can’t even conceive of a two player Luigi’s Mansion, but I’m sure it’d be facilitated by StreetPass. Which would be better, co-op or versus? And the second player should be Mario, right?

Nintendo Europe

Nintendo offers chance to buy Skyward Sword early at Master Sword unveiling

Holly Green — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:03:59 +0000

If you’re in New York City and want to be among the first of the general public to get your hands on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, check your calendars for Saturday! Tomorrow, November 19, Nintendo World will be holding a flagship event, unveiling a Master Sword replica and a historical Zelda showcase for eager fans who attend between 9:00AM to 1:00PM. Visitors can also purchase a copy of Skyward Sword, a full day before retail release, and receive a limited edition poster while supplies last. For details, hit the jump!

Zelda Fans Invited to Master the Sword a Day Early at Nintendo World

Fans of The Legend of Zelda Series to Experience Epic New Game at Nov. 19 Launch Celebration in New York City

–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo:

WHAT: On Nov. 19, one day before the U.S. release of The Legend of Zelda^™: Skyward Sword video game for the Wii^™ console, Nintendo will host a festive launch event at its flagship retail store in New York City, Nintendo World. Attendees can look forward to a variety of memorable offerings, including the unveiling of a Master Sword replica, trivia challenges and a special The Legend of Zelda historical showcase. The event is sure to attract consumers and video game fans from every generation as the fan-favorite Zelda™ series celebrates its 25^th anniversary.

In addition to celebrating the game’s Nov. 20 launch, consumers will be able to purchase the game during the event, making them among the first in the country to bring The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword home. Fans who purchase the game during event hours will also receive a limited-edition poster while supplies last.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

WHO: Kids, adults, The Legend of Zelda fans and video game fans of all ages

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

• 9 a.m. – Doors open to consumers

• 10 a.m. – Unveiling of Master Sword replica

WHERE: Nintendo World

10 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10020

Famitsu awards Skyward Sword a rare 40/40 review score

Holly Green — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:11:21 +0000

It’s not often you’ll see Japanese Nintendo rag Famitsu give out a perfect score, but they’ve rolled out the big 40/40 for the long awaited Skyward Sword. Skyward Sword is the third Zelda game, behind Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time, to receive a 40/40, and the 16th in the magazine’s history.

Does this give you more incentive to buy Skyward Sword, or did you plan to already?

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Nintendo responds to Tanooki Suit controversy, PETA claims it was a “joke”

Holly Green — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:25:03 +0000

A few days ago we alerted you to the new sensationalist anti-fur campaign from PETA, targeting Super Mario 3D Land and our titular hero’s use of the Tanooki Suit. Now, in response to PETA’s campaign, Nintendo has released a statement, telling fans:

“Mario often takes the appearance of certain animals and objects in his games.”

“These have included a frog, a penguin, a balloon and even a metallic version of himself. These lighthearted and whimsical transformations give Mario different abilities and make his games fun to play.

“The different forms that Mario takes make no statement beyond the games themselves.”

Now that’s how you have an adult, rational response. Maybe PETA should try it some time. Then they wouldn’t have to publicly back pedal when their buffoonery blows up in their faces. You know, like they did with this new statement:

Mario fans: Relax! PETA’s game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur. We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur.

Yes, PETA, it’s very funny to eff with people’s livelihoods to make a point. Where was the “Hey it was just a joke!” when you targeted Cooking Mama, a game from a small studio that undoubtedly had much to lose from an absurd anti-meat campaign? Maybe PETA should apologize to 5th Cell.

Oh who am I kidding, PETA’s always been about fun. Why else would they have chosen the phrase “MARIO KILLS”?

PETA attacks Super Mario 3D Land with “Mario Kills Tanooki” campaign

Holly Green — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:40:32 +0000

While Nintendo and most of the nation may be swept away by the adorable Tanooki mania, count animal rights group PETA as among those not so enchanted. With their new campaign “Mario Kills Tanooki”, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claims:

“Tanooki may be just a ‘suit’ in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it’s OK to wear fur.”

Visitors to their website can get in on this disturbing interpretation of activism by playing a flash game of a bloodied Tanooki retrieving his fur from Mario.

What an unreasonable but entirely predictable turn of events. PETA loves to do this right around the holidays (see: Cooking Mama). It’s a pretty good PR move, really: get the most innocuous and well beloved target you can find and attack without valid provocation. If you’re not concerned with constant alienating your target audience, it works exactly as planned.

Tell you what, I much prefer ole Mario in a single Tanooki suit to PETA’s hypocrisy, funding and support of domestic terrorism, and rampant disrespect for human life. Don’t you?

CNET

The Tanooki » Holly Green

Roses are red, violet’s are blue, now you can buy a pink 3DS too!

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WHAT:		On Nov. 19, one day before the U.S. release of The Legend of Zelda^™: Skyward Sword video game for the Wii^™ console, Nintendo will host a festive launch event at its flagship retail store in New York City, Nintendo World. Attendees can look forward to a variety of memorable offerings, including the unveiling of a Master Sword replica, trivia challenges and a special The Legend of Zelda historical showcase. The event is sure to attract consumers and video game fans from every generation as the fan-favorite Zelda™ series celebrates its 25^th anniversary.

		In addition to celebrating the game’s Nov. 20 launch, consumers will be able to purchase the game during the event, making them among the first in the country to bring The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword home. Fans who purchase the game during event hours will also receive a limited-edition poster while supplies last.

		For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

WHO:		Kids, adults, The Legend of Zelda fans and video game fans of all ages

WHEN:		Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011
		9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
		• 9 a.m. – Doors open to consumers
		• 10 a.m. – Unveiling of Master Sword replica

WHERE:		Nintendo World
		10 Rockefeller Plaza
		New York, NY 10020