I always think Nintendo does a great job with their advertising, and this commercial is no exception. To show off the 93% larger screens of the DSi XL, Nintendo brought in Link and his adventure The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Phantom Hourglass to  promote the handheld. The ad has been around for a few weeks, but it’s still pretty clever.

Thanks to one of our readers, I realize the ad does not feature Link’s most recent title, Spirit Tracks. Pretty odd decision, but I guess any Zelda game is good enough for me.

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I love arts & crafts, I love model making, I love music-related video games, and I love me some Legend of Zelda. Imagine how I felt when I came across this! Lyrin-83 has created a nifty papercraft model of Link playing his pan flute from Spirit Tracks. Even better for us, Lyrin has gone and posted templates online for everyone to use and make their own Spirit Flute Link papercraft models in the comforts at home.

If you’ve got time, you might want to try your hand at one of these. Remember, if you ever come up with some of your own crafts, be sure to share them with us!

Lyrin’s deviantART
[Photo by steh-chan]

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Nintendo really had it covered this season for Zelda and Mario fans, as both The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and New Super Mario Bros. Wii were available for the holiday season.  However, if you happened to miss out on purchasing either of these two gems, Amazon’s got you covered.  For just $25 you can receive Spirit Tracks shipped.  If you want a little Mario as well, the NSMBW is available for $39.99 shipped.

Whether you buy one or both, you’ve got yourself a deal that will be hard to pass up.

UPDATE: It appears the Mario deal is gone, and the game is out of stock until January 3rd.

Zelda Amazon

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Although certainly not as hyped or advertised as New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Nintendo has no doubt that Zelda enthusiasts are skipping school or taking extended lunch breaks at work, just to get their hands on Link’s next adventure.  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks launches today, an adventure that takes place 100 years after the events of Phantom Hourglass.  In this adventure, Link will have to team up with Princess Zelda to save Hyrule from ruin.

While the game will be similar in gameplay to its DS predecessor, Spirit Tracks will stand out in several ways.  New dungeons and enemies can be expected throughout the vast worlds.  Also, new items will include the Whirlwind and the Spirit Flute.  And just like the olden days, Link can take on side missions like transporting cargo or people on his train. And of course, some new and familiar faces will appear in the game.

The game also features a multiplayer mode that will have up to four players competing to collect the most Force Gems.  Of course your quest for domination will be trickier since each of the six playable areas to explore will have phantoms and traps.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks marks the 15th game in the series, which has spanned the last 23 years.

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Although not super spoilerific, GameTrailers has released the opening cinematic of The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.  They also released a gameplay video of the Snow Temple. Sometimes, fans prefer to see this type of content right after they open the plastic of their fresh, new game case.  Others can’t wait to see each and every video, screenshot and spoiler.  Whatever you decide, the videos will be here, waiting.

GameTrailers

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Eiji Aonuma has spoken a lot lately about The Legend of Zelda series, and I have no problem with that! Speaking with Kotaku, Aonuma talked about technology and its role in Zelda titles, as the upcoming release of Spirit Tracks seems like Link’s most technologically advanced adventure to date.

Technology actually was not a major concern for us when we decided to use the train. In The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the boat was the key mode of transportation. Now that Spirit Tracks takes place on land, we needed a new way for players to get around, and felt that the train offered the best sense of exploration and discovery. We don’t think it feels out of place in the game world. Trains are also a popular mode of transportation in Japan. My children and I still feel a great sense of adventure when we ride trains in Japan.

Although the train is still a ways behind what we consider modern-day technology, Aonuma isn’t opposed to the idea of modern day technology finding its way into a future title.

Regarding use of other forms in technology in the future, as long it adds to the overall game experience and is something we feel the player would enjoy, we wouldn’t be afraid to implement it. As a matter of fact, we have used the Hook Shot in several previous games, which would be considered a very modern type of technology, even by today’s standards.

Technology added here and there is fine and great, but I’m pretty sure Link’s acquisition of a bluetooth headset and a jet-pack might anger some fans.

Kotaku

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Until December 6, would-be Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Red Dead Mercenary, and Bioshock 2 fans can all get in on a deal at Gamestop. If you trade any games toward the purchase of the above three, you’re eligible for an additional 25% on your trade-in credit! There’s also a lengthy list of XBOX 360 and PS3 games you can trade in to get a 25% discount on a brand new Wii, bringing the price down to $149.99.

Also at Gamestop, starting tomorrow they’re offering a buy 2 get one free sale on all used games, available in-store or online. If you choose to make your purchase over the web, use code B2G1FREE, as well as SAVER to get free shipping on any order over $25.

GoNintendo
Joystiq

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Nintendo’s tunic wearing swordsman seems to be getting the shaft this holiday season, as their efforts have been solely focused on New Super Mario Bros. Wii. But fear not, as Nintendo has finally launched the Spirit Tracks website, and it’s chock-full o’ goodness.

Included on the site are character descriptions, the game trailer in case you missed it, and the details on the included multiplayer mode. Plus, new artwork has been added to our game gallery. Spirit Tracks hits stores December 7th.

ZeldaSpiritTracks

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Want more deets on the upcoming Legend of Zelda DS title, Spirit Tracks? Of course you do. Official Nintendo Magazine’s Fred Dutton got his hands on a copy of the game early, and asked GoNintendo readers if they had any questions before the big December debut. And boy, did they ever! Topics covered include recurring characters from Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, the improved DS-specific controls, and more. The entire interview will be available in Official Nintendo Magazine’s latest edition. Here’s just a sample:

Compared to Phantom Hourglass, which makes better use of the DS as a system? I’d say Spirit Tracks. As well as having to use the stylus to control Link and Zelda, you also use the mic a lot. You’ll need to blow into the mic for Link’s Pan Pipes and the new whirlwhind weapon.

Do any story details overlap with other Zeldas? Yes, there are recurring characters from both Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass.

What’s the storyline like? This is one of the strong points in my opinion. Out of all the ‘toon Link’ titles, it’s easily the darkest and the Phantom Zelda conceit is a great little twist. Cole is a memorable adversary, there’s plenty of fan service in the narrative and, all in all, it’s a really tight package.

Are there any new enemies? Yes, numerous, as well as some familiar standards.

In other Spirit Tracks news, NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime recently discussed with Kotaku the secrecy surrounding Spirit Tracks, and the difference between the NA and European box art:

“We believe that to tease fans over an extended period of time really doesn’t do the gamer just service. So, we have always been mindful of: When’s the launch date? When’s the right time to share information? How do we break information? In particular, with this game, given the Zelda dynamic — which you find out about right at the start of the game — we really wanted to keep that secret and have it be a big reveal. That is something very new and very different in a Zelda game, [having] Princess Zelda essentially playing along with you. That’s essentially what drove the strategy for how we reveal the information, when do we reveal the information and the fact that it had to be fairly late.”

In other words, they did it for the fans! I for one like that they held off. If I get too much information on a game early in its development, my excitement eventually turns to resentment and there’s the risk of my losing interest completely. ‘Sides, its nice to still have some surprises once in awhile. As for the differences in box art, (comparison picture below courtesy of original source, Press The Buttons), Reggie said:

“We just thought the package art we developed with [Nintendo's Japanese headquarters office] NCL that highlights the train and highlights the Phantom… was a great representation of the game,” adding that he didn’t feel it showed a darker side of Link “at all”.

While that doesn’t add much insight as to why the European box looks like rainbow puke and refried sunshine and the US box looks like something you’d never want to meet in a back alley, all the same, both are rather appealing. Which do you prefer?

Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks comes out December 7.

ONM
via GoNintendo

Kotaku

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Mario isn’t the only Nintendo mascot to have an adventure this holiday season. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is still set for a December 7th release. The DS adventure is a sequel to Phantom Hourglass, taking place 100 years later. If you’re on the fence, some new screenshots may be the perfect thing to get you on board.

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The Official Nintendo Magazine has revealed that Link will continue his musically inclined nature when the game releases December 7th. In his latest adventure, Link will be able to play the Spirit Pipes. The pipes are played by utilizing the DS’ built-in microphone.

According to ONM, the guardians of each land will teach you a song that will restore the tracks to the temple. Once you play the song correctly, you’ll be able to take on the temple.

It is interesting to see a musical theme continue within the Zelda games. Are you glad Link’s getting a new instrument or would you prefer a return to the Ocarina?

ONM

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With Zelda’s next adventure slated for release next month, what better way to celebrate then to watch the final launch trailer for the game.

Spirit Tracks debuts December 7th.

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Throughout the past two decades, Princess Zelda has been captured more than a dozen times.  However, Link’s upcoming adventure in Spirit Tracks takes Zelda out of the role of damsel in distress, and puts her as your partner.  Well, her spirit at least.  Zelda’s spirit can help you along your adventure by offering wisdom, and taking control of Phantoms, (suits of armor) which you can use to help solve puzzles.

The partnership of Link and Zelda has never happened in the 23 year history of the franchise.  The closest was Link and Sheik, Zelda’s alter ego in The Ocarina of Time.

The game releases December 7th in North America.

Nintendo

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Again with the awesome styluses (styli?) that we don’t get to have.

This transparent quill style stylus is a promotional item for the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks release December 7th (23rd here in the States). As some of you may notice, its the same one from the Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass release two years ago. They’re being distributed on launch day as an “early buyer bonus” to our friends overseas.

Just another chapter in the “Japan gets all the best stuff” saga. Big sigh.

AndriaSang
via Joystiq

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This past weekend, the World Of Nintendo Tour kicked off at Long Beach’s annual Comic Con, marking the start of another hands-on promotional tour aimed at showcasing new and forthcoming titles for the Wii, DS, and DSi. This is your chance to get a preview on The New Super Mario Brothers for Wii, or give Wii Fit Plus a test spin before you purchase. Wii Sports Resort, Punch-Out!!, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, and Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will also be on hand, and visitors can take a peep at WiiWare and DSiWare while they’re at it.

East coasters will get their chance at two upcoming events, America’s Video Game Expo in Philadelphia (Oct. 9-11) and the Big Apple Comic Con in New York City (Oct. 16-18). The rest of us will just have to twiddle our gaming thumbs and hope they announce more dates.

October 5, 2009 – As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season draws near, Nintendo is making it easier for consumers to sample and experience some of the year’s most talked-about games and game systems. This past weekend, Oct. 2-4, the new World of Nintendo sampling tour kicked off with an appearance at the annual Long Beach Comic Con in Long Beach, Calif., treating attendees to a firsthand look at a variety of recent and forthcoming games for the Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.

Less than a week after consumers discovered a new suggested retail price of $199.99 for Wii, World of Nintendo participants in Long Beach gathered for hands-on demonstrations of games like Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus and Punch-Out!!, as well as the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The event also highlighted new hand-held games such as Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, both playable on Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems. World of Nintendo visitors also enjoyed a glimpse into a selection of downloadable game titles on the WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare services.

Upcoming World of Nintendo tour stops include America’s VideoGame Expo in Philadelphia (Oct. 9-11) and the Big Apple Comic Con in New York City (Oct. 16-18). Like this year’s traveling Nintendo DSi Mobile Tour and Wii Sports Resort Mobile Tour, World of Nintendo reflects Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to actively expanding the audience for video games, attracting new and veteran players with a lineup of inclusive game titles, innovative motion controls and console features that allow players to stay connected with family and friends.

IGN

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