Indie games coming to Nintendo Systems

Runbow from 13AM Games (Wii U) – 2015
Chromophore: The Two Brothers Director’s Cut from Ackk Studios LLC (Wii U) – Winter
Citizens of Earth from ATLUS (Wii U, Nintendo 3DS) – Winter
Nihilumbra from BeautiFun Games (Wii U) – Winter
The Swapper from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 6
Thomas Was Alone from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 25
Proun+ from Engine Software (Wii U) – Winter
Trine Enchanted Edition from Frozenbyte (Wii U) – Winter
Chariot from Frima Studio Inc. (Wii U) – Winter
A.N.N.E. from Gamesbymo (Wii U) – Winter
Gunman Clive 2 from Hörberg Productions (Wii U) – Winter
SteamWorld Heist from Image & Form (Wii U) – Spring 2015
Affordable Space Adventures from KnapNok Games (Wii U) – Q1 2015
Gone Home from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
High Strangeness from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
forma.8 from MixedBag (Wii U) – Winter
A World of Keflings from NinjaBee (Wii U) – Nov. 13
Tengami from Nyamyam Ltd. (Wii U) – Nov. 13
Treasurenauts from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q1 2015
Xeodrifter from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q4
Swords & Soldiers II from Ronimo Games BV (Wii U) – Winter
Beatbuddy from THREAKS (Wii U) – Q1 2015
Sportsball from TOO DX (Wii U) – Nov. 6
6180 the moon from Turtle Cream (Wii U) – Winter
Rive from Two Tribes (Wii U) – 2015

Nintendo Direct official PR - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Descends on Nintendo 3DS in 2015

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- During a Nintendo Direct presentation this afternoon, Nintendo dropped a moon-sized announcement: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, a remake of the beloved Nintendo 64 game, is coming exclusively to Nintendo 3DS in spring 2015. The Nintendo Direct video also revealed new details about amiibo functionality and upcoming games like Splatoon, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

During a Nintendo Direct presentation this afternoon, Nintendo dropped a moon-sized announcement: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, a remake of the beloved Nintendo 64 game, is coming exclusively to Nintendo 3DS in spring 2015. (Photo: Business Wire)

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct.

“Now is the best time to be a Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owner,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “There’s something for everyone with a variety of quality, exclusive games already available and launching soon. From new IP in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to unforgettable greats like The Legend of Zelda on the horizon, we have both classic and new franchises covered.”

Some of the details revealed in the video include:

Wii U

Mario Kart 8 DLC: The first pack of DLC for Mario Kart 8 launches on Nov. 13 and includes new courses, vehicles and characters from other Nintendo games like The Legend of Zelda, F-Zero and Excitebike. Players can buy and download from the in-game menu or in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

amiibo: In addition to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, multiple games will be compatible with amiibo, including Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors in 2014, plus Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Yoshi’s Woolly World and Mario Party 10 in 2015. This amiibo functionality will be available to players in the following games when the first wave of figures launches on Nov. 21.
Mario Kart 8: When players tap Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Link, Captain Falcon, Fox, Samus or Kirby amiibo figures on the Wii U GamePad controller, they will receive a Mii racing suit themed to that particular amiibo character. Players’ Mii characters can wear these detailed suits when racing in the game.

Hyrule Warriors: A Link amiibo figure gives players a special “Spinner” weapon in the action-packed Wii U game. Additionally, every Super Smash Bros. series amiibo figure will grant randomly selected materials, weapons or rupees in the game.
The first wave of amiibo starring characters like Mario, Link and Samus launches on Nov. 21, the same day as the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U game, and the second wave of six characters hits store shelves in December.

Splatoon: The four-on-four online multiplayer shooter also features a single-player mode, which pits a player’s squid-like Inkling character against an army of octopi equipped with an arsenal of ink weaponry. Splatoon will launch exclusively for Wii U in the second quarter of 2015.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: In this new RPG from Monolith Soft, players embark on an epic quest in a new world. Using the city of New Los Angeles as a home base, players will embark on missions, collect items and take on requests from residents. Xenoblade Chronicles X – which features a bigger world than Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii – is scheduled to launch exclusively for Wii U in 2015.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse: The newest game in the charming Kirby series finds the lovable pink puffball journeying through a world made of clay. Players guide Kirby along a rainbow line drawn on the Wii U GamePad controller’s touch screen. A new four-player multiplayer mode lets one player play as Kirby and focus on drawing rainbow lines on the GamePad, while the others control a trio of Waddle Dee characters that can collect items or carry Kirby around. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse launches for Wii U in February 2015.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: A new trailer for the game debuted during the Nintendo Direct and showed snippets of some of the 70+ levels players will encounter. The game also features different challenges that, once completed, will reveal additional content in the game. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker launches for Wii U on Dec. 5.
Nintendo 3DS

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D: One of the most talked-about games in the history of The Legend of Zelda series is coming to Nintendo 3DS. Launching in spring 2015, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D brings Link’s suspenseful, intricate quest through the mysterious world of Termina to a hand-held system for the first time with enhanced 3D graphics and added features for a smoother game experience.

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.: From Intelligent Systems, the creators of the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series, comes Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., a turn-based tactical action RPG that features characters like … Abraham Lincoln? That’s right: Abraham Lincoln leads a team of newly revealed playable characters like Tiger Lily and Tom Sawyer. Each character in the game possesses special abilities, like Tiger Lily’s healing and Tom Sawyer’s gadgets, that help players complete missions across well-designed battlefields. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. will launch exclusively for Nintendo 3DS in spring 2015.

Ultimate NES Remix: The NES Remix series comes to Nintendo 3DS, combining 16 of the top NES games from the NES Remix and NES Remix 2 games on Wii U. Famicom Remix Mode offers challenges from the Japanese version of NES Remix, featuring slightly different sound effects and backgrounds, and in Speed Mario Bros., players can play through the original Super Mario Bros. ramped up to super speed. Ultimate NES Remix also features online leaderboards, allowing players to compare scores in challenges with others in their region. The nostalgic game launches for Nintendo 3DS on Dec. 5.

Persona Q Edition Nintendo 3DS XL: In honor of the Nov. 25 launch of the ATLUS role-playing game Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, GameStop will be the exclusive retailer for the Persona Q Edition of the Nintendo 3DS hardware. The design evokes the essence of Persona Q with styling on the front of the iconic Grimoire – the tome used by the attendants of the Velvet Room and containing information on the many Personas – and the new style of character art represented on the back. It will be available at a suggested retail price of $199.99. (The Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth game will be sold separately. Both the Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth: Wild Cards Premium Edition and Limited Standard Edition versions of the game will be available for a limited time only.)
Wii U & Nintendo 3DS

PIKMIN Short Movies: Last month, Shigeru Miyamoto premiered PIKMIN Short Movies, a series of animated short films he directed that takes place in the Pikmin universe. These short films are now available as one paid download in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. As a supplement to the movies (in addition to popcorn, of course), a free demo version for Pikmin 3 is also now in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

Sonic Boom: A free demo for Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, the new Sonic the Hedgehog game launching exclusively for Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 11, is now available in the Nintendo eShop. The free demo for exclusive Wii U game Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (also launching on Nov. 11) will be available on Dec. 4. In addition, a new Nintendo 3DS Home Menu theme and Puzzle Swap panel inspired by Sonic Boom are both coming to Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 11.

Indie games!: Nintendo’s support for indie developers continues with a host of indie games coming to both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. In addition, fans will be able to discover a CommanderVideo trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U based on the classic character from the Bit.Trip series, as well as download a new Nintendo 3DS Home Menu theme based on hit indie game Shovel Knight. Many of the creative indie games coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS include the following:
Runbow from 13AM Games (Wii U) – 2015
Chromophore: The Two Brothers Director’s Cut from Ackk Studios LLC (Wii U) – Winter
Citizens of Earth from ATLUS (Wii U, Nintendo 3DS) – Winter
Nihilumbra from BeautiFun Games (Wii U) – Winter
The Swapper from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 6
Thomas Was Alone from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 25
Proun+ from Engine Software (Wii U) – Winter
Trine Enchanted Edition from Frozenbyte (Wii U) – Winter
Chariot from Frima Studio Inc. (Wii U) – Winter
A.N.N.E. from Gamesbymo (Wii U) – Winter
Gunman Clive 2 from Hörberg Productions (Wii U) – Winter
SteamWorld Heist from Image & Form (Wii U) – Spring 2015
Affordable Space Adventures from KnapNok Games (Wii U) – Q1 2015
Gone Home from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
High Strangeness from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
forma.8 from MixedBag (Wii U) – Winter
A World of Keflings from NinjaBee (Wii U) – Nov. 13
Tengami from Nyamyam Ltd. (Wii U) – Nov. 13
Treasurenauts from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q1 2015
Xeodrifter from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q4
Swords & Soldiers II from Ronimo Games BV (Wii U) – Winter
Beatbuddy from THREAKS (Wii U) – Q1 2015
Sportsball from TOO DX (Wii U) – Nov. 6
6180 the moon from Turtle Cream (Wii U) – Winter
Rive from Two Tribes (Wii U) – 2015
For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com. You can also now pre-order or purchase a number of games directly from a PC or smart device by visiting http://nintendo.com/buydigital.

Remember that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

PR email

53 Fun Smash Wii U facts from the Direct

Fifty-Fact Extravaganza Regarding Smash Bros. For Wii U

1. The fighters in Smash Bros. for 3DS will move over to the Wii U version with the same moves.

2. The resolution between the 3DS and Wii U is major. The Wii U version will have higher resolutions in HD.

3. Eight players will be able to play at once. This is a special mode, so only a few stages will be able to showcase eight fighter gameplay.

4. Bigger stages not found in the 3DS version will be in the Wii U. Temple and Big Battlefield are a couple of examples.

5. Danger Zones are parts of stages that will give damage if touched. Those who have over 100% damage will be KO'd if they come to contact with them.

6. The Jungle Hijinks stage from Donkey Kong Country Returns will allow two different planes for gameplay, much like DKCR has.

7. More stages not found in the 3DS version will be represented in the Wii U version. Stages such as Pilotwings, Onett, Nofair, Wrecking Crew and Luigi's Mansion were shown.

8. A Miiverse stage is coming. It will display messages during battle.

9. Similar to the codex discussions between Snake and crew in Brawl, Palutena will be able to guide Pit in the Wii U version by talking about his opponents. The Starfox team will also have similar discussions whenever Fox or Falco are in play.

10. Metal Face from Xeoblade will be popping up in the Gaur Plain stage.

11. Ridley from Metroid will appear in the Pyrosphere stage, inspired by Metroid. Befriend Ridley and he will be able to join your side. Defeat him and he'll earn you one point when it's time to tally wins.

12. Coin Battles will be making their return in the Wii U version of Smash Bros.

13. Stamina Battles, in which opponents battle each other until the loser reaches zero, is also returning.

14. Special Smash allows players to use different sets of options for battles. Stamina battles are a part of Special Smash.

15. Item frequency can be changed.

16. My Music allows players to change the frequency in which music plays in each stage.

17. Menu music can be changed as well!

18. There will be a ton more music in Smash Bros. for Wii U than in the 3DS version.

19. The number of composers, both from Nintendo and Bandai Namco, have increased as well!

20. CDs can be picked up during gameplay that will unlock new songs.

21. Challenges, seen in the 3DS game, will be in the Wii U version as well. The difference is that there will only be one challenges screen for the Wii U mode.

22. Classic Mode is a bit different than in the 3DS version. The intensity option is in tact, but the different types of battles you'll come across are different. Eight player modes were shown during this factoid.

23. Movies will be shown highlighting characters that beat Classic mode.

24. All Star mode is here. The difference is that the newer characters will be first to challenge you, then the older characters will arrive as you defeat more fighters. The rest area has been revamped.

25. Event mode will be themed battles based on different franchises that can be completed in easy, medium or hard difficulties.

26. Smash Tour is a new board game mode. Spin to advance the board. Those whose spaces you come across will end up in battle! You'll be able to use the same items found in Smash Run in order to power up your Mii, who you will be using in this mode. Use all of these items and boosts for a final battle!

27. Target Blast in the Wii U game is different in that the second bomb is bigger, as well as there being 3 different stages for each fighter.

28. Multiplayer stadium modes, such as multi man smash and co-op Home Run mode, are represented.

29. Special Orders mode is revealed. Master Orders is reciving awards based on difficulty battles. Gold tickets found here can be used for Crazy Orders, in which you fight enemies and collect prizes until you're ready to face Crazy Hand. All rewards are earned upon beating Crazy Hand.

30. Master Fortress is the newest form of Master Core. This is for more intense difficulties only.

31. Tons of controller options are available. Gamecube, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuck, Wii Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro, and the Wii U Pro Controller are available control options.

32. Two Gamecube controller adapters can be used on the same Wii U.

33. You'll be able to use the Nintendo 3DS as a controller for Smash Bros. Wii U as well!

34. You can connect the 3DS Smash Bros. game to the Wii U game. Custom characters as well as Miis can be transferred.

35. Tons of trophies will be in the game, more than ever before!

36. Final Smash trophies can be unlocked after clearing All Star mode with a character.

37. Trophy Boxes can be used to display trophies according to a certian theme.

38. Photo Studio allows figurines to be put in dioramas for picture taking.

39. Trophy Rush can be played with two players.

40. Masterpieces are back in which you can play short demo versions of older games starting Smash fighters. Super Mario Bros., Dr. Mario, Earthbound and Punch-Out are just some of the games represented.

41. Amiibos will be in the game. You can play as them and also fight against them.

42. The Wii Lan adapter will be compatible with the Wii U.

43. Automatic notifications are here for the latest Smash Bros. updates.

44. The "With Anyone" online features will feature two player co-op.

45. Tourney Mode will not be in the final game, but it's coming.

46. 64 man tournaments are coming as well!

47. The gamepad will display damage taken during battle.

48. You can pause the screen with the gamepad to take pictures. Decorate the pictures taken with the gamepad for a fun time.

49. The microphone will be able to be used before and after battles. It will not be available during battles for stability purposes.

50. Stage Builder mode will allow you to create stages using the Gamepad.
And here's some extra facts in case you didn't get enough!

51. You'll be able to share stages with other characters online!

52. Movies will have its own section for you to enjoy, including the intro video and movies you unlock after clearing Classic mode.

53. A special soundtrack is available to Club Nintendo members who purchase both the Wii U and 3DS titles. There will be two discs. The blue CD will feature music from the Wii U game while the red CD will have music from the Nintendo 3DS version.

Hyrule Warriors gets Amiibo Support

It has been revealed that Link's Amiibo Character will work with the already released Wii U game Hyrule Warriors. How the Amiibo will interact with that game remains to be seen. To date Amiibo is compatible with Mario Kart 8, Hyrule Warriors, Toad's Treasure Trackers, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Mario Party 10 &Yoshi's Wooly World.

Mewtwo Joins the Battle

It was revealed during the Nintendo Direct that Mewtwo will be downloadable in Spring 2015 for Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS for those that purchase and register both games on Club Nintendo.

Official PR - Nintendo Unveils Over 50 New Features and Other Details for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Nintendo unleashed a deluge of information about its upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Wii U game, including an eight-player mode, the ability to build and share custom stages and an exclusive soundtrack offer. Nintendo revealed these and many more details in a live-streamed video announcement. To view the video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct.

“Super Smash Bros. fans got a full look today at the unbelievable variety of options and surprises that await them in the Wii U version of the game,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Millions of fans around the world already can’t get enough of the Nintendo 3DS game, and we want the Wii U version to build on that momentum.”

Some of the topics covered in the video include:

8-Player Smash: In a major first for the franchise, a special mode lets eight players fight simultaneously in local multiplayer. This option appears only in the Wii U version, and lets players compete on even larger stages to accommodate all the characters.

amiibo Figures: When a player touches an amiibo figure to the Wii U GamePad, the character joins as a “figure player.” The amiibo figures can gain levels to become stronger and add equipment as they gain experience through battling. Players can have amiibo fight one another, and amiibo will bring you presents from the battles they fight in.

Custom Stage Creation: The touch screen of the Wii U GamePad makes it easier than ever for players to build their own stages and eventually share them with friends and other players around the world using broadband Internet access.

Controls: Players who own the Nintendo 3DS version of the game can use their Nintendo 3DS systems to control the action on the TV screen, in addition to the many other control options available.

Importing Fighters: Fans of the Nintendo 3DS version of the game can immediately benefit from the fruits of their smashing labors. Players can import custom Nintendo 3DS fighters to the Wii U game, along with their customized equipment, costumes and hats.

Special Soundtrack Offer: Everyone who buys both the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. and registers both games on Club Nintendo by Jan. 13 will receive a two-disc soundtrack of music from the games.

Mewtwo: Like the soundtrack, this series veteran fighter will be made available as free downloadable content in spring of 2015 for anyone who buys both versions of the game.

Modes: The Wii U version of the game offers many new modes and different ways to play that keep players coming back for more:

Smash Tour: World Smash is a fighting party game that looks like a board game. Players use items, spin a wheel and advance around the map. Up to four players can compete at once as they navigate the board and gain fighters and power-ups they can use in a final battle.
Special Smash Mode: Players can customize battles with unique parameters.
Coin Battles: Players compete to collect coins from other players.
Stamina Matches: Players fight until their hit points reach zero.
Classic Mode: One or two players fight through a series of battles and advance as long as they survive. Many random events can shake things up, and players can adjust the intensity settings. The more difficult the game, the greater the rewards.
All-Star Mode: Like in the Nintendo 3DS version, opponents appear in chronological order. Only this time, the newest fighters appear before the older ones, and two players can battle through this mode together.
Event Mode: One or two players take on set character- and theme-based battles. Clearing stages helps players see the way forward.
Masterpieces: This menu gives players a peek into the past lives of some of the Super Smash Bros. characters. Players can play cut-down versions of the characters’ greatest games.

Stages: The Wii U game offers more stages than any game in the series. The expanded Big Battlefield makes its debut in addition to the traditional Battlefield Stage. The Great Cave Offensive, based on the underground labyrinth found in Kirby games, challenges players to avoid potentially lethal danger zones – or throw their opponents into them. The Jungle Hijinxs stage, based on Donkey Kong Country Returns, lets players fight in the foreground and background. Blast barrels shoot players from front to back and vice versa.

Tunes: The game includes hundreds of music tracks, songs and jingles that players can listen to and settings to customize what music plays during game play. Players add songs to their library by collecting CDs that appear while smashing or after completing challenges.

Movies: When players clear Classic or All-Star modes, they’ll be treated to a brief movie featuring whichever fighter they used. Every fighter has a movie, so it’ll be a challenge to view them all.

Ridley. Yes, Ridley: Fans have been clamoring for Ridley to appear in a Super Smash Bros. game for a while, and now they’re getting their wish. But true to form, Ridley appears in an unexpected way. Players will find him in the Metroid series-inspired Pyrosphere stage, but he does more than just hassle players. If one player attacks Ridley enough, Ridley will join that fighter’s side and attack others. Players (including the one on Ridley’s side) can KO Ridley to earn a point toward the match result total. And if Ridley consumes enough energy, he will become Meta Ridley and all the more vicious.

Characters: The Wii U version offers 40 characters and the use of Mii characters from the start. Each character’s moves match those found in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, so players who hone their skills in the portable game will have an edge over opponents in the console version of the game.

Remember that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

AMIIBO SMASH DEAL

Smash Bros for the Wii U will be released Nov. 21, 2014.

Retailer Toys R Us has announced their pre-order bonus: if you pre-order Super Smash Bros for the Wii U, they’ll throw in a free Amiibo figure.

The offer is only valid online and while supplies last. In order to take advantage of the offer, customers must purchase Super Smash Bros for the Wii U on Toys R Us’ site, and select an Amiibo figure to the cart at the same time. Free shipping is included.

Amiibo figures are sold separately for around $12, so this is definitely a great deal if you’re looking to invest in an Amiibo lineup.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=41442366&cp=&parentPage=search

Hyrule Warriors DLC Revealed

September 30 Free DLC Update

• Free playable three villains
• Can turn on/off some cut-scenes. during battles

Hyrule Warriors Master Quest:

• October 16th
• 1 new Weapon
• New Scenario
• Adventure Map
• 2 Costumes

Twilight Princess

• November
• 1 new character
• 1 new weapon
• Adventure Map
• 2 Costumes

Majora’s Mask

• January
• 2 new characters
• Adventure Map
• 3 new costumes

Ganon Pack

• February
• 2 New Game Modes

You can pre-order the $20 season pass and get a bonus Dark Link costume for free. 

Mario Kart 8 DLC PLANNED

Each Add On Content pack will contain two new cups, each with four courses, which, in total, increases the number of available courses by 50 percent. The Add On Content packs include classics like Wario’s Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii, as well as new courses, some taking place in the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing. New vehicles will also arrive with each pack, including the Blue Falcon kart representing the F-Zero franchise in the first pack.

Mario Kart 8 Pack 1 - Released: November 2014, $7.99 or $11.99 for both packs
Pack 1 includes:

• 3 Characters: Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, Link
• 4 Vehicles
• 8 Courses

Mario Kart 8 Pack 2 - Released: May 2015, $ 7.99 or $11.99 for both packs
Pack 2 includes:

• 3 Characters: Villager, Isabelle, Dry Bowser
• 4 Vehicles
• 8 Courses

As a bonus for purchasing both packs for only $11.99 - as a bundle or separately - you can get eight different-coloured Yoshis and eight different-coloured Shy Guys that can be used right away.

Japan announces New 3DS and 3DS LL, Coming to US in 2015

NFC, Second Circle Pad, Extra Shoulder Buttons And Improved Screens

The revised hardware will include NFC as standard — for Amiibo support — a second, smaller Circle Pad, additional shoulder buttons and improved 3D viewing angles. The upper screen will also have less blur.

Nintendo has moved the placement of some key features — such as the cartridge slot and existing buttons — and has confirmed that the system will also use MicroSD instead of SD.

It is also suggested that hardware CPU has been improved, with elements such as downloading and Miiverse running faster than on a standard 3DS console

Nintendo's Fall 2014 Press Release

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nintendo has prepared a massive lineup of new games and products for the 2014 holiday season. The lineup includes new entries from some of the biggest franchises in gaming, new hardware bundles for Wii U and Nintendo 2DS, and new amiibo interactive figures featuring some of the most iconic characters in the world of video games.

The holiday shopping season begins today for Nintendo fans, as the first 12 amiibo interactive figures become available for pre-order at a suggested retail price of just $12.99 each. The first dozen characters available for pre-order at select retailers are Mario, Peach, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, Marth, Villager and Wii Fit Trainer, with more on the way in the future.

“Nintendo’s holiday offerings demonstrate a combination of fun franchises and great value,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “With Wii U and Nintendo 2DS hardware bundles, classic names like Super Smash Bros., Bayonetta and Pokémon, new IP like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and amiibo, everyone will find something to love about Nintendo this holiday season. Whether people are shopping for themselves or they’re prepping their gift lists, Nintendo has them covered.”

Here’s a taste of what Nintendo has on tap for the 2014 holiday season:

• Major Franchises: Nintendo has four games from two of the most well-known franchises launching this year: ◦ Super Smash Bros.: The Wii U game and the first portable game in the series are getting ready for their debuts. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS launches Oct. 3, with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U following during the holiday season. Fans who register both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions of the games with Club Nintendo will receive the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U: Premium Sound Selection, a soundtrack CD packed with music taken from and inspired by the games. More details about this offer will be provided in the future.

Also, in a separate announcement this morning, Nintendo revealed that Shulk from the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise would be a playable character in both games.

◦ Pokémon: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire for Nintendo 3DS will hit stores and the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 21. Trainers will catch, battle and trade Pokémon as they immerse themselves into a grand tale that draws ever closer to the heart of the secrets behind Mega Evolution and the power of Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre. With beautifully rendered graphics and new challenges to overcome, these games are a true evolution in the Pokémon series.

• Interactive amiibo Figures: Nintendo’s foray into the toys-to-life category starts today, with the first 12 amiibo figures available to pre-order from select retailers. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, which launches this holiday season, will be the first game with full integration of amiibo functionality. Other games that will support amiibo include Mario Kart 8, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Mario Party 10 and Yoshi’s Woolly World, with more to come. More details on amiibo functionality with the various games and a launch date will be revealed shortly.

• Bayonetta 2: The witch is back on Oct. 24. The game features over-the-top battles with wild weapons that take place in gorgeous set pieces. A new snake transformation lets Bayonetta better navigate underwater. The original Bayonetta game, complete with some Nintendo cosplay options for the powerful heroine, comes bundled with the retail packaged version of Bayonetta 2

New Hardware Bundles Available This Fall: Everyone loves a deal. Three new Nintendo hardware bundles are set to deliver more value and more options to holiday shoppers: ◦ Super Mario 3D World Deluxe Set: Starting mid-September, the new Wii U Deluxe Set will include the Wii U console and physical Super Mario 3D World and Nintendo Land games at a suggested retail price of $299.99.

◦ Walmart Exclusive Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set: In mid-September, Walmart stores nationwide will offer a special-edition Wii U bundle that includes the console along with physical Mario Kart 8 and Nintendo Land games at a suggested retail price of $299.99. This exclusive bundle will be available while supplies last.

◦ New Nintendo 2DS Bundles: In early October, three new Nintendo 2DS bundles will hit stores. The new bundles feature the Electric Blue, Crimson Red or Sea Green Nintendo 2DS system along with a code to download Mario Kart 7 from the Nintendo eShop. The bundles will be available at a suggested retail price of $129.99 each.

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: This holiday season, everybody’s favorite intrepid explorer, Captain Toad, stars in his own quest through maze-like mini-universes – only on Wii U. Each little world Captain Toad visits is a unique microcosm filled with tricks to solve, traps to avoid and treasure to find.

• Hyrule Warriors DLC: This mashup of Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda already includes a large amount of content. Nintendo plans to support the game for the long run with more content to help players expand their adventures even farther. That program kicks off when the game launches on Sept. 26. People who buy the game will receive access to a free download that adds a new mode, a new weapon and the option to select music to add to the Hyrule Warriors experience. As detailed in a recent Nintendo Direct, consumers who pre-order the game at select retailers will receive a free download code for a set of alternate in-game costumes for Link and Zelda. Additionally, anyone who registers the game with Club Nintendo will receive a free download code for a set of alternate costumes for Ganondorf. All of these additional costumes will become available for purchase in the Nintendo eShop in the near future. Further details on timing and pricing will be announced at a later time.

• Pokémon Art Academy: This Nintendo title is coming to stores and the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Oct. 24. The game teaches basic and advanced art techniques throughout 40 lessons and encourages artists to draw their favorite Pokémon and bring them to life with a large variety of tools. They can also share their Pokémon masterpieces by posting them to Miiverse, or saving them to the SD Card and printing them out.

• Art Academy (working title): This new entry in the Art Academy franchise is a download-exclusive application that incorporates the touch screen of the Wii U GamePad controller. Users learn, create and share with in-depth step-by-step lessons accessible even to novice artists, using the large Wii U GamePad screen as the canvas. The game is scheduled to launch in 2014.

• Ultimate NES Remix: This new Nintendo 3DS game will be available in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Dec. 5 at a suggested retail price of $29.99. The game features rapid-fire challenges and mashups from a selection of 16 of Nintendo’s finest 8-bit games. Regional online leaderboards will let players see how they stack up against others in their area, and Championship Mode offers a series of challenges from three different games.

• NES Remix Pack: Wii U fans can also get into the 8-bit mix on Dec. 5, with a new game that combines the original NES Remix and NES Remix 2 games for Wii U into one package. NES Remix Pack will be available in stores at a suggested retail price of $29.99. Both NES Remix and NES Remix 2 games remain available in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U for $14.99 each.

• Fantasy Life: Available in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Oct. 24, Fantasy Life lets players become the masters of their destinies as choices they make help determine their own Fantasy Life. Players can easily change their Life Class at any time and experience how each offers a new perspective on the world. Local and online multiplayer options let friends share the adventure, the exploration and the bounty. A downloadable content pack called Origin Island – available for purchase from the Nintendo eShop starting on Oct. 24 – will extend the Fantasy Life adventure even further. Origin Island offers a new area that is home to an ancient culture and powerful enemies, additional story content, new ranks to achieve in Life Classes, access to even more powerful equipment and two new varieties of pets to adopt: birds and dragons.

• Two Deluxe Downloadable Kirby Games: Bounce or battle with two new titles available today at $6.99 each in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe and Kirby Fighters Deluxe are standalone downloadable games that first made an appearance in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, and are now updated with enhanced game-play features. In Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe, players move Dedede across the stage, bouncing to the beat in seven new stages exclusive to this downloadable version. In Kirby Fighters Deluxe, players use different copy abilities to defeat all of the arena opponents. This version includes five new stages and a new team battle feature. Players who already own Kirby: Triple Deluxe with StreetPass data will get bonus content in both downloadable games.

• Indie Games: Nintendo loves indie content, and a number of downloadable games exclusive to the Nintendo eShop are on their way this year. ◦ Curve Digital’s Stealth Inc 2 combines the best elements of puzzle solving, action platforming and stealth game play into a game that’s all about hiding in the shadows. The game includes a two-player co-op mode, level editor, off-TV play and Miiverse integration. The game launches for Wii U in the fall.

◦ Swords & Soldiers II is a side-scrolling action strategy game from Ronimo Games launching this holiday season for Wii U. The game includes 20 story missions and lets players buy units, cast spells and build structures to overwhelm enemies on a 2D battleground.

◦ Azure Striker GUNVOLT from Inti Creates launches today exclusively for Nintendo 3DS. Featuring the talents of Keiji Inafune, the creator of the Mega Man series, the game takes the best aspects of Japanese 16-bit classics and updates them with new play mechanics and slick graphics. For a limited time, the game comes with a free digital version of the 8-bit nostalgia-fueled Mighty GUNVOLT as well.

• New Themes for Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu: Following a system update in October, Nintendo will be introducing new Nintendo 3DS HOME menu themes that change the menu background, icons and folders, and music and sound effects. Themes will be available for purchase from a Theme Shop that will be added to the HOME menu. More details will be announced in the future.

• Third-Party Games: More than 60 games from Nintendo’s third-party partners are launching for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS before the end of year, with more great content coming in early 2015. The 2014 list is highlighted by Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric for Wii U and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal for Nintendo 3DS from SEGA, which introduce two unique and epic adventures as Sonic and team work together to stop the evil villain Lyric. Players can play as multiple characters, each with his or her own abilities, as they explore, fight and speed through an undiscovered land. Each game features its own individual story and game-play features.

Smash Bros 3DS/Wii U Soundtrack CD Coming to North America, European and Japanese Club Nintendo

If you are a Club Nintendo Member when you register both Super Smash Bros. titles (3DS and Wii U) you will qualify for this limited edition Smash Bros. CD set.

Mario Kart 8 UPDATE (Free DLC)

In order to grab the Mercedes DLC pack, you’ll need to head over to the eShop and select it. Doing this will mean the 2.0 update starts automatically for you, which brings improved features like statistics, an on-screen TV map, as well as a menu showing several future DLC packs, featuring characters like Link. Here’s the full changelog:
Version 2.0

• Displays an in-game shop menu on the main start screen, which will take you through what’s included in the new DLC packs arriving November this year and May 2015.
• The in-game shop menu will also give you access to the Mercedes free downloadable content, if you haven’t already downloaded it from the eShop.
• Displays statistics on the main start page, giving players access to the number of coins they’ve collected, win-loss record play, favorite courses and characters, number of boosts and super boosts, etc.
• Adds the ability to display an on-screen TV map both on the main TV screen and on the GamePad for off-TV play. To enable this feature simply press the select button (or (-) minus button) on your chosen controller.
• Changes the default menu option after a race to select “Next Race” with the “Watch Highlight Reel” following after.
• Enables a system memory function – even when your Wii U is powered down – in order to save your favored vehicle customization.
• Increases the maximum player race or battle rating to 99,999 from 9,999.
• Improves stability for online races and battles, as well a number of other fixes for overall player enjoyment.
• Mercedes DLC pack adds three vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz GLA, 300 SL Roadster and the Silver Arrow.

Post E3 Thoughts: Nintendo's case for the Wii U Gamepad

Going into E3 (Electronic Entertainment Gaming Expo) this year, Nintendo had a lot to prove about their Wii U game system. Most importantly to prove to the public why their Gamepad is unique and necessary. Rather than a press conference like in the past, Nintendo chose to unveil its E3 news in a Nintendo Digital Event video stream. What was announced was:

YOSHI'S WOOLLY WORLD (2015)

The Yoshi's Island-themed iteration of Kirby Epic Yarn is coming to Wii U in Yoshi's Woolly World. Like Yoshi games before it, you jump on enemies, consume them to create shootable eggs, and exaggeratedly jump across gullies as Yoshi. Everything in the game is made of "woolly" things this time around. The levels are gorgeous and look like real, living worlds, only everything's made of craft store items. Secrets abound, and the textured cloth effect is hidden everywhere. Besides off TV play not much Gamepad usage was mentioned. Amiibo figures will work with this game in 2015.

CAPTAIN TOAD: TREASURE TRACKER (This Holidays)

A highlight of Super Mario 3D World was Toad's puzzle levels, wherein you navigate a twistable 3D maze using a light helmet-wearing Toad. They were a welcome aside, and a notable deviation from the usual Mario formula. Nintendo apparently recognized their excellence as well, awarding Toad his own game -Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- and making the puzzles better than ever.

In 3D World, Toad's worlds were limited. In Captain Toad, they range in size dramatically, from the standard-ish 3D cube to a vertical world inside a volcano. On one puzzle, you had to carefully time your movements based on the attacks of a fire-breathing lava monster. On another, you struggled with deciphering the twists and nooks of a floating world. Amiibo figures will work with this game in 2014.

SUPER SMASH BROS. FOR 3DS / WII U (This Holidays)

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS are completely different games.

The controls are different on each and some of the modes are different with the Wii U having Amiibo specific NFC (Near field communication) functionality.

Both versions of Super Smash Bros. are set to arrive this holiday, with the 3DS version launching a bit sooner on October 3.

HYRULE WARRIORS (September 26, 2014)

The folks behind Dynasty/Samurai Warriors were given access to the world of The Legend of Zelda. The result is Hyrule Warriors, a third-person action game that revolves around quickly disposing of large quantities of enemies to achieve an ever-changing set of goals. It's fun, quick, and light. There are plenty of Zelda references embedded, from the loading screen 8-bit animation to the trademark jingle that plays when treasure chests are opened, but this is pretty far from a main series Zelda game.
Hyrule Warriors is fine, but nowhere near the grandeur or delivery of a standard Zelda entry. Sadly, all we have for now is a 2015 window and a brief tease of the actual next series entry from longtime producer Eiji Aonuma.

 

MARIO MAKER (2015)

Nintendo's foray into the world of creation allows players to edit levels using assets found in the original Super Mario Bros. for NES.

The trailer showcases the ability to swap between the 8-bit art style of SMB, as well as the visual style of New Super Mario Bros. U. The visual user interface is reminiscent of Mario Paint for the SNES, even down to the cute flyswatter mechanics.
Mario Maker is set to launch in 2015.

SPLATOON  (2015)

 Splatoon is a team-based third-person shooter which is playable by up to eight players in 4-vs-4 matches. Players control characters known as Inklings, who have the ability to change between human and squid forms. In human form, Inklings are able to shoot colored ink across the game environment, with the player's goal being to have the most territory inked in their team's color before the match ends. Transforming into a squid allows players to swim through ink of their own color, even up walls and through grates, hiding from the enemy and replenishing their ink supply in the process. 

Conversely, enemy ink is much slower to move across in human form. Players can use their ink to try and 'splatter' their opponents, which will send them back to their team's respawn point whilst also providing a large splat of ink.

Players can use the Wii U Gamepad to view a map of the surroundings and instantly launch towards the location of another teammate, as well as use gyroscopic controls to assist with aiming. Along with the standard ink gun, special weapons with limited ammo can be obtained, such as a paint roller, a bazooka, grenades, and a sniper rifle.

ZELDA WII U (2015)

The game is planned to take part in a fully connected overworld, similar to the original The Legend of Zelda video game, with less emphasis on defined entrances and exits to temples and dungeons. Designer Eiji Aonuma stated that this is intended to give players more freedom on how to encounter the game, letting them decide where they want to go and how to get there.

KIRBY AND THE RAINBOW CURSE (2015)

^{The game has you controlling Kirby with the Wii U Game-pad stylus around a world made of clay. This game heavily uses the Wii U Gamepad.}

 

^{BAYONETTA 1 & 2 (Oct. 2014)}

^{Platinum Games showed off Bayonetta 2 and revealed that when your buy the 2nd game you will get the first one remastered with Nintendo costumes and options for Free. True to Platinum games their game features over the top action and adventure with a powerful female witch battling demons and creatures.}

 

^{STARFOX WII U (2015)}

^{Miyamoto showed off Project Robot and Project Guard that were tech demos for ideas he wants to incorporate into the next StarFox game coming to Wii U in 2015. Not much was revealed other than having a strong focus on the gamepad. so hopefully in 2015 you'll be able to do a barrel roll!}

 

^{Overall I thought Nintendo did a fantastic job of conveying why the Wii U is still relevant. My biggest criticism was there wasn't much content for 2014. Smash, Hyrule Warriors, Bayonetta, Sonic Boom and Toad aside don't do much to make a dent in the next 6 months of this Nintendo drought of games. 2015 looks promising but still lacking a new Metroid or a proper 3D Mario.} 

 

^{Smash Bros. just highlights what is missing from the Wii U even more. So many Nintendo franchises that have yet to make the leap to HD deserve to be made. Hopefully we get them sooner rather than later. Because most games are 2015 I am giving Nintendo a "B" for E3 this year.}

^{Hopefully what we have seen is just the beginning.}

Mega Man August

Every Thursday in August Nintendo will be adding a Mega Man classic to the Nintendo Wii U eShop. The original Mega Man Battle Network is available now for console owners.

Fans will be able to pick up the following four titles at some point in August, one game each Thursday. The games are:

• Mega Man 5 (NES)
• Mega Man 6 (NES)
• Mega Man X3 (SNES)
• Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge (GBA)

Originally released on the GameBoy Advance, Mega Man Battle Network allows players to stop cyber war through a simple battle system, not unlike those found in grid-based strategy games, by utilizing powers found in cards and equipment picked up when bosses are defeated.

Players can pick this title up right now on the Nintendo eShop for $8.

Wii U firmware update 5.1.1 U now available

Wii U firmware update 5.1.1 U now available

Released August 4th, 2014

Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience

World of Nintendo Figure Line

Jakks Pacific is going to release a a new series of fully articulated figures to their World of Nintendo line. These include a line of 4″ and 6″ fully articulated Nintendo figures. Included are:
World of Nintendo 4″ Assortment

• Mario
• Link
• Yoshi

World of Nintendo 6″ Assortment

• Bowser
• Donkey Kong

They have a few other items listed, mostly unarticulated figures, Mario Kart racers, etc. But it’s the line of poseable figures that should get fans excited. Prices were not listed, but expect these to be more affordable than Figma or the SH Figuarts Nintendo figures.

The toy line has been spotted at Target. So head over to Target and see if the line of figures have come in. 

Hyrule Warrior Direct PR Release

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Video game fans will get the chance to play as the baddest bad guy of The Legend of Zelda video game series. Ganondorf, nemesis of Link and aspiring Triforce owner, will become a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Hyrule Warriors video game, which launches Sept. 26 for the Wii U home console. Nintendo revealed new information about Hyrule Warriors during a Nintendo Direct video. To view the Nintendo Direct in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct.

Ganondorf, nemesis of Link and aspiring Triforce owner, will become a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Hyrule Warriors video game, which launches Sept. 26 for the Wii U home console. (Photo: Business Wire)

Hyrule Warriors combines two classic video game franchises, The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors, and challenges players to face off against hordes of enemies in epic battles. Some of the information discussed in the Nintendo Direct included:

Adventure Mode: Players are faced with a grid of challenges that looks like the map from The Legend of Zelda on NES. Completing each challenge unlocks a new region of the map, and with it, a new level of Adventure Mode. Certain characters and weapons can only be unlocked in Adventure Mode.

Costumes: Club Nintendo members who buy and register Hyrule Warriors within four weeks of launch will receive a set of alternate Ganondorf costumes as free in-game downloadable content. More details will be made available on http://club.nintendo.com. For certain other characters, Nintendo will make downloadable alternate costumes available as pre-order bonuses from select retailers in North America. Nintendo will announce more information about how to get these cosmetic add-ons in the future.

Playable Characters: In addition to Ganondorf, players can opt to play as various characters from The Legend of Zelda universe. Each character carries his or her own specialty weapons: Link (Hylian Sword), Princess Zelda (Rapier), Impa (Giant Blade), Midna (Shackle), Sheik (Harp), Agitha (Parasol), Darunia (Hammer), Princess Ruto (Zora Scale), Zant (Scimitar), Fi (Goddess Blade), Ghirahim (Demon Blade) and Lana (Book of Sorcery).

Weapons: A Chain Chomp will make a guest appearance as a weapon. As the story advances, new weapons will become available to some characters, such as the Magic Rod for Link, the Baton for Zelda and Spear for Lana. Weapons have special abilities called Skills that increase attack damage, or perhaps increase the chance of finding Hearts. Filling the Focus Spirit magic gauge will temporarily increase a character’s abilities and help to mow down huge numbers of enemies. And Bombchus are back, just bigger and more explosive.

Game Play: Players can level their characters up to increase HP and attack skill, or they can grab materials dropped by defeated monsters to craft Badges to increase a weapon’s number of attacks, create longer combos or extend Focus Spirit time.

Co-Op Mode: Two players can play a local co-op match, with one player looking at the TV and the other looking at the Wii U GamePad controller. Single players can also play on the TV, or using only the GamePad in off-TV play.

Locations: Players will face down hordes of enemies in familiar locations, such as Skyloft from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Lake Hylia from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Twilight Field from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Classic Zelda Elements: Players will recognize items from their favorite Zelda games, including bombs, arrows and a Hookshot. The game is filled with familiar Zelda staples, such as Cuccos, Rupees, Gold Skulltulas and plenty of grass cutting.

For more information about Hyrule Warriors, visit http://zelda.com/hyrule-warriors.

Club Nintendo Digital Rewards Announced For August

• Dr. Mario Express for 3DS eShop: 200 Coins
• Excitebike for Wii U Virtual Console: 200 Coins
• Mario Golf (GBC) for 3DS Virtual Console: 200 Coins
• Nintendo Baseball for 3DS Virtual Console: 150 Coins
• Puzzle League Express for 3DS eShop: 200 Coins
• Star Fox 64 for Wii/Wii U Virtual Console: 250 Coins
• Super Mario Bros. 2 for Wii U Virtual Console: 200 Coins
• Vegas Stakes for Wii/Wii U Virtual Console: 250 Coins

            The titles are available from now until September 7.

Zelda Monopoly Arrives in Stores Next Month

 GameStop has started taking pre-orders for the board game.

The game’s traditional pieces have been replaced with the Bow, Hookshot, Boomerang, Triforce, Shield, and the Ocarina, which will be exclusive to the GameStop edition.

Houses and hotels are now Deku Sprouts and Deku Trees respectively, while Chance cards have become Empty Bottles and the Community Chest a Treasure Chest. Additionally, those who pre-order through GameStop will also receive extra exclusives including a Hyrule Map Lithograph in a Treasure Chest holder, and six Item Power Cards: Goddess, Wind Walker, Minish Cap, Spirit Flute, Phantom Hourglass, and the Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda Monopoly edition arrives in stores September 15 with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

You can pre-order your Monopoly game now online at
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/monopoly-the-legend-of-zelda-gamestop-exclusive-edition/115791

Wii Fit U Update

FUNimation grabs the rights for Bayonetta anime in North America

Flower Mound, Texas (June 18, 2014) – FUNimation® Entertainment announced today it has acquired U.S. & Canadian rights to the full-length feature film BAYONETTA: Bloody Fate. From the team that brought you the Emmy nominated AFRO SAMURAI RESURRECTION, studio GONZO and internationally acclaimed director Fuminori Kizaki have come together once again to create this feature-length animated film based on the hugely popular video game franchise “BAYONETTA.” The film faithfully captures the extreme action and sexiness of the original, crafting a storyline that expands and further establishes the world of the sexy, shape shifting witch, Bayonetta.

Director Fuminori Kizaki will be making an appearance as a guest of honor at this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, July 3-6 where a “sneak peek” of the English dub of BAYONETTA: Bloody Fate will be shown for fans at the convention, along with a special Q&A with Director Kizaki following on Saturday, July 5th, at 8:15pm in Video 1.

Fuminori Kizaki started his career in the animation industry at Studio Giants and, soon after, joined Studio Hercules. After he moved to Gonzo, Kizaki directed “AFRO SAMURAI” which found success in the worldwide market. The sequel, “AFRO SAMURAI RESURRECTION”, was nominated for the Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more) at the 61st Emmy Awards. His latest work is X-MEN (animated TV series, director). FUNimation plans to release the film on Blu-ray and DVD later this year and Nintendo announced earlier this month at E3 that Platinum Games will be releasing the BAYONETTA 2 video game exclusively for the Nintendo Wii U this October.

Be sure to ‘Like’ FUNimation’s official BAYONETTA: Bloody Fate Facebook page for all the latest news and details regarding the film and cast: https://www.facebook.com/BayonettaMovie

Nintendo TV Update

New Updates:

- Quicker load times across the service
- Easier access to your favorite sporting events, now including baseball! Now you can start predicting plays & climbing the leaderboard even faster
- Enhanced search functionality for all your favorite channels, shows, movies and sports to find out what's on
- Increased TV Tag coverage to all shows on the top 70 channels

Nintendo's 2014 Line-Up revealed with several 2015 titles Announced

Nintendo Invents and Reinvents Gaming for Everyone with Imaginative New Experiences

Nintendo’s video games have always had an element that can put great big smiles on people’s faces: It’s that special Nintendo magic. It’s that certain undefinable something that makes people’s eyes light up, whether they’ve been playing for decades or they’re picking up a game for the first time. At this week’s E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles, Nintendo is showcasing the invention and reinvention of video game experiences – from unique new ways to play to new takes on fan-favorite games and franchises.

Splatoon is a four-on-four multiplayer action game that drops players into a battle arena that two teams strive to claim as their own.

Interactive figures called “amiibo,” scheduled to arrive this year, can be used with multiple Nintendo games, bringing a touch of Nintendo’s magic to the toys-to-life category. With the addition of amiibo to a solid lineup of games on the way, there has never been a better time to own a Wii U or Nintendo 3DS system.

“Nintendo has always represented a unique source of video game entertainment for the widest range of gamers,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s president and chief operating officer. “We create timeless games with twists and turns that provide hours of enjoyment for fans of all ages, and this year with the introduction of amiibo, we’re pushing the creative envelope forward in compelling new ways.”

New Ways to Play: The toys-to-life category as a whole is extremely strong on Nintendo platforms, and Nintendo’s approach with amiibo adds another dimension to the category. Not only can amiibo interact with a particular game, but a single amiibo will continue to entertain in surprising ways, as they can be designed to be compatible across multiple games. Additionally, the Wii U GamePad controller shines in a slate of unique interactive games from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

amiibo: Figures of Nintendo characters can interact with multiple future Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games in unique new ways, providing fresh game-play experiences and a great value for consumers with compatibility across multiple games. Fans can buy and collect amiibo, to bring them closer to the games and characters they love. By the end of the year, Nintendo’s foray into the toys-to-life category will inject energy into the genre. Nintendo will launch amiibo with around 10 figures. More will be launched during the holiday season and throughout 2015. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will be the first game to support amiibo. Other games that will support amiibo include Mario Kart 8, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Mario Party 10 and Yoshi’s Woolly World, with more to come. A new NFC reader/writer being designed for Nintendo 3DS is scheduled to launch in 2015.

Games from Shigeru Miyamoto: Shigeru Miyamoto provides an early look at a slate of games he has in development that use the Wii U GamePad controller in different and interesting ways designed to unlock the full potential of the Wii U console.

Mario Maker (working title) offers up a Super Mario Bros. dream: the ability for players to use the Wii U GamePad to design levels from scratch. Place blocks and enemies anywhere and play through the level. With the tap of an icon, users can even switch the visual style between a classic 8-bit Super Mario Bros. look and the world of New Super Mario Bros. U in the E3 version. The game is scheduled for the first half of 2015.

Star Fox (working title) turns the Wii U GamePad into the view from the cockpit of Fox McCloud’s Arwing fighter. While the TV shows the perspective from behind the Arwing, players can also use the gyro sensors of the GamePad to intuitively and independently target enemies. Players can instantly switch between the Arwing and Landmaster tank with the press of a button, and the game also introduces a new helicopter-type vehicle. The game is scheduled for 2015.

Project Giant Robot lets players use the touch screen to build a giant robot. Once complete, the GamePad becomes a cockpit from which players control the robot as they try to knock opponents over. A unique combination of button and motion control adds leverage and momentum to their robotic punches. The game is scheduled for the first half of 2015.

In Project Guard the goal is to stop a robot invasion using a security system of 12 cameras as a last line of defense. Players mount a dozen security cameras around a perimeter before the invasion, and then monitor all 12 as the robot army invades. Cameras also can blast lasers, so players must look, search and shoot quickly if they want to survive the onslaught. The innovative use of the two-screen game play makes for a thrilling spectator experience, allowing anyone in the living room to join in on the fun as an additional set of eyes. The game is scheduled for 2015.

Nintendo GameCube controller for Super Smash Bros.: Many Super Smash Bros. fans grew up playing Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo GameCube system, and some will always prefer that system’s controller. The Nintendo GameCube controller also could be used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. To honor that devoted loyalty to a classic way to play, Nintendo is introducing an adapter that lets up to four original Nintendo GameCube or WaveBird controllers work with Wii U. The adapter will be available at a suggested retail price of $19.99. Nintendo is also launching a retro Nintendo GameCube controller with Super Smash Bros. markings at a suggested retail price of $29.99. Additionally, Nintendo is offering a special bundle that includes Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, one special Nintendo GameCube controller and one adapter at a suggested retail price of $99.99. All of these items are scheduled to launch the same day as Super Smash Bros. for Wii U this holiday season.

New Game Play: When creating new ways to play, Nintendo has been known to come up with new IP that invents a new genre. Sometimes Nintendo brings its magic to an existing category and reinvents it the Nintendo way.

Splatoon: Splatoon is a four-on-four multiplayer action game that drops players into a battle arena that two teams strive to claim as their own. Players of each team spray ink on the ground around them while blotting out the opposing team members in turf war competitions. Each character can turn into a squid-like character and swim through his or her own team’s ink – gliding up and down walls and under floors – with ease. Using intuitive controls made possible with the Wii U GamePad’s gyro sensor makes it easy to look around and aim, and the on-screen map displays the entire arena at a glance, both of which feel great and redefine multiplayer action. Splatoon is targeted to launch in the first half of 2015.
Fan-Favorite Characters and Franchises Come to Life in New Ways: Nintendo continues to reinvent the franchises that fans love and keep them fresh. Nintendo has exclusive characters and franchises that suit every taste.

 
The next installment in The Legend of Zelda franchise: The newest game in the franchise, scheduled for 2015, introduces the first truly open world in a game from the series. Players can roam Hyrule Field or set off on a trek to distant mountains if they prefer. Players can get to any area they can see from virtually any direction. That’s one of the ways the game breaks with franchise norms and introduces new ways to play.

Super Smash Bros.: The famed fighting franchise appears for the first time in HD on Wii U this holiday season, and on a portable system for the first time on Nintendo 3DS on Oct. 3. New characters, items and arenas add a freshly reinvigorated look and feel. As classic Nintendo characters interact wirelessly in the game, amiibo will add a different dimension to game play. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will be available at a suggested retail price of $59.99, while the Nintendo 3DS version will be available at a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Yoshi’s Woolly World: Yoshi looks like he has been knit from a ball of yarn and placed on the TV screen. This gorgeous HD Wii U game, planned for the first half of 2015, is filled with rich textiles like felt, yarn and cotton that look good enough to touch.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse: This Wii U Kirby adventure, planned for 2015, is set in an HD, stop-motion clay-like world. Everything is made from clay and placed perfectly in a gorgeously sculpted landscape. Touch-screen drawing mechanics with more variations in functions build on the controls of the fan-favorite Nintendo DS game Kirby’s Canvas Curse in this new game.

Hyrule Warriors: The game artfully merges the world of The Legend of Zelda and the style of Dynasty Warriors into one legendary hack-and-slash Wii U adventure. Players control hero Link or Princess Zelda, or might opt to play as Impa or Midna in their debut as playable characters. Familiar locations from The Legend of Zelda world subtly change to reflect the art styles of their original games. The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 26.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Get ready to embark on a new adventure through the Hoenn region. Players will catch, battle and trade Pokémon as they seek answers to the mystery behind Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre and their possible connection to Mega Evolutions. With new challenges to overcome and incredibly powerful Pokémon to encounter, these games are a true evolution in the Pokémon series.

Sonic Boom (SEGA): The Sonic Boom franchise comes exclusively to Nintendo platforms this November with Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric for Wii U and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal for Nintendo 3DS. Both titles will feature the “blue blur” as you’ve never seen him before, as Sonic and his friends embark on two new adventures focused on action, exploration and teamwork.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Capcom): Launching exclusively on Nintendo 3DS in early 2015, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will be the newest installment in the popular Monster Hunter series. Along with an expanded set of moves and two new weapon types, players will be able to join the hunt with friends over the Internet via Wi-Fi.

In addition to the games listed above, some of the other games for Nintendo platforms featured at E3 this week include:

Wii U

Bayonetta 2 (October 2014): Brimming with intricate battles that take place in, on and all over epic set pieces, Bayonetta 2 finds the sassy heroine battling angels and demons in unearthly beautiful HD. Maniacal magic, warped weapons and some serious attitude make up Bayonetta’s deadly arsenal. Best of all, the original Bayonetta game comes bundled with the retail packaged version of Bayonetta 2, complete with some Nintendo surprises and Nintendo cosplay options for Bayonetta.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (working title) (2015): The charming Mario vs. Donkey Kong puzzle series makes its way to Wii U. This HD entry takes full advantage of the touch screen on the GamePad controller as players guide the Minis (including Mini Luigi) to safety. The game also features a near-limitless puzzle-creation mode that allows fans to share puzzles and leave comments on Miiverse.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Holiday 2014): The fan-favorite Captain Toad levels from Super Mario 3D World have inspired a game of their own. The intrepid Captain Toad sets off on an adventure through a wide variety of clever, colorful and fun levels that require players to use the GamePad to change their perspective to guide him to coins, gems, stars and safety.

Mario Party 10 (2015): A Mario Party becomes a Bowser Party as the player with the GamePad becomes everyone’s fire-breathing nemesis. During “Bowser Party” mode, one player gets to be the fire-breathing Koopa King and wreak havoc during the mini-games, while other players try to dodge his attacks. Players can also enjoy classic Mario Party style game play as well.

Art Academy (working title) (2014): Art Academy on Wii U is a robust download-exclusive application that makes it easy for anyone to learn the basics of drawing or get in-depth with more advanced lessons. The Wii U GamePad makes a great canvas to learn, create and share with the most in-depth, robust lessons the series has ever offered.

Xenoblade Chronicles X (2015): The next massive sci-fi role-playing game from Monolith Soft, the creators of Baten Kaitos and Xenoblade Chronicles, comes exclusively to Wii U. A terrible intergalactic war leaves just a handful of Earth survivors trying to live in a beautiful yet hostile environment.

Skylanders Trap Team (Activision): With Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps, truly bringing Toys-To-Life™ and life-to-toys. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as the villains to fight for good. The Wii U version will be playable at the Nintendo booth. Skylanders Trap Team will be available for the Wii U, Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems on Oct. 5 in North America.

Just Dance 2015 (Ubisoft): Just Dance 2015 is the latest in the world’s No. 1 dance game franchise and will be available worldwide in October 2014. Fans can dance along to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Summer” by Calvin Harris while using the fun interactive features like World Dance Floor, the online multiplayer feature and the new Community Remix feature that brings Just Dance fans into the actual game play.

Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon Art Academy (October 2014): In Pokémon Art Academy, players take on the role of a young aspiring artist who enrolls in the Pokémon Art Academy to learn how to draw Pokémon under the tutelage of Professor Andy. Through novice lessons, the players are taught the basics of art, from simple shapes to coloring, and are introduced to various tools and techniques they will use to create art.
Fantasy Life (October 2014): Players embark on the adventure of their dreams as they craft, cast, battle and role-play. The innovative Life system lets players change to one of 12 Life classes at virtually any time to access different abilities. The huge fantasy landscape is filled with surly dark paladins, slick pirate captains and others who share a taste for the unknown.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL (Square Enix, Inc.): Combining hallmark FINAL FANTASY music with role-playing game (RPG) elements, the new THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL will come to North America on Sept. 16, 2014, exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system.
Third-Party

Nintendo’s third-party partners are bringing fantastic and original creations to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Additionally, independent developers are also bringing strong digital-only content to the Nintendo eShop. A number of these indie titles will be showcased within the Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3 program throughout the course of the show. These titles include:

Affordable Space Adventures (KnapNok Games): The GamePad is your control panel in this exclusive 2D side-scrolling spaceship simulator that requires players to configure all the systems in order to fly around undetected on an alien planet.

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (DrinkBox Studios): The game is an action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game features melee combat, a dimension-switching mechanic and cooperative same-screen multiplayer.

Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games): For Shovelry! Run, jump and dig in this lighthearted, classic adventure platformer. Launching June 26, Shovel Knight will include exclusive Miiverse functionality for Wii U, and the Nintendo 3DS version will feature an exclusive Battle Arena mode utilizing StreetPass.

Swords & Soldiers II (Ronimo Games BV): This Wii U exclusive side-scrolling strategy game, the sequel to the award-winning 2009 WiiWare game Swords & Soldiers, is set to launch this holiday season.
A selection of the games scheduled to release in 2014 for Nintendo systems include the following:

Publisher Title Release Date
Wii U
Activision Skylanders Trap Team Oct. 5
Activision Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark June 24
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures 2 October
Disney Interactive Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Fall
Little Orbit Falling Skies: The Game Sept. 23
Little Orbit How to Train Your Dragon 2 June 10
Midnight City Costume Quest 2 October
SEGA Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric November
Ubisoft Just Dance 2015 October
Ubisoft Watch_Dogs 2014
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

Fall

Nintendo eShop on Wii U
Ackk Studios LLC Chromophore: The Two Brothers Director’s Cut Q4
Arachnid Games Ballpoint Universe: Infinite Summer
ATLUS Citizens of Earth Fall
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. ONE PIECE Unlimited World Red July 8
BeautiFun Games SL Nihilumbra Summer
Breakfall STARWHAL: Just the Tip Q3
Curve Digital Lone Survivor Q4
Curve Digital Stealth Inc. 2 Q3
Digital Lounge Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition Summer
DrinkBox Studios Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition Summer
Frima Studio Inc. Chariot Fall
Fuzzy Wuzzy Games Inc. Armillo Summer
Gamesbymo A.N.N.E 2014
Image & Form SteamWorld Dig Fall
KnapNok Games Affordable Space Adventures Fall
Natsume Inc. Alphadia Genesis Winter
Neko Entertainment Wooden Sen’SeY Summer
Nicalis 90s Arcade Racer Summer
Nnooo Cubemen 2 Q3
Nyamyam Ltd. Tengami Summer
Rain Games Teslagrad 2014
Ronimo Games BV Swords & Soldiers II Q4
Slightly Mad Project CARS Q4
Turtle Cream 6180 the moon Q3
WaterMelon Pier Solar and the Great Architects Q3
Yacht Club Games Shovel Knight June 26

Nintendo 3DS
Activision

Skylanders Trap Team-Oct. 5

Activision Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark June 24
ATLUS Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Fall
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. ONE PIECE Unlimited World Red July 8
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures 2 October
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. Saban’s Power Rangers Super Megaforce Fall
BANDAI NAMCO Games America, Inc. Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle October
Capcom MONSTER HUNTER 4 ULTIMATE 2015
EA EA SPORTS FIFA 15 September
Focus Home Interactive Farming Simulator 2014 June 24
Gamemill Big Hero 6 Oct. 28
Little Orbit Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom Nov. 18
Little Orbit Cartoon Network: Backlot Party Oct. 28
Little Orbit How to Train Your Dragon 2 June 10
Little Orbit Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Nov. 4
Little Orbit Disney Violetta: Rhythm & Music Sept. 19
Little Orbit Winx Club: Saving Alfea Sept. 23
Majesco Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit October
Marvelous USA (XSEED Games) Story of Seasons Winter
Natsume Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley Fall
SEGA Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal November
Square Enix, Inc. THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL Sept. 16
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Scooby Doo! & Looney Tunes Cartoon Universe: Adventure August
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids Summer
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Fall

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
ATLUS Citizens of Earth Fall
Big John Games Thorium Wars: Attack of the Skyfighter August
Capcom Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Winter
Gaijin Games Woah Dave! Summer
Goodbye Galaxy Games Tappingo 2 Summer
Hörberg Productions Gunman Clive 2 Fall
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL World Duel Carnival September
Mojo Bones Ltd. Siesta Fiesta Summer
Nnooo Blast ’Em Bunnies Q4
Renegade Kid LLC Treasurenauts Q4
Renegade Kid LLC Moon Chronicles (ep. 2) Q3
WayForward Technologies

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse

Summer

Yacht Club Games Shovel Knight June 26

Nintendo made many of its announcements during the Nintendo Digital Event, which can be viewed at http://e3.nintendo.com. Nintendo will be delivering news throughout the run of the three-day show via a variety of methods, including Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3, the Super Smash Bros. Invitational and Nintendo’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#Nintendo). For full details about Nintendo’s activities at E3, visit http://e3.nintendo.com.

Remember that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

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