Nintendo Direct Wrap Up: September 13th

On Thursday, Nintendo had their latest Nintendo Direct that was headlined by new Wii U information. If you missed it here is the video so you can watch it for yourself. From games to prices this Nintendo Direct delivered so much. Here is a recap that will not only save you an hour of your life, but may even give you a better understanding of everything that was shown.

Starting the presentation Nintendo told the fans that they would release two versions of the Wii U on November 18th, 2012. The two versions are supposed to make picking a console much easier for both your budget and how you will use your Wii U. The basic Wii U package comes with the console itself, 8GB of internal storage, a GamePad, HDMI and AC adapter cables, and a Wii U sensor bar. The deluxe package comes out with everything that you get in the basic version, a black finish, 32GB worth of memory, a copy of Nintendo Land, stands and charger for the GamePad as well as their premium Nintendo Network where you get 10% off digital purchases. The basic version will sell for $299.99 and the deluxe will come in at $349.99.

Something new that was shown off by Nintendo was Nintendo TVii. It is a service that they offer in the form of an application on the console that syncs up with your Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, DVR, and even your TV provider to have all your shows and movies in one place. It has a nice clean UI that make it easy to use. When watching a show or film the game pad shows interesting screenshots and other information so you can share the highlights while watching. They also said that it would cost you nothing to have this feature or any other feature on the Nintendo Network, as they strive to provide consumers with the whole package.

They also showed off some cool games during the presentation. They announced that Bayonetta 2 will now be a Wii U exclusive, right now it is controversial since they never had it before and 360/PS3 users now do not get to enjoy the sequel on their existing console. Monster Hunter 3 will be coming for Wii U and 3DS in march. Activision is now showing strong support for the console just like Ubisoft did at E3 with titles like Skylanders Giants, 007 Legends, and the CoD Black Ops 2. They showed some gameplay of Nintendo Land, and the Metroid multiplayer Co-op + free for all modes look great, almost as if they could be full games. New Super Mario Bros U, now a confirmed launch title was shown off with Boost Rush where as you collect coins the screen scroll speeds up. Nintendo said that in their launch window (November to March) will have at least 50 games.

Are you going to adopt this console early at launch or wait for a price drop? Are you even going to purchase it or do you think that the console will crash and burn? Tell us all in the comments!

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6 Million 3DS units Sold in Japan

Well the failure system the 3DS is doing better then what people thought when it first came out. It so far has sold 6 million in Japan and globally it has sold over 13.35 million units. Since the 3DS launched it has brought in 17.1 million sales. Currently though Nintendo is not making a profit on 3DS's sold, not until the end of September of 2012 they say. For more Nintendo and other news check back to AnythingGeek.net!

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Get Yourself A Yoshi Costume Now!

In Mario Tennis Open, Club Nintendo members now have unique early access to this promotional content.  Early this week on Club Nintendo, users we greeted by a banner that lets players get access to this free content.  This content will come to everyone soon enough but why not sign up for Club Nintendo and get some cool stuff? This content is easy to get and is really a nice vanity item for your game.

You can get this content in four easy steps: Firstly, log in to your Club Nintendo account, then turn on your 3DS with the game in. When you get to the file select screen press up on the d-pad and start to enter camera mode, and finally get your costume.  Also, because we are nice guys, here is the QR code you need to scan. Just click to enlarge if you have to and enjoy your new outfit.  I haven't tried out this costume for its stats but they look decent enough so far. The Nintendo site seems to show two other releases, so that is something to look forward to in the future.

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RIP Aqua Blue 3DS

Today Nintendo Japan's website had some news about the 3DS saying the the Aqua Nlue color will soon be phased out. You may remember aqua blue as one of the launch colors in North America launch colors in North America along with Cosmo Black.

Why are they phasing out this color? Many are guessing that is is due to poor sales after the Cobalt Blue 3DS released in Japan not too long ago. It is expected to come to North America soon so if you want an Aqua Blue model you should get one now before they are phased out here too (but there are probably better colors to choose from, like the upcoming Midnight Purple).

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Sakurai Says: No Kid Icarus Sequel

IGN has recently reported on their latest interview with Sakurai - the maker of Kid Icarus, among other popular Nintendo games - that he was saying that the next time we would see a new Kid Icarus game wouldn't be for another 25 years. This is not uncommon though, Sakurai usually doesn't make sequals for the same game in a generation so let's hope that on the next generation Nintendo handheld or Wii U we could possibly see a new Kid Icarus game, maybe with better controls. But Sakurai makes it sound unlikely:

"We pushed a lot into the game in order to let people have this short yet deep experience, but the novelty of that would likely grow thin in the next game. For now, my thought is that perhaps we'll see someone else besides me make another Kid Icarus in another 25 years"

Quote:

“No matter how much you change a game's genre and whatnot for the times, I think it's vital you never lose your respect for the original game,” he said. “With the first Kid Icarus, it's not a serious adventure - it has a more humorous bent to it, one you don't see in the original Legend of Zelda and Metroid that came out that generation. To embody that in a modern style, we made efforts not to have it seem like a run-of-the-mill battle - the story flow is really daring and unfolds in crazy ways that don't pay too much attention to the setting.”

Source: IGN

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Help Support LEGO Mobile Designer for Nintendo 3DS

Hey there readers, Atzunew here with something a little bit different. A site by the name of Cuusoo has been established so consumers can create possible LEGO related products and if they gain enough support then they will be sent to be reviewed by LEGO. Officially this website has created 3 ideas that have become retail kits, but has given LEGO many more for review. Most notably the LEGO Minecraft kits were started and supported there. Usually this is kits but sometimes we get stuff like this: "LEGO Mobile Designer for Nintendo 3DS/iPhone".

The LEGO Digital Designer program is a successful application for the PC platform which is free to anyone. The premise is that you can create a full LEGO kit in the program and then you can purchase the kit directly from LEGO with custom packaging and instructions included. Someone on the site has proposed a port to 3DS and iOS platforms. This concept could also extend to other platforms like Android if it gains enough support. The 3DS is in desperate need for some quality apps on it's eShop right now and I think that a digital designer program could help with that issue.

This needs your support however, as Cuusoo needs to provide LEGO with 10,000 supporters to prove that this would have a suitable demographic at launch. Even if you wouldn't want to get this yourself you can support the fact others would. Some other examples of Cuusoo projects that are up for review include Legend of Zelda kits and the Firefly Serenity kit. If you're looking to be more artistic on your 3DS be sure to also check out my review on Colors! 3D.

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Bird Mania 3D Launches on eShop Today

Hey there readers, Atzunew here coming with some eShop news.  Today marks the release of the cheapest game in the NoA eShop to date, Bird Mania 3D.  Below is a short description of what the game entails, so read and see if this game is for you.

Bird Mania 3D can be described as an single player action game that has players dodge obstacles and collect stars.  This game is meant to be picked up and played for short but rewarding sessions, not being enthralled for hours on end.  The makers of the game, Teyon, have made several successful and fun games in the past albeit low quality ones.  For it's $1.99 (USD) price tag I would pick it up if you have the spare change in your eShop balance or like the look of the game but otherwise don't.

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Mario Tennis Open Pics & Features

The upcoming Nintendo 3DS game Mario Tennis Open had some new pictures released today as you can see down below. They also announced the features of the game these are on the official website. While this game may look like some of the older Mario Tennis games this is the first to have an online mode which will make the playing of this game much more fun when I play with other AnythingGeek Writers.

Features:

Online Play: Mario Tennis Open players can compete and cooperate in local wireless matches with other opponents and play exhilarating games. Players can also build up their Open Match standings, check the monthly leaderboard and win Victory Medals from every challenger they defeat.

Ink Showdown: In this fast-paced competition, Piranha Plants spit ink balls from the back edge of the court. Players must destroy the ink balls before they splatter, while hitting tennis balls away from an opponent.

StreetPass Features: Players can inspire friendly competition by using the Nintendo 3DS system's StreetPass feature. They can engage in competitive StreetPass Matches or cooperative Ring Shot challenges with computer-controlled versions of people they encounter and share their StreetPass winning streak. StreetPass can also be used to show off players' Mii characters, which can be customized with new outfits and accessories that can improve their on-court performance. As users play, new items for their Mii will be unlocked in the Item Shop.

Unlockable Characters: New and familiar Nintendo characters can be unlocked – some through game play, others via special QR Codes. Unlockable characters include Luma, Baby Mario and Dry Bowser.

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Midnight Purple 3DS Launches May 20th

To start off for this week let's check out some news from Nintendo.  In our latest podcast (coming soon) we mentioned that "Midnight Purple" was a new colour would come to the 3DS, though we did not know if it would come to other regions. Today NoA has come out and announced this model will be available for this region and gave a release date of May 20th.

People that are on top of Nintendo news will know that this is also the date that Mario Tennis Open comes out.  There is no news to if there will be a bundle of sorts to promote both, but it is possible. "Midnight Purple" is actually a very nice shade of purple and looks great, it also reminds me of the Saints Row series.

Note however the this colour scheme is in no way marketed by McDonalds, the picture was just for "shits and giggles", thanks to Joystiq. Hopefully we can get more of these great looking colour schemes over to western markets, and not just be exclusive to Japan. If I didn't already have a 3DS I would get this colour since it looks great and it would be very unique.

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New Super Mario Bros. 2 Will be Digitally Distributed

New Super Mario Bros. 2, a game that was announced last week has now gained some more intrigue from the gaming community. Eagle-eyed gamers will have seen that NSMB2 has been classified as both a eShop title and a retail title. New information has been released that shows that Nintendo plans to give consumers a choice as to if they want to purchase retail or digital.

This information comes from the latest investor meeting as Satoru Iwata confirmed this to be the plan in which Nintendo is taking. They plan to also allow retailers to stock 16 digit codes which will give consumers that option of purchase.  Some flaws perhaps is that Nintendo plans on making the game only available to the system it was purchased on, so if your 3DS is lost or broken you cannot transfer your games to a new system. Also there are no plans on different prices between retail and digital games, something some people thought since there would be no packaging or as many overhead costs. However, all this news may prove that Nintendo is taking serious action in making an online platform for the 3DS and the upcoming Wii U.

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Pokémon Black 2 White 2: Release Date Confirmed?

If you have been following our recent stories then you will no doubt have seen our previous coverage on Pokemon Black 2 & White 2. Today we have a rumor of the release date for these games. Personally I'm skeptical as to the legitimacy of of these rumors since it comes from GameStop who usually puts in place holders for games, even when there is no official word. None the less, these at least go along with projections of general release dates that have been said in the past. The date appears to be set at October 2, 2012.

Also there is a release date for Pokémon Conquest as well as LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - some great looking games. This picture come courtesy of Abadagabada from Reddit, thanks to him we now have another piece to the puzzle. Click the image to view full size and continue to follow this blog for more gaming and tech news, and also follow our Twitter for all the latest updates!

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Rayman Origins 2 Confirmed

You read that right Rayman fans, there will be a sequel to Rayman Origins. During a survey that Ubisoft was doing one of the questions stated:

The sequel to Rayman Origins will feature brand new settings: legendary worlds filled with castles, vampires, ghosts, Greek Gods, or dragons.

There first Rayman Origins game was not very successful, it had very low sales numbers and the game only sold 50,000 copies in its first month - but no official sales data was released. They have said that the first game is now profitable after its secondary releases on PS Vita and Windows. The game will also be released on the 3DS on June 8th.

We have some screenshots of Rayman Origins 2, credit Kotaku:

Did you play Rayman Origins? Did you play it on console or on or PC? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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3DS Firmware Update Incoming

The 3DS handheld console will be be getting an update on April 24th. This update will bring folders to your main menu as well as allowing patching of retail games. Folders can hold 60 items and you can change the name of individual folders.

The ability to patch games will allow Mario Kart 7 to be updated in May in order to fix the Maku Wuhu map. Hackers may also have to worry about the ability of Nintendo patching games, making it more difficult to hack the console in the future and to install homebrew software. For even more 3DS news, check out the latest info on New Super Mario Bros. 2!

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