Pokémon Sun & Moon
A new pokémon called Salandit has recently been revealed by Junichi Masuda at Japan Expo 2016. Below you can find a summary about it by The Pokémon Company and a small new trailer showcasing the pokémon.
Paris, France – 7 July 2016: Earlier today at the Japan Expo in Paris, GAME FREAK director Junichi Masuda took to the stage to unveil the brand-new Pokémon Salandit that can be found in the Alola region in the highly anticipated video games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.
More information about the new Poison- and Fire-type Pokémon:
Name: Salandit
Category: Toxic Lizard Pokémon
Type: Poison/Fire
Height: 2’00”
Weight: 10.6 lbs.
Ability: CorrosionThe Toxic Lizard Pokémon Salandit emits toxic gas, together with flames, from the base of its tail. The gas it emits has a sweet smell, and anyone who unknowingly breathes it in will become dizzy. Although Salandit is not a particularly powerful Pokémon, it uses its cunning nature to fiercely battle and throw its opponent off balance.
Salandit has the Corrosion Ability, an Ability that no previous Pokémon has had before. The Corrosion Ability means that Salandit can inflict the Poison status condition even on Steel- and Poison-type Pokémon.
A new video which showcases Salandit can be found here: https://youtu.be/3X68Aae5OR4
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO has started to be released for Android and iOS in the various regions of the world, and has quickly become one of the top-downloaded apps in the places where it’s out.
The game’s support site has released some information regarding the supported devices:
Android
Android 4.4 to Android 6.0.1
(Android N will not supported until the official Android release)
Preferred resolution of 720×1280 pixels (Not optimized for tablet)
Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)
GPS and Location Services
Intel CPUs are not supported
iOS
iPhone 5+
iOS 8+
Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)
GPS and Location Services
Jailbroken devices are not supported
Moreover, due to several server issues that have been popping up since the game was released in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, Niantic CEO John Hanke said Pokémon GO’s rollout in other regions like Europe, Canada, and South Africa is “paused until we’re comfortable”. He added that the company is currently working on a fix, something that was also shared on the app’s Twitter account.
Thank you for your patience. We have been working to fix the server issues. We will continue rolling out #PokemonGO to new countries soon.
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) 8 de julho de 2016
A coming soon trailer has been released for those areas still waiting for the game, which you can watch below:
You can also find some footage below:
Furthermore, John Hanke shared with TechInsider what kinds of updates will be coming next to Pokémon GO. You can read more about that here.
Besides that, Hanke “will examine the past, present and future of extending games beyond the screen and re-imagining reality through the lens of Ingress and Pokemon GO” at a San Diego Comic-Con 2016 Pokémon GO-related panel that will be held at the expo on July 21 between 5 PM and 6 PM.
Skytree Pokémon Center
A new Pokémon Center recently opened in the Skytree commercial facility in Tokyo, Japan, and Famitsu has shared several photos of the store opening which you can find in the gallery below. This is the 11th store to be established so far.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
After a fan mentioned their disappointment with censorship on Twitter, Mitsuru Hirata shared another message about the situation again. He responded to that person with the following:
“When I found out we were unable to provide the same experience as the Japanese version, I also felt some disappointment. But our overseas fans remained happy that the game was being brought over and I’m glad to see their passionate support. In the meantime, the new costumes added could in a way be considered a merit that can only be enjoyed by our overseas fans! Thank you, and please look forward to the game!”
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Nintendo has released a new accolades trailer for Kirby: Planet Robobot. Check it out below:
While we are on Kirby news, it might be worth mentioning that a Kirby themed cafe will open in Japan for a limited of time next month. As expected, it’ll go by the name “Kirby Cafe”. Original items exclusive to the cafe will also be sold at the establishment. The official site is located here.
Splatoon
Nintendo has recently released versions 2.9.0 and 2.10.0 of Splatoon.
The 2.9.0 update adds compatibility for the Callie and Marie amiibo, and also includes weapon balance adjustments, multiplayer bug fixes, and more.
You can check the full patch notes below:
Compatible amiibo Added
- Now compatible with Callie and Marie amiibo.
Main Weapon Balancing
- Adjustments have been made to specifications for certain Main Wepons.
- More info
Special Weapon Effect Duration Balancing
- Adjustments have been made to specifications for certain Special Weapon Effects.
- More info
Stage Adjustments
- Ancho-V Games: Fixed an issue in Rainmaker mode, in which certain terrain wasn’t appearing correctly on the turf map when inked.
Multiplayer Bug Fixes
- Fixed an issue that caused players performing a Super Jump while swimming through ink to appear to be sliding long distances to opponents.
- Fixed an issue that caused Ink Mines placed on enemy turf to occasionally be visible byopponents, whether or not they had the Bomb Sniffer gear ability.
Other
- Adjustments have been made to make for a more pleasant gaming experience.
The 2.10.0 update was released soon after to solve the “invisble squid glitch” caused by the former update, which allowed players to become invisible to both enemies and team mates, and caused a bit of a ruckus while it was available.
Nintendo also told Kotaku that Splatoon’s “general online experience and service will continue” after the last Splatfest is held, so there’s no reason for players to be worried about not being able to play online for now.
Meanwhile, Nintendo UK has announced “The Summer of Splat”, a new celebration for Splatoon in the UK region.
The Summer of Splat is intended to bring players together over the course of four weekends to partake in The Great British Splat-Off, online tournaments that will allow players to “show off their style, seek to cover the most territory and ultimately prove what they are made of”.
Three different leagues will be online (sign ups here), with all requiring teams of four:
Squid Kid League: For younger players – Turf War game mode only
Inkling League: Beginner/casual players – Turf War game mode only
Octo League: Open to all ages and levels – More challenging featuring all game modes
From July 16 to August 7, teams will compete in each league in hopes of earnings tickets to compete in a special event held at London’s Gfinity Arena on August 27. This is the Splatoon Fan Fest, a live day of challenges.
Aside from the tournament itself, there’s more in store for The Summer of Splat, which Nintendo shared:
In addition to fans partaking in gameplay tournaments, kicking off from 11th July via the Splatoon Facebook page, Nintendo is also offering fans the chance to get colourful with two competitions, inviting fans to share their style by submitting an image of their Splatoon-inspired cosplay or by submitting Splatoon-themed art. Each week (for four weeks) Nintendo will select five of the best entries from each competition and showcase them via the Splatoon Facebook page. All entrants selected throughout the four weeks will be invited to attend The Splatoon Fan Fest on 27th August for the grand finale.
As well as providing an opportunity for the victorious to come together and demonstrate their squid skills, The Splatoon Fan Fest will feature a host of Splat-tastic entertainment and Splatoon matches, as well as the final judging of the cosplay and art competitions.
Fans will also be given the unique chance to pick up exclusive Splatoon giveaways and prizes, including rare merchandise, exclusive artwork created by Splatoon’s revered Art Director and a one-off personalised Splat Champ winner’s jacket.
The Splatoon Fan Fest will be live streamed on Nintendo UK’s Twitch Channel so everyone can keep track of the action as it happens.
Anyone yet to jump into the unique world of Splatoon can take advantage of an upcoming 25% discount on the software price in Nintendo eShop, down from £34.99 to £25.99 between 15:00 CEST on 7th July and 23:50 CEST on 21st July. And to help new players make a splash in their first Turf War matches, Nintendo has released a series of Splatoon – Top Tips! videos covering the basic skills players need to master, straight from the game’s co-director, Tsubasa Sakaguchi.
Now that the Callie and Marie and the other new Splatoon amiibo are out, some footage of both the amiibo and what they unlock in the game has been made available. You can find some below:
The Squid Sisters Callie and Marie also performed live in a concert at Paris’ Japan Expo. As such, Nintendo released a rehearsal video before the event during the week, which you can watch below:
Super Mario Maker
The Super Mario Maker Mystery Mushroom costumes for Callie and Marie are now out, much like the new event course called “Squid Sisters vs. Bloopers”.
You can find an overview and some gameplay footage from the course below:
“Urgent report from the Squid Research Lab! The Squid Sisters have been spotted in the world of Super Mario Maker, and the local squids don’t seem to be giving them a very warm welcome! It’s up to Callie and Marie to show those Blooper bullies that the new squids on the block aren’t about to be messed with. May the freshest squid win!”
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
The Squid Sisters’ Splatfest is coming up soon, so Nintendo has shared some Splatoon patterns for Animal Crossing: New Leaf to help players celebrate the event. By scanning the QR codes below, residents can help their towns and homes stay fresh with face cutout standees, shirts, pictures, and hats based on Callie and Marie. Check them out:
Miitomo
Miitomo’s version 1.3.1 is now out, and apparently just fixes some bugs.
New batches of Miitomo Drop content have also been added to the game. These are as follows:
“Made of star stuff… Starlight Style #2”
– Stardust hairband
– Star suit
– Lamé star tee
– Stardust socks
“Made of star stuff… Starlight Style #3”
– Star hood
– One-star hoodie
– Baggy star-print shorts
– Stardust backpack
“Making a splash! Critters of the Deep #1”
– Mermaid top (set)
– Mermaid tail (set)
– Whale suit
– Starfish hairpin
Miitomo Shop Items
– Nautical cap
– Shirt w/ sailor scarf
– Socks w/ anchor design
– Tricolor marine sandals
– Life preserver
– Diving helmet
– Diving suit
Miitomo is also celebrating Splatoon’s final Splatfest with special items. Here’s the rundown straight from Nintendo:
1. Splatfest Tees in the Miitomo Shop!
Until 7/25/2016 7:59 AM PT, Team Callie and Team Marie Splatfest Tees will be available in Miitomo Shop!
You can redeem Miitomo coins for these items in the Miitomo Shop.
2. Squid Sisters Squid pin giveaway!
All Miitomo users will get a Squid pin representing whichever Squid Sister’s team wins the Splatfest!
So if you really want a Team Callie Squid pin rather than a Team Marie Squid pin (or vice versa), you’d better play Splatoon, join the Splatfest, and fight hard for your team of choice!
To get the free Final Splatfest Squid pin, users must launch Miitomo from 7/24/2016 11:00 PM PT until 3:59 AM PT on August 1st, 2016.
And don’t worry, both Squid Sisters Squid pins will also be available in the Miitomo Shop for a limited time, from 7/25/2016 12:00 AM PT until 7/31/2016 6:59 PM PT. You can redeem Miitomo coins for these items in Miitomo Shop.
3. The first Splatoon Collaboration Promo items are back! If you missed out last time, now’s your chance!
Miitomo Drop x Splatoon
The Splatoon Collaboration stages will be available until 7/14/2016 7:59 PM PT! You can select Miitomo Drop stages from the Shop tab and then use Miitomo coins or game tickets to play.
My Nintendo x Splatoon
The Ink tank reward item will be available until 7/14/2016 11:59 PM PT! You can redeem Platinum Points for the Ink tank in a variety of colors for your Mii character to wear in the Miitomo app.
Miitomo Shop x Splatoon
The original Squid pin will be available until 7/14/2016 6:59 PM PT! You can redeem Miitomo coins for this item in the Miitomo Shop.
Finally, parts 3 through 6 of the Miitomo interview (Miitomo’s Potential) with Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi and Miitomo producer Yoshi Sakamoto are now out, concluding the piece. You can find all of those over here.
June 2016 eShop Highlights
Nintendo has released a new video showcasing some of the European digital game highlights from June 2016. Check it out below:
Nintendo Minute
The latest episode of Nintendo Minute in now out, with Kit and Krysta taking on The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX for another episode of Backlog Buster! You can watch it below:
Miyamoto Interviews
Kotaku took some time to interview Shigeru Miyamoto and Bill Trinen at E3. During the interview, they talk about several topics, including what makes a Nintendo game special or unique, what’s the core of a game, controls, sound effects, and advice to younger developers. You can read the full interview over here.
Besides that, you might also be interested in knowing that Game Rant caught up with Shigeru Miyamoto at E3 and asked about the statues of Pikmin 4, to which Miyamoto answered the following:
Yes, you are right, and we’re working on [Pikmin 4]. So, you know, when we’re in development we have to create a list of priorities and it has been hard to kind of fit that into that list, but we’re hopefully starting to see that on the list now.
Hyper Japan Festival 2016
Nintendo has shared more details about its plans for Hyper Japan Festival 2016.
According to Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be shown live for the first time in the UK. The company will also have daily on-stage demos for the game, plus live gameplay sessions of Monster Hunter Generations, Dragon Quest VII, and other titles.
In terms of playable games, here’s a list of what Nintendo will have on display:
Yo-kai Watch
Monster Hunter Generations
Dragon Quest VII
Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
Hyrule Warriors: Legends
Bravely Second: End Layer
Final Fantasy Explorers
Project X Zone 2
Rhythm Paradise Megamix
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Spirit of Justice
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
The Battle Cats POP!
Mighty No. 9
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Axiom Verge
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
Splatoon
Pokkén Tournament
Pokémon X & Pokémon Y
Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue & Pokémon Yellow
You can also find more details in the official announcement below:
Nintendo’s booth at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2016 is set to offer a full line-up of on-stage activities for attendees to watch, and a packed roster of gameplay opportunities to experience throughout the three-day event. Those unable to attend will also get the opportunity to feel part of the action, as Nintendo UK will livestream a selection of on-stage content for viewers to watch at home via the Nintendo UK Twitch Channel on Saturday 16th July between 10.00 and 15.00.
Comedian and long-time gamer, Imran Yusuf, will also be heading to HYPER JAPAN, taking to the Nintendo stage in a bid to complete the very best fan-created Super Mario Maker courses. Nintendo UK is today challenging would-be level designers to take inspiration from HYPER JAPAN, as the courses created and submitted that are most in line with the tone of the festival will be pre-selected for Imran to play live on-stage with Nintendo UK, streaming the session live via Nintendo UK’s Twitch channel. Those keen to enter their courses simply need to follow Nintendo’s social channels and share their course ID in the comments section of the relevant post on Facebook and Twitter. All selected courses will also be made available for all Super Mario Maker players to try via the Super Mario Maker Bookmark website following HYPER JAPAN.
There will be plenty more on-stage activities taking place at HYPER JAPAN as Nintendo will host and live stream via the Nintendo UK Twitch channel a number of on-stage tournaments which attendees can get involved in, game demonstrations for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games both out now and coming soon as well as other special activities. Some on-stage highlights will include DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, Rhythm Paradise Megamix, Splatoon and Pokkén Tournament. Nintendo will also be bringing to the stage special activities for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, so be sure to bring your trained amiibo along to take part. Visit the Nintendo website for a full schedule of Nintendo’s on-stage line-up for HYPER JAPAN.
Visitors to this year’s event are encouraged to bring their Nintendo 3DS family system with them to exchange data with other attendees via StreetPass, as well as download demos of many of the games featured on the Nintendo booth. There will also be a special Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer amiibo card swap area, where visitors can trade with others to help grow their collection.
Presenting a prime opportunity to get creative with photography, Nintendo’s booth will also feature a unique amiibo photo stand, giving fans the chance to strike a pose like their favourite amiibo. Miitomo enthusiasts will have a chance to showcase their Miifoto skills by sharing their favourite snaps from the event to Nintendo UK’s Twitter channel during the event using #Miifoto #HyperJapan. The most creative and compelling Miifotos will be in with a chance to win a special Tomodachi Life prize bundle.
The Nintendo Official UK Store is also heading to Hyper Japan with a dedicated presence on the Nintendo booth, ensuring visitors are able to pick up a whole host of goodies. There will be plenty of special offers available across many product lines, exclusively available to those attending Hyper Japan. To celebrate the launch of Monster Hunter Generations™ the Nintendo Official UK Store will also be offering a 50% discount* on Monster Hunter figurines if you have a photo taken at this area of the Nintendo booth mirroring the monster’s pose. There will be plenty of other offers available including 50% off selected T-Shirts while stocks last, so be sure to grab yourself a great deal. Those attending Hyper Japan will also be eligible to get their hands on a special coupon code that will be distributed in the Splatoon area of the Nintendo booth. The code, which is valid until 21st July, will provide an exclusive 40% discount on the regular price of Splatoon when purchased via Nintendo eShop on the console or the official Nintendo website.**
If you haven’t taken part already, don’t forget that Nintendo UK are currently hosting two competitions. The first is a special YO-KAI WATCH® Fan Art Contest, challenging fans to share physical or digital recreations of their favourite Yo-kai to win a YO-KAI WATCH® prize and have their masterpiece displayed on the Nintendo booth at HYPER JAPAN. Additionally, a Fire Emblem Cosplay Contest will give HYPER JAPAN attendees the chance to wow cosplay fans by taking to the catwalk on the main stage in the Nintendo area on July 17th. The top outfit will receive a host of Fire Emblem prizes.
From enjoying gameplay experiences, watching and taking part in on-stage activities, entering competitions, completing challenges and getting hold of special content, fans can enjoy a truly unique and entertaining experience at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2016 as Olympia London opens its doors from Friday 15th July until Sunday 17th July 2016.
The company also shared a full schedule for their activities:
Gamescom 2016
Like in past years, Nintendo will be attending Gamescom once again in 2016. The company will have a booth at the massive European expo next month.
A listing of notable publishers expected at Gamescom has also been made available, which you can find below. The event will be held between August 18 and August 21.
505 GAMES
Activision Blizzard Deutschland GmbH
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Germany GmbH
Bethesda Softworks Zenimax Germany GmbH
CCP hf
CD PROJEKT S.A.
Deep Silver a division of Koch Media GmbH
Don’t Nod Entertainment
Electronic Arts GmbH
Blizzard Entertainment SAS
Focus Home Interactive
Frontier Development PLC
GIANTS SOFTWARE ENTERTAINMENT GMBH
HTC Vive
Kalypso Media Group GmbH
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V.
Microsoft Corporation
Milestone Srl
Nintendo of Europe GmbH
NORDIC GAMES GmbH
NVIDIA GmbH
Oculus VR, Inc.
Perfect World Europe B.V.
Rebellion
Splash Damage
Square Enix GmbH
Take-Two Interactive GmbH
Techland Sp z o.o.
UBISOFT GmbH
Wargaming Europe S.A.S
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
New Super Mario Hot Wheels Set
Last year, Mattel collaborated with Nintendo to produce Hot Wheel toys based on classic Mario games. A new set is now in the works, and will be launching very soon.
The latest Hot Wheels vehicles are character-based, covering Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, and Toad.
It’s estimated that this set will be released sometime during August, and that they should be out at least before the end of summer.
Here’s a screenshot of the new toys:
