Star Fox Zero, Star Fox Guard
Star Fox Zero is now out, so Nintendo has released a launch trailer for the game which you can find below.
During the week, a special 15 minute animation entitled Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins aired, which was made in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto, Production I.G. and WIT Studio. It features “the beloved characters from Star Fox Zero”. After the animated short aired, a special Nintendo Treehouse: Live featuring Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard was also shown to fans. You can find the animation and Treehouse Livestream recording below:
A new episode of Game Center DX focusing on Star Fox Zero and Guard also aired recently, and you can find it below:
Due to the game’s recent release, a small tribute was also prepared an Nintendo NY. The E3 puppets are now on display, including the one of Shigeru Miyamoto, together with various goodies on shelf and a Star Fox Zero demo booth. You can find some photos of this promotional effort below:
Finally, you can take a look at more video clips below, containing gameplay, unlockables, secrets and easter eggs, from Star Fox Zero, Guard and The Battle Begins.
Kirby: Planet Robobot
A second Japanese commercial for Kirby: Planet Robobot is now online. You can find it below:
https://youtu.be/3aySib1wCdI
Nintendo had a playable demo of Kirby: Planet Robobot at this weekend’s PAX East, so we have some new gameplay footage from it thanks to GameXplain. Check it out below:
Tokyo Mirage Session #FE
Nintendo has revealed that a limited edition “Fortissimo Edition” for Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is coming to both North America and Europe. Both versions are similar to the Japanese one, and will come with a copy of the game, a 5×8 color artbook, a six-song soundtrack CD featuring some of the game’s music, six song cards, and a sticker sheet. Also included are DLC codes for all five sets of planned downloadable content, which will be available at launch (usually $1.99 each). Pricing is set at $79.99 and you’ll be able to pick up a copy at either Amazon or GameStop in North America.
Besides this, a new trailer for the game was released. Check it out below:
Moreover, new gameplay footage from the game was recorded at PAX East, which you can find below:
Finally, we have a little info tidbit from Game Informer, which reached out to Nintendo for clarification on Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE’s western release. The company confirmed that Atlus is handling localization and explained the changes being made to the game as follows:
“Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE was localized by Atlus in a way that is consistent with the localization work they do on games they publish. It was a priority to ensure the game feels familiar and appeals to longtime Atlus fans. Any changes made to the in-game content were due to varying requirements and regulations in the many different territories Nintendo distributes its products.”
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Nintendo has announced that Metroid Prime: Federation Force is seeing a delay to improve the game balance. In North America, the game will now launch on August 19, while the European release is now slated for September 2. Japan will be getting the game on August 25.
Splatoon
The results of the 13th Splatoon Splatfest are now out for all regions. Check them out below:
Japan (13th Splatfest) – Mayonnaise Tuna vs. Red Salmon Onigiri
– Votes – 48% / 52%
– Wins – 51% / 49%
– Final Results – 354 / 346 – Mayonnaise Tuna Wins
North America and Europe (13th Splatfest) – Team SpongeBob vs. Team Patrick
– Votes – 57% / 43%
– Wins – 45% / 55%
– Final Results – 327 / 373 – Team Patrick Wins
Super Mario Maker
Polygon has released the latest episode in its “Devs Make Mario” video series. In today’s episode, La-Mulana director Takumi Naramura created a level in the game. Give it a watch below:
Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge
A new Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge trailer was released, showcasing the special abilities of some of the amiibo characters included in the game. You can find it below:
Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
A big update for Mario Kart Arcade GP DX has been released on Japanese arcades. This adds new courses and improves the user interface, while making the versus mode more enjoyable.
Here are the details on Pac-Man Stadium and Namco Circuit, the two new courses:
Pac-Man Stadium
A course glittering with neons, with the Pacman statue leaving the most impressions. It’s a technical course with many sharp curves. In order to progress smoothly, players will need to memorize the order of curves, and spin the handle in a rhythmical pattern accordingly.
Namco Circuit
A circuit that looks like a history museum of Namco games. There are many straight lines and loose curves, making it a course with high-speed battles. Use the acceleration area gimmicks well to instantly widen the gap against rivals.
Both of these courses have been added to all modes except for Grand Prix (National Versus, Versus and Co-Op).
New features on the game screen include:
– Ranking display on the right side now also has portrait frames so that players have better understanding on their positions
– When someone shoots or is shot by an item, a cut-in notification with their portrait frames will show up
– When the player is targeted by a homing item, a warning alert will show up on that player’s screen
Recommended Courses and Trial Karts have been added when playing Local Versus or Co-Op. It is now possible to choose six Recommended Courses from the total twelve courses (push the Mario button to go back to the normal and mirror course selection). Even if the player doesn’t have a BanaPassport card, they will now be able to try out from 3 Trial Karts: a Normal Kart and 2 randomly chosen Karts. Note that using these Trial Karts will not activate shield when doing Jump Drift.
For those who do not have a BanaPassport, Continue Bonus will give them a usable special item if they do opt to continue. To those who do use a BanaPassport, 50 Mario Coins will be given to them when they continue.
Other game feature changes include:
– Newly registered BanaPassport cards in this version will get a special kart Lightning Champ and 12 kinds of items
– Using Jump Drift while using a Special Kart will now generate a shield that protects you from an attack once
– Pressing the Mario Button will now also make the kart jump
– Rebalanced items, including default item compositions
– When playing Grand Prix or National Versus modes, or using BanaPassport, Mario Coins will now be placed in courses
– Co-Op mode is now only available when using BanaPassport
– Team Versus mode is completely removed
Finally, here’s a screenshot gallery showing off the new additions and changes.
Pocket Card Jockey
Nintendo has announced that Game Freak’s Pocket Card Jockey is coming to Europe and getting a demo on the eShop, which is now out. The full game is set to arrive next month, on May 5. The demo for Pocket Card Jockey is also out on the North American 3DS eShop, but the region only has a general May release window for the game.
An overview of Pocket Card Jockey was also released by Nintendo of America, and you can find it below:
3, 2, 1… Go! Stack cards like it’s a race to the finish. And it is! In this fast-paced mash-up of solitaire and horse racing, you’ll jockey your way to victory by clearing cards to energize your horse. You can even level up your noble steed through strategic positioning on the track. Can you master solitaire and horseback racing… at the same time?!
After you get a dozen races under your belt, you can retire your horse – a sad moment for any jockey. However! You can relocate your horse to your very own farm and pair them with other retired horses to breed new ponies… that are completely adorable! Eventually these babies will pony up by maturing into horses that you can ride in competitions for prizes. You can then get items at Chirp’s shop, such as puzzle pieces or temporary bonuses. After completing certain puzzles, your hose will even gain more stats when leveling up. That’s some next-level jockeying!
Finally, you can take a look at some gameplay footage from the demo below, thanks to NintenDaan:
Pokémon Sun & Moon
It has been discovered by some 2ch users that back in February 2016, more trademarks were registered for what seem to be upcoming pokémon to be featured in Pokémon Sun & Moon. These include Solgaleo (ソルガレオ) and Lunaala (ルナアーラ), which many think are the cover legendaries, and Mokuroh, Ashimari, Nyabby and Marshadow, with the first three speculated to be the starter pokémon of the upcoming games.
However, unlike the majority of Pokémon trademarks, these trademarks weren’t registered by Nintendo, Game Freak or Creatures Inc. but rather listed under the name Yusuke Inui who, upon research, appears to be an IP lawyer in Japan. This is probably just a registration via proxy which happens from time to time (like with some pokémon during the XY days), but there’s no 100% confirmation that these trademarks pertain to Pokémon.
Also, Game Freak has trademarked the name Gigareki, but in a different way than the names above, which might indicate it’s some other unnanounced game or app.
Whatever these trademarks are, I guess we will find out rather soon.
Pokkén Tournament
Nintendo has released a new Pokkén Tournament trailer highlighting the accolades the game has received until now. Check it out below:
Miitomo
The newest version of Miitomo, version 1.1.3, can now be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. Version 1.1.3 implements “speed optimizations for some processes”, and Nintendo says that bug fixes have been added in as well.
Nintendo is also holding a new promotional effort for Miitomo that can net users some Splatoon items. If the company surpasses 10,000 retweets or tweets that include the hashtag #Miitomo_Splatoon_RT, an Inkling boy wig will be handed out. The same goes for the Inkling boy wig and Inkling girl wig at 20,000 tweets. The retweet period ends on April 26 at 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET, so you still have a bit of time to lend an hand. You can find the official page here.
On April 27, there will also be some Splatoon tie-ins for Miitomo Drop, the Miitomo Shop, and rewards on My Nintendo for the app. The full details about that can be found below.
Be sure to check out these other Miitomo x Splatoon collab promo activities:
Splatoon x Miitomo Drop!
From April 27th, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. PT until May 29th, 2016 at 7:59 a.m. PT, Splatoon-themed stages will be available in Miitomo Drop. You can redeem Miitomo coins or game tickets to play Miitomo Drop. This is your chance to freshen up your Miitomo wardrobe with Splatoon-themed clothing items and accessories!
Splatoon x Miitomo Shop!
From April 27th, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. PT until May 29th, 2016 at 7:59 a.m. PT, you can redeem Miitomo coins for a Squid pin accessory in Miitomo Shop.
Splatoon x My Nintendo!
From April 27th, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. PT until May 29th, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can redeem My Nintendo Platinum Points for ink tank reward items in a variety of colors for your Mii to wear in Miitomo.
Virtual Console Trailers
Below you can find trailers for recent Virtual Console releases on the Wii U eShop.
Mario Party DS (Europe, DS)
Mario Party 2 (Europe, N64)
Advance Wars: Dual Strike (Japan, DS)
Nintendo Selects
A new batch of Nintendo Selects recently came out in Europe, so a new promo video was made available online. Check it out below:
Nintendo Spring Partner Preview
Nintendo has released a new video presentation, hosted by Damon Baker, featuring several games heading to the Wii U and 3DS eShops starting this spring, along with a few retail titles like Monster Hunter Generations and Corpse Party. Tumblestone and Axiom Verge are the main focus in terms of indie offers, but a sizzle reel at the end shows off additional titles.
Nintendo Minute
In the latest episode of Nintendo Minute, Kit and Krysta take a look at some comments from the viewers. You can watch the episode below:
Rumour: Nintendo’s new software output strategy for NX
Emily Rogers posted a new article about Nintendo’s software plans for the NX. You can the article over here, but you can find some of the highlights below (but as always take it with a grain of salt):
– The big fundamental focal point (and overall goal) behind NX is to vastly increase the software output from Nintendo’s first party teams and studios.
– To accomplish this, the entire process of how Nintendo develops and produces software has gone through radical changes.
– There is a new strategy that was put in place to create and release first party software at a faster rate.
– Multiple unannounced Wii U projects were moved over to NX.
– The NX could potentially see the highest output of first party software in the company’s history. (I’m talking about the entire lifespan of NX. Not just one or two years.)
Emily Rogers also mentions that “the NX’s software output will blow away the Wii U’s software output” and within a year “will build a larger library of games than Wii U produced in three or four years”.
Additionally, she stresses out that some games won’t necessarily avoid delays, and that it’s possible that there will still be gaps between releases, as expected. Nintendo may also choose to save game announcements for different events, like Nintendo Directs, which means we may not see the full lineup at E3 or even at launch.
Fun Fact: Lakitu’s behaviour in Super Mario Bros. is glitched
I found this details about Super Mario Bros. very interesting, so though I should share. Apparently, the way Lakitu throws Spiny Eggs at players is unintentional. After many years, fans have discovered that he attacks with no horizontal movement due to a bug. Instead, it was supposed to be based on a few factors, like Lakitu’s speed and the player’s position.
The Cutting Room Floor explains:
The Spiny eggs are thrown by Lakitu in a simple way, with no horizontal movement whatsoever. However, this is not the intended behavior; it’s actually the result of a bug! The eggs are supposed to be thrown out relative to the player’s speed, Lakitu’s speed, the player’s position, and a pseudo-random value, as well as bounce off of any blocks or walls that they hit on the way down.
Here’s a comparison of the two versions of the Spiny Egg throwing to illustrate the point: