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    VC/WiiWare Tuesday: Majora's Mask arrives in another region

    April 7, 2009 - 10:30am

    On one extreme, this week Japan's Virtual Console offers one of the most technologically advanced games the service can support, on one of the first systems the Virtual Console emulated: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask on N64. On the other extreme, it offers a game that happens to be ancient for the brand new Virtual Console Arcade service.

    As if Majora's Mask weren't enough, WiiWare is loaded with stuff, not all of which is Evasive Space! In fact, two welcome retro revivals make their debuts, hopefully hastening their arrival outside of Japan.

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    Nintendo of Europe calls MotionPlus release date 'rumor and speculation'

    April 7, 2009 - 5:00am


    Nintendo of Europe reps have called the recent release list with MotionPlus dated on it "purely rumor and speculation," reports Eurogamer. This news comes after reports last week that July 10th would see not only the release of the MotionPlus add-on, but Nintendo's followup to Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, as well.The report also mentions Wii Fit Plus, a game/expansion/whozeewhatsit set to drop on November 19, though NoE makes no mention of the mystery title in the conversation. We've asked for comment from Nintendo of America and will update if and when we hear something from the perpetually tight-lipped publisher.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    DSi blows up UK sales charts

    April 6, 2009 - 11:00pm


    We don't know if it's their love of dual cameras or their hatred for GBA slots, but people in the UK can't get enough of the DSi. The console has become the fourth-fastest selling in their history, even beating out the original DS and DS Lite, according to GfK-ChartTrack. Only the PSP, PS3 and Wii have done better.GfK-ChartTrack spokesman Chris Poole says the company also noted a bump in DS software sales, especially impressive when you consider that there aren't any DSi-specific games on shelves.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Capcom promises big push for Monster Hunter series for Western audiences

    April 6, 2009 - 9:15pm


    Capcom isn't content with the five gazillion dollars of money it's made with the Monster Hunter series in Japan so far. No, the company is looking to make American gamers follow suit by turning the multiplayer RPG to the gaming equivalent of crack cocaine. Speaking to MCV, Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto admitted there has been a serious lack of marketing for the Monster Hunter games. This will be rectified for the upcoming PSP release, dubbed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. "This time we're taking things far more seriously in terms of the promotion," Tsujimoto said. "The first step is to actually get the game noticed. No one here knows what the game is so we just need to spread the name of Monster Hunter."A lengthy new trailer (seen after the break) may be the first step in a long campaign to raise awareness with the English speaking community. If Capcom can get the buzz flowing around Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, we may see an even bigger push for the Wii-exclusive Monster Hunter 3.

    Continue reading Capcom promises big push for Monster Hunter series for Western audiences

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    VC in Brief: Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES)

    April 6, 2009 - 8:00pm

    Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Patient gamers should check it out!New Horizons is a game that will appeal to strategy fans and pretty much nobody else. Even though it has a fairly unique and fun combat system, the hurdle of getting into significant combat and actually progressing the game is hard to climb, given the game's clumsy out-of-combat controls and complicated menu system. It's still fun, but be prepared to spend plenty of time doing a lot of mundane tasks before you actually can get into the tasty bits of gameplay.
    Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Ubisoft's My Healthy Cooking Coach is DSi Enhanced

    April 6, 2009 - 7:00pm

    Ubisoft just announced its first game to take advantage of the DSi's camera feature, and it's, uh, My Healthy Cooking Coach (or simply My Cooking Coach in the UK). The game will work on both DS and DSi, but DSi owners will have access to ten extra recipes for some reason (mostly just to make DSi owners feel special, probably), and will be able to use pictures taken with the DSi camera in their own chef profiles. The press release mentions DS and DSi versions, so we've contacted Ubisoft to clarify, in case there are separate cartridges for each system [Update: it's just one DSi-enhanced cartridge].My Cooking Coach contains 240 healthy recipes, along with "tips and tricks to create healthy and delicious meals that will delight friends and family." My Cooking Coach will arrive in June.
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    WiiWare mech combat game Overturn turns westward

    April 6, 2009 - 6:00pm

    Studio Zan's Overturn looked great when it came out in Japan last December. Well, seemed great -- the graphics are a bit rough. The WiiWare mech combat game had some pretty enticing features: both local and online multiplayer, and even Balance Board compatibility. The only feature it lacked was a known Western publisher.We're thrilled to learn that Gamebridge, a new European publisher formed from a partnership between Japanese publisher Interchannel and Nintendo distributor Bergsala, has picked up Overturn for the European market, to be published as Overturn: Mecha Wars. We've contacted Gamebridge to determine whether the release is also planned for North America, but at the very least, a localized version will make the game more enticing for potential American publishers. Gamebridge will release more details about the price and date in May.Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Nintendo not concerned about declining Japanese Wii sales

    April 6, 2009 - 5:30pm

    The Wii, once an unstoppable sales force in Japan, has started falling behind the PlayStation 3. The whole industry appears to be trending downward, but the Wii's drop is more than proportional.A Nintendo representative told Financial Times that the company isn't distressed. "It is still the first few months of the year when sales are slow for the industry so we are not particularly concerned," the spokesperson said. "We hope to line up strong software to support hardware sales in the second half of the year." Nintendo has already lined up at least one strong title: Capcom's Monster Hunter 3, which will likely spark an increase in Wii hardware sales when it launches in Japan this summer. Of course, the main reason for Nintendo not to fret over falling Wii sales is that the company continues to sit at the top of the sales charts with the DS platform.[Via Edge]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    This Week on the Nintendo Channel: MyDemos Party

    April 6, 2009 - 5:00pm

    A new DS came out this week, as you may have noticed. That means that a lot of DS owners have renewed interest in the system, and that perhaps some new system owners have joined the club. It's a great time to put grade-A demos on the Nintendo Channel -- which Nintendo certainly has with its permanent lineup of first-party titles, including both Brain Ages and Rhythm Heaven. How does Nintendo mark the big week? With two old demos (including Gardening Mama, so we're not too upset) and MySims Party, which is probably a good choice for new audiences! Of course, if you got a new DSi and you want more free games, you've got 1000 Nintendo Points to spend!

    Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: MyDemos Party

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    Joyswag: Nintendo DSi, Rhythm Heaven & accessories

    April 6, 2009 - 4:00pm


    In honor of yesterday's DSi launch -- and you wise readers who did not brave the frenzied mobs of Nintendo's sprawling demographic -- Joystiq is giving away three Nintendo DSi systems (matte black); and two with a copy of Rhythm Heaven. Additionally, one grand prize winner will also receive a Power A Sleeve Kit, including hardware and game cases, styli, and screen protectors (just like this, but red). Excited? Simply follow the rules below for your chance to win:

    • Leave a comment telling us who you'd show off your DSi to first
    • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
    • Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
    • This entry period ends at 2:59 pm ET on Friday, April 10
    • At that time, we'll randomly select one grand prize winner to receive a Nintendo DSi ($169.99), Rhythm Heaven ($34.99) and BDA Power A Sleeve Kit (ARV: $14.99); one first place runner-up to receive a Nintendo DSi ($169.99) and Rhythm Heaven ($34.99); and one second place runner-up to receive a Nintendo DSi ($169.99)
    • For a list of complete rules, click here

    Got DSi on the brain? Check out our in-depth unboxing feature that shows off the handheld's features, and be sure to stay up to date on DSi-related info through our Nintendo DSi tag!Permalink | Email this | Comments