Tag: Direct

The Sun Is Shining For New Confirmed ‘Pokémon’ Titles!

by Matt Rodriguez

In the latest Nintendo Direct, those cryptic Pokémon Sun/Moon trademarks that surfaced yesterday have been confirmed as a new Pokémon game for holiday release!  We’re excited because this would be the second time that the Pokémon company would break its own pattern (two main titles, a remake, and a third title).  The first time would be during generation five, where they released direct sequels to their games (Black 2/White 2) instead of a third game, and there were no remakes that generation.  Of course, this point is moot if we get a “Pokémon Z” between now and Pokémon Sun/Moon.

They mention in the direct that all of the games up until now have been cumulating to this one game, specifically marking each trademark game of its generation, so it’s pretty safe to assume that Pokémon Sun/Moon is generation seven, although only time will tell for sure.

How excited are you for Pokémon Sun and Moon?  Please let us know in the comments!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qBHfd2NtJs

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata Passes Away

by Josh Jackson

Nintendo of Japan has released a statement with the unfortunate news that Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo and CEO of Nintendo of America, has passed away due to complications from a bile duct growth. He was 55.

As the person who guided Nintendo through their most recent string of releases, Iwata is best known as the person who led the charge in releasing the Nintendo DS and Wii families of systems, as well as revolutionizing the way company news was delivered through the company’s much praised Nintendo Direct presentations.

We will update the story as it develops.

‘Chibi Robo: Zip Lash’ And The Chibi Robo Amiibo Are Set To Clean Up The West!

by Josh Jackson

Welcome back, Chibi!

In a surprise Nintendo Direct that was full of exciting announcements on both the Western and Eastern front, the return of an old cleaning buddy might have been the most welcomed of all. The company officially announced that Chibi Robo: Zip Lash, the latest title in the quirky series about a toy robot and its outrageous adventures, is headed to the West, complete with its own Amiibo!

Trying to explain this franchise to those who never played these games is a challenge in itself when almost all of the games in the series have been so drastically different. Zip Lash is no excepton, taking Chibi out of family homes and trading in its Nostaljunk for platforms and swings. What oddly enough, looks like a happy, colorful version of Castlevania, Chibi’s next game is a 2D platformer, using his trademark plug as a whip to be used for attacking, climbing and making difficult jumps.

In addition to a physical and digital release, special editions will come bundled with an adorable Chibi Robo Amiibo, which can be used to level up the little guy to the point where he can become Super Chibi Robo! What does this mean? I have no idea, but I know that this guy might be a hot commodity when it hits shelves in October. Considering the figure will only be available through this bundle, hunters and Chibi fans alike would  do well to get those refresh buttons ready!

I’ll be honest, after the second game got a severely limited, Walmart exclusive run, the third never got localized and the fourth was relegated to digital only as more of a mini game collection, I didn’t have much hope for a return to grace for this unsung Nintendo franchise. Suddenly, with Zip Lash on the horizon, things aren’t looking so bad! Sure, taking Chibi out of the open world environments and putting him into a platformer might seem odd to an extent, but between receiving a full retail release for the first time since the Gamecube days, coming bundled with an Amiibo, (which I hear sell pretty well,) and switching over to a genre Nintendo is known for with a Castlevania twist, and this just might be the series revevival we thought would never come! I have faith that the tiny robot can pull it off. If it can save broken marriages, restore the environment and pull items from space-time, this should be a cakewalk!

Watch the robo in action in the trailer below. Will you pick up Zip Lash for your 3DS this October? What do you think of the direction the franchise is taking? Let us know in the comments!

https://youtu.be/W4OVgGyYG_E

Buy ‘Mario Kart 8’, Get Another Wii U Title FREE!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Nintendo has just announced a ton of sweet new info for Mario Kart 8, which hits stores on May 30th.

First up, if you’re not yet a Wii U owner, an excellent new bundle has just been announced that’ll give you everything that you need to get started. The bundle costs a cool $329.99, and will include a Wii U Deluxe Set system, a Mario Kart 8 game, a red Mario Wii Wheel accessory and a red Mario Wii Remote Plus controller. That’s enough for you and a pal to get your Kart on.

MarioKartBundleAlready own the console? If you buy Mario Kart 8 and register it with Club Nintendo before July 31, you’ll receive a free Nintendo eShop download code for an ANOTHER Wii U game. You’ll have the choice of New Super Mario Bros. U, Pikmin 3, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, or Wii Party U. This offer also applies to people who get the game in the Mario Kart 8 bundle or digitally in the Nintendo eShop.

So you’re buying a game that you know is going to be amazing, and you’re getting another critically acclaimed titled for doing it. That’s awesome.

Will you be picking up the game? Grabbing a console just so you can play it? Be sure to let us know!

Gorgeous New ‘Mario Kart 8’ Trailer Shows off New Courses and Items

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We’re barely a month and a half away from a new killer app for Nintendo’s Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and the publisher has just debuted a new trailer for the anticipated title.

The trailer showcases the absolutely beautiful new game (who said that the Wii U didn’t have good graphics), and gives us a peek at some of the new tracks in the game, including a spectacular looking Rainbow Road. You’ll also notice a couple of new items in the mix, and we can’t wait to try them out.

Here are some of the game’s new features, which were just announced by the big N:

– Spin Boost: While racing upside down or on walls, players can bump into other racers or certain track obstacles to get a speed boost. The Spin Boost fundamentally redefines the way that players compete, and makes anti-gravity racing even more exhilarating.

– Returning Characters: In Mario Kart 8, players can race with returning characters Metal Mario, Lakitu and Shy Guy. These newly revealed returning characters join a host of previously announced favorites, including all seven of Bowser’s Koopalings, who are playable for the first time in video game history.

– New Items: Two new items join the fray in Mario Kart 8. First, the Piranha Plant attaches to the front of the player’s kart and chomps at other characters, banana peels on the track or even shells thrown by other characters. Each time the Piranha Plant lunges forward to bite, the player receives a brief boost of speed. The second new item is the Boomerang Flower. After acquiring it, racers can throw a Boomerang at opponents to stun them, and its arc allows players to strike multiple opponents with a single toss. The Boomerang can be thrown three times – forward or backward.

– New Courses: Remixed classic courses make a return in Mario Kart 8, with favorites such as Moo Moo Meadows from Mario Kart Wii, Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 and Donut Plains from Super Mario Kart, among others. The graphics and layout of these courses have been redesigned and re-imagined. For example, Toad’s Turnpike now allows players to drive up certain walls in anti-gravity mode. Mario Kart 8 will include 16 new courses and 16 remixed classic courses.

– Live Recorded Music: For the first time in the Mario Kart series, select courses in Mario Kart 8 feature music recorded by live performers.

– Control Scheme: Mario Kart 8 will support a variety of control schemes, including the Wii U GamePad, the Wii U Pro Controller, the Wii Wheel and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The game can also be played in off-TV mode using just the Wii U GamePad.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know just how excited you are to pick this one up.

Nintendo Direct Recap: 2-13-2014 Edition

by Josh Jackson

As usual, another Nintendo Direct has come and gone and there is a TON of new information to sift through. But don’t worry, we scrutinized the announcements so you don’t have to! Read on to discover all of the Nintendo themed goodness coming to us over the next few months.

– The presentation started in a big way, with the reveal of Little Mac for Super Smash Bros. Click here for all of the details, speculation, screenshots and a sweet reveal trailer.

– Mario Golf World Tour missed its original 2013 release during the Year of Luigi, but it looks like the extra time was put to good use. A plethora of new features were shown off, including Mii support, as well as a solid release date of May 2nd.

– Kirby Triple Deluxe will give each copy ability a variety of attacks. While the game still promises to be easy to pick up and play, hidden sun stones and retro keychains promise to provide a good challenge for series veterans. Streetpass support allows players to send each other items, including keychains if they are also playing the game when passed. The best news? Kirby is right around the corner, also launching on May 2nd.

– Yoshi’s New Island acts mostly the same as its predecessors, where Yoshi’s goal is to reach the end of each stage while keeping Baby Mario safe. Doing so is made easier thanks to power ups like the jackhammer, submarine and super forms, (because it wouldn’t be a New game without a super form.) Yoshi’s pegasus wings will also make an appearance if you suck at the game.

– Steel Diver: Sub Wars was simultaneously announced and released for North America on the eShop. This free to play take on the First Person Shooter genre combines the underwater gameplay of Steel Diver and puts you in the driver’s seat. The free version has two single player missions, two submarines and the full online mode while $9.99 will get you the full package. I’ve been playing it since it popped up and it’s deceptively addictive. Keep an eye out for an in depth report!

– Inazuma Eleven, the popular soccer RPG from Level 5 that has never been released in North America… Has been released in North America! Also available now, $19.99 will get you the first game in the series, while the eShop is also carrying three episodes of the anime for free! You can find out more about both Steel Diver: Sub Wars and Inazuma Eleven in our in depth write up here.

– Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball is a baseball themed mini game collection that lets players haggle in game to lower the price of real life add on purchases. It’s an interesting concept that we covered in detail here.

– Pokemon Battle Trozei brings back one of the lesser talked about Pokemon spinoffs. The first game was a puzzle title that was put out to seemingly ease the pain of waiting for a full fledged Pokemon DS title, but was addictive in its own right. This new game will feature all of the current 718 Pokemon as well as new game play “battle” mechanics to keep things interesting. We’ll have a new way to catch em all when Trozei hits the eShop in March.

– One final trailer for Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy was shown, which will serve as the last game in the popular franchise. Streetpass functionality will allow would-be puzzle solvers to transfer hidden items to each other’s games. It’ll be sad to see the Professor go, but I’m excited to play his final adventure when February 28th comes along.

– Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has finally received a release date! Kind of! After months of silence, Nintendo touched on the game, revealing that the game is slated for an early 2015 launch.

– Weapon Shop de Omasse is the last game in the Guild01 series in Japan, which is a collaboration between famed developers at Level-5 and Grasshopper Manufacturer. Part RPG, part rhythm game, part shop simulator, players are tasked with running a weapon shop. Forging weapons with the timing of accompanying music will make them stronger, which will aid your town’s warriors as they run off into battle. The title is aiming for a February 20th release at $7.99.

– A variety of indie games were given the spotlight, including Treasurenauts, Moon Chronicles, Shovel Knight, 1001 Spikes, the recently released Retro City Rampage and Child of Light. I got to play many of these at Indiecade, and all of them were impressive, especially Shovel Knight and 1001 Spikes. Of course, Retro City Rampage has been out on other platforms for awhile, but if you missed out on it before, there’s no reason not to pick up this definitive version.

– After over a year of waiting, the Game Boy Advance Virtual Console is finally coming to the Wii U. Launching with Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga and Metroid Fusion will be the first games released with more coming out every month. But why not on the 3DS? Get our thoughts on the subject here.

– Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze got one last trailer before its release next week. Solid, creative level design, silhouette stages and huge bosses were put on display, which is to be expected after the excellent Donkey Kong Country Returns. Check out the trailer and get ready for its February 21st release.

– It was just a few months ago that NES Remix stealth released on the Wii U eShop, but NES Remix 2 is already on its way. Coming on April 25th, the downloadable title will feature remixed versions of late era NES games like Metroid, Zelda II, Super Mario Bros. 3 and Punch Out!!! Making the package even more attractive is a full version of Super Luigi Bros. which is based on the mini game from the first Remix. Considering Luigi is a pretty backwards guy, all of the stages will run from right to left. Of course, his signature high jump will also be included. This might be worth the purchase alone!

– Mario Kart 8 got an official release date AND a ton of new characters. Players will hit the track once again on May 30th, while sliding along the edge of that Spring time frame the presentation promised. Check out all the details in our dedicated article right over here.

– Finally! Some game play footage from Monolith Soft’s upcoming Wii U title. Codenamed X, watching it in motion makes it look a lot like Xenoblade, which anyone who’s played it can tell you is far from a bad thing. Release details are still quiet, but I trust that they’ll take all the time they need to make it into as much of a masterpiece as all of the other Xeno games have been.

– And lastly, we got a ton of new information on Bayonetta 2, including details on the story, a new playable character and some kick ass new abilities. Check out our impressions at this link!

And that about covers it! What are you most excited about? Little Mac, X footage, a Mario Kart release date and a ton of fresh new games… it’s safe to say that this presentation was a success. Check out the full video below and keep checking back with Geekscape as these games and more become available.

Game Boy Advance Games Coming To Wii U!

by Josh Jackson

Last year, Nintendo confirmed that classic Game Boy Advance games would be coming to Virtual Console at some point, but they were tight lipped on specifics. Aside from the ambassador program that gave early 3DS adopters exclusive access to a sampling of the GBA library, current owners who have bought the handheld since then have been anxious for the chance to purchase the titles. The good news? The GBA games are finally coming, but not on the system you would expect.

During today’s Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that the Wii U Virtual Console will receive Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga and Metroid Fusion come April with additional releases rolling out every month. Details on pricing or a specific date wasn’t shown, but does it matter how much they’re asking for? These three games are some of the best in their respective genres, so if there was ever a time to throw money at the VC, this would be it.

It’s good to see the Wii U getting this boost in its library, but it’s odd that these games have yet to be announced for the 3DS. Traditionally, console classics appeared on the Wii line while handheld classics make their way to the 3DS. I feel like the GBA library will come to the 3DS eventually, but it is confusing to see the games launching on a console first, especially when two of the three games were already on the 3DS courtesy of the ambassador program.

But enough of my opinions, what does everyone else think? Does the GBA library sway you in any way to purchase a Wii U come April? One way or another, I’m just happy to have an excuse to play Metroid Fusion again.

‘Steel Diver: Sub Wars’ and ‘Inazuma Eleven’ Get eShop Stealth Releases!

by Josh Jackson

At this point, it’s become almost expected for Nintendo to have some kind of stealth release during its Direct presentations. From NES Remix to the Animal Crossing Plaza, the surprises are usually pleasant and unexpected, but relatively small on the scale of importance.

That changed today, with the announcement that two full fledged, freshly announced games were released on the eShop. First, Steel Diver: Sub Wars, (which sadly has nothing to do with Subway vs Quiznos,) acts as the successor to the submarine themed 3DS launch title. Switching to a first person view, this underwater shooter seems to borrow many of the same designs and art style of its predecessor. Oh, and the pariscope stages are back. Yep. Those pariscope stages.

Secondly, Inazuma Eleven is the first game in the long running DS series that has never been released in North America until now. Developed by Level-5, the people behind such hit games as Dark Cloud, Professor Layton and Ni No Kuni, the series was popular enough to receive numerous sequels and spinoffs spanning the DS, Wii and 3DS. It’s not hard to see why Nintendo was reluctant to release it here, since its premise of a soccer JRPG doesn’t exactly scream sales over here, but here’s a perfect chance to vote with our wallets and say that we want more unique titles to hit our shores. Hey, it worked for Xenoblade!

Inazuma Eleven

Steel Diver: Sub Wars is free to play, although this version will only include two submarines. If you like what you play, the full version can be purchased within the game for $9.99, (which is much nicer than the $40 price tag of the original.) Inazuma Eleven is going for $19.99, and according to its reviews from years past, it’s well worth the asking price.

Are you excited to give these a go? Let us know below, and keep an eye out for our full recap later today!

‘Mario Kart 8’ Drifts In On May 30th; Includes Koopalings!

by Josh Jackson

As mentioned in our Nintendo Direct preview, it was fully expected that we would get some more news regarding Mario Kart 8’s approaching release. Now that the presentation has come and gone, it’s safe to say that we got more than any of us could’ve expected, complete with a release date and seven new characters!

Mario Kart 8 will arrive on the Wii U on May 30th, complete with a plethora of anti gravity tracks that have been wowing us since its initial announcement. That wasn’t all though, because the release date reveal came with a brand new trailer, which brings back some familiar faces that we’ve been used to stomping on for a decade and a half.

All of the Koopalings of Super Mario Bros. 3 fame will find their way onto the Mario Kart track for the first time. While Mario Kart games don’t typically have an overly large roster, (not that it needs one, it’s a racing game after all,) these additions are making it look like the eighth entry might be the biggest one yet! Hey, if Funky Kong can make the cut, then the Koopalings are long overdue.

Are you picking up Mario Kart 8 when May 30th rolls along? Watch the trailer below if you need any convincing, and stay glued to Geekscape.net for more information as it’s revealed.

Little Mac Steps Into The ‘Smash Bros.’ Ring!

by Josh Jackson

Today’s Nintendo Direct arguably started with its biggest announcement. Little Mac, the miniscule menace that tore through the international boxing circuit in the NES classic, Punch Out, is the latest character to be added to the Smash Bros. roster.

As one of the most requested characters in the pre-Brawl days, Mac’s demand had only increased thanks to his inclusion as an assist trophy and the excellent Punch Out reboot that released on the Wii. With his inclusion into this latest Smash Bros. title, that’s one more to mark off the list of characters that absolutely HAVE to be in the game, (or at least my list.)

True to his play style from his own games, Mac relies on close quarters attacks to deliver damage to his enemies. What makes him look especially interesting is his unique ability to dodge while attacking, making it easier to close the distance between him and his opponents. Showing off a variety of charge and counter attacks, (complete with a Punch Out style power meter,) it’s clear that Mac is a hard hitter, especially thanks to his Giga Mac Final Smash ripped straight from the multiplayer mode of his latest game. Just don’t try to fight in the air…

Check out the reveal trailer and revel in all of Doc Louis’ amazing commentary. Who else to you expect to see revealed as the days draw closer to Smash’s release. Chrom? Shulk? Issac? Paulatena? Dark Pit? All of the above? Let us know below!

Be sure to check back soon for a complete wrap up of today’s Nintendo Direct announcements.

Nintendo Supports IndieCade With a Huge Lineup of Games

by Josh Jackson

The Nintendo Direct presentation earlier this week had a ton of new information on the future of the Wii U and 3DS, but one of the most surprising revelations was the company’s expected presence at this year’s IndieCade. As an attempt to reach out to independent developers and usher them to the Wii U and 3DS as a home for their work, Nintendo has offered numerous indie titles on its eShop service. To show off these partnerships, a recent press release has shown their entire IndieCade lineup, with some surprises along the way.

Wii U

  • 1,001 Spikes by Nicalis: Using 1,001 lives to clear more than 100 levels, players must overcome devious traps and cleverly designed levels that will test their skills, reflexes and patience.
  • Armillo by Fuzzy Wuzzy Games: Armillo is a unique platforming game with a sci-fi theme that stars an armadillo. Traverse spherical worlds in a mix of platforming battles and speed to defeat the robotic Darkbots.
  • Knytt Underground by Ripstone: Knytt Underground is the latest entry in the acclaimed Knytt series of thrilling platform games, focusing on precise platforming with zen-like game play.
  • Pier Solar and the Great Architects by WaterMelon Co.: Pier Solar and the Great Architects is an original, classic role-playing game with an epic story, more than 50 hours of game play and a massive world to explore.
  • Q.U.B.E. by Toxic Games: The critically acclaimed Q.U.B.E. is a first-person game that presents the player with a series of brain-teasing puzzles. Written by three students, the game asks players to use high-tech gloves to manipulate different types of cubes in the environment.
  • Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails by Dakko Dakko: With frenetic game play viewed from above and a striking blend of 2D and 3D graphics, Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails is a shoot-’em-up platform game with a character all its own.
  • Shovel Knight by Yacht Club Games: A mashup of old and new, Shovel Knight is a classic platformer with awesome game play, memorable characters and an 8-bit retro aesthetic.
  • Tengami by Nyamyam: Tengami is a gorgeous, atmospheric point-and-touch adventure game set inside a Japanese pop-up book.
  • Teslagrad by Rain AS: A beautiful side-scrolling platformer set in a steampunk world, Teslagrad features open-world game play and a hand-drawn art style.
  • Unepic by EnjoyUp Games: The award-winning Unepic follows unlikely hero Daniel as he journeys through a giant castle to destroy an evil force. The game blends platforming and role-playing game play in one adventurous package.
  • Wooden Sen’SeY by Neko Entertainment: Wooden Sen’SeY is an action-platformer set in a unique “Japanese Steam Rock” universe with tons of humor and multiple styles of game play.

Nintendo 3DS

  • Grinsia by Nicalis: Three treasure hunters search for ancient ruins in Grinsia. The traditional role-playing game is designed using classic, 16-bit pixel art.
  • Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai by Shin’en: Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai, a colorful, action-filled game, is from the creators of Nano Assault Neo and Art of Balance.
  • Retro City Rampage by Vblank Entertainment: Developed almost entirely by one person, Retro City Rampage is an 8-bit, open-world game that parodies video games and pop culture from the ’80s and ’90s.
  • Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse by WayForward: The belly-dancing, hair-whipping Shantae is back in another beautifully crafted side-scrolling action/adventure game. Shantae must team up with her archnemesis Risky Boots in order to save her land from a curse. Master the use of Pirate Gear, topple epic bosses and save Sequin Land!
  • Siesta Fiesta by Mojo Bones: Combining various aspects of classic arcade game play, Siesta Fiesta is a vibrant action game that lets players bounce, boost and rebound across the island of Fiestaville.
  • Treasurenauts by Renegade Kid: Play as the famed Treasurenauts, as they try to collect enough treasure to pay for their escape from a perilous, uncharted island. Experience the single-player adventure or team-up with a friend for a cooperative multiplayer expedition.

Playable games aren’t all Nintendo’s booth will have to offer, since it will also feature several of the developers of the above games. Representatives from Fuzzy Wuzzy Games (Armillo), WaterMelon (Pier Solar and the Great Architects), Nicalis (1,001 Spikes, Grinsia) and Yacht Club Games (Shovel Knight) will attend the event to show off their games and answer questions.

Lastly, Dan Adelman, manager of Business Development at Nintendo of America, will be hosting a panel entitled “How to Self-Publish Your Game on Nintendo eShop.” Any would-be developers who are interested in getting their game out to the masses might want to take note of this, especially considering the millions of 3DS system on the street right now.

IndieCade is a four day event spanning from October 3rd-6th in Culver City, California, so if you’re in the area, love games and have the weekend free, it would be a great way to check out the newest ideas in gaming while giving lesser known names some love.

New Nintendo Direct Features Mario, Sonic, Smash Bros and More!

by Josh Jackson

This morning, Nintendo took to the Internet once again in their latest Nintendo Direct presentation, this time focusing on what the company has in store for the rest of 2013, along with a few surprises to carry us into next year. Can you say… SONIC IS BACK!?

Smash Bros Sonic 3DS

Below are the highlights of this information packed presentation. Look for more details on these announcements throughout the day.

Super Mario 3D World features a slew of power ups to help Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad take down Bowser once again, (this time in a sweet ride!) These include the Cat Suit, a cherry that splits characters into multiples, (which is the closest we’ll get to Mario 128,) a cannon helmet and a Goomba disguise. Returning power ups shown in the trailer include the Propeller Block, Fire Flower and the Hammer Bros. suit. Super Mario 3D World is arriving on November 22nd to Wii U.

Mario and Luigi themed Wii Remotes will also be released three weeks before this new Mario game on November 1st.

Remotes

Wii Party U was shown off with two new mini games. The first had players using the Wii Remote Plus as a ladle to scoop water out of the game pad and carry it to the TV without spilling. The second, called Dance with Mii, has up to four players holding the pad simultaneously as they perform certain actions displayed on the screen. The game will come packaged with a horizontal stand and will hit stores on October 25th.

http://youtu.be/_4PgM6p9R8s

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze confirmed the Internet rumors that there would be a delay. We’ll now have to wait until February to get our hands on the Kong family’s latest adventure.

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be the first game in the series to feature simultaneous online play, including the championship and dream events shown in previous Directs. The medals earned will increase the score of the player’s home country, creating a cumulative point total that will help countries compete like the real games while paving the way to resolving world conflict. Sochi 2014 is coming on November 15th, including a bundle that packs in a blue Wii Remote Plus.

http://youtu.be/HEuvcFNAJgo

Speaking of Sonic, the Blue Blur will meet the Blue Bomber in Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS with the hedgehog being officially confirmed to be returning.

http://youtu.be/QREyxpuYeGU

Pikmin 3 has new challenges available for download, both as paid DLC at $1.99 and as one free download. Future stages will be released for an additional charge. In addition, leaderboards are being expanded to show world rankings. This update as well as the additional stages are available now.

A slew of third party software is headed towards the Wii U and 3DS, including Etrain Odyssey Untold (available today with two modes of play, a CD and an artbook,) Just Dance 2014, (available on October 8th with a Wii Remote bundle,) Skylanders: Swap Force, (coming October 13 for Wii U and 3DS, both of which will come packaged with different Skylanders,) Lego Marvel Superheroes, (landing on October 22nd,) Batman: Arkham Origins and its handheld counterpart, Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate, (October 25th,) and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, (October 29th.)

Sonic: Lost World will release with a special Deadly Six Bonus Edition, adding special stages and boss fights to the package. The Wii U and 3DS version will each have exclusive Color Powers, in addition to the 3DS exclusive customizable gadgets, which can be shared with the Wii U version. This newest Sonic title is still slated for an October 29th release.

http://youtu.be/nJJubcPdOJw

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies will give gamers a taste of his latest courtroom adventure with a playable demo available now. This should hold us over until its October 24th release date.

Nintendo will participate at that year’s IndieCade, showing off the large amount of independent offerings found in the 3DS and Wii U library.

Link’s awesome lobster shirt from the recently rereleased Wind Waker HD can be scanned into Animal Crossing: New Leaf through a QR code within the video. In addition, two new Spotpass items will be distributed through Nintendo Zone locations, including the Fedora Chair starting today and the Sushi Platter on October 15th. Nintendo Zone items for Kid Icarus: Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 will be released in the coming weeks.

Speaking of Nintendo Zone, the recently added StreetPass Relay system is being improved to provide the data of the last six people to pass it rather than the last one person, making completing those puzzles that much easier.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds will break away from the typical formula and let players tackle dungeons in whatever order they choose. A new shop called the Ravio Shop will allow Link to rent or purchase a large amount of equipment that will aid him in completing each dungeon. And yes, Ravio looks a lot like Nabbit from New Super Mario Bros U, but let’s not talk about that.

http://youtu.be/sq5s79bqEOs

Finally, to close out the show, a brand new Kirby game was revealed for the first time, coming to the 3DS in 2014.

http://youtu.be/Jxk7IL1YrYs

It’s safe to say that there was more information released today than we could handle. What’s your favorite piece of news from today’s presentation? Was it Sonic in Smash Bros? Or new Kid Icarus items? How about the new Kirby game or the changes to the Zelda formula? All I want is Cat Mario… Watch the presentation in full below, and let us know how excited you are!

‘Pokemon Bank’ and ‘Pokemon Transporter’ Announced

by Josh Jackson

At the completely logical hour of 4 AM this morning, Nintendo held a special Direct conference dedicated to the upcoming 3DS monstrosities, Pokemon X and Y. A slew of new announcements and revelations were made, but perhaps most importantly, were the revelations of two 3DS apps that will make the lives of Black and White players much easier.

Introducing Pokemon Bank, this app will allow players to hold up to 3000 different Pokemon using cloud storage. Taking the concepts of Pokemon Box, My Pokemon Ranch and the storage feature of Pokemon Stadium to new heights, Bank has more storage than one would ever need. I mean, seriously, cheaters can’t even hack that many characters, (don’t worry hackers, we won’t tell.) Whether or not the game will give rewards for storing certain amounts like the previously mentioned storage apps has yet to be announced.

As a supplemental app for Bank, Pokemon Transporter is designed to give you a head start in filling those 3000 slots by allowing trainers to mass transfer characters from Black, White, Black 2 and White 2 from Bank. Sadly, Diamond, Pearl and Platinum won’t be compatible, but it’s still better than that six at a time Pal Park crap.

Like with most good news, there’s a catch. While pricing wasn’t discussed, there was a smidge of small print snuck into the video stating that an annual fee must be paid to access Bank. As if Pokemon didn’t make enough money, charging for storage is a new way for the series to make bank, (pun not intended… okay, I lied.) Satoru Iwata quickly explained that the fee is necessary to maintain the servers, since the benefit of the cloud would allow trainers to access their teams like never before. And just like that, I broke into a PTSD fit thinking of the Xbox One launch.

Pokemon DollarShawty what chu drank?

So we’ll take the good with the bad, mostly because we don’t have a choice. I’m thrilled with the ability to mass transfer, but I hate that we’ll have to pay to transfer. Oh well, ’tis the age of DLC, AKA “the future.” What do you think? Do you got Poke’s in the bank waiting to be deposited? Let us know below!