Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 17 Comments

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata opened up on the company’s handling of the Virtual Console during the latest shareholders meeting.

Iwata explained that creating Virtual Console titles “require detailed manual work, such as testing if the software runs smoothly on each platform, or making sure the content is appropriate under the various standards currently in place.” Although some fans say that Nintendo tends to release classic games slowly, it’s difficult to speed up the process since doing so would take up resources for brand new titles.

Nintendo is “currently researching how we can efficiently develop Virtual Console titles with limited human resources.” Iwata also pointed to one big issue, which is “how to resolve the situation in which we can only release a few Virtual Console titles at a time when we release new platforms.”

Read on below to check out everything Iwata stated about the Virtual Console.

Regarding your question on the scale of Virtual Console title sales, the download sales as a whole for this (75th) fiscal year are 31.3 billion yen, and I have shared publicly that this is a 30 percent increase from the last fiscal year, but we have not disclosed the individual sales of Virtual Console titles only.

Virtual Console itself is a service that began when we developed Wii so that consumers can play past titles on new platforms, and we continue to distribute various titles now. However, back when we started this service, there were some points that we could not sufficiently foresee about how big this business would grow to be and how the business would expand. For example, Virtual Console titles are generally developed based on the original game software, but this does not mean that we can develop numerous Virtual Console titles simply if we have the original game software. Development of Virtual Console titles require detailed manual work, such as testing if the software runs smoothly on each platform, or making sure the content is appropriate under the various standards currently in place. Thus, we occasionally receive opinions that our pace of releasing new Virtual Console titles is slow, but if we use much of our human resources on such detailed manual work, we would not be able to develop new titles, so we are currently researching how we can efficiently develop Virtual Console titles with limited human resources. One of the big issues for our system development is how to resolve the situation in which we can only release a few Virtual Console titles at a time when we release new platforms.

In addition, regarding the possibility of making all titles available on Virtual Console, I can say that it is possible for Nintendo titles with a few exceptions, since we generally have the intellectual property rights for such titles. However, as to third-party software publishers’ titles, if they are producing the software based on a license from another copyright holder, for example, we may not be able to easily use the same title for the system that exists now because we do not have a license from the copyright holder at the time. This often becomes a problem with reruns of TV shows or Internet broadcasting. Therefore, since we can only release Virtual Console titles of third-party software publishers if they come to an agreement with the copyrights holders upon negotiating terms and conditions that were not included in their original contract, please understand that there are some titles that we cannot easily release despite many requests. We will make our best efforts to satisfy our consumers with our Virtual Console title lineup.

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Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, Videos, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

Nintendo released a new video today showcasing a few European digital game highlights from June 2015. You can watch it below.

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Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 2 Comments

This week’s North American Nintendo Downloads are as follows:

Wii U Download

Roving Rogue – $7.99
Quadcopter Pilot Challenge – $8.99

Wii U Virtual Console

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – $9.99

3DS Download

Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 – $39.99
Mercenaries Saga 2 – $4.99

3DS Themes

Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies Mood Matrix
Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies Court Record
Ace Attorney Trilogy Pixel Art
Ace Attorney Trilogy Main Characters
Pokémon: Mega Charizard Y & Mega Rayquaza
Pokémon: Eevee Collection: Espeon & Umbreon

eShop Sales

Wii U

– Bombing Bastards and Spot the Differences: Party! from Sanuk Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 9.
– Ittle Dew is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 30.
– Plenty of Fishies is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 31.

3DS

– Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies from Capcom is 44 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $16.79) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 16.
– Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy from Capcom is 25 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $22.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 16.
– Talking Phrasebook – 7 Languages is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 9.
– European Conqueror 3D, The Legend of Dark Witch and Tappingo from Circle Entertainment are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 23.
– Toy Stunt Bike is 50 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on July 30.
– Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, 4 Elements and more games from Tulip Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 1.

Activities

Splatoon: New Game Mode and Splatfest – Tower Control, a new game mode that finds Inklings riding a tower into the enemy’s base, has been added to Ranked Battle. In addition, the theme for the first Splatoon Splatfest is “Cats or Dogs” and starts July 4. Learn more here: http://splatoon.nintendo.com.

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. “Independence” Tournament – See how your Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. squad stacks up online in Nintendo’s Public Tournaments. Top players earn unique titles that are visible online and earn major bragging rights with their friends and around the world. The new “Independence” tournament runs from July 2 to July 6. Opt in via the SpotPass feature for notifications on future tournaments, and click here for more information about multiplayer tournaments. Good luck, agents!

Source: Nintendo PR

More: Nintendo Download, top, Virtual Console

Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

This week’s Wii U eShop charts are as follows:

Software

1. Splatoon
2. EarthBound Beginnings
3. Cube Life: Island Survival
4. Super Mario World
5. EarthBound
6. Super Mario 64
7. Paper Mario
8. Mario Party 10
9. Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
10. Zelda: The Minish Cap
11. Super Mario Bros. 3
12. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
13. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
14. Super Metroid
15. LEGO Jurassic World
16. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
17. Donkey Kong 64
18. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
19. Golden Sun
20. Super Mario Bros.

Videos

1. Super Mario Maker – E3 2015 Trailer
2. Star Fox Zero – E3 2015 Trailer
3. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS Here Comes a New Challenger
4. Yoshi’s Woolly World E3 2015 Trailer
5. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS New Content 6/14/15
6. Splatoon Direct 5/7/15
7. Cube Life: Island Survival Trailer
8. Skylanders SuperChargers E3 Trailer
9. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS Roy Seals the Deal
10. EarthBound Beginnings Trailer
11. LEGO Jurassic World Launch Trailer
12. Splatoon amiibo Trailer
13. Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games E3 2015 Video
14. Play Nintendo Introduction Video
15. Never Alone Trailer
16. Xenoblade Chronicles X E3 2015 Trailer
17. Zelda: Tri Force Heroes E3 2015 Trailer
18. Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash E3 2015 Trailer
19. Art Academy: Home Studio Launch Trailer
20. Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival E3 2015 Trailer

Source: Wii U eShop

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Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

This week’s video additions to the Wii U/3DS eShops are as follows:

Wii U

Splatoon – Splatfest Incoming
Nintendo Minute – E3 Vlog
Roving Rogue Trailer
KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker Trailer
Quadcopter Pilot Challenger Trailer
Art Academy: Home Studio Launch Trailer

3DS

Splatoon – Splatfest Incoming
Nintendo Minute – E3 Vlog
Art Academy: Home Studio Launch Trailer

Source: Wii U/3DS eShops

More: video additions

Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, Videos, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

Nintendo World Report uploaded a new video of SteamWorld Heist. In addition to giving us the latest off-screen footage, it also has developer commentary from Image & Form. Take a look at the video below.

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More: Image & Form, indie, SteamWorld Heist

Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 2 Comments

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is launching on the North American Wii U eShop tomorrow, a listing on Nintendo’s website confirms. It will be available as a Virtual Console download for $9.99.

Here’s the official overview:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made –returns on the Nintendo eShop for Wii U. Set off on a legendary journey to stop Ganondorf, who has plunged Hyrule into darkness. Travel through time as child and adult Link and experience Hyrule in peace and war to save the world and protect the Triforce.

Your quest takes you through dense forests and across wind-whipped deserts. Swim raging rivers, climb treacherous mountains, dash on horseback across rolling hills, and delve into dungeons full of creatures that fight to the finish to put an end to your adventures. As Link, you’ll also travel through time to solve puzzles, save friends, and right Ganondorf’s wrongs with the help from your trusty Ocarina of Time and the mysterious youth, Sheik. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of Nintendo’s most epic challenges ever and one of its most touching stories, and is an absolute must-play for Nintendo fans.

Zelda: Ocarina of Time was confirmed as one of Europe’s Virtual Console releases for this week on Monday. Europe is getting Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising tomorrow as well.

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Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

Helix Games has announced that its new game “Neon Battle” is coming to the North American eShop next week. Wii U owners will be able to purchase the title starting on July 9.

An official overview and trailer are posted below.

Maneuver your way around the circular battlefield to victory in Neon Battle! Smash your opponent out of the way and yell obscenities at them without the threat of assault charges! Well, that’s assuming you keep it in the game, with four different game modes to choose from and a selection of powerups, it’s arguably more fun than smashing someone in real life, and definitely more fun than attending court hearings! Play solo or against a friend in a race to collect points by bouncing the ball and keeping it from going out of bounds! And for when your friends are busy/non-existent, you can play against the CPU!

Source: Helix Games PR

More: indie, Neon Battle

Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Videos, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

20 minutes of The Swindle footage has come in from Eurogamer. Watch the video below.

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Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

Cypronia is preparing a special offer for Cube Life: Island Survival owners thanks to the game’s strong sales. Those who have purchased the title – or will do so in the future – will be entitled to a free Wii U eShop release from the studio. This mystery game will be confirmed sometime in the future.

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More: Cube Life: Island Survival, Cypronia