This product is a bit different compared to the average piggy bank. When you insert a coin, a Mario-themed sound effect plays out. Classic sounds include a coin sound, a mushroom sound, a pipe sound, and a game over sound.

Consumers can choose from six different piggy banks. Each type offers four sound effects.

Source

SEGA registers Shining Ark trademark

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

SEGA could be continuing the “Shining” franchise with a new game. A trademark for “Shining Ark” has popped up in Japan.

This name may sound familiar to old school gamers. Shining the Holy Ark was released back in 1996 (1997 overseas) for the Sega Saturn. Perhaps Shining Ark is a remake?

Source

3D Classics: Excitebike available on Club Nintendo as downloadable reward

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

A new downloadable reward is available on Club Nintendo.

Golf has been swapped out for 3D Classics: Excitebike. The game is available for 150 coins.

You can order 3D Classics: Excitebike here. It’s available as a 3DS eShop download until August 26.

Why Shigeru Miyamoto makes games

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

EDGE recently quizzed a number of game creators about their origins. They were asked about their motivations, why they make video games, and what makes the industry the perfect medium for them.

Shigeru Miyamoto was one such developer who participated in EDGE’s feature this month. Miyamoto explained that he was originally interested in writing and drawing manga, and this led him on the path toward gaming.

He also spoke with the magazine about his driving force:

“I think my starting point was I wanted to write and draw manga. Basically, this hope of mine materialised in game creation. So, to put it very simply, it’s my job. My driving force is that I really love surprising people, creating fun experiences and moments for them, [and] finding ways to help them enjoy themselves.”

Thanks to joclo for the tip.

Best Buy’s “Summer Gaming Blowout” sale begins today

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

Best Buy is holding a second “Gaming Blowout” sale of the summer that begins today. Close to 200 games/accessories have been discounted through Saturday.

Unfortunately, there’s quite a bit that’s sold out online already. Some product may come back in stock over the next few days though, and you can try seeing if your local retailer has any items in stock.

Some highlights:

Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii) – $4.99
Nintendo Selects: Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii) – $9.99
Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii) – $9.99
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (3DS) – $9.99
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 (DS) – $9.99
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS) – $9.99
Tetris Axis (3DS) – $9.99
Rayman Origins (Wii) – $9.99

You can check out this page for the full list of games and accessories on sale.

Promo content from Nintendo’s annual report, including Wii U images

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News, Wii U | 0 comments

The images above come from Nintendo’s latest annual report. Although they aren’t hugely important, they’re pretty interesting, and a few of them promote the upcoming launch of Wii U.

Nintendo’s annual report also contains a message from president Satoru Iwata. If you missed that, you can read it here.

Thanks to Carl O for the tip.

Rumor: SEGA holding a conference at Gamescom

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Rumors | 0 comments

SEGA’s plans for Gamescom sure have changed over the past few months. Originally, the company was expected to miss out on the show. Last month though, SEGA confirmed that it would be making an appearance.

Now we’re hearing that in addition to its Gamescom appearance, SEGA will be holding a press conference at the show.

Strangely, there aren’t many outlets talking about the media event. Nothing is listed on the official conference sheet either.

In any case, if this does go down, it’ll be happening on August 17 at 11:30 AM. We’ll have any news that comes in on both sites.

Source

Photos of the European Mario Kart 7 Club Nintendo trophy

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

Via 1, Via 2

Hirokazu Tanaka talks Earthbound, Creatures company, starting with Nintendo, more

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

Hirokazu Tanaka is the president of Creatures, Inc. Others may know him for his musical work on the likes of Balloon Fight Metroid, and EarthBound.

1UP had a chance to interview Tanaka at last year’s Tokyo Game Show, and the discussion has now been published online. The outlet quizzed him on a bunch of different topics, including EarthBound and his job with Creatures, along with more off-beat topics such as starting out with Nintendo and working with Shigeru Miyamoto.

Check out the Q&A below.