Pokemon X and Y are the first games in the series to launch around the world simultaneously. Usually, players overseas would need to wait several months (if not longer) for the Japanese version to be localized.

Such a release pattern, Pokemon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara believes, left western fans with a feeling of “being left behind.”

The fact that Pokemon X/Y will be available at once will also even out the playing field when it comes to online battles. Japanese players won’t have an “advantage” so to speak, as they won’t have the extra time to learn about the battle system.

Ishihara told Famitsu this week:

“By releasing [Pokemon X and Y] simultaneously and allowing players around the world to enjoy the game on an equal stage, even I can’t fully anticipate the outcome, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results. I believe that Pokemon has always been ‘a tool to connect people,’ so it’s interesting to see how playing the game evolves in areas – including the release timing – and how word spreads through the media comparatively.”

And how about the sales of Pokemon X/Y? What’s Ishihara hoping to achieve? He said, “One of our initial objectives is Diamond and Pearl numbers.”

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl have sold more than five million copies in Japan, but when the games hit store shelves, the DS’ userbase was only at 10 million. Over 12 million 3DS units are now in consumers’ hands in Japan.

Source

A Diverse Lineup of Indie Games Coming to Both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo is actively reaching out to indie game developers and offering them a home on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. At this year’s IndieCade, the annual international festival of independent games in Los Angeles, Nintendo will be highlighting a wealth of indie games in its booth, as well as hosting a panel on how independent game developers can bring their creations to the Nintendo eShop.

“The Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games showcased in this year’s Nintendo IndieCade booth represent the cutting edge of creativity and innovation for indie game development,” said Steve Singer, vice president of Licensing at Nintendo of America. “They also represent some of the highest rated and most respected games currently being produced. Nintendo is embracing developers who are extremely passionate, letting them freely harness the tools available on Nintendo platforms to create fantastic and unique experiences. We are helping independent developers bring their creative visions to life and into consumers’ hands to enjoy.”

Visitors to the Nintendo booth will be able to get their hands on the following Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games:

Read More

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Renews an All-Time Great

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Oct. 4 marks a day of new adventures for fans of The Legend of Zelda franchise with the launch of the packaged version of one of the greatest video games of all time, the remastered The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for the Wii U home console. The disc comes with distinctive gold-foil packaging and is available at a suggested price of $49.99.

The disc represents another option for shoppers who want to be a part of the adventure. Wii U owners can also download the game from the Nintendo eShop for $49.99. Fans who do not own a Wii U system can opt for the limited-edition bundle, which comes with a black Deluxe Wii U console; a GamePad controller adorned with the gold Hyrule crest and symbols from the game; a download code for the digital version of Hyrule Historia, a book that details the chronology, history and artwork of The Legend of Zelda series; and a code to download The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD from the Nintendo eShop. The bundle is available at a suggested retail price of $299.99.

Read More

A report from MCV claims that Capcom Europe is “undergoing a major restructure following a difficult year”, adding that it “understands more than half of the European arm faces redundancy, with a number of jobs set to merge”.

Capcom itself has yet to officially confirm the news. But a representative did note that its European branch is “currently evaluating its structure” following a restructure in the US.

The company’s statement reads:

“Following a restructure at its US operation, Capcom’s European organisation is currently evaluating its structure to ensure it is in the best position to take advantage of the changing market conditions the industry is facing.”

Capcom is thought to have been hard hit after multiple high-profile titles failed to reach sales targets. Both DmC: Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 6 are believed to have undersold, with its latest AAA release Lost Planet 3 failing to break into the UK Top 25 on launch week.

Along with today’s message, Sakurai passed along the following message on Miiverse:

Excuse me, but I didn’t just hear you say “Sonic joins the battle,” did I?

Zelda: Wind Waker HD has a lot of changes compared to the GameCube original. Some are quite noticeable, while others are more subtle.

Here’s a handy list outlining the lineup of changes found in Wind Waker HD:

Read More

Picross e3 was originally scheduled for launch in North America and Europe last month, but the game has been missing in action. However, we’ve now received confirmation from Jupiter regarding its final release date.

Picross e3 will launch in North America on October 3 – yup, tomorrow. Pricing is set at $5.99.

Europe will be forced to wait for Picross e3’s arrival until November 14.

This week’s 3DS eShop charts are as follows:

Software

1. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
2. Pokemon Dream Radar
3. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!
4. SteamWorld Dig
5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
6. Zelda: Oracle of Ages
7. Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
8. Rune Factory 4
9. Art Academy: First Semester
10. Super Mario Bros. 2
11. Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
12. Super Mario Bros.
13. Pokedex 3D Pro
14. Scribblenauts Unmasked
15. The Legend of Zelda
16. Shantae
17. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
18. Wario Land 3
19. Star Wars Pinball
20. Gunman Clive

Videos

1. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 2
2. Pokemon X/Y Mega-Evolved Pokemon Revealed
3. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team TV Bloopers
4. Three New Mega-Evolved Pokemon Revealed
5. Get Excited for Pokemon X/Y
6. Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Trailer
7. Scribblenauts Unmasked Trailer 6/11/13
8. Pokemon X/Y Developer Roundtable Gameplay
9. Finding Luigi – Legend of Parkour
10. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Trailer 6/11/13
11. Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Trailer
12. StreetPass at PAX Prime 2013
13. Disney Infinity Creating Infinity #1
14. Wii Fit U Direct 9/18/13
15. Wii Fit U Trailer
16. Developer Direct @ E3 2013 Super Smash Bros.
17. Nintendo at PAX Prime 2013
18. Disney Infinity Creating Infinity #2
19. Rayman Legends Accolades Trailer
20. Pokemon Direct 9/4/13

Source: 3DS eShop