A new update has arrived for Wii Street U. Nintendo developer Toshiaki Suzuki posted a message on Miiverse confirming the addition of 12 new spots and control options.
It is now possible to move by pressing the up and down directions on the control pad. Additionally, you can move faster with the A button and look around slowly with the left analog stick.
Visit Miiverse and you’ll come across a new community. Nintendo has added in the “Navigation Center” – home to the “official source for Wii Street U information and tips.” Only Nintendo and Google can make new posts in the community.
The Wii U has been experiencing “slower than expected” sales in the US following the console’s launch, according to GameStop president Tony Bartel.
Bartel, in an interview with Forbes, noted the importance of Nintendo bringing “some of their biggest IP” to the console throughout the year:
“Following the holiday launch period, sales have been slower than we expected. Nintendo plans on launching some of their biggest IP over the next few months which we think will increase gamer interest.”
Later in 2013, the Wii U won’t be the only new console on the market. The PlayStation 4 is coming this holiday, and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 successor is also on the way.
So how can Nintendo compete with Sony and Microsoft? Forbes asked this very question of Bartel in the same interview:
“Software will play a big role in each console’s success over the holidays. We’re already seeing great developer and publisher support for PS4, so Wii U will need some great titles, especially first-party titles, to compete. There’s also a need to increase consumer awareness of the new features available on the Wii U and its tethered tablet features.”
LEGO City: Undercover houses a couple of references to Sherlock Holmes, sparking speculation that the next LEGO game could be based on the classic detective.
The first comes in the form of Chase McCain’s sidekick Watson, who appears in a mission cut-scene. However, it has been known that the Wii U title contains references to all sorts of pop-culture and even Nintendo IP, so this may not be too significant.
LEGO City’s other Sherlock Holmes’ reference is a bit more interesting. There’s a billboard placed in the overworld with a few “???” symbols and an object that seems to be a Warner logo.
Simple references or something more?
Zen Pinball 2 has finally been dated for the North American Wii U eShop. Wii U owners will be able to purchase the game on March 21.
Zen Pinball 2 is already out in Europe and has been January 31. Developer Zen Studios thanked fans for their patience in waiting for the North American version and said that it “had to make 10000% sure the game worked correctly so you all can have fun playing it immediately.”
Nintendo updated the official Game & Wario site today with content about four new games. The Ski, Design, Taxi, and Island activities are covered in the latest update.
Details for each new game can be found below. There are new screenshots to view as well.
Image & Form is working on a new title for the 3DS eShop known as “SteamWorld Dig”. It’s a “hardcore platform mining adventure” that sees players digging tunnels and collecting rare minerals that can be sold for improved equipment.
SteamWorld Dig is scheduled for a mid-2013 launch. Image & Form tells us that development will wrap up in April and will then be submitted to Nintendo. The studio is planning to have the game available in English and Japanese.
The official press release containing story details can be found below. Check out the gallery above for screenshots.
