The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword producer Eiji Aonuma has commented on Wii U in the latest issue of Nintendo Power. One of his favorite aspects about the console is the ability to take advantage of two screens. This is something that Nintendo has already provided with the DS and 3DS, but Aonuma believes that the distance between the controller screen and the television will allow for new ideas.

Aonuma told the magazine:

“I really think [having two screens is] one of the most exciting features of the system. Unlike the Nintendo DS, there’s distance between the television and you and your other screen. That really allows for some different interactions, some of which you saw [at E3]. For example, imagine having the contents of Link’s satchel available to you on the screen of your controller, and using elements of the pouch to interact with gameplay on the television.

Aonuma went on to discuss an idea for Zelda Wii U in which the controller could act as “the different items that Link is using, allowing you to interact with the game world and with the game items in a very different way.”

“With The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, we had the Nunchuck and Wii Remote sort of stand in for the sword and shield that Link carries. But in a game for the Wii U, I can definitely see something like the controller itself becoming the different items that Link is using, allowing you to interact with the game world and with the game items in a very different way.”

The Wii Shop Channel, DSi shop, and 3DS eShop are all closed for maintenance at the moment. We don’t know if there’s any significant reason behind the downtime. It’s possible that they’re just going through general maintenance. The shops will supposedly return at 8 PM EDT.

Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns comes out next month… for the DS. As far as the 3DS version goes, Natsume has said that it can be expected later this year.

Wondering why the two versions won’t be launching simultaneously? You can blame the sales of the 3DS for the delay. A representative confirmed that the company pushed back Harvest Moon for 3DS as well as their other title for the handheld, Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove, due to poor early sales of the system.

In other news about the Harvest Moon title, you might be interested to hear that The Tale of Two Towns is for North America only. In other words, it won’t be launching in Japan.

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Konami has said that Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D will be out in Japan this winter. But does that mean Winter 2011 or Winter 2012? The latter would mean that the title would arrive early next year.

There’s no word yet on when Snake Eater 3D will hit North America/European store sheves.

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Beginning today, Gargoyle’s Quest can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo 3DS system for $3.99.

Originally released in 1990 for the Nintendo Game Boy system, the arcade action platformer stars Firebrand, the gargoyle from Ghosts ‘n Goblins who can also be seen in the upcoming Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 fighting game. As Firebrand, players must traverse the Ghoul Realm, building up their powers and abilities in order to protect the land against evil King Breager.

Gargoyle’s Quest is rated “E for Everyone” by the ESRB. For assets, please visit the Capcom Press site at press.capcom.com. For more information on Gargoyle’s Quest, please visit http://www.capcom-unity.com.

Source: Capcom PR

EA hasn’t truly provided the 3DS with much support. They’ve released a Sim game, and will launch Need for Speed and FIFA later this year. That’s about it.

Perhaps EA’s lack of support can be attributed to their apparent caution with the system. EA Labels president Frank Gibeau believes that the 3DS “was a really interesting piece of technology but I think there was some confusion over it and the title slate was a little different.”

Gibeau said that he can see Vita having a better chance of success than 3DS due to Sony’s stronger lineup of launch titles, improved technology, and innovation behind their product:

“I think that part of the videogame business is tough right now because they have had some significant competition come in that was totally disruptive, and that was the smartphone. I think [Sony has] got a shot because they have some really unique innovation in the control scheme, the technology and the screen. It’s got a lot of social features now so that you can actually communicate with your friends and be social. You can’t ring them up by putting the device up to your ear but in general I think they’ve got most of the capabilities that you’d find in a smart phone, with some unique capabilities that make them stand out. I don’t think they’re quite in the same boat as the 3DS… the 3DS was a really interesting piece of technology but I think there was some confusion over it and the title slate was a little different. I think Vita has a better chance because it has a stronger title slate at launch. PSP’s had a great run in Europe as a device, it seems to have reached a much larger audience here than it did in North America. …”

Nintendo published this video on their Facebook page last night showing the chalk mural creation at Comic Con 2011. You can watch the art come to life in the four-plus minute video above!