In non-gaming news, Nintendo of America has announced the planned sale of a majority of its interest in the Seattle Mariners to other members of the current ownership group. Nintendo of America will hold on to a 10 percent stake in the team, while the remainder of its holdings will be sold to other members of First Avenue Entertainment LLLP (FAE). To clarify, FAE is the limited partnership that owns the Seattle Mariners, and a majority interest in ROOT Sports NW. Before the transaction closes, it’ll be subject to the finalization of legal contracts and approval from Major League Baseball. Nintendo expects this to happen in August.
CEO Howard Lincoln, who was once chairman of Nintendo of America, will be retiring day-to-day operations. John Stanton will replace him as Chairman and CEO, as well as as the designated Major League Baseball Control Person. Lincoln will remain a part of the FAE Board of Directors, representing Nintendo’s ownership interests.
Howard Lincoln said in a statement today:
“From the first day of our involvement nearly 24 years ago, Nintendo has had two goals for its investment in the Mariners. First, we wanted to assure the permanence of the team in this great city. And on that count, I am proud and gratified that this agreement further solidifies that goal. On the other hand, I’m equally disappointed that we have not been able to host a World Series game for our fans.”
John Stanton added:
“My goal and the goal of the entire Mariners ownership and management team is to win a World Series. I believe that the Mariners are well positioned to achieve that goal and it will be my honor to lead the organization. I want to thank Howard for his leadership for the last 17 years and thank the members of the board and ownership for giving me this opportunity.”
Source: Nintendo PR
Pokémon Shuffle Mobile has updated to version 1.6.0, which will bring it in line with the 3DS version. The update includes Survival Mode and Mission Cards plus UI enhancements. Both versions now completely match mechanically.
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 was originally scheduled to land in March. That didn’t happen, but the game is releasing very soon. Nintendo has it pinned down for a May 10 launch with a $19.99 price point.
Here’s an overview of The Book of Unwritten Tales 2:
Join Wilbur, Ivo, Nate and Critter in another humorous adventure game in the wicked world of Aventásia. Help them fulfill their destiny. A destiny as yet unwritten.
Experience a new adventure from KING Art, creators of The Book of Unwritten Tales, The Critter Chronicles and The Raven – Legacy of a Master Thief. A fantasy story with over 20 hours playtime, filled with the trademark BoUT-humor, lovingly spoofing your favorite fantasy worlds. Solve hundreds of weird puzzles, meet an ensemble of quirky characters and enjoy an epic orchestral soundtrack.
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses has announced that the Magical Wind Waker Baton, featured The Wind Waker and used by the conductor of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, can be purchased for the first time ever. Fans can pre-order it online here or purchase one at any upcoming Zelda Symphony show.
As previously mentioned, new dates have been added to The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. You can find the full lineup here if you missed it previously. All new shows will include updated Twilight Princess gameplay in HD.
We have another round of footage from Kirby: Planet Robobot’s Japanese release. Two videos with tons of gameplay are below.
Just like in Europe, Pocket Card Jockey is slated for the North American 3DS eShop next week. It’ll be launching in both regions on April 5. 3DS owners can currently download a demo from the eShop to see what the game is all about.
Xenoblade Chronicles made its way to the European Wii U eShop last August. In North America, it will finally be available tomorrow, Nintendo’s website confirms.
Here’s a brief overview:
Discover expansive environments and deep character customization options as you delve into an epic conflict between the Homs (humans) and Mechons (robots). Explore the game’s unique upgrade system, battle system, and relationship-building system as you fight to change the future with trusty allies and the ancient Monado blade.
Xenoblade Chronicles will be priced at $19.99.
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle is off to a pretty great start. In less than 24 hours, it’s garnered about 61,000 sales and raised around $600,000. With the Humble Nindie Bundle from last year, it achieved 37,000 sales in 24 hours.
While SteamWorld Heist has been on the 3DS eShop since the end of last year, Image & Form has been working on other versions of the game. We do know that it’ll be launching on Wii U in the near future.
Speaking with Nintendo Life, Image & Form CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson shared a status update on the Wii U version:
News: the Wii U version is coming, and you’ll be happily surprised. Not in a way that should put you off getting it for 3DS – because you should! But… yeah. There’s a pleasant surprise there.
DLC: Yes, The Outsider will be available day one on Wii U. Some people think day-one DLC is a nuisance, and that the content should have been included in the game – preferably at no cost. I don’t agree. We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars (even pounds!) making The Outsider, and we obviously have to charge for our content, so that we can continue making new stuff. Including DLC content as part of the game and raising the price point is also a matter of taste. I think providing DLC outside the game gives players the choice whether they want to spend additional money on a game or not. It’s pretty fair.
No names, but some friends of mine initially released DLC content for one of their games for free – and then started charging for it, since it made no financial sense. It turned out a bit nasty for them. I think it’s better to be upfront about it. We make content. Content costs money.
Sigurgeirsson also said that cross-buy promotions are planned for those who want SteamWorld Heist on both Wii U and 3DS.
