Project CARS has the potential to “showcase the hidden power that the Wii U has.” So says Slightly Mad Studios creative director Andy Tudor, who was speaking with GamingBolt in a new interview.

When asked if the Wii U’s lower specs would undermine the game’s visuals, Tudor said:

“No, if anything I think it’ll showcase the hidden power that the Wii U has. There’s no equivalent of Project CARS on Wii U, yet we hear the shouts from Nintendo fans loud and clear that they can’t wait to get their hands on this kind of experience so we hope to make them proud with the quality of the visuals.

“Sure there are maybe more stringent technical constraints but the same core experience will remain, plus additional features that take advantage of the controller’s unique second screen and touch interface.”

Project CARS is currently scheduled for launch later this year.

Source

More: Andy Tudor, Project CARS, Slightly Mad Studios

Pokemon Bank is still out of action in Japan (and still has yet to launch in other territories) following the unexpected downtime that plagued Nintendo’s online services last week. Today, a brief update was shared.

Nintendo says that it continues to resolve and test issues relating to Pokemon Bank. Details will be announced as soon as possible.

Nintendo also apologized to fans who are waiting for Pokemon Bank, and asks for their patience.

Source, Via

More: Pokemon Bank

If you happen to have a 3DS with v4.5 firmware or older, you might just be able to avoid the system’s region lock. Some folks over at GBAtemp have created a workaround that allows for games in different regions to be successfully booted.

All you need is a DS or 3DS flashcard, which runs a special patched launcher file. The code modifies your system to load cartridges from other regions. Once completed, more recent firmware can be installed to play imported games that require it.

Keep in mind that this method is not at related to piracy. Users can only play retail games – not ROMs – that have been purchased legally.

You can find more information about the workaround here.

Source
Image source

More: region lock, top

WHAT:

The team from Internet show Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? will debut its new short film in the Nintendo Chalet in Park City, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 16. After participating in the Wii U Video Challenge, the Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? crew was selected to work with YouTube powerhouse Freddie Wong to produce an original short film inspired by the Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze game, which launches for Wii U on Feb. 21.

Nintendo’s Wii U Video Challenge asked 30 of YouTube’s top content creators to produce short videos inspired by Super Mario 3D World and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for Wii U. After viewing all the submitted videos, Nintendo selected the Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? team to work with Wong on a film inspired by Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

The Nintendo Chalet will also offer invitees the opportunity to take shelter from the cold weather and play a variety of fun Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games in a warm, welcoming environment. Games featured in the lounge include Wii Fit U for Wii U and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for Nintendo 3DS.

WHO:
YouTube filmmaker Freddie Wong, the Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? team, Nintendo of America executives

WHEN:
Thursday, Jan. 16
8 p.m. MT (Media check-in at 7:30 p.m. MT)
For media attendees: Please RSVP via e-mail to Grace Chang by 10 a.m. PT on Jan. 15

WHERE:
449 Main St.
Park City, UT 84060
VISUALS:

Freddie Wong and the Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? team introducing their short film inspired by Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for Wii U.
Nintendo is not affiliated with the Sundance Film Festival.

Source: Nintendo PR

More: press release

This week’s European Nintendo Downloads are as follows:

Wii U Virtual Console

Contra III: The Alien Wars (US version) – €7.99 / £5.49

3DS Retail

Cooking Mama 4 – €29.99 / £24.99

3DS Download

KORG M01D – €24.99

3DS Virtual Console

Mario Bros. – €4.99 / £4.49

Special Offers

MYST – €9.99 / £8.99 until January 31; regularly €13.99 / £12.99
Aqua Moto Racing 3D – €5.99 / £5.39 until January 23; regularly €7.99 / £7.19

Permanent Price Reductions

Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove 3D – €3.99 / £3.59; was €13.99 / £12.59
Tangram Style – €2.99 / £2.69; was €5.99 / £5.39

More: Europe, Nintendo Download, top

The latest issue of Famitsu finally confirms Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson for 3DS. Additionally, the magazine includes a release date: August 7 for Japan.

Tamsoft is once again handling development. The studio also made the series’ previous entries.

Not too many details have leaked out of Famitsu thus far. Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is a side-scrolling 3D action game, and it will include boss encounters on a 3D field as well as two male characters.

That’s all for now!

Source

More: Japan, Marvelous AQL, Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson, top

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

Zelda’s strong side attack. It’s a slash attack that utilizes her magic to make even a simple slash look sharp.

More: Masahiro Sakurai, Miivetse, Super Smash Bros., top

The latest 3DS eShop charts are as follows:

Software

1. Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
2. Pokemon Dream Radar
3. Super Mario Bros.
4. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
5. Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
6. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
7. SteamWorld Dig
8. Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
9. Zelda: Oracle of Ages
10. The Legend of Zelda
11. Super Mario Bros.
12. Pokemon X
13. Pokemon Y
14. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
15. Gunman Clive
16. Cave Story
17. Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
18. 3D Sonic the Hedgehog
19. Fire Emblem: Awakening
20. Project X Zone

Videos

1. Pokemon Bank Trailer
2. Hyrule Warriors Teaser Trailer
3. Mario Kart 8 Trailer
4. Super Smash Bros. – Rosalina Reveal Trailer
5. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 3
6. Yoshi’s New Island – Teaser Trailer
7. Pokemon Dream Radar Video
8. Nintendo Direct: 12/18/13
9. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Trailer
10. Sonic Lost World Launch Trailer
11. New Super Luigi U Trailer 6/11/13
12. Finding Luigi – Legend of Parkour
13. NES Remix Trailer
14. Mario Kart 7 Video
15. Mario Party: Island Tour Launch Trailer
16. Mario Tennis Trailer
17. Kirby 3DS Teaser Trailer
18. Pokemon X/Y Museum
19. Pokemon X/Y: New Features
20. Bravely Default Demo Trailer

Source: 3DS eShop

More: charts

The latest Wii U eShop charts are as follows:

Software

1. Zelda: Wind Waker HD
2. NES Remix
3. Dr. Luigi
4. Super Mario World
5. Super Mario 3D World
6. EarthBound
7. DuckTales Remastered
8. Super Mario Bros.
9. Pokemon Rumble U
10. The Legend of Zelda
11. Art Academy: SketchPad
12. Super Punch-Out!!
13. Super Metroid
14. Mega Man X2
15. Trine 2: Director’s Cut
16. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
17. Super Mario Bros. 2
18. Mega Man X
19. Little Inferno
20. Donkey Kong

Videos

1. NES Remix Trailer
2. Mario Kart 8 Trailer
3. Dr. Luigi Trailer
4. Super Mario 3D World Trailer
5. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 2
6. Super Mario 3D World Accolades Trailer
7. Hyrule Warriors Teaser Trailer
8. Super Smash Bros. – Rosalina Reveal Trailer
9. Zelda: Wind Waker HD 6/11/13
10. Pokemon Rumble U Gameplay Trailer
11. Wii Sports Club Trailer
12. CastleStorm Trailer
13. Nintendo Direct: 12/18/13
14. Sonic Lost World Launch Trailer
15. Super Punch-Out!! Trailer
16. Mega Man X2 Trailer
17. Sonic Lost World Trailer
18. Pikmin 3 Accolades Trailer
19. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Trailer
20. Yoshi’s New Island – Teaser Trailer

Source: Wii U eShop

More: charts

A number of Warner Bros. games are now available at cheaper prices, like Scribblenauts Unmasked (Amazon, Best Buy) for $40 on Wii U. Best Buy also has the 3DS version for $20.

Other Warner Bros. price drops include:

Hot Wheels: World’s Best Driver (Wii U) – $20 (Best Buy)
Hot Wheels: World’s Best Driver (3DS) – $20 (Best Buy)
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Wii U) – $20 (Amazon, Best Buy)
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril – $30 (Amazon, Best Buy)
Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate – $30 (Amazon, Best Buy)
Injustice: Gods Among Us – $40 (Amazon, Best Buy)

More: Amazon, Best Buy, sale