New Nintendo 3DS News
February2015
Video Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Visuals Stand Up Rather Well in a Wii Comparison
Shulked up
A series of videos have recently provided comparisons of visuals to show off the New Nintendo 3DS, but only one test of its visual capabilities is truly indicative of what it can do. A handy video showcases the New 3DS-exclusive Xenoblade Chronicles 3D in all of its glory, comparing its graphics to that of the original Wii version of the...
Video New Nintendo 3DS XL Commercials Show Off Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
YouTubers (we think)! Dramatic deep narrator's voice! Flashy camera shots!
Nintendo, as always, is utilising various tactics and styles of marketing to promote its next hottest products, with 13th February bringing gamers in Europe and North America the New Nintendo 3DS and some major releases. Some fresh TV commercials promoting key games and the...
The portable and home console gap slowly closes
The New Nintendo 3DS arrives this week, which is exciting news for eager portable games for a number of reasons. It's very much 3DS version 1.5, so the upgrade is down to the accumulation of a variety of relatively small improvements as opposed to a generational leap. It's standard Nintendo practice to...
News Super Smash Bros. 3DS amiibo Update Drops Tomorrow
Just in time for the New Nintendo 3DS launch
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U was the game which unleashed the power of amiibo on the world, but it's easy to forget that the title was preceded by its 3DS sibling - which still doesn't have support for Nintendo's interactive figures. However, that is set to change tomorrow as Nintendo is releasing a free...
Those that buy on the eShop get freebies
This is a week in which Nintendo wants a lot of your money, releasing the New Nintendo 3DS on 13th February and some enticing games. In Europe the date's even been given the hashtag #Nintendo3DSDay, while some key download releases are confirmed to arrive this week - it's at retail that there's the most...
News IronFall: Invasion, Nintendo Anime Channel and Kirby Releases Coming This Week in Europe
All part of '#Nintendo3DSDay'
We've been eagerly awaiting the European Download Update as normal this morning, but in its place we've instead received a whole load of details around this week's launch of the New Nintendo 3DS (13th February) and related releases on the way. The download update will have to wait, it seems. Already long-confirmed for...
Japanese website launches, too
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D isn't far away, due on 2nd April in Europe; we now also have a release date for North America - it'll arrive a little later on 10th April in the region. That emerged in a rather flashy trailer that sets the scene for the title's story, and also acts as a starting gun in promotional efforts for...
News Nintendo Lists Formally Tested Micro SDHC Cards for the New Nintendo 3DS
32GB is your official limit
With the New Nintendo 3DS just over a week away the big N has been updating some of its support pages to help confused consumers get the most out of the new hardware. One inevitable sticking point is the switch in storage media from SD to Micro SDHC cards, meaning that those with more than 4GB of content - as per the...
Guide Getting to Grips with the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Demo
There's no shame in a little help
Demos are something that Nintendo has only recently really begun to push on its consoles, but the response seems to have been a resounding 'yes' from the fans; so we've been gifted with a demo for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. For a while you would only be able to download the demo with a unique code, but the...
Gallery We Have Take-Off With These Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ amiibo Planes
I feel the need...
The snappily-titled Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ isn't far away, hitting 3DS on 13th February - that's a big day for the portable, with the New Nintendo 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate all arriving on that day. As we outlined in our
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Director Discusses Monster Design and Animation
It’s the little things that count
The Monster Hunter series of games is one that can be infuriatingly addictive if it gets its claws into you. Renowned for excellent combat and massive scale, fights against the titans that roam the wilds in these games can last for a quite a chunk of time. There's nothing quite like the feeling of finally killing...
Video Capcom Explains Why Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate On New Nintendo 3DS Is The Definitive Experience
Perfect for those tense hunts
The New Nintendo 3DS is out this month in North America and Europe and it will be launching alongside Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, the latest version of Capcom's insanely popular beast-busting franchise. While Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is playable on the standard 3DS, 3DS XL or 2DS, it has been designed to take advantage...
News The Stability of 3DS System Update 9.5.0-22 May Rock Your World
Or not...
Hold onto your hats, your 3DS and your collected StreetPass Mii hats, there's a system update - version 9.5.0-22. It brings a level of stability previously unseen on the portable, ensuring that you'll have never played such a stable system in your whole lifetime. Don't believe us? The Nintendo official details drop the mic below...
Video UK Ambassadors Give Their Verdict On The New Nintendo 3DS
These guys were lucky enough to get one ahead of launch
The launch of the New Nintendo 3DS is imminent, but many players in Europe already have their hands on the system thanks to Nintendo's unique Ambassador Program. Nintendo UK took the opportunity to speak to a few of these lucky individuals at a recent Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate event at...
January2015
More disappointed pre-order customers
Not so long ago Best Buy, one of the retailers distributing the rather attractive New Nintendo 3DS Majora's Mask 3D model, began to cancel some pre-orders. The retailer initially targeted duplicates, but was then forced to cancel individual orders due to insufficient stock being supplied by Nintendo; it...
Video New Nintendo 3DS In-Depth Review: Episode Two
Up this time: New CPU, New Design, New Browser
We recently ran a poll on the site to find out which aspects of the New Nintendo 3DS - such as improved 3D effect, cover plates and better CPU - you were most interested in hearing about. We're now running a series of videos which look at these very same elements a little more in-depth, and this week...
News Battery Manufacturer Mugen Reveals Bigger Battery for New Nintendo 3DS and XL
Lasts over three times longer
One of the biggest complaints in handheld gaming is battery life, and battery producers know it. The New 3DS XL isn't even out in the West and battery manufacturer Mugen has already developed a sizeable battery upgrade to help you get the most out of your on-the-go gaming. The battery itself is a whopping 6250mAh,...
News Majora's Mask Edition New 3DS XL Available for Pre-Order Again on Nintendo UK Store
The scarce just got a little bit less so
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Majora's Mask Special Edition New 3DS XL, it's no surprise that pre-orders for the console were sold out at an extraordinary rate, leaving many die-hard Zelda fans out in the cold. It seems that Nintendo is listening to the cries of its loyal fans, and has re-stocked...
News Link’s Swimming is a Notable Change in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
Don't click if you'd rather not know...
Arguably one of the most enjoyable parts of The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask was fooling around with the new abilities that came with transformations. Perhaps the most entertaining of these abilities was Zora Link's quick swimming. Arcing in and out of the water like a dolphin and corkscrewing everywhere was...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 3D First Print to Come With Special Soundtrack CD in Japan
The same as the Wii equivalent
At the beginning of this week we raised the point that it'd be nice for Nintendo to sell its amazing soundtracks to us, as we explained that it's not convenient and accessible for all fans to redeem stars and coins on Club Nintendo, for example. We cited the Xenoblade Chronicles 3D soundtrack as one we'd like to see...
News Best Buy Cancellations of Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS Bundles Affects More Customers
No longer just those that ordered multiple units
Just recently we reported that Best Buy was cancelling duplicate orders for the Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS bundle; after seeing eBay flooded with pre-orders for sale of the highly anticipated hardware, it could arguably have been considered a positive move. On the downside, however, those in...
Video New Nintendo 3DS In-Depth Review: Episode One
You voted, we listened
Not so long ago we ran a poll to find out what aspects of the New Nintendo 3DS you were most interested in. The system comes packed with new features, like super-stable 3D, cover plates (on the standard model), a more powerful CPU, augmented controls and much more besides. We're running a series of videos which focus on the...
News More Details Emerge on the Upcoming Retro City Rampage DX 3DS Update
Includes dual stick aiming, steady 60fps and more
About a week ago we told you about an upcoming update for the 3DS version of Retro City Rampage, Vblank Entertainment's old-school take on GTA, which would add in support for the C-Stick on the New Nintendo 3DS. Today, studio head Brian Provinciano took to Miiverse to reveal more details about the...
Video New Nintendo 3DS and XL Batteries Put to the Test in a Family Showdown
Charging times and features also explored
Earlier this week our colleagues at Family Gamer TV put the New Nintendo 3DS battery to the test against some of its predecessors. It was a pretty handy indication of where it stands, but there's now an updated video that throws in the New XL and shakes up the settings to satisfy our curiosity. In addition...
News Best Buy Is Cancelling Majora's Mask New 3DS XL Pre-Order Duplicates
Correction - those ordering more than one have orders reduced
Much to the disappointment of so many fans, Nintendo's recent string of high-demand exclusives have been selling out as soon as they're announced. In the case of both amiibo and the GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U, supply has been limited while demand remains very high. What makes...
Weirdness These Push Guards for the New Nintendo 3DS Will Stop Game Cards From Popping Out
Panic averted
Strange accessories are part of the game with Nintendo systems, as entrepreneurial individuals aim to help us fix problems we didn't know we had. The Wii had plastic sports bats and rackets for Wii Remotes, for example, so that it was easier for us to hit virtual tennis balls, or something. There are few problems a silly bit of...
News Capcom Offers 5 Beginner Tips On How To Become A Better Monster Hunter
Get the most out of your demo experience
If you’ve played any of the previous entries in Capcom’s insanely popular Monster Hunter series you’ll already know how ruthless the experience can be for first timers. Whilst newcomers are often eager to get their quest underway, it’s important to know the basics and exercise plenty of caution when...
News Nintendo of America Issues a Fresh Batch of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Demo Codes
Check those inboxes
Nintendo managed to create a lot of buzz in its Nintendo Direct broadcasts last week, but certainly grabbed plenty of attention by releasing demo codes for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. The Club Nintendo distribution kicked off right away in Europe and a day later in North America, with lucky recipients receiving an email with four...
Video Eiji Aonuma Shows Off Gyroscope Aiming in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
It's in Japanese, but we like watching the footage
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is so close that we're hallucinating about the real moon plummeting to Earth, and Nintendo has released another video to show off how the new entry takes advantage of the 3DS hardware. In this case it's reprising the rather effective gyroscope aiming controls...
Video Family Gamer TV Puts the New Nintendo 3DS Battery to the Test
Smaller New model compares favourably to the old XL
A topic that's been posed to us with regards to the New Nintendo 3DS is how well the battery actually performs. Nintendo's official specifications show each model - standard and XL - as out-performing their predecessors by around 30-60 minutes, depending on activity. In practice we find that there...
Skip the Majora's Mask line if you're wearing Legend of Zelda cosplay
In 2014 Nintendo of America did a good job of attending a whole load of expos and putting on special events, and it's kicking off 2015 with a focus on New Nintendo 3DS at this weekend's PAX South; it's running from 23rd to 25th January in San Antonio, Texas. NoA is taking a...
News UK Retailer Left Red Faced With New Nintendo 3DS XL Advert
Argos says get the Red XL in the UK, Nintendo says no
With the New Nintendo 3DS and XL on the way soon - 13th February - there are no doubt plenty of gamers in the West planning pre-orders and choosing models. The choices vary per region, too, with Europe receiving white and black 'smaller' models along with metallic blue and metallic black XL...
Poll As amiibo Expands and Evolves, Which Features Are You Most Excited About?
Super Mario range, Mario Party 10 compatibility and more
Last week's Nintendo Direct broadcasts brought a host of fresh details on amiibo, taking us beyond the launch period's tales of Super Smash Bros. support, relatively minor features in Hyrule Warriors and Mario Kart 8, and the ongoing shenanigans of painfully limited stock. Well, the latter may...
Talking Point The New Nintendo 3DS Could Be a Huge Success, But Its Route to Release Has Been Rocky
A delayed Western arrival and XL-only in the Americas detracts from buzz
The New Nintendo 3DS now has a release date for both North America and Europe, with 13th February no doubt circled on a number of calendars. It continues Nintendo's trend of sprucing up and revitalising a portable generation with a refreshed system, and there's certainly...
Preview Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Takes the Series to New Heights
It's got teeth
At times the localisation of the Monster Hunter franchise can be frustrating for dedicated fans in the West; it's a sales phenomenon in Japan and, as a result, there are more frequent releases in the country. Despite this Capcom is to be commended for its increasing commitment to making it a success outside of its homeland - Monster...
Video See How The New Nintendo 3DS Compares To The Rest Of The 3DS Family
Going hands on with the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL
With the western launch of the New Nintendo 3DS looming on the horizon like a massive, cuddly monster with its beady eyes on your long-suffering wallet, we thought you might like to see how Nintendo's latest hardware shapes up against older 3DS systems. We've got the New Nintendo 3DS...
First Impressions Taking To The Skies In Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+
Danger zone
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy was an enjoyable romp trough the skies in the early days of the 3DS, and its chunky dogfighting proved to be a delightful fit for auto-stereoscopic 3D. What better way to immerse yourself in a virtual world than to feel as if you're soaring over it, right? Bandai Namco is now offering the chance to do...
News Hundreds of Limited Edition Majora's Mask New Nintendo 3DS Systems Continue to Flood Onto eBay
Opportunists hog stock once again
It says much for how events have unfolded in recent months that this writer's first thought upon the reveal of a New Nintendo 3DS XL limited edition - with a design from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - wasn't "oh my that's gorgeous", but rather "fingers crossed there's enough stock". In the Holiday season...
News Retro City Rampage DX Update Will Bring Dual Stick Aiming Support on New Nintendo 3DS
Even more glorious chaos
We're pretty big fans of Retro City Rampage DX here at Nintendo Life, as its blend of chaotic retro GTA-style action and a whole load of '80s and '90s references come together into a hugely entertaining package. Though excellent on WiiWare, the DX edition on the 3DS eShop is the most feature and content-packed version on...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Demo Codes Now Being Distributed in North America
Four codes per email! Multiplayer! No play limit!
One of the major reveals during the Nintendo Direct broadcasts - even if it was subtle in the North American video - was a demo distribution for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Like previous examples - most memorably Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS - it consists of emails to Club Nintendo members with...
Poll Which New Nintendo 3DS Will You be Buying?
Time to make a tough decision...
Now that Nintendo has revealed the North American & European launch schedule for the New Nintendo 3DS we wanted to find out what you, the readers, think about the new console and whether you have any questions for us before you decide whether or not to take the plunge and buy a New Nintendo 3DS. We've managed to...
Hands On We Check Out The New Nintendo 3DS XL
North America's only New Nintendo 3DS, lest we forget
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is a sleek piece of kit that streamlines many of its predecessor's quirks. Be it changed button placement or new features altogether, it's evident that Nintendo has put a lot of thought into alleviating pain points both obvious and subtle. While we aren't fans of every...
First Impressions We're Really Feeling It With Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
It's Reyn time!
Xenoblade Chronicles was something of a white whale that appeared late in the Wii's lifespan. A Western release was not assured despite critical success in its native Japan, sending fervent American fans into an Operation Rainfall-shaped tizzy to show Nintendo that hey, maybe they should release some games from time to time. Then,...
News Zelda: Majora's Mask New 3DS Bundles Available For Pre-Order On UK Nintendo Store
Limited Edition Skull Kid statue up for grabs
The Official Nintendo UK online store has been updated with a whole raft of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D bundles, and for fans in that region there's the additional good news that the Skull Kid statue will also be available. You can now pre-order various New Nintendo 3DS systems with a copy of...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 14th January 2015
Nintendo went big with New Nintendo 3DS and much more
With 2015 still only just picking up steam, the first Nintendo Direct broadcasts of the year ensured that the big N kicked off a vital 12 months with some style. It delivered some of its longer broadcasts in recent memory, with notable variations between regions, and as a whole kept momentum...
News Nintendo of America Issues Non-Statement on the Region Skipping the Smaller New Nintendo 3DS
"Different territories make their own business decisions"
In the general consensus that we've seen online, the latest Nintendo Direct broadcasts went down rather well. Coming in it at over 40 minutes each, they were packed with details; yet, as we acknowledged in our reaction to events, the North American presentation was somewhat overshadowed by...
Reaction Nintendo Direct Went Crazy With Reveals, and Was Delightful and Confusing in Equal Measure
Tom Whitehead tries to make sense of 2015's first Nintendo Direct vids
Aside from a few small details that will be saved for a wrap-up article in the very near future, I reckon we've covered most of the important news and reveals from the recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts. It was an absolute bombardment of details, and after quite a few hours and a...
News Code Name: S.T.E.A.M Gets European Release Date and Fire Emblem Cross-Over amiibo Support
Marth, Ike, Robin and Lucina can join the battle
The first Nintendo Direct broadcasts of 2015 weren't short of details, and one reveal that was among the quirkiest we saw was around upcoming 3DS strategy game Code Name S.T.E.A.M. The Intelligent Systems game was confirmed for amiibo support, which will utilise the New Nintendo 3DS and, in future,...
News New Nintendo 3DS Pre-Orders Emerge at GameStop, Best Buy, EB Games and GAME
Update: Majora's Mask bundle available for pre-order at Best Buy
Update: The Majora's Mask 3D New Nintendo 3DS bundle is now available for pre-order at Best Buy for $199.99 (thanks to Hippoeater for the heads up). Original Article: Since today's Nintendo Direct festivities we've had some requests to keep a beady eye out for New Nintendo 3DS...
News Nintendo Reveals New Range, Details and Compatibility for amiibo
Smash Bros. wave 4, new range, upcoming 3DS Smash Bros. support and more
With all their current momentum, amiibo figurines were bound to make an appearance during the latest Nintendo Direct - and so they did. The first inclusion of amiibo figures in the Direct was the announcement of Wave 3 figures of the Super Smash Bros. series becoming available...
News Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy + Hits The West In February With amiibo Support In Tow
You can be my wingman any time
Bandai Namco has confirmed that Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy + (try saying that three times as fast) will be leaving the hanger just in time for the New 3DS launch in both North America and Europe. On February 13th the game -- which is an updated of the existing Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy -- will be...
News Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Launches Exclusively On New Nintendo 3DS This April
Porting duties being handled by US-based Monster Games
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D -- a portable adaptation of the Wii RPG classic -- was announced alongside the New 3DS in Japan last year. The New 3DS launch came and went in that region with no solid news of a release date for the game, but today's Nintendo Direct has confirmed that we'll be getting it...
News Nintendo Confirms New 3DS eShop Shooter IronFall Invasion
Iron't falling just yet
Keen to get their foot in the door of the shooter genre, Nintendo has announced an indie-developer third person shooter for the European 3DS eShop. Not much is currently known about IronFall Invasion, but the developer VD-dev has been posting screenshots of the game since September last year. The game takes heavy inspiration...
News New Nintendo 3DS Release Date Confirmed for 13th February
Majora's Mask and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate limited editions on the way
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts the big N confirmed what was already suspected - the New Nintendo 3DS will launch in Europe and North America on 13th February. There are some key differences in hardware, however. Europe will, as expected, have the same range as Japan...
Rumour Red New Nintendo 3DS XL With 13th February Launch Appears in Marketing Poster
Also suggest a same day release for Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter
We've seen some fun Nintendo Direct and New Nintendo 3DS rumours today, but this one is too irresistible to not share. Just bear in mind that this could be clever photoshopping, but if true the details will certainly cause a storm. It's all in the design; the image below is...
Feature Five Key Reveals We Want in 2015's First Nintendo Direct
New 3DS! Wii U release dates! Reward Scheme!
While January 2014 became entwined in fluctuating share prices and worrying financial results, Nintendo has shown its intent to kick off 2015 in a far more positive light. The year's first Nintendo Direct will be broadcast on 14th January at 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK / 3pm CET, confirming a focus...
News Nintendo Direct Confirmed for 14th January, With Focus on Spring Releases
Getting 2015 truly started
As 2015 begins to kick into gear Nintendo seems intent on starting with a bang. While we had to wait until mid-February for the first Nintendo Direct broadcast last year, the company has now confirmed a new broadcast for 14th January. It's not been given a specific title - which suggests one of those packed general...
News New Nintendo 3DS Prices Pop Up in Italy, and They're Not Bad
Pretty similar prices to current models
Now that the whole New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Promotion in Europe is drawing to an end, it's time to move on from topics such as who's been picked by Club Nintendo, what makes Europe so special and what the flip Nintendo of America was up to when it all went down. Those topics are so ten minutes ago, and now...
Reminder Club Nintendo New 3DS Ambassador Promotion Final Invites Sent, Deadline at Midnight
Emails are arriving
The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador programme has generated a lot of buzz in Europe, with more Club Nintendo members gradually receiving invites as the promotion deadline has loomed. The opportunity to order the special bundle and have early access to the hardware has been tough for many to ignore. Of course, a good number of loyal...
News Fresh Batch of New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Emails Looks Set for Monday 12th January
One final opportunity
Just recently we reported that, through emails or simply trying their luck, more European Club Nintendo members were suddenly getting access to the New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador programme. It was hard to discern whether it was an intentional expansion of the scheme or the case that some accounts were simply receiving delayed...
Not everyone, though
This week's announcement of an early New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador promotion in Europe certainly rocked the boat, offering select Club Nintendo members an opportunity to pick up a system before its release date has even been announced. It was exciting for those lucky enough to be included but frustrating for those left out; oddly,...
Video Unboxing The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition
Hands on with the limited edition bundle
The announcement of the New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition promotion was a pleasant and unexpected surprise this week, offering European consumers -- traditionally the red-haired stepchildren of Nintendo's fandom -- the chance to get their grubby hands on the latest 3DS model before its official launch in...
Gallery Here's What The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition Looks Like In The Flesh
Nintendo, with these Ambassador 3DS consoles you are really spoiling us
This week saw an incredible event in the world of Nintendo -- the company's European arm gave a select bunch of fans the chance to buy the New Nintendo 3DS before its official launch in the region. Even more amazing is that the consoles have been posted out within 24 hours of...
Rumour New Nintendo 3DS To Launch In Europe Next Week
Leak from Finnish retailer suggests January 12th release date
UPDATE: A pinch of salt may be required in this case -- as some of you have already pointed out, the age rating on the box appears to be Australian. The console launched in that region before Christmas. Could this be imported stock, or a bad fake? It wouldn't be the first time that stock...
News New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Editions Already In The Hands Of Lucky Buyers
That was quick
Yesterday, a select bunch of lucky EU Club Nintendo members got the Nintendo equivalent of a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka -- an email inviting them to purchase a special New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition before the console launches in Europe. Nintendo stated that consoles would be shipped within 3 to 5 days, but it would appear...
News Lucky New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Gamers Jump Straight to eBay to Flog Systems
Nintendo's "don't offer to scalpers' filter needs more work
Earlier today we shared the surprising news that Nintendo Europe is offering some Club Nintendo members an ambassador version of the New 3DS; even better, it's available to buy now ahead of being shipped in 3-5 days. It's hugely exciting for those that got the email and has caused plenty...
Get your hands on the console before the official launch
Update: Nintendo has declined to clarify how it selected Club Nintendo members for this promotion, providing the following statement to Eurogamer. The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador offer is by email invitation only for selected Club Nintendo members in Europe only who fulfil a certain...
December2014
News Please Sega, All We Want For Christmas Are These Amazing New 3DS Themes In The West
Variants on a theme
Ever since Nintendo introduced 3DS themes with a recent system update, we've seen a steady stream of cool backgrounds on our beloved handhelds. However, as if often the case, our Japanese friends are getting a superior offerings. There are already plenty of amazing themes available in that part of the world, and Sega has just...
News Nintendo Shows Off NFC eShop Payments for New Nintendo 3DS in Japan
The amiibo menu is also live, despite the lack of compatible games
Since summer this year gamers in Japan have been able to use a variety of NFC (near field communication) cards to buy content on the Wii U eShop; this includes commonly used cards such as the SUICA brand, which are often kept topped up by consumers for use on local transports...
News There's An Awesome Retro Easter Egg Hiding In The New 3DS Web Browser
Get ready to tap
The New 3DS and New 3DS XL have a cool Easter Egg hidden away in their web browsing software. The hidden treat — discovered by Instagram user 345triangle — requires you to tap the opening of the Super Mario Bros. theme tune and then select a page from your bookmarks. The page is then rendered as the classic title Breakout —...
Parent Trap amiibo Packs a Hidden Family Payload
More than meets the eye
Toys and video games used to compete for family spending power at supermarket check-outs. The recent trend in toy-video-game crossovers does away with this rivalry, but for families makes purchasing decisions all the more confusing. With amiibo joining the likes Skylanders and Disney Infinity (not to mention more niche...
November2014
News Nintendo's Official Japanese Site Suggests Discontinuation of Certain 3DS Units
Disappointment XL
Nintendo's official Japanese website has begun displaying a notice above some of its 3DS models that speaks doom for some of the variants. The message translates to: Production is slated to end shortly It seems Nintendo is really trying to push the New 3DS into the hands of the Japanese public, and by reducing the number of...
A momentous occasion for Nintendo fans down under and across the ditch
Last night, Australia and New Zealand were treated to the release of a brand new Nintendo system before both North America and Europe. In a similar scenario to Nintendo’s homeland, Japan, existing models of the 3DS had reportedly reached the point of complete market saturation...
News The New Nintendo 3DS Doesn't Come With An Internet Filter In Australia
Other western markets may follow suit
When the New Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan recently one of the more interesting new elements was the web browser, which came with a filter to block adult content from the eyes of innocent and impressionable youngsters. To remove the filter, you have to register a credit card — which incurs a small charge —...
News Cubic Ninja Sales Spike Following Announcement of 3DS Homebrew Requirement
Has rapidly moved up the charts on Amazon
In recent times we've provided some coverage of progress on a 3DS Homebrew Channel project, which is apparently all set to be released on 22nd November. It can be a grey area of fierce debate, as the excitement for some to produce apps and games — as was the case on DS and Wii — is countered by those...
News 3DS Homebrew Exploit Set to be Launched on 22nd November
Does not run 3DS ROMS, but open to emulators and apps
Over the past few months we've been reporting on the efforts of 3DS hacker smealum, who's been actively working towards releasing a homebrew exploit and channel for the 3DS. System updates and then the New Nintendo 3DS model delayed progress, but it seems that the exploit is now just days away...
News Exclusive New Nintendo 3DS Features Teased For The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
Game will be available on all models, however
Due to North America and Europe likely receiving the New Nintendo 3DS in early 2015, and with The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D due in Spring, some were concerned — albeit unnecessarily — that the much-anticipated remake would be an exclusive for the new system. Thankfully, Eiji Aonuma has...
Video StreetPass East Midlands Goes Hands-On With The New Nintendo 3DS
We caught up with the UK group at this year's GameCity event
GameCity is one of the UK's biggest gaming events, bringing players, developers and publishers together for a week of activities, talks and demonstrations all across the city of Nottingham. This year, StreetPass East Midlands had its own little shindig in one of Nottingham's many...
October2014
News Nintendo Boasts New 3DS is its Best-Selling Remodelled Handheld System to Date
Grossly outselling its predecessors
Nintendo has announced that the New Nintendo 3DS and its bigger brother the New Nintendo 3DS LL have been privy to a success more uproarious than expected. In its latest financial report, Nintendo has claimed that over 400,000 New 3DS units have been sold in the mere three weeks that it has been available in...
News Five Additional Cover Plates Announced For New 3DS Australian Release
Will retail for $17.95 each
While Japan’s onslaught of cover plate announcements for the New 3DS continue, the rest of the world is left pondering if a considerable amount of them will ever see the light of day outside of the region. Adding a ray of hope to the situation, Nintendo of Australia has today announced via Twitter & Facebook th
Video How Much Faster Is The New Nintendo 3DS?
Quite a bit, as it happens
The New Nintendo 3DS is available now in Japan, and we've been spending some quality time with the system — as you'll already know if you've checked out our review and hands-on video. One of the most common questions we've had since getting the console relates to overall speed — is it really that much faster than the...
News 3DS Homebrew Hacker Makes Progress on New Nintendo 3DS
Can of worms, re-opening...
In recent months we've been following the efforts of Smealum, a hacker who's been developing a homebrew channel for the 3DS. As it approached its final stages of development it was emphasized that although the channel will not run illegal 3DS ROMS, it will support homebrew games and apps. The fuzzy moral ground comes with...
News Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Lead the Way in New Nintendo 3DS Kisekae Faceplates
Animal Crossing! Plumber's moustaches! More!
The New Nintendo 3DS is now out in Japan and has enjoyed a strong start in the charts, shifting nearly 235,000 units in its launch weekend. The smaller model was actually outsold by the LL (XL), which surprises us for one reason — Kisekae faceplaces. We can't help but be charmed by these faceplates,...
News New Nintendo 3DS LL Outsells Standard Model By Almost Three To One In Japan
Despite those oh-so-gorgeous Kisekae plates
The New 3DS and New 3DS LL (XL to us westerners) launched in Japan at the end of last week, and with the standard model offering the ability to fit new front and back plates, many predicted that shoppers would pick customisation over screen size this time around. However, according to figures published by...
Video New Nintendo 3DS Unboxing And Hands On
Watch in awe as we remove and refit a face plate
We've got the New Nintendo 3DS in the office right now and in-between gazing at its rock-solid 3D screen and fondling its nipple-like C-Stick, we somehow found the time to record a special unboxing and hands-on video, which you can view below. The new console — currently only available in Japan —...
News New Nintendo 3DS 'Kawaii' Kisekae Faceplates Join Upcoming Smash Bros. Set
Our poor wallets
The New Nintendo 3DS may be a while away is most territories, but it's enjoying its first week since release in Japan. We suspect that the substantial range of Kisekae faceplates are selling rather well, too, and Nintendo's already lining up more designs to supplement the 38 varieties already available. First of all we have number...
Hardware Review The New Nintendo 3DS Is The Best Yet
We go hands-on with the Japanese model
Nintendo has a history of iterating and improving the various handheld consoles it has produced over the past few decades. The original monochrome Game Boy started this trend of gradual enhancement — with the Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Light offering tangible advantages over the 1989 original — and since...
News The New Nintendo 3DS Web Filter Does Successfully Block Adult Content, Most of the Time
There's a loophole to be fixed
The New Nintendo 3DS is now out in Japan, and it'll be intriguing to see just how much the models boost sales of the hardware in the country. It has various new features, such as a faster CPU, the c-stick and improved stereoscopic 3D viewing, though it's one of the less headline-grabbing inclusions that's recently been...
News New Nintendo 3DS Videos Show Off Compulsory Screwdriver Skills
Required for faffing about with faceplates and micro SD cards
We suspect that a good number of you reading this are preparing to pick up a New Nintendo 3DS later this year (Japan, Australia and New Zealand) or in 2015 (everywhere else), but you'll need more than just a higher-capacity micro SD card — you'll need a screwdriver and a willingness to...
News 3DS System Update 9.0.0-20 Is Now Live with Home Menu Themes
Various themes and Theme Shop now available!
The hotly anticipated 3DS System Update introducing HOME Menu themes has gone live across Europe and North America. Version 9.0.0-20 (add an E or U to the end of that depending on where you live) allows 3DS owners to use themes to customise both the design and sounds of the HOME Menu. Additionally, this...
News Now You Can Gawk at New Nintendo 3DS Demo Units and Packaging from Japan
Let's all move to Japan
While it may pain millions of Nintendo fans around the world to hear it again, the New Nintendo 3DS arrives in Japan on 11th October — it then makes its way to Australia and New Zealand on 21st November. As a result Nintendo is stepping up its marketing efforts, including some particularly colourful and charming TV...
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News Super Smash Bros. on 3DS Lacks Circle Pad Pro Support Due to Processing Power Limitations
So says Masahiro Sakurai
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS has a solid control scheme, but there was some gnashing of teeth when it emerged that it won't support the Circle Pad Pro for some convenient Smash Attacks with the second Circle Pad. It's only been natural to wonder why, then, the c-stick on the New Nintendo 3DS is supported, with various...
Video Japanese Commercial For New 3DS Highlights Those Fetching "Kisekae Plate" Covers
Dressing up time
The Japanese launch of the New 3DS is just around the corner, and Nintendo is running commercials in its homeland to promote the customisable nature of the system. The standard New 3DS — not the New 3DS XL — features interchangeable "Kisekae Plate" covers which are sold separately and come in a wide range of eye-catching...
News Almost 50 Different System Themes Revealed Prior To New 3DS Launch
Third party themes included in the first batch
The New 3DS launches in Japan next month, and along with it we'll be seeing a firmware update which will allow all 3DS consoles to implement custom themes. Nintendo of Japan has posted a selection of themes online, along with prices which range from 100 yen ($0.90 / £0.55) to 200 yen ($1.80 / £1.20)...
Splitting the userbase
It was confirmed recently by Satoru Iwata, when revealing the New Nintendo 3DS models, that a port of Wii title Xenoblade Chronicles will be exclusive to the new hardware to utilise its improved CPU. It was unclear how common this would be, yet in today's surprise announcement of the hardware hitting Australia and New Zealand...
Video Nintendo Australia Gives Us A Jaunty Tour Of The New 3DS
Turn the volume up
As you may be aware, Australia got its first Nintendo Direct today, and the big news is that it's going to be one of the first regions outside of Japan to get the New 3DS and New 3DS XL. As well as putting the Direct online for non-Aussies to watch, Nintendo Australia has produced another, shorter clip which shows off the console...
Nintendo Direct New Nintendo 3DS Models Coming to Australia and New Zealand on 21st November
Still not coming elsewhere until 2015
In a surprise Nintendo Direct in Australia and New Zealand — the first that's been unique to the region — it's been announced that the New Nintendo 3DS and XL model will be coming to the two countries on 21st November; it's also been reiterated that the systems will not come elsewhere in the West until 2015...
At least the West has these nice pictures to enjoy
There is a clean-freak hiding away within everyone, and this includes Nintendo fans. So if you like your game systems to remain in pristine condition, don’t even consider putting your grubby mitts on these New 3DS consoles with suede Pokémon-themed faceplates – if they do somehow wash up on...
News Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Will Support The New 3DS C-Stick, But Not The Circle Pad Pro
C-Stick it to the man
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS will support the New 3DS console's C-Stick, but won't be compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory for the original 3DS and 3DS XL. The information comes from Nintendo's official Japanese support pages, and has been translated by posters on NeoGaf. This follows news that
News Retro City Rampage: DX Will Benefit From Additional Controls On The New 3DS
Is the best version going to get even better?
Retro City Rampage: DX will get an update in the near future which will allow it to take advantage of the New 3DS and its additional controls, creator Brian Provinciano has revealed. Provinciano posted the news to Twitter, stating that the updated hardware offers the kind of interface he wanted for the...