From the Source x 5: Nintendo - New Digital Content! + A demand for Square-Enix!

I don't mind the DLC for Super Smash Bros... and there is plenty of free content, but a big character and stage pack would be better than segmented DLC. That would be worth the price... but free would be even better (from a gamer's perspective). 

Nintendo also has the opportunity to sell a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition (now that the new content cycle has run its course)!

By the way.. we will reach out to Square-Enix with feedback, because (as you see)... they are open to making money off of Nintendo fans with the Final Fantasy legend himself... Cloud Strife, but what's up with a true Final Fantasy game on a Nintendo home console (like we got with Bayonetta)? This is a good sign though, and may the DLC be successful enough to hit them with an explosive wake up call. (Ka-BOOM!) By the way, we were away for a week... enjoying some Nintendo World action!

Dec. 17, 2015 15:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Cloud makes his Super Smash Bros. debut and brings the Midgar stage with him, complete with Summons! (Photo: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS DLC – Cloud makes his Super Smash Bros. debut and brings the Midgar stage with him, complete with Summons! Cloud + Midgar stage is now available as a download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $5.99 each, or for both game versions together for $6.99.
  • Minecraft: Wii U Edition – Mojang’s video game phenomenon Minecraft launches worldwide in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U. The downloadable game comes with some of the most popular add-on content packs. Players will even be able to expand their experience with 16 additional add-on packs available for purchase in the Nintendo eShop at launch. Additionally, only the Wii U console edition features off-TV play. Experience all the adventures you’ve come to expect from creating your own worlds in Minecraft, now on Wii U.
  • TEMPLE OF YOG – Enter the TEMPLE OF YOG and battle your way through two linked dungeons by using the Wii U GamePad controller to peer into and swap between the realms of Light and Shadow. Unlock relics, embark on challenging quests and upgrade four classes in this twin-stick retro roguelike RPG. Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Mega Man Zero 4 – Dr. Weil has taken over Neo Arcadia and ordered any Maverick opposing his rule to be marked for extermination. Take up arms as Zero, equipping new weapons to use in battle. Choose Easy or Normal Mode, which affects the difficulty level, weather and skills obtained.
  • Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Colonel / Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman – Dr. Regal and his cronies from Nebula HQ have returned and raided SciLab. It’s up to Lan and Mega Man to return the stolen PETS to their rightful owners. Game content is the same for Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Colonel and Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman, but NetNavi chips and other items may differ.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Turtle Tale (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 50 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $1.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • 3D Game Collection, Suspension Railroad Simulator and more games from Join dots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PTon Dec. 22 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 4.
  • Another World – 20^th Anniversary Edition (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 26.
  • Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS), Mighty Switch Force! and more games from Wayforward are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 6.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Costume Quest 2 is 65 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 21 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 28.
  • Star Sky is 50 percent off (reduced from $4 to $2) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Momonga Pinball Adventures is 50 percent off (reduced from $5.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Tengami is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 23 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 11.
  • Tilelicious: Delicious Tiles is 50 percent off (reduced from $5.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 6.
  • Arrow Time U is 50 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $0.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • Swords & Soldiers II is 30 percent off (reduced from $19.99 to $13.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Lone Survivor: The Director’s Cut, OlliOlli and more games from Curve Digital are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Journey of a Special Average Balloon and Maze are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 2.
  • Art of Balance is 25 percent off (reduced from $8.99 to $6.70) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • Canvaleon is 30 percent off (reduced from $9.95 to $6.95) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Armillo is 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 18 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 1.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Fractured Soul is 80 percent off (reduced from $11.99 to $2.39) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • Gunslugs 2, Sumico and more games from Engine Software are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 4.
  • Karous -The Beast of Re:Eden-, Mercenaries Saga 2 and more games from CIRCLE Ent. are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • Etrian Mystery Dungeon and Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan are on sale starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 21 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 4.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • The Legend of Dark Witch - Blad Theme
  • The Legend of Dark Witch - Klinsy Theme
  • The Legend of Dark Witch - Sola Theme
  • SEGA Hi-Tech Theme

Also new this week:

• The Delusions of Von Sottendorff and His Square Mind (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• The Legend of Dark Witch 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Island Flight Simulator (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)

Dec. 17, 2015 14:00 UTC

Dec. 21 Super Mario Maker Update Adds Never-Before-Seen Items, Bookmark Web Portal

Use Computers, Tablets and Smartphones to Find Levels and Queue Them up to Play

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The courses in Super Mario Maker are about to get even more interesting – and a lot easier to find. A free Dec. 21 update will deliver a new set of never-before-seen items for players to use as they create courses in the Wii U game. On the same day, Nintendo launches a Web portal called Super Mario Maker Bookmark that lets players search for courses to play by using their computer, tablet or smartphone.

The courses in Super Mario Maker are about to get even more interesting – and a lot easier to find. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Players have already created and shared a huge number of courses, and now it will be easier and more fun than ever for players to create and find levels they will love to play,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Combining classic Mario game play with the creative fun of making and sharing levels, Super Mario Maker is a perfect experience for the holidays.”

New features coming to the game include:

• Fire Koopa Clown Car: This volcanic vessel is capable of shooting fireballs as well as a powerful charged shot that can even destroy Blocks. It’s perfect for creating shoot-’em-up-style courses.
• P Warp Doors: Unlike regular Warp Doors, these are only visible while a P Switch is active – perfect for creating truly devious Ghost House courses.
• Bumper: This bouncy donut-shaped object sends Mario bounding away when touched.
• World Records: Now pages will display the World Record for each course uploaded, displaying the fastest clear time.
• Super Mario Maker Bookmark: Levels that players have bookmarked to play later using the Web portal will be accessible from the Course World tab.

Players can access the Super Mario Maker Bookmark portal site from their computer, tablet or smartphone, using their Nintendo Network ID to log in. The portal will let players browse recommended courses or search for courses with filters like difficulty, game theme or course style. Players can also search using a selection of tags, making it easier to find courses that fall into a specific category such as automatic, puzzle or music. Appealing levels can then be bookmarked for instant access the next time players fire up the game. These comprehensive options are also accessible on Wii U via the Course World in Super Mario Maker, allowing players to find a course and hit the Play Now button to jump straight into the action. A link to the new portal site will be available on the game’s website when it launches.

Dec. 15, 2015 22:40 UTC

New Video from Nintendo Spotlights Three Upcoming Super Smash Bros. Fighters

Bayonetta and Corrin Join the Fight, Plus Additional Details About Cloud

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In the final video presentation dedicated to the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, creator Masahiro Sakurai provided many details about previously announced character Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII, as well as introduced two new playable fighters to the franchise: Corrin from upcoming Nintendo 3DS game Fire Emblem Fates, and Bayonetta from the critically acclaimed Bayonetta games. Bayonetta was the overall top pick in the recent Fighter Ballot, which asked fans to nominate characters that they would love to see added to the Super Smash Bros. series. Bayonetta was the No. 1 pick in Europe and in the top five in North America. When factoring in the amount of votes, Bayonetta was the clear worldwide choice.

Bayonetta was the overall top pick in the recent Fighter Ballot, which asked fans to nominate characters that they would love to see added to the Super Smash Bros. series. (Photo: Business Wire)

In addition to detailed information about the new characters, Sakurai also revealed two new stages coming to both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as downloadable content. Midgar – a familiar location for fans of FINAL FANTASY VII – will join the series as Cloud’s stage, while Bayonetta will feel right at home in the Umbra Clock Tower stage. New Mii Fighter outfits will also be added to the game, highlighted by a full costume inspired by Geno from the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

All of these new additions will be the last downloadable content for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. This new content brings the total number of playable characters to 58, the total number of stages in both versions of the game to 84 and the number of costumes and hats to 99 and 97, respectively.

“Mr. Sakurai knows how to go out with a smash,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “With the inclusion of even more surprising characters, stages and costumes, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U cement themselves as two of the most robust fighting games of all time.”

Launching as downloadable content planned for February 2016, Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates joins the roster of both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Like Wii Fit Trainer, Robin and the Villager, players can choose to play as a male or female version of the character. Corrin has the blood of a dragon in his veins, allowing him to transform and pull off attacks like no other fighter. Corrin will be available as a download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $4.99, or both game versions together for $5.99.

As revealed in the Nintendo Direct presentation last month, Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII is coming to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS andWii U. The character will have two costumes: one inspired by the original FINAL FANTASY VII game and one from FINAL FANTASY VII: Advent Children. Like in FINAL FANTASY VII, Cloud possesses Limit Breaks when fighting in Super Smash Bros. As Cloud gives and receives damage, or uses his Down Special Attack, his Limit Break meter will fill. Once full, Cloud can activate his Limit Break. While playing on Midgar, Cloud’s new stage, players can grab Summon Materia that call forth summons from the FINAL FANTASY universe like Ifrit and Bahamut ZERO. Once activated, only the player who triggered the summon will be safe from damage. Cloud and the Midgar stage will be available as a download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $5.99, or both game versions together for $6.99, beginning within hours of today’s video presentation.

Launching at the same time as Cloud, a new Chocobo hat for Mii Fighters will release as downloadable content. Also launching is a costume based on fan-favorite character Geno from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, a classic role-playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System created in collaboration with SQUARE ENIX. Additionally, Mii Fighter costumes for Sonic the Hedgehog series characters Knuckles and Tails, and even costumes inspired by more characters from other franchises will be made available for download in February 2016.

The Umbra Witch herself is joining the giant cast of playable characters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as a result of the worldwide Fighter Ballot. Just like in her action games, Bayonetta is a combo fighter in Super Smash Bros., chaining different kinds of attacks together. Her signature move is Witch Time, which slows down opponents if they are within range. Her new exclusive stage is called Umbra Clock Tower and is filled with moving platforms and even an alternate world. Bayonetta and the Umbra Clock Tower stage are planned for launch in February 2016, both available for download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $5.99, or both game versions together for $6.99.

As with all the other playable Super Smash Bros. characters, Cloud, Corrin and Bayonetta will also get their own amiibo figures. More information about these upcoming amiibo figures will be revealed in the future. Additionally, amiibo figures for current fighters Ryu and Roy, along with a Famicom Color version R.O.B., will launch on March 18. All amiibo figures are sold separately.

Dec. 10, 2015 14:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Available exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U, FAST Racing NEO lets you jump into the driver’s seat of anti-gravity vehicles and put them through their paces in high-octane competitions at 60 frames per second. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • FAST Racing NEO – Available exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U, FAST Racing NEO lets you jump into the driver’s seat of anti-gravity vehicles and put them through their paces in high-octane competitions at 60 frames per second. Try to become a legend by besting all three of the leagues, each of which ramps up the competition … and the speed! Tear through 16 winding, twisting tracks that showcase stunning locales and realistic weather conditions. Click here to see a trailer for the game.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • SteamWorld Heist – From the makers of SteamWorld Dig,SteamWorld Heist is a space adventure with turn-based tactical shootouts, in which you aim in real time and perform awesome bullet-bouncing trick shots. For a limited time, you can buy SteamWorld Heist from the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS at an introductory price of $16.99, and receive a free HOME Menu theme, until Dec. 31, 2015! Click here to see a trailer for the game.
  • Terraria – Experience the infinite possibilities of Terraria with the most intuitive interface imaginable. Reach directly into the world of Terraria using the touch-screen interface of the Nintendo 3DS system. Share the adventure with up to four friends via Local Play, teaming up to battle monstrous bosses or build amazing super-structures. Hundreds of hours of entertainment await in Terraria, where the only limit is your imagination. Click here to see a trailer for the game.
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Medabots: Metabee / Medabots: Rokusho – Kids everywhere are losing their prized Medabot Medals and Medaparts to a diabolical team of warped Medamaniacs. Join Ikki and his friends as they track down the source of the trouble and beat the Rubberobos at their own game. Completely customize your Medabots from tons of different Medaparts to prepare for intense Robattles.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Phineas & Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 75 percent off (reduced from $19.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 14 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 28.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Life of Pixel is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 10.
  • ZaciSa’s Last Stand is 75 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $0.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
  • COLOR BOMBS is 30 percent off (reduced from $1.49 to $1) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 6.
  • KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker is 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 13 until 8:59 a.m. PT onJan. 3.
  • Trine Enchanted Edition and Trine 2: Director’s Cut is on sale starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 15 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 5.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • AeternoBlade is 65 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition is 50 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $14.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 4.
  • Adventure Bar Story, KAMI and more games from CIRCLE Ent. are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked is 65 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $9.99) starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 14 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 28.
  • Zombie Panic in Wonderland DX is 35 percent off (reduced from $8 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 9.

Activities:

• You Have a New Client Waiting! Claude is looking for a home designer in the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer game to help decorate his place. Fulfilling Claude’s request will net you new and unique items for your catalog. This bunny with a pretty major collection of gaming hardware is available for a limited time via the game’s SpotPass feature so check the in-game Nintendo 3DS system on the second floor of Nook’s Homes to meet him and take him on as a client!

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • Mario Hanafuda
  • SteamWorld Heist (Free with purchase of the SteamWorld Heist game until Dec. 31, 2015.)

Also new this week:

• Devil’s Third (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Dinox (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Jones on Fire (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Sketch Wars (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Petit Novel Series – Harvest December (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Radiohammer (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Rytmik Ultimate (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)