During Nintendo’s E3 conference they announced that, to celebrate this years 25th anniversary for Zelda, DSiWare would be receiving a Four Swords title, which would be priced at the all appealing amount of $0. Unfortunately, if you were expecting an all new adventure, you’re out of luck. According to Joystiq, the title has been confirmed to be the original Game Boy Advance Four Swords title.

Four Swords was originally bundled with the GBA port of A Link to the Past, allowing for four player action using link cables.  The DSiWare version would, most likely, work via local wi-fi. Nintendo hasn’t announced if any enhancements will be made to the title, like updated visuals or online gameplay. But it is hard to complain about something that’s free.

The title is set to launch this September.

Over the last two console generations Nintendo has been in a clear last place when it comes to online services and interaction. With Nintendo’s clear goal of trying to regain the hardcore audience with the Wii U, it’s not surprise that they plan on beefing up their online component. But exactly how far will they take it?

Nintendo’s been pretty quiet about their Wii U online service, but surprzingly Nintendo UK’s marketing manager  Rob Lowe spoke a bit on the subject. He confirmed the use of the friend code system, although says it is more refined than ever before.

“It still exists but in the same way that you’d need to pair up with friends on PSN or Xbox live. Now it’s much closer to that kind of online gaming experience than what it was before.”

Lowe points to the 3DS and its network features as proof that thy are working towards a better online experience. Lowe still says that they have to be considerate not only of what the hardcore gamer wants, but having a more protective online environment for younger players.

The 3DS is definitely an improved system, but could be better. Hopefully overtime Nintendo will continue to update and improve the service, rather than just leaving it as is.

(Source: Eurogamer)

We’ve heard quite a few developers backing the Wii U. But Ubisoft is already knee deep into the system, producing their very own exclusive title, Killer Freaks from Outer Space.

The title is a first person shooter from Ubisoft with tongue-cheek-humor and a load of aliens called “Freaks,” who kind of look like demented Rabbids. Players mow through packs of Freaks using the Wii U controller in single player. You can aim using the gyro sensor. Ubisoft believes it will add a new level of precision combining both of the analog sliders and the gyro controls.

Right now the title includes four player co-op, which according to GoNintendo, is online. The title also features local competitive multiplayer. One player uses a classic controller to play on the TV screen while the other player uses the Wii U controller and its screen. The Wii U player has a map where he can spawn enemies and attempt to kill the player.

What makes this title stand out, aside from looking to be just plain weird overall, is that there are actually screens of it running on the Wii U hardware, which you can find after the jump. Keep in mind these are early screenshots, so some things may not be as pretty as you’d expect yet. There’s also a live-action/CG trailer after the jump.

It seems like forever since we heard that Pikmin 3 was confirmed to be in development. And while the title was originally intended for the Nintendo Wii, Miyamoto revealed during their E3 round table this year that the title has been moved to Wii U. While he doesn’t give any specifics, he does say that the title isn’t as far off as we might think.  He feels the HD graphics and screen controller are perfect for the title.

It sounds like the title could be a potential launch title, but I wouldn’t count on it until we get closer to launch. Apparently the title wasn’t intended to be mentioned at the round table, but Miyamoto felt like announcing it. And he is Miyamoto, so he can do whatever he wants.

(Source: IGN)

Nintendo’s Big E3 conference came to a wrap today  and, as expected, we heard a few 3DS announcements along with a reveal of Nintendo’s next home platform.

Zelda 25th Anniversary

• Link’s Awakening now available on 3DS Virtual Console.
• The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords coming to DSiWare this September. Reggie says it is free, but wasn’t clear on if for everyone or just those who attended the conference.
• Golden Wii Remote will be available for limited time at Skyward Sword’s Launch. Launching this Holiday season.
• Zelda Symphony Orchestra to go on tour around the world
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time soundtrack will be made to Club Nintendo members who register the 3DS game early.

Nintendo 3DS

• Mario Kart 3DS shown, confirming hang gliders, customizable karts and under water propellers
• Luigi Mansion 2 announced. Includes multiple mansions.
• Star Fox 3D for this September in North America
• Super Mario 3DS footage shown. Looks like a mix of Galaxy and Mario 64, as Miyamoto described.  Includes Koopa Kids, Tanookie Suit and flags at the end of the level. Environments look miniaturized, probably due to being on a portable.
• Kid Icarus footage shown, including new characters. Includes multiplayer, which is 3 on 3 on the show floor at E3.  New Kid Icarus card game on the way, and will support AR gameplay using 3DS’ cameras.
• Smash Bros being developed for Nintendo 3DS.
• New third party titles include Ace Combat 3D, Tetris Online, Lego City Stories, and Tekken 3D.
• Game demos for downloadable and retail titles later this year

Wii U (Wii Successor)

• Titled WiiU.
• Controller has a 6.2 inch touch screen. Two analog sticks, both of which are above the D-Pad and DS like buttons. L&R buttons, rumble, gyroscope, accelerometer, front facing camera, speakers and microphone.
• Play software on either your TV or on WiiU controller. Can also play games using both the TV screen and the controller.
• Handful of tech demos available, but no first party actual footage.
• Zelda tech demo showed along with a bird tech demo.
• Handful of prototypes on the show floor to show off tech. This includes a semi-port of New Super Mario Bros Wii that allows for Mii usage, a space shooter, arrow blocking, a title called Chase Mii, and more. No actual first party WiiU software on show floor today.
• Smash Brothers also confirmed for WiiU, will feature connectivity with the 3DS Smash Brothers.
• Third Party software line-up: Dark Stalkers II (confirmed for launch), Tekken, Lego City Stories, Batman Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed (just confirmed support), Ghost Recon Online, Dirt, Aliens Colonial Marines, Metro Last Light, and Ninja Gaiden 3. EA confirms support and mentions titles like Battlefield 3, but no actual confirmation.

XENOBLAD

• There was no Xenoblade during the press conference.

Late last night Nintendo finally released the long awaited June update. This update adds new functionality to the Nintendo 3DS, including the ability to transfer DSiWare bring over your DSiWare titles,  and the ability to browse the web. Although from what I’ve used of the web browser, it’s nothing to get excited about.

More importantly, the Nintendo 3DS’ digital download service, the eShop, launched. Until early July you get a free copy of Excite Bike optimized for the Nintendo 3DS’ 3D visuals and its wide screen display. Pokédex 3D is also available for free.  Of course, if you’re looking to spend a little cash you can go with one of the Virtual Console releases including Radar Mission, Alleyway, and the classic Super Mario Land.  And finally, you get full access to almost the entirety of DSiWare’s library. A fantastic opportunity for those who missed out on the DSi the first time around.

The Nintendo 3DS eShop will be updated on Thursdays in North America, separating it from the usual DSiWare, WiiWare, and Wii Virtual Console’s Monday updates. Let’s hope we start getting some of those great Virtual Console releases that have already hit Japan, like Kirby’s Adventure and Mega Man: Dr Wily’s Revenge.

This year Konami decided to lead up E3 with a pre-show. The show features new details and trailers on upcoming Konami games and announces quite a few HD collections. You can check out the entire show after the jump. Or, if you don’t feel like sitting down and watching an hour of content, there’s a list of high notes below the video.

Nintendo’s 3DS digital download service, the eShop, will be going live June 6th. But even if you don’t have any money to spare, there’ll be content for you starting day one. 3DS owners who access the  eShop will receive a free download of the 3D classics port of Excite Bike. Like the original, the title will feature a track editor, but this time the port will include the ability to save up to thirty two tracks.  The download is a limited offers, so 3DS owners would do well to download it as soon as possible.

Nintendo also announced that the service will be launching with some Pokémon software as well, Pokédex 3D. This Pokédex 3D will allow players to access information on the 150 new Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White. Players start with sixteen Pokémon unlocked. They will continue to unlock Pokémon through QR codes, Spot Pass and Street  Pass. The title also gives you a full 3D view of these Pokémon as well as the ability to place Pokémon into pictures via AR cards.  There’s no mention of a time limit on the free availability of this title.

Excitebike, like other enhanced 3D classics, will look like the original NES games with added depth, but NintendoWorldReport has screenshots for Pokédex 3D.

Have $100 burning in your pocket and nothing to do with it? Nintendo might just have an a solution for you! Nintendo just announced that the Nintendo DS lite will be dropping to $99.99 – one penny short if a Benjamin. The price drop will take effect starting June 5th.

The Nintendo DS has a fantastic back catalog of software, including plenty of Mario titles. Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros, Mario Party DS, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem, Super Mario 64 DS, and Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story will all be seeing reprints. This time around, they’ll feature a special red casing. Unfortunately, there was no mention in the press release of a price drop on these titles.

Of course, 3DS is already out there and 100% backwards compatible with DS software, but the DSlite also scores you access to the GBA’s massive back catalog. Not to mention that the DS games just look better on original system. And, of course, it’s only $99.99!

Nintendo of America has finally revealed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D’s pre-order bonus. Better late than never! Unfortunately, it isn’t nearly as cool as Australia’s pre-order bonus. Those who pre-order at GameStop will receive a Ocarina of Time 3D Poster, featuring art from the title’s original release. There’s no mention of how large the poster actually is, or if it is double sided like the European pre-order bonus.

The title will be launching June 19th in North America, so it won’t be much longer now.  You can check out some of the new features in the title in the latest trailer.