The return of a classic title on a new platform rarely causes amazement. But this is no ordinary updating or simple port. It’s a complete rebuild, aimed at keeping a great game–possibly the best game Nintendo’s ever made–entertaining and relevant for a new generation, as well as Zelda’s ever-growing fan base. Nintendo did this right. The result is spectacular.

It’s tricky to write a review of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, because I could run out of synonyms for “incredible”. The game’s really that good. (more…)

In an interview with Gamasutra, Satoru  Iwata discusses how development for the Nintendo Wii U started mere months after Wii released. By 2007 there where already working prototypes of a dual screened console experience, but not exactly the way we know Wii U today.

“Considering how expensive screens were then, it did not make sense to have this big-sized LCD. We would not have been able to come up with a reasonable price point. … We had not decided when we were going to launch the new console [at that point], but we knew we needed to be flexible.”

Even crazier still, the Wii U tablet could have been it’s own standalone handheld, but concerns of cost and battery life are a few reasons why the controller shows images processed on the Wii U console itself.

“During the roundtable discussions there were such arguments about should we make it capable of being a standalone system or should we make it work only with the [base console] system. We came to the conclusion that this controller is only going to show the images generated and processed by this hardware unit – and sent from the hardware unit wirelessly. That means sharper graphics. A battery couldn’t do that.”

You can read the article for yourself here. Iwata goes on to talk about Wii U third party support and continued backing of Wii in it’s twilight years.

After the E3 dust has settled, how do you feel about Wii U?

As part 2 of my new 2D console concept, I wonder if any 2D games benefit from an analog stick. Know of any? Seems to me like d-pads are almost always the way to go when controlling 2D games. Am I wrong?

REDMOND, Wash.– The rich mystery and puzzle-solving fun of Big Fish Games’ Mystery Case Files™ game series soon will be available on the Wii™ console for the first time. With the June 27 launch of the Mystery Case Files™: The Malgrave Incident™ game – available exclusively for Wii – players can enjoy a mysterious adventure in their own living rooms, as well as test their sleuthing skills together with up to three friends in new multiplayer modes. Solo or as a group, players of any experience level can solve their way through a series of fun hidden-object puzzles as they uncover the secret behind the peculiar purple substance scattered across the enigmatic Malgrave Island.

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Call me crazy, but these days the main purpose of my Wii has been to entertain while friends are over. No console is better equipped for this as just about anybody can pick up a Wii remote and figure out how to play, Nintendo designed it this way. So as I slowly cycle out my four Wii Remote + Wii Motion Plus Voltron-like contraption for Wii Remote Plus controllers, Wii Play: Motion seemed right up my alley.

So far my time with the game has been enjoyable. I knew going in more or less what I was getting, an updated version of Wii Play with three more mini-games than it’s predecessor. With the limited time I’ve had with the game, the mini-games seem to be pretty hit and miss much like Wii Play was. There are a few mini-games that stood out even from the first play such as Skip Skimmer which has you throwing rocks through rings to get points, and Spooky Search where the objective is to point your Wii Remote Plus all over the house trying to find the hiding ghost.

Wii Play Motion won’t be a game you’re going to get 40+ hours out of (unless you REALY enjoy the mini-games), but if have friends to entertain, or a ton of siblings to compete with, Wii Play Motion just may be for you.

Now only one more of these suckers left to purchase, I’ve got my eyes on you special edition Zelda controllor.

Anyone else pick this game up?

You know, to make a new 2D console that looks nice on our HDTVs… so developers could focus on only 2D experiences and not be tempted to dabble in 3D.

Welcome to another edition of Nintentunes! This week we will be giving away three t-shirts to three lucky Infendo readers with the help of two cats and a girlfriend. Thank you all for participating in the contest, the winners can be found in the above video. Thank you to Threadless for providing the t-shirts for the giveaway!

Winners should email eugene@infendo.com to set the free t-shirt wheels in motion.

Weren’t a winner, no problem! The consolation prize for the entire Infendo nation is classic Nintendo music that will rock your socks off! Click on through to give your ears a treat. This week: handhelds.

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Is it everything you dreamed it would be? Not as good as playing an all-new Zelda? A little overhyped? Tell us, Infendo!

Based on everything we know…

Epona doesn’t know how to handle a collector’s item, but if you’d like a free copy of the new OoT 3D soundtrack, act fast. Beginning tomorrow, a free copy of the CD will be shipped to Club Nintendo members who register the game while the limited supply lasts. No guarantees, and no word on exactly how many copies are in stock.

The new CD contains 50 tracks from the game, including an orchestral medley recorded specifically for this soundtrack.

In my area, I have to wait ’till ten in the morning for an open store. I’m envying people on the east coast right now…