Realizing that print media was becoming niche, Nintendo sold the Nintendo Power publishing rights in 2007 to a British company named Future. Turns out, Nintendo Power might not have much of a future, at least in its current print form.

“United Kingdom lifestyle website and magazine publisher Future plc has long publicized its challenge in maintaining operations in the United States, but if recent statements are an indicator, the company may announce a major move soon,” reports Gamaustra. “In a note to investors ahead of the close of its fiscal year on September 30, company representatives said that a challenging quarter means that the company will not only accelerate its plans to transition Future U.S. to a primarily digital model, it is also now considering more drastic measures,” including closure.

That said, Nintendo Power boasts nearly 500,000 monthly subscribers, the most of any official console mag. In other words, under the right leadership, it’s more than capable of surviving, if not thriving in digital/app form.

This is turning out to be a superb week for eShop as a second terrific game arrives–this time for the 3DS Virtual Console. You’ll have to pay for this one, but Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is well worth its $3.99 price tag. Get ready for one of the better Game Boy adventures as Mario meets Wario in a title that improves on the first Mario Land game in just about every way imaginable. Who’s purchasing some classic GB Mario tonight?

REDMOND, Wash. — Nintendo has revealed new details about the introductory storyline and game play in The Legend of Zelda(TM): Skyward Sword, which will launch exclusively for the Wii(TM) system on Nov. 20. The enhanced motion controls of the Wii Remote(TM) Plus (or Wii Remote controller with a Wii MotionPlus(TM) accessory) and Nunchuk(TM) controller allow for deeply immersive puzzle-solving challenges in this latest addition to the iconic Zelda franchise.

This new game — one of the biggest in the history of Nintendo software development — will also feature new story elements that lay the foundation for the events that occur in the rest of the series. This includes the creation of the Master Sword, an ancient and powerful weapon that has been a constant in the 25-year history of the Zelda series. The introductory storyline includes the following:  (more…)

Quick! Head over to the Nintendo eShop or DSiWare Shop to download The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition for free before it’s too late! Okay, so it won’t be too late until February 20th of next year. Still…

I didn’t get to experience much of the original Four Swords, but, as I understand it, this version can be completed solo, while the original could not. It is undoubtedly more fun to play with a friend, however, so be sure to find a buddy!

What are your thoughts on the latest Zelda 25th Anniversary offering?

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Music: “Bizarre Love Triangle (Step Pettibone mix)” by New Order, “Blackout” by Breathe Carolina

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Nintendo has a rich history of innovative and gameplay contributing hardware. You know: new hardware twists that improve the way we interactive with games. Having played all of the company’s systems since 1986, here’s how I’d rank ‘em in terms of most gameplay enabling to least gameplay enabling:

1. Nintendo DS. Whose to blame for the ongoing touch gaming revolution? This little guy. Not only that, the DS lends itself better to virtually every genre ever created. Talk about adaptive hardware. Consequently, it’s the best-selling video game system ever (console or handheld, whether made by Nintendo or not). Talk about well received.
2. Nintendo Entertainment System. Directional pads and face buttons might not have existed if it weren’t for this gray box. Joysticks are retro-chic and all, but they’re horribly imprecise when compared to gamepads that the NES pioneered. In fact, some of the best Wii and iOS games mimic the NES joypad (Wiimote turned sideways or on screen d-pad and two face buttons).
3. Wii. The only thing that keeps this from being higher on my list is the limited number of genres that benefit from motion control. Obviously, Wii works great for a lot of games, including apparatus sports (tennis, golf, bowling, etc), arcade shooters, and puzzlers, but other popular genres like platformers, first and third-person games, and others are better served overall with a gamepad. The current gaming landscape is a testament to that.  (more…)

The only problem I have with this game is which platform to get it for. Do I stick with the tried and true console controls of the Wii, or do I experience the game in an entirely new perspective on the 3DS?! Decisions, decisions! Oh boy does this game look good, I can’t wait.

If you are picking this game up, what platform are you choosing? Wii, 3Ds, or perhaps an HD console with Achievements/Trophies?

Not only that, but 28% believe the 3D effect actually detracts from the gameplay, according to a new survey cited by Gamespot. 22% believed 3D actually improved gameplay, while 13% preferred playing with 3D off. Either way you look at it, talk about an uphill battle.

I just love Xseed Games. They seem to always bring the most obscure, great looking games to North American shores. Next month, they will be dropping a new RPG for the DS, and it certainly has gotten my attention.

Solatorobo: Red The Hunter has been out for quite a while in Japan and launched this July in Europe, but North American gamers have been left out of the fiesta, until now! Solatorobo launches next week here in the states, and you can bet that I will get my grubby hands on the title.

In the meantime, check out this trailer for the game and decide for yourself whether or not you will pick it up. If anything else, it is a new game that you can play on your 3DS until Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 launch later this year.