Readers, let us know what you’re doing tonight, and if you have any game-related resolutions. Happy new year and thanks for reading.

Or so says The Daily. As if the world didn’t already have enough app stores. I like “game stores” a whole lot better.

Infendo reader eddieinthecity emailed us the following:

I finally got around to vectoring this iconic mario pose, so I could make a decent high quality iphone wallpaper. I thought maybe readers would enjoy a free phone wallpaper.

Thanks, eddie.

Based on my unscientific observations, I’ve decided Wiggler is, by far, the least popular character in Mario Kart 7. In all my hundreds of online races, I’ve encountered him maybe twice. I’ve seen thousands of Metal Marios, Lakitus and Rosalinas, but players are shunning the gangly newcomer.

Really, who can blame them? Wiggler looks awkward in any cart, his flailing arms are distracting and his voice–It makes Toad sound like Sinatra by comparison.

There are, however, a few reasons to like the goofy caterpillar. (more…)

Link here. The skinny: At 10pm Eastern tonight, the company is suppose to preview its upcoming wares. Stay tuned.

From our house to yours, merry Christmas. Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty: What did you give, and what did you get?

Three great additions to the 3DS eShop appeared yesterday…and one’s a terrific freebie!

Swapnote, at the wonderful price of zero, finally arrived to give 3DS users a simple, fun way to send sketches, notes and photos to friends or streetpass strangers. The experience of adding 3D touches to a sketch makes this worth the download, and there’s an option to choose animated stationery!

Mighty Switch Force ($5.99) is another entry in the recent streak of  great 3DS-exclusive download games. This is one polished, beautifully-controlling platformer. I like its on-the-go design, based around competing for the best time in a generous series of quick challenges.

And Tetris–GAMEBOY TETRIS–showed up! Hooray! Sure, the world’s full of more flashy versions of Tetris, but no others are as lovable! $3.99!

So, this week the ever-improving and cute-as-all-get-out eShop offers a great freebie, a top-notch platfomer and a welcome stroll down memory lane! Any readers out there picking up one or more? And…whoever you are, anonymous Swapnote writer in the above image, the answer is “Yes, you should get a cake.”

Community Code: 20-1691-6700-3942

I was glad to see that, even though I only encountered about two other racers during our first MK 7 community night, other racers have found chances to duke it out with each other on the Infendo community. I’m determined to keep the steam going, so here’s my proposal for community nights: plan on them every Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. US-Eastern unless we designate otherwise.

Since this Saturday is Christmas Eve, I’m thinking earlier would be best. Therefore, the official change (for this Saturday only) is 1:00 p.m. US-Eastern. Be sure to find out what time that is in your zone! Will you be able to make it?

Wired has a nice little piece on lower profile holiday Nintendo games, including the unsung Kirby’s Return to Dreamland:

While the aforementioned games are more than mere serviceable diversions, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is an unsung contemporary classic. It’s both deep enough to qualify as a game for true gamers and inviting enough so as not to alienate the untested, whether they’re six or 60.

What do you think? What get’s your vote for “low profile Nintendo game of the year”?

Happy holidays, everyone! What a jolly season it’s turned out to be for a certain little handheld that got off to a rocky start, but finally found its stride. I hope Nintendo keeps the momentum rolling in 2012, but—for now—fans can find plenty of quality gaming exclusive to 3DS. The last few weeks alone saw a new Mario, a new Mario Kart and two amazing eShop games that beat the pants off most mobile phone titles.

So, in reverse order, these are my 10 personal favorites from the 3DS’s first go-round: (more…)