Nintendo news round-up: Master Quest in Zelda 3DS, Zelda’s 25th anniversary, and more

– Not quite sold on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s upcoming 3DS remake? David Young, Nintendo of America’s Associate Public Relations Manager, has announced that the 3DS remake will include Master Quest. Until now, the only way we’ve been able to play Master Quest, a re-worked version of OOT with more challenging puzzles and enemies, is through the Wind Waker pre-orer bonus disc, The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition. I’d like to see a brand new dungeon included before I indulge, but the inclusion of this Zelda rarity sure doesn’t hurt. (Nintendo World Report)

– Not to be outdone by Mario’s 25th anniversary, Iwata has confirmed that Zelda will be getting “something” in 2011 to celebrate its own quarter century of gaming greatness. Perhaps a Wii compilation a la Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition is waiting in the wings, but since Nintendo has already given us the Zelda Collector’s Edition, I would hope any such new celebratory collection would include other discontinued Zelda games that weren’t included in the first set, such as A Link To The Past or some of the handheld titles (Oracle of Seasons/Ages and Link’s Awakening DX, anyone?). (Aussie-Nintendo)

– Nintendo is lauding the launch of Pokemon Black and White with a spectacular event at Rockefeller Center. The event will offer game-play kiosks, Liberty Pass downloads, free t-shirts, and The Presidents Of The United States of America performing an all new song, Can’t Stop (Catchin’ ‘Em All), written specifically in honor of Pokemon Black and White. Wow. Anyone in New York going to check out the Pokemon bonanza? (Business Wire)

– There was a lot of speculation about how Nintendo would advertise the 3DS. Would they use paper ads with 3D glasses enclosed? How about playable in-store demos? Turns out they are instead relying on “douchebag” reactions to the 3D technology, to use Destructoid’s terminology. After watching the ads, it’s hard to disagree that the ads have a bit of an over-emoting douchey feel, but given the average consumer’s tendency to formulate an opinion based on others’ reactions and reviews, it may not be the worst strategy Nintendo has ever had.  (Destructoid)

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