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.

Mushroom Kingdom birthday cakes, NES beds, master sword quilts…Nintendo fans tend to celebrate their passion in crazy, time-intensive ways. Thanks to my friend Lindsay, I own my own little unique Nintendo creation. These three collages were made from Nintendo Power clippings, and they decorate the binder I use for pretty much everything (L-R Back, Spine, Front). (more…)

The March issue of Nintendo Power has a survey in which they asked readers if they missed arcades or not. Only 43% said yes. 30% said not really. 27% said they never frequented arcades.

How sad.

For any younglings in the room, arcades were popular in America from the late ’70s to mid ’90s. Although they still have a place in Japan, the closest thing you’ll find here is Chuck E. Cheeses, which isn’t exactly a “video” arcade.

Do you miss arcades? I know I do. And I’m pouring out a little soda for my favorite spots as a kid: LeMans, Aladdin’s Castle, the OSU student center in Stillwater, and Coney’s Island. Thanks for the good times, guys.

In their January issue, Nintendo Power compiled a fun list of New Year’s resolutions for your “favorite and not-so-favorite video game characters.” Here are the ones that made me chuckle, if not outright laugh in the case of Starman:

• Pitt: Stop fighting it and legally change his name to Kid Icarus.
• Phoenix Wright: Stop going to Sonic’s barber.
• Shy Guy: Read a few books on self-esteem.
• Samus: Destroy eight more planets and drive at least two more species into extinction in the name of galactic peace.
• Link: Take some classes on public speaking.
• Starman from Pro Wrestling: Cut eyeholes in mask.
• Dog from Duck Hunt: Stop taking pleasure from other people’s misfortunes.
• Kin Corn Darn: Change his nickname from “a living karate tool” to something less insulting.
• Professor Layton: Grow a beard and become the world’s top Abraham Lincoln impersonator.

Any resolutions you’d like to make on behalf of a video game character?

Infendo Radio gets cowboy’d up (not really) to talk about the development costs of the 3DS, the legacy of Nintendo Power, and an odd relic Alexis extracted from a strange land known as “good will.”  What is this artifact? Where did it come from? Why does it exist? The world may never know.

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