Episode 52: Let’s Get Ready To Rumble

Wind up those Pokemon toys, start those mining drills, and grab that… 2DS? This episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast offers a little something for everyone, including impressions of Nintendo’s first foray into NFC-enabled gaming with Pokemon Rumble U and the must-play eShop title SteamWorld Dig. As always, the show begins with the latest news as we analyze the unexpected Nintendo 2DS, share thoughts on the Wii U’s upcoming price drop, and give our takes on the recent Pokemon Direct. We also look at two Kickstarter projects that have grabbed the gaming spotlight and deserve your money. So whether you’re interested in Pokemon toys gone digital, steampunk mining adventures, or a 3D-less 3DS, there’s something in this episode for you!

Have you had a chance to play Pokemon Rumble U or SteamWorld Dig? What are your thoughts on the 2DS? Leave a comment and let us know! We also encourage you to stay up to date on all site happenings by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes and following us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

Below, we have provided links to all the news and games discussed in this episode. A time stamp is listed next to each link so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:17:16 — 63.0MB)

News

• [0:02 – 0:23] Introducing… The Nintendo 2DS. No, That’s Not a Typo. (Kotaku)
• [0:06] Extra: Why The 2DS Is Actually A Good Idea
• [0:11] Nintendo: “We don’t want to walk away” from 3D gaming (GamesIndustry International)
• [0:15] Nintendo Targets Japan Sales of 5 Million 3DS Units in 2013 (Bloomberg)
• [0:17] Nintendo Is Still Making Its Most Popular System Ever (Kotaku)
• [0:24] Nintendo Says Wii U’s Name Not Responsible For Wii U’s Problems (Kotaku)
• [0:27] Wii U Price Drop Confirmed (IGN)
• [0:30] Nintendo Confirms Limited Edition Wii U Bundle For The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Nintendo Life)
• [0:34] Nintendo Falls Most Since May After Wii U Price Cut: Tokyo Mover (Bloomberg)
• [0:37] Zelda: Wind Waker HD download launching early, hits Wii U Sept. 20 (Polygon)
• [0:41] Sessler’s… Something – Nintendo’s Potential Next-Gen Gamechanger (YouTube)
• [0:46] Nintendo Confirms Release Dates For Fall First-Party Lineup (GameInformer.com)
• [0:55] Nintendo: ‘Online Play is Always Important’ (IGN)
• [1:04] Pokemon Direct 9.04.2013 (Nintendo.com)
• [1:28] Wayforward Kickstarting Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (Joystiq)
• [1:33] Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse puts the rest to shame (Destructoid)
• [1:36] PAX: Mega Man Creator Announces Mighty No. 9 (IGN)
• [2:12] How an indie game made a word-of-mouth rise to the top of the eShop charts (Polygon)

Games

• [1:44] Pokemon Rumble U (Official Site)
• [2:01] SteamWorld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt (Official Site)
• [0:37] The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Official Site)
• [0:47] Wii Party U (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• [0:49] Mario Party: Island Tour (IGN Game Page)
• [0:56] The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• [1:04] Pokemon X & Y (Official Site)
• [1:05] Pokemon Bank (Official Site)
• [1:28] Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (Official Kickstarter Page)
• [1:33] Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (Giant Bomb Game Page)
• [1:36] Mighty No. 9 (Official Kickstarter Page)