What do you think of Nintendo’s sudden new love for digital downloads? Share your thoughts on this and all the other big news from today’s episode in the comments section below. While you’re there, we would also love to hear what you think today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole, so please leave us your comments and suggestions.

As always, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

News:

• Nintendo faces hard choices for a soft landing (Reuters)
• Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2012 (Nintendo “Investor Relations Information” Site)
• Nintendo Preparing for Third Party Digital Downloads (IGN)
• Leaked Rayman Legends Wii U trailer shows graphics, touch-screen, NFC tech (Eurogamer.net)
• Change Coming to Super Smash Bros. Wii U, 3DS (IGN)
• See PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in Action (PlayStation Blog)
• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Changes the Rules of Racing (Sega Blog)
• New Play Control: Pikmin 2 finally coming to North America (GoNintendo)
• La-Mulana WiiWare cancelled for NA and Europe (Destructoid)

Games:

• Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (Official Site)
• Rayman Legends (IGN Game Page)
• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (IGN Game Page)
• New Play Control: Pikmin 2 (IGN Game Page)
• La-Mulana (Official Site)

We want to hear from you, too! Share your own impressions of Xenoblade and your thoughts on all the latest news in the comments section below. While you’re there, we would also love to hear what you think today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole, so please leave us your comments and suggestions.

As always, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

News:

• Nintendo Direct Live Blog (Andriasang.com)
• 3DS Firmware Update Adds Patch Support and Folders (Andriasang.com)
• Nintendo’s Bringing New Wii U Pikmin and Mario to E3 (Kotaku)
• Miyamoto on a Legend of Zelda directly after ALttP, F-Zero and Wii U, Angry Birds praise, smartphone games (GoNintendo)
• Pokemon Black & White 2 Details (Serebii.net)
• Pokemon AR Searcher, Pokedex Pro – more details (GoNintendo)
• Capcom x Sega x Namco Bandai: Project X Zone First Details (Andriasang.com)
• Nicalis bringing 1,001 Spikes to 3DS eShop, Wii U online shop (GoNintendo)
• NPD: Mass Effect 3 Tops Charts (IGN)
• Touring the Louvre with a 3DS (Joystiq)
• Joel McHale Goes Viral for Nintendo (YouTube)

Games:

• Xenoblade Chronicles (Official Site)
• Ketzal’s Corridors (Official Site)
• Pyramids (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Pokemon Black and White 2 (Pokemon.com Teaser Page)
• Project X Zone (IGN Game Page)
• 1,001 Spikes (Nintendo World Report Game Page)

The Wii U hype train is picking up steam! With only two months to go until the system’s re-unveiling at E3 2012, information is starting to leak about everything from the console’s release date to its tech specs. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we discuss the biggest and most probable Wii U rumors, along with a slew of new game announcements, Sega’s financial woes, and a bizarre April Fools’ Day prank pulled by Nintendo. To top it all off, we also dive back into the world of Kid Icarus: Uprising for more in-depth impressions and try out the eShop’s newest killer app, Colors! 3D.

With Wii U hype reaching new heights, what do you think of the latest rumors? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! While you’re there, we would also love to hear what you think today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole, so please leave us your comments and suggestions.

As always, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

In this episode…

News

• Wii U launch date set for November 18, 2012: Report (Wii U Daily)
• New Proof of Wii U’s Release Date Emerges (IGN)
• Nobody Knows How Powerful The Wii U Actually Is (Kotaku)
• Gearbox boss says impressive Wii U ‘a really nice bridge’ to the next generation (Joystiq)
• Developers claim Wii U weaker than PS3, 360. Nintendo says focus on “play,” not “numbers.” (Yahoo! News)
• Rumor: Nintendo’s Answer To Gran Turismo And Forza In Development – Details (Dual Pixels)
• Pokémon Conquest for Nintendo DS Set to Launch on June 18 (Nintendo.com)
• Disney Epic Mickey Paints Its Way To The Nintendo 3DS System With “Disney Epic Mickey: Power Of Illusion” (GoNintendo)
• Unchained Blades Coming To PSP And 3DS As A Digital Download (Siliconera)
• Sega cancels games, plans layoffs (Gamasutra)
• Sonic the Hedgehog co-creator Hirokazu Yasuhara joins Nintendo Exclusive (Gamasutra)

Games

• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Official Site)
• Colors! 3D (Official Site)
• Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion (IGN Game Page)
• Pokemon Conquest (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Unchained Blades (IGN Game Page)

We want to hear from you, too! What are your thoughts on Kid Icarus: Uprising and Mario Party 9? Were the years of waiting worth it? Just leave a comment below and share your own impressions! As always, we would also love to hear what you think today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole, so please leave us your comments and suggestions. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

Photos: Mario and Luigi Stop By

In this episode…

News

• Kid Icarus: Uprising – Where to find AR Idol Cards (Official Kid Icarus Site)
• Epic Mickey 2 coming this Fall (GoNintendo)
• Epic Mickey 2 360/PS3 being developed by Blitz Games (Gameranx.com)
• Samus and Link Suits Pop Up in Dynasty Warriors Vs. (Nintendo Life)
• ‘Darksiders II’ to be Wii U launch title, adds ‘enhanced’ controls (Digital Spy)
• Epic VP: “I’d be shocked if Wii U doesn’t do well” (Eurogamer)
• Is Nintendo doomed? Not likely. Just take a look at how much money it’s got in the bank (GamesRadar)
• Adventure Time Game Heading to DS (IGN)
• More music videos coming to 3DS today (Joystiq)

Games

• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Official Site)
• Mario Party 9 (Official Site)
• Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Disney’s Official Game Page)
• Dynasty Warriors Vs. (IGN Game Page)
• Darksiders II (Official Site)

Over the past few episodes of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we’ve discussed the 3DS’s biggest and brightest games, featuring the likes of Mario, Resident Evil, and Metal Gear. But what about the lesser-know games? The ones that slip right under the radar? Don’t worry, we’ve got those covered, too! In this episode of the RN Podcast, we’re sharing our thoughts on two of these potential sleeper hits: Tales of the Abyss and Crush 3D. We also discuss all the big Nintendo news, including the latest from last week’s Game Developers Conference, the announcement of Pokemon Black & White 2, Ubisoft’s plans to bring Assassin’s Creed III to Wii U, and the 3DS’s newest sales milestones. So sit back, enjoy, and who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new 3DS game to get!

We would love to hear what you think today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below.

Correction: In the podcast, we said that Super Mario Galaxy 2 sold over five million units. It was actually the original Super Mario Galaxy that reached this milestone. Our apologies for the mix up.

In this episode…

News

• Pokémon Black Version 2 And Pokémon White Version 2 Announced (Nintendo.com)
• Feast your eyes on the first Assassin’s Creed III Wii U trailer (Nintendo Gamer)
• RUMOR – Medal of Honor: Warfighter coming to Wii U, release date speculation (GoNintendo)
• Unreal Engine 3 Shows Off Some Epic Abilities and Footage (Zelda Informer)
• Wii U updates: Havoc, Autodesk technology (Nintendo Everything)
• We’ve Played Mario Tennis 3DS… Poorly (Kotaku)
• Exclusive: Valve said to be working on ‘Steam Box’ gaming console with partners, could announce at GDC (The Verge)
• Shooting Down Rumors, Valve Says They’re Not Making a Game Console Any Time Soon (Kotaku)
• Upcoming Nintendo eShop Titles Include Ketzal’s Corridors, Colors! 3D and SEGA Game Gear (Nintendo.com)
• “…Nintendo has decided NOT to allow Binding of Isaac denied on the 3DS…” (Twitter)
• Rovio wants Angry Birds Space on ‘all the screens,’ Vita version up to Sony (Joystiq)
• Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward Coming To 3DS And Vita (Game Informer)
• Nintendo’s 3DS Doubles Up on DS (IGN)
• Super Mario Galaxy Becomes Ninth Wii Game to Sell More Than 5 Million Units (Nintendo Press Site)
• NPD’s top 25 includes at least eight 3DS games (Joystiq)

Games

• Tales of the Abyss (Namco.com Game Page)
• Crush 3D (Sega.com Game Page)
• Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 (Pokemon.com Teaser Page)
• Assassin’s Creed III (Official Site)
• Medal of Honor Warfighter (Official Site)
• Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Official Site)
• Ketzal’s Corridors (Nintendo World Report Game Page)
• Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward (Aksys Games Blog)

Whew! That one word pretty much sums up the past two weeks in the world of Nintendo. We saw big game launches, a wave of news out of Nintendo Direct, and a slew of rumors pertaining to both the Wii U and 3DS. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we provide an in-depth look of Rhythm Heaven Fever and bring in a special guest to share his impressions of Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D. We also discuss some of the biggest news and rumors, including the first details on Mario Tennis Open, the devilish return of Brain Age, The Last Story finally coming stateside, and reports of Nintendo reviving other developers’ franchises on the 3DS. It all adds up to one jam-packed episode!

As always, we want to hear what you think of today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

In this episode…

News

• Nintendo Direct – 2.22.2012 (Nintendo.com)
• Capcom, Namco Bandai, Sega Working on 3DS Game (IGN)
• Concentration and Working Memory Training – info round-up (GoNintendo)
• Domestic sales topped 5 million units, “Nintendo 3DS” (Nintendo Co., Ltd. Japanese Press Site)
• Seaman Coming to 3DS — Nikkei (Adriasang.com)
• Nintendo says incorrect information being discussed concerning Seaman/revitalization of 3rd party games (GoNintendo)
• Is Vita losing developer support already? Sony responds (Gamasutra)
• Nintendo Releases Paid 3DS DLC (IGN)
• First DLC for New Fire Emblem Is Free (Kotaku)
• Nintendo Courting Media Partners for New Wii (Ad Week)
• Nintendo Flirted With 3D, HD Displays for Wii U Controller (Kotaku)

Games

• Rhythm Heaven Fever (Official Site)
• Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D (Official Site)
• Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• The Last Story (IGN Game Page)
• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Official Site)
• Dillon’s Rolling Western (Official Site)
• Fire Emblem: Awakening (IGN Game Page)

Resident Evil and Rhythm Heaven: one is a gore-filled horror fest, the other is a happy-go-lucky musical romp. They may be polar opposites, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about both of them! In today’s episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we do just that, sharing our impressions of the 3DS’s Resident Evil: Revelations, as well as our thoughts on the Rhythm Heaven Fever launch party held at the iam8bit gallery in Los Angeles. We also take a look at some interesting new Wii U rumors, the latest sales numbers, and the announcement of a new Ace Attorney game. Plus, did you know that Nintendo now has its own spokes…dog? From cruise ship horrors to rhythmic mayhem to brand ambassador dogs, don’t miss out on this episode!

As always, we would love to hear what you think of today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

In this episode…

News:

• Rhythm Heaven Fever Launch Event! (Facebook event page)
• Activision Will Be Playing An Important Role On All Nintendo Consoles This Year & Next (The Nintendo Enthusiast)
• Epic Mickey 2 Will Feature Wii U Support (Zelda Informer)
• RUMOR – Ubisoft Vancouver working on MotionSports Wii U prior to closure (GoNintendo)
• Ace Attorney 5 Announced for Japan—Will It Go West? (Kotaku)
• Vote on Xenoblade Chronicles’ Alternate Boxart (Tiny Cartridge)
• Sales of video games fall in January (USA Today)
• NPD: Call of Duty, Xbox 360 Continue to Top Charts (IGN)
• Canine Superstar Uggie Lands Epic Role as Nintendo’s First-Ever “Spokesdog” (Nintendo.com)

Games:

• Resident Evil: Revelations (Official Site)
• Rhythm Heaven Fever (Official Site)
• Mario Party 2 (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Xenoblade Chronicles (Official Site)

Crisper, clearer, and still chock full of Nintendo news – welcome to Episode 06 of the Random Nintendo Podcast! We underwent a long overdue microphone upgrade, and just in the nick of time, too. Nintendo made some big announcements at an investor meeting this past week, including an ambitious new online strategy (goodbye Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, hello Nintendo Network), a very intriguing Wii U feature, and plans for a new 2D Mario game on 3DS. In today’s episode, we speculate about what this all means, plus discuss the newest Kid Icarus: Uprising gameplay details, the 3DS’s recently-announced Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir, and the arrival of 3DS demos. To top it all off, we share our impressions of both Bionic Commando for the 3DS Virtual Console and the eShop’s newest platformer, Mutant Mudds. It’s a jam-packed episode that sounds better than ever!

We would love to hear what you think of both today’s episode and the RN Podcast as a whole. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

In this episode…

News

• Nintendo 1/27 Investor Meeting Transcript (Nintendo “Investor Relations Information” Site)
• What’s in a name? Nintendo considering Wii U rebrand, sources claim (CVG)
• Nintendo Predicts Bigger Losses, Lagging 3DS Sales (Wired.com)
• New Mario 3DS announced, Super Mario 3D Land sells 5M copies (Gamasutra)
• New Story and Single-Player Mode Details Revealed for Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo Press Site)
• Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir Unleashes Supernatural Thrills on Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo.com)
• Nintendo 3DS Demos On The Way (IGN)

Games:

• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Resident Evil: Revelations (Official Site)
• Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Official Site)
• Bionic Commando (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Mutant Mudds (Official Site)

It’s been a rather strange two weeks in the world of Nintendo. First, the Wii U shows up at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but as nothing more than rehash of what we saw at last year’s E3. Then, Nintendo announces a stand for the 3DS, which allows you to play Kid Icarus: Uprising without worrying about how to hold the system (was that an issue in the first place?). On top of that,  Tiger Woods PGA Tour will not be on Wii this year, Mario Party 9 is seeing some potentially major gameplay shake-ups, and the iPhone got a a blatant Mario Kart rip-off that you have to see to believe. In other words, these past few weeks have made us say, “What the What?”. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we discuss all those stories, the DS’s hidden gem 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors and the 3DS Virtual Console’s Blaster Master: Enemy Below. If you want a dose of strange, this is the episode for you!

As always, if you have a comment, question, or suggestion for future episodes, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy!

In this episode…

News

• Reggie talks Wii U at CES – No date/price yet, launch support, info all year (GoNintendo)
• Nintendo’s Reggie Loses at Mario Kart 7 (YouTube)
• New 3DS accessory makes the handheld console less portable (VentureBeat)
• Is the 3DS Lite Coming Out Next Spring? Wonders a Japanese Magazine (Kotaku)
• Mario Party 9 – updated fact sheet (GoNintendo)
• No Tiger Woods on Wii This Year (Nintendo World Report)
• Official Mole Kart Trailer (YouTube)
• Retro Studios Hires Uncharted 3, Darksiders Artists. Crunch Time “This Year” (NeoGAF)
• New Club Nintendo game rewards include Majora’s Mask (Destructoid)
• Nintendo 3DS Crosses 4 Million Mark (Nintendo of America’s Media Site)
• A disappointing December leads to 2011 retail video game declines (Gamasutra)

Games

• Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Mario Party 9 (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors (Official Site)
• Blaster Master: Enemy Below (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Mario Kart 7 (Official Site)

Happy New Year! 2012 is upon us and it’s going to be a great year for Nintendo fans with a solid lineup of new 3DS games, and more importantly, the launch of the Wii U. But before diving into 2012, let’s take a look back at 2011. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we discuss the biggest Nintendo news stories of 2011 and our top games of the year. We also look ahead to the future with our predictions for 2012. Plus, we have our usual slate of news and impressions, including our thoughts on the 3DS eShop’s newest must-have titles, the possibility of Nintendo releasing paid downloadable content, and a bizarre Wii game called Kiki Trick. All that and a special message from Mario himself make this an episode that you don’t want to miss!

As always, if you have a comment, question, or suggestion for future episodes, please let us know in the comments section below! Additionally, if you would like to learn more about any of the topics discussed on today’s episode, we have provided links below. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

In this episode…

News:

• 3DS overtakes lifetime GameCube sales in Japan (3DS Tribe)
• PlayStation Vita sales drop in Japan (ZDNet)
• 3DS Fire Emblem Kicks Off Nintendo Paid Download Content (Andriasang.com)
• Hyrule Historia – The 100%, Official, Confirmed Zelda Timeline!! Finally! (GlitterBerri)
• Kiki Trick – overview, developers trailers (GoNintendo)
• Nintendo Direct live-stream – info wrap-up (GoNintendo)

Games:

• Swapnote (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• Pushmo (Official Site)
• Mighty Switch Force (Official Facebook Page)
• VVVVVV (Official Site)
• Mario Kart 7 (Official Site)
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Official Site)
• Ace Attorney Series (Official Site)
• Ghost Trick (Official Site)