Nintendo 3DS Categories

Nintendo is taking another step in the right direction this week as they begin to roll out new purchasing options for Nintendo Wii U and 3DS owners. At this time, it is strictly available in North America, although I suspect the feature to launch in Europe soon. Essentially, Nintendo owners can now do almost everything Xbox and PS4 owners have been able to do for years when it comes to purchasing games via a computer or smart phone.

It's not an opinion. It is a fact. Nintendo's brand has taken series blows over the years, and the company now sits in spot 100 out of 100 when it comes to the worlds most valuable brands. Many analysts predict that Nintendo won't even make the list in 2015.

A few month ago, I looked at Rare developed titles that should be re-released. A few weeks after that, I examined two Mario titles I would like to see again with updated visuals. It has been a busy few months for Nintendo, and I've finally found the time to work on my Nintendo HD series once again. This week, its time to look at Nintendo's second largest franchise: The Legend of Zelda

Nintendo has hit its stride in the last month and they continue the success with more announcements today, including 3DS Smash Bros sales numbers, and release dates for upcoming games and Amiibo figures.

There is nothing worse in online games than someone who rage quits. It sucks when playing sports games especially since games are generally one-on-one; it is less of an issue with first person shooter titles as the game will just get repopulated with another player. Super Smash Bros, both for the 3DS and Wii U, falls into the former. If one of four players quits, the game is altered for the worst.

Super Smash Bros has been one of Nintendo's biggest franchises, and although it may not have the following that Mario Kart does, there are still millions of people around the world who long for the generational Smash Bros games. While we all anticipate the Wii U launch in November, Nintendo is treating us to the first handheld edition of the game, Super Smash Bros 3DS.

Nintendo is leading a double life, and it has to be insanely frustrating for the executives. In the west, the Wii U troubles are well documented, and while they have been selling fairly well since the launch of Mario Kart - and, will continue through Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros - they still are not doing as well as they themselves had hoped. In Japan, however, Nintendo is actually selling on par with the PS4, and the New 3DS and the New 3DS LL are blowing both out of the water. It's a good time for Nintendo in Japan, even if its not in the west.

Super Smash Bros is a huge franchise, and one that Nintendo has returned to generation after generation. It can be perceived as a guaranteed money maker. However, I was skeptical when the 3DS version was announced, and even more skeptical as gameplay footage began to be released. After all, this was a first for this franchise on handheld. Nintendo has managed to sell over a a million copies of the game in Japan - both at retail and digitally on the eShop - making my skepticism incredibly unnecessary, and frankly, wildly incorrect.

A few weeks back, I reviewed SteamWorld Dig on the Wii U. The game was so fantastic, I've now owned it on multiple different platforms including my Wii U for at home and 3DS for on the road. The game is that good. If you haven't picked it up, stop reading this useless announcement, grab the game and play it, and come back to read this at your convenience. After all, the release date for their next title isn't until Spring 2015.

Next week, on September 19th, a Super Smash 3DS demo will go live. Like all demos on the eShop, players will be limited to 30 plays. 30 plays isn't a lot, which means gamers may want to use them sparingly as there will be still three weeks until the game officially launches. Nintendo has lots to prove with this title as it is the first on handheld in the franchises history. This demo will make or break this game at retail in early October.