Category: Science & Technology

from Nintendo of Canada:

This November, a new system update for the portable Nintendo 3DS system will enable owners to capture 3D video footage. People will be able to record and view moments from birthday parties, soccer games and holiday events, or create their own original 3D productions and show them to others in 3D, all without the need for special glasses. The system update will also provide new experiences for people who have conquered all the StreetPass challenges in StreetPass Mii Plaza.

The update is just one of the many elements of Nintendo’s strong holiday season lineup that features two Mario games — one platformer and one racer — for Nintendo 3DS. The season also sees the arrival of the largest game-development project in Nintendo history: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii system.

“The 2011 holiday season offers up multiple must-have Nintendo games for both experienced players and newcomers,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “Shoppers know they can count on Nintendo to offer amazing entertainment experiences at an unbeatable value.”

The first appearance by Mario on a new Nintendo system is always cause for celebration. This fall, Nintendo is giving fans two big reasons to celebrate. On November 13, Nintendo will release the Super Mario 3D Land game for Nintendo 3DS. In this first-ever true 3D Mario platforming adventure, players can scout levels and find secrets before they play using the built-in gyro sensor feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. The game will feature propeller blocks and will have StreetPass functionality. Mario Kart will be available December 4 and will include a new optional first-person driving mode that is controlled using the gyro sensor. The game also introduces new playable characters like Lakitu and Metal Mario, and a tricks system like the one in Mario Kart Wii. Both games are essential to the game libraries of Mario fans, and more details about them will be announced in the future.

A Legendary Holiday Season

Nintendo is pulling out all the stops in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches November 20 and represents one of the deepest and richest experiences ever produced by Nintendo. More than 100 staff members have been working for five years to produce the epic story, which includes a new approach to game play and more than 100 minutes of cinematic cut scenes. The game also will feature a boss challenge mode and, for players who need assistance, optional hint movies to help them along.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between September 28, 2011, and February 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare version of the game using their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game’s replay value.

Fans of Nintendo’s downloadable games will be getting a special Zelda treat as well. Between October 3, 2011, and February 20, 2012, select retailers will carry limited-edition cards highlighting the series’ 25th anniversary. The Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card, which is used in the Nintendo eShop of the Nintendo 3DS system, features an image of Link battling Ganon. The Nintendo Points Card, which can be used in the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop, shows Link flying high in a scene from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

In other game news, families can look forward to making fun holiday memories with new games like Fortune Street (December 5) for the Wii console and Fossil Fighters: Champions (November 14) for the Nintendo DS family of systems. Third-party publishers are also adding to the roster of great games headed for Nintendo systems between now and the end of the year, including Just Dance 3 (October 7) for the Wii console from Ubisoft, Go Vacation (October 11) for the Wii console from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure (October 16) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems from Activision Publishing, Zumba Fitness 2 (November 15) for the Wii console from Majesco Entertainment and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (November 15) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems published by SEGA. For more information and to see a listing of upcoming third-party games for Nintendo systems, visit nintendo.ca.

Looking Ahead to 2012

Beyond the holiday season, Nintendo is already making plans for 2012. Nintendo is revealing a previously unannounced 3D Mario tennis game for the Nintendo 3DS system. Mario Tennis (name not final) will launch in 2012 and more details will be announced later.

Also in 2012, Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to enjoy a new 3D installment in the Animal Crossing franchise. This version will include a number of options not available in previous versions. These include the ability to become the head of the village and boost its development, a way to install certain items in the village to make its characteristics more personalized for each player, and the ability to view homes of other players who are tagged through StreetPass connections.

In 2012, Nintendo 3DS fans will also see the arrival of new games in the Luigi’s Mansion and Paper Mario franchises.

In one final bit of news, the development team for Kid Icarus: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS has determined that more time is needed to complete the game. As a result, the game will now launch in 2012. Nintendo is also in the process of developing 3D Kid Icarus animations with critically acclaimed Japanese anime production houses. These animations will be made available free of charge via the Nintendo Video service to Nintendo 3DS owners worldwide.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Nintendo, visit nintendo.ca.

from Nintendo of Canada:

The 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda video game series goes into high gear with the June 19 launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D game. Available exclusively for the portable Nintendo 3DS system, the new game introduces a fully re-mastered version of one of the most acclaimed installments in Nintendo’s fan-favorite The Legend of Zelda game series. Combining adventurous game play and classic story elements with enhanced graphics and previously unavailable challenges, this new edition also highlights the deep, engaging experiences made possible by Nintendo 3DS with intuitive hand-held motion controls and the ability to play in 3D without the need for special glasses.

Experienced fans and newcomers alike will have plenty to discover in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D as they guide the heroic Link on an adventure through Hyrule, where they will encounter vividly enhanced characters and environments. The new touch-screen interface makes it simple to navigate menus and switch between items, while new motion controls allow players to swiftly and accurately aim their weapons when targeting in first-person view. After completing the main game, players will also have access to the additional Master Quest that provides even more challenges with redesigned dungeons, more challenging enemies and environments that are experienced in reverse.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is the definitive version of a game that is an indelible part of entertainment history,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “This is a game for every fan of the series, from those who grew up on Link’s adventures to the new generation of players who are just starting to create their own magical memories in the mythical land of Hyrule.”

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D introduces new content that is exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS version of the game. After players have defeated a boss, they can replay the battle again in Boss Challenge mode and try to improve their completion time. When they have defeated all eight of the game’s bosses, they can face them all in succession under an action-packed timed run. At select access points in the game, players can also watch special hint movies that provide clues to help solve tricky puzzles and defeat challenging enemies.

The original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launched for the Nintendo 64 system in 1998. Earning widespread praise from fans and critics alike, it currently holds a Metacritic.com score of 99. Since 1986, The Legend of Zelda game series has sold more than 62 million units worldwide.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, visit zelda.com/ocarina3d.