Japan Gaming Guide

Let’s take a look at some of the add-ons available for the Nintendo 3DS.

First up is the Rakuoki, a simple stand to allow for easy writing. It’s not too expensive at ¥940.

Next, we have the Handle, a steering wheel for racers. It might not be the best with the 3D on though, since moving the console tends to distort the 3D effect. At ¥1150, it too is also rather inexpensive.

Finally, the one that’s making big news, the Slidepad. This add-on was released in conjunction with Monster Hunter Tri-G and adds a second analog slider pad, 2 shoulder buttons, and ergonomic grips. It’s also an official Nintendo product, hinting that a possible 3DS redesign and upgrade is coming. It’s the most expensive of the add-ons available at ¥1500, but still not too much considering it may soon become a necessity. Here are some more pictures of the device:

Fighting back hard against less-than-stellar 3DS sales, Nintendo is getting ready to release the next installment in the hugely popular Mario Kart series. Set to go on sale December first in Japan and December fourth in North America, Mario Kart 7 is sticking to what made the series such a success.

The Japanese website has recently been updated with preview videos for 18 race courses, and the game should have at least 38 courses when it arrives in stores. About half the tracks are updates and remakes from previous games, going all the way back to the Super Nintendo original. Featuring at least 16 characters, with the ability to add your own Mii avatar to the line-up, the roster has all the bases covered. The karts are fully customizable this time around, with the ability to purchase upgrades, like hang-glider wings and monster-truck tires, by collecting coins on the race course. All the classic items are available, and a nod goes to Super Mario 3D Land with the inclusion of the tanooki tail. And, of course, local and online multiplayer are ready for the true test of Mario Kart skill.

If past entries in the series are anything to go by, expect Mario Kart 7 to be a strong purchase for any 3DS owner.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is finally here. With stunning review scores across the board this looks like being the best Wii game in a long time. Tighter and tougher than it’s predecessor, gameplay has been made a little harder this time around. Don’t fret though, Yoshi will be along to help out, with extra abilities to complement Mario’s already impressive range of moves. Yoshi’s tongue will of course be aimed by the Wiimote. As well as eating fruits and power-ups you’ll be able to swing from the scenery like a hungry Tarzan to get over those tricky gaps.

The game is out this Thursday, May 27 and can be yours for 5800 yen.

He’s back. New Super Mario Bros Wii takes the updated 2D platforming formula that was such as success when it debuted on the DS and puts it back on the living room TV. There’s a new four player mode, with everyone playing on the one console. This is a riot and really feels like it belongs in the game rather than a tacked on gimmick – in fact Shigeru Miyamoto claimed he wanted to add the feature back in the sixteen-bit days but was held back by the limits of the technology.

By all accounts Mario has toughened up a little since his previous outings; The game is tougher than the DS version, something that will surely please Mario’s more dedicated fans. For the less committed gamer though Nintendo have included a new autoplay feature that allows the game to play itself after failing a level eight times. Though purists will balk at this, it is optional and means younger or occasional players can see the whole game without getting frustrated.

The Japanese are getting the game a couple of weeks late on December 3rd, Europeans get it on November 20th and the rest of you should have it already. If not, what are you waiting for?

Here’s a great piece of Super Mario Japanese black theatre:

[Geekologie, via Xorsyst]

The official site for the new Wii Baseball title just launched. Some videos show off the characters’ special swings, a fireball shot for Mario and a charmed shot from Peach that nobody wants to catch. You can also see the gestures for swinging the bat (a swinging gesture) and pitching (a downward swipe, but you can twist the Wiimote to add curve, much like in Wii Sports). Several mini-games are shown or named: Jewel Catcher, Fireworks, World Gun, Ice Block Shot, Ghost Shot, Castle Pinball and others.

Super Mario Stadium Family Baseball launches June 19th for 5800 yen.

[Read]

This is old but:

Mario Galaxy has overtaken Zelda: Ocarina of Time to become the highest rated game on Gamerankings.com. Zelda has been sitting in the top spot for 9 years. A mere 0.2% separates the two games, with Mario ranked at 97.8% and Zelda at 97.6%.

With Metriod Prime at number 3, Nintendo now hold the top 3 places on the list, which averages reviews from around the web.

[Read, via the Tanooki]

He’s made it to Europe at long last! Gamersdag got some pictures of the world’s greatest plumber at the Amsterdam launch party.

[Read, via WiiNintendo]

The guys at Siliconera spotted this on Japanese TV:

[Read]