Japan Gaming Guide

Mario Kart 8 has been a joyous triumph for the Wii U. Like so many of the platform’s games it feels like the quintessential entry in the series. The first of its two bundles of DLC was a big success, bringing a generous selection of new tracks and racers to the game.

The second bundle was expected to be more of the same, but it turns out Nintendo have an extra surprise in store for us. For the first time, Mario Kart will be getting a 200c mode, effectively adding a fourth difficulty level. This means that as well as the new tracks, long term players will have a reason to go back to all the old favourites, to try and master them at this new faster speed. Unlike the extra tracks, the 200c mode will be free of charge.

Additionally, the new mode and second group of new tracks will be available earlier than planned, on April 23rd, so there isn’t that long to wait.

Yes please!

As the piles of Wii money begin to dwindle Nintendo seem to be having thoughts about actually trying to sell a few more consoles and games to customers eager to part with their cash. Recently, they offered a glimmer of hope to those gamers frustated by their region locking policy, with president Satoru Iwata suggesting Nintendo may consider changing it in future.

This sounds like a no brainer to us. Nintendo consoles tend to lag behind their peers when it comes to breadth of quality software so excluding customers who want to purchase titles in other languages or not available in their region is just as likely to drive them to other systems as other games.

The last region free Nintendo system was the hugely successful DS, perhaps the less than stellar sales of its successors have led to Nintendo’s potential change of heart. Making the full range of Nintendo software available to customers worldwide would surely give them a much needed boost.

source: Neogaf, via Eurogamer

Those of you that have always wanted to try Mario Kart in real life (I presume that’s pretty much everyone), need wait no longer.

Real life Mario Kart racing is now available around Akihabara. Drivers are able to discuss their choice of character with organizers who then try and allocate everyone someone they like. Training is given, although since they are driving on the road a proper driving license is required. The racing itself lasts over two hours though racers can always pick up a drive-through if they find themselves flagging.

Items, such as bananas and shells are provided although the precise details of their use remains a mystery. Racers go from Akihabara to Shinjuku before finishing in Shibuya. If you manage to book a place at this event expect a lot of interest from tourists.

[source: yahoo Japan]

UPDATE:
It is now possible to book tickets to this event in English and we’d appreciate it very much if you did so via our affiliate link: here

You can also book a range of other activities in Tokyo, (some of which are mildly NSFW), here.

Mario Kart 8 launched a couple of days ago, and by all accounts it’s a cracker. The game is being described as the best in the series and is getting rave reviews all over the gaming media.

Nintendo Japan are running a promotion where buyers of the game get to try out two other games for a month. These games can then be purchased at a discount. They’re offering a pretty good selection: The Wonderful 101, Zelda: Wind Waker, Nintendoland, Pikmin 3 and Game and Wario. It looks like being a good way to check out any games you might have missed recently. Here’s the link.

Nintendo are to announce the world’s first virtual CEO as Mario takes over the helm at the Kyoto gaming colossus. The AI Mario has been developed in secret using a hefty chunk of Nintendo’s vast cash reserves.

Utilizing highly advanced AI powered by an array of Wii U processors, the new boss will be responsible for high level decisions at the company. Its first task will be to turn around Nintendo’s recent financial fortunes and restore success to the company. As well as commissioning new games it will also make hiring and firing decisions. Mario’s voice will be enhanced by the SNES sound chip to give it added gravitas at meetings.

Outgoing Chief Executive Satoru Iwata wished his replacement every success in a public handover meeting. CEO Mario responded with a cheerful ‘Bye Bye’, prompting accusations of sarcasm from many of the assembled press.

Nintendo’s loathed insistence on region-locking is a huge source of frustration for many gamers.
Fortunately some 3DS owners have found a way to circumvent it, and run games made in any region.

Link: GBATemp.net (currently down)
Source: Eurogamer

McDonalds Japan are giving away a range of Mario toys with Happy Sets. 6 versions of Mario are available as well as Yoshi and Princess Peach. These could well become collectors items, so if you feel like a trip to the Golden Arches, now is the time!

Full details here!

Anyone on the fence about getting a Wii U might want to take a look at the new packages recently announced by Nintendo.

The cheapest package includes a 32GB premium Wii U, a Wiimote plus, sensor bar, New Super Mario Bros U, Wii Party U and 30 days of Karaoke access. This will cost 32,800 yen.

The second package includes everything in the first package plus Wii Fit U and a Wii Fit Meter. This one will retail for 34,800 yen.

Both of these look like great value and will hopefully give the Wii U a bit of a boost in the run up to Christmas.

An HD remake of Wii Sports is heading to the Wii U. As well as using the greater accuracy of MotionPlus Wii Sports Club will feature online multiplayer for the first time. There will also be training modes so you can practice your skills.

Fans of particular sports may be pleased to know they can be purchased separately. How good a deal that is will depend on the pricing and how well the multiplayer works in practice. We’re working on our tennis swings already here at JGG.

Wii Sports Club launches October 30th in Japan. Bowling and tennis will be the only sports available at launch, with others to follow.