Press Release: NINTENDO TO SHOWCASE STRONG HOLIDAY GAME LINEUP AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Special Events for Pokémon Rumble Blast and Professor Layton and the Last Specter Highlight Consumer Experience

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 5, 2011 - When gaming and pop culture fans gather for the annual New York Comic Con - taking place Oct. 13-16 at the Javits Center in Manhattan - they'll get a firsthand look at the wealth of exceptional video games and systems offered by Nintendo this holiday season. Show attendees will get a chance to play games such as The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword for the Wii™ console as well as Super Mario™ 3D Land and Mario Kart 7™ for the Nintendo 3DS™ system. They'll also be invited to take part in special activities to celebrate the upcoming release of the first Pokémon™ game created exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system, Pokémon™ Rumble Blast, which arrives Oct. 24, and Professor Layton and the Last Specter™, which launches Oct. 17 for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems.

 Pokémon fans can participate in an expanded interactive experience at the nearby Pokémon Gaming Lounge on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., located at Stage37 at 508 West 37th Street (one block from the Javits Center). Pokémon Gaming Lounge visitors will enjoy hands-on game play with the Pokémon Rumble Blast game prior to its Oct. 24 launch and participate in a wide array of activities highlighting the imaginative fun of the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon Rumble Blast is an action-packed Pokémon adventure and the first Pokémon game for Nintendo 3DS. The game lets players battle against more than 600 Toy Pokémon in full 3D without the need for special glasses. Planned activities include a Pokémon photo booth, oversized Pokémon AR Markers for the Pokédex™ 3D application, special appearances by Pikachu, Pokémon giveaways while supplies last and other fun Pokémon activities. The Pokémon Gaming Lounge will be free and open to the public.

On Oct. 14, Nintendo will host an exclusive screening of Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva, an animated feature film based on the fan-favorite series of puzzle-based mystery games and distributed by VIZ Media. Beginning at 8 p.m. in Room 1B01 of the Javits Center, the event will include appearances by costumed characters, trivia contests and a chance for fans to play the Professor Layton and the Last Specter game, the fourth installment in the Professor Layton puzzle adventure series. This game is the earliest story in the series and tells the tale of the case that made Layton famous. Nintendo will also give special recognition to the winner of the Professor Layton and the Last Specter Quiz Challenge, a contest that was recently conducted via Twitter. The screening event will be open exclusively to registered New York Comic Con attendees with a valid conference pass.

Games that are scheduled to be playable at Nintendo's New York Comic Con booth (#1538) include:

Nintendo 3DS• Super Mario 3D Land
• Mario Kart 7
• The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D
• Star Fox 64™ 3D
• Tetris®: Axis
• Pokémon Rumble Blast
• Shinobi™ by SEGA®
• Sonic Generations™ by SEGA

Wii• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
• Fortune Street™
• Kirby's Return to Dream Land™
• Skylanders Spyro's Adventure™ by Activision Publishing Inc.

Nintendo DS• Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker™ 2
• Professor Layton and the Last Specter
For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

Source: Nintendo PR

Mario Kart 7 Fact Sheet

A New Dimension of Kart Racing

The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart™ franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

FEATURES:
• The Mario Kart franchise continues to evolve. New kart abilities add to the wild fun that the games are known for. On big jumps, a kart deploys a wing to let it glide over the track shortcut. When underwater, a propeller pops out to help the kart cruise across the sea floor.
• Players can show their own style by customizing their vehicles with accessories that give them a competitive advantage. For instance, giant tires help a kart drive off-road, while smaller tires accelerate quickly on paved courses.
• People can choose to race as one of their favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters or even as their Mii™ character.
• New courses take players on wild rides over mountains, on city streets and through a dusty desert. Nintendo fans will recognize new courses on Wuhu Island and in the jungles from Donkey Kong Country™ Returns.
• The game supports both SpotPass™ and StreetPass™ features.
• Players can compete in local wireless matches or online over a broadband Internet connection.



Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Racing
Players: 1 - 8
Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Release: Dec. 4, 2011
Developer: Nintendo
URL: http://mariokart7.com
Suggested Retail Price: TBA

Source: Nintendo PR

Mario Kart 7 Spoilers: Every Item So Far

All of the regular Mario Kart items seem to appear in Mario Kart 7, so I've just listed them up front for all to see. However, quite a few new items are showing up in Mario Kart 7 trailers and I will detail them after the jump.

Old Items:
Red Shell
Green Shell
Mushrooms
Banana Peels
Bullet Bill
Lightning Strike
Bob-omb
Blooper
Star



New Items:

Fire Flower - After acquiring the Fire Flower, players can throw fireballs ahead or behind their kart to trip up players.

Spiked Blue Shell - The blue shell is missing its wings this time around, so it may work a little different than its predecessors.

Tanooki Leaf - Nothing is known about this item at the moment, but it is definitely included as a nod to Super Mario 3D Land. Speculation says it may work like the feather in Super Mario Kart.

Mario Kart 7 "Seven" - Absolutely nothing is known about this item. I think it may hold a randomize function if a player happens to roll this logo.

Source

Mario Kart 7 Interview

Direct Link

Mario Kart 7 Box Art

Mario Kart 7 Trailer (Nintendo 3DS Conference 2011)

Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 Get Release Dates

Mario fans will be extremely excited to learn that Nintendo has dropped off a few release dates today. First off, Super Mario 3D Land will be coming to 3DS handhelds on November 13. The game will include both gyro and StreetPass functionality, as well as the propeller blocks seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Mario Kart 7 will come a little later with a December 4 release date. Mario Kart 7 will include an optional first person mode that is controlled using the gyro sensor. On top of that, Nintendo has also decided to include the tricks system found in Mario Kart Wii. Lastly, Nintendo has told us about two new playable drivers for Mario Kart 7. Gamers will finally have the chance to play as Lakitu and Metal Mario! I think both are pretty neat additions to Mario Kart.

Source: PR

Press Release: 3D Video Recording + Two Mario games for the Holiday

Nintendo Gets 3D Video Recording and Two Great Mario Games for the Holiday

Strong Nintendo Holiday Lineup Includes Treats for Fans of The Legend of Zelda

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 12, 2011 – 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 Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "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 Nov. 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™ 7 will be available Dec. 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 Nov. 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 Sept. 28, 2011, and Feb. 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 Oct. 3, 2011, and Feb. 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™ (Dec. 5) for the Wii console and Fossil Fighters™: Champions (Nov. 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 (Oct. 7) for the Wii console from Ubisoft, Go Vacation™ (Oct. 11) for the Wii console from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., Skylanders Spyro's Adventure™ (Oct. 16) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems from Activision Publishing, Zumba® Fitness 2 (Nov. 15) for the Wii console from Majesco Entertainment and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ (Nov. 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 http://www.nintendo.com.

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 http://www.nintendo.com.

New Tetris Game and Professor Layton and the Last Specter

Details for both of these games were hidden in the Skyward Sword press release:

The original portable Tetris^® game was a smash hit on the Game Boy^™ system. The new Tetris: Axis game lets players use the magic of the Nintendo 3DS system to jump into the action in 3D without the need for special glasses. The game includes more than 20 different modes – some familiar, some new. Up to eight players can compete in wireless multiplayer battles, even if only one player has a game card**. Tetris: Axis also makes use of the augmented-reality and SpotPass^™ features of Nintendo 3DS. Tetris: Axis is part of a stirring fall lineup for Nintendo 3DS that also includes Pokémon^™ Rumble Blast (launching Oct. 24), Super Mario 3D Land^™ (November) and Mario Kart^™ 7 (December).

Professor Layton and the Last Specter for the Nintendo DS family of systems is the fourth installment in the Professor Layton puzzle adventure series. It begins a new trilogy that is a prequel to the original games, set three years before the events in Professor Layton and the Curious Village^™. The game contains more puzzles than any in the series to date. As a North American exclusive to the overall Professor Layton and the Last Specter package, a bonus role-playing game called Professor Layton’s London Life^™ containing more than 100 hours of additional content will be available to players from the start of the game.

Play Skyward Sword, Super Mario 3D Land & Mario Kart 7 at PAX

NINTENDO GIVES FANS CHANCE TO PLAY TOP HOLIDAY GAMES AT PENNY ARCADE EXPO

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 and Kid Icarus: Uprising to be Playable in Nintendo's Booth

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 23, 2011 – Nintendo is bringing the games that fans want to play to the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), the premier video game event that is open to the public. The show takes place Aug. 26-28 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, and Nintendo will be at booth No. 462, level 4. Nintendo plans to have games for its Nintendo 3DS™, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ systems available for people to check out before they launch, including The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword for Wii and Super Mario 3D Land™, Mario Kart™ 7 and Kid Icarus™: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS, in addition to fun events and activities.

In addition to game play on the main show floor, Nintendo invites attendees to visit the Nintendo Gaming Lounge in the North Galleria, which will feature additional games and activities across two different levels. The third floor of the Nintendo Gaming Lounge will be decorated in honor of the upcoming Oct. 24 launch of the Kirby's Return to Dream Land™ game for Wii (previously known as Kirby Wii) and the Sept. 19 launch of the Kirby™ Mass Attack game for the Nintendo DS family of systems, as well as the Pokédex™ 3D application for Nintendo 3DS. Visitors can inhale Kirby™ pink cotton candy, relax on Kirby beanbag chairs or pick up some fun Kirby items to wear on the show floor while supplies last. The third floor of the Nintendo Gaming Lounge will also feature Pokédex 3D activities such as large Pokémon™ AR markers and daily giveaways including collectible Pokémon AR marker cards while supplies last. The second floor of the Nintendo Gaming Lounge will feature playable versions of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker™ 2 and Fortune Street™. On this floor, players can take fun pictures with friends in a DRAGON QUEST-themed "monster friend mash-up" photo booth and meet with other DRAGON QUEST fans.

Nintendo also plans to host a multiplayer tournament for the unreleased Star Fox 64™ 3D game from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, on the second floor of the North Galleria. PAX attendees can sign up for the tournament starting the morning of Friday, Aug. 26, and have a chance to test their skills in aerial battle. Star Fox 64 3D allows four players to enjoy the game's full multiplayer experience with just one game card via a local wireless connection.

Games that are scheduled to be playable at PAX include:

Nintendo 3DS • Super Mario 3D Land• Mario Kart 7• Kid Icarus: Uprising• Star Fox 64 3D • The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D• Pokédex 3D • Shinobi™ by SEGA®
• Sonic Generations by SEGA

Wii• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword• Kirby's Return to Dream Land• Rhythm Heaven™  (name not final)
• Fortune Street
Nintendo DS • Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2• Kirby Mass Attack
Visitors to Nintendo's PAX booth can also take advantage of other fun activities such as daily giveaways (while supplies last) and sharing StreetPass™ data with other Nintendo 3DS users.



For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.7 billion video games and more than 600 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Source

Mario Kart 7 Logo Revealed

Looks like Mario Kart 7 will be the official name for the Nintendo 3DS game. I thought that it was just a placeholder, but it's the real deal. Hit the jump to see more Mario Kart 7 Art: