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2009 Club Nintendo rewards have arrived!

by Richard Mitchell { Nov 4th 2009 at 3:45PM }

Several Joysitq staffers were pleased to discover that the 2009 Club Nintendo rewards have begun to arrive today. For those that need a reminder of what the gifts are, Platinum members got to choose between a real life Mario hat or a download of Doc Louis's Punch-Out!!, a special version of Punch-Out!! featuring Little Mac's trainer, Doc Louis. Meanwhile, Gold members were limited to one gift, a 2010 Nintendo calendar. Check out the gallery below for images of all the different gifts.

Gallery: 2009 Club Nintendo Rewards

Mega64 goes into the ring with Punch-Out!!

by Justin McElroy { Sep 8th 2009 at 10:00AM }

Admittedly, the connection to video games in the Mega64 video we've embedded after the break is threadbare at best. Sure, it's a take off on Punch-Out!! in theory, but it's basically just a guy yelling at people (not that we have a problem with that).

Even though it's a bit of a stretch, we're happy that we get to post it, if only so you can watch as it devolves into madness at the end. Madness.

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Mario used in original Punch-Out without Miyamoto's permission

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 9th 2009 at 4:30PM }

For fans of the NES' flagship pugilism sim Punch-Out!!!, the latest edition of Iwata Asks is chock-full of tidbits about the game that you probably didn't know. For instance, Nintendo Entertainment and Analysis Division's Makoto Wada reveals a long-hidden secret that makes fights against Bald Bull go much easier. Also, Glass Joe? He's got osteoporosis. Yeah, you should feel bad. Poor guy.

However, the most entertaining unearthed secret is the fact that Shigeru Miyamoto never signed off on the use of Mario as the game's mustachioed referree. In Miyamoto's own words, "we didn't have an approval system when using Mario images back then and it went right past my check." The interview transcript adds that he laughed after saying this, but we imagine at least one stink-eye was shot across the table.

[Via GameSetWatch]

Punch-Out!! exclusive to one retailer in Australia, Excitebots excluded entirely

by JC Fletcher { Jul 14th 2009 at 2:10PM }

Demand for upcoming first-party Wii games doesn't seem to be high in Australia -- and if it is, it just means a lot of people are about to be disappointed. Nintendo Australia managing director Rose Lappin told Kotaku AU that Aussie gamers can expect Punch-Out!! in stores late August, but only if those stores are JB Hi-Fi locations.

"To be honest we didn't have a lot of requests for the game," Lappin said. "There's a few people ... there's a lot of noise but not a lot of sales, that sort of thing." JB Hi-Fi, Lappin suggested, was the only retailer that showed significant interest.

But at least Punch-Out!! is getting some kind of release. Not so for Excitebots, which won't come out in Australia at all. Lappin told Kotaku AU that there just wasn't enough demand for the game from retailers or consumers.

Nintendo reveals American Club Nintendo bonuses [update]

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 14th 2009 at 8:05AM }

Nintendo loyalists that have been diligently registering their games can now pick up a reward through the Club Nintendo loyalty program. Those who have earned 300 or more Coins (equivalent to 6 Wii game purchases) are granted Gold status, while those who have earned 600 or more Coins are granted Platinum status. These members are now entitled to an exclusive members-only bonus.

Platinum members have the choice of two prizes:

Doc Louis's Punch-Out!! -- this downloadable WiiWare game is available exclusively to Club Nintendo Platinum members. In this special download, you'll be able to fight one-on-one against your coach, Doc Louis. Update: Screenshots now added.
Mario Hat -- a "true-to-life" replica of Mario's signature headpiece. Nintendo notes that the hat "may be big for small children."

Gold members will receive a special 2010 calendar. See more images after the break.

Gallery: Doc Louis' Punch-Out!!

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King Hippo's boxers half off with Punch-Out!! purchase

by JC Fletcher { Jul 1st 2009 at 3:30PM }

This morning, Amazon sent out an exclusive e-mail offer for the Wii Punch-Out!! and the Amazon-exclusive Heavyweight Contender Kit. From now through July 15, if you purchase the game, you can get the accessory set for 50% off its normal, excessive $29.99 price by entering the code PUNCHKIT at checkout.

In case you've forgotten (though how could you), the Heavyweight Contender Kit contains a miniature King Hippo crown, a punching bag, a Doc Louis Remedy Chocolate Bar, and King Hippo boxer shorts.

Unfortunately, the Little Mac boxing glove remains at full price. What a punch in the (bandaged) gut.

Super heroes duke it out in Punch-Out!!

by David Hinkle { Jun 17th 2009 at 8:00PM }

It's tough being a super hero. If you're Dr. Doom and you're feeling down, you can just blow something up. If you're The Thing, well, all you can really do is look in a mirror and cry to yourself.

That was before Punch-Out!!, though, with a new ad (courtesy of Gamervision) popping up in comics showing two beefy brawlers finding a proper outlet for their stress. Oh, we really wouldn't suggest playing with the Wiimote and Nunchuk, super guys. The game is way better with the classic controls.

Gallery: Punch-Out!!

[Via Kotaku]

Don Flamenco punching loop intact in Punch-Out!! for Wii

by David Hinkle { May 27th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Some of the more experienced Punch-Out!! players probably know of the trick to defeating Spain's resident matador, Don Flamenco, in the original game. However, in the years between that title and his appearance in the new game, it would seem he has learned nothing. With some carefully timed punches, Little Mac can turn Flamenco into the best two-stepper this side of the MIssissipp'. Head past the break to watch the trick in action.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Gallery: Punch-Out!!

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Joyswag: Punch-Out!! and a pink sweatshirt [update]

by David Hinkle { May 27th 2009 at 2:00PM }

Update: Thanks for entering, folks! Keep an eye on your email to see if you won.

Okay, folks, it's time for another Joyswag giveaway. This one is going to be a sure hit with a lot of you, as not only do we have a copy of Punch-Out!! (ARV $50) to give away, but also one pink sweatshirt. Yeah, of this variety. So, we won't waste any more time with this paragraph here. Head below to check out the official rules for entry and best of luck to you all!

Leave a comment telling us who your favorite opponent is in any of the Punch-Out!! games
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
This entry period ends at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, May 31

At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Punch-Out!! for the Wii ($50) and a size Large pink sweatshirt
For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Punch-Out!!

New DLC makes Animal Crossing avatars look even more punchable

by JC Fletcher { May 25th 2009 at 12:30PM }

To celebrate the release of Punch-Out!!, Nintendo is offering a gift to European Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City players on Little Mac's behalf. Is it enough to bring prodigal Crossers back into the Wii game? Well, only those who love headgear. We kind of think the protective boxing equipment looks slightly supervillain-esque, which is a bonus.

From now until June 5, Let's Go to the City players who have WiiConnect24 on can get a gift of green boxing headgear just for turning the game on and checking their mail. The headgear will be stuffed into a letter. The item has yet to appear on the North American DLC hub, but we're confident American gamers will be able to protect their avatars' squishy heads soon.

[Via N-Europe]

See Punch-Out!!'s super secret boxer in action

by Justin McElroy { May 21st 2009 at 9:30AM }

OK, so you may have already been exposed to this information (in fact, we've been holding off on talking about it to give you a chance to discover it on your own) but there's a super-secret boxer in the new Punch-Out!!. Now that the veil of secrecy has been lifted by pretty much every other site, though, we figure we might as well help you ruin the surprise for yourself if you're in to that sort of thing.

So, take a peek below the jump if you dare, but, seriously, don't get mad at us if it's spoiled for you. Fair warning.

[Via GoNintendo]

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Metareview - Punch-Out!! (Wii)

by Alexander Sliwinski { May 19th 2009 at 5:00PM }

It may not be a TKO, but Punch-Out!! on the Wii is certainly a knock-out. We've already entered the ring of public opinion with our review, but let's find out what the others in the peanut gallery have to say about it. It appears that -- much like Little Mac -- the series has aged gracefully and found a nice fit on the Wii.

Gamespy (90/100): "Punch-Out!! is destined to become one of this generation's top classics, right up there with Super Mario Galaxy. It's one heckuva peace offering for Nintendo's jilted lifers, an elaborate brainteaser for everyone who picks it up, and absolutely the best Punch-Out!! to date. If you're still fishing for a reason to own a Wii, this is it."
Game Informer (90/100): "Despite these complaints, the single-player has always been the focus of Punch-Out, and Next Level delivers. What better way to show your buddy up than to totally annihilate the boxer that just KO'd him?"
GamePro (90/100): "There's no denying it: Punch-Out!! is some of the most fun I've had on the Wii in quite some time. A spectacular trip down memory lane, Punch-Out!! manages to capture the old-school essence that made the 1987 original such a success, all the while integrating just enough new material to help it hold its own. While Punch-Out!! is by no means perfect, it's undoubtedly one of the finest arcade-inspired titles to grace store shelves in this "next gen" era, and is without a doubt worth any hardcore fight-fan's hard-earned cash."
GameTrailers (85/100): "It's disappointing that the motion controls are more a novelty than an effective way to play, but the personality, nostalgic nods, hidden goodies, and battle-tested, edge-of-your-seat gameplay demonstrate that some things never go out of style."

Gallery: Punch-Out!! (Wii)

Joystiq Review: Punch-Out!! (Wii)

by David Hinkle { May 18th 2009 at 11:32AM }

It's been over 10 years since the last game in the Punch-Out!! series -- Super Punch-Out!! on the SNES -- was released with a new visual style, a host of new boxers, and some new moves in Little Mac's repertoire. Nintendo has finally provided us with another installment in the series, now with motion-based controls, Balance Board support, and multiplayer. While it ultimately feels like the same game we've played before, it's hard to peg that as a bad thing.

[Note: If you don't feel like battling a whole bunch of text, feel free to enjoy our video synopsis of Punch-Out!! by using your mouse bicep to punch-click this handy link.]

Gallery: Punch-Out!!

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Star punch $10 off Punch-Out's retail price at Amazon

by Richard Mitchell { May 15th 2009 at 5:30PM }

You know what's better than reliving your childhood by picking up Nintendo's new Punch-Out!!? Doing it for $10 less than the suggested retail price, that's what. If you agree, you'll be happy to know that Amazon is currently offering the game for a mere $40. Looking at it purely from a punch-to-dollar ratio, that's a tremendous value. If you've yet to pre-order the game, head over to Amazon and lay your money down. Unless, of course, you're Bald Bull, in which case you'll probably just charge it.

Authentic pink sweatshirts for Nintendo World Store Punch-Out!! pugilists

by JC Fletcher { May 14th 2009 at 5:00PM }

If you're in the New York City area and happen to be a Punch-Out!! fan, but, for some reason, weren't planning to attend the launch event at the Nintendo World Store, perhaps some... swag would change your mind.

An unspecified number of participants in the Punch-Out!! Challenge will receive some of these awesome pink sweatshirts, just like the one Little Mac wears while training! Except that they have Punch-Out!! logos on them, which would be really weird and meta on Little Mac. In fact, now that we think about it, if you just bought a pink sweatshirt elsewhere, it would be more authentic.

It wouldn't, however, be nearly as rare: the sweatshirts won't be made available for sale, according to the Punch-Out!! Twitter account. They'll only be available at this event. Speaking of exclusive swag, you can get a free poster if you purchase the game at Target.