Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[1.84M New 3DS units shipped in 2014, Wii U up to 9.2M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/#comments The New 3DS is off to a "good start" according to Nintendo, after the enhanced handheld shipped 1.84 million units by the end of 2014. The company launched the New 3DS and its XL variant in Japan back in October, before bringing them to Australia the following month.

The New 3DS' arrival helped take the "3DS family" beyond the 50 million mark, and as of December 31, 2014, the 3DS total is 50.41 million units shipped worldwide. On the other hand, Nintendo says 3DS sales haven't grown sufficiently in North America and Europe this fiscal year; both regions are waiting for the New 3DS to launch there next month. Between April and December 2014, Nintendo shifted 7.08 million 3DS systems worldwide.

While the Wii U has gathered steam in recent months, it's still tracking a long way behind its handheld sibling. Nintendo shifted 1.91 million consoles worldwide during the busy holiday quarter of October to December 2014, taking its nine-month figures to 3.39 million, As of the end of 2014, its two-year lifetime total is 9.2 mllion systems and 52.87 million software units.

Continue reading 1.84M New 3DS units shipped in 2014, Wii U up to 9.2M

Joystiq1.84M New 3DS units shipped in 2014, Wii U up to 9.2M originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsmario-kart-8new-3dsnintendopokemon-alpha-sapphire-omega-rubysuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dssuper-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uWed, 28 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smash Bros. creator Sakurai also has trouble tracking down amiibo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/#comments If you've been unsuccessful in finding an amiibo of your favorite Super Smash Bros. character, you're not alone. Series creator Masahiro Sakurai recently vented similar frustrations on Twitter, noting that he went home empty-handed when he hit up local retailers in Japan in the hopes of tracking down Meta Knight, Sheik, Lucario, and Rosalina & Luma.

Nintendo of America announced last year that it would phase out many amiibo after an initial print run, leading to shortages and price hikes on secondary markets like eBay and Amazon. The Lucario figure also remains elusive in the weeks leading up to its release in North America, with exclusive distributor Toys R Us recently raising confusion over whether customer pre-orders are still valid.

First-wave amiibo figures Wii Fit Trainer, Villager, and Marth have not yet seen a second print run in North America, leading Nintendo fans to import cheaper equivalent figures from Japan. Amazon additionally sold out of its initial allotment of Sonic the Hedgehog figurines after opening pre-orders last week, hinting at another impending post-launch shortage.

JoystiqSmash Bros. creator Sakurai also has trouble tracking down amiibo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibonintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uMon, 26 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/#comments Mario Kart 8 sold 1.7 million copies in 2014 both digitally and at retail in the United States according to the NPD Group, Nintendo revealed in a press release. The publisher also noted that Super Smash Bros. for Wii U sold 1.3 million copies during the year, though sales of the company's amiibo figurines were "nearly twice" that of Nintendo's Mario brawler on Wii U. Nintendo said that total hardware and software sales increased "by more than 29 percent and more than 75 percent, respectively, over sales in 2013." As of December, the publisher said that amiibo sales were "approximately equal" to that of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

On the handheld side of Nintendo's lineup, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS eclipsed 2 million copies sold since the game launched this past fall. Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby also combined to sell 2.6 million copies in the remastered games' first six weeks. Nintendo recently offered a worldwide launch date for the company's new 3DS system during this week's Nintendo Direct presentation; the C-Stick-sporting console will arrive on February 13 for $200. The improved console will be accompanied by The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate along with each game's respective special edition 3DS systems.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Nintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U

JoystiqNintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibomario-kart-8nintendopokemon-alpha-sapphire-omega-rubysalessuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dssuper-smash-bros-for-wii-utoyswii-uFri, 16 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

It's been a long time coming, but the Wii U finally came into its own this year, thanks in no small part to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The game sold nearly half a million units stateside during its weekend launch, earning the title of fastest-selling Wii U game in the United States.

We'd call that a surprise, but here's the thing about Smash Bros.: everyone - young, old, casual, hardcore, and every label inbetween - wants to get in on the action. That's what makes the series special, and Smash Bros. for Wii U proved that Nintendo and developer Sora Ltd haven't lost sight of that universal appeal.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2014: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2014joystiq-best-of-2014nintendorecommendedsora-ltdSuper-Smash-Brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uFri, 02 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/#comments Numerous Toys R Us customers received emails from the retailer this morning, seemingly canceling their pre-orders for the Lucario amiibo figure. As a Toys R Us spokesperson told Joystiq in a phone conversation today, the emails were part of a "technical issue," and pre-orders for the figure will not be canceled.

Toys R Us added via email, "we apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused pertaining to customers' amiibo pre-orders. Please know that we are working on an email communication to all customers effected, which will provide instructions on how we plan to fulfill their order." The Lucario amiibo was revealed in November as a Toys R Us-exclusive figure, though the retailer's listing for the figure is currently missing from its storefront. Toys R Us was unable to offer specific inventory data for amiibo, but assured that the issue was unrelated to its supply of the figures.

Continue reading Toys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled

JoystiqToys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2014 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibocanceledinventorylucarionintendopre-ordersuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-utechnical-issuestoys-r-uswii-uFri, 19 Dec 2014 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
The Final Fantasy series has had a fun couple of weeks lately, but between the PC version of Final Fantasy 7 coming to the PS4 and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster's incoming port, most of its news is focused on the past. Leave it to the spring release of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, a take on an old PSP game, to bring things into the present - those that grab a copy from Type-0's first run will get an exclusive demo of Final Fantasy 15.

So, Final Fantasy fans: Is it going to work? Are you going for Type-0 HD solely because of the demo, or do you kind of want to play the game anyway? Don't worry if it's the former - plenty of people only bought Crackdown to get into the Halo 3 beta before even realizing developer Realtime Worlds' superhero sandbox had its own merits.

Demos and ports weren't the only thing that happened this week - The internet seemingly frustrated Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada enough to keep a character out of the North American release, we reviewed The Crew and Never Alone, and we highlighted our readers' favorite PS1 games. Those stories and more are all waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiiboborderlandscall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinydoomfinal-fantasy-15final-fantasy-type-0-hdfinal-fantasy-x-x2-hd-remasterlara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osirisnever-aloneps1super-smash-bros-2014tekken-7the-crewthe-witcher-3-wild-hunttheatrhythm-dragon-questxbox-oneSun, 14 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Amiibo sales on par with Smash in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/nintendo-amiibo-sales-on-par-with-smash-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/nintendo-amiibo-sales-on-par-with-smash-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/nintendo-amiibo-sales-on-par-with-smash-in-the-us/#comments Nintendo's amiibo toys are selling 1 for 1 in the US with Super Smash Bros. Wii U, according to the publisher. In November, the console fighter sold "nearly 710,000" units going by NPD data, and Nintendo of America said amiibo sales are "approximately equal" to those of the game.

This week's seen Nintendo tiptoe around the subject of some amiibo not returning to market, but the company's kept firm on the most popular toys staying available. Nintendo of America reported the best-sellers to date are, in order, Link, Mario and Pikachu. Sorry, Wii Fit Trainer.

Continue reading Nintendo: Amiibo sales on par with Smash in the US

JoystiqNintendo: Amiibo sales on par with Smash in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibonintendonorth-americanpdpokemon-alpha-sapphire-omega-rubysuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uUSwii-uFri, 12 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Super Smash Bros. Wii U error code bricking systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/report-super-smash-bros-wii-u-error-code-bricking-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/report-super-smash-bros-wii-u-error-code-bricking-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/report-super-smash-bros-wii-u-error-code-bricking-systems/#comments A memory-corrupting error reportedly stemming from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is rendering some Wii U consoles unusuable, multiple sources claim.

Users experiencing Error Code 160-0103 report a number of related issues, ranging from data deletion to unplayable games. In some cases, a related error message (160-1710) persists even in the Wii U's Data Management menu, requiring the console to be shipped to Nintendo for repair.

"There is a problem with the system memory," the error message reads. "For help, make a note of the error code and visit support.nintendo.com."

A specific cause has not been determined, but many users report experiencing the issue after turning the system off and back on again after a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U session. Issues related to Error Code 160-0103 were infrequently reported prior to the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and a reliable solution is not yet known.

Joystiq has reached out to Nintendo regarding the error message, but has not received a response.

[Update: A Reddit post clarifies that the problem is not exclusively caused by Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, citing previous user experiences with Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart 8, and other Wii U games. Faulty flash memory chips are suspected to be at fault, though a consistent, proven cause remains unknown.]

[Image: Trippy12345ify]

JoystiqReport: Super Smash Bros. Wii U error code bricking systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brickingbugerrorglitchnintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uTue, 02 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smash Bros. sells over 490K on Wii U in three days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/smash-bros-sells-over-490k-on-wii-u-in-three-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/smash-bros-sells-over-490k-on-wii-u-in-three-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/smash-bros-sells-over-490k-on-wii-u-in-three-days/#comments Super Smash Bros. is the fastest-selling Wii U game to launch in the United States, according to a press release issued by Nintendo today. The publisher says it sold more than 490,000 copies of the game from its launch on November 21 through November 23. The figure represents sales at retail as well as digital copies of the game.

The sales data pairs well with the portable version of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, which reached over 3.22 million copies sold as of late October. Those that own copies of the game on both platforms will receive the Pokemon character Mewtwo as a playable fighter down the road, though Nintendo may also opt to offer the fighter as premium DLC as well. Nintendo also launched its line of NFC-capable figures on the same day as Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Amiibo, which can become pretty dastardly in the fighting game. The publisher did not offer any early sales data for Amiibo.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Smash Bros. sells over 490K on Wii U in three days

JoystiqSmash Bros. sells over 490K on Wii U in three days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingnintendosalessmash-brossuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uunited-statesuswii-uTue, 25 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox loses his head in Super Smash Bros. glitch video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/fox-loses-his-head-in-super-smash-bros-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/fox-loses-his-head-in-super-smash-bros-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/fox-loses-his-head-in-super-smash-bros-glitch-video/#comments
Something strange is going on in the world of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U...in this one bugged copy of the game, anyway. Player Terrence Boykin has taken to Miiverse to post screenshots of misshapen Marios, Yoshis, and Zero Suit Samuses, but the newly-released video above is the real kicker. What's with King Dedede's face? And where did Fox's head go? What's happening here, and why? WHY!?

[Video: Nintendo / Terrence Boykin]

JoystiqFox loses his head in Super Smash Bros. glitch video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugglitchnintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uMon, 24 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U video review: Fight club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-video-review-fight-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-video-review-fight-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-video-review-fight-club/#comments

We concluded our written examination of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U last evening, but with a discerning absence of gifs within our review, we had to find another way to heed our fondness for moving pictures. The above video review offers a visually-oriented breakdown of Smash for Wii U's leading features, including eight-player battles, the Smash Tour board game and customizable special moves, but a general breakdown is also included for anyone just tuning in to Nintendo's hectic mascot fighter.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U video review: Fight club originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoreviewsmash-brossuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uSat, 22 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mewtwo may become premium DLC for Super Smash Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/mewtwo-may-be-become-premium-dlc-for-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/mewtwo-may-be-become-premium-dlc-for-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/mewtwo-may-be-become-premium-dlc-for-super-smash-bros/#comments Nearly one month ago, Nintendo revealed legendary Pokemon Mewtwo as a playable fighter for Super Smash Bros, available only to those that own both the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game. Expected to arrive in spring 2015, the downloadable character will be free to the dual-Smash players, but new information on Club Nintendo notes that all players may have access to Mewtwo down the road. While it's no guarantee, the promotion page includes a footnote that the "Mewtwo DLC may be available for purchase in the future," as corroborated by the game's Japanese site.

To make the prospect of purchasing the Pokemon character in Super Smash Bros. cloudier, Game Director Masahiro Sakurai told Video Gamer this week in regards to paid DLC for the games that the development team isn't "working on anything at the moment." Those looking to guarantee that they'll get a download code for Mewtwo will need to register their copies of both Smash Bros. games on Club Nintendo by March 31, 2015. Super Smash Bros. will launch on Wii U tomorrow in North America and November 28 in Europe. For more information on the game, be sure to check out our review.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqMewtwo may become premium DLC for Super Smash Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadd-oncharactersclub-nintendodlcdownloadable-contentfightersfightingmewtwonintendopaid-dlcpokemonpremium-dlcsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dssuper-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uThu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U review: Show me your moves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-review-show-me-your-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-review-show-me-your-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-review-show-me-your-moves/#commentsThis review has been updated with commentary and a final score following the launch of online play in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

"Who would win in a fight?" is the lighthearted crux of the Super Smash Bros. series, and it's impressive how extensive that conversation has become. Pitting beloved video game characters in unlikely rivalries seems as amusing as it did during the series' 1999 debut, especially when it involves a mix of iconic faces and left-field picks. With fresh contenders, several new competition types and a lite resemblance of Pokemon training in the form of Amiibos, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a meaty talking point that proves the "Who's the best?" debate is still well worth having.

Smash's bouts remain layered - newcomers can focus on throwing basic attacks by combining button presses with tilts of the joystick, learning deep-cut mastery of evasions and timing in-air knockouts as they add matches to their career. Whatever nuances your play style adopts, everyone's victory involves launching opponents from shared platforms, heaping damage on them to make banishing them to the oblivion beyond the screen's edges more feasible.

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. for Wii U review: Show me your moves

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U review: Show me your moves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibonintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uWed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. pre-loads on Wii U next Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/super-smash-bros-pre-loads-on-wii-u-next-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/super-smash-bros-pre-loads-on-wii-u-next-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/super-smash-bros-pre-loads-on-wii-u-next-tuesday/#comments As announced in late October, digital pre-loading on Wii U will start with the home console version of Super Smash Bros. Nintendo recently elaborated on how the pre-loading service will work for the upcoming fighting game. Starting on Tuesday, November 18, Nintendo will send a download code to those that pre-ordered the game through its online store.

Redeeming the code will allow players to download most of Super Smash Bros. to their Wii U systems right away. Starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on the day of its official launch, Friday, November 21, a small update will be available to download that unlocks the game. Alternatively, players will be able to complete the same process by purchasing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U from the system's eShop directly, or by obtaining a download code from another retailer. Pre-orders for Super Smash Bros. surpassed that of Mario Kart 8 according to Nintendo, which expects "the impact on hardware will be similarly dramatic" to that of Smash.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. pre-loads on Wii U next Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-pre-ordereshopnintendonintendo-eshoppre-loadpre-orderpreloadSuper-Smash-Brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uwii-u-eshopThu, 13 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Foresee a trip to GameStop if you want the Shulk Amiibo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/forsee-a-trip-to-gamestop-if-you-want-the-shulk-amiibo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/forsee-a-trip-to-gamestop-if-you-want-the-shulk-amiibo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/forsee-a-trip-to-gamestop-if-you-want-the-shulk-amiibo/#comments Shulk is the first Amiibo unearthed as retailer-exclusive in the US, according to a listing on GameStop. The figurine of the Xenoblade hero is one of 11 coming to North America in February 2015, and yesterday Nintendo said "some of our retail partners will be releasing a certain number of these as exclusive figures, so stay tuned for details."

Nintendo didn't say which Amiibos are exclusive to which retailers, but we're guessing that "certain number" isn't 1. Anyhow, the other ten toys due in February are Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Lucario, Toon Link, Sheik, Ike, Meta Knight, Sonic, King Dedede and Mega Man.

Continue reading Foresee a trip to GameStop if you want the Shulk Amiibo

JoystiqForesee a trip to GameStop if you want the Shulk Amiibo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiiboexclusiveexclusivesgamestopNorth-Americashulksuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uunited-statesUSxenobladexenoblade-chroniclesWed, 12 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Pre-orders of Super Smash Bros. surpass Mario Kart 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/nintendo-pre-orders-of-super-smash-bros-surpass-mario-kart-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/nintendo-pre-orders-of-super-smash-bros-surpass-mario-kart-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/nintendo-pre-orders-of-super-smash-bros-surpass-mario-kart-8/#comments Super Smash Bros. pre-orders are at a record high for Wii U, eclipsing those of summer hit Mario Kart 8. In a Bloomberg interview, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said his company expects Smash to give the console a sales boost similar to the one provided by Mario Kart 8. In last month's financial results, Nintendo revealed the racer is at close to 3.5 million sales, with Wii U shipments up to 7.29 million worldwide.

"The launch of Mario Kart 8 has essentially doubled our Wii U sales year-on-year," Fils-Aime said. "Our expectation is that the sell-through for Smash is going to be very strong, certainly on par with what we saw with Mario Kart 8. We think the impact on hardware will be similarly dramatic."

Continue reading Nintendo: Pre-orders of Super Smash Bros. surpass Mario Kart 8

JoystiqNintendo: Pre-orders of Super Smash Bros. surpass Mario Kart 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibomario-kart-8nintendoNintendo-of-Americapre-ordersReggie-Fils-Aimesuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uWed, 12 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo mega-busts out another batch of Amiibos [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/more-amiibos-new-wii-u-update-adds-amiibo-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/more-amiibos-new-wii-u-update-adds-amiibo-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/more-amiibos-new-wii-u-update-adds-amiibo-support/#comments Update: As our post went live, Nintendo of America unveiled a trailer pinning the 11 new Amiibo figures for February 2015. In the video, which you'll find below the break, Nintendo notes "some of our retail partners will be releasing a certain number of these as exclusive figures, so stay tuned for details."

As for Europe, Nintendo listed Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Lucario, Toon Link, Sheik and Ike for January 23, 2015. Meta Knight, Sonic, King Dedede, Shulk and Sonic follow on February 20.

Original Story: Two more waves of Amiibo figures hit Japan early next year, Nintendo revealed this week. On January 22, 2015, eight of the Smash-compatible figurines roll onto Japanese retail shelves, followed by three more in February. The January octet is Lucario, Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Toon Link, Sheik, Ike, Meta Knight and King Dedede, while the February triforce is Shulk, Sonic and the blue bomber Mega Man.

As Eurogamer notes, Nintendo lists Toon Link as compatible with Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors, while Sheik is supported by Hyrule Warriors, too.

Meanwhile, Nintendo of America announced a new Loot Crate Amiibo subscription service this week. Details such as prices and dates are scant for now, but according to Nintendo, "subscribers will receive 10 pre-selected Amiibo (including Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Fox, and Yoshi) separated into three special Loot Crate shipments throughout the holiday season without ever having to leave their homes."

Continue reading Nintendo mega-busts out another batch of Amiibos [update]

JoystiqNintendo mega-busts out another batch of Amiibos [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.3.0amiibofirmwareloot-cratenintendosuper-smash-bros-2014system-updatewii-uTue, 11 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. ad fits eight players into one huge living room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/super-smash-bros-commercial-set-in-yet-another-huge-living-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/super-smash-bros-commercial-set-in-yet-another-huge-living-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/super-smash-bros-commercial-set-in-yet-another-huge-living-room/#comments

Video game commercials tend to imagine us living and playing in an massive, lush living rooms that don't mesh with reality. Even with a sofa so long you can easily fit five people on it, Super Smash Bros. WIi U's eight-player mode means one unlucky beardy-dude still has to perch on the back in Nintendo's new commercial. Yet the indignity doesn't affect the airy, equally long grin plastered across his beardy-face.

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. ad fits eight players into one huge living room originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercialnintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uTue, 11 Nov 2014 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You probably won't outlive this 136-year Smash Bros. ban glitch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/you-probably-wont-outlive-this-136-year-smash-bros-ban-glitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/you-probably-wont-outlive-this-136-year-smash-bros-ban-glitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/you-probably-wont-outlive-this-136-year-smash-bros-ban-glitch/#comments Harsh, Nintendo. We know ledge-camping is considered unsportsmanlike, but being banned from Super Smash Bros. for 3DS for 136 years, like some unfortunate Reddit users have experienced, seems a bit extreme.

Okay, so the 136-year ban is actually a glitch and not a purposeful sentence, but it stinks all the same, especially since there is (as of right now at least) apparently no way to fix it. The glitch can be avoided however, since it seems to be happening only to players who quit online matches early or excessively target an individual in the game's four-player For Fun mode. So, don't be a bully, don't rage quit, or if you're really worried about this happening to you, just don't go online at all, basically.

Reddit user "rstevoa" theorizes the glitch is caused by the game's code counting ban time too low, which would in turn cause the code to loop around to the highest number of seconds it can assign to a ban. Of course, that's just a theory - who knows what dark sorcery actually goes on at Nintendo?
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqYou probably won't outlive this 136-year Smash Bros. ban glitch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbanglitchnintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dsSun, 02 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U bumped up to Nov. 28 in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-bumped-up-to-nov-28-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-bumped-up-to-nov-28-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-bumped-up-to-nov-28-in-the-uk/#comments Nintendo has pushed up the UK release date for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, announcing that its crossover brawler will now hit Europe on November 28.

Nintendo originally pegged Smash Bros' UK debut for December 5 before deciding to bump it up a week. A special edition GameCube controller, four-port adapter, and controller bundle will also premiere in the UK in November, but players holding out for the region-exclusive Mario Amiibo bundle will need to wait until December 5 to join the battle.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will launch in North America on November 21.

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U bumped up to Nov. 28 in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europenintendorelease-datesuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uukwii-uFri, 31 Oct 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Titanfall gets co-op, Civ: Beyond Earth review, amiibo impressions and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/joystiq-weekly-titanfall-gets-co-op-civ-beyond-earth-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/joystiq-weekly-titanfall-gets-co-op-civ-beyond-earth-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/joystiq-weekly-titanfall-gets-co-op-civ-beyond-earth-review/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
With Titanfall getting a co-operative, wave-based mode, Super Smash Bros. on Wii U ushering in eight fighters at once and Halo: The Master Chief Collection just a few weeks (and a ~20GB patch) away, we're ready to spend a substantial amount of time beside our friends. Cunning AI is great and all, but what beats teaming up with or taking down local, equally-frantic friends and rivals? Other than wish-granting sacks of money, we mean.

Single player diehards certainly aren't left out of this week's best content though - Rockstar launched a super-cheap, upgraded version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox Marketplace today, there are reviews for Civilization: Beyond Earth and The Legend of Korra, and we got our hands on amiibos and Sony's horror romp, Until Dawn. All of that and quite a bit more is waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Titanfall gets co-op, Civ: Beyond Earth review, amiibo impressions and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Titanfall gets co-op, Civ: Beyond Earth review, amiibo impressions and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-golden-wakeawesome-games-done-quicked-realmsgabriel-knight-sins-of-the-fathershalo-the-master-chief-collectionhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftjade-raymondjoystiq-weeklystarcraft-2super-smash-bros-2014the-legend-of-korratitanfallunityuntil-dawnSun, 26 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Amiibo figures are part trophy, part protégé]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/super-smash-bros-amiibo-figures-are-part-trophy-part-protege/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/super-smash-bros-amiibo-figures-are-part-trophy-part-protege/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/super-smash-bros-amiibo-figures-are-part-trophy-part-protege/#comments
Nintendo is getting into the figurine game with a lineup called "amiibo" (disregard for capitalization included). Set to cooperate with several different games, most prominently this holiday's Wii U version of Super Smash Bros., the Amiibo statues capture the company's fanciful characters in a cute, tangible form. "Capturing" might be too strong a word, though, because it implies more fiction than there really is.

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. Amiibo figures are part trophy, part protégé

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. Amiibo figures are part trophy, part protégé originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibodonkey-kongnintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-wii-uwii-uFri, 24 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Nintendo rolls in 8-player Super Smash Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-nintendo-rolls-in-8-player-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-nintendo-rolls-in-8-player-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-nintendo-rolls-in-8-player-super-smash-bros/#comments
Moments before attendees grabbed the controllers at a Super Smash Bros. press event, held in a hotel in San Francisco on Thursday evening, Nintendo had a pristine setup (above) aimed at 8 connoisseurs of clash. The configuration - 1 Wii U, 8 wired special-edition GameCube controllers, a token Gamepad and two controller adapter hubs - illustrates just one of the many options you have to exceed the traditional fight between 4 players when the game comes to Wii U on November 21.

Each of Nintendo's GameCube adapters supports 4 controllers - add in another adapter and you open the possibility of 8 active, wired players. The adapter itself plugs into 2 USB ports simultaneously, so you'll be taking up all 4 of the Wii U's ports (2 on the front and 2 on the back) if you try to mimic this setup. If you have external storage hooked up already, you can also lessen the load via a powered USB hub.

The result, though, is a responsive Smash Bros. experience which serves the true challenge of 8-player mode: finding out where the hell you are in all that delirious chaos.

JoystiqHow Nintendo rolls in 8-player Super Smash Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecubenintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-wii-uwii-uFri, 24 Oct 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Nintendo's awkward Amiibo primer for Super Smash Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/watch-nintendos-awkward-amiibo-primer-for-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/watch-nintendos-awkward-amiibo-primer-for-super-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/watch-nintendos-awkward-amiibo-primer-for-super-smash-bros/#comments

If you can ignore the obnoxious camera sway, the kids who sound like thirtysomething actors on a CBS sitcom and everything about its clumsy plot, this Amiibo introduction video is a solid primer on the basics of Nintendo's upcoming figurines.
[Image: Nintendo]


JoystiqWatch Nintendo's awkward Amiibo primer for Super Smash Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibonintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uFri, 24 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How 8-way fights work in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-8-way-fights-work-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-8-way-fights-work-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/how-8-way-fights-work-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/#comments Super Smash Bros.' 4-player fights have been chaotic but properly described by subtitles like Melee and Brawl. With the introduction of 8-player fights in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, though, those fights are going from brawl-ish to downright riotous. How will 8-ways in Smash Bros. for Wii U even work? The official Smash Bros. website offers up a handy guide for octuple pounding.

First and most importantly, only certain stages are available for 8-way fights. Screenshots show a Super Mario Galaxy stage, the Xenoblade stage seen in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the Earthbound stage, and the Kid Icarus desert scene. The site does not specify if these are the only stages available for 8-player fights.

Those fights are restricted to Stock (set number of times you can be knocked out) and Time (knock out as many players before the clock runs out) settings. Players can split into as many as four color-coded teams of two as well.

How will these fights control? Players can use as many as eight Nintendo 3DSes or eight Gamecube controllers, but there are some restrictions. Only seven Wii remotes or Wii U Pro controllers can be used simultaneously, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U only supports a single tablet GamePad. Plan those Smash parties accordingly.
[Images: Nintendo]

JoystiqHow 8-way fights work in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uFri, 24 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[35 minutes of Smash Bros. Wii U facts and fights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/35-minutes-of-smash-bros-wii-u-facts-and-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/35-minutes-of-smash-bros-wii-u-facts-and-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/35-minutes-of-smash-bros-wii-u-facts-and-fights/#comments

Today, Nintendo broadcast thirty minutes of Smash Bros. Wii U action for the world, revealing fifty facts about the upcoming game. While a good portion of the Nintendo Direct episode was reiterating information we've already learned about the anticipated game, there were a handful of announcements - such as the reveal of an offline 8-player mode.

Other information revealed included notes on the Wii U game's soundtrack, which Nintendo announced would feature original music, "almost all" of the tunes from the recently released Smash Bros. 3DS and tracks from the history of games associated with the fighters.

In the spirit of catching them all, Nintendo also revealed that owning both the 3DS and Wii U versions of Smash Bros. give players access to Mewtwo as a playable fighter. The classic Pokemon character is scheduled to be available for download in Spring 2015.

For more Smash Bros. and to hear the most excitable announcer in history, watch the video above.

Joystiq35 minutes of Smash Bros. Wii U facts and fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uThu, 23 Oct 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Up to 8 players brawl in Super Smash Bros. Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/up-to-8-players-brawl-in-super-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/up-to-8-players-brawl-in-super-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/up-to-8-players-brawl-in-super-smash-bros-wii-u/#comments According to today's Nintendo Direct stream, when Super Smash Bros. hits the Wii U it will boast "the highest quality visuals" the series has ever seen running at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. That's a good thing too, as you'll need those extra pixels to contain the game's simultaneous 8-player brawls.

The inclusion of an 8-player Smash mode comes with two caveats: 8-person melees are only available when playing offline and not all stages are eligible for that many combatants. Instead, the game features specially-designed, extra large stages to accommodate all those fighters. As you can see from the Nintendo Direct archive video below the break, even these designated stages quickly grow very chaotic when eight fighters are duking it out.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Up to 8 players brawl in Super Smash Bros. Wii U

JoystiqUp to 8 players brawl in Super Smash Bros. Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo-directsuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uThu, 23 Oct 2014 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyrule Warriors to Link up with Amiibo figure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/hyrule-warriors-to-link-up-with-amiibo-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/hyrule-warriors-to-link-up-with-amiibo-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/hyrule-warriors-to-link-up-with-amiibo-figure/#comments An Amiibo figure slated to launch alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U next month will also be compatible with the recently released Wii U brawler Hyrule Warriors, Nintendo of America announced today.

Players who purchase Super Smash Bros. for Wii U's Link figure can register the Hylian hero with Hyrule Warriors, presumably after a software update. No further details regarding Hyrule Warriors' Amiibo functionality have been announced, but Nintendo notes that more information will be available as Super Smash Bros. for Wii U approaches its North American launch on November 21.

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqHyrule Warriors to Link up with Amiibo figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibohyrule-warriorsnintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uTue, 21 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thursday's Nintendo Direct is all about Wii U's Smash Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/thursdays-nintendo-direct-is-all-about-wii-us-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/thursdays-nintendo-direct-is-all-about-wii-us-smash-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/thursdays-nintendo-direct-is-all-about-wii-us-smash-bros/#comments Nintendo is hosting a new livestream event on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. EST (3:00 p.m. PST), and this one is focused on Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The publisher says it will reveal "50 new things" for the game, which will launch on November 21.

It's possible the latest announcements for the fighting game will include the level editor and board game mode mentioned in an Amazon listing late last week. Thursday's Nintendo Direct may also show off poses for trophies in the game, which Game Director Masahiro Sakurai noted in a Miiverse post over the weekend. We're nearly one month out from our review of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, which praised the fighter as "a game that every 3DS owner should play."
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqThursday's Nintendo Direct is all about Wii U's Smash Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>livestreamnintendonintendo-directsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uMon, 20 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strike a pose with trophies in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/strike-a-pose-with-trophies-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/strike-a-pose-with-trophies-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/strike-a-pose-with-trophies-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/#comments Say cheese, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U - you're getting a photo mode. According to a new post from Game Director Masahiro Sakurai on the Super Smash Bros. Miiverse, players of the console version of Nintendo's brawler will be able to pose the character trophies they've earned and take pictures in the game's Photo Studio mode.

"Pic of the day. Zael from The Last Story grabs some Superspicy Curry from Master Hand. 'No...! You mustn't let that curry lure you in...!!'" Sakurai writes, describing the scene you see above.

Photo Studio won't be the only difference between the 3DS and Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. though; according to an Amazon listing, we can also expect a stage build mode and board game mode when the game launches on November 21.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqStrike a pose with trophies in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masahiro-sakurainintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uSun, 19 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Smash Bros. Wii U, get an amiibo free at Toys R Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/buy-smash-bros-wii-u-get-an-amiibo-free-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/buy-smash-bros-wii-u-get-an-amiibo-free-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/buy-smash-bros-wii-u-get-an-amiibo-free-at-toys-r-us/#comments
Even if the line of NFC-compatible amiibo toys doesn't eventually reflect Super Smash Bros.' entire roster, buying every figure revealed so far would put you back about $234 (!!!). You can ease into the investment by ordering the game from Toys R Us however, as the chain is offering a free amiibo with the purchase of Smash Bros. on Wii U.

The promotion is offered online while supplies last and is activated by placing both a copy of Smash Bros. and an amiibo of your choice in your cart. When we contacted employees at local stores to see if the deal is valid in store however, we received inconsistent answers, so you may want to call your nearest store before stopping in.

As for the $99.99 bundle that includes a GameCube-style controller, adapter and a copy of Smash Bros., it's currently absent from Toys R Us' website. We've contacted Toys R Us' PR department to see if the bundle will also eventually be compatible with the free amiibo deal and will update if we hear anything.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqBuy Smash Bros. Wii U, get an amiibo free at Toys R Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibonintendosuper-smash-bros-2014toys-r-uswii-uSat, 18 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U features board game mode, says Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-features-board-game-mode-says-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-features-board-game-mode-says-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-features-board-game-mode-says-amazo/#comments Product details posted at Amazon today reveal new features and gameplay modes for the upcoming Wii U version of Nintendo's mascot brawler Super Smash Bros.

Amazon's description reads: "Whether you're creating stages on the GamePad, competing in challenges crafted by Master Hand and Crazy Hand, or outwitting your opponents in a brand new board game mode, there's no doubt that the ultimate Smash Bros. game has arrived."

The update suggests that Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will include a level-editing feature similar to the Stage Builder in 2008's Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The board game mode is another new addition, though further details regarding this feature are not yet known.

Amazon's promised challenges featuring the Hand characters also coincide with a recent Miiverse teaser, and match up with hidden audio files discovered in the 3DS edition touting "Master Orders" and "Crazy Orders" modes.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U hits retail on November 21.

[Video: Nintendo]

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U features board game mode, says Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonnintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uFri, 17 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Discussion: All aboard Nintendo's Amiibo train?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/13/joystiq-discussion-all-aboard-nintendos-amiibo-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/13/joystiq-discussion-all-aboard-nintendos-amiibo-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/13/joystiq-discussion-all-aboard-nintendos-amiibo-train/#comments Just a little more than a month to go before patient Wii U owners will finally get a Super Smash Bros. to call their own. November 21st will bring more than just HD Smash into your home, though. Nintendo will also roll out its Amiibo that day, the teensy near-field communication equipped figurines that let you summon up helpers in the game. Slam that little Princess Peach on your Wii U tablet controller, and she'll show up in Smash smacking fools around on your behalf.

Here's the thing, though. Those Amiibo are $13 a pop, which is mighty expensive for toys with such limited use in the game. There isn't even a bundle option for anyone interested in collecting. It would be one thing if there was a clear picture of future functionality, but Nintendo's tight lipped about any long-term plans for the toys. Nintendo says Mario Kart 8 will support Amiibo, but still hasn't said how or when. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will use them as well, but even though that game's out in December, it's unknown Amiibo functionality won't be available in 2015.

Why would people buy up these toys when they have no idea why they should? Are they cool enough as collectibles on their own? Will you pick up that Kid Icarus one for no reason other than it's rad? Take our poll after the break and discuss your Amiibo plans in the comments below.

Continue reading Joystiq Discussion: All aboard Nintendo's Amiibo train?

JoystiqJoystiq Discussion: All aboard Nintendo's Amiibo train? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibocaptain-toad-treasure-trackercaptain-toads-treasure-trackerjoystiq-discussionmario-kart-8nintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uMon, 13 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Vib-ribbon launches, Driveclub Review, RE: Revelations 2 preview and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/joystiq-weekly-vib-ribbon-launches-driveclub-review-re-revel/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/joystiq-weekly-vib-ribbon-launches-driveclub-review-re-revel/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/joystiq-weekly-vib-ribbon-launches-driveclub-review-re-revel/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
"Better eight years late than never," PlayStation Network users probably said during this week's return of Vib-ribbon. Sure, we're not exactly in drought season, but what's stopping you from impulsively bailing on 2014's release calendar to revisit a 1999 cult classic? Beyond money and life's responsibilities, anyway.

If Vib-ribbon is fair game for a 2014 appearance, can we go ahead and get our hopes for comparably-unlikely surprises? Sure, StarCraft: Ghost's indefinitely-on-hold status is probably irreversible at this point, but if Blizzard felt like continuing development in secret for years and launching it without warning, we wouldn't be upset. Valve, you're more than welcome to do the same with fresh installments in the Half Life or Left 4 Dead series.

There was more to this week than feeble wishes though, including resolution news for Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Assassin's Creed: Unity, reviews for Driveclub and Neverending Nightmares, and previews for AC: Unity and Resident Evil: Revelations 2. All those and more are tidied up for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Vib-ribbon launches, Driveclub Review, RE: Revelations 2 preview and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Vib-ribbon launches, Driveclub Review, RE: Revelations 2 preview and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-unityBaton Rouge, Louisianabattlefield-4battlefield-hardlineBozeman, Montanacall-of-duty-advanced-warfareCincinnatiColorado Springs, Coloradodestinydriveclubfifa-15forza-horizon-2halo-the-master-chief-collectionhotline-miami-2-wrong-numberjoystiq-weeklyLittle Rock, ArkansasMilwaukeenba-2k15neverending-nightmaresproject-sparkresident-evil-revelations-2Salt Lake CitySeattlesuper-smash-bros-2014Syracuse, New YorkTudor architectureUnited Statesunityvib-ribbonSun, 12 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Wii U Amiibo figures up for pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/super-smash-bros-wii-u-amiibo-figures-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/super-smash-bros-wii-u-amiibo-figures-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/super-smash-bros-wii-u-amiibo-figures-up-for-pre-order/#comments Nintendo's Amiibo figures are now available to pre-order at various retailers. There are 18 total figures that players can pre-purchase through Target, GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, each tied to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Most of the figures are listed for release on November 21 as previously announced, the same day that Super Smash Bros. will launch for Nintendo's home console.

Certain figures are paired with a December 31 launch date however, which may be a placeholder. Those figures are Zelda, Captain Falcon, Diddy Kong, Little Mac, Luigi and Pit, though release date listings may vary. Walmart is also offering a Super Smash Bros. bundle, which includes a copy of the Wii U game in addition to Link, Pikachu and Mario Amiibo figures for $100. The collectible Amiibo figures were revealed at E3 2014 in June, and given a price of $12.99 each two months later. Head past the break to see the full list of figures that are up for pre-order.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. Wii U Amiibo figures up for pre-order

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. Wii U Amiibo figures up for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesamiibofiguresnintendopre-orderrelease-datesuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uFri, 10 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. hints that Mario's extra lives are clones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/super-smash-bros-hints-that-marios-extra-lives-are-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/super-smash-bros-hints-that-marios-extra-lives-are-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/super-smash-bros-hints-that-marios-extra-lives-are-clones/#comments Descriptions for items within Super Smash Bros. for 3DS have already discussed Metroid protagonist Samus' inability to crawl. Another meme-referencing bit of text surfaced this week, this time providing a theory for Mario's extra lives. According to the description for 1-Up Mushrooms in the European version of the game provided by NeoGAF user SalsaShark, an extra life means "a whole extra version of you."

The bit of text within Super Smash Bros. pondered the meaning of Mario's clones and whether "making more copies of yourself the real goal of any adventure" before imagining "a bunch of Marios getting together to discuss it." The North American version rephrases the same notion, which recalls a video of the double cherry power-up in action in Super Mario 3D World, found after the break. Do you have any favorite Easter eggs from Super Smash Bros. on 3DS? If so, share them with us in the comments! The Wii U version of the game will launch November 21.
[Image: Nintendo, Imgur]

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. hints that Mario's extra lives are clones

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. hints that Mario's extra lives are clones originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-up3dsclonesextra-livesmariomushroomsnintendosmash-brossuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dsWed, 08 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Wii U GameCube adapter only compatible with Super Smash Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/psa-wii-u-gamecube-adapter-only-compatible-with-super-smash-bro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/psa-wii-u-gamecube-adapter-only-compatible-with-super-smash-bro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/psa-wii-u-gamecube-adapter-only-compatible-with-super-smash-bro/#comments Following up on an erroneous product listing, Nintendo has confirmed that its GameCube controller adapter for the Wii U is only compatible with Super Smash Bros, and does not function with existing Wii and Virtual Console games.

Reports issued yesterday indicated that the adapter would be compatible with a broad selection of Wii and Wii U games, allowing players to use GameCube controllers in titles featuring Classic Controller support. Nintendo disclosed its mistake in a statement to Eurogamer earlier today, emphasizing that the peripheral is exclusively designed for the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

"The GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U is compatible with Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U specifically - it is not compatible with any other Wii U software," a Nintendo UK spokesperson told Eurogamer. "The adapter is also not compatible with Wii and we apologise for any confusion."

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqPSA: Wii U GameCube adapter only compatible with Super Smash Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecubegamecube-controllernintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uWed, 08 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. hits Wii U in November, 2.8M sales so far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/super-smash-bros-hits-wii-u-in-november-2-8m-sales-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/super-smash-bros-hits-wii-u-in-november-2-8m-sales-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/super-smash-bros-hits-wii-u-in-november-2-8m-sales-so-far/#comments The Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. hammers onto retail shelves on November 21 in North America, with Europe having to wait a little longer until December 5. Nintendo is also launching its Amiibo range of compatible figurines on the same day stateside, while in Europe they'll arrive ahead of the Wii U game on November 28. As previously announced, the figures have a suggested price of $13 each, while the game itself comes in at $60.

That said, by the sounds of it the already released 3DS edition of the brawler is doing handily enough on its own. According to Nintendo, the handheld fighter which hit Japan's stores last month and the West only last week is up to more than 2.8 million sales worldwide.

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. hits Wii U in November, 2.8M sales so far

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. hits Wii U in November, 2.8M sales so far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiiboeuropenintendonorth-americarelease-datesalessuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uTue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Y can't Metroid crawl?' Smash Bros. has the answer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/y-cant-metroid-crawl-smash-bros-has-the-answer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/y-cant-metroid-crawl-smash-bros-has-the-answer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/y-cant-metroid-crawl-smash-bros-has-the-answer/#comments If you ever found yourself wondering why Metroid's Samus can't crawl, Nintendo has issued an explanation: because she doesn't need to.

The above screenshot from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (via @Electivirus) references an infamous Miiverse post from a player confused by the first hour of Super Metroid. Skipping out on the Morph Ball power-up led some to question how to navigate an early passageway, and many (presumably younger) players took to Miiverse to vent their frustrations following Super Metroid's Wii U Virtual Console release.

The phrasing of this particular question was pretty much perfect, though, instantly solidifying its meme status. Nice work, Nintendo. We see what you did there.

[Image: Nintendo / @Electivirus]

Joystiq'Y can't Metroid crawl?' Smash Bros. has the answer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmememetroidnintendosamussuper-smash-bros-2014Mon, 06 Oct 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 15 holds off Mordor, Forza, Smash in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/fifa-15-holds-off-mordor-forza-smash-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/fifa-15-holds-off-mordor-forza-smash-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/fifa-15-holds-off-mordor-forza-smash-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments FIFA 15 survived a three-way attack to score a second week as the UK No. 1, despite a 70 percent drop in sales. EA's soccer sim shimmied its way past multiplatform action-RPG Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Xbox-only racer Forza Horizon 2 and porta-brawler Super Smash Bros 3DS, placing second, third and fourth respectively. While the trio of new releases couldn't topple the UK's love of FIFA (and let's face it, few can), they did do enough to outplace Bungie shooter Destiny, which dropped from second to fifth in its fourth week on sale.

Minus the PS4 retail edition of Minecraft (which UK databod Chart Track denotes as another platform for Minecraft: PlayStation Edition), the other new release in the top 40 was Crimes & Punishments: Sherlock Holmes in 27th. Finally, while Chart Track tends to hold back specific sales figures, it did release some interesting platform differentials for a few of this week's big hitters. For example, the Shadow of Mordor split is 56 percent PS4, 41 percent Xbox One and 3 percent PC (that doesn't include download sales), while Forza Horizon 2 geared in with a 73:27 ratio between Xbox One and Xbox 360.

As ever, the full top ten and increasingly traditional music video are below the break.

Continue reading FIFA 15 holds off Mordor, Forza, Smash in this week's UK charts

JoystiqFIFA 15 holds off Mordor, Forza, Smash in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-15forza-horizon-2microsoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordornintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4super-smash-bros-2014ukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 06 Oct 2014 07:00:00 EST