Pikachu Yellow Edition New 3DS XL

If you had trouble getting a 3Ds over the holiday season then we have some news to cheer you up. Nintendo has decided to release a special edition Pikachu 3DS. While the 3DS isn’t currently up for pre-order a pricing and release date have already been provided.

While this isn’t the first time Pikachu has shown up on a special edition 3DS, it is certainly one of the cutest designs. With the release of the Switch coming in may it’s unclear how many more special edition 3DSs will be made, so this may be a closing window of opportunity for fans of the New 3DS.

The Pikachu 3DS looks great and has a very unique design choice for the ever popular Pikachu. It will release on February 24th, just a couple weeks before the switch, for $199.99 USD.

Fire Emblem Direct

Earlier this afternoon Nintendo treated us all to even more information about upcoming releases, this time centered around the Fire Emblem series.

The first news came in the form of an announcement for Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, which is a  3DS remake of the second game in the series, Fire Emblem Gaiden. Echoes is set to launch May 19, 2017 and amiibo of the games two main characters will launch the same day as a 2-pack. Second, Nintendo announced that a mainline Fire Emblem will be returning to home consoles for the first time since Radiant Dawn on the Wii, the Nintendo Switch title is in the works and planned for a 2018 release and no other information was shown. After that, the teaser for Fire Emblem Warriors from the Switch conference was shown with some additional footage. The game was confirmed for a Fall 2017 release and will also be launching on the New 3DS at the same time. The game was also confirmed to be in the hands of the same team behind Hyrule Warriors. Finally, a mobile game by the name of Fire Emblem Heroes was announced that will focus on strategic gameplay and includes characters from all across the series. Heroes will be available on Google Play store February 2, with no date slated for iOS but will be available in the future for Apple products.

So, four  Fire Emblem games were in the spotlight today. Android users will be able to play Heroes next month, followed by Echoes’ release in May, Warriors will hit during Fall, and finally next year we’ll be treated to a full mainline game on the Switch. There is a lot of excitement in the Fire Emblem community, and rightfully so. Nintendo showed off some great material and have created even more excitement for the Switch console.

Poochy and Yoshi’s Wooly World Coming To 3DS

Yoshi’s Wooly World was a popular Wii U title released in October of 2105 that delivered something fans of Yoshi’s Island had been waiting for. The game features a unique design choice of presenting the world and characters as made of yarn and also utilizes this in interesting ways in the gameplay. More exciting news comes as Nintendo has announced that on February 3rd a 3DS port of Yoshi’s Wooly World will release, called Poochy and Yoshi’s Wooly World, and it will have new content as well.

The 3DS version will continue amiibo support, and a bundle with the new Yarn Poochy amiibo will be available for $49.99 USD. The game will contain all the content from the original Wooly World release as well as some added bonuses. There will now be time trials that put players in control of Poochy for extra challenges. There are also added stop motion cutscenes to explain the story of Poochy and Yoshi in their world made of yarn.

For those who opted out of a Wii U, this port is a great addition to the 3DS library. For fans of the Yoshi series, this is a great spotlight for Poochy that many will enjoy, especially with their new Yarn Poochy amiibo. The game will run the usual $4o USD without the amiibo bundle, so if you haven’t picked up Yoshi’s Wooly World yet, be on the lookout in February to try it out on your 3DS!

Games For Your New 3DS

With the holidays wrapping up soon it’s time for everyone to hit the stores again for the end of the year sales over the next couple of weeks. So, what better time to stock up on great 3DS games to tide you through the beginning of the new year? We’ll give you some ideas to help you pick a few games you may have missed or haven’t quite convinced yourself to pick up yet.

Bravely Default: Bravely Default is a JRPG styled similar to the early 3D Final Fantasy games like Final Fantasy VII. It was given glowing reviews for its combat and received generally good comments on its story and characters. If you’re a fan of JRPGs then Bravely Default is a great option, as well as its sequel, Bravely Second.

Majora’s Mask 3D: Majora’s Mask was a huge hit on the N64 back in the day and fans were asking for a remake for years before a 3DS version was finally announced. This version has enhanced graphics from the retro N64 version and improved controls.

Yo-Kai Watch: If you’re enjoying Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon so far then Yo-kai Watch is a great next step. It has monster collecting similar to Pokemon with different a focus and combat style.

3DS’s Selling Out Across The Nation

If you’ve recently been out trying gather up some gifts for family and friends you may have noticed that some consoles have been harder to find this year. Among these are the Nes Classic, which has been one of the hottest selling items of this year. Another the 2Ds which is a great option to the 3DS for younger children. Now, however, the 3DS, as well as the Wii U, have started to disappear from retailers across the nation.

The 3DS became a hot item due to the release of the new Pokemon games, and the console obtaining several Wii U ports of popular games such as Hyrule Warriors. Generally, stores don’t move many so the demand became quite a shock after Sun and Moon’s launch. Now with less than a week to go before one of the biggest holidays of the year it’s almost impossible to get one in stores.

If you’re like most of us and just really want to get the shopping over with there is still a few options to go with.  The 2Ds is available used on Amazon for a little over $100. While older model 3DS’s are still available for around 139 used. While this might not be completely ideal used products are generally sold in good condition and overall it’s pretty hard to mess up a DS without a substantial amount of abuse.

What hot holiday items are you still searching for? 

Super Mario 3D Maker Now Avalible for 3DS!

Super Mario Maker has finally launched for the Nintendo 3DS system. Mario Maker was an intensely successful Wii U game that allows players to design their own Mario course for others to play on. The original game even let players upload courses to Nintendo Network for other players to try across the world creating a bustling online community and an unlimited number courses to play through.

The game focuses on using touch controls to easily drag and place various items and obstacles from the Mario universe. A player can make everything from complex levels made with only the top players in mind to cute underwater levels that a beginner can easily navigate. For the lazier player, the game already comes preloaded with 100 built in courses for you to conquer. Earn medals by completing these courses and be the first one of your friends to earn a full set.

Additionally Super Mario Maker has built in Amiibo support. Just tap an Amiibo to the screen of your New 3DS or use the adapter for the normal 3DS to import your favorite characters. After importing you can then play with skins of these characters throughout the game.

Pick up Super Mario Maker today for just 39.99.

New Harvest Moon Game Releases for 3DS

Natsume and XSeed may have split the series up, but that doesn’t mean that we are lacking in fun creative games from the Harvest Moon series. Recently Natsume threw its latest bid in for the series in the form of Skytree Village; a Minecraft-esque game that incorporates the main elements from the Harvest Moon series such as growing crops, raising animals, and marriage. The game was released at the beginning of November and had both a normal and limited edition with prices starting at $29.99 USD.

The game has 3 special editions. One that comes with an artbook, soundtrack, pins, and a rubber blue feather strap. Two from Natsume themselves that either come with a Giant Bluebird plush or a Giant Bob Cat plush. The description of the Skytree village is as follows:

Times have changed in the land known as the Oasis of the Harvest Goddess. Many people used to live in Skytree Village, and the land was lush and green. However, the power of the Harvest Goddess gradually began to wane, and the land became parched and dry. It’s up to you revive the seven Skytrees in order to give the Harvest Goddess her power back, and, in turn, bring life back to this desolate land!

 

So, look for Skytree Village at your local retailer today. At a reduced price point it’s great for gamers looking for a cheaper play. On top of that, the long play time offered in Harvest Moon games will keep you enthralled for hours as you work to bring the Harvest Goddesse’s magic back to Skytree Village and build a life for yourself. The game also offers 3 bachelors and bachelorettes to choose from, so go ahead pick your favorite and go with the harvest Moon tradition you know and love.

New DLC Releases For Animal Crossing

The new DLC has finally released for the Animal Crossing 3DS version, titled Welcome Amiibo. Welcome Amiibo allows users who own amiibo cards or figures to use them in conjunction with their Animal Crossing: New Leaf to import their favorite characters into town. This update is packed full fun new things to do, of course in the style of Animal Crossing’s laid back gameplay style!

One of the biggest parts of this update is the addition of the Camp Grounds which tapped Amiibo characters will park in. Each Amiibo character comes with their own decorated RV that you can visit and look around in. On top of that, this update will shovel in several new items from series including Zelda and Splatoon to decorate your in-game house with. You can even scan in some non-Animal Crossing amiibo like the Squid Sisters to meet their in-game animal counterparts.

if that isn’t enough you now can earn Meow Coupons by doing daily tasks like cleaning up the town.  These coupons are easily redeemable for items or bells when turned in.  There are also two new mini-games that have been added to the title. You can access both of these by using the in-game Wii U and 3DS items for each separate one. If you find yourself stuck in one of the games than you even have the option of tapping an amiibo for some extra help. Finally, there is the Amiibo camera which you can use to  take pictures of your favorite Villagers from the game!

As for non-Amiibo related features, you can now have unlimited storage after building your second floor in the game. You also will get new touch screen controls at that point as well for decorating your house easier, and if you ever wanted to start fresh in a new town, there is an added option for selling your current one for bells.

All this content comes completely free with the update. There will also be a new line of 50 Amiibo cards sold starting December 2nd for the game. So get ready to have some fun in your dusty little town.

Added bonus upon the installation of the download all weeds are automatically pulled!

 

Pokemon Sun and Moon Release Next Week!

After a long 2 year wait the newest generation of Pokemon is finally here. On November 18th at midnight game  stores across the United States will be hosting midnight launch parties for Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon. The new versions will have differing stories happening 12 hours apart from each other and are based in the tropical Alolan region that is made up of 5 Islands.

The games feature dozens of new Pokemon, as well as Alolan forms of gen 1 favorites; an all-new progression system with bosses being Totem Pokemon; and revamps to the classic core mechanics of the game making the Alola region different than any previous Pokemon experience to date. The game also features the addition of ridable Pokemon that can be used anywhere to get around the map easier.  You will also face new challenges in quests other than battling to progress the game.

On top of that Mega-evolution makes a return as well as the addition of Z-moves that can be activated by a separate physical watch you have to use in connection to your game. We have no word yet of any Amiibo usage, but it is a possibility you can’t mark out yet. The game will incorporate the Pokemon bank starting in January so you can transfer up your favorites from Pokemon Omega, Alpha, X, and Y.

The Pokemon Sun and Moon demo was released in early October on the Nintendo 3Ds e-shop for free. By playing the demo you can unlock Ash Greninja as well as play through in-game events that will give you items to transfer into the full version of the game. The demo also introduced the Alolan form of Dugtrio to the world.

Be sure to preorder your copy today or write it down on your present list for the holidays. The games will retail at $39.99 USD and will work on the original 3Ds.

Pokemon Sun and Moon, Possible Changes.

Pokemon Sun and Moon are bringing with them several changes to the Pokemon formula. Not only are classic Pokemon getting new forms just for the new regions, the official site even states that the region operates on its own terms and is quite different than anything we have visited before.  The regions are getting rid of day and night cycles to push their story forward instead of focusing on the formula.

Sun and Moon are taking some drastic turns compared to the other handheld games in the series.  First off they seem to be leaning towards giving the Alola region itself deep bits of lore and it’s own history, which they will use to change the core gameplay mechanics we are used too.  As it appears now we may even forgo the classic gym battles and possibly the Elite Four in exchange for island based challenges.  We have been told that islands will have leaders called Kahunas that will be challenged when you finish trials on the islands. The trials will vary from battles to finding items to progress in the island’s quests. After you finish gathering your quest item you will be challenged by a boss know as a totem Pokemon.

Totem Pokemon will be larger than other Pokemon of the same name and have special abilities. When in battle with them they will also have the option to call in other Pokemon to fight you as well. There are 5 islands you have to make it through one of which is man made instead of being nature based like the rest.  If you manage to make it through the totem you will then end up in the Grand Trial for the island that once beaten will give you recognition across the region and allow you to progress in the story. We aren’t completely sure how the progression will take place at the moment, but it can only be assumed that we are taking out gyms as we have seen art for everything but leaders at this point.

On top of all of this, there will be two different organizations as well as ultra beasts that you will get entangled with. Team Skull is the suspected bad guys of the generation and have the mysterious Type Null Pokemon by their side, in the story; they will mess up trial sites and be involved in robbing trainers of their Pokemon.  The Aether Foundation has constructed a man-made island to take in and care for different Pokemon, they also do research on the mysterious ultra beasts that threaten the island.  Finally, Ultra Beasts are mysterious Pokemon that are named with code words that have been causing disasters around the Alola region for unknown reasons, we do not know how many there are or what they currently want.

Along with all these changes, there will be new Z moves that involve buying a separate item to use. The Z- watch will be sold in stores with Z crystals and will link to your 3DS to be used in battle. Other than these changes we are still waiting to find out more information about the changes in Sun and Moon. On the bright side it looks like Pokemon-Amie will be returning in a new version and we have confirmed avatar customization for your trainer.