Nintendo announced that a new Yoshi’s Island title is coming to Nintendo 3DS, along with a new entry in the Mario Party series. Additionally, a brand new game in The Legend of Zelda series taking place in the world of A Link to the Past is coming this year.

Nintendo also delighted long-time fans by announcing that Earthbound will arrive this year on the Wii U Virtual Console. The Virtual Console officially goes live next week, the day after the Wii U’s big software update, which is said to significantly reduce load times, while also adding nifty features like downloading software updates while the console sleeps.

Definitely a huge amount of news coming just months before E3. What do you guys think? Keep an eye out on Nintendo’s official Facebook page, where new trailers are said to be posted throughout the day. Below the break is the full press release of news.

Nintendo 3DS News

A New Game in The Legend of Zelda Series: Nintendo developers are working on a new game set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, which launched for Super NES in 1992. The game makes use of the 3D abilities of Nintendo 3DS, and allows Link to become a drawing and move along walls. A 3D video of the new game is now available to download in the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
Yoshi’s Island: The third installment in the beloved franchise is making its way to Nintendo 3DS. Yoshi and Baby Mario are back with flutter jumps, ground pounds and egg throws, plus a host of new actions that use the unique features of Nintendo 3DS. More details about the game, as well as launch timing, will be announced in the future.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team: The game takes place on a mysterious island, and challenges Mario to go between the real world and Luigi’s dreams to rescue Princess Peach. The game will be available in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Aug. 11.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D: This hand-held update of the smash-hit for Wii adds eight new stages that players can enjoy after they have completed the main game, as well as a New Mode optimized for hand-held play with new items and mechanics. The game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on May 24.
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move: This Nintendo eShop exclusive challenges players to place tiles on the bottom screen to guide the Mini Marios to their goal on the top screen. The game offers more than 180 stages in four different modes. Players can also create and share their own stages, and play those created by other players around the world. The game will launch on May 9.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Hardware Bundle: A special Nintendo 3DS XL system featuring designs from Animal Crossing: New Leaf that comes pre-installed with the new game will be available on launch day, June 9, at a suggested retail price of $219.99.
Mario Golf: World Tour: Players who connect their Nintendo 3DS systems to the Internet can play competitive real-time multiplayer matches against others across the globe. They can also use the community feature to find others to golf with. The game is scheduled to launch this summer.
The Legend of Zelda – Two Classic Games: The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons will soon be available for the first time since their original release on Game Boy Color in 2001. Originally developed by Capcom, the games are headed to the Virtual Console service for Nintendo 3DS. The games are interconnected: Playing one unlocks secrets in the other. The games are scheduled to launch in the Nintendo eShop on May 30.
Party Like it’s the Year of Luigi: A new game in the Mario Party series is scheduled to launch for Nintendo 3DS this winter. The game features seven different game boards, each with its own set of rules. The game offers 81 new mini-games that test speed, concentration and luck. In addition to the board game elements, players will be able to play mini-games exclusively or try their hands at a 30-floor tower climb, AR Card games and StreetPass battles.
Bravely Default: This role-playing game from Square Enix adds a new risk-reward twist to the genre: Players can skip a turn in battle to do more damage in later turns. The game includes AR functions, multiple endings and unique wireless features. Nintendo has partnered with Square Enix to publish the game in North America in 2014.
Professor Layton is Back: The third game in the second Professor Layton trilogy, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, includes more than 500 puzzles and is scheduled for a 2014 launch.
A Nintendo eShop Trio from LEVEL-5: LEVEL-5 has assembled a collection of Japan’s top developers to create original games that will be headed to the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS soon. THE STARSHIP DAMREY, from Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko, puts players in a suspenseful adventure where they will have to search for any information available to discover the truth about their circumstances. In BUGS vs. TANKS! from Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune, players control a tiny customizable tank in battle against swarms of giant bugs. In Kaz Ayabe’s ATTACK OF THE FRIDAY MONSTERS! A TOKYO TALE, players will take the role of a young boy who lives where the giant monsters from Japan’s 1970s TV shows come to life every Friday.
Shin Megami Tensei 4: When this game launches on July 16 from ATLUS, every copy in the initial shipment will be a Limited Edition Box Set that includes a 176-page Strategy & Design Book containing the official starter strategy guide and full-color artwork ranging from concept art to in-game pieces to never-used designs; the Shin Megami Tensei Music Collection CD that offers tracks specially selected from across the 20-plus-year history of the SMT series; and a deluxe-sized Collectible Slipcase featuring key art designed by character designer Masayuki Doi.
Wii U News

You Are Not Dreaming – This is Real: Nintendo fans rejoice: EarthBound is coming to the Wii U Virtual Console this year. The original game was created by Shigesato Itoi and released on Super NES in 1995.
New Super Luigi U: Wii U owners who purchase this downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U (a copy of the game is required) will get 82 updated stages and a new adventure featuring Luigi, who can jump higher than Mario, yet has trouble stopping after a dash. Many stages start with only 100 seconds on the timer, and quicker stages are populated with many obstacles. New Super Luigi U is scheduled to be released this summer during the Year of Luigi.
System Update: Next week’s update will add new functions and enhance existing ones. It shortens loading times when switching between applications or returning to the Wii U Menu.
New Features: Shortly after the system update, Nintendo will launch the Virtual Console service and Wii U Panorama View.
Game & Wario: Each game in Game & Wario uses the Wii U GamePad in a unique way. Game & Wario will be available in stores and the Nintendo eShop on June 23.
Pikmin 3: In addition to new Rock Pikmin, the new game also introduces flying Winged Pikmin that follow the player and can carry items in the air. The game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Aug. 4.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Update: A game update for the Wii U version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate from Capcom is now available for download. The update enables off-TV play using the Wii U GamePad, and allows players from North America and Europe to join each other’s online games. A selection of videos introducing players to the game’s game-play mechanics can be found at http://www.YouTube.com/Nintendo.

Source: Nintendo of America

Nintendo has released a brand new trailer for the upcoming release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, coming to North America this summer.

The relaxing trailer gives players a look at the overall theme of the series, shown in the view of a tourist. The video encourages folks to stop on by, while enjoying the great outdoor activities of pond fishing, fossil digging, or butterfly catching. There’s also shopping, dancing, and swimming to take part in, while meeting great new friends along the way.

Watch the trailer above to see if you’ll be making a reservation for New Leaf when it hits Nintendo 3DS on June 9.

The rewards featured on Club Nintendo aren’t always the most intriguing items — I can’t exactly say I was floored by the colored Wii Remote wrist straps. The newest reward addition however is both awesome, and practical.

The Club Nintendo service in Japan just added the Nintendo 3DS XL charging dock to its rewards section, available in an array of exclusive colors. The colorful charging dock makes it easier to plop your handheld down in a rush, without fiddling with the cable and charging port each time. The original Nintendo 3DS came bundled with the bite-size dock, but XL owners were left in the dust.

Japanese club members can pick theirs up for just 200 coins. Let’s hope we get these in the states as soon as possible.

Source: Nintendo Everything

Life is like a hurricane, but that hasn’t stopped the greatest news ever from happening this afternoon. During Capcom’s panel at PAX East today, the company announced a brand new entry in their critically acclaimed DuckTales video game saga would be released for download this summer.

Developed by the incredible team at WayForward (a boy and his blob, Mighty Switch Force, Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage? to name a few), DuckTales Remastered will be loosely based on the 1989 original NES title, with new HD hand-drawn animations, a new level, and voice-work by the same talent as the original Disney cartoon — I seriously can’t believe any of this is happening, but it is, and I’m in duck heaven. The game will mark the third title in the series — the first two titles both released for the original Nintendo Entertainment System.

The game is set to release this summer for the Wii U eShop, XBLA, and PSN for $15. Take a look at the game’s debut trailer below the break — it’ll give you goosebumps!

The clear shining star this week is Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, which will finally see a release on Sunday. Based on the positive reviews scattered across the net, I think it’s safe to say the extra long development time was worth the wait.

Also available for the Nintendo 3DS eShop is Pokédex Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, 50 Classic Games 3D, and Lola’s Math Train. For the Wii U eShop comes Zen Pinball 2, while The Path of the Warrior: Art of Fighting 3 arrives for Wii’s Virtual Console.

For the bargain shopper, Nintendo also announced a temporary sale on Mutant Mudds for $5.99, while the Pokédex 3D Pro app drops to $9.99, both available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

Anything look appealing to you guys? I’d love a digital copy of Luigi’s Mansion 2, but my copy is scheduled to arrive in my mailbox this weekend. Stupid physical media.

It happened, guys! The Wii U software drought is nearing an end, as the console’s eShop prepares for some quality content with this week’s Nintendo Download. This week’s retail releases will also arrive as digital downloads, with the release of LEGO City Undercover, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (also for Nintendo 3DS), and Need for Speed: Most Wanted U. There’s also the upcoming Wii U Virtual Console release of Punch Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, available starting March 20 for a limited time cost of just 30 cents. I don’t know about you, but I find playing Virtual Console games on the GamePad has been a dream.

Other notable releases this week include a demo of the rhythm game HarmoKnight for the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and Mega Man 3 for the 3DS eShop Virtual Console — both worth acquiring immediately. For a full list of the new releases for the week, continue reading below the break.

Nintendo eShop on Wii U™
LEGO® City Undercover - LEGO City® comes to life! The popular LEGO City vehicles and play sets come to life for the first time in the vast, open world of the LEGO City Undercover game. As police officer Chase McCain you are armed with clever disguises, special abilities, and the ultimate crime-fighting tool—the Wii U GamePad controller. With its indispensable map, communicator, and high-tech scanning device, the GamePad is just what you need to crack the case. Run, drive and even fly through the city to put a stop to the fiendish Rex Fury and end his crime wave once and for all. LEGO City Undercoverwill be available March 18 at retail stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U. (You must have an external hard drive to download this software. Sold separately. Visit support.nintendo.com for information about storage options.)

Monster Hunter™ 3 Ultimate – Discover the epic world of Monster Hunter as you journey through more than 200 exhilarating quests, battle larger-than-life monsters and create hundreds of weapons and armor. Hunt with your two AI companions in single-player quests or team up with up to three friends in four-player online battles. Visually stunning HD graphics deliver a unique world for players to explore. With the addition of online chat, this is the best Monster Hunterexperience to date. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will be available on March 19 at retail stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U. (Broadband Internet access required for online play. For more info, go to support.nintendo.com.)

Need for Speed™ Most Wanted U – Need for Speed™ Most Wanted Uis the definitive Most Wanted experience. The game uses the unique features of the Wii U GamePad controller to introduce “Co-Driver,” which lets your friend play with the Wii Remote™ controller, while you can activate Boost U, adjust cop difficulty and change mods using the GamePad. 2012′s driving game of the year comes with full online play, the connected, open-world city of Fairhaven and the hot cars and intense cop chases that made Most Wanted. Need for Speed Most Wanted U will be available on March 19 at retail stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U. (Broadband Internet access required for online play. For more info, go to support.nintendo.com.)

Punch-Out!!™ Featuring Mr. Dream – As young boxer Little Mac, players have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association circuit. Players use their best jabs, hooks and power uppercuts to knock out opponents, but must also dodge jaw-breaking blows by paying attention to subtle changes in their foe’s body position. With great graphics, addictive action and a touch of humor, this classic game will keep players entertained for hours. Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream is the third game released for Virtual Console™ for Wii U to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Famicom. For a limited time starting March 20, the game will be available for only 30 cents.

Chasing Aurora – Demo Version – Chasing Aurora is a physics-based 2D aerial action game. Enjoy playing with, and against, your friends in three different flight-based multiplayer modes. A single-player challenge mode requires players to break records time and again, unlocking level after level. Choose one of five different characters to ride the wind from peak to peak.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™
HarmoKnight™ – Demo Version – HarmoKnight is a rhythm-based action game from GAME FREAK inc., the creators of the Pokémon video game series, that has striking visuals and easy to pick up, yet challenging, game play. In the game, players must pound drums, jump over obstacles and battle enemies, all to the beat of an original musical score. With more than 50 stages, multiple playable characters and unlockable challenges, HarmoKnight brings a tremendous level of depth and creativity to the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo eShop sale – Ketzal’s Corridors™
Ketzal’s Corridors – Revive Ketzal and restore order to the spirit world in this fast-paced 3D puzzle game. For a limited time, downloadKetzal’s Corridors in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS at a discounted price of $4.99.

Coming soon to Nintendo eShop - Flipnote Studio™ 3D
Flipnote Studio 3D - Unleash your creativity with Flipnote Studio 3D, which arrives Summer 2013 as a free download from the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. Watch the latest Nintendo Direct Mini to learn more about this new application.

Also new this week:
• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS – Available March 19)
• The Croods: Prehistoric Party! (Nintendo eShop on Wii U – Available March 19)
• The Croods: Prehistoric Party! (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS – Available March 19)
• RAYMAN® ORIGINS (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Mega Man™ 3 (Virtual Console – Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Reel Fishing® Paradise 3D (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Forgotten Legions (Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™ Shop on
Nintendo DSi)
• Goony (Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)

Source: Nintendo of America

Owners of Nintendo’s various platforms are always excited for the weekly digital download releases. Sadly for Wii U owners, this week only brings a few entries for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii consoles, with no love directed towards the next-gen home console. The biggest new entry is the recently announced eShop title Kersploosh!

Players will navigate a fallen pebble through a water well riddled with challenging obstacles that you’ll have to avoid to reach the end-point. Gameplay-wise, you may notice the similarities between Kersploosh! and Fox McCloud’s final battle against Andross in StarFox64, flying your Arwing through an obstacle filled tunnel. Or not. Whatever. Don’t judge me for always wanting to compare newer games to one of my favorite classic N64 titles.

Kersploosh! is available now for $2.99. For a full list of this week’s new digital releases, continue reading below the break.

New this week:

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (3DS eShop)
Wrecking Crew (Virtual Console – 3DS eShop)
ATV Wild Ride 3D (3DS eShop)
THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 – (Wii Shop)
Nano Assault EX (3DS eShop)
Monster High: Skultimate Roller Maze (3DS eShop)

eShop Sale:

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (sale price – $4.99)

eShop Demo Release:

Pokemon: Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (Demo — 3DS eShop)

I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped way back when I first figured out I could use gaming console controllers on my PC. The idea blew my mind. Years later, it appears the sleek and alluring Wii U GamePad has that same ability.

Chris Manning, friend of The Tanooki, figured out exactly how to configure the GamePad to run as a PC controller. Since it’s not a standard bluetooth connection, setting it up is not as simple as you may expect, as shown in the above demonstration video. Once mapped to perfection, the benefits naturally include running emulators of old school games — take that, delayed Virtual Console! At this point, it doesn’t appear that the GamePad will mirror your PC’s video output, but it’s still early in the process.

For a look at how to get your GamePad PC-ready, take a look at Manning’s instructions below. Great work, Chris!

YouTube

This morning’s Nintendo Direct was a no-nonsense thirty-five minute video detailing a ton of upcoming previously unannounced new games and features for the Wii U console. Without wasting any more time, let’s get to business.

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata briefly discussed a couple new titles in development, including a 3D Super Mario game, plus a new installment of Mario Kart — both to be playable at this year’s E3. Also in development is a brand new Legend of Zelda adventure. A huge surprise was that a second Zelda game is in development, in the form of an HD recreation of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The GameCube game is getting the full HD treatment, and based on the newly released screenshots, it’s turning out to be breathtaking. Iwata stated that the development team is working on tweaks and improvements other than just the visuals, to really improve and enrich the overall experience. Get excited, guys.

Another surprise was the announcement of Yarn Yoshi, a brand new Yoshi adventure developed by the team behind Wii’s Kirby’s Epic Yarn. The game keeps that same great fabric-heavy look while adding beautiful detail thanks to the console’s beefier specs. I’m extremely excited about this adorable new title, though I sort of wish Yoshi was his traditional dino self. But I’m not complaining. I mean, it’s a new Yoshi game!

Iwata mentioned some other big changes coming to the Wii U, including the reveal of the Virtual Console for eShop, plus mentioned two major Wii U OS software updates planned for this spring and summer. The updates will add new features in Miiverse, plus are said to really improve the overall quickness of app-switching and other processes.

This was by far the biggest Nintendo Direct in terms of announcing new content we’ve received. Nintendo delivered the goods on every level, and as a lifelong fan, I have to say how thrilled I am of what’s to come for Wii U. For a full list — and trust me, it’s worth reading — of all the new announcements, continue reading below the break.

Game News

• Two Zelda Games: Eiji Aonuma, the producer of The Legend of Zelda series, revealed two entries in the series for Wii U.
• Super Mario is on His Way: The Nintendo EAD Tokyo Software Development team that created the Super Mario Galaxy games for Wii and Super Mario 3D Land for Nintendo 3DS is working on a new 3D Mario action game for Wii U. The game is scheduled to be playable at this year’s E3.
• Buckle Up!: Nintendo is also working on a new installment of the hit Mario Kart franchise. This game is also planned to be playable at E3.
• Yarn Yoshi: The team that created Kirby’s Epic Yarn is hard at work on the first console game to feature Yoshi as the main character since 1998′s Yoshi’s Story for Nintendo 64. Takashi Tezuka, director of Yoshi’s Island and Yoshi’s Story, is supervising the development of the new game, which is set in a fanciful world of yarn and textiles.
• Wii Fit U Communities: New features coming to Wii Fit U include letting players create user communities on Miiverse from within the game. Community members can discuss exercises, BMI or weight changes and other health topics with other players as a way to encourage one another to reach their fitness goals. Similar functionality for other games is also planned.
• Pikmin 3 Photos: The upcoming Pikmin 3 game includes a feature that lets players use the Wii U GamePad as a camera to share the same perspective as Pikmin and take close-up pictures of landscapes and creatures in the game and share them in Miiverse.
• The Party Continues: A new installment in the Wii Party franchise is planned to launch this summer. The game features various play styles, including one that lets both players compete head-to-head using just the GamePad.
• RPG Mashup: Nintendo has begun many collaborations with outside development partners to bring the best franchises and experiences to Wii U. In one such partnership, Nintendo and Atlus are working on a collaboration that features the Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tenseifranchises. A video trailer for the game was shown in the Nintendo Direct.
• A New Game from Monolith Soft: Tetsuya Takahashi and the team at Monolith Soft that worked on Xenoblade for Wii are working on a new game. A video trailer for the game was shown in the Nintendo Direct.
• More on the Way: Iwata shared a new trailer for The Wonderful 101. That game and GAME & WARIO are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2013. Iwata also showed a new video for Bayonetta 2. That game and the new Super Smash Bros. installment are still on the way, but will need more development time before details can be revealed.

Virtual Console

• Virtual Console for Wii U: A spring system update will add Virtual Console software to the Nintendo eShop for Wii U. The service will launch right after the spring update and will include a selection of NES and Super NES games, with Game Boy Advance games to be added in the future. The prices for NES and Super NES Virtual Console games for Wii U will be the same as they were for the Virtual Console on Wii. People who have already purchased the Wii version of a certain NES or Super NES Virtual Console game and transferred it to their Wii U console can buy the enhanced Wii U version of the same game for the reduced price of $1 for NES games and $1.50 for Super NES games.
• Classic Games for 30 Cents! To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the Famicom in Japan (which was known as the NES in the United States), Nintendo is making one NES or Super NES game available each month now through July at the anniversary price of just 30 cents. Each game will be available at that price for 30 days, and the first is the NES game Balloon Fight, which is now available in the Nintendo eShop for Wii U.

Social and System Enhancements

• Miiverse Expands to Smartphones: Starting this spring, people will be able to browse Miiverse from their smartphones. Initially the experience will be browser-based, but Nintendo plans to create a dedicated Miiverse app in the future.
• System Updates: Two major updates are on the way, one in the spring and one in the summer. The updates will introduce a wide range of functionality, such as Virtual Console capabilities and shortening the time it takes users to launch software or return to the menu screen.

A brand-spanking new Nintendo Direct has been announced via the company’s official Twitter, set to air Wednesday morning. Starting at 9am EST, Nintendo will talk solely about Wii U, discussing new software and enhancements to services with the home console. Given the lukewarm press surrounding the console over the last few months, I’m expecting big things from tomorrow.

Separate videos are planned for North America, Europe, and Japan, and while it’s assumed some of the region specific details may differ, the general announcements will likely be the same. Will it be another Yoshi’s Island sequel? A new StarFox? A tease of a new Donkey Kong Country? Either way, I’m really hoping for something from Retro Studios. I’m dying to know what the’ve been working on.

Tune into Nintendo’s official site tomorrow morning to see what new announcements the company has in store. Any theories?

Nintendo Direct

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Nintendo about their new lineup of games coming to Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. And while we had a general idea of when we would get to play these hot new titles for ourselves, the company finally put an end to the speculation by solidifying a few dates for us. Finally, I can plan my gaming budget accordingly!

A few notables for Wii U are LEGO City: Undercover, building a release date of March 18, and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate slashing store shelves on March 19.  Other titles like Game & Wario, Pikmin 3, Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, and Wii Fit U are all confirmed to launch in the first quarter.

On the Nintendo 3DS side, games like Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will spook fans of the original with its March 24 release, while Brain Age: Concentration Training will stimulate your mind in just a few weeks on February 10. Basically, it looks like I’ll be broke by spring.

For a full list of release dates for upcoming games, continue reading below the break.

Source: Nintendo of America

The set also includes an extra large stylus, if your Donkey Kong-sized mits don’t enjoy the standard size that comes with the console. Both the stylus and cloth will come in the familiar “U” blue.

The Accessory Set can be yours for just $12.99, starting February 4 at retailers near you. Will you be picking the set for yourself, or is this more for the overprotective parent who also ensures their children wear Wii Remote wrist-straps at all times?

Source: Nintendo

Disney is looking to capitalize on several of their popular film franchises at the same time, with their latest project, Disney Infinity. The game features a vast hybrid landscape, a combination of environments based on favorite Disney and Pixar franchises. The initial game announcement trailer shows off worlds from The Incredibles, Nightmare Before Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monsters Inc., with characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Wreck-It Ralph joining the fun.

It appears Disney Interactive has taken cues from Activision’s Skylanders by letting players select from over 40 different action figurines to place on their special “Infinity Base,” which will transport those characters into the game while unlocking their respective world. There are countless adventures and cross-franchise interactions to be had. As much as I love Pixar, I’m hoping more traditional Disney characters are represented — swimming around Scrooge McDuck’s coin-filled vault could be the closest I get to a true DuckTales sequel. Either way, this game has some serious potential.

Take a look at the game’s first trailer, and the official detailed press release, below the break. Disney Infinity is slated for a June release for Wii U, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo 3DS.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

In Disney’s most ambitious video game initiative ever, Disney Infinity introduces an all-new game universe where a spark of imagination unlocks a fantastical world where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring the beloved characters from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios’ most popular franchises.

For the first time, players will place real-world interactive figures – characters, power discs and Play Set pieces – on a device called the “Disney Infinity Base” to activate original, story-driven adventures in the game worlds, also known as “Play Sets,” of “Monsters University,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Incredibles.” In each respective ”Play Set,” players will take on the role of a variety of popular characters including Sulley, the naturally gifted scarer; Captain Jack Sparrow, the sword-wielding double crosser; and Mr. Incredible, one of the world’s greatest crime-fighters, and battle enemies, solve challenging puzzles, overcome obstacles and complete a variety of other unique quests.

As players advance through each adventure, they will collect characters, vehicles, upgrades, gadgets and more which they can save to a virtual “Toy Box.”  At any time, players can access their personal “Toy Box” and use the items to create one-of-a-kind Disney adventures featuring any combination of characters, environments and items across all franchises. The possibilities are endless and players are only limited by their imaginations.

KEY FEATURES:

• Unprecedented Creative Play – Featuring a virtual “Toy Box” and a vast open world environment, players can create their own stories and customize their adventures combining characters, environments, gadgets, vehicles and more.  The possibilities are truly infinite as Disney will add new additions from the company’s vast library of entertainment properties.

• Infinite Storyline Possibilities – Disney prides itself on its storytelling culture and for the first time ever, Disney Infinity will put the story creation into the hands of consumers. Players will be able to create their own adventures in an open-world environment and will give players unprecedented freedom for creative play.

• Multiple Franchises Across All Platforms – Disney Infinity introduces an all-new universe, featuring a toy-inspired art style where multiple Disney franchises and characters can exist and interact in one game and across Xbox360, PS3, Wii, Wii-U, PC and online, as well as on smart devices including tablets and mobile phones.

• Interactive Figures Activate In-Game Adventures and Customizations – Disney Infinity will initially introduce a line of 40 collectible interactive figures – characters, Play Set pieces and power discs – that allow players to expand and customize their play experiences. Over time, Disney Infinity will release additional characters and “Play Sets” and this platform will constantly evolve.
  • 17 interactive character figures allow players to experience a variety of their favorite characters in each ”Play Set” and in “Toy Box” play
  • 3 Play Set pieces that add new Disney and Disney•Pixar “Play Set” locations
  • 20 power discs enhance environments, add gadgets and more

• Co-op Multiplayer Action – Disney Infinity supports 2 player co-op play in structured adventures and up to 4 players in “Toy Box” mode.

Publisher:              Disney Interactive

Developer:            Avalanche Software

Release Date:       June 2013

Platforms:             Nintendo Wii™ and Nintendo Wii-U, Xbox 360™ video game and

entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PC, as well as an accompanying mobile experience.

Genre:                   Action/Adventure

Pricing:                  Starter Pack:              $74.99

Play Set Pack:                        $34.99

Disney Infinity Figure:        $12.99

Figure 3-Pack:                       $29.99

Power Disc Pack:      $4.99

ESRB Rating:         This game is not yet rated by the ESRB

Missed out last time? Annoyed every time you play Skyward Sword with a gold Wii Remote and a boring white Nunchuk? Do something about it!

Club Nintendo has officially restocked the Gold Nunchuk while supplies last. The accessory will set you back a hefty 900 coins, but likely won’t be available beyond the next few days. Odds are once they run out, it may take another few months before they’re made available again.

Will you be getting one? Do you already have one?

Club Nintendo
via Nintendo (Facebook)

There we have it — the legendary Pokémon revealed at the end of yesterday’s trailer have officially been gives names. The X-shaped deer will be named Xerneas and the Y-shaped bird has been christened Yveltal. What do you think? I sure hope the games (if not these, then perhaps the next ones) move from the digital cries of the Pokémon to recorded cries based off their names, a la the anime. It would be much easier than trying to guess the pronunciations!

I’m calling it now — the inevitable Z-shaped member of the legendary trio and mascot of the third game will be a sea-dwelling water-type Pokémon… unless, of course, that’s too similar to Hoenn’s weather trio. I think it’s safe to assume its name will begin with the letter “Z,” though.

Pokémon (Facebook)