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Happy New Year to all our readers. We hope you had a great 2011. As we round out the year, Nintendo gives us five new titles for download today.

The 3DS eShop grows by two. VVVVVV has you saving crew members from extinction, and Bionic Commando reminds us of the GameBoy era of action-shooters. DSiWare also gains two new games in a port of the iOS cake-slicing game Cake Ninja and the casino game Slingo Supreme. WiiWare increases by one with the six-player Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Big Ben Burglary.

Also, if you did not notice yet, Swapnote is also available for your Nintendo 3DS. This free messaging system allows you to send 3D messages to your Friends List. Check it out in your eShop.

As always, check out the price list and official press release below, and be sure to let us know if you download a game/app and what you think.

3DS eShop (3DS)

• VVVVVV (.99)
• Bionic Commando (.99)

DSiWare (DSi & 3DS)

• Cake Ninja (500 Points / .99)
• Slingo Supreme (800 Points / .99)

WiiWare (Wii)

• Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Big Ben Burglary (600 Points)

[PR Email from Nintendo of America]

NintendoFuse

Soccer Up is a funny soccer game that allows you a total control of any action of your team players: Control the ball, dribble and shoot with effect to confuse the goalkeeper and score a goal!

The ball has inertia and will move freely over the field. Show your ability to control it and make short and long passes. Choose the height, effect and power before shooting to the goal. Become a soccer master and make your rival defenders tremble!

Each country has its national team. You can create your own team with the in-game editor: give it the name you like, choose its equipment and the most important, play with your Mii.

Soccer Up features:

• -Free Control Ball, the ball has inertial free movement and you’ll need to control it first.
• - Total control of height, direction and effect in each pass and shoot you make.
• - Create your own teams using your Mii.
• - Play the World Cup!
• - Local Multiplayer option up to 4 players in cooperative or rival mode.
• - Choose any available National Team.

Pricing: 500 Nintendo Wii Points™.

NintendoFuse

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword – Review Round-Up

NintendoFuse

Do you have Just Dance 3 for Wii? Would you like to dance with Mario to some classic 8-bit tunes? Then head to the store and download this exclusive track for 250 Points.

NintendoFuse

Have you been missing the NintendoFuse Podcast the past few weeks? Well, we’re back to save you from our boredom, and we’ve brought some new crew members with us! Jeremy and Mickey are no longer able to do the podcast due to time constraints, so we’ve brought in Jacob and Justin to fill their spots. This week, we discuss the recent 3DS firmware update, a Wii U rumor about its specs, hints at upcoming Pokemon announcements, a glitch in Skyward Sword, and MORE! Plus, the music in this episode is from Mario Kart 7, in honor of its recent release. We also did a live show a few days ago, so make sure to check that out if you missed it! You can listen to the new episode above, or you can download it here or on iTunes here.

We hope you enjoy it and as always, feel free to post your comments/thoughts/suggestions. The NintendoFuse Podcast will be uploaded every Friday night and the live episodes will be usually the first Tuesday of every month, so stay tuned for more of the latest and greatest from Nintendo! And don’t forget that you can also catch up on the old episodes here, or by subscribing in iTunes by searching for NintendoFuse or by clicking this link. Enjoy!

NintendoFuse

We here at NintendoFuse really enjoy the holiday time of year. What gamer would not enjoy hanging out with family and friends, playing lots of video games? Because we know that this is a big gift giving and receiving time, we thought it might be helpful to put together a little “Holiday Gift Guide” for you, our amazing community. Feel free to use it as you wish. Maybe you will find a game that you forgot about, or perhaps you will find the game that would be perfect for that one relative (you know who we are talking about).

So, without further delay, here is the NintendoFuse Holiday Gift Guide 2011.

For that person who does not yet have a Wii…

While it may be hard to believe, there are those who still have yet to purchase a Wii. If you are one of them, or if you know someone like that, this is the year to get one! Not only is the system itself cheaper than ever, there are many bundles to choose from. You could get a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, for instance, which would normally cost an additional .99.

For that person who wants to dive into the third dimension without those silly glasses…

The Nintendo 3DS had a bumpy start, with its high price and lackluster first-installment of games. Luckily, times have changed! You can now play 3D games and watch 3D movies without glasses for 9, which is cheaper than the launch-price. On top of that, this holiday, you can get a bundled-in game for -30 more. Some stores even allow you to make your own bundle, where you choose what game you want. Along with that, some stores even include some accessories, like a case, in the bundle.

For the sword-wielding adventurer…

The latest Zelda game is out, and it has both fans and critics saying the same thing — this game is great! The new story is said to take somewhere between 50-100 hours to complete, and it fully utilizes Nintendo’s Motion Plus technology. This means, for the first time ever, every movement you make with the Wii Remote Plus will be replicated by Link on screen. Is this the next best thing to being in Hyrule yourself and saving Zelda? Maybe! Even better, for a limited time, you can get a 25th anniversary orchestra CD included with every copy of the game. For just a bit more, you can also score a gold Wii Remote Plus.

For the ones that like life in the fast lane…

By now, there are few people who do not know Mario Kart. The newest installment takes the game into the third dimension, but it also offers new items, customizable karts, online communities and leader-boards, 16 brand new courses, 16 reimagined retro courses, gliders, underwater, and a few new characters too. This will make any racing or Mario fan happy!

For the Mario fan…

Let’s face it. Are there really that many people who do not know and love Mario? If so, then this game is for everyone. Mario make the jump into full 3D in Super Mario 3D Land. Think of it as a cross between Super Mario 64 (N64) and Super Mario Galaxy (Wii). Not only will the 3D add more depth to the game, you will soon find that this game has much more than you first see. If you have a Mario fan on your list, this is a guaranteed perfect gift.

For that person who just can’t stop dancing…

The dancing genre is alive and well in the gaming scene. Among its leaders is the one of the ones that started it all. Just Dance 3 is the newest title to the beloved franchise. It boasts choreographed 1-4 part dances and a huge list of 45+ included songs. In case that is not enough, you can also download additional songs online. For those younger ones in your family, look for Just Dance Kids 2.

For the country music fan…

It is no secret that country music is on the rise. So, if Just Dance is not your thing, because it is too hip-hop or pop, then look no further than Country Dance 2. This follow-up will make a great gift for any country music fan who loves to shake their boots. This game has over 30 songs from more than 18 CMA award winners, and it is sure to get people off the couch, or at least shooting video of those who do dance along.

For the creative person…

The 3DS eShop is a growing platform for smaller digital games. If you have a creative person on your list, there are several games and apps available. However, one of the newest is one called Freakyforms: Your Creations Alive! You create your own creature, which you use to traverse many worlds. You can even share creatures with others. If you are looking for a more inexpensive option for a creative person, then consider FreakyForms.If you are unable to actually grab their 3DS to make the purchase, then grab a Nintendo 3DS cash card, which will allow them to get it on their own.

For the retro fan…

Both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii each have Virtual Consoles, now, which means you can download retro titles to take with you or play on your home TV. One of the best on the 3DS is Metroid II. If you have a retro gamer on your list, they will not be disappointed with this follow-up to the NES classic and prequel to the SNES masterpiece.And as always, if you cannot buy it directly for them, just grab a Nintendo 3DS cash card.

For the gamer who has everything…

It seems that Nintendo is in right now. In fact, Mario and Zelda are definitely in. Because of this, there are Nintendo-themed toys, board games, stickers, and more everywhere you look. If you have a gamer on your list who seems to have all the games he or she wants already, consider grabbing a Mario plush toy or a Nintendo-themed Monopoly game for them. Even if they will not play with it, these are great collector’s items.

For the gamers out there who don’t have much…

There are many less-fortunate children in our world today, and they deserve gifts as well. The Entertainment Consumers Association and many others are partnering with the Marine’s “Toys for Tots” program, which exists to put smiles on the faces of those children. To make a donation or find out more information, you can visit http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.asp.

While it may be tough buying gifts for gamers on your list, the truth is that there are many options out there. We hope that our list helps you out this holiday season. To go further, you can even do your shopping on our store!

On behalf of the entire NintendoFuse staff, we wish you all a Happy Holidays!

NintendoFuse

Nintendo 3DS and Wii Cross Major Milestones after Record-Breaking Black Friday

Strong sales on Black Friday pushed the U.S. installed base of the Wii™ system to 37.7 million units and helped the Nintendo 3DS™ system surpass the first-year totals of the Nintendo DS™ system (2.37 million) after only eight months on the market, according to the NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. Other milestones reached in November include:

Software

The Super Mario 3D Land™ game for Nintendo 3DS sold more than 625,000 units and is the fastest-selling portable Super Mario™ title in U.S. history.
The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword for the Wii system had the biggest first day in franchise history and sold more than 600,000 units in its first week.

Hardware

Nintendo sold more than 2 million combined hardware units in November. This includes more than 860,000 Wii systems, more than 795,000 Nintendo 3DS units and more than 350,000 units of the Nintendo DS family of systems.
Nintendo 3DS had its biggest single month of sales, representing an increase of more than 215 percent over the previous month, and has now sold nearly 2.5 million units since launch.
Wii had its biggest Black Friday ever with more than 520,000 units sold. Full-month sales increased by more than 245 percent over the previous month.
“Great software and unparalleled value drove momentum on Black Friday and through November,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Both Nintendo 3DS and Wii have already set records, and we’ve still got the bulk of the shopping season to go. People are flocking to our bundles and the fun of Mario and Zelda that can only be found on Nintendo systems.”

[PR Email from Nintendo of America]

NintendoFuse

Mirror Mode
Finish Every Cup on 150cc – Mirror Mode

Characters
- All Cups allow you to race as your Mii
- Get 1st in Mushroom Cup 150cc – Daisy
- Get 1st in Flower Cup 150cc – Wario
- Get 1st in Star Cup 150cc – Rosalina
- Get 1st in Special Cup 150cc – Metal Mario
- Get 1st in Shell Cup 150cc – Shy Guy
- Get 1st in Banana Cup 150cc – Queen Bee
- Get 1st in Leaf Cup 150cc – Wiggler
- Get 1st in Lightning Cup 150cc – Lakitu

Vehicle Parts
- 50 Coins – Red Monster (Wheels)
- 100 Coins – Barrel Train (Body)
- 150 Coins – Zucchini (Body)
- 200 Coins – Koopa Clown (Body)
- 250 Coins – Swooper (Glider)
- 300 Coins – Pipe Frame (Body)
- 400 Coins – Tiny Tug (Body)
- 500 Coins – B Dasher (Body)
- 600 Coins – Cloud 9 (Body)
- 700 Coins – Bumble V (Body)
- 800 Coins – Peach Parasol (Glider)
- 900 Coins – Bruiser (Body)
- 1,000 Coins – Cact-X (Body)
- 1,200 Coins – Flower Glider (Glider)
- 1,400 Coins – Slick (Tires)
- 1,600 Coins – Slim (Tires)
- 1,800 Coins – Blue Seven (Body)
- 2,000 Coins – Sponge (Tires)
- 2,500 Coins – Paraglider (Glider)
- 3,000 Coins – Egg 1 (Body)

Different Title Screens
- Yoshi in the B Dasher kart.
- Donkey Kong standing on the Bolt Buggy holding a Blue Shell.
- Peach flying through the air in the Birthday Girl kart.
- Mario driving underwater.
- Mario gliding.

Mario Kart 7 – How To Unlock All Characters Video

Tracks

Mushroom Cup
- Toad Circuit
- Daisy Hills
- Cheep Cheep Lagoon
- Shy Guy Bazaar

Flower Cup
- Wuhu Loop
- Mario Circuit
- Music Park
- Rock Rock Mountain

Star Cup
- Piranha Plant Slide
- Wario Shipyard
- Neo Bowser City
- Maka Wuhu

Special Cup
- DK Jungle
- Rosalina’s Ice World
- Bowser’s Castle
- Rainbow Road

Shell Cup
- Luigi Raceway (N64)
- Bowser Castle 1 (GBA)
- Mushroom Gorge (Wii)
- Luigi’s Mansion (DS)

Banana Cup
- Koopa Beach (N64)
- Mario Circuit 2 (SNES)
- Coconut Mall (Wii)
- Waluigi Pinball (DS)

Leaf Cup
- Kalimari Desert (N64)
- DK Pass (DS)
- Daisy Cruiser (GCN)
- Maple Treeway (Wii)

Lightning Cup
- Koopa Cape (Wii)
- Dino Dino Jungle (GCN)
- Airship Fortress (DS)
- Rainbow Road (SNES)

Battle Stages
- Honeybee Hive
- Sherbet Rink
- Wuhu Town
- Battle Course 1 (GBA)
- Big Donut (N64)
- Palm Shore (DS)

Mario Kart 7: Special Cup Gameplay (All Four Courses)

More Coming!

NintendoFuse

“THE BEST MARIO KART GAME YET!”
– ONM

“MARIO KART 7 IS THE BEST IN THE SERIES SO FAR”
-CVG

3DJuego – 94
The “7″ that Nintendo 3DS deserves, with a extreme replayable value and the most funny and crazy races. If you wanted a game that justifies your 3DS purchase, this is the one you were looking for. As Mario Kart DS, a timeless game that we would recommend until the end of the days.

Computer and Video Games – 94
As complete a racing game as you could hope to play. All that’s good about the previous Karts, distilled and mixed with a trillion ideas of its own. Excellent.

Mario Kart 7 is the best in the series so far, and it carries itself like it is too. Throughout, there is a sense of triumphant, exhilarating culmination that rings out loud like the doom-siren of an incoming red shell. It’s no longer enough for Mario Circuit to skirt round the edges of Peach’s castle – now, the drawbridge is lowered and the track leads directly onto the royal red carpet, leading you through the main hallway before spitting you out high above the Mushroom Kingdom. Conversely Bowser’s Castle opens its portcullis outwards, so you can screech around the hideous smelting factory that passes for a moat in the King Koopa’s neighbourhood

Official Nintendo Magazine – 93
Mario Kart 7 is more than a video game with sky-high production values, a finely tuned gameplay engine and superior track design. It is the platform upon which Nintendo’s flagship racer will be enjoyed for the foreseeable future.

And it’s never been better. Miyamoto himself has suggested that the Mario Kart formula is so beautifully executed that this seventh game needn’t be a huge reinvention. And it isn’t.

Cynics might say that the sensible additions like Kart customisation, glider sections and enhanced online options mingle with just as many less successful extras (The underwater sections and the first person view can’t really be considered series high points) to make this a little too familiar. We’d beg to differ.

This is no re-hash, more an exhilarating re-affirmation of what makes this series great. The beautifully intuitive racing and sense of fun infused into every pixel and polygon of Mario Kart 7′s 32 tracks is pure Nintendo magic, and it’s a game that will resonate across all gaming generations.

It’s not just craggy old Mario Kart veterans like us who will find something to love here, it’s everyone. A best-ever entry to the series and the third must-own title to be released in as many weeks.

XGN – 90
It seems that number seven is indeed a lucky number, because Mario Kart 7 is the best 3DS-game yet and the most succesfull Mario Kart-game in the series. Thanks to the superior additive of air gliders, which can be useful for navigating through the air, and of propellers to drive underwater, the levels are better than ever. We’ve got ourselves a new favourite Mario Kart!

EurogamerNov – 80
It’s robust, but it lacks some creative effort on Nintendo’s part. Newcomers will love it, while series stalwarts will find its novelties welcome, if largely inconsequential. But it’s nevertheless one of the stronger entries in the series, balancing the orthodox precision of the original with the playful silliness of the more recent iterations more successfully than ever.

NintendoFuse

With two major releases this winter season, the Nintendo brand is said to be focusing its 3DS efforts on attracting casual gamers to the fold as the holidays approach. Representatives from Nintendo have recently spoken out on its desire to attract not just core gamers, but also older players and more casual gamers.

The two major Nintendo 3DS games coming out this winter are Mario Kart 7 and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. The “Mario” brand alongside the “Sonic” name should be a coop for Nintendo, as they look to use that recognition to bring more interest to the 3DS.  Mario Kart has long been a favorite franchise of casual gamers, while having the Sonic and Mario names together for the other release could also be an attractor for non core gamers.

The good thing about both releases is that they seem to have a heavy amount of focus on upgrades for core gamers, as well as the main attractions to non core gamers. Mario Kart 7 in particular is expected to have a heavily bolstered online community and access. The Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games release will feature major upgrades for handheld 3D with excellent visuals and mini games.

The United States representative for Nintendo, Reggie Fils-Aime recently spoke to Games Blog by highlighting that these releases will be targeted outside of the regular 3DS audience, as far as marketing goes. He said that this marketing strategy in no way meant that a move away from traditional Nintendo titles would be on the horizon.

Fils-Aime claimed that following the winter period, the 3DS could have a different target as far as games go, with a new showcase of games available for the casual gamer.  The 3DS will certainly be spotlighted this holiday season as it’s struggled since its release.

Nintendo is said to be expanding the digital landscape for the 3DS in the very near future as well. Gaming pieces will soon be available in the form of add on content for both physical and digital games. The eShop will also look to allow video content, as well as the gaming features that are currently desired.

Moving forward, Fils-Aime was adamant in saying that efforts involving 3DS will continue to “push the envelope with new, unique, and different experiences” for the console. Look for new 3DS content to appeal to a large range of people with specific titles that are diverse. Some new games could be targeted for older users, while others could appeal more to women. In the present, Nintendo is likely banking on the success of big brand names such as Mario Kart and the Sonic to help push sales in December.

Written By: NintendoFuse Contributor, Justin Taylor

NintendoFuse