Pokemon Developer's New 3DS Game: Harmo Knight

Harmo Knight is the new Nintendo 3DS title from Game Freak, the team behind the Pokémon series.

The game was announced by Satoru Iwata during today's Nintendo Direct livestream. From the footage released, it looks like a hybrid of a traditional side-scrolling platformer, replete with a Mario Bros-style world hub, and a rhythm action game. The game's hero charges through levels, from verdant hilly landscapes to city rooftops, collecting musical notes and swinging a quaver like a battle axe/golf club. Presumably, you have to execute your attacks in time with the game's music.

Official logo

The game is scheduled for release in Japan on September 5, 2012, priced at ¥1,800. No word on a Western release date.

Daniel is IGN's UK Staff Writer. You can be part of the world's worst cult by following him on IGN and Twitter.

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New Professor Layton 3DS Adventure Will be his Last

The second Professor Layton for Nintendo 3DS will also be his last, according to a translation by Andriasang.

The news was announced by Level-5's CEO Akihiro Hino during today's Nintendo Direct livestream. Roughly translated from the Japanese, the new game will be titled Professor Layton & the Remains of an Advanced Civilisation.

Although this game might mark the end of Hershel Layton, the series will in all likelihood continue with other characters occupying the central role. Layton Brothers: Mystery Room, for instance, places Layton's son Alphendi centre stage.

The game is scheduled for a Japanese release sometime in 2013.

More details to come.

Daniel is IGN's UK Staff Writer. You can be part of the world's worst cult by following him on IGN and Twitter.

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Wii U Release Date: More Leaks Suggest Mid-November Launch

While Nintendo prepares for its Wii U Preview Event in just 2.5 weeks, more leaks continue to suggest the publisher is planning on launching the system November 18. This time the information comes from the GameStop Manager's Conference, where peripheral maker PDP reportedly revealed it plans on releasing Wii U accessories on the Sunday date.

This isn't the first time we've seen suggestions of a November 18 release date. Furthermore the weekend timing and proximity to Black Friday/Thanksgiving in the United States fits Nintendo's pattern of home console debuts for the past decade (Wii launched on November 19; GameCube on November 18).

To add a healthy bit of skepticism to the mix though, PDP's plans do not necessarily have to align with Nintendo's. Accessories frequently ship prior to console launches, and there's nothing to say that PDP might arrive after the system arrives at retailers. Until Nintendo outright reveals its plans, we won't know for sure. Fortunately we don't have long to wait.

Rich is an Executive Editor of IGN.com and the leader of IGN's Nintendo team. He also watches over all things WWE, Resident Evil, Assassin's Creed and much more. Follow him on Twitter, if you dare!

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Top 10 Nintendo 3DS Games

After a slow launch, a dismal first summer and a drastic, course-correcting price cut, Nintendo's newest handheld, the 3DS, began to recover and finally prove its potential. The drama of those events is now more than a year behind us, and since the system found its footing we've been treated to more and more quality pieces of software. Now, as the system steps into its next chapter with the release of the 3DS XL, we've decided it's time for our first list of the handheld's best titles. So read on, and see if you agree with our picks for the Top 10 Nintendo 3DS games.

Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Nintendo Release Date: August 19, 2012 | Read the Review

The release of this latest New Super Mario Bros. sequel may have kicked off a wave of complaints about how Nintendo's not innovating enough with 2D Mario any more, but when you set all the talk aside and actually play the game you can't help but have fun. The mustached man's running and jumping adventures are still home to the best, most precisely designed levels in the platformer genre – and the search for deviously hidden secret levels and new emphasis on collecting thousands upon thousands of golden coins make New Super Mario Bros. 2 an essential play on 3DS.

~ Lucas M. Thomas

Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Project Sora Release Date: March 23, 2012 | Read the Review               

Taking a break from his usual Super Smash Bros. development, Masahiro Sakurai resurrected one of Nintendo's oldest icons for a starring role on the 3DS. Part on-rails shooter, part third-person action game, Kid Icarus Uprising might very well pack some of the best replay value on Nintendo's young portable, from its fully-featured multi-player component to its insane weapons customization and unique, puzzle-based achievement system. The controls are tough to handle for any length of time, and its humor might not appeal to everyone, but the action is hard to beat. Definitely worth an investment if you're looking for something a little different.

~ Richard George

Publisher: Square Enix | Developer: Indies Zero Release Date: July 3, 2012 | Read the Review

Nintendo's original DS system hosted an incredible variety of great first-party music and rhythm games over its life span, from Elite Beat Agents to Rhythm Heaven to Electroplankton. On the 3DS, though, it's third-party Square Enix that has carried that momentum forward with the brilliant Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, a game that pays homage to both those DS predecessors and the entire history of the Final Fantasy franchise while also presenting new, innovative ways to translate songs into engaging gameplay. We never thought we'd be slashing with swords and casting spells while paying attention to tempo, but now that we have, we can't get enough.

~ Lucas M. Thomas

Publisher: Square Enix | Developer: Square Enix Release Date: July 31, 2012 | Read the Review

Kingdom Hearts 3D is probably the best portable game in the franchise - and considering it’s a series that has largely only appeared on portable devices, that’s no small feat. KH3D used the system to its fullest, with gorgeous graphics that did a fine job of capturing the various Disney-themed worlds. Excellent cameos from The World Ends With You characters only further sweeten the experience. With fun combat, amazing music, and that certain, unmistakable Kingdom Hearts charm, this game is a fine addition to any 3DS library, and easily earns a place on our list.

~ Audrey Drake

Publisher: Capcom | Developer: Capcom Release Date: March 27, 2011 | Read the Review

The fact that Nintendo dropped the ball with the 3DS launch has been well documented. The company just didn't provide a killer app – Pilotwings Resort wasn't it, Steel Diver wasn't it, and the latest version of Nintendogs wasn't it either. Luckily, Day 1 adopters weren't left entirely without winning options thanks to Capcom and the unexpected best game to ship alongside the new system, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. This deep, focused and totally polished version of Capcom's legendary fighting series saved the 3DS launch for many, and has continued to prove its worth by even now still ranking as the best fighter available on the handheld.

~ Lucas M. Thomas

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Nintendo Hosting Wii U Press Event in September

In less than a month, Nintendo will finally reveal more information about its forthcoming console, Wii U - hopefully including that long-awaited release date and price. Today the company sent out invitations to select media outlets, confirming that a Wii U preview event will take place in New York on Thursday, September 13 from 10:00am to 4:00pm EDT.

The presentation will be led by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime, and will apparently shed light on "how the Wii U will change the future of gaming and entertainment." Since it's getting pretty late in the year for the console that was promised a global launch by the end of 2012, we can only assume official launch information will also be divulged at that time.

When can you get your hands on the GamePad? We'll know soon enough.

Although we can't say for sure, it's a good bet that Wii U will hit store shelves this November, considering Nintendo's past two console releases (the GameCube and Wii) arrived in North America on November 18 and November 19 respectively. Rumors and purported leaks seem to support this theory, though recent speculation of manufacturing problems has suggested the launch might actually miss Black Sunday and arrive in December instead.

Hopefully we'll know for sure following this September event - until then, keep it here on IGN for all the latest Wii U happenings.

Audrey Drake is an Associate Editor at IGN and a proud member of the IGN Nintendo team. She is also a lifelong gamer, a frequent banisher of evil and a wielder of various legendary blades. You can follow her wild adventures on her IGN blog and Twitter. Game on!

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Nintendo Addresses Criticism Directed at Mario Sequels

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has responded to recent criticism that the company is diluting the quality of its Mario titles by iterating too frequently on its most famous mascot.

It will ration the number of side-scrolling 2D Mario titles.

"We only create a New Super Mario Bros. title one [sic] per platform," said Iwata in an interview with Kotaku. "I think we'll probably go ahead and continue at that pace.

"That being said, that's probably Miyamoto's choice, so I can't give you a 100 per cent guarantee that that's the pace we'll continue at."

Super Mario 3D Land came out towards the end of last year and was the first Mario title to be released on 3DS, receiving great reviews. New Super Mario Bros. 2 came out last week to a more mixed response. And it isn't long before Nintendo releases New Super Mario Bros. U alongside its new console, Wii U (sometime later this year).

“

I believe the two titles are unique enough that I wouldn't say that I'm super-worried that people are going to be confused.

Responding to concerns that the two games (New Super Mario Bros. 2 and U) might be too similar, and could suffer from being released just months apart, Iwata stated: "I believe the two titles are unique enough that I wouldn't say that I'm super-worried that people are going to be confused.

Iwata also spoke about the company's approach to DLC. New Super Mario Bros. 2 is the first Mario title to feature downloadable content. Iwata allayed any fears that it might be selling content stripped out of the game, saying: "Our goal is to create DLC in such a way that consumers do not feel that they have been cheated or deceived. Now I believe there are people out there, readers, who have are worried about that, and we just want to ensure them that we have that in mind and want them to know that that's not what we are planning on doing," he concluded.

Daniel is IGN's UK Staff Writer. You can be part of the world's worst cult by following him on IGN and Twitter.

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Nintendo Video Chat: Playing New Super Mario Bros. 2

Welcome back to another mushroom-y edition of Nintendo Video Chat, IGN's very own Nintendo-centric video podcast. This week we've got Audrey "OMG I Hosted The Fix!" Drake (otherwise known as ME!!), Sam "Mustache Power" Claiborn, Brian "I Hosted The Fix Too!" BRAP BRAP" Altano, and Fran "I Hate Wii" Mirabella. That last nickname was a joke, people. Well, they all are, but... anyway. Moving on. Let's talk Nintendo things, shall we?

This week we're playing through some levels of forthcoming 3DS game New Super Mario Bros. 2. Wahoo!! The game hits the States this Sunday, but if you don't mind a few spoilers, allow this podcast to serve as a lengthy early look at Mario's latest.

And as always, you can download the audio version of this episode on iTunes (whenever it decides to show up), or listen to it here.

While you're thinking of us, be sure to join our Nintendo Voice Chat Facebook page. Don't forget to give us a like while you're there! Why? Because every like we get is like an extra coin in your pocket. Except it's not like that at all. Do it anyway, though!

One last thing - don't forget to send your comments, questions and so on to nvc@ign.com. You can also follow us all on our IGN blogs and Twitter. We're especially interested in your feedback on our new format. This is all still very much in the experimental phase, so your insight is much appreciated.

Until next time, Koopalings - Game On!

Audrey Drake is an Associate Editor at IGN and a proud member of the IGN Nintendo team. She is also a lifelong gamer, a frequent banisher of evil and a wielder of various legendary blades. You can follow her wild adventures on her IGN blog and Twitter. Game on!

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Pikachu-Themed 3DS XL Announced for Japan

Nintendo has announced a yellow, Pikachu-themed 3DS XL for Japan. The system (known as 3DS LL in Japan) will be released exclusively through Japan’s Pokemon Center stores and features a yellow front with a white hinge.

The Pikachu system will be released on September 15th and is only available to customers who pre-order. For now, it’s only been announced for Japan, but we’ll keep you posted on any announcements for other territories.

This is the first themed 3DS XL Nintendo has built since the new system was announced in June. Previously, Nintendo released multiple themed 3DS systems including a black  The Legend of Zelda 3DS with gold accents, a white Monster Hunter 3G system and a blue Fire Emblem system.

3DS XL will launch in North America on August 19th in red and blue.

Source: Andriasang

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following him on Twitter or IGN.

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Nintendo's Coin Rush Competition Continues Here

If you're on the hunt for more coin codes to use in Nintendo's Coin Rush competiton, then you've come to the right place.

If you already know all about the competition and the prizes up for grabs then scroll down and watch the video below; it should help you in your search.

For the uninitiated, to celebrate the imminent release of New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS, Nintendo has hidden codes around the internet that can be used to earn coins. Inspired by the Coin Rush mode of the new game, these in turn can be exchanged for prizes.

The top prize on offer is a Nintendo 3DS XL console and every Nintendo 3DS first-party title released between the end of September 2012 and September 2013.

To enter into the competition you need to visit the Nintendo 3DS UK Facebook page, then keep your eyes peeled there and on the company's Twitter for hints about where the codes may lie.

To get started why not check out the video below? You never know, it could be worth your while...

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Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Professor Layton Miracle Mask Release Dates

Nintendo has announced release dates for the 3DS and DS fall line-up. First up is Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone on October 1st, followed by Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask on October 28th and Paper Mario: Sticker Star on November 11th.

Release dates were also revealed for Crosswords Plus, Freakyforms Deluxe and more, as seen on the release calendar below:

• Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone - October 1st
• Crosswords Plus - October 1st
• Sparkle Snapshots 3D - October 18th
• Skylanders Giants - October 21st
• Style Savvy: Trendsetters - October 22nd
• Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask - October 28th
• Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive - November 5th
• Paper Mario: Sticker Star - November 11th
• Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion - November 18th
• Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed - November 20th

Titles without concrete release dates include FIFA 13 in September, Angry Birds Trilogy in October, Scribblenauts Unlimited this holiday and Rayman Origins in the third quarter of 2012. A complete list of planned titles for 3DS and DS - including Imagine Babyz and more - can be found on Nintendo’s full release calendar.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following him on Twitter or IGN.

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Sony Posts $312 Million Loss, PlayStation Stagnant

On the heels of Nintendo's $220 million quarterly loss, Sony released its consolidated financial results for its first fiscal quarter of the year, which ran from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Here is another version of the report.

The major takeaway is that the company as a whole lost another $312 million to add on top of its epic stock fall, debt downgrade, and a gigantic quarterly loss last year. It’s worth noting that a loss of $312 million is significantly lower than the $2.03 billion loss from Q3 of 2011, indicating that the company is on the upswing even if it’s still in the red.

The company notes that “the operating environment surrounding Sony in the first quarter continued to be difficult with the economy slowing in many areas of the world and the trend toward appreciation of the yen taking hold.” As Sony is also under a massive corporate restructure to streamline the company’s operations towards profitability, the company incurred “11.3 billion yen of restructuring charges included in the operating results,” inflating the loss. 11.3 billion yen is roughly equivalent to $14.5 million.

“Uncertain foreign exchange rates and trends in the global economy” have caused Sony to “downwardly [revise]” its fiscal year forecast moving forward.

Sony is a gigantic corporation, and the PlayStation brand is merely a segment of it (it’s the third biggest segment of the business by sales and operating revenue). But the PlayStation brand itself is also experiencing further financial difficulties. Sony notes that “Primarily due to the lowering of the annual unit sales forecast for portable hardware, sales are expected to be significantly lower than the May forecast… Sales are expected to be essentially flat and operating income is expected to decrease significantly year-on-year.”

Jumping further into the numbers, one finds a year-over-year sales fall. “Sales decreased 14.5% year-on-year (a 10% decrease on a constant currency basis) to 118.0 billion yen ($1.493 billion). This decrease was primarily due to lower sales of hardware and software of the PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PlayStation 3, partially offset by the contribution of the PlayStation Vita introduced from December 2011.”

Sony projects sales of PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 to amount to 16 million units globally during the entirety of its fiscal year. However, it has downgraded earlier estimates of 16 million PSPs and PlayStation Vitas sold during the fiscal year to 12 million. Its total software sales of 196.7 million units in 2011’s fiscal year is expected to be replicated in fiscal year 2012.

Colin Moriarty is an IGN PlayStation editor. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN and learn just how sad the life of a New York Islanders and New York Jets fan can be.

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