Great news for Durbanites. Core Gaming has announced “Nintendo Week,” a chance for you to check out the latest that Nintendo has to offer.

Head down to Gateway shopping mall this December to check out the Wii and Nintendo DS as well as test your brain age and put various Wii games through their paces. If you step up to the challenge you stand the chance to win great prizes in daily tournaments and you can even have your photo taken with Mario and Luigi, who will be on stage three times daily.

No matter what games you enjoy there will be something for you, ranging from Big Brain Academy to Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit. You can also test your musical ear with Wii Music, the latest game to hit our shelves, by joining a band and trying out 60 different instruments. The entire Nintendo catalogue will be available for game requests so don’t be shy, have a go at Family Ski, Super Mario Galaxy or even Mario Strikers Charged Football.

There will be daily tournaments running – get behind the wheel with Mario Kart Wii at 11:00, build up a sweat with Wii Sports at 15:00 or bend your grey matter in Big Brain Academy at 16:00.

You will also be able to check out the DS Lite as well as the latest DS games. If you are up to the challenge, make sure you don’t miss the dedicated area for Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training where you can participate in daily Brain Age Challenge sessions.

If you have a competitive streak you can join in the Mario Kart DS multiplayer action at 15:00. You can also share your puppy’s latest trick in the Nintendogs Bark Mode sessions.

Head over to the big stage at Nintendo week at the Gateway Promo Court from Tuesday the 9th of December until Monday the 15th of December. The Nintendo Team will be on stand between 9am and 10pm each day.

“We know that to really understand what the Wii and DS offer, you have to get your hands on them,” says Kerry Taoushiani, marketing manager. “The focus of our marketing efforts is to put product in the hands of the consumer and we currently run in-mall promotions every weekend countrywide.”

“What makes Nintendo Week different is that we’re not just showcasing the games, but encouraging everyone to get involved, test their skills and stand in line to win exciting prizes. A variety of tournaments are running daily as well as Mario and Luigi appearances to keep the whole family entertained.”