Nintendo has faced a barrage of negative publicity following its media briefing at E3 last week. Many self-proclaimed hardcore gamers were expecting a new game to be revealed but instead were presented with games they either knew about or dubbed “casual” games.

Nintendo has since been working hard to win back the support of its fans. In a recent interview with Forbes, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata commented “If there is any perception that Nintendo is ignoring the core gamers, it’s a misunderstanding and we really want to get rid of that misunderstanding by any means.”

Iwata continued “We are sorry about [the E3] media briefings, specifically for those who were expecting to see Nintendo show something about ‘Super Mario’ or ‘Legend of Zelda.’ However, the fact of the matter is the so-called ‘big titles’ need a long, long development period. …We really didn’t think this year’s E3 media briefing was the time to do so.”

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Metal Slug 7 will be arriving on European shelves this autumn, courtesy of SNK and Ignition.

Metal Slug 7 marks the debut of the popular franchise on the Nintendo DS and promises “fast paced and frantic ‘run and gun action’” that has become synonymous with the series.

The game includes 7 new missions, 6 playable characters as well as new weapons and features. Metal Slug fans will once again take on the forces of General Morden, but this time will have the “biggest and baddest SLUG vehicle to date” at their disposal.

“With a Metal Slug game you know that you’re going to have a hugely enjoyable experience,” Says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment. “The latest addition to this great franchise will continue that trend.”

An interesting ‘crime-puzzler,’ called Defenders of the Law, coming to Wii, DS and PC later this year, has had a little light shed on it. Defenders of the Law is a puzzle-based crime drama, tasking players with putting clues together in order to solve the mystery. So far, so Phoenix Wright.

Further game play features will involve the player in a search for evidence via a hidden-object mechanic, later analyzed in ‘the lab.’ That evidence is then presented in a card-game mechanic, played against the district attorney. The winning hand decides the fate of the defendant as the final verdict is revealed. This apparently leads to not-insignificant replay value. Apparently.

For some reason, GAMEINVEST, the developers, are still looking for publishing partners for Defenders of the Law.

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The Nintendo DS dominated console sales in the US for June, however, Nintendo chose to focus on the Wii in their response to the latest NPD data.

Nintendo announced that the Wii has emerged as the best-selling console in the US, just 20 months after its launch in November 2006. NPD data shows that the Wii sold 666 000 units during June while almost 10.9 million Wiis have found their way into US gamers’ homes to date.

“Wii was created with the goal of expanding the gaming universe through its intuitive motion-sensing controller,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “As we have demonstrated this week during the E3 Media & Business Summit, Wii continues to pioneer new ways for people to interact with their video games and with one another.”

The Nintendo DS was the best-selling console in US, selling 783 000 units in June and recording sales of over 20.8 million units in the US to date.

Nintendo dominated the software side of things as well with six of the Top 10 games for June being for Nintendo systems. Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS) was at number 2, Wii Fit at number 4, Wii Play at number 5 and Mario Kart Wii at number 6. The Wii version of Lego Indiana Jones came in seventh and the DS version at number 9.

Ultimate Band, the latest game to try to cash in on the rhythm-based music genre coming to Nintendo Wii and DS, is playable with only the WiiMote and Nunchuk - no expensive plastic guitar or drum peripherals bundled with this one!

While customisable avatars feature, the main hook is allowing players to ‘play’ drums and guitar as well as act as the front-man (person) for each of their in-game performances, trying to get the crowd excited as the instruments are played - all with the WiiMote and Nunchuk. You’ll have to be really enthusiastic to play that part, although the game is aimed at ‘youngsters.’

Disney Interactive also recently announced a ‘Music for Relief’ concert tie-in with the upcoming Projekt Revolution 2008 tour. Ultimate Band will be featured in special booths at each of the concerts while the ‘Music for Relief’ concert will be playable in Ultimate Band. Music for Relief is a non-profit organisation founded by Linkin Park.

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If you are struggling to store all your DS games, we have the perfect solution. We have two Thrustmaster carry cases plus neat accessories up for grabs, one for girl gamers and one for boy gamers.

Want to play Mario Kart Wii multiplayer but only have one Wii Wheel? Then why not enter and stand a chance to win a Thrustmaster T-Megapack for Wii which includes a Kart-style racing wheel as well as a storage base with built-in battery charger (in Wii White of course) and 2 rechargeable batteries AND a protection cover for the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Don’t delay because there is only one more day to enter this competition. Check out more details on our competitions page.

Schnell!!!

In a bright, vibrant community of honourable ninjas, the worst thing that could happen is for the nearby volcano to mysteriously erupt, leading to their beloved home, Ninjatown, to be attacked. That, however, is exactly what has happened and Mr. Demon is leading a horde of sinister enemies on a path of destruction.

Luckily, it’s a town full of skilled Ninjas that know how to defend themselves, and with moves like ‘Stealth Hug,’ ‘Sneak Snuggle,’ ‘Fists of Tickle Fury’ and ‘Get Off My Lawn,’ they’re going to take the fight to the invaders. Players will be able to help out by placing buildings and issuing commands to the Ninjas, leading to a new take on the tower-defense genre.

Based on the series of plush toys from Shawnimals, Ninjatown brings a great graphic style to the mix, releasing in October this year on DS.

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Nintendo held its E3 media briefing yesterday. The factory that built Mario focused on its efforts to remove the barriers between expert and novice gamers. Nintendo is well known for this approach, releasing games and gaming consoles such as the Wii and DS that appeal to veteran gamers and casual gamers alike

Nintendo demonstrated an enhancement for the Wii Remote called the Wii MotionPlus, which plugs into the base of the Wii Remote and helps to enhance precision and create a realistic motion experience. The publisher also revealed Wii Music, Wii Sports Resort, Animal Crossing: City Folk for the Wii as well as Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars (Rockstar Games), Spore Creatures (EA) and Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades (Activision) for the DS.

“Much has been reported about the ‘expanded audience’ for games, but what’s really at play is an expanded experience,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “People of all ages having fun together—whether in the same room or from remote locations—puts smiles on faces and drives millions of new players into video game entertainment.”

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Konami has announced that the Eledees series will soon be invading the Nintendo DS. The energy creatures will be heading to Europe this winter in a new adventure titled Eledees: The Adventures of Kai and Zero.

An original title designed for the Wii, Eledees introduced gamers to energy creatures who have the ability to supply electricity when gathered together. The game saw players locating and collecting the small Eledees in order to power their home.

Eledees: The Adventures of Kai and Zero retains the basic concept of the Wii game but features a touch screen adventure created specifically for the Nintendo DS. The game is a direct sequel to the Wii game but promises to add a “mystical slant to the story.”

After being transported into a mystical realm by a magical bus created by Kai’s father, the two main characters must use their skills to gather Eledees in order to progress in the game. Kai is armed with a special capture gun which he can use to grab Eledees as well as manipulate and move objects standing in the way.

Players must locate various Eledees to power devices but must also keep a look out for a new species of Omega Eledees who feature a wider range of abilities and act as Kai’s side-kicks through the stages. Players will need to locate Omega Eledees who can find hidden areas, freeze water and light up dark areas.

Players will be able to compete head-to-head in multiplayer mode thanks to Wi-Fi as well as participate in four player battles to round up misbehaving power sources.

Thanks to everyone who entered our Super Mario Galaxy and Mario Kart DS competitions.

We have drawn the winners…drum roll! Congratulations to Fayyaad Hendricks who won himself a copy of Super Mario Galaxy and Marc Crowther who walks away with Mario Kart DS.

Thanks again to Core Gaming for sponsoring the prizes. We are sure our winners are going to spend many happy hours gaming.

If you did not win this time, fear not because we still have some amazing Thrustmaster prizes up for grabs as well as a copy of the Guinness World Record Gamers Edition 2008 to giveaway to one lucky reader.

As if this was not enough to keep you occupied we have just added two more competitions to El33tonline. We have a couple of copies of Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda to giveaway - thanks to Megarom for the prizes.

Head over to our competitions page for more details and make sure you read our Lego Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda reviews to see what you would be missing if you don’t enter today.

Activision has announced that Guitar Hero: On Tour has sold over 300 000 units in the US in just seven days since the game was launched. This makes the title the largest North American launch for the Nintendo DS in Activision’s history by more than a factor of eight.

The sales also mean that Guitar Hero: On Tour ranks as one of Activision’s Top 5 best selling launches on any title on any platform in Activision’s history.

“Guitar Hero is one of the most successful entertainment properties and continues to push the boundaries of innovation with Guitar Hero: On Tour,” said Mike Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Activision.

“The game’s breakthrough peripheral brings the Guitar Hero experience to the 41 million DS users in North America and Europe, where they can play anywhere, anytime.”

Ubisoft has taken the wraps off Prince of Persia: The Fallen King which will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS this holiday season.

Developed by Ubisoft’s Casablanca studio, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King will feature an independent storyline (but it does coincide with the console editions of the game) with players controlling acrobatic combat action with the stylus.

The Fallen King sees the Prince fleeing to a deserted kingdom in search of sanctuary. However, the kingdom has been corrupted already and the Prince must now try to stop the evil force known as the Corruption before it spreads. A partially infected creature promises salvation but can he trust this creature? The Prince has no choice and must ally with it to save the Persian kingdom from corruption.

The game features a new art design and allows gamers to explore over 50 maps including deserted cities, labyrinths and jungles. Players will also be able to step into the shoes of a new character known as the Magus. Switch between the Prince and the Magus to fight, solve puzzles and make use of his magical powers.

Ignition has announced that Metal Slug 7 will be released on the Nintendo DS this autumn.

Developed by SNK Playmore, Metal Slug 7 promises to deliver “high-energy and frantic, fast-paced 2-D shooting action” that has become synonymous with the franchise since it was first released in 1996.

The game will feature seven new and fully detailed missions as well as six playable characters, new weapons and bosses. Players can also look forward to new Slugs to pilot and new game play modes.

Join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they take on Modern’s Forces across various locations including Garbage Island and the Fortress of Ruins.

“Truth be told, I have a pink DS and was embarrassed to play it in public. Now with Metal Slug 7 loaded, I have no qualms,” said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment.

“Needless to say, and in all seriousness, we are very excited to announce our partnership with SNK Playmore USA to give both core and casual gamers a whole new insight into the unique, all-action, eye-popping world that is Metal Slug.”

I think this is one of my favourite quotes to date, and that’s not just because I have a pink DS.

Yesterday Nintendo announced that Kirby Super Star Ultra would be arriving on North American shores on the 29th of September.

Kirby’s latest adventure will take place on the Nintendo DS and will re-imagine the mini-games from the original Kirby SuperStar. Kirby will run, float, copy enemies and use Helpers to fight the evil King Dedede and Meta Knight.

The game will feature new graphics as well as fully rendered animated cut scenes. It also includes new modes such as Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra as well as classics including The Great Cave Offensive and Milky Way Wishes.

Gamers can also look forward to three new mini-games that are controlled by the touch screen and can be played with up to three friends via DS Download Play. You can also use local wireless to play Kirby with a friend.

If you are new to the Kirby franchise, head over to our review of Kirby Power Paintbrush to see what makes essentially a pink ball one of the most popular Nintendo characters to this day.

Nintendo of America has jumped the E3 announcement gun by detailing two new Wii games and two DS titles.

Wario and Kirby are back in their own platform games while the Big Fish Games franchise debuts on the DS with a new Mystery Case Files game. Not to be left out of the action, Mario is set to slug it in a baseball game for the Wii.

“Nintendo’s game libraries continue to grow at a rapid pace,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Wario stars in a great new platformer, Kirby enthusiasts get an updated version of a fan favorite, there’s a new mystery for Mystery Case Files aficionados and baseball gets a few new Mario-style twists.”

For more information and screenshots, head over to our coverage of Wario Land: Shake It! and Mario Super Sluggers.

Here is a short description of the games (as per Nintendo):

Wario Land: Shake It!, a classic side-scroller for the Wii console launching September 29, stars Wario, the smelly, bad-mannered alter ego of Mario. With the Wii Remote controller turned sideways like an old-school controller, veterans and newcomers alike can run, jump and smash their way through hectic side-scrolling stages. Players shake the Wii Remote to help Wario take down his enemies, empty bags of treasure or cause earthquakes. Best of all, there are numerous stages each offering multiple missions to keep players coming back again and again to unlock everything, collect more coins or just improve their best times.

Kirby Super Star Ultra for Nintendo DS, launching September 29, re-imagines one of the most beloved Kirby games of all time. Kirby Super Star Ultra features new graphics and fully rendered animated cut scenes. With so many adventures waiting to be unlocked, there will never be a dull moment as Kirby runs, floats, copies enemies and uses Helpers to fight King Dedede and Meta Knight. New modes like Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra await, along with classics like The Great Cave Offensive and Milky Way Wishes. On top of the main modes, there are also three new touch-screen-controlled mini-games that can be played with up to three friends via DS Download Play. Not only that, but players can go on Kirby adventures with a friend via local wireless as well.

Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir, launching September 8, uses the unique Nintendo DS interface to expand upon the seek-and-solve game play of the popular series from Big Fish Games. Players seek out cleverly hidden items in a multitude of painted scenes. Players progress through an interactive detective story investigating a cast of characters and uncovering new evidence to find the rightful heir to a million-dollar fortune. This new portable installment is available only for Nintendo DS. With interactive logic puzzles that use both the touch-screen interface and built-in microphone and include the first ever multiplayer mode for a Mystery Case Files game, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir presents a new generation of seek-and-solve games for casual gamers and franchise fans.

Mario Super Sluggers, launching August 25 for the Wii console, stars the ever-lovable Mario and his crew of friends. It builds on the social-gaming fun and movements people learned in Wii Sports and turns them into a full-fledged baseball game that can be played by every member of the household. Players make a throwing motion with the Wii Remote controller to pitch the baseball and make a swinging motion to swing at the pitch. The game boasts more than 30 playable Nintendo characters and all the madness of a Mario sports game. Just like Mario Kart Wii, it bridges the gap between experienced players and those new to the Wii console, with fun challenges and beautiful graphics.