RedShell

I'm still a big fan of Iwata as well (despite the current situation at Nintendo), he's just such a likable chap.

Hardly. Pretty sure there's more than 1 person that wants Iwata to step down.

Guess I should probably dig out my copy of Jam with the Band and download some more tunes before it's too late...

That is mental.

Really looking forward to this.

I think Ubisoft have seriously messed up with this game, regardless of the Wii U version fiasco. I mean it feels like it should have come out centuries ago! My interest in it has long gone at this point. GTA V satisfied that open world action game itch very nicely indeed, and I won't be needing another fix anytime soon. They clearly revealed Watch Dogs waaaay too early.

Well, I've been insanely hyped for this game since 2012 when it was first revealed. In fact I've been dying to get my hands on this series, since 2009 when the DS version hit Japan! My excitement certainly hasn't fizzled out, but I'm probably an exception to the rule. And you're right, it's definitely a smart move for Nintendo to surprise people with announcements close to launch.

A mixture of the two really. Essentially a Circle Pad, but the part your thumb touches would be identical to the grips that are on the GamePad at present, rather than the concave grip of the 3DS Circle Pad. It's a bit of a compromise between form and functionality. Nintendo themselves appeared to originally be going more for form with the prototype GamePad design, but then decided that full analog sticks were more functional. Which of course they are, even if they do look a bit weird sticking out of the GamePad.

You can:

I suppose it does look cheap compared to the original, but it's just so much nicer to use. The main negatives to the XL for me are its reduced portability and the shockingly bad speaker quality. That one's not really an issue though, as I always use headphones.

But what is it you despise, the matte finish?

Hehehe! Typical / nando /. But really, you hate the XL?! It's awwwwwwwesome! :awesome: Glossy devices might look cool in promo shots: but in reality... Not so cool.

Personally I'd love a hybrid of the Wii U GamePad and 3DSXL, combining certain aspects from both of those devices. Here's my attempt at a mockup: And a side by side with the current GamePad: The screen size is identical on both, but the display looks bigger on my redesign due to the reduced fat. Basically, it's a much smaller (and in that case, probably lighter ) version of the GamePad, with the matte finish of the 3DSXL, and a slight button reconfiguration. :awesome: The control sticks are like the Circle Pad of the 3DS/original GamePad design, but with the grip style from the finalised GamePad. The Power and TV Control buttons would be moved to a side, and the mic to the side under the screen. There would also be no need for a battery indicator, if it was built-in to the home button: Everything else is more or less the same, so it's really just about the size and surface material.

Can we get a title change/merge with the Tomodachi Life Direct thread please?

So cute: The animation on this pose is just perfect: Priceless. I don't think you have much influence on the game outside of setting up the personality of your Miis. It's more of a sit back and watch the craziness kind of thing.

Same here. Cheers, @Ike.

Euro version is more like the Japanese one, and the original: Meh, who cares. We're getting the game!!!!!!!!! It's not the sort of thing you play because you've never played anything like it! Don't be a fool man, get this game!! You could have an apartment full of Pokémon trainer Miis or something.

Box Art, with a slight modification:

They should run with that for the advertising of this game.

Mario Kart 8 and Tomodachi Life have already guaranteed 2014 as a vintage year in gaming for me. Happiness overload.

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!!!! I can't stop smiling.

Damn. Really hope this doesn't slow 'em down.

Still don't reckon it's anything Nintendo need to look at doing. I mean when a Direct is on the way, it already gets mentioned on their website, on Twitter/Facebook/Miiverse/whatever, posted on NeoGaf, on here etc... Do we really need it to also appear on a blog?

As someone that recently-ish picked up a PS3 (last September) I'd definitely recommend it, @Fierce_LiNk. Not only can the console now be purchased on the cheap, but there are so many bargains to be had on the games as well! I've been filling the gaps in Nintendo's release schedule quite nicely with it. So far I've got through: Grand Theft Auto V The Last of Us Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate LittleBigPlanet Resident Evil 5 Bayonetta After Burner Climax Everybody's Golf Space Channel 5: Part 2 Tokyo Jungle And I'm currently playing Dark Souls II. Still lots left for me to check out as well, plus I'm also considering a PS4 in the future. Being late to the party can indeed be awesome.