Pokémon fans, today is the first day that the highly anticipated Pokémon Black and White became available!  You probably already ran out to the nearest store to pick up your copy, but just in case you’re still wondering where the best deals are, here’s some information I dug up for you:

Future Shop is running a deal where if you buy both Pokémon Black and White together, you save $10.

Like Future Shop, Best Buy is also offering $10 off if you buy the two together.  When I picked up my copies of the game today I was also told of another very special offer: If you buy a Nintendo DSi XL, you get a copy of Pokemon Black or White for free!

If you were searching for something extra special for yourself or to impress the collector in your life, I was told by the sales person at Best Buy that Toys ‘R’ Us is carrying the amazing Pokemon Black and White DSi bundle.  With the exception of the first offer, none of these deals were actually advertised online or in a flyer.  To ensure that your store is offering these special deals, it would be wise to call ahead to check if your store is participating.

The new game, subtitled Realms of Revelation, is what you would typically expect from a Dragon Quest game. It will be interesting to see how this game is received in light of last year’s Dragon Quest IX, however.

If you’re in the US (or don’t mind ordering through Gamestop’s US website), you can pre-order the game and get a cute slime plushie.  Considering they didn’t have any pre-order bonus for the last game, this is a nice surprise for fans of the series.  Disappointingly, the Canadian listing doesn’t seem to include the bonus, but you’ll save on shipping.

Either way, you can bask in the glory of the new screenshots Nintendo has revealed, or check out the game’s trailer.  I know the trailer came out before Christmas, but if you’re a true fan, you can never watch a Dragon Quest trailer enough, can you?

Click here to watch the video

[Source: Nintendo]

What does this mean in practical terms?  Well, it means if you want to import any games from Japan or Europe, either because those games didn’t get a North American release, because you can’t wait, or you simply want to practice your Japanese, you will have to also import a territory-specific handheld.

While this probably won’t affect most Canadian or US gamers terribly much, it is still a disappointing step backwards.  I know I plan on importing the sequel to Hotel Dusk from Europe since it never got a North American localization, and the fact that I won’t have that option with the 3DS, combined with the dismal battery life and disappointing launch line-up, makes me want to reconsider pre-ordering, especially at the steep cost of entry.

Of course, Nintendo hasn’t officially said whether the 3DS will be region locked, but considering how the DS was one of the few exceptions for this type of thing, fans of imported games may want to start saving up for another 3DS.

[Source: Tiny Cartridge]

My town is full of weeds and I’m pretty sure all my neighbours hate me, but I logged in to Animal Crossing City Folk to receive my free download from Nintendo today.  From January 1st to the 30th you can receive a golden bed in your mail box.  This item is the first in a 12-item series, so if you check back each month  you’ll eventually be able to live a life if luxury decked out in a pure gold living room.

Once you’ve received your bed, you will be able to purchase it whenever you want from Tom Nook’s catalog.  To receive your bed, make sure your Wii is connected via Wifi.  Your item will arrive through the mail and  the letter looks exactly like this:

” Dear [player's name],

This is the first item in the
12-item Golden Series.
New items will be released
throughout the year, so
you’ll want to keep your
eyes peeled!
Nintendo”

The golden bed is available in North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea.  For the complete set of instructions on how to download your bed, check out the Nintendo website.

]]> http://gamenorth.ca/2011/01/11/nintendo-offers-golden-furniture-in-animal-crossing/feed/ 5 http://gamenorth.ca/2011/01/09/nintendo-3ds-may-soon-join-the-ranks-of-the-sony-psp/ http://gamenorth.ca/2011/01/09/nintendo-3ds-may-soon-join-the-ranks-of-the-sony-psp/#comments Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:59:48 +0000 Dana Russo http://gamenorth.ca/?p=6473 The Nintendo 3DS has been getting quite a bit of press time lately, and it hasn’t all been good.  Concerned parents are fearful that the new device may damage their children’s eyesight.  Since youngsters eyes are still developing, Nintendo issued a warning stating that kids under the age of six should probably pass on the new handheld.  This may be painful for many children to hear, but it may be a necessary step for parents to take to ensure the health of their child.  Of course, there have been conflicting reports that say the 3DS probably won’t damage children’s eyes, but whether you want to risk that or not is entirely up to you.

According to the final specifications that were released during the Nintendo World Store 2011 event, the 3DS will only have a three to five hour battery life span when playing 3DS titles and anywhere between five to eight when playing regular DS titles.  The 3DS will be coming with a charging dock (because it’s going to need it).  The charging dock will have your 3DS ready to play in about three and a half hours.  Yikes!  This conjures up thoughts of my beloved Sony PSP, which I can’t play for more than three hours before it takes a dirt nap on me.  A handheld device with a short battery life is a tragic thing indeed and I’m curious how this may affect sales.

However, there’s good news for you procrastinators out there, as Nintendo said they are considering re-printing the game due to high demand. “We are gratified by the consumer response to this limited-edition product, which we created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game on NES,” Nintendo public relations director Marc Franklin told Wired.com via email on Friday. “Because of the strong response, we are exploring the option of bringing this item back at a later date.”

Nothing is official yet, so if you still haven’t snagged yourself a copy and don’t feel like paying eBay’s highway robbery fees, then you may want to keep calling – you may find a local store that still has a copy or two in stock.

In case you forgot with all the holiday hub-bub, the Wii collection, titled Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition, includes a copy of the original SNES game on one Wii disc, the classic games Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 2, Super Mario Bros 3, and Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels.  In addition, the package also includes a CD with a soundtrack of select songs from Mario’s history and an artbook, all in a collectible red and gold slipcase.

[Source: GameLife]

Yesterday marked a very important day for Nintendo fans.  During the Nintendo 3DS press conference, it was revealed that the upcoming hand held would be released on February 26th, 2011 in Japan and in March 2011 for North America.  The Japanese Nintendo 3DS will retail for ¥25,000, which converts to about $300 in North America (this is just an estimate, as there was no official North American price given).

Final specifications were also revealed, including an SD card that can hold 2 GBs worth of data.  While in sleep mode, the 3DS will still be able to communicate and will actively seek out the Nintendo Zone, information, free games and other data to download.  It will also exchange data with other 3DS systems even if you don’t have a game in the cartridge slot.  Interestingly, you can create Miis instantly with the built-in camera.  Taking a picture of a friend or relative will automatically create a Mii of their likeness on the 3DS.  You can then customize the Mii afterward.

Parents are given more control over what their children are playing with new parental controls that are set based off the game’s ratings.  The browser can also be restricted so that your child isn’t given free roam of the internet if you don’t want them to.  In addition to downloading games easily, you will be given the ability to check out introductory videos and rankings.  The 3DS is fully backwards compatible with the DSi and original DS games, and upon release will be available in Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue.

Source: Andriasang.com

Earlier we were given a good look at some of the gameplay and regions that will be available for exploring in the new games, and now we have a rather long list of new Pokemon to look forward to.  The new Pokemon that will be obtainable in the brand new Black and White games for the Nintendo DS starts at number #494 and extends to #649.  The list includes everything from a pale blue teddy bear to one that actually resembles a living ice cream cone.

Several of the new Pokemon already appear to be very similar to ones already in existence, so it may be possible there are new evolutions available in Black and White as well.  Check out Serebii.net for a full look at the brand new Pokemon.

Space Headshot!

When holding the Wiimote in a “classic” gamepad style, the game enters a third person perspective, where you can run, jump, dodge and open fire on enemies based on which direction you are facing. The movement feels exactly like a Team Ninja game, with Samus nimbly dodging away from attacks and blowing away enemies with ease, until you rotate the controller to face the screen. Then the camera instantly whips into first person, allowing precision aiming and a more detailed view of your surroundings, a la Metroid Prime. You remain glued to the spot, but that’s the only trade off, and you can move again with a simple rotation of the controller. The movement is surprisingly accurate. You don’t tend to get accidental switches in perspective, and you’re usually blessed with a continuous ability to dodge, even if you are in first person mode.

Spaced Out Samus!

The plot of the game follows the life of Samus after Super Metroid, and leads up to Metroid Fusion. Samus escapes Zebes as it explodes, and awakens on a Galactic Federation ship. We see neat shots of her in her Zero Suit, blinking awake in a sterile facility with some smiling technicians in the background. She walks into a adjoining chamber, and powers up her suit, which spawns onto her body with a interesting graphic, resembling individual squares of steel (like pixels) digitalizing out of her Zero Suit as a projection, and then hardening. One thing I really love about the experience I saw is that they take Samus away from just being a suit and a gun, and decided to have her narrate her adventure, not only conversing with allies she encounters, but divulging her inner thoughts and motives as she treats the audience as a sort of diary, chronicling her experiences. After being given a clean bill of health, she takes off and soon answers a distress call from a Galactic Federation (GF) “Bottle Ship” known as a “Baby’s Cry”. Upon entry into the ship, the gameplay begins. We’re given a brief tutorial on movement and first to third person switching. She eventually encounters a compliment of GF soldiers, one of which is Antony Higgs, an old friend of hers from her days within the army that affectionately refers to her as “princess”.

Space Bugs! In Space!

Samus narrates over the proceedings, providing interesting peeks into her rebellious past as a GF soldier. She fought with them for a long time, always with her suit, but felt coddled regardless due to her gender. The story plays on interesting themes of independence and dependence, and also of the brashness of youth. Samus remembers her actions when she was younger and more headstrong, and laments some of the choices she’s made, especially with relation to her father-figure in the GF forces, a general by the name of Adam Malkovich. Adam is an important facet of both the plot and gameplay, as Samus reconciles her past with him and also relies on him for authorization of weapons. The game starts off with Samus in possession of a full compliment of weapons and skills, but they are only unlocked after being authorized, which provides a good narrative option for new abilities without relying on the tired “lose everything at the start” mechanic that has been prevalent for a long time. That doesn’t mean Samus won’t find some new toys within the Bottle Ship though.

Metroid: Other M is a delicious-looking take on a beloved franchise and personally one that I’m pretty excited to get my hands on, time permitting. I think it’s gonna be outta this world. Cause, you know, it’s in space.

Metroid: Other M is being released on August 31^st in North America, September 2^nd in Japan and Australia, and September 3^rd in Europe.

Here is a complete list of tracks:

Deep Purple – Space Truckin’
George Thorogood – Bad to the Bone
Harvey Danger – Cream and Bastards Rise
In This Moment – Forever
Lacuna Coil – Closer
Lacuna Coil – Swamped
Mission of Burma – Mica
Mission of Burma – That’s How I Escaped My Certain Fate
Mission of Burma – That’s When I Reach for My Revolver
The Offspring – Gone Away
The Offspring – Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)
Panic at the Disco – She’s a Handsome Woman
Pearl Jam – Brother
Pearl Jam – Alive (Live: Drop in the Park)
Pearl Jam – State of Love and Trust (Live: Drop in the Park)
Snow Patrol – Take Back the City

Each track will be available for 200 Wii Points on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, and just in time for Canada Day!

Nintendo press release follows:

WiiWare

Water Warfare™
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme – Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park – is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.

Reel Fishing® Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing – it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.

Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.

Virtual Console™

Fantasy Zone™ II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.

Nintendo DSiWare™

SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.

Sure, this will probably bridge the gap for all ages like Nintendo wants, but if people can’t play video games, then shouldn’t they just watch… video? Which is what they’re just doing anyway with this feature? Or how about a demo that would show people how to do it as opposed to doing it for them?

It’s hard to keep my distaste for this feature throttled, as it assaults all my “teach a man to fish” sensibilities. I can’t help but think that in an effort to make their games more meaningful to a larger audience, Nintendo has made their games meaningless in general. Part of the benefit of gaming is setting yourself against a challenge. They teach perseverance as well as problem solving, and “demo play” removes both these lessons.

Source: USA Today

WiiSports Resort utilizes the new Wii MotionPlus accessory for the Wii Remote to offer more precision over the original game. Taking place on the tropical paraside of Wuhu Island, WiiSports Resort provides players with a variety of new activities: Archery, Frisbee, Basketball, Cycling, Bowling (..wait), Canoeing, Power Cruising, Table Tennis, Air Sports, Swordplay, Golf (..but), and Wakeboarding.

The WiiMotion Plus accessory will reportedly add a new level of realism to these activites, helping players come much closer to the physical reality of engaging in the actual sports. Every real-world action, whether it’s the perfect drive or accidentally tossing your Wii Remote at your television, will be replicated faithfully on screen!

WiiSports Resort launches for $49.99 on July 26^th, 2009, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. In the meantime, enjoy this trailer from E3:

Click here to watch the video

With all new measurements and analytical tools, WiiFit Plus is said to determine a specific workout routine for each individual user. The game will keep track of calories burned during each session, and will allow users to disable the interludes between exercises for a more seamless experience.

WiiFit Plus adds six new strength and yoga exercises, fifteen new balance games, and an all-new adventure mode. Adventure mode is a forward-moving platform game that puts you in the shoes of Mario. You’ll need to jump over pits, dodge swinging obstacles, and avoid enemies, all by using the Wii Balance Board. Will there be a princess waiting for us at the end?

New Super Mario Bros. Wii will feature familiar gameplay with a new twist: cooperative play featuring up to four players. Just like the original Super Mario Bros., you’ll discover warp pipes, item blocks, and dozens of coins as you and your friends navigate the two-dimensional levels. To make the classic gameplay more cooperative-friendly, Nintendo has tweaked each item block to spit out one item per player. Players will also be able to execute cooperative moves, such as throwing each other and oncoming enemies. Nintendo also showed off a new Propeller Suit that enabled Mario to fly when the player jerked the Wiimote into the air.

Due sometime during the Holidays this year, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is sure to let fans of the original Mario games enjoy them in a completely new way – and with friends to boot!

Planned for release sometime in 2010, Super Mario Galaxy 2 looked to have similar gameplay to that of its predecessor. Mario will jump from planetoid to planetoid, each with their own unique and charming themes, collecting coins, stars, and solving puzzles. The most compelling addition to the gameplay comes in the form of Mario’s long-time companion: Yoshi. While Super Mario Galaxy was a great game, the little green dinosaur was sorely missed.

The graphics have seen a slight upgrade, with environment details appearing sharper and the animations looking smoother, but overall the game looks very similar to the original Super Mario Galaxy.

But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Microsoft will inaugurate the event on Monday morning with their annual E3 press conference. Electronic Arts and Ubisoft will follow with their own press conferences throughout Monday afternoon, and Nintendo and Sony will take their turns on Tuesday.

The industry is buzzing with announcement rumours for this year’s show, and our contacts lead us to believe that there are plenty of surprises in store for us. Stay tuned to GameNorth for the latest in news, previews and announcements from the show. But in the meantime, Timmy’s Run!

The press conference schedule:

Microsoft
Monday, June 1st
10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST

Electronic Arts
Monday, June 1st
2pm PST / 5pm EST

Ubisoft
Monday, June 1st
5pm PST / 8pm EST

Nintendo
Tuesday, June 2nd
9am PST / 12pm EST

Sony
Tuesday, June 2nd
11am PST / 2pm EST

Nintendo press release follows:

Nintendo DSiWare

American Popstar: Road to Celebrity (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Nintendo DSi Points^TM): This is your enthralling and interactive success story as a young hopeful in the music milieu. The adventure begins when you get the chance to audition at your Hollywood high school. But the road to celebrity isn’t an easy one: Your secret crush is also auditioning, and so is your evil rival. This unique mix of music-themed gaming and social adventure will let you show your talents to the world, take your best photo with the Nintendo DSi system’s built-in camera and meet lots of people who may help you build your career. You’re about to become the greatest pop star in the world. Talk, share activities and be friendly or unfriendly with numerous characters. Customize your character’s name and appearance, and develop skills and personality through your actions. Four musical mini-games include Guitar, Singing, Drums and Dance. Record your voice, take your own photos and sign autographs.

Photo Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system’s internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three alarms – with snooze functionality for those who need it – and assign them a preset ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.

WiiWare

BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! (TAITO, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points^TM): BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! is a simple yet exhilarating action game where you control the bubble-blowing dragons Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them. You can play all 100 of the Standard Mode rounds, which faithfully recreate the nostalgic arcade game, or try 100 new Arrange Mode rounds, which allow up to four players to play on stages with exciting new features such as new enemies and stage layouts. There are also Super Mode rounds for you to enjoy. Determine the true ending by solving puzzles hidden on each stage to defeat the final boss. In Ranking Mode, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service to compete with players from around the world. Enjoy an additional 100 rounds and face off against new boss characters by purchasing “Expert Mode 1″ and “Expert Mode 2″ add-on content.

ADVENTURE ISLAND® The Beginning (Hudson Entertainment, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning comes to the Wii console with exciting new skills and elements. Learn how to use new skills while exploring Adventure Island from coast to coast. Search for Golden Melons hidden throughout the stages and mini-games. When obtaining Golden Melons, you’ll be able to purchase various items to help you on your adventure. These items can increase your attack power or enable you to reach places you couldn’t get to before. Fulfill certain requirements while playing in any of the modes to achieve a “Master Higgins Feat” and you’ll be awarded a Master Higgins costume.

Virtual Console

Clay Fighter^TM (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this zany 2-D fighter, it’s just another day for a humble traveling circus troupe when a meteor crash-lands in their camp. The otherworldly orb, made entirely out of interstellar clay, contaminates all the circus employees, turning them into bizarrely superpowered versions of themselves. Choose from among the unique clay creatures, such as Bonker, the cheerfully manic clown, or Blue Suede Goo, the mild-mannered Elvis impersonator turned violent vocalist. Master their “Claytalities,” like the operatic Helga’s deadly high note and Bad Mr. Frosty’s fists of snowball fury!

Not to be overlooked, the second Art Style puzzle game will make its debut on Nintendo DSiWare, while Crystal Defenders R2 from SQUARE ENIX and Silver Star Chess from Agetec, Inc. land on WiiWare.

Nintendo press release follows:

Virtual Console

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence, 1,000 Wii Points^TM): Link^TM must save the world! This time, he finds himself trapped in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule that is doomed to destruction in just three short days. Link must race to recover the Ocarina of Time (which allows him to manipulate time in multiple ways), defeat challenging bosses in dungeons spread across Termina and discover the key to the mystery of Majora’s Mask. Along the way, he’ll obtain new weapons and items and help other characters (some strangely familiar) in their everyday lives. In addition, Link must use a wide assortment of masks scattered throughout Termina, each with its own specific use or power. Never before have three days offered so much in the way of action, mind-boggling puzzles and depth. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is an adventure unlike any other!

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Style^TM: PiCTOBiTS^TM (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points^TM): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above (”megabits”) by combining them with “bits” (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you’ll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage’s hidden game character – look for favorites from classic NES^TM titles – and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game’s soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

WiiWare

CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party’s crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map’s exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?

Silver Star Chess (Agetec, Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Suggestive Themes, 500 Wii Points): Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point.

Punch-Out!! for the Wii is being developed by Next Level Games, which is a Vancouver-based developer with previous ties to Nintendo through their work with Mario Strikers. Which probably means they won’t be bought up by Microsoft, unlike that other little Vancouver developer. Punch-Out!! is slated for release on May 18th, 2009.