Episode 89: New Year, New Direct

There was excitement, there was confusion, there was a lack of AC Adapters. Nintendo hosted its first Nintendo Direct of the year and it was packed with all sorts of news about what we’ll be seeing and playing in the first half of 2015. We break it all down in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, including an analysis of the decision to only release the New 3DS XL in North America (and exclude the AC adapter), a look at the full Spring lineup, and first gameplay details on Pokemon/Tekken crossover Pokken Tournament. We also discuss the closure of Club Nintendo and December sales numbers, plus go hands-on with the upcoming Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

What was your favorite announcement from last week’s Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments below! We’d also love to know your thoughts on the show itself. If you like what you hear, consider leaving us a review (and subscribing) on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

As always, we’ve included links below to all the games and news in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

News

• [0:01 – 1:55] Nintendo Direct – 01.14.2015 (Nintendo.com)
• [0:10] Nintendo (Sorta) Explains Why The Smaller New 3DS Is MIA (Kotaku)
• [0:13] New 3DS XL Doesn’t Include Charger — Here Are Some Options (IGN)
• [0:22] Majora’s Mask 3DS XL sold out in 15 minutes on GameStop’s site, stores too (Polygon)
• [0:24] Five New Things In The Majora’s Mask Remake (Kotaku)
• [0:49] Ironfall: Invasion is Gears of Wars-Lite on Nintendo 3DS (IGN)
• [1:02] Pre-Order Code Name S.T.E.A.M. and get a Majora’s Mask Pin (ZeldaDungeon.net)
• [1:48] ‘Nintendo of America’ Strikes Again, Mario SMB Amiibo Timed Exclusive To Mario Party Bundle (Amiibo Inquirer)
• [1:53] Nintendo Direct Japan: New Rhythm Heaven, Style Savvy games announced (Joystiq)
• [1:56] Pokken Tournament Also Has Support Pokémon And In-Battle Power-Ups (Siliconera)
• [2:02] Nintendo prepares to discontinue Club Nintendo rewards program (Nintendo.com)
• [2:09] PS4, Xbox One drive US industry to $13.1 billion in 2014 – NPD (GamesIndustry.biz)

Games

• [0:24] The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (Official Site)
• [0:30] Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Official Site)
• [0:41] Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+ (IGN Game Page)
• [0:49] Ironfall: Invasion (Official Site)
• [0:57] Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (Official Site)
• [1:05] Fire Emblem 3DS (IGN Game Page)
• [1:11] Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (IGN Game Page)
• [1:14] Xenoblade Chronicles X (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• [1:16] Puzzles & Dragons Z + Puzzles & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition (IGN Game Page)
• [1:21] Pokemon Shuffle (Pokemon.com Game Page)
• [1:26] Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars (Official Site)
• [1:36] Splatoon (Nintendo.com Game Page)
• [1:41] Mario Party 10 (Official Site)
• [1:43] Amiibo (Official Site)
• [1:56] Pokken Tournament (IGN Game Page)
• [2:04] Flipnote Studio 3D (Official Site)