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It seems I only post about Extra Life now. I guess that’s where we’re at. :)

We are doing it again this year, Team GP Gamerparent.net so please support us if you can!

Here is our team page so go hit us up, donate, and join our streams the first week of November and on the 7th for the marathon!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel

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We all love to play games. And we also love to raise money for good causes, and one that is particularly important to us is Extra Life, raising money for Children’s Hospitals.

We will be participating again this year under “Team GP”, and you can too!

JOIN OUR TEAM HERE

We will be streaming during the whole first weekend of November, and you can catch it all on our twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/themagichourshow

Hope to see you on our streams and please support us if you can!

Watch live video from TheMagicHourShow on www.twitch.tv

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NEW NINTENDO DIRECT HIGHLIGHTS NEXT WAVE OF GAMES COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCHPlus Banjo & Kazooie Join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Starting … Today!

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 4, 2019 – During a packed Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo announced many new games coming to the Nintendo Switch system, including Blizzard’s mega-hit game Overwatch Legendary Edition, as well as games launching today like Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition. Nintendo also provided new details about previously announced upcoming games, like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

Other highlights of the Nintendo Direct presentation include the introduction of Terry Bogard from the Fatal Fury series as the fourth playable DLC fighter in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game coming in November, the reveal of classic Super NES games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service and the announcement of beloved games like Return of the Obra Dinn, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE and the definitive version of the original Xenoblade Chronicles all making their way to Nintendo Switch

“Nintendo has been delivering new content for Nintendo Switch all year long, and that cadence will continue through 2019 and into the new year,” said Nintendo of America Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Nick Chavez. “Nintendo Switch owners can play what they want, when they want, with a huge library of games for all types of players.

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct. Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

• Overwatch Legendary Edition: Tracer, Mei, Hanzo and all the other colorful characters from massively popular online game Overwatch are coming to Nintendo Switch. The fast-paced multiplayer game is scheduled to hit Nintendo Switch on Oct. 15. Pre-purchase in Nintendo eShop starts today.
• Terry Bogard Comes to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Releasing in November, Terry Bogard from the classic SNK fighting franchise Fatal Fury joins Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a playable fighter. Terry Bogard is part of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass, which includes five Challenger Packs as they are released, each with one DLC fighter, one stage and multiple music tracks. The Fighters Pass can be purchased at a suggested retail price of $24.99, with individual Challenge Packs available for $5.99 each.
• Banjo & Kazooie Join the Battle: Starting today, Banjo & Kazooie from the popular Banjo-Kazooie series of games are joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The new fighters are part of the third Challenger Pack DLC (sold separately). In addition to the characters, players will also get to enjoy the Spiral Mountain stage, as well as music tracks from the classic games.
• Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition: MONOLITHSOFT’s epic Xenoblade Chronicles game, which originally launched in 2012 on the Wii system, is destined to be reborn on Nintendo Switch as Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. The game, which chronicles the adventures of Shulk and Fiora, is scheduled to launch for Nintendo Switch in 2020.

• Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online: Super NES games are coming to Nintendo Switch – and they are free for anyone who has a Nintendo Switch Online membership! Starting tomorrow, Sept. 5, 20 classic Super NES games will launch for the Nintendo Switch Online service:

  • Super Mario World
  • Super Mario Kart
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Super Metroid
  • Stunt Race FX (Available for the first time since its original Super NES release!)
  • Kirby’s Dream Land 3
  • Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
  • Star Fox
  • F-ZERO
  • Pilotwings
  • Kirby’s Dream Course
  • BRAWL BROTHERS
  • Breath of Fire
  • Demon’s Crest
  • Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics
  • SUPER E.D.F. EARTH DEFENSE FORCE
  • Super Ghouls’n Ghosts
  • Super Puyo Puyo 2 (Available for the first time in the U.S.!)
  • Super Soccer (Available for the first time since its original Super NES release!)
  • Super Tennis (Available for the first time since its original Super NES release!)
    All of these Super NES games can be played with online functionality on Nintendo Switch Online, including multiplayer gameplay in select games and voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online app*. Suspend points and an easy-to-use Rewind feature that lets players replay sections of the game will also be available at launch. More Super NES games will join the collection in the future, adding to the growing library of classic games available to Nintendo Switch Online members, including more than 40 games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System. To access the games, Nintendo Switch owners must have an active membership to the Nintendo Switch Online service.
  • Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller: To recapture the original feel of Super NES games, a wireless Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller will soon be available as a special offer only to Nintendo Switch Online members**. Once the controller is available for purchase, it will be possible to order up to four controllers per Nintendo Account at https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-controller/, at a price of $29.99 each.
  • Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore: The game that brought together the worlds of Fire Emblem and ATLUS is coming to Nintendo Switch. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is the Nintendo Switch version of the acclaimed RPG that originally launched on the Wii U system. This new version of the game contains a new song that wasn’t in the original, new story elements and the ability to take it on the go! Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore launches for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 17.
  • Tetris® 99 – Ver. 2.0 + DLC Update: The digital version of the Tetris 99 game is getting an update! Tetris 99 Invictus mode is here … but it’s not for the faint of heart. Players can’t even play it unless they achieve TETRIS MAXIMUS status, which means getting first place at least once in the traditional online mode of Tetris 99. In addition to Invictus mode, Daily Missions will be added to Tetris 99 for everyone to enjoy. By clearing these missions, players will acquire in-game tickets to exchange for a variety of custom themes. To show off accomplishments, new player icons will be added as well! Beyond all this, the second wave of content is coming for those who purchased the Big Block DLC. In 2P Share Battle mode, share Joy-Con controllers for a two-player game against each other and the CPU. In Local Arena mode, friends can get together in person to battle via new local wireless multiplayer. The version 2.0 update and new paid DLC for Tetris 99 will launch tomorrow, Sept. 5. Also, a physical version of Tetris 99 will be available starting Sept. 6, and will include all Big Block DLC plus a 12-month individual membership to Nintendo Switch Online at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

  • Pokémon Sword / *Pokémon Shield: New details (and two new Pokémon!) were revealed for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield* games, launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15.

  • Polteageist is a ghost-type Pokémon, and makes a home for itself by hiding among dishes at hotels and restaurants. Its body is made of tea, and it may even let a trusting Trainer have a taste of its tea. The flying- and water-type Pokémon Cramorant will swallow absolutely anything that looks hearty enough. It has an exclusive ability called Gulp Missile. While using Surf or Dive in battle, it will counter when attacked.

  • Players will be able to travel through the new Galar region in style. In this game, players can outfit their main Trainer in tops, bottoms, outerwear, gloves, new hairstyles and even a little makeup. During their journey, players can camp any time at Pokémon Camp. While there, players can play with Pokémon and get to know them better. In the new Wild Area, players can visit other players’ camps as well. Up to four players and their Pokémon can hang out at a camp together. Pokémon Camp is also a great place to cook up some Curry on Rice. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, there are many types of delicious Curry on Rice that can be registered to the Curry Dex.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening: Link’s latest adventure is almost here! In The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, players can place chambers earned in the adventure to create custom Chamber Dungeons. Finished dungeons can be saved to a compatible amiibo figure in The Legend of Zelda series or Super Smash Bros. series so they can be shared with friends. A new Link amiibo figure inspired by the style of the game will launch on Sept. 20, the same day as the game.
  • Luigi’s Mansion 3: Every floor of the haunted hotel in Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a different theme, including the pyramid setting of Tomb Suites, a disco floor and a pirate-themed restaurant. In the newly announced ScreamPark party mode, two to eight players can battle against each other as a Luigi team and a Gooigi team even with only one Nintendo Switch system.* The teams will compete to see who can defeat the most ghosts, collect the most coins or break the most targets. Luigi’s Mansion 3 opens the doors of its haunted hotel on Oct. 31.
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Players join the Deserted Island Getaway Package by Nook Inc, and start a relaxing new life full of creativity, charm and freedom in this next installment in the Animal Crossing series, launching for Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2020.
  • DAEMON X MACHINA: This new action-mech game launches on Sept. 13, but players that want to take those powerful mechs for a spin can try out the free demo version of the game starting today. In the Prologue demo, players will pilot their mechs through the beginning of the game, and all progress earned will carry over to the main game. A key feature of the demo is the ability to play in local co-op mode with up to four players***.
  • Super Kirby Clash: To defeat bosses this wicked, it’ll take a whole team of Kirbys! In this free-to-start multiplayer action game, players can choose from four unique Roles and join up to three other players to take down tough bosses. Puff up power by crafting weapons, or use Gem Apples, which can be earned as in-game currency or purchased using real-world money, to recharge Vigor (a resource that recharges over time), unlock new quests or trade for weapons, armor, support items or stickers. Pass a Joy-Con controller to a friend to play locally, and if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can even play online! Super Kirby Clash* launches exclusively in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch later today!
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition: This critically beloved and fan-favorite role-playing game is available on Nintendo Switch beginning today! With the power of Nintendo Switch, players can slay monsters and unleash magic with up to three other friends at home or on the go.
  • Return of the Obra Dinn: The critically acclaimed, stylish indie game is coming to Nintendo Switch this fall. As an insurance investigator for the East India Company, players must board a ship, explore its surroundings, turn back time with the Memento Mortem pocket watch and record logical deductions to solve the ship’s mysteries.
  • Little Town Hero: In this new RPG from Game Freak, the developers of the Pokémon games, players must battle monsters and gather support from townspeople, all while staying within the borders of a single town. Little Town Hero, which also features music by Undertale creator Toby Fox, makes a stand on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 16. Little Town Hero is available today for pre-purchase in Nintendo eShop.
  • Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise: A sequel to the cult classic Deadly Premonition is headed to Nintendo Switch. When FBI agent Aaliyah Davis opens an investigation into an old serial-killer case, she also opens a door to the unknown. Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise boggles and beguiles on Nintendo Switch in 2020. The original game in the series will launch in Nintendo eShop as Deadly Premonition Origins starting today!
  • Rogue Company: Introducing Rogue Company, a 5-v-5 online** shooter from Hi-Rez Studios. In this new IP, players can play against friends or instantly match up online with a similarly skilled team in a variety of objective-based modes. Mercenaries can be fully customized to match the player’s style. Rogue Company sneaks up to Nintendo Switch in 2020.
  • Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast: May the Force be with this Star Wars classic. Kyle Katarn, agent of the New Republic, is our only hope to stop a rogue Jedi. Get your lightsaber at the ready, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is coming to Nintendo Switch on Sept. 24.
  • DOOM 64: There are at least 64 reasons for fans to get excited about classic first-person shooter DOOM 64 coming to Nintendo Switch, with the ability to play it anywhere being one of them. DOOM 64 launches on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 22.
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition: As Geralt of Rivia, players have a massive world to explore at home or on the go. In this version of the game, all DLC and story expansions are along for the ride. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition comes to Nintendo Switch on Oct. 15.
  • Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection: Become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and then transform into the ultimate assassin hunter in Assassin’s Creed: Rogue. That’s two action-packed games from the award-winning Assassin’s Creed series for one great value! All past single-player DLC is included, as well as new features like touch control and motion aiming. Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection launches for Nintendo Switch on Dec. 6.
  • Dauntless: Battle for survival at the edge of a savage frontier in the online, free-to-play action-RPG Dauntless. Whether they’re a veteran looking to take slaying on the go, or a rookie ready to forge a legacy, players can craft hundreds of gear options and team up with others to take down boss-sized Behemoths. The Nintendo Switch version of Dauntless launches this year and features full cross-play, cross-compatibility and feature parity, so players on Nintendo Switch can join a global community millions strong and, for the first time ever, take their Slayers on the go.
  • Trials of Mana: A remastered version of this fantasy adventure will come to Nintendo Switch on April 24, 2020. This new version of the classic game features fully voiced characters and upgraded graphics. Players who want to play the original can enjoy it as part of the currently available Collection of Mana game for Nintendo Switch.
  • Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: In addition to playing classic multiplayer events with Mario, Sonic and all their friends, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 also features a single-player story mode, new minigames and 10 retro-style events. These new events are displayed in old-school 2D graphics, perfect for retro fans around the world. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 goes for the gold medal on Nov. 5.
  • New amiibo – Three new amiibo figures in the Super Smash Bros. series – Incineroar, Chrom and Simon Belmont – will launch in stores on Nov. 15.
  • NBA 2K20 – In two days (Sept. 6), players can take to the court in NBA 2K20 for Nintendo Switch.
  • The Outer Worlds – Explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter a host of factions all vying for power in The Outer Worlds, bounding to Nintendo Switch soon.
  • Just Dance 2020 – Bust a move to some of the hottest music hits today in Just Dance 2020, headed to Nintendo Switch on Nov. 5.
  • Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered – The critically acclaimed and fan-favorite RPG can be taken anywhere when it launches for Nintendo Switch on Sept. 20.
  • Devil May Cry 2 – Starring iconic video game character Dante, classic action game Devil May Cry 2 launches for Nintendo Switch on Sept. 19. Pre-purchase in Nintendo eShop starts today!
  • GRID Autosport – Vroom! The high-speed racing game GRID Autosport comes to Nintendo Switch on Sept. 19. Pre-purchase in Nintendo eShop starts today!
  • Vampyr – Players who have a thirst for … moody third-person action-RPGs are in for a bloody treat when Vampyr launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 29.
  • Call of Cthulhu – Answer the call in this survival horror RPG game when Call of Cthulhu launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 8.
  • Farming Simulator 20 – Hop on a tractor, bite on some straw and pick up a Nintendo Switch system. Farming Simulator 20 plants itself on Nintendo Switch this winter.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/.

*Persistent Internet and compatible smartphone required to use app. Data charges may apply. Nintendo Account age 13+ required. Smartphone app features available in compatible games. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

**Nintendo Account with paid Nintendo Switch Online Individual or Family Membership required. Offer not available for free trial holders. This controller is optional and not required to play the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online collection of games.

***Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode; sold separately.

****Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

Tetris ® & © 1985~2019 Tetris Holding.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.7 billion video games and more than 740 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™, Wii™ and Wii U™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo.com/.

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Team GP is back, baby! We’re playing games and healing kids with a 24 hour marathon for Extra Life 2018! Please catch our streams on game day Nov 3 starting at 8AM ET

Eugene: twitch.tv/gamerparent
Ryan: twitch.tv/zoso1701
Mikey: twitch.tv/e1mikey
Kai: twitch.tv/scapania

Yeah! Looking forward to a fantastic weekend!

extralife2018

Extra Life 2018 Broadcast ScheduleSaturday Nov 3th at 8:00AM ETIt's My Party and I'll Co-Op if I want to8:00AM - Warm Up with WiiU
10:00AM - Super Mario Party Switch

You Turned the Tables On Me1:00PM - Tabletop Time
2:00PM - Compounded
3:30PM - Pandemic

Hit Me With Your Best Shot5:00PM - Super Smash Bros WiiU
7:30PM - Puyo Puyo Tetris Challenge
9:00PM - Mario Kart Tournament

In the Still of the Night11:00PM - Octodad, Papers Please, Animation Throwdown, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Dirt3

Retro Sunday Hour7:00AM SNES Classic games
8:00AM Finish!

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Summer isn't over yet but we're looking ahead to the fall and the return of the Nintendo World Championships!

To qualify, make your way to one of 8 Best Buy locations scattered across the USA and just be the best. Be great again. At video games.

Press release follows:

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For 40 gold coins each, the HD and 3DS Pikmin Short Movies are available as a My Nintendo reward until 9/1/2017. It was an enjoyable 22 minutes of animation to watch with my children.

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Nintendo Download, March 9, 2017: A Week of Snipping and Blasting This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

 Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch

o Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! –Free Demo Version – Laugh-out-loud couch co-op, now with a free demo! In this action-puzzle game, paper pals Snip and Clip must cut each other up to overcome tricky obstacles… or just to laugh their heads off (sometimes literally). Partner up with friends or family to cut the heroes into the right shapes, interact with objects and solve a world of imaginative puzzles. Visit Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch console to download a free demo of this game today! (Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode; sold separately.)

o Blaster Master Zero – Blaster Master Zero is an 8-bit-style action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Using the original 1988 NES game Blaster Master from Sunsoft as a base, the new game introduces new areas and bosses, new gameplay elements such as extra sub-weapons, improved gameplay, a more robust scenario and expanded exploration mechanics.

 Virtual Console on Wii U

o Bomberman 64 – In the Adventure mode of this Nintendo 64 action game, guide Bomberman through 24 areas of perilous conflict. Battle sinister allies, destroy their bases and put an end to the insane attack. Play the multiplayer Battle mode for an endless supply of explosive action! (Additional accessories required for multiplayer mode; sold separately.)

Nintendo eShop sales:

 Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS

o Great deals this week include Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (Nintendo 3DS), Etrian Mystery Dungeon (Nintendo 3DS) and Turtle Tale (Nintendo 3DS and Wii U), plus several more! Check out the full list of deals on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U available this week at http://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.

Activities:

 Celebrate MAR10 Day with My Nintendo – To commemorate National Mario Day (or MAR10 Day), a selection of new Mario-related rewards will be added to My Nintendo on March 10. Check it out at https://my.nintendo.com/.

o 30 percent off the Mario Kart 8 game

o Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2 featuring Animal Crossing characters

o Two Mario-themed wallpapers for PC or smart device

Also new this week:

 ACA NEOGEO NAM-1975 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 ACA NEOGEO THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 ACA NEOGEO WAKU WAKU 7 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 ACA NEOGEO METAL SLUG 3 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 ACA NEOGEO WORLD HEROES PERFECT (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 ACA NEOGEO SHOCK TROOPERS (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 VOEZ (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)

 Frontier Days: Founding Pioneers (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

 Pink Dot Blue Dot (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

 Blaster Master Zero (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

 Mini Sports Collection (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

 Candy Hoarder (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)

 Blue-Collar Astronaut (Nintendo eShop on Wii U) – Available March 14

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Quick thoughts on the ARMS demo:

• game is fun, colourful, and surprisingly deep
• The controls are responsive and curving a punch mid throw is neat
• The pace is very methodical, I would wish for some faster fighters perhaps
• you can punch someone else's fist and it cancels it out
• the Joy-Con controllers tracked movements perfectly, they never went out of alignment or needed re-syncing
• they are small but comfortable in the hand

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Nintendo Switch Preview Event
Toronto, Canada
January 27, 2017

Nintendo brought the new Switch console to Toronto this weekend, in its only Canadian stop on the North American Tour. As in all the cities, the first two days of the event were by invitation only, and the third day was open to the public.

Attendees at the event were treated to multiple demos stations for the Nintendo Switch, with first party titles like The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, a Splatoon 2 demo, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Many third party games were also available to play, such as PuYoPuYo Tetris, Ultra Street Fighter II, and Disgaea 5.

Nintendo of Canada graciously gave me interview time with Julie Gagnon, Media Relations Lead, and I asked her about the Switch launch, and about some of the features that were revealed during the presentation on January 12 in Tokyo.

When I asked about the parental controls, and whether we would be able to set time limits on a per-child basis, rather than globally for the whole system, Gagnon revealed that we would be able to set up sub-accounts for each child, and that the time limits would be different for each account.

The decision to utilize a phone app for parental control settings, as well as for online voice chat, was one of convenience for the user, says Gagnon. "It's part of anyone's life now. For example the parental controls are very easy and fun to manage from your phone, so we wanted to integrate it in a very convenient way into people's lives as well. "

For more info on the Switch and its launch, please check out the video above, and go to www.nintendo.com/switch

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Select Game Content Available for Free; One-Time $9.99 Purchase Opens Full Game KYOTO, Japan, Nov. 15, 2016 – The first-ever mobile game featuring the most iconic video game hero of all time goes on sale for iPhone and iPad on Dec. 15 in United States time zones. Super Mario Run can be downloaded from the App Store at no cost, and players can try elements of the game’s three modes for free. Once the game has been downloaded, a one-time payment of $9.99 USD ($13.99 CDN) will grant unlimited access to each of the three modes in this release.

“The wait is almost over for a Super Mario game that can be played on mobile devices,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Developed under the direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, Super Mario Run brings a new take on the series’ beloved action-platforming gameplay to iPhone and iPad for the first time.”

Super Mario Run is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices running iOS 8.0 or later. Starting on Dec. 15, the game will launch in 151 countries and regions. Super Mario Run supports English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian and traditional Chinese language options.

Super Mario Run is the first Super Mario Bros. game developed specifically for mobile devices. In the game, Mario runs forward on his own, but relies on the tap of a single finger to jump over obstacles, avoid enemies, pull off stylish moves, collect coins and reach the flagpole to complete courses.

For more information about Super Mario Run or to pre-register for the game, visit https://supermariorun.com/en/index.html.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U™ and Wii™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 696 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

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From Nvidia: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/10/20/nintendo-switch/

Nintendo Switch is powered by the performance of the custom Tegra processor. The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards.

The Nintendo Switch’s gaming experience is also supported by fully custom software, including a revamped physics engine, new libraries, advanced game tools and libraries. NVIDIA additionally created new gaming APIs to fully harness this performance. The newest API, NVN, was built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses.

Gameplay is further enhanced by hardware-accelerated video playback and custom software for audio effects and rendering.

We’ve optimized the full suite of hardware and software for gaming and mobile use cases. This includes custom operating system integration with the GPU to increase both performance and efficiency.

NVIDIA gaming technology is integrated into all aspects of the new Nintendo Switch home gaming system, which promises to deliver a great experience to gamers.

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Press Release

2016-10-20

Nintendo Switch World Premiere Demonstrates New Entertainment Experiences from a Home Gaming SystemDetachable Controllers Reinvent Gaming REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 20, 2016 – In an introductory video released today (http://www.nintendo.com/switch), Nintendo provided the first glimpse of its new home gaming system and revealed that it is called Nintendo Switch. In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system to enable unprecedented new video game play styles.

At home, Nintendo Switch rests in the Nintendo Switch Dock that connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your living room. By simply lifting Nintendo Switch from the dock, the system will instantly transition to portable mode, and the same great gaming experience that was being enjoyed at home now travels with you. The portability of Nintendo Switch is enhanced by its bright high-definition display. It brings the full home gaming system experience with you to the park, on an airplane, in a car, or to a friend’s apartment.

Gaming springs into action by removing detachable Joy-Con controllers from either side of Nintendo Switch. One player can use a Joy-Con controller in each hand; two players can each take one; or multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options. They can easily click back into place or be slipped into a Joy-Con Grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, if preferred, the gamer can select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers. Furthermore, it is possible for numerous people to bring their Nintendo Switch systems together to enjoy local multiplayer face-to-face competition.

“Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO, Nintendo of America. “It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.”

Developers can design their games supporting a variety of play styles, which gives gamers the freedom to choose an experience that best suits them. Some of the publishers, developers and middleware partners announcing support for Nintendo Switch are as follows:

• 505 Games
• Activision Publishing, Inc.
• ARC SYSTEM WORKS Co., Ltd.
• ATLUS CO., LTD.
• Audiokinetic Inc.
• Autodesk, Inc.
• BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
• Bethesda
• CAPCOM CO., LTD.
• Codemasters®
• CRI Middleware Co., Ltd.
• DeNA Co., Ltd.
• Electronic Arts
• Epic Games Inc.
• Firelight Technologies
• FromSoftware, Inc.
• Frozenbyte
• GameTrust
• GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC．
• Gungho Online Entertainment, Inc.
• HAMSTER Corporation
• Havok
• INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
• KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
• Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
• LEVEL-5 Inc.
• Marvelous Inc.
• Maximum Games, LLC
• Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
• Parity Bit Inc.
• PlatinumGames Inc.
• RAD Game Tools, Inc.
• RecoChoku Co., Ltd.
• SEGA Games Co., Ltd.
• Silicon Studio Corporation
• Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
• SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
• Starbreeze Studios
• Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
• Telltale Games
• THQ Nordic
• Tokyo RPG Factory Co., Ltd.
• TT Games
• UBISOFT
• Ubitus Inc.
• Unity Technologies, Inc.
• Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Web Technology Corp

Today’s video incorporated short glimpses of representative gameplay to demonstrate the liberating nature of the Nintendo Switch home gaming system. Full game demonstrations, the list of launch window titles, as well as launch date, price, product configuration and related specifics, will be shown and announced prior to the March launch.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U™ and Wii™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 693 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

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Introducing Nintendo Switch! In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system to enable unprecedented new video game play styles.

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This is the Circle with Disney. It's a cool internet monitoring and parental control device that lets you set time limits on internet, monitor app usage, and so on. I've been on the lookout for something to allow me to control access to the internet in a more finely tuned way than what my dlink router offers me.

Doing some Googling led me to the Circle. Originally a failed kickstarter, now offered in partnership with Disney (way to go, people!) the Circle is, despite its name, a white cube that connects to your wifi and lets you do all that parental stuff. I was blown away by a review, and looking at the features on the Circle site itself, it looked like the perfect device for what I need.

Only downside, you can't order it from the US to ship to Canada. And the iOS app that's needed to set it up is only available on the US iTunes store. So to get this thing working up here I'd have to ship it to a US address, pick it up or have someone travelling bring it back with them, and also set up a US iTunes account in order to get the app. A little too much work for me right now, as I'm in the middle of moving house.

And then today, I decide to try searching for Circle on the best buy canada site, and lo and behold, it's available for pre-order! Shipping September 15th, it looks like Circle is indeed coming to Canada! I'm hoping that the iOS app will be available in the Canadian iTunes store on that day as well.

I'll report back when I get it set up. - E

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Mini Collector’s Edition NES Includes 30 Classic NES GamesVANCOUVER, B.C., July 14, 2016 – If you see a Nintendo Entertainment System on store shelves this holiday shopping season, you haven’t entered a time machine. (Unless everyone around you is wearing acid-washed jeans and neon leg warmers. If that’s the case, you may have unknowingly walked through a rift in the space-time continuum.) The most likely scenario is you are setting eyes on the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition, launching in stores on Nov. 11 at a suggested retail price of $79.99. That’s right: The NES is back! But this isn’t the same NES that you fondly remember. This new nostalgia-fueled system is a near-identical, mini replica of Nintendo’s original home console and plugs directly into your high-definition TV using an included HDMI cable. The console comes complete with 30 NES games built in, including beloved classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, PAC-MAN, and Kirby’s Adventure.

“We wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo’s original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place,” said Pierre-Paul Trepanier, Nintendo of Canada’s General Manager and Senior Director. “The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is ideal for anyone who remembers playing the NES, or who wants to pass on those nostalgic memories to the next generation of gamers.”

The system comes packaged with an HDMI cable, an AC adapter, and one NES Classic Controller, which is patterned after the iconic design of the original NES controller. But you really just want to know the full list of 30 games, right? Feast your eyes on the fantastic collection of NES classics included with each and every system:

· Balloon Fight™

· BUBBLE BOBBLE

· Castlevania™

· Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest™

· Donkey Kong™

· Donkey Kong Jr. ™

· DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE

· Dr. Mario™

· Excitebike™

· FINAL FANTASY®

· Galaga™

· GHOSTS’N GOBLINS®

· GRADIUS™

· Ice Climber™

· Kid Icarus™

· Kirby’s Adventure™

· Mario Bros. ™

· MEGA MAN® 2

· Metroid™

· NINJA GAIDEN

· PAC-MAN™

· Punch-Out!! ™ Featuring Mr. Dream

· StarTropics™

· SUPER C™

· Super Mario Bros.™

· Super Mario Bros. ™ 2

· Super Mario Bros. ™ 3

· TECMO BOWL

· The Legend of Zelda™

· Zelda II: The Adventure of Link™

There’s a little something for everyone: a nice mix of timeless favorites, cult classics, and maybe even some games that you never got around to playing. Each is sure to bring back memories and produce plenty of new ones. You can even enjoy playing several of these games with two players by attaching a second NES Classic Controller, which will be sold separately at a suggested retail price of $12.99. A Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro can also be used (each sold separately).

When connected to a Wii Remote controller, the NES Classic Controller can also be used to play Virtual Console NES games on a Wii U or Wii system. Playing these retro games using a retro controller makes the experience that much more authentic. And if you ever need to step away from the NES Classic Edition in the middle of a tough level (or take a break to call one of Nintendo’s helpful Game Counselors*), don’t worry about losing any hard-earned progress. Each game has multiple suspend points, so you can start where you left off at a later time, no passwords needed.

What’s old is new again with the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition. Relive past glories. Finish off that boss you never beat. Save the galaxy and rescue the princess!

*Please only call if you have indeed entered a time machine. The Game Counselor program no longer exists in 2016.

© Nintendo.

© ARC SYSTEM WORKS

© BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

© CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved.

© Konami Digital Entertainment

© SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

© TAITO CORPORATION 1986, 2008 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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by Ryan Thompson

After 5 hours of arranging organisms in three biomes I had created, I was confident in recommending Tyto Ecology to my science students. Tyto Ecology is 6.99 on Steam and Free on iOS (iPad only).

Lindsey Tropf is a repeat guest of the Magic Hour Show Podcast, show number 5 and 10, respectively. She is the founder and CEO of Immersed Games, developer of Tyto Ecology. I received a code for the Steam version of the game from her.

Not dead yet! Yay!

Tyto Ecology is an ecosystem creation simulator. I took interest in the game because of my role as an elementary science teacher. I’ve spent my time with the game building rainforest, grassland, and desert biomes. I’ve placed giant Kapok trees and small varieties of grasses and shrubbery. Animals have been summoned forth into these habitats at my whim, and died slow, painful deaths from starvation. Some have survived, and the health of my ecosystems have stayed fairly high, but having insectivores in an environment with only a poisonous insect for food… doesn’t work so well.

The game prioritizes simplicity over micro-management. Dropping plants and animals in the environment creates groups or territories for the organisms. You won’t be able to place a single bobcat wherever you want; you choose its territory. Some players might miss the level of control this takes away from the players. You’ll spend less time figuring out exactly where to place that one mushroom, instead choosing its circle of influence. This level of simplicity makes the game more accessible in primary and secondary classrooms, as placement of organisms doesn’t require precision.

Sparing specifics of the Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org), Tyto Ecology nestles itself neatly within my science curriculum. Most obviously, the game provides an interactive way to lead to the understanding that organisms survive well in some environments, but not in others. However, since one can’t (yet) place a cactus in a tropical rainforest, or a polar bear in a desert, extremes of organisms in the wrong environment aren’t something that can be played with. Adaptations help animals survive, and some plants and animals are just better suited for survival. You’ll find tough, hearty species that can only be eaten by very specific animals (or, like the badger, species that can eat just about anything).

The strongest concept covered is that animals, plants and other organisms interact within ecosystems and these relationships can affect the survival of multiple species. Organisms that will interact with each other are clearly shown each time a plant or animal is placed in the environment. In my initial sessions, I was very content to see that I had herbivores interacting with plants, and carnivores interacting with herbivores. My quick contentment resulted in animals dying, in animations that aren’t frightening for children of any age. It was time for me to consult the biodex.

I really appreciate the biodex in Tyto Ecology. A quick-click of its page icon provides information on each organism in the game, and a glossary of terms that might help the player understand what’s happening in their ecosystem. Reading the biodex taught me that the ants I had so kindly offered to my insectivores were poisonous. It helped me discover which plants possess the best leaves or fruits for herbivores, which are used for shelter, and which are very attractive to pollinators – who will be more attractive to my insectivores than poisonous ants, for sure. The biodex is great for educational purposes, as it bristles with real-world facts, and becomes required reading to ensure balanced and appropriate interactions in your ecosystems.

There are two forms of energy currency for use in the game – Impact Points and Tyto Coins. Impact Points are required to place animals and plants in the environment. Tyto Coins are used to unlock organisms and purchase Impact Points. Should you find yourself in an environmental emergency, you can exchange your coins for points to quickly (hopefully) balance your ecosystem. These currencies could be a conceit for the iPad version of the game, as they encourage revisiting the game once your points have recharged. For the classroom, the limitation on how much can be done in one play session is a strength. This encourages small changes in the environment. I would suggest to students that they are attempting to engineer the perfect environment. Limiting the amount of changes that can be made in a session will help students to determine what’s working, what isn’t, and how to improve their ecosystems. Suddenly, Tyto Ecology is also connecting to the engineering design process.

If you’re looking for a large-scale, micromanagement zoo simulator, I don’t think Tyto Ecology is for you. The game does feel like a more casual experience. Some gameplay sessions were an hour, as I spent time in each of my three biomes. Others were just a few minutes, as I checked on my animal populations, read a few biodex entries, and placed a few new animal territories (and hoping these would outlive the last). Once more, this flexibility is strength in the classroom. Perhaps this is a beginning of period exercise, or a 15-minute reading center, or a quick reward for a class session well done. Alternatively, the game could be an entire lesson, effectively including reading, engineering, and science skills.

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Monster Hunter Generations for 3DS

The Western release of Monster Hunter X, dubbed "Generations", is set for July 15th, according to Capcom today. There will also be a special edition new 3DS XL with a blue Monster Hunter theme as well.

Day one purchase for me, what about you?

Limited Edition new 3DS XL Monster Hunter Generations theme

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Andy Robertson of Family Gamer TV interviews Iain Simons, director of the National Video Game Arcade in Nottingham, England.

The National Video Game Arcade (NVA) is one year old. We talk to director Iain Simons about it's challenges and successes along with the upcoming Continue Conference and Game City Prize 2016. Here are some quotes from the interview: "It always struck me as very strange how poor the game establishment was at participating in culture.

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Hey Capcom, you got some Okami in my Monster Hunter... and it's so cool!

2016 is Okami 10th birthday! ‪#‎HappyBirthday‬ Okami and welcome to Monster Hunter Generations! Turn your Felyne into a celestial beast with this Okami outfit! Catch CATCOM, PANCAKE and WAFFLE on stream here: https://www.twitch.tv/monsterhunter_eu/profile MH channels: 'Like' on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/monsterhunter Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/monsterhunter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 'Like' on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/capcomUK Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/Capcom_UK ©CAPCOM CO., LTD.

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Be a Hero in Star Fox Zero!Hop Into the Pilot’s Seat for an Intense Space Adventure in Star Fox Zero for Wii UREDMOND, Wash., April 22, 2016 – ALERT! ALERT! This is not a drill! The galaxy as we know it is in jeopardy! The evil Andross has taken over the Lylat System and only you and the Star Fox crew can stop them! The Star Fox Zero game is now available exclusively for Wii U consoles, so pin on your pilot wings and dry clean your flight suit – it’s time to report for duty in this action-packed interplanetary adventure.

The Star Fox series makes its Wii U debut in Star Fox Zero, once again reuniting leader Fox McCloud with his memorable team composed of hotshot Falco Lombardi, reliable Peppy Hare and engineer Slippy Toad. For this new adventure, you take on the role of Fox McCloud as he pilots multiple transforming vehicles using a unique control scheme that lets you shoot in one direction while flying in another. Star Fox Zero is the first game in the series to employ independent controls for flying and aiming your lasers. By looking at the TV to identify your target and using the motion controls on the Wii U GamePad controller to aim and shoot with precision, the game lets players feel like they are right in the pilot’s seat, especially when using the game’s “3D Voice” feature to hear squad-mate audio directly from the GamePad.

“Star Fox Zero is a game that’s only possible through the second-screen experience of the Wii U GamePad,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Many video game fans have experienced the Star Fox series through the years, but never with this level of full-throttle action.”

Co-created by Nintendo and PlatinumGames, developers of the Bayonetta series,Star Fox Zero provides the planet-hopping action that fans have come to love, while introducing new vehicles, missions and a unique control scheme. In addition to flying the now-iconic Arwing vehicle, you can also pilot the ground-based Landmaster Tank and new GyroWing, a hovering drone ideal for stealth-based missions. The Arwing can also transform into the bipedal Walker, allowing for further exploration in the game’s varied levels.

The levels in Star Fox Zero aren’t just about going from point A to point B. Many of the game’s gorgeous locales contain secret exits and hidden collectibles, inviting you to retry missions to discover everything. Just like previous Star Fox games, exploring and discovering new things is part of the fun. By using your stellar piloting skills, you can destroy as many enemies as possible to try to get the highest score. You can even have another player sync up a Wii U Pro controller or Wii Remote controller and Nunchuk (sold separately) and assist in missions by flying the Arwing while you aim and shoot using the motion controls of the GamePad to take out even more enemies.

Star Fox fans are in for a special treat by tapping a Fox or Falco amiibo figure (sold separately). Tapping the Super Smash Bros. series Fox amiibo replaces the normal Arwing with a low-polygon Retro Arwing from the Super Nintendo days (complete with retro music for Corneria). Tapping the Falco amiibo unlocks a special Black Arwing: a high-powered spacecraft created for brave pilots willing to fly with very little shielding.

Every retail version of Star Fox Zero also comes with the Star Fox Guard game on a second disc. This fun and frantic game finds you defending a mining facility owned by Grippy Toad (Slippy’s uncle) from waves of enemy robots using the second screen on the Wii U GamePad controller. A full-fledged Star Fox experience in its own right, Star Fox Guard features 100 stages for players to take on, and also allows players to create and share their own challenges with other players online.

Barrel roll into this unforgettable adventure by purchasing the game in stores at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Star Fox Guard is included in every physical version of Star Fox Zero. Both Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard can also by purchased digitally in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or at Nintendo.com for $49.99 and $14.99, respectively. If you purchase the digital version of either game separately, you will receive an automatic discount of $4.99 through Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop upon purchase of the other game.

To learn more about the characters and story of Star Fox Zero, you can view theStar Fox Zero: The Battle Begins animated short athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA2-0nTxaGg. Created in partnership with Shigeru Miyamoto, Production I.G and WIT STUDIO, the short explores the backstory behind the game and its first level, Corneria.

For more information about Star Fox Zero, visit http://starfoxzero.nintendo.com/.

Remember that Wii U features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visithttp://www.nintendo.com/wiiu.