"Man is a gaming animal. He must always be trying to get the better in something or other."

If you are a regular reader of the blog then you will know how I feel about Nintendo and the effects they have had on my life over the years. It's all about the handheld gaming for me and my 3ds has become a permanent fixture during my week. Handheld gaming fits in with my lifestyle, those quiet moments with Opeie asleep in the car, a relaxing hour in bath and even linking up with the boys 2ds' for a bit of multiplayer fun. Mrs M is always saying how many of the consoles she sees on the train in the morning going to work so it's clear that Nintendo's handheld consoles are as always on the up.

The 3ds offers great games with crisp clear graphics and we have been lucky enough to have been able to review many great titles over the last few months, but what else does the console have to offer?

I've mentioned it before but the great thing about the 3ds system is that even if you didn't buy a game straight away you could keep yourself entertained for months solely on the software that comes installed. My favourite accessory on the console is street pass. A way of connecting with other gamers, street pass gives you a way of making friends on the streets just by walking by with your console in Sleep mode. It's safe and the only information that is received is a Mii character, name and a life achievement that you chose from a list when registering. That probably doesn't sound that interesting at first but it's what you can do with your street pass friends that makes this software so addictive. There are street pass games installed but also the option to buy other games and with every gamer passed in the street you have another player to use on your gaming adventures.

The console also has another similar wireless software (Nintendo Zone) that picks up and sends you Nintendo information and news in certain areas while you are out and about. Kind of like what the mobile networks do bit rather than random rubbish it is all Nintendo based.

When it comes to the 3d side of things then there are some games that need to be played in 3d. Personally though I still tend to play many of my games in 2d. The console has a few games installed though that are quite simple but really show the possibilities of what the 3d screen can do. Face raiders is a game based around your own face, you use the consoles camera (front or back) to photograph your face or someone elses and then you are transformed into moving targets to shoot at, The consoles also come with a pack of cards to be used on the Augmented Reality software which is something a little different and really makes the most of the 3d side of the console.

If you have friends or family that also have a 3ds/2ds console and they are registered then you can use the Nintendo Letter box software to send each other letters to stay in contact using streetpass. this can now include photos too.

 A few months back i wrote a post about creating Mii characters (click here to read more), despite having lots of games to play creating Mii's is one of the boys favourite things to do and can keep them entertained on long car journeys.

If playing with Music or photographs are your thing then you could have so much fun playing with Nintendo 3ds sound or Camera, Nintendo have come a long way since their original GBA Camera and printer (although i did have a lot of fun with mine when i was younger). With plenty of creative options to make your own personalised sounds, pictures and videos you can let your creative side run wild and again this is all software that comes installed on your system.

There is so much more going on with this console and it seems that the more that you play the more fun you find. If gaming is your thing then for me being such a huge fan of Nintendo and the games and software that they have to offer there really is nothing better. With so much going on installed on the console it has been perfect for entertaining the boys on long car journeys or anywhere where there may be some waiting.

In the next couple of months we'll be writing a 'Top toys for Christmas' post but I'm sure its quite clear that the Nintendo 3ds family will be right up there at the top. 

Nintendo: Kirby Planet Robobot for 3ds

While visiting my friend Steve a few weeks ago, we got on to the conversation of gaming. Steve is the chap I built the LEGO arcade with and we have both been huge gaming fans so at some point when we see each other that topic will pop up. As we were chatting I was explaining about my life long love of Nintendo and the impact the games had had on my childhood growing up. I was really shocked when he said 'I never really got Nintendo, they keep using the same characters over and over!'. This, is of course, true! but for myself and probably a huge amount of Nintendo enthusiasts, this only adds to the magic of them as a gaming platform. By playing the various games you build a relationship with the characters. I remember defeating Koopa for the first time, watching that floor disappear beneath him, which was around 24 years ago and I have followed the plumbers escapades ever since. Mario, Link, Samus, the Pokemon and all their Nintendo buddies have had a pretty lengthy career and although Mario has had many reincarnations over more than two decades, each game I play takes me right back to that moment as a child. I really have grown up with Nintendo.

Kirby is right up there on that list. There have been a few titles from Kirby's back catalogue that I haven't played but I do remember playing Kirby's adventure when I was around 13, as well as many of the other titles and there was something really addictive about that cute, round, pink character and the way he sucked up the baddies to take on their abilities. Kirby is another of Nintendo's iconic platform characters and what has always stuck out to me (as with most of Nintendo's games) is that the games are suitable for all ages.

Kirby: Planet Robobot for the 3ds is the latest instalment from the ever growing Kirby franchise of games. This new Kirby though, (although still cute), has definitely upped his game (nice pun there!) with the awesome addition of robot Mech suits throughout the levels. Kirby can still inhale his enemies taking on their powers and abilities but he has the added fun of mech suits which have him lifting heavy objects and smashing through walls to protect his beloved home planet Pop Star. The Mech suits aren't just for destroying everything in its path, they can also be used to scan enemies throughout the game to take on their personas, plus there are new abilities which are a great addition to the game play, Doctor, Poison and ESP.

Aside from the main story there are also 2 other modes that can be played, Team Kirby clash is a multiplayer game (up to 4 players) where the team works together to take down larger enemies and Kirby 3D Rumble is a solo game where you have to defeat waves of bad guys to progress through the levels. 

The boys have always been interested in the things that fuelled my childhood and being able to introduce Kirby to them too has been great. Nintendo meant so much to me growing up so being able to share that with the boys has been really interesting and I hope that the boys enjoy following the lives of their favourite characters too. Seth is there already when it comes to his love of Pokemon. Sun and Moon is released later this year which is definitely on his list of future games to play and I can't wait to get stuck into it with him.

"Imagine a world where everyone is really a change maker."

It's 23ish years ago, I'm around 12 years old and ridiculously excited about the release of Super Mario bros 3 on the Super Nintendo. Ever since my mom bought me and my sisters a NES when it was released and I first picked up that grey rectangle game pad I was hooked. Nintendo quickly became a huge part of my life and around that time my gaming experience was amazing. My mom was a big Tetris and Dr Mario fan and really embraced the whole gaming thing by taking us to our local toy store to buy us a game most months if me and my sisters had been good.

Its been an ongoing thing for many many years and the only Nintendo console we've not owned yet is the New 3ds (but Ive got my eye on an XL and there is plenty of time to sort that out). Back to the current day and in 2015 not a lot has changed. Despite being 35, I still adore Nintendo, they shaped a huge chunk of my development. What has changed though is the two miniature versions of myself that I had molded over the years are now the ones anticipating the release of a Mario game and there excitement really puts a huge smile on my face as it takes me right back.

For months now Seth and Opeie have been talking about Super Mario Maker, they have watched Youtube video's and live reviews and were both desperate to get stuck in. I didn't tell Seth last week that it had arrived, so when he came home from school and saw the game sent by Nintendo to review the excitement nearly brought him to tears (this was me, many years ago).

From the moment the Super Mario Maker title screen came up we were all hooked, the game is amazing on so many levels. For an aging Nintendo enthusiast such as myself, being able to remake the original Super Mario Bros, which was my first ever Nintendo game (on a joint cartridge with Duck hunt) is like a dream come true, but to be able to flip the level you are making to a Super Mario Bros 3 style or Mario world with just one click is truly a triumph.

With a huge range of accessories that span over the Super Mario back catalogue to add in to each of your creations, all you need to do to unlock them all is keep creating and eventually you are rewarded with more fun items to include in your ever growing custom levels. The great thing about Super Mario Maker is that it appeals to literally any age group which makes it the perfect family game. You can make the levels as easy or as difficult as you like. When it comes to my boys, they love creating ridiculously difficult levels with lots of bosses and awkward bad guys (piled up on top of each other), jumps that you can only just make and moving platforms that don't quite go as far as they are supposed to.

Not in a creative mood? then there's no need to worry because after you have created a course you can save it and upload it for other gamers to play worldwide in the 'Course World' section of the game and there are an endless amount of levels available to play created by fans, some of them are truly amazing. This is a game unlike any other I have played, we've only been playing three days and we cant wait to have unlocked all the extras. The only thing holding you back on this game would be your imagination.

If you are feeling up to a challenge there is the 100 Mario Challenge or if thats too easy the 10 Mario challenge where you have to complete a number of custom levels with limited lives.

 This game really has something for everyone and I can see Super Mario Maker being huge over Christmas as its the perfect game for sitting home with your family. 

If the game isn't exciting enough, its that mustachioed super plumbers 30th birthday and to celebrate Nintendo have made this awesome Amiibo. The game is really exciting as it is, but being able to add in new characters with the Amiibo's really adds to the fun. 

Super Mario Maker gets a HUGE thumbs up from us but there's no surprise there, For us, Nintendo continue to be the dominating force in the gaming world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIO!!!!

"oh wow techno fear it's happening again, all the machinerys ganging up on me"

Its coming to that time of year again, when a good percentage of us parents go into panic mode about what to get our adorable little ones for Christmas hoping that Santa really has been taking notice of what our little ones are interested in throughout the year. As always electronic toys and gadgets are increasingly popular with children and the adult market is huge too (Mrs M is always telling me how many Nintendo consoles she sees during her morning commute). I imagine this time of year consoles and games are big business. I'm a Nintendo guy through and through and have been since the release of the NES many years ago. I've grown with them as a company so I am always excited when there is an awesome game promotion going on.

Clearly Nintendo is fully aware of the stresses and strains of Christmas shopping and has come up with a great Winter promotion giving you the chance to download one of the latest 3DS games for free, yes FREE! (and they are all great games). To do this all you need to do is register your Console (3ds/2ds) with Club Nintendo along with one of 3 3ds games, Super smash bros, Pokemon Omega Ruby or Pokemon Alpha Sapphire (original or limited edition Steelbook). 

Once you have your product Pin numbers to hand All you need to do is register them through the site (be aware that if you have bought either second had the product pin may not work). Once your products are registered all you need to do is Log into your Club Nintendo account 24 hours later and request your download code by clicking on the free game promotional banner. There is a great selection on games to choose from.

I was chatting to a parent while picking Seth up from school last week, and I was trying to explain the promotion (as I was really impressed by it). She told me she wasn't great with computers;, etc. and I thought 'i wonder how many people are going to miss out on this?' I know for some of us parents, knowing what to do with these consoles can be a little daunting, but this promotion is so awesome i thought id make the whole process a little easier with a step by step guide. Everybody needs a free Nintendo game in their life, plus this time of year shopping costs can really add up, Especially if a console is topping your child's Christmas list. Having a FREE installed game ready to go on the big day could take the edge off.

So you've got your new console and game, or maybe you haven't registered the ones you have, As I said now is the best time. Once you have gone through the set up process on the console its time to make the most of the winter promotion.

Step 1: Create an account on www. club-nintendo.com and then click to register your products...

Your product Pin can be found here (and you will find these inside all new Nintendo Software and Hardware):

Once you have entered the 16 character code into this page...

 All you need to do then is complete a short survey about your gaming preferences and where you heard about the products, etc and your console or game will be registered. You will also receive your stars that can be saved and used to buy fun items from the stars catalogue.

Once your Console and software are registered you need to leave it 24 hours before signing back into your account to choose the free game you would like using the promotional banner.

I don't want to sway you in your gaming decisions but i can strongly recommend Yoshi's new island and also Pokemon Art academy. If you don't believe me check out my art work (i know, i know, artistic genius).

You don't want to miss out on this great winter promotion and I hope I have made the whole process a little easier for you. If you are having problems though and have stumbled across this post on the verge of tearing your hair out, then drop me an email in the top left corner of the blog and i will guide you through it.

Thanks for reading and happy gaming.

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."

It seems that the boys have gone Super Mario crazy recently and the DS's have been out a little more than usual. I believe that as long as gaming is done in moderation there is nothing wrong with it, and can be quite beneficial to their development,  despite some of the bad press it gets on parenting forums etc. 

The consoles have been great for many years  keeping Seth motivated during his physio, it's our time together to play with no interruptions, he looks forward to doing his Physio because he knows he gets to play his favorite games! When Seth was sent the new 2DS from  Nintendo,  I was really excited to give it a go too, I'm a big kid and  being the life long Nintendo fan that I am, I was super excited!!!!! 

 I'll be honest though I wasn't expecting to like it as much as the DSi and when it arrived my initial views were mixed. Seth knew he was going to love it as he'd seen it online and wasn't disappointed when it arrived. The thing I love about having new products for the boys to try, is that the opinions are raw, they don't value or judge things on how much they cost, if they're sought after or rare. They know when a products good, based on the entertainment it bring, how it inspires their imagination, or simply the curiosity and excitement that happens when playing- this is how Seth explained the 2DS

" It just makes me happy, it makes he feel like I'm inside the game playing with the Characters and makes me forget about my Physio, it's easy to hold and it's just the best console I've played with"

What I was concerned about for Seth's game play was the shape of the console, the spacing of the buttons and how the weight is at the top of the console rather than the bottom. Concerned because of Seths muscle limitations and his limited grip, i also thought because of the weight and shape it may make his hands feel uncomfortable. Clearly my concerns were unneeded. What surprised me was that Seth finds playing on the 2ds a lot more comfortable on his hands- which is great. The slim design and heaviness at the top means that he can grip the console tighter.

I've said it many times but I have a lot to thank Nintendo for over the years, as a kid myself I remember having so much fun with my Nintendo Game boy.  Now I'm a 'grown up' they are continuing to make a lasting impression on me with the quality quiet time I spend,  just  me and the boys.
 When we are stuck in the house on cold wet days, we've read lots of books, done Play-doh, painting,  science experiments it's nice to know we can have quiet time and sit down and play Nintendo.
Sometimes Seth is content doing his physio no questions asked, so he can have his own game time. He will ask me  play multi player, which is lovely too, it's nice having diversity to with Nintendo products, there is so much scope for their usage which I've wrote about before, traveling, holidays etc.

The introduction of the 2ds is making it increasing clear that i need that 3ds xl that I've been pining after for so long as Seth wants a team mate for Lego Marvel as my Nintendo Dsi is about 5 years old now, and can't keep up now with Seth's fancy one.

In answer to some of the emails ( there have been many, thanks to the other Nintendo geeks among us, haha!)  I have received recenly,  as soon as a 3Ds is in my possession I will give a full break down of the differences between to the models, as  I'll be interested to see for myself also. Watch this space my geeky friends!

"I think every player should think that he's a difference maker."

As a gamer that spends most of my game time on a handheld console, it can be frustrating when I get into a game on our Wii U and don't have the time to sit and play for extended periods of time. Being able to take the 3ds about with me is a lot more convenient. There have been some amazing Wii U releases this year and many of them I have wished could be somehow moved to the 3ds so I could fit them into the times I can actually dedicate to playing. It's this frustration that is getting me so excited about the Nintendo Switch, I love the idea of being able to continue a game I am playing on the go and I cannot wait to give the console a try in 2017.

Until that is possible though I spend my time hoping that the games I love will be moved to a handheld platform. Recently I've been in luck (Twice). Since reviewing Super Mario Maker back in September it instantly became my favourite Nintendo release of this year and inevitably made its way to the top of my top 5 Nintendo Christmas List. Super Mario Maker has taken those Mario games many of us have grown up with and given the Nintendo gaming world the chance to design custom levels to share with people all over the world. This is what I have always loved about Nintendo, for me, they are at the peak of games design.

When I first read that they would be creating Mario Maker for the 3ds I was so excited and couldn't wait to get stuck in. There are some really creative levels that have been designed and I love seeing what people have come up with, The boys and I really enjoy making almost impossible levels for each other to tackle and the game has sparked some serious competition in our house.

I was actually expecting the 3ds version of the game to be really limited, but there is just as much going on. The only negative I have found and its nothing to do with the actual game, is that you obviously need to be connected to the internet to enter the course world and play other gamers levels. That being said though, as I sat outside Seth's school with the game on, I clicked on 'Mario Challenge' and I have become obsessed! At first glance, these not very challenging levels look simple to complete but when you add things in like not being able to use the left button or only being able to destroy certain bad guys, the levels become not only difficult but very very addictive.

Seth has asked for Super Mario Maker for Christmas and has refused to play this until then. With the option of being able to design levels and send them to each other, I've got a feeling we are going to be in for a pretty eventful Christmas day.

I did mention earlier in the post that there has been two occasions where a game I love has had the WiiU to 3DS cross-over, The second is coming soon. I cannot wait to get my hands on another of my favourite games in 2017 when Nintendo also release that 3DS version of Yoshi's Woolly World, Poochy and Yoshi's Woolly World. 2017 is going to be huge for Nintendo and I'm excited to be a part of it.