Nintendo 3DS game sales double thanks to Pokémon GO

Think of it as the halo effect of Pokémon GO. Nintendo is enjoying increased games sales for its 3DS handheld thanks to the insane popularity of Pokémon GO.

Shipments of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, games for the 3DS handheld device, have more than doubled in Japan since the Pokemon smartphone app debuted in early July, according to data from gaming magazine Famitsu. These games have been available since 2014 but are now enjoying renewed popularity thanks to Pokémon GO.

Click to read more ...

Pokémon Go Officially Launches in Canada

It may feel like we've been waiting a loooong time for Pokémon Go App to officially launch here but we've received word that it's now available for Canadians. Since it's launch July 6 in the US, Australia and New Zealand, Niantic has been rolling out the game worldwide. But yes, the curious and eager Pokémon fans here were quick to find ways to get in on all the action earlier like setting up alternative Apple ID in the US. But fret no more my patient fellow Canadians... It's go time!

The free download is now available from both the App store and Google Play Stores. Did you know it's also the 20th anniversary of Pokémon? Watch for the launch of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon - games to be released for Nintendo 3DS on November 18, 2016. 

Click to read more ...

UPDATE: ‘Pokémon GO’ reportedly goes live on Android & iOS in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, & Japan

Following closed beta tests, it seems the new Pokémon GO is now live on Android (no updates yet for iOS). But reports have surfaced that it currently only works in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Nintendo's augmented reality-based game has been made in collaboration with Niantic Labs and allows you to collect, train, and battle Pokémon in the real world. It’s a free-to-play game with in-app purchase options as well as a Bluetooth accessory that’ll alert you of Pokémon and let you capture them without bringing out your phone. It may not show up for you yet but with this bit of news swirling around, you should expect to have the app ready for your phone in no time.

Source: 9to5Google + Android Central + Fev Games + GameSpot

UPDATE (as of 9:49 p.m. EDT):

The game is now also live on iOS in the same areas and it's also already available in Japan as well.

Source: Nintendo Insider

Nintendo launches Miitomo App for smart devices

By Sonya Davidson

There's a new way to add Nintendo to your day. Nintendo just launched Miitomo, the company's first ever smart device app, in Canada and other countries. Currently free, the app offers users a new way of socializing with friends and family using Mii characters. 

Teasers were noticed the last couple of days leading up to the Canadian launch allowing people to pre-register on their devices. A notification will be sent to let those registered know when the app goes live today. Users can create a customized characters with features like eyes and hair as well as voice and personality. There is also the option to take a photo which can be used to create a character. Mii Characters can also be imported from their Wii U or Nintendo 3DS systems.

Click to read more ...