New Trailer - New Super Mario Bros 2

A new 'New SMB2' trailer was uploaded to YouTube today.  Overall the website and information we've seen has basically stayed the same, though several items were new to me.  Catch the video after the break for more details:

New Super Mario Bros 2 eShop Price

 You've heard it here first.....  or maybe not, but if you haven't read elsewhere it appears that New SMB2 will be priced at $39.99 as a digital download on the eShop.

**7/8 Update:  It now has TBD on the eShop. **

Iwata has stated that there wouldn't be much of a difference between digital and retail and now we see there's no difference.  Oh wait, that's right, I pre-ordered the retail version for $29.99.

I'm trying to not be too pessimistic, but I hope the digital sales are in good numbers and don't turn Nintendo away from continuing their efforts.  I can hear it now:  well, we offered the same game in digital form and retail continued to dominate.  Of course it did guys.  There has to be a balance of convenience vs price vs flexibility in the title not being locked to an account/device and you didn't achieve that...

What do you think of the price and if you were to lower it, what would you suggest?  $29, $35, etc.?

NewEgg Pre-Order deals

As reported on GoNintendo there are currently two pre-order deals with $10 off. Too bad I didn't know about last week's $10 off any pre-order...

**Update: These expire on 7/4**
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance - $29.99 Promo Code: EMCNCNG69
Release: July 31, 2012

New Super Mario Bros. 2 - $29.99 Promo Code: EMCNCNG236
Release: August 19, 2012


So why did I just re-post their information, am I that desperate for traffic?  Actually no, I just pre-ordered New SMB 2 for $29, that's why!!  This seemed like a good enough deal especially with getting physical media at a reduce price.  (this is the part where I moan about having to cart around the cart.. :D )


Is anyone else going to get this game and/or perhaps you've already taken advantage of the offer?  What do you think?

New Super Mario Bros 2 Website

What's this, another post within a day?  There must be something to that Mayan prophecy...

If you hadn't noticed there's a new official website for New Super Mario Bros 2.  (and boy am I tired of typing that title)  Besides some nice looking screen shots that we've already seen and some pre-order now links what does it have to offer?  Well, there's a paragraph at the bottom that seems new to me so I thought I would mention it.

Team up with a friend for local wireless multiplayer, and challenge friends via the StreetPass™ feature in Coin Rush mode. Get ready for the gold standard in platforming fun—only on Nintendo 3DS!

So while I'll probably never have a chance to do local multiplayer, at least it's there and there will be some kind of friend challenge.  The key phrase for me is streetpass and not spotpass.  While real online multiplayer is what I think would be great, exchanging coin rush scores/times/etc. and competing with your friends remotely is what they need to do.  Don't disappoint us Nintendo..

Also, it seems the retail version will be the standard $39.99, but I couldn't find a price on the eShop version. For some reason $29 seems like a better fit at the moment, but that could just be me accounting for known DLC from the start.  :)

(still undecided about the eShop download and am leaning towards retail)

Nintendo Direct - A Few thoughts

We've all pretty much seen the Nintendo Direct on 6/21 by now and had a chance to digest it a bit.  Here are some quick thoughts on the matter before I run out of time:

Sale: Super Mario Galaxy

I usually don't post these sorts of things, but it seems that Amazon has Super Mario Galaxy (Selects) for sale for $14.99 right now.  This is the lowest I've seen it sold from Amazon so far and I'm a bit tempted even though it might be a month or two before I get my Wii back.  Considering SMG2 is still $40+ I think this is a great price point to get started with the series.

Hey, I've been good so far with the Steam Christmas sale and haven't purchased anything.  That's not like me at all!  :D  Then again I have dropped a good bit of cash on retail 3DS titles in the past 2.5 months. (~$115)

Anyone else tempted???

Super Mario 3D Land: Pre-Ordered

Typically I don't pre-order or purchase on launch day, but I've bit the bullet for Super Mario 3D Land today. I decided to go with Best Buy with an in-store pick-up option to avoid shipping delays.  Needless to say I'm excited about Sunday and while I've watched quite a few videos, read dozens of impressions articles I'm trying to keep away from too many spoilers.


Considering how typical 1st party Nintendo titles go, I can't see there being much of a price drop over the next year and I don't want to wait that long.  I also hate to "reward" them for holding out on prices, but if a game is a real hit they aren't going to lower it.  Just look at Super Mario Kart Wii ($40+ 3.5 years later), Mario Kart DS along with the New Super Mario for DS and Wii.  They aren't exactly sporting bargain bin prices some 3-6 years later. It should be interesting how many gameplay hours I get out of it for a $30-40 retail title vs something like Donkey Kong on VC for $3.99. (sunday purchase)


I was also reading a wired article featured on GoNintendo today and they make some good points.  I hardly ever purchase anything on steam unless it's 50% off or more and it seems to pay to wait for the various GOTY or bundles where DLC is included.


Is anyone else planning to buy Super Mario 3D Land either on launch or at some point?  Also, what are your thoughts on waiting for price drops?

Cool Mario Toys

Ok, so I'm not super huge on toys or figurines, but I have to admit there are some cool items for Nintendo characters that I've checked out recently.  Cool enough where I may consider picking some up.  Who doesn't want some Koopa Troopa, ShyGuy or various other characters on their desk for motivation?  (err. not sure which direction they motivate...)

Some linkage:

• Super Mario set of 18
• Collector 6 Pack - Wave 1
• Collector 6 Pack - Wave 2
• Cool Mario toys recreate key moments in series history.

The 'key moments' musical toys are very cool and need to make their way to the US!

Any toy, figurine or gaming-related items like this that you've enjoyed over the years?