This page of the index features all of our listed NewsBites stories for February 2009

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New North America release schedule unveiled

Nintendo have revealed a list of games due for release this Spring / Summer, and it includes some very surprising additions. Amongst the titles mentioned include Punch Out!! (May 18th), NEW PLAY CONTROL! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (May 4th) and the previously unheard of Excitebots: Trick Racing. Excitebots is due to follow in the footsteps of Excite Truck and Excitebike, offering mutating environments, "fun" minigames, Wii Wheel support and a range of stunts. This game will be released in the region on April 20th. In the press release, Nintendo also mentioned WiiWare games Eduardo the Samurai Toaster, retro rhythm action game Bit.Trip: BEAT, RTS title Swords & Soldiers and the newly announced action-puzzler Night Game, developed by the team behind the upcoming Cave Story, jopefully suggesting releases for these four games aren't too far away. Nintendo also mentioned two other games due on the DS shortly, including Walk With Me (May 25th) and The Legendary Starfy (June 8th).

Other notable non-Nintendo published games include The Conduit and Let's Tap (June), Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (June - a little early, don't you think?), EA Sports Tennis (Summer), EA Sports Active (May 19th), Dance Dance Revolution Disney Grooves (April 2th), Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (late Spring), Klonoa (Spring), Guitar Hero On Tour Modern Hits (June), and GTA Chinatown Wars (March 17th), amongst others.

And that should free up the schedule for July and August, ready for a good ol' Summer games drought.

18th Feb 2009

Nintendo DSi Coming to North America this April

Nintendo of America have just revealed that the DSi console, first announced last October, will be coming to North America this April. The revamp of the DS lite will feature a larger stylus and screens, a "channel" based system (similar to that of the Wii), downloadable DSiWare games and apps, and SD card support, alongside the two 0.3mp cameras. The console will be compatible with most existing DS software, however the lack of a GBA port means that you won't be able to play Guitar Hero on the move any more.

The console will be available on the 4th of April at the retail price of $169.99 (£120 / €135), and will be available in black and (hideous) blue. The console will also be released alongside the Japanese hit "Rhythm Heaven", which is due for retail release on DS the same day in North America.

UPDATE: DSi coming to Europe on April the 3rd, with an RRP of £150. Colours available for Europe are black and white. DSi is also due out in Australia / New Zealand in the same colours, at $299.95 (AU) / $375.00 (NZ)

Read the full press release here >>

12th Feb 2009

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Mario & Sonic Sequel Announced

There have been several rumours about it recently, but now, a sequel to the original hit - Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - has been revealed by Sega. In the official press release, the company also noted that Shigeru Myamoto is overseeing the project, despite the fact that it will be a Sega-published game outside of Japan.

The game, titled "Mario and Sonic at the Olympics Winter Games" is due out Winter this year, no doubt just in time for Christmas, and will feature games such as speed skating and alpine skiing. The Wii version will feature competitive and co-operative multiplayer alongside balance board support, whilst the DS game will also include multiplayer versus.

What next, though? Well, the delayed issue of the new Official Nintendo Magazine hits UK news stands tomorrow, and is set to include a massive new preview with new details. What else will feature in this edition though? Wii MotionPlus? A full career mode? DLC? Probably not, but either way, it will no doubt be just as fun - if not more - than the original.

View the official teaser trailer on WiiloveitTV (YouTube)

12th Feb 2009

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Pokemon Platinum coming to Europe this May

Word has just broke that the Platinum version of the Pokemon Diamond / Pearl games is due this May. The game is the same as the other DS titles, but features the new "Distortion World" to explore, alongside extra challenges and tournaments and the chance to watch live battles online. Pokemon Platinum will be released May 22nd across Europe, and March the 22nd in North America.

2nd Feb 2009

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Animal Crossing DLC This Week Only

Nintendo are giving owners of Animal Crossing Let's Go To The City a chance to get a free, special Pikmin hat this week only to celebrate the launch of NEW PLAY CONTROL! Pikmin - out today in Europe. All you have to do is ensure that the game is using WiiConnect24, and you can get the hat for yourself. For help and a bit more info, see the post on the official Nintendo website.