Episode 79: Cross-Examined Crossovers

Whether it’s Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright, Pokemon and Tekken, Mario Kart and Zelda, or just everyone crammed into Smash Bros., it’s crossover galore in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast. The show starts off with our full assessment of the newly announced (and appropriately named) New Nintendo 3DS, including a breakdown of its features and how it represents a shift in strategy for Nintendo. We then turn our attention to all the crossovers with thoughts on Mario Kart 8’s unexpected DLC, Pokemon’s Tekken-style fighting game, and the latest on Smash Bros. and those pesky roster leaks. The episode then concludes with witches by way of both fresh Bayonetta 2 details and our full impressions of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, a game in which the hat-wearing puzzle solver and finger-pointing lawyer team up to prove an accused witch’s innocence. Which crossover game are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments section below, where you can also share what you think about any of the news in this episode. Be sure to also check back later this week for our full coverage of GameStop Expo 2014. To make sure you don’t miss it, we recommend following us on Twitter @RandomNintendo and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes. As always, we’ve included links below for more information on all the games and news discussed. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy! News [0:01 – 0:47] Everything You Need To Know About The New 3DS (GameInfomer.com) [0:14] Xenoblade Chronicles Coming To 3DS (IGN) [0:24] New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Will Be Region Locked (IGN) [0:27] Nintendo reveals first Amiibo figures and prices, but no release date (Joystiq) [0:38] Extra: The Casual Era is Dead [0:49] Ultimate NES Remix bringing 8-bit mash-ups to 3DS on Dec. 5 (Polygon) [0:52] Mashup! Mario Kart 8 DLC adds Link, Animal Crossing Villager (Destructoid) [1:01] September Update for Hyrule Warriors Adds New Challenge Mode, Retro Sword, and BGM Settings (Nintendo Life) [1:04] Fantasy Life localization chops up Fantasy Life Link content for DLC distribution (GoNintendo) [1:10] Pokemon Arcade Fighting Game Announced in Japan (Kotaku) [1:20] Huge Potential Leak May Reveal Full Smash Bros. Roster (Kotaku) [1:30] Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS Gets Xenoblade’s Shulk As Playable Fighter (GameSpot) [1:47] Register Both Versions Of Smash Bros. On Club Nintendo For Soundtrack CD In U.S. And Europe (Siliconera) [1:50] Bayonetta 2 Direct – 9.4.2014 (Nintendo.com) Games [2:03] Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Official Site) [0:14] Xenoblade Chronicles 3DS (IGN Game Page) [0:27] Amiibo (Official Site) [0:49] Ultimate NES Remix (Nintendo.com Game Page) [0:52] Mario Kart 8 (Official Site) [1:01] Hyrule Warriors (Official Site) [1:04] Fantasy Life (Official Site) [1:10] Pokken Tournament (Official Japanese Site) [1:20] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS (Official Site) [1:50] Bayonetta 2 (Official Site)