NEWS: EU Nintendo eShop Update - March 24 2014

This week's update gives players the chance to experience the first Mario Kart title on the Super Nintendo.

Whilst the release of Mario Kart 8 is still a couple of months away, it would be a good idea to play the 1992 classic that started it all; Super Mario Kart. 

Those who decide to purchase Super Mario Kart before June 30 will be given a £5.49 discount upon downloading the digital release of Mario Kart 8.

Other highlights in the update include Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and the renowned NES title; Ninja Gaiden. See below for a full list of updates, including new releases and special promotional offers.

New Releases

Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

3DS

£39.99 / €44.99

Skater Cat

3DS

£4.49 / €4.99

Adventure Island II

3DS

£4.49 / €4.99

Wakedas (Demo)

3DS

FREE

Super Mario Kart

Wii U

£5.49 / €7.99

Mighty Bomb Jack

Wii U

£3.49 / €4.99

Ninja Gaiden

Wii U

£3.49 / €4.99

Special Offers

F1 Race Stars Powered Up Edition

Wii U

£9.99 / €12.49 

Snow Moto Racing 3D

3DS

£5.39 / €5.99

Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D

£4.49 / €4.99

NEWS: Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Bundle Announced For Europe

Nintendo has revealed a limited edition package of the latest Mario Kart title on Wii U.

A short video (see below) posted by Nintendo has detailed various goodies you are able to get your hands on upon purchasing the limited edition release of Mario Kart 8, which is to hit shelves May 30 in Europe. 

Included is a replica of the famous blue/spiny shell, a deadly weapon seen throughout the Mario Kart series since Mario Kart 64, which when used travels to the racer in first place and essentially jeopardises their victory.

Also inside is a shell keyring, a t-shirt sporting the Bullet Bill enemy, and finally a copy of the game itself - the bundle will cost £59.99, with pre-orders now available. Visit the Nintendo store for more details on other bundles.

PREVIEW: Mario Kart 8 - Glimpse Into New Race Courses

Nintendo has revealed three completely new tracks to compete in.

Through the official Twitter of Nintendo UK, images of three new courses have emerged, showing off the vibrant and eye-candy visuals players have become accustomed to throughout the series.

Mario Circuit 

One of the smaller tracks featuring long corners and close-quarters, which should encourage hectic gameplay with the aid of the game's various power-ups and weapons. Surrounded with greenland and rugged cliffs, the most noticeable environmental enhancement would be Princess Peach's very own castle.

Sweet Sweet Canyon

Willy Wonka invades the world of Mario Kart - complete with windmills made from candy and various sugary treats surrounding the course, players shouldn't be fooled as a Pirahna Plant could interrupt that first place position at a moments notice.

Thwomp's Ruins

One of the more sinister tracks features lots of Thwomp enemies, who have a tendency of squishing any racer daring to ride under them - we also see multiple options in traversing the track, making for interesting and competitive gameplay. preview1

Mario Kart 8 is to hit shelves exclusively for Wii U on May 30 in Europe and North America, whilst Japan gains the earliest access of May 29.

NEWS: Nintendo Direct Will Address Upcoming Wii U & 3DS Games

Nintendo will share details regarding both Wii U and 3DS titles which are to be released by the end of spring 2014.

February 13 will play host to a special Nintendo Direct broadcast which is to highlight titles gamers can expect in the not too distant future. This will be the first episode since December 18, which focused on a Zelda spin-off game, among other topics.

You will be able to watch via the official Nintendo website at 2PM PT / 10PM GMT - we already know of upcoming releases such as Yoshi's New Island, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Mario Kart 8, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, and whilst it's not likely Nintendo will reveal a new game in the making, we'll have to wait and see.