There was excitement, there was confusion, there was a lack of AC Adapters. Nintendo hosted its first Nintendo Direct of the year and it was packed with all sorts of news about what we’ll be seeing and playing in the first half of 2015. We break it all down in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, including an analysis of the decision to only release the New 3DS XL in North America (and exclude the AC adapter), a look at the full Spring lineup, and first gameplay details on Pokemon/Tekken crossover Pokken Tournament. We also discuss the closure of Club Nintendo and December sales numbers, plus go hands-on with the upcoming Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

What was your favorite announcement from last week’s Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments below! We’d also love to know your thoughts on the show itself. If you like what you hear, consider leaving us a review (and subscribing) on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

As always, we’ve included links below to all the games and news in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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Sometimes Nintendo does things we don’t understand. Sometimes they may start shipping limited edition New Nintendo 3DS systems in Europe before even announcing a release. Other times they may let Shigeru Miyamoto tell F-Zero fans that a new version of the game will only exist if it’s given a new control scheme. And on special occasions, the company may make new hardware that’s shaped like a donut. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we discuss all these things as we breakdown Miyamoto’s recent interview with Smosh Games, weigh in on both the New 3DS Ambassador Edition and the Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D Limited Edition bundle, and look towards the future with the latest rumors on Nintendo’s next hardware. Plus, we share impressions of the Wii U Virtual Console version of Duck Hunt and rhythmic fighter KickBeat, as well as revisit the controversial Metroid: Other M.

We want to know what you think, too! Share your thoughts in the comments below on any of the news or games discussed in the episode, or just on the show itself. If you like what you hear, feel free to also leave a review (and subscribe!) on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

As always, we’ve included links below to all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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Before we set sail into 2015, let’s spend a little time with belly dancer-turned-pirate Shantae. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we share our full impressions of her latest adventure, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse. We also round up all the news from Shigeru Miyamoto’s recent YouTube interviews, discuss the continuing trials and tribulations of Amiibo collecting, and cover fresh details on the likes of Splatoon and Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. Plus, we pick our favorite games of 2014. Oh, and did we mention that we raised a digital baby in the 3DS’s I Love My Little Girl? Because we totally did and we have lots to say about it.

What were your top games of the year? Let us know in the comments below! With 2014 coming to a close, we’d also like to hear your general thoughts on this past year of episodes. Feel free to leave a comment, tweet us @RandomNintendo, or post a review (and subscribe!) on iTunes.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a timestamp so you can easily locate the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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Suit up, it’s time to join the Toad Brigade. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we share full impressions of the utterly adorable Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and tell you if its gameplay is as good as its charm. We also discuss the surprisingly large amount of Nintendo news that came out of The Game Awards, including first Zelda Wii U gameplay details and the latest on Mario Maker. Plus, we weigh in on the Amiibo shortage drama, examine Nintendo’s November sales numbers, and announce the winner of our $35 eShop credit giveaway.

Have you had a chance to try Captain Toad? Let us know what you think of the game, or any of the news in this episode, by leaving a comment below. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes – you never know when we might host another contest!

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on all the games and news covered in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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Let the smashing begin! Super Smash Bros. has arrived on Wii U, and in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we’re sharing our full impressions of the flagship fighter. From the chaos of 8-player battles to the game’s many modes, we discuss our likes, dislikes, and everything in between. And yes, that includes Amiibo. We also give our takes on a variety of recent news, including new DLC for Hyrule Warriors and Mighty Gunvolt, early holiday sales numbers, and the recently revealed secret of Toad’s gender (or lack thereof).

This episode also marks the third anniversary of the podcast. As our way of saying thank you, we’re giving you a chance to win a $35 eShop credit! Simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite fighter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS and why. We’ll then choose one lucky commenter as our winner and announce them in our next episode. To make sure you don’t miss it, be sure to follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a timestamp so you can easily locate the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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Official Contest Rules: All registrants must be a resident of the United States of America and age 13 or older. The contest begins on November 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and ends on December 12, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST. Visitors may only enter the contest once by leaving a comment below. Any additional entries that a given visitor makes will be disqualified. One (1) commenter will be chosen at random and receive the following prize: one (1) digital code redeemable for $35 in credit on the US Nintendo eShop. Random Nintendo staff members may not participate in this contest. Random Nintendo reserves the right to disqualify any entry for any reason. The winner will be chosen at random on December 13, 2014, announced in Episode 86 of the Random Nintendo Podcast, and then notified via email.

Ready, set, download. The first DLC pack for Mario Kart 8 is now available, and in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we share our full impressions of the expansion. Before hitting the track, however, we discuss a multitude of news from the Nintendo Direct that brought us Majora’s Mask 3D and fresh Splatoon details to Nintendo’s investor Q&A full of Amiibo and QOL teases. Plus, we break down October’s sales numbers and share our take on the newly released Pikmin Short Movies.

Have you downloaded Mario Kart 8’s new DLC? Let us know why or why not in the comments below. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the show as a whole, be it here in the comments or in a review on our iTunes page. While you’re there, be sure to also subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo. You definitely won’t want to miss the giveaway coming up in our next episode!

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a timestamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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And now for something completely different. We’ve never seen Nintendo publish a game quite like Bayonetta 2, but it’s certainly a good thing they did. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we share our full impressions of the action-packed Wii U exclusive, as well as cover a variety of big news from the company. This includes our full thoughts on the recent Super Smash Bros. for Wii U blowout, the latest on Amiibo, and first details on Nintendo’s mysterious Quality of Life platform. Plus, we analyze Nintendo’s quarterly financials and how they plan to regain lost 3DS momentum.

Would you like to see Nintendo publish more games like Bayonetta? Let us know your thoughts on the game, or any of the news discussed in this episode, in the comments below. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo to stay in the loop on all future site updates.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the news and games covered in the episode. Each link also lists a timestamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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After over two years of waiting, the new Super Smash Bros. is finally here! In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we dive deep into the new 3DS title to share our full (and lengthy!) impressions of everything from the game’s multitude of modes to its online community. Along with all that smashing, there’s also news to be had. The episode kicks off with the latest on Nintendo’s holiday lineup, including fresh details on Captain Toad and the intriguing new gameplay mechanics of Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. Our focus then shifts to third parties as we share our thoughts on the unexpected cameos of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and the next wave of eShop indie games. Plus, we analyze Nintendo’s September sales performance.

What’s your favorite part of the new Smash Bros.? Leave a comment below and let us know! We’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the topics discussed in this episode or the show as a whole. We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes to stay in the loop on all future site happenings.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the news and games covered in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily locate the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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We hacked, we slashed, and now we’re bringing you our full impressions of Hyrule Warriors. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we dive deep into the Zelda/Dynasty Warriors mashup to see if the game is as good as the sum of its parts. We also discuss a variety of news, including Nintendo’s emphasis on New 3DS customization, the next wave of major DLC releases, and the many marketing campaigns Nintendo is running for Smash Bros. Plus, we have an in-depth discussion about the current state of the eShop and whether the new ‘race to the bottom’ mentality among some developers may hurt more than help.

We want to hear what you think, too! Whether it’s Hyrule Warriors or any of the news in this episode, leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo so you don’t miss any future site updates, including full Super Smash Bros. for 3DS impressions in our next episode.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the games and news discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a timestamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

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It’s guns a blazin’ in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast as we bring you full impressions of the 3DS eShop’s Azure Striker Gunvolt, as well as go hands-on with the Wii U’s upcoming Bayonetta 2. Even before the guns are drawn, there’s still lots to discuss, starting with news and impressions from GameStop Expo 2014 (be sure to check out our photo gallery of the convention, too). We then break down a final round of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS news, the latest on Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and an assortment of third-party news including the first details on the next Ace Attorney and the unveiling of a new game from the developers of SteamWorld Dig. Plus, we discuss August sales numbers and give impressions of Gunvolt’s 8-bit counterpart, Mighty Gunvolt.

If you prefer to play Mighty Gunvolt opposed to just hear about it, we’ve still got you covered. Simply follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo for a chance to win a free copy of Mighty Gunvolt! We’ll choose one Twitter follower at random to receive the Mighty Gunvolt download code. We’ll tweet out full contest details later this week, but be sure to follow us now so you don’t miss out. You can also keep up with the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to the show on iTunes.

As always, we’ve includes links below for more information on all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily jump to the segments you are most interested in. Enjoy!

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