While playing Skyward Sword and Super Mario Galaxy, you probably realized that Gratitude Crystals and Star Bits shared an uncanny resemblance. Did You Know Gaming has now made it clear where these similarities began. These objects weren’t inspired by shooting stars or a science fiction form of solid gratitude but rather a delicious candy.

Known as konpeitō, this type of rock candy has a course sugar core that is coated in a colorful sugar syrup. The sweat treat originated in Portugal but was brought to Japan in the 16th century and is still popular today. In fact, it is possible to purchase these delights from a local Asian market or from online retailers.

Source: Did You Know Gaming (via GoNintendo)

In another interesting tidbit from the recent Nintendo Life interview, Aonuma provided a very interesting response when asked whether he would ever consider making Princess Zelda the protagonist in her own game.

“NL: The Zelda series tells the story of a male hero rescuing a female princess. Would you ever consider giving Zelda her own game?

Aonuma: This is the second time I’ve received this question during this E3! I guess if people have strong feelings about it then it’s something to consider. I’ll keep that in mind! [laughs]“

This could be a great idea. Zelda already has a strong sense of will and wisdom, and is skilled in magic and archery. Seeing a story unfold from her perspective could make for a very entertaining twist.

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In an interview with Nintendo Life, Eija Aonuma has stated that the visual style of the  next Zelda instalment on Wii U will be neither realistic nor cartoony. He says that the game’s graphics will be “something new”, possibly suggesting an art style that we haven’t seen before in a Zelda game.

“The thing about Zelda is we want everything to be unique, whether it’s the graphical presentation or the gameplay,” he said. “It has to be something you can’t see anywhere else. We wouldn’t want it to be ultra-realistic because you can see that elsewhere. But I can’t say that it’s going to be cartoony-realistic, the fantastic presentation that we’ve already done in the past [with Wind Waker].

“It will be something new.”

Source: Nintendo Life

In an exclusive interview with Nintendo Life, Eiji Aonuma has discussed the idea of making downloadable content available for future instalments in the Zelda series. He says that it’s definitely a possibly Nintendo is considering, but they would have to ensure that such content would be “worth it for the user”.

“We’re certainly looking at different ways to add on content that would enhance the experience for the user – maybe more places to explore or just to enrich the experience beyond what is on the disc. But we also have to take into consideration that if we charge for this content then it needs to be worth it for the user. So it’s certainly a balancing an act, but I can’t say that it is something we’re not considering.”

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Want to own a piece of Zelda memorabilia that was only obtainable at this year’s E3, but you weren’t able to attend? No worries thanks to eBay. This solid black garment showcases The Wind Waker HD’s glorious logo in full HD* on the front and a display of the game’s characters awkwardly posing with their arms out as if they are about to run around and act like airplanes on the back.

The shirt is not on auction but rather as a “Buy Now” item for a hefty $99.99 USD plus shipping. If you’re a dedicated fan of the series and wish to own this clothing item, you better hurry as this is the literally the only one available on eBay. However, more may become available in the future.

The shirt only comes in medium and you can purchase it here.

*Not actually printed in HD

Source: eBay

During E3, the Zelda series producer, Eiji Aonuma, was on hand at The Wind Waker HD booth where attendees were allowed to ask him one question. Daniel Vuckovic of Vooks, an Australian Nintendo site, inquired about an aspect many Zelda fans are curious about. Aonuma was asked if The Wind Waker HD would implement a hard mode that would be more challenging to players already familiar with the game or if any other changes had been made including the addition of cut content.

Sadly, Aonuma responded by saying that there won’t be a hard mode nor will any cut dungeons or content be restored. However, as mentioned in a previous posts, the Triforce collecting quest at the end of the game will be tweaked that will allow for smoother game play, the Tingle Bottle feature will replace the Tingle Tuner, and you will now have the power to increase the boat’s speed.

Update:

Aonuma has explained further why these dungeons will not be making an appearance. Hit the jump to find out why!

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During an analyst presentation, Nintendo announced that the upcoming 3DS Zelda game, A Link Between Worlds, will release in the month of November 2013 in North America. There has been no discussion on the game’s release in other territories yet, with the European release  still vaguely regarded as “towards the end of the year”.

Looks like there’ll be two Zelda games this winter, following the other announcement that Wind Waker HD will release worldwide in October.

Source: IGN

In yesterday’s announcement regarding The Wind Waker HD, we touched on a new feature called the “Tingle Bottle”. We explained that the Tingle Bottle is used for exchanging messages to Miiverse, by putting the message in a bottle and throwing it in the ocean. As it turns out, this feature will be replacing the old Tingle Tuner.

As fans of the original game will recall, players used the Tingle Tuner by linking a Game Boy Advance to the GameCube, controlling Tingle in order to assist Link in his adventure and gaining information about the area currently being explored. Many have speculated that the 3DS would be adopted for use in this feature in The Wind Waker HD, replacing the GBA—but this is not the case.

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As shown during the E3 Nintendo Direct, the new Super Smash Bros. will be releasing for both the Wii U and 3DS in 2014 and will feature the addition of new characters. Three of which have already been revealed. As you may have heard, Mega Man, Villager from Animal Crossing, and the Wii Fit Trainer will join the Super Smash Bros. roster. Recently Masahiro Sakurai sat down during a Nintendo Developer Direct to talk about these two new games that will be launching simultaneously.

Take the jump to learn exciting details on the new Super Smash Bros. and to watch the broadcast!

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After the recent interview with Game Informer, Miyamoto was asked some questions by Gamesindustry in regards to Zelda Wii U. The man behind the series further explains why the much anticipated title was not shown at E3 in addition to discussing when we might see it in the future. Read on to get to the interview!

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We were shown the new A Link Between Worlds and The Wind Waker HD games at this year’s E3 Nintendo Direct, but a key Zelda title was not invited to the party. Zelda Wii U has been known to be in development for some time now and Nintendo is presumably hard at work completing the title for launch. Actually, they may be closer to finishing the project than we initially thought.

Miyamoto let the cat out of the bag during an interview with Game Informer. Hit the jump to see what he said!

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As showcased earlier during the E3 Nintendo Direct, The Wind Waker HD will be featuring stunning new 1080p visuals, the return of Tingle, and a few new aspects that have been recently discussed by Eiji Aonuma during one of Nintendo’s Developer Directs. With six minutes of discussion, Aonuma had much more to tell regarding The Wind Waker HD, which will be releasing this October.

Take the jump to learn many new details and to watch the video!

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This morning at Nintendo’s E3 Nintendo Direct presentation, we were treated to a brand new trailer, and a final name, for the upcoming game The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Most of the footage in the trailer is new, and there are new details we can glean from the video.

We’ll take an in-depth look at everything in the latest trailer after the jump. Read the rest of this post >>

After today’s big announcement and the amazing trailers for the upcoming instalment in the Super Smash Bros. series, Nintendo has now launched the official website for the game.

You can check out character profiles of all the confirmed fighters so far, including newcomers Mega Man, Villager and Wii Fit Trainer, as well as series icons Mario, Link, Pikachu, Fox and so on. Oh, and there’s a ton of screenshots available for both the Wii U and 3DS versions. Check it out!

Source: Super Smash Bros.

Did not see that one coming. After the huge news that Mega Man and the Animal Crossing Villager had been confirmed as new playable characters in the next instalments of Super Smash Bros., a third fighter has also entered the brawl. It may be one Nintendo’s most bizarre choices yet–which is saying a lot for a series that includes Mr. Game & Watch and R.O.B. as fighters.

The Wii Fit Trainer now joins the roster, with a fitness-based move-set allowing her to use yoga moves on her foes. Hit the jump for her opening trailer, featuring an adorable cameo of Mario, Link and Kirby playing Wii Fit. This is just crazy enough to work, and I can’t wait to play as her and defeat the overweight Wario by forcing him to do press-ups. For those less enthused, at least now you can get your revenge on her for all the times she told you didn’t lose weight!

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