Dozens of Games at Big Discounts Are Part of the Nintendo eShop Cyber Deals

Great Deals on Digital Games for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Whether you or someone on your holiday shopping list is a fan of action games, RPGs, platformers, puzzle games or party favorites, the Nintendo eShop Cyber Deals sale has something for every type of player. With discounts up to 75 percent off on select digital games for the Nintendo Switch system, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems and the Wii U system, the Nintendo eShop sale, which runs now through Dec. 11 at 8:59 a.m. PT, offers a huge selection of games for fans of all ages.

With discounts up to 75 percent off on select digital games, the Nintendo eShop sale offers a huge selection of games for fans of all ages. (Graphic: Business Wire)

“The Nintendo eShop is a great place to browse and purchase digital versions of first- and third-party games,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The easy-to-use and intuitive service lets shoppers enjoy holiday discounts from the comfort of their own home, so they can avoid the holiday rush and jump right into the games.”

The sale starts right before Thanksgiving and ends a few days after The Game Awards. Some of the games nominated for awards this year are from franchises featured in this sale. The discounted games that are part of the Nintendo eShop sale include the following:

All games included in the sale will be available for purchase in Nintendo eShop, as well as directly at https://happyholidays.nintendo.com/cyber-deals.

On Black Friday, Nintendo is also offering some great deals on physical products. Shoppers can purchase a green Link Edition Nintendo 2DS system with bright yellow buttons that comes pre-installed with the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D game at a suggested retail price of only $79.99. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Explorer’s Edition, a bundle that includes the critically acclaimed Nintendo Switch game, a 100-page explorer’s guide and a two-sided map, will also be available at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Participating retailers and additional Black Friday retailer deals can be found at https://happyholidays.nintendo.com/deals/.

For more information about Nintendo, visit https://www.nintendo.com/. To check out Nintendo’s interactive holiday gift guide, visit https://happyholidays.nintendo.com/.

Remember that Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/ or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 billion video games and more than 710 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.

PlayStation® Australia announces one billion hours of play  

A nation of connected entertainment seekers turn to gaming, music, TV and video services on PlayStation 4

Fun-seeking Aussies consume more than one billion hours of play on PlayStation
Hours of play across PlayStation gaming, music, TV and video rose 26 per cent year on year
Australia is a nation of entertainment enthusiasts with 67 per cent playing video games and over 3.7 million subscribing to a streaming service

Sydney, Australia – 22 November 2017: Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia has today announced a milestone of more than one billion hours of entertainment consumed in the last twelve months¹, as content hungry Australians turn to gaming and entertainment services on PlayStation®.

The data revealed that Aussies’ appetite for entertainment is voracious with the one billion hours of play representing a 26 per cent increase in consumption on the 12 months prior¹. Consumption was based around the time spent playing games, music, TV and video services on PlayStation in the period November 2016 to October 2017 inclusive. For scale, one billion hours is equivalent to over 100,000 years.

Proving Australia really is a digital nation, the Digital Australia 2018 Report, released earlier this year, revealed that over two-thirds (67 per cent) of Australians play video games² and more than 3.7 million now subscribe to a streaming service³, with fans turning to gaming, streaming and downloading via the PlayStation platform to keep their premium entertainment options on one powerful device.

Reflective of this cultural shift, entertainment consumption (music, TV and video) on PlayStation has increased 45 per cent in the last 12 months¹. The large portfolio of video and TV services available on PlayStation®4 enables players and their households to easily discover and stream the best video content across PlayStation Store and third party services such as Spotify, Stan, Netflix and Foxtel Now.

Since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1995, PlayStation has released over 500 first party games and experiences across Australian retailers and on PlayStation Store. The one billion hours milestone was achieved in a year that saw the launch of multiple blockbuster games exclusive to PlayStation®4 (PS4™), including Horizon Zero Dawn™, Gran Turismo™ Sport and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy©, all available in 4K with HDR visuals following the launch of PlayStation®4 Pro (PS4™ Pro). Another contributor was the launch of PlayStation®VR (PS VR) last October, which has given Australian gamers the chance to enter extraordinary new worlds.

Patrick Lagana, Director of Marketing, Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia, said: “This is the first time Australia has reached this incredible milestone. PlayStation has been the country’s highest-selling console for the last four years and to reach one billion hours of play across gaming and entertainment demonstrates that PlayStation is the leading entertainment platform and continues to be Australia’s favourite place to play”. 

Michael Denny, SVP Sony Interactive Worldwide Studios, said: “Reaching one billion hours of play in Australia is testament to the blockbuster content that is exclusive to PlayStation, from Horizon Zero Dawn to Gran Turismo Sport, and upcoming releases like God of War™ and Detroit: Become Human™. As important as our commitment to content is our commitment to our loyal fans, families and players.”

The figure was announced at PlayFest 2017, a unique celebration of PlayStation gaming, bringing players closer than ever to some of the biggest unreleased titles coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR.

To keep up to date with all PlayStation news at PlayFest, please follow PlayStation Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit PlayStation.com

MAJOR SPLATOON 2 UPDATES ADD NEW STAGES, NEW MODES, AND NEW WAYS TO SPLAT

Colourful shooter stays fresh with free updates on 24^th November and mid-December

22^nd November, 2017 – Living up to the promise of delivering a continued rollout of additional content after launch, two free software updates are coming to colourful multiplayer shooter Splatoon 2, adding a wealth of new content to the Nintendo Switch game. The first free update hits on 24^th November and adds new battle stages, a new stage for Salmon Run, new gear and new hairstyles for Inklings, as well as many other features. The second free update will be available mid-December and introduces a frantic new Ranked Battle mode called Clam Blitz, which involves picking up clams around the stage and trying to throw them into the opponent’s basket.

The two free updates include the following content:

24^th November Update

• Four New Battle Stages: While four new battle stages are coming to Splatoon 2, they won’t all be available immediately after downloading the update. Like with previous additions, the stages will roll out over the subsequent weeks, giving players new surprises as they play throughout the holiday season and beyond. The first new battle stage, MakoMart, will be available to play on Saturday 25^th November, with Shellendorf Institute, Walleye Warehouse and Arowana Mall coming soon. The new MakoMart stage is a giant superstore-style stage and Shellendorf Institute is also new to the series, while Walleye Warehouse and Arowana Mall are popular stages returning from the original Splatoon game.
• New Salmon Run Stage: Fan-favourite multiplayer mode Salmon Run is getting a new stage. After downloading the update, Salmonid Smokeyard will be added to the stage rotation. In Salmonid Smokeyard, a wide gap on the beach divides two upper platforms, with fan lifts being the quickest way to traverse the two platforms. Teamwork is required to use the fan lifts effectively.
• New Gear: Approximately 140 pieces of gear are being added to Splatoon 2. These include shoes, headgear and clothes, like a motocross mask, additional winter clothing as well as returning items from the original Splatoon game.
• New Battle Music: Two new bands have been gaining popularity in Inkopolis! The punk-flavoured Bottom Feeders and classically-trained avant-garde-style Ink Theory are contributing new songs to the already music-rich game.
• New Hairstyle: When customising an Inkling, four new hairstyles will be available to choose from – two each for female and male characters.
• Higher Level Caps: Currently, players are maxed out at Level 50. After downloading the update, the new maximum level will be raised to 99. If players talk to Judd when they reach Level 99, they’ll have the option to reset their level display to Level ★1 so they can continue raising their level.
• New amiibo Functionality: Tapping a compatible amiibo figure after the update will let players take and share photos in preset locations in Battle Stages, in addition to being able to take photos in Inkopolis Square. Players can also add fun filters to their images.
• Convenient Gear Swapping: Players who want to change gear between battles in Regular Battle, Ranked Battle and Splatfest Battle (Solo) won’t have to exit to the lobby anymore! After downloading the update, gear can be swapped out without leaving the match room, making it quicker to get back to splatting. For Regular Battle, this also means players can play the next battle with the same players.

Mid-December Update

• Clam Blitz: In Clam Blitz, competing Inklings are tasked with collecting clams scattered around the stage. After one is picked up, the clam follows the player. The objective is to throw the clam into the basket near the opponent’s base, and the first team to score 100 points wins! But, of course, this being the fiercely competitive world of Splatoon 2, things are not as easy as they seem. The baskets are protected by a barrier, which must be destroyed first. After collecting 10 clams, the player will earn a Power Clam. These super-powered clams are the key to breaking the barrier, so strategic Inklings need to decide which clams are used to destroy the barrier and which are used to earn points. Not to mention the extra-satisfying opportunity to steal opponents’ clams by splatting them.

Splatoon 2 is now available in stores and in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch. For more information, check out the official Splatoon 2 website.

Additional Links:
Nintendo Switch website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-switch/
Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

MECHANICAL MAYHEM COMES TO FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE WITH NEW RIVAL WINGS PVP ENCOUNTER

And Musical Mastery Awaits with New Bard Action ‘Perform’!

Sydney, Australia – November 22, 2017 – A fresh and frantic challenge has arrived in FINAL FANTASY® XIV Online with the addition of an intense new PvP encounter. Released alongside Patch 4.15, the new Rival Wings mode sees two teams, each containing 24 players, duke it out across a goblin-crafted arena in a bid for territorial supremacy.

To secure victory, the teams will begin by having to destroy their opponent’s towers, aided by waves of automatons periodically released by the goblins. After achieving this, the shield around the opposing core will drop, making it vulnerable to attack! Throughout the battle, there’ll also be opportunities to collect precious Ceruleum – gather enough, and players will be able to power up and pilot a range of mighty machina lying dormant on the battlefield … 

Even more excitingly, Rival Wings is available to anyone playing the FINAL FANTASY XIV Free Trial, which allows anyone to access all available content up to level 35, create up to eight playable characters, and experience the different playable races, classes, and jobs with no restrictions on playtime. New players who wish to experience the free trial may register here: http://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/.

If the prospect of fierce combat doesn’t appeal, however, Patch 4.15 also brings a much more sedate offering in the form of the new Bard action ‘Perform’. With harp in hand, Bards across Hydaelyn will be able to make the hills come alive with the sound of music.

Finally, there’s no rest for the wicked – Season 5 of competitive PvP mode The Feast may have drawn to a close recently, but today’s launch of Patch 4.15 marks the start of Season 6, which’ll run until the release of Patch 4.2. Adventurers are invited to enter the arena and climb through the ranks in order to earn fierce new armour and weapons of war!

All editions of FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, including the FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood™ expansion, may be purchased through the Square Enix® Online Store here: http://sqex.to/FFXIVStore 

Related Links
Official Stormblood Site: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/stormblood/
Free Trial Site: http://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/
The Lodestone®: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV/
Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN
Official Instagram: @ffxiv

About Square Enix

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 135 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 71 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://eu.square-enix.com/en

MONSTER OF THE DEEP: FINAL FANTASY XV AVAILABLE NOW

SYDNEY, 22^nd November 2017 – The expanding FINAL FANTASY® XV Universe casts its line into the world of virtual reality with today’s release of MONSTER OF THE DEEP: FINAL FANTASY XV, a brand-new VR experience for the PlayStation®VR system. Based on the mini-game from FINAL FANTASY XV, this new downloadable content invites players to head out on an angling expedition with crown prince Noctis, his companions Ignis, Prompto and Gladio and other familiar faces across picturesque locales.

Players can put their fishing skills to the test in Story Mode, which places them in the middle of an exhilarating, action-packed showdown with a menace lurking in the depths, or take in the sights, sounds and scenery of Eos through a variety of challenges in Free Fishing mode. With 13 different rods to use, 61 lures to choose from and over 100 varieties of fish to catch, players can look forward to a gratifying journey ahead to becoming Eos’ greatest Lord of the Lures.

https://youtu.be/CfDSuFb2myM 

MONSTER OF THE DEEP: FINAL FANTASY XV is available via digital download through the PlayStation®Store. More information about the title is available on the official website: http://www.finalfantasyxv.com/

Related Links:
FINAL FANTASY XV YouTube: https://YouTube.com/FinalFantasyXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Twitter®: @FFXVEN
FINAL FANTASY XV Instagram: @FFXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ffxv/