Village Gamer

Nintendo of Canada fans young and old are counting down to Friday, November 21, when after months of anticipation, they will finally be able to get their hands on several of the most highly anticipated games this season: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire on Nintendo 3DS.  Also available that day for the first time ever will be the all-new amiibo, interactive figures that will deliver a supercharged gaming experience and will be compatible with several Wii U titles. The initial amiibo lineup will feature 12 of the most iconic characters in the gaming world, including Mario, Princess Peach, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, Marth, Villager, and Wii Fit Trainer.

To coincide with the timing of these launches, Nintendo of Canada will be hosting Nintendo Day, a series of national events on November 21 in partnership with select retailers at locations across the country.  Here, guests will be able to try out the new game releases, get a hands-on look to discover for themselves how amiibo will heighten game play and have the chance to win cool giveaways for showing up in costume or participating in the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U challenges during the event.

“Nintendo Day marks one of the single biggest days in our company’s long history.  Not only are we launching some of our biggest titles in portable and console gaming, we are also releasing amiibo which are poised to redefine the gaming experience for Nintendo enthusiasts,” said Pierre-Paul Trepanier, Nintendo of Canada’s new general manager and senior director.  “Nintendo Day, and all the activities leading up to it, is our approach to show appreciation of our fans and a way to celebrate these milestones with them.”

Also launching on November 21 are new accessories and bundles that are a throwback to beloved Nintendo consoles and accessories of the past.  For those who want to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U with their favourite GameCube controller, Nintendo is introducing an adapter that lets up to four Nintendo GameCube or WaveBird controllers work with the game. Also launching is a standalone Nintendo GameCube controller emblazoned with the iconic Super Smash Bros. insignia.  Finally, exclusive to EB Games, is a special bundle that includes the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U game, one Nintendo GameCube controller and the GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U accessory.

Additional Fan Activities in November

In recognition of fan excitement and support for these soon-to-be-released titles, Nintendo of Canada will also be hosting a series of events across Canada throughout the month of November leading up to Nintendo Day.

Canada’s Pokémon Video Game Event – Saturday, November 8

Nintendo of Canada kicked-off the month-long activities leading up to Nintendo Day by hosting Canada’s Pokémon Video Game Event in celebration of the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire games.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will take flight on new adventures, using the game’s soaring feature to travel high above a vast and wondrous region as players seek out Legendary Pokémon and new Mega Evolutions!  Players will also enjoy the games’ storylines and features as they delve deeper into the mysterious origins of Pokémon Mega Evolutions.

From 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., fans were able to try out the latest addition to the Pokémon franchise at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto and had a chance to download a special demo version of the games. The first 650 guests also received a free pass for the 2:30 p.m. movie screening of Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Open Training Sessions – November 15 – 19

Canadian Super Smash Bros. players rank among the best in the world, but as every good player will attest to, beating opponents takes dedication, training and hard work. Whether sharpening up old fighting skills or learning new moves in time for Nintendo Day, Nintendo of Canada is hosting Open Training Sessions from November 15 – 19 at participating Best Buy, Future Shop, and Toys R Us stores.  These Open Training Sessions are a must for anyone eager to claim early bragging rights that can only be earned from defeating their friends and opponents in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U at home.  Those new to the franchise will be able to get hands-on practice while more experienced players can take on other fans in battle rounds and master the multi-player modes, up to 8-players. To up the ante on game play, amiibo will also be on hand at the Open Training Sessions to show how characters come to life and add to the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U experience.

Toronto Countdown Event – Thursday, November 20

What better way to celebrate the launch of blockbuster titles, amiibo and gaming accessories than with an official countdown launch event? Fans are invited to downtown Toronto to the SkyWalk which connects Union Station to the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. to play the games hours before they officially hit shelves, see the line-up of amiibo, have a chance to win great prizes and giveaways (while supplies last) and rub shoulders with two celebrity guests, Mario and Luigi!

Midnight Openings – Thursday, November 20

The excitement of Super Smash Bros. Wii U, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will reach its climax when select retail locations across Canada hold midnight openings for those who want to be one of the first to own these eagerly awaited titles and share in the excitement with other fans.

Fans are encouraged to share their Nintendo Day experiences with the hashtag #NintendoDay for a chance to be featured on Nintendo of Canada’s social media channels.

Visit Nintendo of Canada’s Facebook page and to follow Nintendo of Canada on Twitter for more updates.