According to the Smash Bros. Dojo, Wario will have his classic anti-Mario apparel available as an alternate outfit in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  Tapping X or Y on the character select screen normally cycles between the six color schemes available for each character; if you chose Wario, however, the seventh tap switches from his Wario Ware outfit to the classic anti-plumber ensemble.

According to Sakurai, "Wario alone is special" as far as this alternate costume business goes, but I'm a bit suspicious that we might see alternate outfits for a few other characters.  Peach had a Daisy costume available in Super Smash Bros. Melee, but the costume change was conspicuously absent in the E for All Brawl demo; the Daisy color scheme was present, but no texture/costume change occurred.  I wouldn't be surprised if a Dr. Mario costume was available for Mario as well, especially considering Sakurai's comments about some Melee fighters being absent this time around.

The mighty Hip Tanaka has returned, courtesy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  The Smash Bros. Dojo site recently updated with a special remix of the themes from Donkey Kong.

One of Tanaka's first responsibilities at Nintendo was in composing the music for Donkey Kong.  He went on to compose for a variety of Nintendo titles, including Wrecking Crew, Metroid, Super Mario Land, Mother, and Dr. Mario.  Tanaka left Nintendo in 1998 and went to work at Creatures, composing music for the Pokemon series and games; he became president of of Creatures in 2000.  This remix represents the first work Tanaka has done "directly" for Nintendo in several years, although he has been connected to the company via Creatures and Pokemon.

Go listen to Tanaka's remix of his early work!  http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/music/music15.html

European gamers who fell victim to the game-freezing bug in Super Paper Mario can now get a bug-free disc free of charge. The details have recently been announced on the Nintendo of Europe website.

Source: NOE announcement

Nintendo of America announced yesterday that Super Mario Galaxy sold more than 500,000 copies its first week in the US. With its strong start, SMG became the fastest Mario title and Wii game to reach the half-million mark.

Source: NOA press release

Mario Party DS rolls onto store shelves across North America today. The first Mario Party for Nintendo DS arrives just in time for the DS's third anniversary on the 21st.

"Wrecking Crew (NES®, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): In the days before Mario and Luigi became sports stars in their downtime between plumbing and saving the Princess, they tried their hands as one-man wrecking crews. With a hammer as their only tool, players take control of the brothers and set out to destroy ladders, rip out pipes, knock down walls and detonate explosive devices. But make sure to plan your path of destruction carefully, as each building is designed as its own clever puzzle—if you're not careful, you can easily trap yourself in a dead end. Adding to the excitement and challenge are fireballs, enemies and an angry foreman roaming the buildings. They're all trying to stop you from moving on to the next stage. With 100 buildings to demolish and the ability to construct your own, it's a wonder Mario and Luigi ever got back to saving the Mushroom Kingdom."

If you are like me and have never played it you might want to check out the vc-reviews.com review and video.  I'll be downloading it today. 

Source: press.nintendo.com

Starting in January 2008, Japanese fans can redeem their Club Nintendo points for a Super Mario Galaxy "platinum version" soundtrack. The first disc will have 28 tracks of music from the game, while the second disc will have 53 "variations."

Also, this coming December, Club Nintendo will offer a 2008 calendar featuring art from Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy. It is not yet known what other artwork will appear in the calendar.

Source: Club Nintendo

Super Mario Galaxy launches in the US today, just 11 days after its release in Japan. As always, most retailers won't have it available until Tuesday, so we recommend calling ahead if you plan to look for it today.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Wii releases in the US today.

Yes, what many of us consider the greatest Mario game ever is now on the Virtual Console for your buying convenience.  Grab mushrooms, turn into stone statues, fling hammers, and hop around in a giant shoe; truly, what more are you looking for?

Super Mario Bros. 3 is available for the criminally low, low price of 500 Wii Points (or $5.00 in USA cash). Buy one, two, or even three copies today!

Corgi International has revealed its line of Mario Bros. mini figures coming in 2008. The collection of 24 scaled figures, which range in size from 2cm - 15cm (about 0.8in - 5.9in), will be released in waves of six, with each wave retired before the next is released.

Below, we have photos of the first wave of figures.

Super Mario Galaxy launched in Japan yesterday, the first of November. It will release next in North America on November 12, along with a collector's coin from pre-ordering at participating retailers.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo Wii went gold today, meaning the game's code is final and the manufacturing process has begun. SEGA confirmed that the game will now be shipping to North American retailers on November 6th, 2007. The Nintendo DS version is still scheduled for later on this year.

Link: Sega.com

Nintendo's Fall 2007 Conference dropped a few surprises on Mario fans. First, they announced Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu, a new WiiWare title that is a remake of the original Dr. Mario, complete with an updated look, Mii interaction, and Wi-Fi play. Next, they shared some new details on Mario Kart Wii. The game will introduce motorcycles to the series and come packaged with the Wii Steering Wheel when it releases in Spring of 2008. After this, Super Smash Bros. Brawl was shown, where Sonic was announced as a playable character. Unfortunately, the game was delayed until January 24, 2008 for Japan, and it is unconfirmed as of now what the new American release date will be. Finally, a new Mario baseball game was announced entitled Super Mario Stadium Baseball. 

TMK will be updating with official screen shots as they become available. For the press releases, head on over to our blog!

Link: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Press Release, Super Smash Bros Brawl Press Release (TMKBlog)

If you're a Mario fan wanting to get in on some early playtime with Super Mario Galaxy, here's your chance. Nintendo released a list of all the games that will be playable at E for All (more info), and amongst them are quite a few Mario titles:

Wii
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

Nintendo DS
Mario Party DS
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.

To see a full list of titles, click over to the blog!

Source: NOA press release

In a follow-up to a story posted in the TMKBlog, Nintendo has officially confirmed that the rumored Super Mario Galaxy pre-order coin is to be available at certain retailers. For more information, see the official press release below!

Source: NOA press release (TMK blog)

Donkey Kong's GameCube turned Wii racing game Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast releases today in North America. The game sports 16 courses and is rated E for Everyone.

Link: Press Release (TMKBlog)

Nintendo has launched the official Japanese website for Super Mario Galaxy. The site features some fairly new screenshots, and a plethora of video showing off the game. Make sure to check it out at the link below!

Link: Super Mario Galaxy website (JPN)

Yes, the real Super Mario Bros. 2 is being released to the North American Virtual Console this week, for 600 points.  Now you too can play the infamously difficult chapter of the Super Mario Bros. series, for a mere 100 point markup.

While later ports of the game have been released in the Americas before (as "The Lost Levels" in Super Mario All-Stars and in a rather chopped up and altered version in Super Mario Bros. Deluxe's extra mode), the original Famicom/NES version has never hit our shores... until now.

While the European VC release has disappeared from the European Shop Channel, it sounds as though the North American release will remain available permanently.

(Oh, yeah, Sin and Punishment for the N64 is available too. 1200 points, no Mario, but supposedly fantastic.  In fact, I'll probably buy that first, given that I've played the SMAS port of SMB2j before.  Beating any version of SMB2j just seems to make me never want to play it again.)

After the agonizing wait for Super Paper Mario's release in Europe, it turns out that a bug still slipped by the testing team. In Chapter 2-2, talking to Mimi before picking up a key found by triggering a trap will freeze the game if you are playing in UK English, German or Spanish. Nintendo of Europe officially announced the glitch today, and will soon begin to replace game discs for free.

Link: Nintendo of Europe

Yoshi's Story, the super-happy N64 platformer, is now available on the Virtual Console in North America. Yoshi's first solo adventure can be yours for 1,000 Wii Points.

The most recent Super Smash Bros. Brawl update is an item called the Golden Hammer -- a super version of the standard hammer which also lets you run in midair if you are rapidly tapping the button.

It's come to my attention that this is a direct reference to the infamous Golden Hammer in the classic Wrecking Crew for the NES... the Golden Hammer was very, very rare, but when you had it you did more damage, swung it more quickly, and could run over gaps in space by rapidly tapping the button.  In addition, the Brawl Golden Hammer appears on a pedestal/platform thing that looks somewhat like the pedestal the hammer and golden hammer appear on in Wrecking Crew.

Between Eggplant Man in two GC titles and this... well, no, we aren't seeing a Wrecking Crew resurge, but it is interesting!

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO

Early reports are indicating that the European/Australian/New Zealand Wii Shop Channels will be selling Super Mario Picross and the original Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2 tomorrow, Friday the 14th.  This would be significant as neither of these titles were ever released in their original forms in the west.  Supposedly both cost roughly 100 points more than a standard SNES or NES game, and come with the warning that they may still contain "some Japanese text".

Nintendo of Australia's site seems to say that in celebration of the Japanese Hanabi Festival, they'll be releasing several US/Japan only titles to the Australian (and, presumably, European) Wii Shop over the next few weeks - including Sin and Punishment, an N64 shooter infamous for not being released in the West.

The only real catch to this is that the original Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2 is only supposed to be made available until the end of September - then it's removed from the shop.

I suppose this means we folks in the USA will be getting Mario's Super Picross and Super Mario Bros. 2 in the near future... possibly Monday, but it's always hard to tell with these things.

More information as it becomes available and verified.

Update:
NOE news article
NAL news

Now THERE'S a title you don't expect to see.

A radio station in Ecuador (http://www.radiocity.com.ec/) is doing a show on the Mario game series today, as part of their entertainment show ("El Aguacate" - The Avacado).  They wanted someone from TMK to talk with them today, and it appears I'm the lucky party.

So, if you are in Ecuador, tune in from 5-8pm Ecuadorian time (3-6pm PST) to hear yours truly speaking... I'm not sure exactly when I'll be on, but it should be closer to the 5:30-6:00PST segment.

Now to go brush up on my Mario...

Mario and FLUDD will reunite in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Serving as Mario's new down special move, FLUDD shoots out water that pushes opponents back. The spray does no damage, but it can be charged up with the B button.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Today's Smash Bros. DOJO update shows us Diddy Kong's special moves. His Peanut Popgun (standard special move) shoots out peanuts at a speed determined by how long you hold down the button. Seen in the screen shot above, the Rocketbarrel Boost (up special move) can also be charged to unleash a powerful jump attack.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Donkey Kong Jr. Math, the game that made learning fun for everyone, was released on Virtual Console today for North America. You can practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by directing DK Jr. for 500 Wii Points.

The OFLC has rated two previously-Japan-only games for Australia and New Zealand: Super Mario Bros. 2 (JPN) and Mario's Super Picross.  Both games were rated G and have not yet been officially announced by Nintendo.  While it's not clear how soon they will be available for download, it's exciting to see Japanese Nintendo games finally be considered for worldwide release.

Link: OFLC

Much like Super Flat Zone from SSBM, SSBB introduces a new offbeat stage that looks to be even wackier and more unique: WarioWare, from the same-titled series!  While players fight, the environment switches between microgames.  Players have to complete the microgames' tasks or risk environmental damage, and successful completion promises rewards.  In between microgames, the familiar WarioWare elevator appears in the background behind a standard battlefield stage.  Click the link below to check out several of included microgames.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Wrecking Crew, the title that featured Mario in a hard hat, was released this week in Europe on the Wii's Virtual Console. As usual, It sells for 500 Wii Points.

As many on the forums guessed and/or feared, Petey Piranha, originally appearing in Super Mario Sunshine, is the first boss character announced for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  In the earlier Subspace Emissary (Adventure Mode) video, Petey had locked up both Peach and Zelda in cages and Kirby was ready to face off against the newly-fearsome monster.  The update says that you can only save one of the women...

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Today's dual update of Smash Bros. DOJO includes Yoshi's Final Smash.  While Yoshi may have spouted cute little wings in Mario Strikers Charged, in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Yoshi gains wings of a size that eclipse even Pit's.  And that's not the end of the story.  Yoshi first got his flying ability in Super Mario World by eating a blue shell (or grabbing the wings directly).  Red shells gave him the ability to spit fire.  Well, he gets that ability too, as well as the ability to breath fire as if he had eaten a red watermelon in Yoshi's Island.  It's not clear if he also gets the yellow shell's ground pounding ability; i.e. if his Final Smash is identical to eating a flashing shell in Super Mario World, but the Final Smash's name is "Super Dragon," which is how he signed the note at his house in the original Japanese Super Mario World.  Check out the rest of the screens by following the link below.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Diddy Kong has recently appeared in several Mario spin-off games.  Now DK's buddy enters the arena as the latest fighter to be unveiled for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  The slightly late update on Smash Bros. DOJO notes that Diddy's moves aren't sufficiently captured by screenshots.  It also mentions that Diddy brings along some technological moves: the Rocketbarrel Boost and the Peanut Pop Gun.  See the rest of Diddy's screens at the link below.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Princess Peach has been officially announced as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Her confirmed moves include floating jumps and using Toad as a shield, much like she did in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Though Princess Peach does not have a profile yet, the latest update on Smash Bros. DOJO!! included video and a screenshot of her in action for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, using her parasol to gently glide down to the position you see above. The information about the update itself, entitled "The Subspace Emissary", can be found on our TMKblog!

Link: TMKblog

Mario Strikers Charged has shipped to North American retailers today. The game, a sequel to Super Mario Strikers, is the first Mario title on the Wii to include online play.

Link: Press Release (TMKblog)

Donkey Kong's Final Smash takes a cue from his Donkey Konga titles. When activated, Donkey Kong will take out Bongos and begin playing a song. Players will be able to press buttons in rhythm to add something extra to the attack. Check out more at the official website!

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

This week's Virtual Console releases in Japan included NES Open Tournament Golf, known there as Mario Open Golf. The game is set at 500 Wii Points.

It should come as no surprise that Yoshi's back -- he fought in the previous two Smash Bros. games, and the Yoshi's Island stage was announced last month. Yoshi will once again use eggs as weapons, but this time, his "Egg Toss" special move will help him jump farther.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

The Office of Film and Literature Classification in Australia has issued game ratings for Super Mario Bros. 3, Wrecking Crew, and Yoshi's Cookie on Virtual Console. All three games have been rated "G" for General. 

Finally, after a week of speculation, Nintendo has made Paper Mario available for download on Wii's Virtual Console for North America. Previously, the game was released on July 12th in Europe, and on July 10th in Japan. You can experience the RPG classic for 1000 Wii Points, or $10.00.

Nintendo of Europe posted the following announcement on their website on July 13:

Mario Party 8 was launched in the UK today. Unfortunately we have discovered that a small number of games contain the wrong version of the disk due to an assembly error. We have therefore decided to recall all copies of the game from UK retailers so that this mistake can be corrected.

We will re-launch Mario Party 8 in the UK as soon as possible and will announce a new launch date shortly. We very much regret any inconvenience caused.

However, an online rumor indicates a possible alternate reason for the recall. The game contains the following incantation by Kamek:

Magikoopa magic!
Turn the train spastic!
Make this ticket tragic!

The inclusion of the word "spastic" resulted in a recall of Ubisoft's MindQuiz for Nintendo DS late last month after a woman publicly complained that the game had called her "Super Spastic." The term holds an offensive connotation in the UK, particularly with regard to those afflicted with cerebral palsy, a disease from which her son had recently died. The word is generally innocuous in North America, and highlights the care that must be taken during localization, even when the language doesn't change.

Paper Mario hit Europe's Virtual Console today, meaning the US region is the only region that has yet to have the game available for download. Speculation has it the game will be released this coming Monday. Let's hope so! Paper Mario is set for 1000 Wii Points, or £7.00.

Nintendo Europe issued a press release today showing their upcoming lineup for the remainder of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. The good news is that Super Mario Galaxy will see the light of day sometime between October and December of this year. However, Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl will not be available until sometime in 2008. For the DS, Donkey Kong Jungle Climber is coming sometime in October and Mario Party DS is slated for Q4 2007.

Link: Nintendo Europe

The veteran brawler and king of swing Donkey Kong will be making a return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. All his movesets, including his giant punch, are intact, and promise to leave the ultimate headache.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Here are all the Mario related videos straight from Nintendo's E3 press release, courtesy of TMKvideos!

Super Mario Galaxy
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Mario Strikers Charged
DK: Jungle Climber
Mario Party DS
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Mario Kart Wii

As expected, lots of new info was revealed during Nintendo's press conference at the E3 Media and Business Summit 2007 this morning, including:
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl release date set...
- Mario Kart (with steering wheel controller attachment) officially announced for Wii...
- Super Mario Galaxy release date set...

Jesse has more info from the conference in the Blog.

On their press site, NOA unveiled Mario Party DS and now lists DK Bongo Blast as Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.

Super Mario Galaxy has been given a set release date of November 12, 2007.

Link: TMKblog

Mario Kart Wii was officially unveiled today. The game will come with a custom steering wheel attachment, and has been given a tentative release date of 1st Quarter 2008. The game will also feature online play.

Link: TMKblog

Per today's E3 Nintendo keynote, Reggie has announced the official release date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl as December 3rd, 2007. For more E3 tidbits (general Nintendo information) head on over to the TMKblog!

Link: TMKblog

Paper Mario, known as Mario Story in Japan, was released on that country's Virtual Console today. The game is available for 1000 Wii Points.

Today, Yoshi was added to the Wii's Virtual Console. The action puzzle game was the first to feature Yoshi on the NES, and can be yours for 500 Wii Points.

After unveiling Bowser just yesterday, Smash Bros. DOJO!! comes right back today with info on Bowser's Final Smash. By picking up a Smash Ball, Bowser transforms into Giga Bowser! You'll be able to control the bigger and badder version of Bowser for a short time.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Bowser has been revealed as one of the fighters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, marking his second appearance in the series. Smash Bros. DOJO!! also warns us that Bowser will have a "slightly different flavor this time around."

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Today, Super Mario Bros. 2 made its Wii Virtual Console debut! Download and experience or re-experience the Doki Doki adventure for 500 Wii Points.

Today, Nintendo of America announced that Mario Party 8 has sold through 550,000 units in the North American territory since its launch, making it the fastest-selling title in the Mario Party series. For more information, check out the press release below!

Link: Press Release(TMKblog)

The hammer-tossing turtle who first appeared in Super Mario Bros. will once again appear in a game with Mario. This time, Hammer Bro. helps dish out pain on your opponents as one of the characters who can randomly appear from an "assist trophy."

New to the Smash Bros. series, assist trophies seem to function much like Pokéballs, except assist trophies contain other video game characters.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Shout! Factory has started shipping and taking orders for The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros 3: The Complete Series DVD set. The set is 3 discs long, and can be yours for $29.99 + S&H!

Link: SMB3 DVD official purchase page

Smash Bros. DOJO!! has detailed two of Wario's bizarre special moves, both of which were featured in the original E3 2006 trailer.  The first is called Wario Chopper.  Triggered by a special side attack, Wario will drive his motorcycle back and forth along the stage.  He can even get off, and other characters can pick up the vehicle.  His second special move is the infamous fart attack.  Named the Wario Waft, the down special attack can be charged.  The longer he holds in his gas, the more powerful the blast upon release.  Check out the explosive screenshots on the website.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

Nintendo of Europe announced today that Super Paper Mario will launch there on September 14.

In related news, Mario Party 8 has been pushed back to July 13 for the UK only, due to a production issue with the English version.

Link: Summer Loving from Nintendo
Link: The Party will start just a little bit later

Today's Smash Bros. DOJO update features everyone's favorite rude and crude dude: Wario. In addition to pointing out his WarioWare costume, his profile suggests that Wario will create "a form of martial arts that other characters cannot even see."

Link: Wario's SSBB profile

A new stage has been revealed for Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Yoshi's Island.  Taking the hand-drawn look to a new level, the Yoshi's Island stage looks like a watercolor painting.  The stage is composed of a main platform, an elevated tilting platform, and smaller platforms that periodically appear thanks to Support Ghosts.  Fly Guys also travel across the stage.  The stage cycles through seasons and even the weather changes during battle.  Check the link below for screenshots.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

The latest update to the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl site is a second music track.  This time, it's a new arrangement of the ending theme to Yoshi's Story!  This particular track was arranged by Masafumi Takada, composer of the decidedly un-Yoshi's Story-like game, Killer 7, as well as music producer of Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked and God Hand.  Click the link below to listen.

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

The central town of Isle Delfino, Delfino Plaza, will be a battleground in Super Smash Brothers Brawl. The stage will have you flying above the island at first, and then landing to provide a traditional setting. This pattern repeats around the island to allow gamers to soak in some beautiful scenery! Check out the official site for screenshots and information!

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!! (official site)

The final site for Itadaki Street DS is live, just in time for the game's release on June 21st. The site has character profiles and much more, so check it out!

Link: Itadaki Street DS official site (Japan)

Nintendo, at their retail conference in Japan, gave two more Mario games exact release dates. Mario Party 8 may have just hit store shelves in the USA, but Japan gamers won't be seeing the game until July 26th. Donkey Kong Jungle Climber will be released on August 9th, a month before the North American release date.

Mario Party 8 ships to retailers across North America today! The game is priced at $49.99, and becomes the first Mario Party title for the Nintendo Wii.

Link: Press Release

As part of the Smash Bros. DOJO!! daily updates, the site has revealed a new move for Mario called "Final Smash" in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It involves an item, pictured here, that allows Mario to unleash a super attack. The explosion launches out and expands vertically as it travels. For screenshots and more information, be sure to check out the official site!

Link: Smash Bros. DOJO!!

With their monthly update, Nintendo Co., Ltd. has officially announced the release of Paper Mario on that region's Virtual Console. The games price is set at 1000 Wii Points, but no exact date has been issued as of yet.

See also: Paper Mario coming to US VC in June

Mario Strikers: Charged Football has launched across Europe today for the estimated retail price of around £30. This title is the first Wii game in Europe to use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Link: Press Release

Super Mario Bros. 2 will join Mach Rider and Blazing Lasers on the UK's Wii Virtual Console. The game will be available Friday at midnight Central European Time for 500 Wii Points.

Link: Press Release

The official boxart for Mario Strikers Charged has been unveiled via ebgames (as shown at the Nintendo Press Event), and Nintendo Europe has released concept art as well. The boxart can be found here. The concept art can be found here.

As reported here earlier, the official Mario Strikers Charged Football site will be seeing updates leading to the game's launch. Today's update included a special mini-game that can be played on the Wii's Internet Channel! Just point and click your Wii Remote here, check out 'Moves', where you’ll find a special mini-game tucked away in the Keeper section. You’ll be challenged to stop charged footballs shot in your direction – just like in the game, when an opponent fires a MegaStrike at you – by pointing the Wii Remote at the screen and pressing the A Button at the right time.

Can you stop enough of them to make it to the leaderboard?

Link: Mario Strikers Charged Football official site (UK)

Another update to the Super Smash Bros. Brawl website today highlighted two veteran characters: Mario and Link. Both were given character profiles full of new information and concept art. Mario is said to be an easy-to-use character with overwhelming jumping ability.

Link: Mario's SSBB Profile

The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website relaunched today with a bit of new info about the highly anticipated Wii game. Its first update includes a few new (small) screen shots, a composer list, and a look at the day/night cycles in the "Battlefield" stage. Nothing earth-shattering yet, but it's nice to finally see some updates.  Daily weekday updates are promised, so expect more to come soon.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest has been made available for download on the Wii Shop Channel. The game is priced at 800 Wii Points.

Starting today, Wendy's Kids Meals now come with one of five special Wii toys. The toys include a Mario Magnetic Spinner, Mario Disk Ejector, Baseball Game, Excite Truck Truck, and WarioWare/Excite Truck Jigsaw Puzzle. These toys will be available  now through June 24th, or while supplies last.

Link: Wendys.com

Amongst the list of summer releases announced today, Mario Strikers Charged and DK Jungle Climber (aka DK King of Swing DS) were listed for North America. Mario Strikers Charged is set to arrive on July 30th for the Wii. DK Jungle Climber will come to the DS on September 10th.

Link: Press Release

As the football (aka soccer in America) season gets into full gear, Nintendo UK announced today that they have signed football players Ian Wright and Shaun Wright-Phillips to promote the new Wii football title, Mario Strikers Charged Football. The TV ad sees Ian and Shaun at home battling another team of opponents online using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. To celebrate the launch, Ian Wright will also be appearing at GAME, Oxford Street from 9am on launch day (25th May) playing against challengers in store and signing Wii hardware and software for fans. Mario Strikers launches across Europe on Wii on the 25th May 2007 for the estimated retail price of around 50 Euros (£35 in the UK).

Link: Official Site

According to a press release from Square-Enix, Itadaki Street DS is scheduled to release on June 21st in Japan only. The game is set to include characters from Square Enix's Dragon Quest series and Nintendo's Super Mario franchise. To see the some of the latest screenshots from the game, head on over to the TMK blog!

As the release date approaches for Mario Strikers Charged in Europe, Nintendo Europe will be doing updates to the game's official site. The first update came today, showing off a few team captains and their abilities, as well as some stadiums. To see that and how the buttons are mapped, head on over to the site's page!

Mario Strikers Charged Official Site (Europe)

You’d better be in the mood for fun, as Mario Party is back! This classic party game series provides hours of fun for everyone regardless of age or gaming ability and Mario Party 8 is no exception. This fast paced and crazy game is the first Wii installment of the popular series and is the perfect game to play with family and friends. Join the party this summer with Mario Party 8 when it launches across Europe on 22nd June 2007 at an estimated price of around £40.

Click onto www.Wii.com for all of the most up to date official information on Wii.

Link: GamesPress (Full Press Release)

Looks like we've finally got a solid release date for Mario Party 8 in Australia. The game is set to release July 5th, just a month or so behind its North American release.

Link: Mario Party 8 Game Page (AU)

Super Paper Mario slips onto store shelves across the US today. The dimension-shifting adventure is Mario's first for the Wii and third in the Paper Mario series.

Mario Strikers Charged, known there as Mario Strikers Charged Football, will kick off Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming in Europe on May 25. Also coming to Europe in Q2 is Wario: Master of Disguise, which will arrive in stores sometime in June.

Link: Q2 Release Update

Mario and Sonic will appear together in a game for the first time in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, announced today by Nintendo and SEGA. Based on the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, a lineup of familiar characters including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, and Tails will compete in a variety of events on the Wii and DS. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is scheduled for a Holiday 2007 release.

Link: Official Site
Link: NOA Press Release
Link: NCL Press Release
Link: SOA Press Release
Link: Sega Co. Press Release

Nintendo announced today that Super Paper Mario will release in the U.S. on April 9th. Mario's paper platforming adventure is developed by Intelligent Systems, who previously brought us Paper Mario and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

Great news for our UK readers: Metrodome will release the Super Mario Bros. movie DVD there on March 5th! This is the first ever DVD release for the movie in the UK. Unfortunately, we are told there will be no special features.

According to the latest Nintendo Power issue, Super Paper Mario will release in April for Wii. Though it appeared on NCL's Wii software lineup when the Wii was announced on September 14, this is NOA's first confirmation of Super Paper Mario moving from GameCube to Wii.

WarioWare: Smooth Moves dances onto store shelves across the US today. Smooth Moves is the fifth game in the WarioWare series and first for the Wii.