I think gamers in general overlook Nintendo. I am definitely part of the problem having too much to focus on when it comes to the Xbox 360, PS3 or PC Although that may be the case with alot of gamers out there, Nintendo lovers do indeed exist (even in New Zealand) and some of them are even celebrities! Yes, even celebs get their game on for Nintendo it seems… I mean who would have figured Mary Lambie to be right into Nintendo?!

Don't think the screen is big enough tbh

We decided to trot along to the Nintendo Passport to Summer event held at the glamorous The Wharf venue in Northcote Point, Auckland. Five of Nintendo’s latest games were on offer to play and the presentation was delivered by journalist/celebrity/tv host Mary Lambie (who by the way, was very funny and very hip).

Those chandeliers could potentially be a problem

Even though we got told off for trying the games too early (lol) and the venue seemed a little too posh for gamers to be hanging out in for long (chandeliers everywhere and marble floors and walls in the bathroom…), we managed to get a good look at the new titles for the Nintendo season which looks relatively varied. Everything from fashion and business acumen (ahem) to Zelda and Mario, there’s something for every Nintendo fan. The latest Wii fit game called ‘Wii Fit Plus’ was also on display.

Do NOT sit on the toadstool!

Here’s a list of games that were shown at the event (some of which have already released in NZ):

1. Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box
2. The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
3. Style Boutique
4. Wii Fit Plus
5. Super Mario Wii

We thought Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box looked pretty interesting if you like games that mix action/puzzles and a bit of adventure. Style Boutique looked very much targetted towards Japanese gamers in my opinion with overly ‘anime’ influenced visuals and voice acting.

Wii Fit Plus has been expanded to include a whole lot more customisation so you can customise your own workouts. But probably the biggest title of the night was Super Mario for the Wii which is the first time Mario has been ported over to the Wii so that was pretty exciting.

All in all we enjoyed ourselves and the venue was pretty swish. It was a totally different crowd to the usual gaming media types but I guess different strokes for different folks. Regardless, we made sure we were there reppin’ for gamers nationwide (gulp) and not there just to get drunk… no! Never in a million years…

There was no alcohol anywhere just loads of glasses…

Thanks to the lovely ladies from Nintendo Australia for the invitation. You ladies put on a pretty swish event (even if we did get told off for being too keen!).