Pokémon X and Y 1.2 Update Released December 13, 2013

Nintendo has released a second software update to Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.  Dubbed Version 1.2, the update contains all of the fixes in the previous update, as well as several new fixes in the game resolving problems with Wonder Trade, internet connectivity issues, and Pokémon Trainer PR videos.

The fastest way to get these updates would probably be to download them manually at no charge through the Nintendo eShop.  Simply run the Nintendo eShop application from any Wireless Hotspot or Nintendo Zone location and download the 1.2 updates from the Pokémon X and Y section of the eShop.  There is no charge for either update and they are compatible with either the physical retail or digital downloadable versions of the game.  Make sure to download the correct patch for your version of the game as there are separate patches for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, and if you have both games you will need to download both patches.

You may need to update your Nintendo 3DS to its latest firmware to access the Nintendo eShop.  The 1.2 update is required to play Pokémon X or Pokémon Y online after December 12th.

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y are out now exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS.

Pokémon Bank Release Date December 13, 2013

Before Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launched in October of this year, Nintendo announced during a Pokémon Direct video that a new service called Pokémon Bank would be coming this month.  Pokémon Bank would allow Pokémon players the ability to keep all their collected Pokémon from the current and older Pokémon games safe online.  By keeping them online, it would ensure that the loss or destruction of a handheld device or game cartridge would not destroy a Pokémon Trainer’s Pokémon collection, and make it easier to bring Pokémon collected in earlier games to newer ones.

The Pokémon Company has released this helpful video on how this process will work and when we can expect the service to launch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTfSDbrskfE

Pokémon Bank will activate December 27th, 2013.  The service will cost an annual fee of $4.99 US, but there will be a 30-day trial period for anyone who downloads the program before January 31st, 2014.  You will need to download the Poké Transporter program to your Nintendo 2DS/3DS to transfer any Pokémon captured in the 5th Generation games to Pokémon Bank.

UPDATE:  Due to the issues Nintendo was having with the eShop during Christmas, Nintendo has delayed the launch of Pokémon Bank in North America and has not provided a solid release date for when they plan to launch it.  We will endeavor to keep readers posted when Nintendo announces the service’s new release date.

Mario Warfare Part 5 December 13, 2013

The guys over at Beatdown Boogie have done it again.  The filmamkers who previously made the cult classic Modern War Gear Solid have just released the fifth part of their latest series, Mario Warfare, which casts the Mushroom Kingdom and the two Italian plumber brothers in a completely different light.  Let’s take a look.

Quantum Break VGX Preview December 13, 2013

It’s been a few days since the webcast of the confusing VGX awards show, but now one of the biggest games previewed at that event has finally gotten that preview posted for all to see.  Quantum Break is my highest anticipated Xbox One exclusive game, and developer Remedy was at the VGX this year to deliver this preview.  If you had any questions about how the story or the gameplay of Quantum Break will play out, here is your answer.  Take it away, Sam.

Also announced at the VGX was Remedy’s secret iOS project, which they promise will be a cross between action, strategy and role-playing with a focus on characters and story called Ages of Storm.  That will be coming in early 2014 for the iPhone and iPad.

Quantum Break is coming exclusive to the Xbox One.