It’s official — Nintendo is expanding its range of bundled offerings with a new system color to complement its peripheral line-up in North America. That color is of course black.

Priced at $199, the bundle includes both Wii Sports and its MotionPlus-touting sequel Wii Sports Resort. That’s not one, but two games for the same price. Nintendo says the offer will apply to both black and white Wii unit configurations going forward.

Look for the black Wii and its new bundle by association to hit shelves on May 9, as previously foretold by retail leaks.

Offering a eccentric mix of gunblazing and sword-swinging gameplay, Ubisoft’s MotionPlus-powered sequel Red Steel 2 makes its ascent onto store shelves this week in North America. In commemoration of the occasion, the publisher has sent over a high-octane launch trailer that covers all bases. From up-close-and-personal swordplay to pursing a pack of bandits on motorcycles in a riveting chase, the katana-brandishing protagonist is a busy fellow.

Clocking in at a meager two minutes, we’re of the opinion that the clip nicely sums up why you should shell out the cash for this exceptional Wii title. But hey, don’t take our word for it. See for yourself.

With Wii exclusive Red Steel 2 only a mere five days away, the countdown to its March 23 release in North America is on. The wait can be antagonizing and publisher Ubisoft feels your pain, being so kind as to offer up yet another gameplay trailer. This clip introduces several of the game’s nefarious baddies, including psychopath Payne and warlord Shinjiro.

Ubisoft offers up yet another speed art drawing clip guaranteed to evoke feelings of awe and amazement at a blistering pace. This one highlights the lone ninja Shinjiro, donned in a sleek armor suit. Looks stealthy, not to mention imposing.

Red Steel 2 is slated for a March 23 release on Wii.

Ubisoft offers up yet another spiffy Red Steed 2 speed drawing clip, this time highlighting graceful female lead Tamiko. Feels like someone turned up the heat, yeah?

Exclusive to Wii, Red Steel 2 hits store shelves March 23 as one of the first titles in its genre to take full advantage of the MotionPlus attachment. In case you missed it, our extended impressions of the title can be found through this link.

With the March 23 release of MotionPlus-exclusive Red Steel 2 inching closer, Ubisoft has released a speed art video that depicts the main protagonist being drawn in meticulous detail, from sketch to a vibrant illustration rich with color. If you have a couple minutes to spare, check it out.

In a related tidbit, those who become a fan of the official Red Steel 2 Facebook page will be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of five signed copies of the Hero artwork print.

Last June, when word emerged that Nintendo was working on another Zelda title, Miyamoto strongly implied that it would take advantage of MotionPlus but wasn’t ready to label it a requirement. Understandably so, considering the attachment had just been released.

Producer Eiji Aonuma, however, now feels that MotionPlus has made its way into enough households to confirm that its use will be made mandatory in the next Zelda. Speaking to Famitsu, Aonuma shed light on Nintendo’s reasoning behind this prerequisite, noting that the gameplay “feels so natural [with MotionPlus].” He added, “Link’s sword and the controller that you’re holding become one.” more »

Nintendo announced today that it will release a “limited edition” Wii Sports Resort bundle that doubles the value proposition with not one, but two MotionPlus accessories for $60. Factoring in the numbers, that’s $10 more than the standard bundle but with a savings of $40 overall. Not too shabby. more »

Ubisoft has released a selection of new screenshots from its Pelé and Mia Hamm-starring Wii soccer title Academy of Champions. Showing off a variety of intimidating super moves that can surprise even the most prepared goalies, these screens highlight the game’s lush, colorful visuals.

Featuring mini-games and gameplay mechanics that take advantage of the Wii Balance Board and MotionPlus attachment, Academy of Champions is scheduled for a September release exclusively on Wii.

Academy of Champions Screenshots

Wii shooter The Conduit and fans are already wondering if a sequel is planned. Of course, it’s a bit early to say, but developer High Voltage is already expressing interest.

In a podcast interview on Radio-Blodec, producer Joshua Olsen explicitly stated that a sequel was not in the works at this time but on a more positive note, further mentioned that the company would like to expand on the ideas and storyline presented in The Conduit. Naturally, the prospect of a sequel is resting on sales and general interest among fans.

It all depends on the fans and sales but it’s a little early for now to assume anything. Anyway, we are very interested to make a sequel to The Conduit, it’s quite a robust world and there are more stories we want to tell. The Conduit is the first part for our hero and we want to make more parts to tell more things about him. We have not started to work on a sequel.

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