Nintendo has unveiled their release schedule for early 2013, including firm dates for much anticipated games such as LEGO City Undercover, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.  Release windows were also given for many games first shown at last year's E3, including Game & Wario, The Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3, and Wii Fit U. 

Additionally, Nintendo has compiled a list of upcoming third-party game releases, which includes many games fans have been waiting for such as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rayman Legends, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow -- Mirror of Fate.

The launch date schedule includes Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS.  Let's take a look at what to expect in early 2013!

The LEGO video game franchise never ceases to entertain me.  It’s one of the few game franchises that delivers consistent quality with every iteration, and while critics often cite the lack of innovation, all you have to do is go back to 2005’s LEGO Star Wars to see just how far this franchise has come.  Lord of the Rings is the latest movie license to get the LEGO treatment, bringing with it all the wit and charm that is synonymous with this franchise.  LEGO Lord of the Rings is the most daring LEGO adventure yet, delivering hours of action and excitement the whole family will enjoy.

One of the challenges with mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, is keeping them powered for a longer period of time. Battery life naturally varies between them, but for those moments where you need extra juice and aren’t close to a charger, one of these portable Powerstation chargers from mophie should be just what you’re looking for.

Today is a big day for many Pokémon fans out there, and for good reason.  Nintendo is proud to announce the release of two much-anticipated games: Pokémon Black/White Version 2 and Dream Radar. 

Its a great year to be a fan of soccer video games. This year looks like we’re getting one of the best annual crops ever with everyone stepping up their game (no pun intended) and giving us something dramatically better than before. One of the titles to keep an eye on this year is Pro Evolution Soccer 2013, also known as PES’13. Lately the FIFA series has been battling them for dominance, but this isn’t the highlander. There can be more than one. Often this sort of game franchise competition can muddy the waters, resulting in several games that seem more or less the same. Not this time. PES is distinct from FIFA in its particular brand of depth.

With Pokémon Black Version 2 and White Version 2 only a few weeks away, I'm sure there are many of you counting down the days for this new release.  At the same time I can see how there may be some of you a little reluctant to make the purchase -- with this being developer Game Freaks' first sequel in the longtime series, what changes could there possibly be in the Unova region?  Actually, there's plenty!  Aside from the whole new story, there's lots to look forward to.  

Earlier this week, I offered you a teaser of what's to come, but today I want to offer you with something more substantial. To pump you up for the new release, below is a list of all the big new changes any Pokémon enthusiast needs to check out!

This weekend I had the privilege of attending The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, a complete four-movement concert event featuring music from the renowned video game franchise.  The concert tour made a stop Toronto, my hometown, as part of a North America tour which includes four Canadian dates. 

Fans may remember Nintendo announcing a worldwide Zelda symphony tour during the company's E3 2011 press conference, as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for The Legend of Zelda franchise, which we've covered extensively here on the Tech Blog.

Since the release of Pokémon Red and Blue back in 1998, the Pokémon video game series has won hearts with its unusual, yet immersive gameplay and vast array of creatures.  The series has had several spin-offs including the popular Pokémon Stadium, Snap, Ranger and Rumble, but nothing has been quite as successful as the original series. With the success of their most recent iteration, Pokémon Black and White, Nintendo is releasing their first ever sequels, Pokémon Black Version 2 and White Version 2 on the Nintendo DS and 3DS.

Much like how every puzzle has an answer, every video game has a release date, and for Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask for the Nintendo 3DS, that date has now officially been set by Nintendo for October 28.  What's more, the company has revealed the release schedule their 3D portable gaming system for the remainder of 2012.  With a line-up that includes Professor Layton, Skylanders, Paper Mario, Rayman, Epic Mickey, and much, much more, the Nintendo 3DS truly has something for everyone. 

"Are we there yet?" It's a saying most parents get used to hearing when traveling with babies and children! Getting away is fun, but, let's face it, the 'getting there' can be plain ol' stressful with young children in tow! Since there's only a few weeks of summer left to get away with family before the fall school routine begins (eek!), I thought I'd share a few of my tried and true tips on how to travel with children (without losing your mind ;-)).

Having grown up playing the Nobunaga's Ambition series of turn-based strategy simulation video games, I spent countless hours as a wee lad unifying the feudal states Japan with my legions of riflemen, cavalry and infantry.  It was the closest I had come to learning about Japan's Sengoku ("Warring States") period, a time during the 16th century marked with tremendous war and the unification of Japan's many fiefdoms. 

Fast forward to present day, and before me is a copy of Pokémon Conquest for Nintendo DS, perhaps the most unlikely crossover title ever created, one that mixes the strategic elements of Nobunaga's Ambition with, you got it, Pokémon.  Suspending my love for Japanese historical simulations, I put the cartridge into my Nintendo DS convinced this wacky crossover idea simply couldn't work.  It took less than thirty minutes before I realized that not only does the concept work, it's quite possibly the most entertaining Pokémon spinoff ever created. 

With Disney Pixar's action-oriented movie Brave hitting theatres last month, a video game tie-in seems both logical and a natural fit. Set in the rugged landscape of mythical Scotland, Brave: The Video Game is surprisingly faithful to its big-screen counterpart, and just as fun.  Disney fans, and families that enjoy gaming together, will have blast following our heroine, Princess Merida, as she explores the rich landscapes of Scotland in attempt to ride the country of the malevolent demon bear Mor'du.

Since 2005, the Lego video game series has warmed hearts with its fun-loving adaptations.  Whether we're talking about Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Batman or Pirates of the Caribbean, Lego is boldly tackling some of our favourites and making them fresh, funny and entertaining. With the success of Lego Batman, Lego is returning to Gotham City once more with Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.   

While the big announcement at Nintendo's Direct presentation was the reveal of a super-sized Nintendo 3DS XL coming our way this August, the majority of the 20-minute livestream was devoted to showcasing a plethora of exciting games coming to Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS and Wii.

Nintendo head honcho Reggie Fils-Aime kicked-off the game announcements with a highlight reel of third-party games in quick succession:

Ready for more mindless Lego action with your favourite DC super heroes? Well, the wait is finally over! Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is out now and is available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC, Nintendo DS, 3DS and PlayStation Vita.