Japanese hobby product manufacturer Good Smile is set to release a pair of action figures modeled after Nintendo mascot icons Link, as seen in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and Samus Aran, as she appeared in Metroid: Other M.

As part of the figma product line, the Link and Samus figures each come with display stands, multiple accessories, interchangeable body components and smooth, flexible joints for customizable posing.

Link is armed with his trusty Master Sword and Hylian Shield as well as two facial expressions, including his usual gallant look and a combat shout.

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Samus Aran comes with five different hand pieces, two beam effects, a missile cannon attachment, and a Morph Ball.

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The Link and Samus Aran figma action figures are slated for release this September priced at $44.95 each. U.S. video game and anime shop eStarland has both figures available for import pre-order right now at the following links. So, who’s buying?

Metroid: Other M Samus Aran Figma Action Figure [eStarland.com]
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Link Figma Action Figure [eStarland.com]

Team Ninja makes Dead or Alive games. Team Ninja also worked with Nintendo to make last year’s Wii game Metroid: Other M. So it only makes sense that the two should come together for a little 3DS cross-over action, right? Right!

Tecmo Koei has announced that Dead or Alive Dimensions for Nintendo’s 3DS portable will feature a bonus stage themed after the Ridley boss encounter from Metroid: Other M. As you can see in the teaser clip above, Ridley circles the arena in the background shooting fireballs and snatching up players who get knocked over the edge for a vicious finisher sequence, which I’m sure will look even more awesome in person with the 3D effect on full blast.

Here are some screens to go with the trailer. And also remember to bookmark the new Dead or Alive Dimensions teaser site so you can keep track of all the latest game happenings leading up to 3DS launch time.

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For your pre-order commitment, GameStop will proudly hand you this classy Metroid: Other M art folio containing 16 cards of high-quality artwork. Size specifications aren’t provided, so I don’t know if the folio is small like a deck of cards or perhaps something larger. But either way this is a limited edition collectible no Metroid fan should be without.

Get yours while you can. Metroid: Other M launches on August 31st.

Metroid: Other M – with Bonus! [GameStop]

Nintendo sure knows how to stir up fan fervor for its games, eh?

Metroid: Other M launches for Wii on August 31st. Only two more weeks to go!

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Two of Nintendo’s Wii summer blockbusters have been delayed today. Most notable is that of Metroid: Other M, which has been pushed all the way back to August 31 from June 27 — that’s over two months! Moving up to take over Other M‘s old date, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor will now ship on June 27, a three-week slide from its original June 7 launch date. Fortunately, Super Mario Galaxy 2 still appears to be on track for May 23.

Nintendo has also released an updated lineup of WiiWare and DSiWare titles expected to be released between May and June. Hit the jump for that list.

* Photo Dojo (Nintendo DSiWare, May 10): Get ready for some seriously fun Kung Fu action – starring you! Create your own characters and record the sound effects using the Nintendo DSi system’s camera and microphone. Use your imagination to set the stage for a fun-filled fight to the finish. In a special introductory offer, Photo Dojo will be available for free download via the Nintendo DSi Shop from May 10 to June 10. Starting June 11, the game will be available for download for 200 Nintendo DSi Points.

* Earthworm Jim (Nintendo DSiWare, Gameloft, May 10): The classic action platformer is back with a never-before-seen feature, exclusively on the Nintendo DSi system. Run, gun, swing from hooks with your head, launch cows, bungee jump, rocket through speed levels and more, in crazy universes that offer huge game-play possibilities. Earn bonuses with facial expression-based challenges that track your face using the Nintendo DSi camera. Put on a smile, frown or make a variety of other faces to mimic Jim.

* BIT.TRIP RUNNER (WiiWare, Aksys Games, May 17): Marking the first character-based adventure for CaptainVideo, the newest installment in the BIT.TRIP series features rhythm-based action platforming, more than 50 challenges to complete and a pounding chiptune-inspired soundtrack.

* Looksley’s Line Up (Nintendo DSiWare, May 17): In this unique take on hidden picture games, Looksley the rabbit needs your help to find inspiring objects so he can finish the story he’s writing. The objects are hidden in 3-D dioramas made up of cutout layers that shift as you move the Nintendo DSi system. Unique Nintendo DSi camera-based controls let you peer deep into the game’s scenes and hunt for hidden objects just by moving the Nintendo DSi.

* Frogger Returns (Nintendo DSiWare, Konami, May 17): Frogger Returns takes the challenge of the arcade classic Frogger and brings it to the Nintendo DSiWare service for the first time. Classic top-down 2-D game-play is updated with colorful 3-D graphics, a new perspective, new levels, new enemies and game-changing power-ups to dodge and grab.

* Metal Torrent (Nintendo DSiWare, May 24): Compete with players around the world for the highest score in this new action game inspired by classic arcade shoot-’em-ups. Convert enemy bullets into score-generating cubes. Continuously absorb cubes to create score-accelerating combos. Download replay videos from top players via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, or if you make the top five scores, upload your own video.

* X-Scape (Nintendo DSiWare, May 31): Take on an epic space adventure in X-Scape. As captain of the VIXIV, a highly advanced space tank, you’ll roam the surface of dozens of alien worlds, battling the forces of an empire that is out to destroy you. The touch screen makes controlling your vehicle a snap, and your helpful robot companion is there every step of the way to help you with advice and weapon upgrades.

* Hero of Sparta (Nintendo DSiWare, Gameloft, May 31): Battle like the fierce Spartan warrior you are to avoid a tragic death as you journey through mythical lands and even probe the depths of the Underworld. You will fight the most phenomenal monsters from mythology, defy Minotaurs and the Cyclops, and challenge the gods themselves!

* Flametail (Nintendo DSiWare, June 7): Clean up the space lanes of floating garbage with the starship Flametail. As you wind your way through the mind-bending obstacle course, your flaming tail will ignite the piles of rubbish to eliminate them. But be careful to not get caught in a dead end, or let the barrier that’s following you reach your tail. This puzzle action game is easy for anyone to pick up and play.

* A Kappa’s Trail (Nintendo DSiWare, June 14): Guide a little mythical river spirit to the human world with your Nintendo DSi stylus in this puzzle adventure. Draw a trail, and the little “kappa” will follow. It’s up to you to ensure he makes it through the gauntlet of enemies and treacherous paths of the Kappa Trail.

Screenshot overload begins in 3… 2… 1!

God of War III (PS3):

Fable III (Xbox 360):

SOCOM 4 (PS3):

The Shoot (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

Slider (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

Sports Champions (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

Motion Fighter (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

Move Party (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

EyePet (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

TV SuperStars (PS3 – PlayStation Move):

ModNation Racers (PS3):

Gran Turismo 5:

Puzzle Quest 2 (DS):

Puzzle Quest 2 (XBLA):

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes (PSN, XBLA):

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow (DS):

Clash of the Titans (PS3, Xbox 360):

Disciples III (PC):

Metroid: Other M (Wii):

Heavy Rain – The Taxidermist (PS3):

3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures 2 (PSN, XBLA):

Super Street Fighter IV (PS3, Xbox 360):

Moto GP ’09-’10 (PS3, Xbox 360):

Prison Break (PC, PS3, Xbox 360):

First off, the new larger-screened Nintendo DSi XL system will launch in North America on March 28 carrying a retail price of $189.99. The DSi XL will be available in two colors, Burgundy and Bronze, and will come pre-loaded with Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math, Photo Clock, the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio.

Also on the DS front, Square Enix has entered into an agreement that puts Nintendo in charge of publishing duties for the long-awaited North American release of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, which is currently slated to ship this summer.

The Wii is also poised for a huge early 2010, with two of the platform’s most anticipated titles — Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M — locked into launch dates before summer lets out. Super Mario Galaxy 2 will ship on May 23, with Metroid: Other M to follow just over a month later on June 27.

Before those two heavy hitters rock Wii owners’ worlds, Capcom’s Monster Hunter Tri will land on store shelves on April 20. For the North American release, online play will be free of charge (apparently the Japanese version requires a subscription fee, which I did not know) and the Wii Speak microphone will be supported for voice chat. Beginning March 8th, a playable demo will also be available for anyone to walk in and pick up for free at Gamestop stores, and if you want to pre-order while you’re there you can get an instant $5 discount and a bonus Wii Points card worth 500 points.

Those are only the headlines, too. Here is the complete lineup schedule per Nintendo’s press release.

* The new Nintendo DSi XL hand-held system launches March 28 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new system launches in both Burgundy and Bronze colors, and comes loaded with pre-installed premium software Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, as well as two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with a larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that use the Nintendo DS touch screen. America’s Test Kitchen: Let’s Get Cooking and WarioWare: D.I.Y. will also launch for the Nintendo DS family of products on March 28, providing consumers with new content that can be enjoyed on any Nintendo DS system. Games like these demonstrate the enhanced experience available with the Nintendo DSi XL.

* Super Mario Galaxy 2, the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original game, launches May 23 for the Wii console. The game includes the amazing gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new galaxies and features to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Mario can pair up with his dinosaur buddy Yoshi and use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock.

* Metroid: Other M, the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through a collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team Ninja, launches June 27. The game looks at the classic franchise from a new perspective: While much of the game is reminiscent of 2-D side-scrollers, players can switch the perspective into 3-D at any time as they explore the twisting passages of a derelict space station and delve deep into a cinematic, never-before-told story of bounty hunter Samus Aran’s past. This new approach uses a new control scheme in which players use the Wii Remote controller held sideways to battle enemies and navigate the expansive, gorgeous environments in classic Metroid fashion, then aim at the screen with the Wii Remote pointer to blast foes in first-person and hunt the world for clues and hidden passages.

* In a unique partnership with Square-Enix, Nintendo of America will publish Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies in the Americas when the game arrives in summer 2010. Dragon Quest IX has sold more than 4.15 million copies in the Japanese market. Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base in the Americas.

* Capcom’s Monster Hunter® Tri, an epic action game for Wii, launches in the United States on April 20. The game lets players customize their character, armor and weapons in order to protect a town from majestic monsters as that town rebuilds following a devastating earthquake. Online play will be available for all players with broadband Internet access at no additional cost. Online text chat is fully functional and online voice chat is enabled using the Wii Speak microphone, which is sold separately. At a suggested retail price of $59.99, limited quantities of Monster Hunter Tri will include the new Black Classic Controller Pro, while both Black and White versions of the controller will be available separately at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also be available without a controller at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

* Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from legendary developer Treasure, will launch across North America on June 7. The game features nonstop action with two playable characters and international online leaderboards to track high scores. Using the Wii Remote pointer functionality, the game offers unprecedented precision in the shooter genre.

* FlingSmash for Wii will test players’ Wii Remote skills as they bounce a ball-like hero through countless side-scrolling stages, combining the precision of racket sports with the unpredictable fun of pinball. Playable only with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, the game will launch this summer.

* Picross 3D is poised to become a puzzle game phenomenon when it launches for the Nintendo DS family of products on May 3. In Picross 3D, players start with a cube and smash away smaller blocks to reveal an object, shape or symbol. Delivering more than 350 unique puzzles and more made available for download on a regular basis after launch via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required), the game takes the mind-bending fun of Picross into the next dimension.

* 100 Classic Books transforms the Nintendo DS family of products into a library of timeless literature when it launches on June 14 at a suggested retail price of $19.99, highlighted by 100 works from authors such as William Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and more. Readers can adjust the size of text, place bookmarks and even download new content via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet connection required).

* Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands from Ubisoft will launch May 18 on both the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. Boasting amazing graphics with fantastic action and puzzle-solving game play, the Wii version will be the first in franchise history to feature a two-player cooperative experience. As an added bonus, the Wii version of the game will exclusively include the 1992 Super NES version of the original Prince of Persia game.

* Disney Guilty Party is the official title of the highly anticipated first collaboration between Disney Interactive Studios and its recently acquired studio, Wideload Games. The fun and hilarious mystery party game is set for release in the second half of 2010, exclusively for Wii.

* Majesco’s Nintendo DSi exclusive Ghostwire: Link to the Paranormal uses incredible augmented reality technology through the Nintendo DSi Camera. Launching this October, the game lets players become a ghost hunter as they interact with the paranormal.

Nintendo also announced a variety of games available to download directly to the Wii console from the Wii Shop Channel via the WiiWare service, and directly to the Nintendo DS via the DSi Shop and DSiWare services.

For WiiWare:

* Launching on March 1, Capcom’s Mega Man 10 builds upon the huge impact of Mega Man 9, a completely new adventure rendered in classic 8-bit style. This new game looks and sounds as awesomely retro as its predecessor.

* Launching on March 8, Max & the Magic Marker from Press Play turns the Wii Remote into an orange magic marker that’s literally magic. Players draw lines and objects to help Max reach objects and his ultimate goal.

* The long-awaited indie cult classic Cave Story comes to WiiWare with new game play, artwork and music enhancements on March 22. It’s classic gaming reborn for 2010.

* Launching on March 29, WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase is a standalone product exclusive to the WiiWare service and available only from the Wii Shop Channel. The game contains more than 70 new microgames and features interoperability with the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products. Players that own both games can transfer content between the two via a local wireless connection, and can even play user-created microgames on their television using WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase.

* As the techno music pulses, Nintendo’s Art Style: light trax puts players in charge of a white beam of light as it engages in a surreal race against other beams across a dark track. Players must keep away from obstacles, use items and look for power boosts if they want to finish first. Art Style: light trax launches this spring.

* Swim and spin through the primordial ooze in Nintendo’s Art Style: Rotozoa as you absorb tiny organisms that match the colors of your tentacles. As you absorb more organisms, your tentacles grow. The challenge increases as additional tentacles are gained, but power-ups can help you survive and thrive. Art Style: Rotozoa launches this spring.

* Launching this spring, Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games is an intense fighting game that asks players to perfect their well-timed moves against an array of opponents. The game is compatible with the Wii MotionPlus accessory.

* Launching this spring, And Yet It Moves from Broken Rules requires players to rotate the world to help their line-drawn protagonist progress. Walls become floors and floors become ceilings in this surreal twist on the platformer genre.

* Launching this summer, Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Grand Prize Finalist Super Meat Boy from Team Meat sets a cube of meat off on an adventure to save Princess Bandage. This off-the-wall game is not for the faint of heart.

For Nintendo DSiWare:

* Nintendo’s Photo Dojo is poised to be the cult hit of 2010 when it launches this spring. The game first asks players to pose for 13 pictures and input 10 sound effects. Once that’s done, the player becomes the main character in a hilarious side-scrolling fighting game. Create up to eight characters and do battle alone or against a friend on a single Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.

* Launching this spring, Nintendo’s Metal Torrent delivers a frantic barrage of gunfire that fills the screen. Players try to convert opponents’ bullets into cubes that, when collected, increase their score and fill an energy meter that powers special weapons. Online Leaderboards record scores and movies of top games.

* Launching this spring, X-Scape from Nintendo immerses players in an exploratory adventure involving more than 20 planets. Players will pilot their tank through 3-D tunnels, fire at enemies and even battle ancient weapons that resemble giant robots.