Author: Ian "iantothemax" Walker

In addition to single-console multiplayer that takes advantage of the Wii U gamepad’s built-in screen, Pokkén also features a LAN mode for use with paired systems that maintains a crucial 60 frames per second. As such, this will likely serve as the tournament standard, and the developers have provided some useful information on how to activate this mode.

LAN play can be achieved three separate ways: a standard home network using a wired connection, a similar setup using wireless, and a direct connection between the Wii U systems. While the first two are relatively easy, the third takes a bit of extra legwork, as detailed by Serebii below.

Interestingly enough, the Lan Battle option is not available on the main menu. Instead, the mode is hidden behind a simple input (L+R+DOWN+START) on the title screen.

That being said, all of the game’s content is unlocked in LAN mode, including Shadow Mewtwo and the entire cast of support Pokémon. As these characters normally need to be obtained by playing through Pokkén Tournament’s various single-player modes, this is a huge boon for tournament organizers who often find themselves strapped for time as it is.

Pokkén Tournament launches for Wii U worldwide on March 18.

Source: Pokémon via Serebii, NeoGAF

With just a few days left before Final Round 19 kicks off in Atlanta, the tournament organizers have revealed a last minute addition to their sponsor list, and it’s a big one.

The Pokémon Company International will reportedly have a presence at the event, providing head-to-head setups for Pokkén Tournament, the unique fighter that’s set to launch later this week. Apart from providing free-play stations all weekend, the developers have also put up $500 for an impromptu competition in what will then be a game that is merely a couple days old.

The bracket will be limited due to time constraints, but Final Round organizer Larry “Shin Blanka” Dixon is hoping to allow at least 32 players. Details are still limited on how attendees can register to participate, but we’ll keep you updated.

Final Round 19 is scheduled for March 18-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. More details can be found here.

Source: Final Round, special thanks to FunkyP, PokéMilln, and KOA|The Apple BOOM

While a great way to keep up on your training between tournaments, playing fighting games online is typically a crapshoot in terms of quality connections and opponents. Sure, some titles do it better than others, but it’s always a smart idea to have an idea of which players to look out for before jumping into netplay.

With Street Fighter V currently dominating discussion (both good and bad) in the fighting game community, Patrick “DaFeetLee” Lee has compiled a list of some of the stronger competitors rampaging through the Capcom Fighters Network. Though still a work in progress, this breakdown should do wonders in helping you learn matchups and characters. Even better, it also provides some insight into the pseudonyms specific players are using instead of more familiar names.

Of course, a project of this magnitude will likely never be perfect, but Lee is open to suggestions on Twitter. Give him a polite shout if you find that someone is missing or an entry needs to be edited.

Source: DaFeetLee

After a short period of maintenance last night, Nintendo has revealed the existence of yet another balance update for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and its handheld counterpart. As with past patches, nothing official was released to explain exactly what was adjusted, but the Smash community is nothing if not diligent and quickly worked to put together their own change list.

While a complete breakdown is still in the works, early discoveries are available for viewing on Smash Boards. Some of the more notable tweaks include an increase in Mewtwo’s weight, slight buffs for landing recovery on Greninja’s forward and back airs, an improvement of Kirby’s knockback growth on smash and hammer attacks, and a decrease in damage on Zero Suit Samus’ up and neutral airs.

But that doesn’t mean the newest characters haven’t seen changes of their own. Bayonetta and Corrin have both received their fair share of nerfing, with the former’s Witch Time and the latter’s speed and damage taking hits.

Even though development on post-launch content may be over, this update shows Nintendo’s willingness to continue improving Super Smash Bros. for the competitive community. How long players can expect to see these updates, however, remains to be seen, but let’s enjoy the support for now.

A full list of known changes can be found here.

Sources: Perfectly Nintendo, Smash Boards

After all the excitement new characters bring to the table, Famitsu is bringing things down a notch with a recent report on Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-‘s lobbies. These online stomping grounds will be rendered in 3D with arcade cabinets representing open matches, much in the same way Persona 4 Arena Ultimax’s lobbies functioned.

While players are waiting for open spots, they will be able to distract themselves by fishing in the lobby pond. Far from a mere distraction, however, this pursuit will earn customization parts and emotions for their online avatars as well as alternate colors to use during battle.

In addition, -REVELATOR- is also said to feature a revamped training mode for beginners that utilizes an on-screen arcade stick to visualize inputs, and a two-part story that pairs the original arcade chapters with a brand new narrative on consoles.

Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- launches for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 on May 26 in Japan, June 7 in North America, and June 10 in Europe. Pre-ordering will allow access exclusive demo before the official release, though exact details are still forthcoming.

Source: Famitsu via Hachima Kikou, Gematsu, tip via Kurushii