This weekend, I created more 8-bit goodness out of perler beads, clearly with no particular theme in mind. First I created an Excitebike racer using the not-so-standard yellow outfit instead of red. My pride and joy from my weekend o’ craftiness is definitely 8-bit Link! I modeled him after his notorious side-scrolling pose from Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link, one of my favorite games growing up. I also wanted to make the Master Sword pop, so I opted for a white sword. Just for fun, I also whipped up a 1-UP mushroom, based on the Super Mario Bros. 3 design.

Mark created the Tanooki suit, which is unbelievably adorable, and matches a my other Tanooki Mario perler bead. He’s also working on a much bigger (and yellower) perler creation that should be completed soon. I can’t wait to share it!

Nintendo eShop 
• Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! – Play minigolf with your Mii character and master new cups and trick-shot challenges in beautiful environments. The perfect touch-screen controls make for a fun and rewarding putting experience. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare
• Zuma’s Revenge – An irresistible force has taken our fearless frog to a newly evolved world of Zuma ruled by evil tiki bosses. Fire stone spheres to destroy the deadly stream of balls in this ball-blasting challenge. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi)

Nintendo eShop 
• Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream – Play as young boxer Little Mac and battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association. Take them on one by one, from Glass Joe all the way to the WVBA Champion himself. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Also new this week:
• The King of Fighters ’97 (Virtual Console for Wii)

Nintendo has announced plans to bring games from SEGA’s Game Gear handheld to the 3DS eShop. Starting March 15, users can download Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Shinobi, and Dragon Crystal. 

I’ve always been a Nintendo fanboy, but that doesn’t mean I never experimented. I dabbled in a little bit of SEGA console goodness, including their popular handheld the SEGA Game Gear — believe it or not, I actually still have my Game Gear and collection of four games, along with my TV Tuner adapter.

Nintendo also teased a few other new releases coming to the eShop this month, listed as follows:

• Punch-Out!!^™ Featuring Mr. Dream [March 8] -– The classic boxing game from the NES returns, featuring fan-favorite characters like Little Mac and Bald Bull.

• Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! from Shin’en [March 8] –- Use your personalized Mii character to play 81 challenging holes in exotic locations around the globe.

The Nintendo 3DS has had quite an interesting first year on the market. It was March 27 when the handheld released last year, at the bold price of $249 — the same price as the Wii’s initial launch cost. Sluggish sales and lack of software offerings forced a drastic price drop. Thankfully, games like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 brought millions of fans to the exciting new handheld, boosting sales literally overnight.

Nintendo today is happy to report that in its first year alone, the Nintendo 3DS has sold 4.5 million units in the U.S. By comparison, the Nintendo DS only sold 2.3 million in its first year. In addition, the 3DS has seen more than 100 software releases, compared to the DS’s 58 titles. Overall, the handheld (along with accessories and software) has generating over $1.2 billion dollars, compared to the $540 million generated by the DS.

So far, this is the greatest gaming themed meme i’ve seen in the year 2012. If the idea of seeing Mario’s beloved Princess Peach in a dirty gangbang with a gaggle of Goomba sounds enticing, I implore you to click below — I imagine this is what’s happening behind closed doors every time Bowser kidnaps her.

The image is so dirty, I’m including it below the break since it’s not exactly safe for work.

If you want to see it, click below.

Nintendo eShop
Crush 3D (demo version) – Over 50 levels of mind stretching puzzles spread across four stunning environments, each recreating a specific aspect of Danny’s inner world. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Metroid – Packed with high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and hideous alien creatures, the first installment in the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop & Nintendo DSiWare
Aahh! Spot The Difference – Demonstrate your powers of observation in this engaging “spot the difference” game. Complete 40 challenging levels in four unique scenarios by spotting the differences between the upper and lower screen. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi)

The above video is all about Google’s presence at this year’s Mobile World Congress, currently taking place in Spain. If you’re interested in Google, Android, or any of the company’s initiatives, take a look above. Executive Chairman of Google takes the stage to discuss what’s new in terms of products, software, and innovation. You may want to grab a beer or two, as it’s over an hour long.

Those who may have skipped on the option to download the Developer’s Preview of Windows 8 last year don’t have to wait for the full retail release of Microsoft’s new OS to take a glance. Today, Microsoft has made the Consumer Preview available to download. I’m absolutely in love with the redesigned look and feel of Windows, and the new tile metro style they’re utilizing across all Windows products.

As part of the Consumer Preview, Microsoft has announced that all applications in the Windows Store will be free during the preview. Of course, once the retail version of Windows 8 launches, you’ll have to cough up some coinage. Still, quite a fantastic opportunity to really test out what Microsoft has been working on for the past few years.

You can download the preview here.

Microsoft

If you’re obsessed with the NES classic Bubble Bobble, you clearly are familiar with the game’s protagonists Bub and Bob. Of course, if you swapped out Bob for Boo from Super Mario World, you’d create a hybrid that looks oh so natural.

I created the Bub creature using perler beads, while Mark created the Boo. Thoughts? If you missed my first set of Nintendo creations, featuring Mario, a 1-up mushroom, and more, check it out here.

You’ve probably noticed the recent trend of video game themed board games flooding store shelves. There have been plenty of Nintendo themed board games over the last few years, with Mario themed Yahtzee, puzzles, and chess to name a few. And last fall marked the release of RISK: Metal Gear Solid edition from Konami. Now it’s time for Capcom enthusiasts to enjoy the fun with Monopoly: Street Fighter Collector’s Edition in the works. Right now fans can vote for which of the six famous fighters will be selected as the game’s character pieces. Currently Ryu, Chun-Li, and M. Bison are in the lead.

If you want to vote for your favorite fighter to join the game, click over on Capcom Unity, linked below.

Here is the official game description: