The New Play Control! series,[1][2] known in Japan as Wii de Asobu (Wiiであそぶ, lit. Play on Wii)[3] is a program by Nintendo to upgrade several GameCube games for release on the Wii. These re-releases incorporate graphical improvements, which include 16:9 widescreen support.[4] They also feature reconfigured controls to fit the Wii Remote.[5] The Australian/New Zealand Official Nintendo Magazine has used the term "Wiimakes" to describe the series.[6]
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The first game released for New Play Control! was Donkey Kong Jungle Beat on December 11, 2008 in Japan, followed by a new version of Pikmin on December 25, 2008 and Mario Power Tennis, also in Japan.[3] Other games, such as Chibi-Robo!, Pikmin 2, Metroid Prime, and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes were all released in 2009.[7]
The adaptations of the Pikmin games allow players to point-and-click with the Wii Remote to select and direct units. The adaptation of Mario Power Tennis draws on the swinging motions seen in Wii Sports, while it is also possible to move the character directly with the control stick. The adaptations for the Metroid Prime series use the same control functions as in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. An earlier prototype of the control scheme had already been used with Metroid Prime 2, back when the remote was first announced.[4]
Some of the games feature improvements beyond the graphics and control scheme. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat features new levels, modified level design for existing levels, and has more emphasis on traditional platform gameplay.[8] Pikmin features a more flexible save game system, where players can restart play from prior in-game dates.[9] Metroid Prime uses the achievements system from Metroid Prime 3 to unlock bonus content, as well as the ability to take snapshots.
The games all have reversible cover art (besides Metroid Prime: Trilogy, which comes in a metal box case); reversing the cover shows a version of the box-art with no white border and subdued New Play Control! branding.[10]
The updated Wii versions of Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes were released alongside Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in a compilation called Metroid Prime: Trilogy, released in 2009: August 24 in North America,[11] September 4 in Europe and October 15 in Australia.
The New Play Control! lineup was intended primarily as extra support due to Nintendo having a slow year in 2008-2009 before announcing their next big titles. However, due to the poor sales of each game in the NPC! lineup, it was ultimately discontinued from June 2009 onwards.
Nintendo GameCube games currently planned for the New Play Control! range confirmed for release in Japan, Australasia, Europe, and North America:
| Title | Japan | Australasia | Europe | North America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Jungle Beat | December 11, 2008[12] | June 18, 2009[13] | June 5, 2009[14] | May 4, 2009[15] |
| Pikmin | December 25, 2008[16] | February 26, 2009[16] | February 6, 2009[17] | March 9, 2009[18] |
| Mario Power Tennis | January 15, 2009[19] | March 26, 2009[20] | March 6, 2009[17] | March 9, 2009[21] |
| Metroid Prime | February 19, 2009[19] | October 15, 2009*[22] | September 4, 2009*[23] | August 24, 2009*[11] |
| Metroid Prime 2: Echoes | June 11, 2009[24] | October 15, 2009*[22] | September 4, 2009*[23] | August 24, 2009*[11] |
| Pikmin 2 | March 12, 2009[25] | May 14, 2009[26] | April 24, 2009[27] | no release |
| Chibi-Robo! | June 11, 2009[24] | no release | no release | no release |
*Released as part of the Metroid Prime: Trilogy compilation in Australasia, Europe, and North America.
The reason for Pikmin 2 seeing no NA release is unknown.
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