Official Nintendo Magazine

18/11/09 – Future, the UK’s leading games media group, is celebrating the milestone 50th issue of Official Nintendo Magazine (ONM) with a Christmas surprise – a bumper edition bursting with BIG exclusives, headed by the world’s first review of new DS game, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.

With the latest issue of ONM hitting shelves on Friday, 20th November, readers will be the first in the world to get the definitive six-page review and verdict on the eagerly awaited DS game. To celebrate, ONM gives over its cover to The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and encloses the bumper 132-page issue in a collectors’ card wallet, embossed in special gold foil.

Packing the issue with exclusive content, ONM talks with the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto in a special interview. The visionary creator of Mario and Zelda reveals latest news on the forthcoming Super Mario Galaxy 2, the making of New Super Mario Brothers Wii and just what he thinks about his rivals in gaming.

ONM talks to the biggest names in Nintendo gaming and catches up with Metroid Prime producer Kensuke Tanabe to discuss the making of the game series and rounds-off a month of exclusives with an indepth look at Epic Mickey and talks with developer Warren Spector about his brave reimagining of Disney’s most iconic character, Mickey Mouse.

Celebrating the 50th issue, ONM counts down the fifty greatest Nintendo moments ever and two competitions give readers the chance to win one of five black Wii consoles or a complete home entertainment system worth £thousands. Readers of ONM will also be able to claim a copy of the brand new Ubisoft title Rabbids Go Home if they subscribe for just £10.99 quarterly direct debit.

Rounding off the ONM 50th issue package is a free 2010 Nintendo Calendar, giving gamers the chance to plan their year ahead with their favourite games and characters.

Neil Long, Editor of Official Nintendo Magazine, said:

“Our Christmas issue is often the biggest selling magazine of the year and we’ve pulled out all the stops. Our special, collectible 50th issue boasts some amazing reviews, features and competitions and myself and the team are very proud of what we’ve achieved. Alongside a raft of new online functionality coming soon and the runaway success of our podcast, there’s never been a better time to get involved with Official Nintendo Magazine.”

Lee Nutter, Publisher of Official Nintendo Magazine, added:

“Having worked with Nintendo on this partnership since day one, I’m delighted to be celebrating this important milestone in the life of Future’s Official Nintendo Magazine. Our partnership with Nintendo goes from strength-to-strength and has witnessed both Nintendo’s consoles grow into gaming titans which have transformed the UK games market forever. With a strong line-up of releases for Christmas and beyond, there’s plenty for readers of Official Nintendo Magazine to be excited about.”

The bumper Christmas issue of Official Nintendo Magazine goes on sale Friday, 20th November, with a coverprice of £3.99. Subscribe or buy online at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk .

ENDS

About Future

Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, and musicradar.com. Future produces over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 18 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 25 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK's number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.

For more information

Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517