The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are at it again. Yes. Again. Are they ever happy?

On Monday, the controversial organization issued a press release attacking iconic Nintendo mascot Mario for wearing a ‘Tanooki’ suit in his latest adventure, the Nintendo 3DS game Super Mario 3D Land, which hit shelves on Sunday.

“Tanooki may be just a “suit” in Mario games, but by wearing the skin of an animal, Mario is sending the message that it’s OK to wear fur,” PETA says.

The raccoon-like suit, which grants Mario the ability to glide across the screen, has been a part of the franchise since first appearing as a power-up in 1988′s Super Mario Bros. 3.  In the new game, Mario acquires the suit not by doing something lousy to a Tanooki, but by snagging a Super Leaf. PETA firmly believes this encourages animal abuse (somehow).

“Tanukis are real-life raccoon dogs who are beaten and, as PETA’s undercover exposés show, often skinned alive for their fur,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “This winter, everyone can give raccoon dogs and other fabulous animals a 1-UP by keeping our wardrobes fur-free.”

To help prove their point, PETA has even commissioned a crude parody video game called ”Super Tanooki Skin 2D” in which players try to re-capture their skin from a flying Mario (Warning: Kind of disturbing, and totally not fun.)

It’s just the latest in a long line of PETA game complaints. In 2008 they went after Cooking Mama for not being a vegetarian, while just last year they parodied challenging downloadable platform hit Super Meat Boy for starring a piece of raw meat.

Nintendo has yet to comment, though we’re pretty sure it will sound like a lot of face-palming.

This week on the Nintendo Download, its a kid oriented week. Balloon Kid from the original Game Boy makes its debut on on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS.

For Wii Ware (Nintendo Wii) we have the release of Gnomz: Welcome to the world of Gnomz, an exciting new arcade fighter for the WiiWare service. Battle in 25 action-packed arenas and discover magical power-ups, flying elephants, rainbows and glowing reindeer.

Only for Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS you’ll see the releases of 1950s Lawn Mower Kids and House M.D. Episode 4: Crashed.

You can also check out with your Nintendo 3DS The Legend of Zelda: Main Theme Melody on Nintendo Video

Straight from 2k Play, Nicktoons MLB is now available in stores for the Xbox 360 (Kinect support), Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.

The Nicktoons animated all stars line up was brewing up for months as gamers were able to vote who would be in the line up on www.2kplayball.com in The Showdown, a special online video game simulation based on one of the game’s modes.

It’s fastball versus stinkball in Nicktoons MLB as SpongeBob, ZIM, Dudley Puppy, Fanboy, Chum Chum, Stimpy and a dugout full of Nicktoons compete with more than 300 players from all 30 MLB® clubs, including Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals), Andre Ethier (Los Angeles Dodgers), Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers), Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves), Cliff Lee (Philadelphia Phillies), and Robinson Cano (New York Yankees). MLB® ballparks, including Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium, and out-of-this-world Nicktoons venues like Frosty Freeze Field and the Poseidome, add new meaning to the term “home field advantage.”

You’ll hear play-by-play commentary provided by Perch Perkins, anchorman for the Bikini Bottom News and IRKEN EMPIRE’s irrepressible GIR. You’ll also experience multiple gameplay modes, including Pick-up Game, Tournament, Showdown and the swing-for-the fences Distance Derby. For the first time, Xbox 360 gamers will be able to experience controller-free pitching, batting and fielding with the Kinect for Xbox 360 sensor option. Wii gamers can utilize the Wii Remote™ to bat, pitch and slide, while the optional Nunchuk controls allow for precision throwing. The game is available for Nintendo Wii/DS for $29.99 and $39.99 for Xbox 360.

Coming this holiday season, Activision has announced DreamWorks Super Star Kartz.

DreamWorks Super Star Kartz is a compilation of 14 characters from DreamWorks Animation from Shrek, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon and Monsters Vs. Aliens into a new kart racing game similar to that of Mario Kart. You’ll race as your favorite characters as you jump, speed, and boost your way through wild courses. Racers can put the pedal to the metal with multiple game modes including Battle, Circuit and Time Trial. You’ll have unique weaponry and tricks to beat out your opponents and your invited to bring your friends in competitive 4 player split screen co-op on consoles.

The game is rated E for Everyone and will be available this holiday season for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3Ds.

Today Traveler’s Tales Games and Warner Bros Interactive have announced the development of Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7.  If you’re wondering, yes this will be the follow up to the previously released Lego Harry Potter years 1-4. The game looks to have a target release window of Q4 2011.

Based on the last three Harry Potter books and final four films, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizarding worlds.  From Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts – plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow – players will encounter new faces, new challenges and new magic, preparing them for the ultimate face-off against Lord Voldemort™.

Lego Harry Potter will see release on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, NGP (Playstation Portable 2) and Nintendo Wii, DS and 3Ds.

Forgive the excitement, but folks Mega Man X has finally hit the Virtual Console shop today! This should bring back memories for any gamer like myself in the days of the Super Nintendo. The game originally hit the SNES back in 1994 and is considered one of the classic titles of the decade at the time of the 16-bit era. Aside from that, however, here are other titles that might interest you on the Wii Shop Channel for Wii Ware and DSi Ware.

Wii Ware

My Little Baby (dtp young entertainment, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)

BIT. TRIP CORE (demo version [Aksys Games, 1-2 Players, 0 Wii Points, Full version: 600 Wii Points])

DSi Ware

GO Series Captain Sub (Gamebridge, 1 Player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)

DoDoGo! Robo (Neko Entertainment, 1 Player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)

Music On: Learning Piano Volume 2 (1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)

While the above trailer looks eerily like a new Professor Layton title, it is not.  It is a completely different title for the 3DS, Doctor Lautrec & The Forgotten Knights. Coming from Konami, the game has you playing as an archaeologist from 19th century Paris known as Doctor Lautrec. The game looks to include puzzles as well as RPG-like battles. Look for the game to hit this summer on the 3DS.

Nintendo announced this morning that an official release date has been set for the upcoming remake of the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D. The game is set to hit store shelves on June 19th in the States.

The game will feature updated graphics, new gameplay elements, especially thanks to the touch screen on the 3Ds. It also appears the game will also have newly implemented motion controls as well as including challenges that did not appear in the original Nintendo 64 classic. You can also look forward to the Master Quest included in this version of the game as well which features revamped and redesigned puzzles and dungeons along with a ton of upgrades to the game.

Just yesterday, Nintendo released to North American shores the 5th generation Pokemon titles for the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Black and White. There is an entire new set of more then a 150 Pokemon to catch this time around. Along with new features like changing seasons which only certain Pokemon will appear.

The games features also include Triple Team Battles and Rotation Battles. Those with a broadband internet connection will be able to take part in access to the Pokemon Global Link website. This will allow you to experience in mini games, online battles with friends. On top of that the Global Link website will also have access to the Pokemon Global Trade Station so you can trade with players from across the world.

Pokemon Black and White versions are available now on the Nintendo DS for $34.99.

Trust me, I didn’t make up that topic title for today, that was all courtesy of Nintendo. This week’s Nintendo Download consists of several DSi titles yet again as well as a few demos and one Virtual Console title from the NES. Here’s the breakdown for you.

Wii Ware

Spot the Differences! (500 Wii Points)

Demos: Lit and Urbanix (remember demos are free to download)

Virtual Console

S.C.A.T [NES]: (1-2 Players, 500 Wii Points)

DSi Ware

G.G. Series Dark Spirits (Genterprise, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)

Boom Boom Squaries (Gamelion, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)

505 Tangram (cosmigo, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)

Shawn Johnson Gymnastics (Zoo Games, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)

Nintendo has given yet another reason for gamers to get out for an early copy of the newest release in the Pokemon saga, Black and White. Those who purchase the games from its March 6th launch till April 10th and use the games’ mystery gift function between those dates will receive a Liberty Pass. This will allow them access on-board a special boat somewhere in the games that will take them to an island where they can catch the Mythical Pokemon Victini, the Victory Pokemon.

Victini – the Victory Pokémon – is the first Pokémon that’s Psychic- and Fire-type and cannot be obtained through normal game play. It is said that Victini creates an unlimited supply of energy, which it shares with others. This energy source may be the secret to how it brings about victories. Victini’s unique and exclusive Victory Star ability not only increases its own accuracy in battle, but also boosts the accuracy of all a player’s Pokémon in battle. Victini is a must-have in any Pokémon battle, and is especially useful in Triple Battles, which debut in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.

Pokemon Black and White will hit stores on March 6th everywhere for a price of $34.99.

Chart Track has released this week’s UK gaming sales chart:

1. DEAD SPACE 2 (EA GAMES)

2. LITTLEBIGPLANET 2 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

3. FIFA 11 (EA SPORTS)

4. ASSASSIN’S CREED: BROTHERHOOD (UBISOFT )

5. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS (ACTIVISION)

6. JUST DANCE 2 (UBISOFT)

7. NEED FOR SPEED: HOT PURSUIT (EA GAMES)

8. WII FIT PLUS (NINTENDO)

9. ART ACADEMY (NINTENDO)

10. JUST DANCE (UBISOFT)

11. MASS EFFECT 2 (EA GAMES)

12. KINECT SPORTS (MICROSOFT)

13. THE SIMS 3 (EA GAMES)

14. GRAN TURISMO 5 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

15. WII PARTY (NINTENDO)

16. DANCE CENTRAL (MICROSOFT)

17. WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2011 (THQ)

18. RED DEAD REDEMPTION: UNDEAD NIGHTMARE (ROCKSTAR)

19. EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 (EA SPORTS)

20. WII SPORTS RESORT (NINTENDO)

Nintendo has unveiled some sales data for their 2010 games, with Donkey Kong Country Returns being a stand out surprise in the mix. The game managed to achieve a high 4.21 million global sales. Kirby’s Epic Yarn managed to get 1.38 million sales in Japan and the US so far, which is pretty good considering is yet to be released in Europe. Super Mario Galaxy 2 has sold 6.15 million since its summer 2010 release too. Those totals are only up to 31st December 2010 by the way.

Pokémon Black and White has sold 5.32 million so far, with 5.26 million of those in Japan alone from the game’s release in mid-September. The games will be hitting the US and Europe within the next few months. Also, Wii Party has managed to get 5.07 worldwide sales and Art Academy has amassed 1.52 million sales. New Super Mario Bros. also managed to sell 3.73 million copies on the DS from April to December, with the Wii version shifting 6.58 million copies in the same period.

Mario Kart DS also did well, securing 2.8 million sales with the Wii version getting 3.95 million sold. Wii Fit Plus flogged an insane 5.07 million units with 4.5 million Wii balance boards getting sold in those nine months. The global total of the balance boards has reached 34 million. All of this in short means Nintendo is making money hand over fist from the DS and Wii.

Here are some more stats:

Nintendo DS lifetime sellers (that sold over 1 million copies from April – December 2010):

* New Super Mario Bros.: 26,210,000

* Mario Kart DS: 20,700,000

* Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver: 11,720,000

* Pokémon Black and White: 5,320,000

* Art Academy: 1,520,000

* Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!: 1,152,000

Wii lifetime sellers (that sold over 1 million copies from April – December 2010):

* Mario Kart Wii: 26,500,000

* Wii Sports Resort: 26,350,000

* New Super Mario Bros. Wii: 21,280,000

* Wii Fit Plus: 17,740,000

* Super Mario Galaxy 2: 6,150,000

* Wii Party: 5,070,000

* Donkey Kong Country Returns: 4,210,000

* Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition: 1,950,000

* Kirby’s Epic Yarn: 1,380,000

Nintendo has released a new financial report, detailing the Wii and DS’ total sales to date. As of 31st December 2010, the DS (all models) has sold 144.59 million units globally and the Wii has sold 84.64 million units globally. Nintendo believes they can shift four million 3DS systems by the end of March and 15 million game sales in the same period.

Despite all this good news and the optimistic 3DS targets, Nintendo has made 74% less profits this year (in the nine months ending 31st December 2010). That’s $9.8 billion in takings whittled down to $603 million after expenditure. Nintendo blamed currency conversion rates, throwing away $1 billion processing money into their preferred currency. In 2009,

Nintendo’s total take was $14.4 billion. Even though this year wasn’t as strong, the DS still sold 15.7 million units globally and the Wii managed 13.72 million worldwide too. Nintendo has dropped their expected sales (by the end of March) of the DS down to 18.5 million units and the Wii down to 16 million units.

Chart Track has released this week’s UK gaming sales chart:

1. LITTLEBIGPLANET 2 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

2. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS (ACTIVISION)

3. JUST DANCE 2 (UBISOFT)

4. FIFA 11 (EA SPORTS)

5. ASSASSIN’S CREED: BROTHERHOOD (UBISOFT)

6. WII FIT PLUS (NINTENDO)

7. MASS EFFECT 2 (EA GAMES)

8. KINECT SPORTS (MICROSOFT)

9. GRAN TURISMO 5 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

10. NEED FOR SPEED: HOT PURSUIT (EA GAMES)

11. JUST DANCE (UBISOFT)

12. THE SIMS 3 (EA GAMES)

13. DANCE CENTRAL (MICROSOFT)

14. FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS (BETHESDA SOFTWORKS)

15. ART ACADEMY (NINTENDO)

16. WII PARTY (NINTENDO)

17. RED DEAD REDEMPTION: UNDEAD NIGHTMARE (ROCKSTAR)

18. WII SPORTS RESORT (NINTENDO)

19. FOOTBALL MANAGER 2011 (SEGA)

20. WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2011 (THQ)

Chart Track has released this week’s UK gaming sales chart:

1. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS (ACTIVISION)

2. FIFA 11 (EA SPORTS)

3. JUST DANCE 2 (UBISOFT)

4. WII FIT PLUS (NINTENDO)

5. KINECT SPORTS (MICROSOFT)

6. NEED FOR SPEED: HOT PURSUIT (EA GAMES)

7. ASSASSIN’S CREED: BROTHERHOOD (UBISOFT)

8. GRAN TURISMO 5 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

9. FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS (BETHESDA SOFTWORKS)

10. DC UNIVERSE ONLINE (SONY ONLINE ENT.)

11. THE SIMS 3 (EA GAMES)

12. DANCE CENTRAL (MICROSOFT)

13. JUST DANCE (UBISOFT)

14. EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 (EA SPORTS)

15. ART ACADEMY (NINTENDO)

16. WII SPORTS RESORT (NINTENDO)

17. RED DEAD REDEMPTION: UNDEAD NIGHTMARE (ROCKSTAR)

18. FOOTBALL MANAGER 2011 (SEGA)

19. WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2011 (THQ)

20. YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED (UBISOFT)

The NPD Group has unveiled the monthly sales figures for December 2010 (software sales are after the break).

Here are the hardware numbers:

Nintendo DS – 2.5 Million (-24%)
Wii – 2.36 Million (-38%)
Xbox 360 – 1.86 Million (+42%, best ever sales by 420k units)
PS3 – 1.21 Million (-11%)

Here are the top 10 software titles based on sales for the same period:

01. Call of Duty: Black Ops** (360, PS3, Wii, NDS, PC) ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
02. Just Dance 2 (Wii) UBISOFT
03. World of Warcraft: Cataclysm** (PC) ACTIVISION BLIZZARD – 1.5 Million
04. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood** (360, PS3) UBISOFT
05. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) NINTENDO
06. Disney Epic Mickey** (Wii) DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS – 1.32 Million
07. Madden NFL 11 (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP) ELECTRONIC ARTS
08. Michael Jackson The Experience** (Wii, NDS, PSP) UBISOFT
09. NBA 2K11 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2, PC) TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
10. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (360, PS3, Wii, PC) ELECTRONIC ARTS – 906.4K

Here are the top 10 software titles based on sales for the whole year:

01. Call of Duty: Black Ops** (360, PS3, Wii, PC, NDS) ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
02. Madden NFL 11 (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP) ELECTRONIC ARTS
03. Halo: Reach** (360) MICROSOFT
04. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) NINTENDO
05. Red Dead Redemption (360, PS3) TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
06. Wii Fit Plus** (Wii) NINTENDO
07. Just Dance 2 (Wii) UBISOFT
08. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2** (360, PS3, PC) ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
09. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood** (360, PS3) UBISOFT
10. NBA 2K11 (360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, PC) TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE

Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Black and White have now sold over 5,036,724 copies in Japan. It is one of just five DS titles to ever reach this milestone, and has done it the fastest in only 17 weeks. It has also become Japan’s best-selling game of 2010, with Black and White being 1.5 million units ahead of Monster Hunter Portable. Black and White will be hitting the west on March 4th when the games hit the UK and Europe.

Warner and TT Games have announced LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame for the DS. It’s a sequel to LEGO Battles, so expect a real-time strategy title here. Players have to build bases and command troops about. The game will be released this spring at the same time as the Ninjago brick sets hit toy shops. The LEGO Universe MMO will also get a Ninjago area, because kids haven’t been introduced to enough ninjas yet.

In LEGO Ninjago you play as a master of Spinjitzu, meaning you can spin like a tornado to blow your opponents away. You can also be good or evil and can fight in a Battle mode as well as against friends in multiplayer. We’re hoping for a LEGO-ized version of Naruto but with less distracting characters and amazing storylines.

Chart Track has released this week’s UK gaming sales chart:

1. FIFA 11 (EA SPORTS)

2. JUST DANCE 2 (UBISOFT)

3. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS (ACTIVISION)

4. NEED FOR SPEED: HOT PURSUIT (EA GAMES)

5. WII FIT PLUS (NINTENDO)

6. ASSASSIN’S CREED: BROTHERHOOD (UBISOFT)

7. GRAN TURISMO 5 (SONY COMPUTER ENT.)

8. FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS (BETHESDA SOFTWORKS)

9. THE SIMS 3 (EA GAMES)

10. KINECT SPORTS (MICROSOFT)

11. ART ACADEMY (NINTENDO)

12. JUST DANCE (UBISOFT)

13. EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 (EA SPORTS)

14. RED DEAD REDEMPTION: UNDEAD NIGHTMARE (ROCKSTAR)

15. MEDAL OF HONOR (EA GAMES)

16. YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED (UBISOFT)

17. DANCE CENTRAL (MICROSOFT)

18. MASS EFFECT 2 (EA GAMES)

19. FOOTBALL MANAGER 2011 (SEGA)

20. WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2011 (THQ)