The poster is 16.5 by 28.7 inches, accompanied by two 22 by 28 inch promotion posters for Phantom Hourglass and Twilight Princess. They may be redeemed for 350 coins.

The Legend of Zelda Three-Poster Series [Club Nintendo, thanks Tim]

Unfortunately, UpKnitCreek's not making this available for general sale, as are most homespun game/geek items like this that we usually post. But look at the craftsmanship - and the fact it's accompanied by a Triforce baby blanket, to be packaged up and delivered in a wooden treasure chest. Whichever newborn gets this, he or she is the luckiest baby of 2009. Or ever.

Baby Link [Craftster.org via Geekologie]

And to prove he's not kidding around, the series creator brought in a piece of concept art for the game, showing an oldish Link (late teen/early adult) and a woman in a blue dress (presumably Zelda).

He also mentions that he'd love the game to feature Wii MotionPlus for things like swordplay and archery.

So, anyone disappointed by a lack of Wii Zelda in 2009, 2010 might be a little rosier.

Here's the full list of ingrediments for this lovely scene of Link finding more heart in the forest:

Toon Link:
- potato salad wrapped with lettuce and spinach
- turkey for his face and hands
- carrot for his boots
- egg for his hair
- seaweed and kamaboko (fish cake) for his eyes
- fake sausage for his mouth

Piece of heart:
- konnyaku (yam cake) and kamaboko

Life:
- carrot

Flowers:
- kamaboko
- spinach
- egg sheet

Other food:
- rice
- Japanese style hamburg
- broccoli
- asparagus

Anna's flickr page for this creation gives a point-by-point annotation. Bon appetit!

Bento #28: Toon Link [Anna the Red, via Geekologie]

Because he's yet to make a game that's better than Ocarina.

Speaking with Nintendo Power magazine, Aonuma said:

I’m happy that a title I worked on some time ago remains highly praised to this day, but that also shows how none of the subsequent games in the series have surpassed it. As someone who is still working on the series, I have mixed feelings about that. Because I haven’t yet surpassed it, I can’t quit. Surprisingly, that simply motivation may be the reason I continue to work on the Zelda series.

Don't get so down on yourself, Eiji! You know...and I fully understand the ramifications of saying this...I thought Wind Waker was better than Ocarina. Yes. Really. That oughta cheer you up!

Nintendo Power [via Go Nintendo] [Image]

Remember, if you're a Madden gamer and want in on the KFC (Kotaku Football Conference), that announcement will be at 1 pm MDT (3 pm Eastern, noon Pacific)

This one apparently came off of Facebook. I friended the guy who created/posted it, I'll let you know if anything comes of that. Also, someone run out and register www.muahahahahahahahahaha.com

And proof again there is nothing new under the sun.

[Oregon Trail pic]
[Zelda pic]
[Princess Peach pic at Motivated Photos]

I want a guy who looks like link. from the game. I thought to myself that I might as well be honest. I look like zelda, so why not ask for it? who knows.. I know theres a guy like that. So if you think you look like link, the blonde skater cut, and light eyes look email me. Im a simple chick who loves zelda. I know thats a corney one to ask but heck we might as well be honest as to what we like? am I right? I want a guy like that and a guy who is romantic and believes in chilvary, love, old school ways, and doesnt have a problem with european culture. Thanks a bunch!!! If I like you, and you have a pic, ill email you back. PS I WILL NOT RESPOND to guys without FACE SHOTS. period. Thankyou for understanding. Im not a body chick. more a face and Please only guys 30 and below. And please do not email me rude comments... this world has too many jerks and I delete them and report to the authorities. Its extreme I know But please have respect.

The BBPS reports that a crafty New York math teacher has been using Link and his triangle-loving ways to sneak a little edu-ma-cation into his students. Am I the only one slightly confused by the description?

Legend of Zelda Used to Teach the Little Ones [The BBPS]

Wii
— Wii Fit(TM): This experience builds on the active-play phenomenon
started by Wii Sports(TM). It comes packed with the pressure-sensitive
Wii Balance Board (name not final) that measures users' actions in fun
aerobic, toning and balance activities. Wii Fit also promotes
communication about health among family members, as everyone can review
one another's progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu. Coming in the
first half of 2008.
— Mario Kart(R) Wii (name not final): Nintendo's classic racing franchise
goes online. It launches with the Wii Wheel(TM) (name not final), a
steering wheel housing for the Wii Remote that lets veterans and
newcomers compete together. Launches globally in early 2008.
— Super Mario Galaxy(TM): This amazing achievement by legendary Nintendo
game designer Shigeru Miyamoto inspires awe with its amazing sense of
gravity and fun replayability. Launches Nov. 12.
— Wii Zapper(TM) (name not final): This unit houses both a Wii Remote and
a Nunchuk(TM) and comes packaged with Nintendo software to show off its
applications. Third-party developers have multiple games in the
pipeline that will use this dynamic new interface. Launches 2007.
— Check Mii Out Channel (name not final): This free Wii channel builds on
the phenomenon of people creating fun Mii(TM) caricatures. Now people
can show off Miis they have created either on their own or for
Nintendo-suggested competitions. Coming in 2007.
— Super Smash Bros.(R) Brawl: New characters, new moves and new arenas
highlight this highly anticipated game, which launches Dec. 3.
— Metroid(R) Prime 3: Corruption: The precision aim of the Wii Remote and
Nunchuk make this one of the best-controlled first-person games ever.
Launches Aug. 27.
— Third-Party Support: Wii has nearly 100 titles in the works from every
major publisher.

Nintendo DS
— Brain Age(TM) 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!: This brain-training
game offers more than a dozen new brain-stimulating activities that
challenge the mind. Launches Aug. 20.
— The Legend of Zelda(R): Phantom Hourglass: This first Zelda game for
Nintendo DS can be played with the stylus and sets a new standard for
the graphics capabilities and immersive play of this system. In Japan,
the game launched in late June and is selling well to both avid and
casual gamers, including female players. Launches Oct. 1.
— Flash Focus(TM): Vision Training in Minutes a Day: This program is
designed to help users sharpen their "Focus Power" through a series of
fun activities and sports challenges that test hand-eye coordination,
reaction time and peripheral vision. Launches Oct. 15.
— Third-Party Support: DS has more than 140 titles in the works from
every major publisher.

File this one under "Things that make you go awwwwww."

Conventions are always a great place to see cosplay. The costumes and their wearers range from the really amazing to the completely embarrassing. On his recent foray to WonderCon, Game|Life's Chris Kohler was able to snap a pic of this tiny Link cosplayer. He was quite popular apparently and his outfit is impeccable, note the bomb and Rupee bag attached to his belt. I only wish he had the shield up where we could see it, because according to Chris it was right on. I'm glad to see the little guy didn't have to resort to the same kind of hideous yellow yarn wigs and cheap accoutrement we often see on some of our, how shall we say, more mature cosplayers. The only thing that could make this better is if he made the outfit himself. Flynn De Marco

Wondercon: The Littlest Link Cosplayer [Game|Life]

Featuring all 26 episodes on a four disc set, Captain N from Shout! Factory can be yours for the low, low price of $24 from Amazon.

Videogame animation fans should note that Shout! Factory is having a limited time sale on their Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and Legend of Zelda Animated Series DVD sets. They should also watch for the upcoming release of the Sonic the Hedgehog complete series next month.

Nerdvana! Michael McWhertor

Captain N The Game Master - The Complete Series [Amazon, via Dan From The BBPS]

With the advent of Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, one classic Zelda character has been all but forgotten about. Of course, I'm talking about that green suited, ugly as sin, fairy wanna be, Tingle.

Torokun, who claims not to be neither a drug user or gay, has made this amazing piece of Tingle fan art. He felt that poor, maligned Tingle needed a slightly more masculine image and so inspired him to create this hilarious and grotesque Tingle meets Shadow of the Colossus image. At first, I was little disturbed by the thought that Tingle was taking a piss on poor tiny Link. Then I realized it was just Link's sword pointing to the colossal Tingle's "power spot", which is in the end, I think, even more disturbing. Flynn De Marco

Tingle Fanart [Torokun's Deviant Art Gallery Thanks, Tim!]

So you read our Twilight Princess hands-on, but still had a few more questions? That's understandable...especially for a girl your age. When changes begin to happen in one's body, all we can recommend is hearty, safe, legal exploration.

So we collected all of your best questions, and like the total jerks we are who never call the next day, posted them after the jump (along with the complete BS we're referring to as "answers").

How far, exactly, did you get? First dungeon, second dungeon, etc?
I almost finished the second dungeon after 9-10 hours of play.

Will Twilight Princess stick with the old text based dialog, or will there be voice acting?
Text dialog only - which makes some of the longer scenes seem...longer at times.

Did you ever forget you were merely playing a game?
Actually, this is a great question because I NEVER forgot I was playing a game...but I blame that on being surrounded by journalists and sitting at a demo kiosk. You know the kind of tacit pissing match an environment like that becomes?

I was just wondering if the graphics in the Wii version of Twilight Princess are better, or any different at all?
I never saw or played the Gamecube version (it wasn't available to us). However, I was told to expect a very similar level of graphics, save for the wide aspect ratio of the Wii version and a mirrored image.

Does the game give you an option to play with the Wii's "Classic" controller or GCN controller?
From a conversation with PR, I'm 99% certain you can play TP with a Wavebird on the Wii, but only with the Gamecube version of the game. I'm 100% certain you cannot use the Wiimote with the Gamecube version.

I've one BIG question unanswered: Is there a way to change the remote controls to a "left-handed" mode?
No. But we had a lefty in our group who was also concerned about this issue. He reported no problems.

Do you have the ability to go anywhere right at the beginning or do you have to unlock certain areas?
You need to unlock certain areas.

Does the cord get in the way when you are doing movements or actions with both the nunchuck and the remote? Do you get slapped in the face with the cord?
The cord does seem short when you first hold the controllers, but I never had an issue with running out of length, probably because swinging the sword only requires a small amount of movement. I predict any games that will require large Wiimote motions will ditch the nunchuck. But what do I know? Maybe getting strangled will be half the fun.

So, are there any notable new weapons or items in Twilight Princess?
Not so far.

The game is supposedly 70 hours long. Did what you play indicate gameplay varied enough to keep the game interesting and fresh for that length of time?
Definitely. Like all Zelda games, Link continuously gains more items and learns new skills/attacks - and there is some neat gameplay that I can't talk about. But I will say it seemed like there was less room for growth as wolf Link. I hope I'm wrong there.

When you're aiming...does it go right where you point it with no delay?
Sometimes it felt like there was a slight delay. However, I'm not sure if that was because I was aiming from my arm instead of my wrist. Make sense? When you change the channel on your TV, you don't pay much attention to the remote's angle. Now imagine that the remote is aimed a little left and you don't realize it while you trail an enemy. You could constantly be a step behind your target and not know why.

"In my opinion, the Wii controlls for Zelda: TP ____________"
...don't define the gameplay experience as they will for other Wii titles.

Can you compare the size of Hyrule to any other game? Bigger than GTA? Smaller than Oblivion? Biggest thing ever?
The scale is nowhere near Oblivion, from the map I saw (which they claimed was the only map...). And while TP has some wide open spaces, it never reminded me of those GTA or Oblivion.

Is there a day/night system like in Ocarina of Time?
No, but there is a world of light (normal) and a world of dark (twilight). Developers probably ditched real time lighting in favor of the theme.

Are Rupees in the game?
Of course. And I was maxed out in the first dungeon and incredibly annoyed when I had to put rupees back in treasure chests.

Is Tingle in the game?
Not that I saw.

I've been watching all the videos that have been released online and I see inconsistencies with the animations in the game. Are the game's animations flawless and smooth or are there hiccups in the fluidity?
They were smooth. I had issues with pixilation, but not the animations.

You and many other reviewers have mentioned the plant whistling method of calling Epona...Will I have a tough time searching before I can call on my trusty steed?
There will be times where finding a plant is either a pain or impossible. Or maybe it's such a pain it just feels impossible.

How would you say that Twilight Princess stacks up to Links Awakening, musically? Will the theme become a classic and recognizable for years to come?
I'll admit it - I didn't pay enough attention to the music. I remember large orchestral scores and being generally impressed, but my favorite sounds were surprises from the Wiimote speaker - even if that speaker sounds pretty crappy.

Are there zombies and motorbikes?
...yeah...sure...

Above all, is this game TOTALLY AWESOME?
The game has an epic feel, no doubt. I'm not taking back my disappointment with some of the graphics and some of the controls, but overall I had a great time playing. Zelda fans will be pleased. (And who isn't a Zelda fan?) Mark Wilson

Alright. Some of you liked my preview, and some of you didn't. But I'm sure most all of you have questions that I didn't answer about Twilight Princess, the Wii, what Nintendo HQ is like and whether Wolf Link could defeat human Link in a cosmic crossover battle to the death.

Anyway, shoot me an email at tdig@kotaku.com with your best questions and I'll post a top ten sometime later this week. I know it's not much, but until I take my rightful position as ruler of the world, diverting all research and human faculty into getting us our Wiis two weeks sooner, this is pretty much the best I can do. Mark Wilson

Alex over at First 4 Figures sent us word that the next figure in their series of Legend of Zelda themed toys/statues/collectibles/voodoo dolls has been announced: the 'Skull Kid'.

Never heard of him. But he's apparently from Majora's Mask. Here's the description from the press release:

The Skull Kid was a curious little fellow, often finding trouble in the most unexpected of places with his fairy friends Tatl and Tael. One day in the forest, the trio happened to come across the most peculiar of people, a traveling mask salesman. When the merchant was paying him no mind, the Skull Kid took a very precious mask. This was no ordinary mask; this was a special mask, a dark and cursed mask. This was Majora's Mask. Donning the strange artifact, the Skull Kid would harness a power far beyond his imagination. Little did he know, however, that he was to become a puppet, an unsuspecting pawn to the very mask itself. Possessed and corrupted, the once lighthearted and amusingly mischievous imp inadvertently unleashes a powerful and threatening force upon the peaceful inhabitants of Termina. Now time is running nigh, as the will of Majora swiftly mobilizes its servant into drawing an ominous moon from the heavens on a collision course towards the helpless people below...

Hand-painted! Only 2,500 pieces! $99.99! The statue is 9 inches high, including the base, so if you give it to your girlfriend for Christmas, it might well be the only 9 inch thing she'll ever get from you. Florian Eckhardt

Skull Kid Statue Product Page [First 4 Figures]

Reader Flot X. found this when searching YouTube for "something cool." And it is: a string quartet featuring not one, but two foxy babes (and a couple of doofuses who I'm way better than) playing The Legend of Zelda. Get rid of the guys and throw in Hanah Stuart? God, who needs porn? Florian Eckhardt

Reggie sure loves his Zelda doesn't he. Too bad the demo was still just about five minutes long. The Excite Truck demo was longer, and I quite enjoyed playing it, I can see myself spending a lot of time with the game. Make sure to watch the whole video for a nice video shot of the new box art for the Wii Games. Brian Crecente