The mysteries about Nintendo's experimental helper-mode (aka the "kind code") are no more, as today Kotaku was finally able to see the innovative feature in action in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Nintendo's hand-holding feature for New Super Mario Bros. Wii, dubbed "demo play," may not be as forgiving as we'd originally thought. One official description of the helpful option throttles back the level-clearing capabilities of demo play.

This week Nintendo's in-game hint system patent came to light, and gamers and developers alike had their reactions. Here's one from a teacher, who examines what "Kind Code" offers as a teaching tool.