Name: Kate Howat
Nintendo Network ID: kate_sensei
StreetPass Hits: 2805
Plaza Population: 1814
Accomplishments: 60
Favourite Outfit: Kirby Epic Yarn/Isabelle Hat
Forum Name: Katesensei
Location in the UK: Newcastle Upon Tyne
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This interview was first published on StreetPass UK on August 14th 2013
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SPUK: Please tell us a bit about yourself, including how you first came to play Nintendo games…
KH: I’m Kate – a teacher from Newcastle. I’ve been a Nintendo fan ever since my parents bought me an original Game Boy which I fell in love with. I remember the first game I ever picked out for it was Link’s Awakening, which is still a huge favourite – I’ve been hooked ever since! I now collect as well as play, and have a collection spanning Nintendo’s history.
SPUK: StreetPass Newcastle. One of the biggest StreetPass groups in the UK, congratulations! Why did you start the group initially?
KH:Thank you! My husband Andy and I started Streetpass Newcastle the day after the UK launch of the 3DS – we loved the idea of swapping puzzle pieces and helping others on quests but were disappointed when we never passed anyone! We decided to set up a meet up group for Streetpass, and have been growing ever since.
SPUK: Any advise for other people considering starting, or just starting, a StreetPass group?
KH:Don’t be sad if things are slow to start at first – start by sticking up posters, joining social networks and inviting friends. Once word of mouth gets around, your group will pick up pace. It’s also worth talking to local game stores – many are willing to help and support with events.
SPUK: Let’s focus on the 3DS for a bit… What’s your Favourite 3DS game?
KH:I think it’s a tie between Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Fire Emblem Awakening for me – both offer such completely different experiences but really show off what the system can do. This may change when A Link Between Worlds is released though!
SPUK: What do you love about StreetPass?
KH:Through Streetpass I’ve met so many different people who live so close by that I’d never have met if it weren’t for the group – it’s great for making friends and means you’ve never short of things to talk about.
SPUK: Which game, do you feel, has the most interesting use of StreetPass?
KH:I really love the way that Animal Crossing makes use of Streetpass – the ability to look around the houses of the people you meet is fascinating (and lets you stock up on awesome furniture too!) – I’ve learned loads about people from the way they decorate!
SPUK: What upcoming 3DS game are you most looking forward to?
KH:Top of my list is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. I’m a huge fan of the SNES game and I’m really looking forward to exploring the same word again with a new story and mechanics. I’m really looking forward to Pokemon X/Y too – I think it’ll be an excellent game to play at Streetpass meets!
SPUK: Ok, let’s broaden things. What’s your Favourite Nintendo game of all time?
KH:Such a tough question! It would have been easy until a few years ago – The Wii had some fantastic games. I love Xenblade, Skyward Sword and the Galaxy games in particular. Ocarina of Time has to be my favourite game of all time though – it brings back such happy memories and is still as wonderful today as it was then!
SPUK: And your absolute Favourite Nintendo series?
KH:The Legend of Zelda series – without a doubt. I can’t wait for the new games this year!
SPUK: Speaking of your Nintendo passions, tell us about your affection for Pokémon plushies.
KH:I collect Pokédolls – cute mini plush Pokemon! I’ve been collecting for around 8 years now and have over 200 – they take up residence in our spare room. Luckily I have a friend in Tokyo who picks up the latest releases for me! I have a website where I post photos of my collection.
SPUK: How about Cosplay? What’s you favourite cosplay costumes that you’ve made?
KH:I’m really in love with one of my latest cosplays – Lissa from Fire Emblem Awakening. It’s been one of the most complex costumes I’ve ever made but I’m really happy with the way it has turned out!
SPUK: And what Cosplay would you like to make, that you haven’t done so yet?
KH:I’d love to make a cosplay of Zelda from Twilight Princess – such a beautiful, elegant costume! I think Princess Peach would be fun too!
SPUK: And finally, what’s the one game – be it a dream sequel or funky spin off – that you’d sell your left pinky to see Nintendo create?
KH:I would love to see a spin off of the Mario Galaxy games with more on Rosalina – she’s such a mysterious character! My husband also had the idea of a crossover between Smash Bros and Mario Kart – I would love to see a Super Smash Kart game one day!
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