Nintendo registers new trademarks in Japan

Nintendo of Japan seems to have registered a few new trademarks, which makes for some interesting speculation for fans everywhere. Some are just plain strange (like Soma Bringer), while others seem pretty easy to figure out. Could the "Wii Body Controller" be the official name for the Wii Fit balance board? Mii Contest Channel is about as clear as Pikmin ... except we really want the latter and think the former is interesting, but not froth-worthy.

Here's the full list:

• Mii Contest Channel

• Nintendo Magic

• Wii Body Controller

• Mii Audition

• Wii Handle

• Pikmin (trademark protection renewed)

• Soma Bringer

We can only assume that Nintendo Magic is the game of the same title that was announced for English-speaking gamers at E3, though that game was known as Magic Taizen in Japan. Does Nintendo make it a practice to trademark all title variations in all regions?

[Via NeoGAF]