It seems that the Skyward Sword competition for Nintendo of America and Japan is still on for Nintendo America released their trailers and screenshots for Skyward Sword, they have even included a press release which we all have for you guys right after the post jump. In general the screenshots and videos are the same but there is a minor difference in them so check them out to see what that difference is. Our gallery is still down (I hope to have this resolved during the weekend) but we will still have all of the screenshots in this post so there isn’t any loss. Jump inside to view the other video, the press release and the screenshots.

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo has revealed more details about the captivating areas, items and game play in the massive The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword game, launching exclusively for the Wii™ system on Nov. 20. This week, Link™ journeys through the Lanayru Desert, where he must find his way through the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility, sail across a sea of sand and discover new items to add to his collection. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

• Lanayru Desert and the Lanayru Mining Facility: In this vast area, surrounded in all directions by sand, Link must search for the Lanayru Mining Facility. As strange a place as this is, Link will encounter characters both new and familiar, such as Gorons. Inside the Lanayru Mining Facility, Link will follow the path of mine carts through this expansive area, experiencing new puzzles and challenges. He must also face the dungeon boss Moldera, a fearsome giant scorpion.

• Sand Ship: Late in his quest, Link returns to a different area of the Lanayru Desert as he sails across a sea of sand in search of a hidden ship.

• New Items: In the desert, Link will receive two new items – the Claw Shots and the Gust Jar. The Claw Shots allow players to grapple and pull themselves toward otherwise unreachable areas. The Gust Jar can blow a burst of air to stun enemies or clear paths through piles of sand. Players will find the Gust Jar essential to solving the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility.

Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote™ Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that were performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword/.