Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo prepares to kill off Aqua Blue 3DS, dump it in a watery grave]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-3ds-aqua-blue-ceases-production/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-3ds-aqua-blue-ceases-production/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-3ds-aqua-blue-ceases-production/#comments Nintendo prepares to kill off Aqua Blue 3DS, dump it in a watery grave

Anyone that bought Nintendo's 3D portable early on may have laid their hands on an endangered species. The original Aqua Blue model will cease production soon, according to Nintendo Japan's official site. In a full list of the 3DS's ever-increasing color options, the original has been tagged (above, top left), stating that it'll no longer be made, although there's no official date for the literal end of the line. Its turquoise coat didn't cost all that much, right?

Nintendo prepares to kill off Aqua Blue 3DS, dump it in a watery grave originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaqua blueAquaBluebluecolorsDSend of the lineEndOfTheLineminipostNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsFri, 11 May 2012 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo to pull the plug on 3D TV service in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-to-cancel-3d-tv-service-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-to-cancel-3d-tv-service-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/nintendo-to-cancel-3d-tv-service-in-japan/#comments Nintendo to pulls the plug on 3D TV service in Japan

If you were still holding out for those 3D-erific videos of cute dogs and sumo wrestlers for your American 3DS via Nintendo's "Itsu no Ma ni Terebi" service, bad news just got badder. In short, it's not coming. Ever. In fact, worse than that, the service will take its last look at the rising sun on the 20th of June, as Nintendo has announced that it's shuttering the service one day short of a year since it launched. There is mention of occasional content coming to both 2D and 3D devices via the Nintendo Video service, but if we didn't know better, we'd suggest this is Kyoto's way of saying "I'll call you".

Nintendo to pull the plug on 3D TV service in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo is already guiding you through the Louvre with a 3DS, but a newly published US patent application takes that kind of tourism to a very literal new level. Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto's concept describes a way to direct lost tourists by beaming position information through an overhead grid of infrared transmitters to a mobile device (portrayed as a DS Lite) held by the confused visitor below. The handheld then talks wirelessly to a server that lights up floor displays with maps and directions, and a helpful app on the device lets visitors pick their route while they read up on sightseeing tips. Like with any patent, there's no certainty that Nintendo will act on the idea and start wiring up museums with IR blasters, but the January 2012 patent may still be fresh in a frequently inventive mind like Miyamoto's.

Nintendo patent application tech tracks your DS from above, serves as tour guide originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsApplicationdsinfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorLouvremapmapsMiyamotonavigationnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo DSNintendo3dsNintendoDspatentpatentsshigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamototourismtouristus patent and trademark officeUsPatentAndTrademarkOfficeUSPTOwi-fiwifiFri, 04 May 2012 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/nintendo-3ds-turning-purple-on-may-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/nintendo-3ds-turning-purple-on-may-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/nintendo-3ds-turning-purple-on-may-20th/#comments Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th

Pink, red, aqua and black not good enough for you? Fine. Have a purple one -- if that's what you really want. On May 20th you can pick up this Grimace-hued Nintendo 3DS for the usual price of $169.99 alongside Mario Tennis Open. Hoping for something a bit more subtle, perhaps a nice clean white or a nice two-tone gray? Tough. You're getting purple.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick

Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All eyes are on Nintendo, now that it has revealed losses of $460 million. Buried in all of the financial paperwork were the revelations that it sells the 3DS at a loss, its plans for digital distribution and its projected sales figures for this year. It aims to flog 18.5 million 3DS handhelds and 10.5 million Wii consoles by March 31st 2013. But wait, what about the Wii U? That figure actually encompasses both old and new hardware, so it is either hoping for a sharp fall in Wii sales or a tough opening for the new baby. It's a bold pair of figures that relies upon how well New Super Mario Bros 2, Animal Crossing and the new hardware capture the public's imagination in a time when people are tightening their belts (especially if they've been using Wii Fit).

Continue reading Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year

Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSFiscal YearFiscalYearFy 2012Fy2012NintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo WiiNintendo Wii FitNintendo Wii UNintendo3dsNintendoWiiNintendoWiiFitNintendoWiiUProjectionsSales ProjectionsSalesProjectionsWiiWii FitWii UWiiFitWiiUFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's gunning for retailers, expanding eShop offerings for Wii U, 3DS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-e-shop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-e-shop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-e-shop/#comments Image

Nintendo is going to sell its 3DS and Wii U games through the eShop as well as on the high street. Concerned about the money wasted in "inventory," the company will let consumers choose where they get their fix from. The first two games to get the treatment will be New Super Mario Bros 2 and Onitore Brain Training (working title) for the handheld, with more expected in the future. As consumers transition to downloads, the company will keep its brick-and-mortar partners on-side by allowing them to sell "activation codes" to the digital titles -- although that does mean you'll have to drive down to Gamestop and back.

Nintendo's gunning for retailers, expanding eShop offerings for Wii U, 3DS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ever since Nintendo slashed the price of the 3DS, there's been plenty of speculation that the gaming giant has been selling the portable console at a loss. The company acknowledged that fact during its disappointing earnings report, stating, "its hardware has been sold below cost because of its significant price cut in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012," something that's uncharacteristic of the company's past operations. But as with its fairly unfortunate financials, the company plans to turn things around, adding, "Nintendo expects to cease selling it below cost by the middle of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013."

Nintendo confirms that it's selling 3DS at a loss, expects that to change originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsconsoleearningsfinancialslossmanufacturingnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsportableportable gaming consolePortableGamingConsoleThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo posts first annual loss of $460 million, predicts turnaround next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-annual-financials-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-annual-financials-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-annual-financials-2011/#comments Nintendo posts first annual loss of $460 million, predicts turnaround next year

Nintendo has announced its first annual operating loss following an initially lukewarm response to its new 3DS handheld and an aging Wii console -- set to be replaced later this year. Nintendo made an operating loss of 37.3 billion yen ($459.54 million) from 2011 to 2012, but intends to spin it around to a 35 billion yen operating profit in the forthcoming year. Net sales dropped by 36.2 percent compared to 2010-2011 , despite price cuts on its existing hardware like the 3DS and Wii. The Japanese games manufacturer has also seen increased competition from new rivals on Apple and Android hardware, as mobile gaming continues to go from strength to strength.

Nintendo also laid some of the blame at the feet of the weakened yen, but expects the incoming Wii U, cheaper 3DS production and incoming titles like New Super Mario Bros. 2, Brain Training and Animal Crossing will all help turn its fortunes around. Nintendo intends to stop selling the 3DS "below cost" (that is; at a reduced manufacturing cost) by the middle of the next financial year, after strong sales from the substantial price cut last year. The company sold 13.53 million 3DS devices and 36 million 3DS games, compared to 80.2 million on the original DS. The original DS still managed to sell 5.1 million units in the last year. Nintendo's main console, the Wii, sold 9.84 million units in the last year, with 102.37 million games sold.

Nintendo posts first annual loss of $460 million, predicts turnaround next year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 annual financial2011AnnualFinancial3dsconsoledsfinancialsnintendoprofitsprojectionsresultssaleswiiwii uWiiUThu, 26 Apr 2012 03:37:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Nintendo 3DS firmware update now live in North America]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3ds-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3ds-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3ds-firmware-update/#comments Image

If your 3DS' home screen is looking a little too cluttered, then today's your lucky day. Nintendo is rolling out the firmware update that adds folders to your folder. (You've gotta fold the console closed, geddit?) The only other change evident so far is a redesigned eShop interface that makes better use of the screen's real estate, but pssh, who cares? It's all about the folders for us.

PSA: Nintendo 3DS firmware update now live in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSeShopFirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdateFoldersminipostNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo DirectNintendo eShopNintendo3dsNintendoDirectNintendoEshopSatoru IwataSatoruIwataWed, 25 Apr 2012 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS firmware update promises folders, less cluttered home screens on April 25th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/3ds-firmware-update-promises-folders-less-cluttered-home-screen/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/3ds-firmware-update-promises-folders-less-cluttered-home-screen/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/3ds-firmware-update-promises-folders-less-cluttered-home-screen/#comments 3DS firmware update brings folders

Are all those ambassador games crowding your 3DS' home screen? Sit tight, Nintendo's got a fix. During the outfit's Nintendo Direct conference livestream, head honcho Satoru Iwata announced that folder organization is coming to the 3DS. Fastidiously organized gamers can expect the firmware update to land on April 25th, bringing with it the joy of creating directories, stuffing them with up to 60 items and ascribing them fitting names. Iwata also detailed a handful of upcoming titles, including New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori (or, "Leap out Animal Crossing") for the 3DS and a Kirby compilation for the Wii. Follow the source link below for a full playback of Iwata's spiel, or check out Joystiq's coverage of the event for more details.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS folders

3DS firmware update promises folders, less cluttered home screens on April 25th originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharing a birthplace with Arséne Wenger, Jean-Paul Satre and Jules Verne, the Louvre is France's most prized national treasure. In partnership with Nintendo, the museum finally replaced those cumbersome handheld guides with 3DS units a fortnight after the anticipated March launch. The consoles will provide a variety of tours, offering detailed lectures around the entire museum, or the Cliff's Notes edition for the lazy connoisseur. Shigeru Miyamoto popped up to demonstrate that you can examine HD snaps and 3D images of the sculptures on show, just in case looking up and seeing it in the flesh stone would be too traumatic.

Continue reading Nintendo puts 3DS in the Louvre, France remains generally indifferent

Nintendo puts 3DS in the Louvre, France remains generally indifferent originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsappapplicationartart museumArtMuseumaudio guideAudioGuideconsolefrancefrenchguideipadLouvremuseumNintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsparisShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotosmartphonetablettourismtouristThu, 12 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS outselling four Sony devices in Japan, now has 65 percent of the market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/3ds-sales/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/3ds-sales/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/3ds-sales/#comments ImageThe latest figures from Japan's Media Create are in, showing that last year's trend has been fully reversed. Now the consumers are hungry for Nintendo's 3DS, given that it shipped 121,921 units in the week ending April 1st. That put it comfortably ahead of the PlayStation 3 (23,771), PSP (18,356) and PS Vita's (12,105) sales combined. The stats reveal that the 3DS is now accounting for 65 percent of all hardware sales in the country, a marked turnaround from when the console's future looked gloomy. Meanwhile, the biggest selling game was Kingdom Hearts 3D for Nintendo's newest handheld, which managed to shift over 200,000 units in just seven days.

Nintendo 3DS outselling four Sony devices in Japan, now has 65 percent of the market originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSJapanMediaMedia CreateMediaCreateNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsPS VItaPS3PSPPsVitaSalesSales FiguresSalesFiguresSony PlayStation 3Sony PS VitaSony PSPSonyPlaystation3SonyPspSonyPsVitaThu, 05 Apr 2012 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/#comments Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft talk portable gamingTim Cook says the darnedest things. Why, just last week Apple's head honcho suggested that iPad users are ditching their home consoles in favor of Cupertino's favorite slate. Bold words, ones that can't be sitting well with the gaming industry's big three. Steady thy rifle, hardcore gamer, Cook has a point: the console wars have shifted irreversibly. Gone are the days of bickering over somewhat similar 16-bit consoles and their supposed lack of "blast-processing"; today's gaming armies wage war with wildly different artillery. In the pursuit of your mobile gaming dollar, Nintendo toed a traditional line with a new twist. Sony, on the other hand, seems to have bundled every input method it could get its mitts on into its next-generation portable. Microsoft, however, puts the "mobile" in mobile gaming, echoing Apple's own approach with an Xbox Live platform that eschews dedicated hardware to float across Windows Phone devices as a "feature."

Take a step back, and suddenly it seems like the major players of consumer gaming aren't even driving on the same track. This war isn't about the "most powerful" console anymore; it's about creating the right experience for today's gamer. We ducked under the unspoken truce of last week's Game Developer Conference to get a bead on Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony's portable gaming strategies. Read on to see what they're doing to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Continue reading Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012

Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAndroidApple Inc.Cupertino, CaliforniaDavid YoungGDCGDC2012iOSIPadMicrosoftNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsPlayStationPlayStation PortablePlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPSP GoSci/TechShigeru MiyamotoSonic the Hedgehog 4Sony Computer EntertainmentTim CookTimCookWindows PhoneWindowsPhoneWPWP7Xbox 360Xbox LiveXbox Live for Windows PhoneXboxLiveXboxLiveForWindowsPhoneMon, 12 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[February's gaming sales a mixed bag: up for the month, down for the year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/februarys-gaming-sales-a-mixed-bag-up-for-the-month-down-for/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/februarys-gaming-sales-a-mixed-bag-up-for-the-month-down-for/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/februarys-gaming-sales-a-mixed-bag-up-for-the-month-down-for/#comments PS VitaAt this point, every time NPD releases its numbers, the video game industry collectively holds its breath. The last couple of months have not been kind, as hardware sales continued to drop. But, in February there was finally some good news -- console sales were 87 percent over January. More impressively, that jump only falls to 62 percent if you exclude the Vita. Still, after so many disappointing months, even that stratospheric jump left sales 18 percent lower than the same period last year. Even when taking software into account sales were down 20 percent -- with the industry as a whole raking in just $1.06 billion last month, down from the $1.33 billion the previous February. Individually there was good news for companies, though. Nintendo saw Super Mario Galaxy cross the five million mark, while all of its consoles (the DS, 3DS and Wii) all saw more than 50 percent spikes in their sales compared to January. Meanwhile, Microsoft held on to its number one slot by moving 426,000 Xbox 360s. Hit up the various source links for more info.

February's gaming sales a mixed bag: up for the month, down for the year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360nintendonintendo 3dsnintendo dsnintendo wiiNintendo3dsNintendoDsNintendoWiinpdnumbersPlaystation 3playstation vitaPlaystation3PlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasalessonySony Playstation 3sony playstation vitaSonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystationVitastatsvideo game industryvideo gamesVideoGameIndustryVideoGamesvitawiixbox 360Xbox360Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/3ds-sales-figures/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/3ds-sales-figures/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/3ds-sales-figures/#comments
Nintendo of America has lifted the lid on how many 3DS handhelds were purchased in the first twelve months of life in the US of A. 4.5 million of the devices have been taken home since March 27th of last year, surpassing the 2.3 million classic DS units sold between 2004 - 2005. Whilst the company's playing coy with how many units were sold worldwide, given that the Japanese arm of the company recently passed the five million mark, we can reasonably expect Ninty Nintendo's outlook to be healthier than it has been for a while. Head on past the break to read the official line on all matters three dimensional and cast your mind back to a simpler time, when games could only travel in the dimensions that existed behind the glass.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US

Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3DS4.5 Million4.5MillionDsDS LiteDSLDsLiteDual ScreenDualScreenFinancialsFour point five millionFourPointFiveMillionNintendoNintendo of AmericaNintendoOfAmericaSalesUS SalesUsSalesTue, 06 Mar 2012 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii joins the Hulu Plus watch party]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/nintendo-wii-joins-the-hulu-plus-watch-party/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/nintendo-wii-joins-the-hulu-plus-watch-party/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/nintendo-wii-joins-the-hulu-plus-watch-party/#comments Sure, we knew it was coming, but now Hulu Plus has officially arrived for the Nintendo Wii, letting you stream "current-season hit TV shows such as... New Girl and Vampire Diaries" in all their high standard-definition glory. We know, you're already caught up on all that New Girl action, but The Biggest Loser's latest win will look even juicier in gorgeous 480p SD resolution, so head on over to the colorful Wii Shop Channel to get your $7.99 monthly Hulu fix. Or, if you're not keen on paying for your teevee, you can download a two-week free trial of the service anytime within the first month of availability. And what about that 3DS version? You'll need to wait until "later this year," unfortunately. Full PR is just past the break.

Continue reading Nintendo Wii joins the Hulu Plus watch party

Nintendo Wii joins the Hulu Plus watch party originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d video3ds3dVideohdpostcrosshuluhulu plusHuluPlusnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo wiiNintendo3dsNintendoWiisoftware updateSoftwareUpdatestop motionStopMotionstreaming videoStreamingVideoupdateupgradewiiThu, 16 Feb 2012 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nintendo-slide-pad-for-3ds-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nintendo-slide-pad-for-3ds-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nintendo-slide-pad-for-3ds-review/#comments Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS reviewFirst impressions stay with you. Take our first look at the Nintendo 3DS, for example. Our first thought? "Hey, where's the second analog stick?" Given all the gaming genres that benefit from it, it's almost unthinkable for a major portable console to launch without an extra analog stick. It's like Mario without the mustache, Charlie Sheen without the tiger blood or Donald Trump without the dead marsupial or whatever the heck that thing is on top of his head. Unfortunately, Nintendo decided to release the 3DS without that second analog. So folks who want to get their dual stick groove on right out of the box can only hope the Big N has a change of heart when it eventually releases the 3DSi Lite XL Advance. (We're just kidding about the name, of course, but you never know...) In the meantime, Nintendo's got a peace offering of sorts to tide by 3DS owners: the Circle Pad Pro. Slated for a February 2012 release in the US, we got our grubby hands on its Japanese equivalent, the "Slide Pad" during a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. So is it worth the $20 price of admission? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS review

Continue reading Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS review

Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo and NTT DoCoMo are reportedly teaming up in order to create a voice-to-text system that'll help hearing-impaired children study. Using a modified DSi, speech is converted into text which is then archived in the cloud -- accessible afterward as a learning aid. That way, a teacher can have their words instantly typed up for reading by the students, who can also play interactive games to help them get along. Trials of the system are being held in Tottori and Okinawa Prefectures, with the overall aim of letting them use it as a universal translator outside the classroom. We're worried we'd be too tempted to swap out Tactical Assault during maths class.

Nintendo, NTT DoCoMo testing DS-powered speech translator originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSDeafDisabilityDisability GadgetDisabilityGadgetDSDSiHearing ImpairedHearingImpairedNintendoNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoOkinawaTottoriMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii U]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/#comments Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii UNintendo's third quarter financial briefing just spilled the beans on the recently spied Nintendo Network, causing Nintendo fans everywhere to collectively sigh, "It's about time." Company head honcho Satoru Iwata says the network will offer "competitions and communication among users, as well as the sales of digital content," and in the case of the Wii U, will introduce personal user accounts. Iwata stopped just short of confirming that the Nintendo Network will end the company's policy of tying downloaded titles to Nintendo hardware, rather than individual users, but mentioned that it packed an infrastructure that supports not only add-on content, but fully downloadable retail games as well.

"This concept was built into the design of the Nintendo 3DS, and we already have the necessary infrastructure," Iwata said, "We will prepare the same infrastructure for the Wii U. However, we have not decided the concrete timing of when we will start it." Iwata pointed to Mario Kart 7's community building features and DLC offerings in the upcoming Theatrythm Final Fantasy as an early look at how the Nintendo Network is trying differentiate itself from the outfit's existing Nintendo Wi-Fi connection services. Hit the source link to read Iwata's briefing for yourself.

Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii U originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdlcdownloadable contentDownloadableContentearnings callearnings reportEarningsCallEarningsReportnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo accountsnintendo networknintendo wii uNintendo3dsNintendoAccountsNintendoNetworkNintendoWiiUsatoru iwataSatoruIwatauser accountsUserAccountsuserswii uWiiUThu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo releases quarterly earnings report: 61 percent drop in profit, grim forecast]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-releases-quarterly-earnings-report-61-percent-drop-in/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-releases-quarterly-earnings-report-61-percent-drop-in/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-releases-quarterly-earnings-report-61-percent-drop-in/#comments
Nintendo released its latest quarterly earnings report this morning and, as with last quarter's report, there's not a whole lot to celebrate. The company posted profits of ¥40.9 billion (about $631.6 million) for the October - December period, representing a 61 percent quarterly drop. That's especially disappointing, considering that this period has traditionally been strong for Nintendo, which had previously forecast an operating profit of ¥1 billion (around $12.9 million). Those forecasts have since changed, however, with the manufacturer now predicting a ¥45 billion ($580 million) operating loss for the full year, ending March 31st. Nintendo blames the poor showing to sagging 3DS sales, which have forced it to slash prices. Also on Thursday, President Satoru Iwata told reporters that his company plans to release its new Wii U console across the US, Europe Australia and Japan in time for the 2012 year-end holiday season. Read the report in full, at the source link below.

Nintendo releases quarterly earnings report: 61 percent drop in profit, grim forecast originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbusinessearningsearnings reportEarningsReportfinancialfinancialsgamelossmoneynintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dspriceprofitq3 2011Q32011q4 2011Q42011quarterquarterlyrevenuesaleswiiwii uWiiUThu, 26 Jan 2012 02:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy box points to first paid DLC for Nintendo 3DS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-box-first-paid-dlc-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-box-first-paid-dlc-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-box-first-paid-dlc-for-nintendo-3ds/#comments3DS owners have been waiting (and waiting) for a chance to take advantage of a downloadable content market, and while Nintendo already accomplished the tough part (read: launching it) a few days back, there's still been no word on when paid content would make an appearance. Pushing those freebies aside is Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, which is seemingly destined to be the first 3DS title in existence to offer up enhancements in exchange for a few yen. The box here is actually an "early retail dummy unit," though the verbiage on the back makes quite clear that downloadable material will be available at a cost. Furthermore, there's a heretofore unseen Nintendo Network badge on the front, which may be a new look for the existing Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. At any rate, the game is scheduled to ship on February 16th in Japan, after which all of this will-it-won't-it drama will presumably be cleared up.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy box points to first paid DLC for Nintendo 3DS originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdlcdownloadable contentDownloadableContentFinal FantasyFinalFantasygaminghandheldhandheld gamingHandheldGamingjapanjapanesenintendonintendo 3dsnintendo networkNintendo3dsNintendoNetworkpaidpaid dlcPaidDlcportable gamingPortableGamingstoreTheatrhythmTheatrhythm Final FantasyTheatrhythmFinalFantasySun, 22 Jan 2012 23:54:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS eShop to get free game demos, Nintendo throws users DLC bone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/3ds-eshop-to-get-free-game-demos-nintendo-throws-users-dlc-bone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/3ds-eshop-to-get-free-game-demos-nintendo-throws-users-dlc-bone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/3ds-eshop-to-get-free-game-demos-nintendo-throws-users-dlc-bone/#comments Never let it be said that good things don't come to those who wait and wait and... well, you get the point. Having finally delivered a much-delayed firmware update to the 3DS last December, the Big N appears ready to make good on its DLC promises. Starting tomorrow, gamers visiting the eShop will be able to take a tour of Racoon City and fire off a few shots at its zombie denizens with a downloadable demo of Resident Evil Revelations. The company's only announced one other title, Mario & Sonic At The London Olympic Games, for later this month, but plans are on deck to refresh the service with new trial content from Rayman Origins and Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D, amongst others in the coming year. Sure, it's no Kid Icarus, but this is Nintendo we're talking about -- you have to take what you can get.

Continue reading 3DS eShop to get free game demos, Nintendo throws users DLC bone

3DS eShop to get free game demos, Nintendo throws users DLC bone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d video3ds3dVideoconsoledemosDLCeshopgameminipostNintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsvideo gameVideoGameWed, 18 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid Icarus: Uprising flies too close to the 3DS, gets bundled with a stand]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/kid-icarus-uprising-flies-too-close-to-the-3ds-gets-bundled-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/kid-icarus-uprising-flies-too-close-to-the-3ds-gets-bundled-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/kid-icarus-uprising-flies-too-close-to-the-3ds-gets-bundled-wi/#comments D'ya know what'd make up for a nineteen-year wait? Well, Project Sora thinks the answer is a plastic peripheral. Yes the long, long awaited Kid Icarus: Uprising looks like it'll be bundled with an official "Nintendo 3DS Stand," according to a tweet by the game's maker. It's no doubt a practical addition, as those analog-plus-touchscreen controls look like they'd make your arms tired -- which is probably what got Icarus in trouble in the first place. No word on price for the goods at this time or even if it'll travel across the pacific, but we're keeping our primary feathers crossed.

Update: We've gotten word that the stand will only be available in the bundle, at least for now. We'll let you know if we hear otherwise, but don't hold your breath for a standalone purchase option.

Kid Icarus: Uprising flies too close to the 3DS, gets bundled with a stand originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaccessoriesAccessorybundlegaminghandheldKid IcarusKid Icarus: UprisingKidIcarusKidIcarus:Uprisingminipostnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo 3ds standNintendo3dsNintendo3dsStandperipheralsstandFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo purportedly advising developers to not publish digital sales figures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/nintendo-no-digital-sales-sharing-developers-wiiware-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/nintendo-no-digital-sales-sharing-developers-wiiware-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/nintendo-no-digital-sales-sharing-developers-wiiware-ds/#commentsHoping to gloat about however many copies of [insert Nintendo title here] that you've sold? Think again. Richard Hill-Whittall, the owner and director of Icon Games Entertainment, recently passed a few sales numbers over to Gamasutra for publishing -- at the time, it hardly seemed like anything that'd raise a red flag. As it turns out, however, Nintendo reportedly pinged him and asked him to remove the numbers; according to Richard, the Big N doesn't actually condone the sharing of digital shares figures for any developer that's self-publishing WiiWare and downloadable DS titles. It's certainly a jarring stance to take, and it's probably not the wisest move in the grand scheme of things. As he points out, budding developers hoping to pick up funding will likely have quite the difficult time without having similar figures from fellow devs to share. Hard to say if the company will change its ways due to the backlash, but those interested in the full spiel should give that source link a visit.

Nintendo purportedly advising developers to not publish digital sales figures originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbusinessdeveloperdsdsiIcon Games EntertainmentIconGamesEntertainmentindustrynintendoRichard Hill-WhittallRichardHill-whittallsaleswiiWiiWareSun, 08 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sold four million 3DS consoles, 4.5 million Wiis in US last year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/nintendo-sells-four-million-3ds-consoles-4-5-million-wiis-in-us/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/nintendo-sells-four-million-3ds-consoles-4-5-million-wiis-in-us/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/nintendo-sells-four-million-3ds-consoles-4-5-million-wiis-in-us/#comments We've been (somewhat) taken with Nintendo's dual-screen handheld's 3D screen, AR features and overall unique experience, but it appears that the 3DS has been a real boon to gamers, with more than four million U.S. consumers picking up the console since it hit stores in March of last year. 3DS games like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, which sold more than one million units each in the US alone, were also incredibly popular, along with the aging Wii, which made its way to 4.5 million additional U.S. households in 2011. All told, Nintendo sold more than 12 million consoles stateside last year, and has solid hopes for an equally successful 2012. As always, you can get your fill of warm and fuzzy PR magic just past the break.

Continue reading Nintendo sold four million 3DS consoles, 4.5 million Wiis in US last year

Nintendo sold four million 3DS consoles, 4.5 million Wiis in US last year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsconsoleconsolesgame consolegame consolesGameConsoleGameConsolesgaminggaming consolegaming consolesGamingConsoleGamingConsoleshandheldhandheldsnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo wiiNintendo3dsNintendoWiiportable gamingPortableGamingwiiTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech's biggest misfires of 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/#comments
The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.

Continue reading Tech's biggest misfires of 2011

Tech's biggest misfires of 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsappleattblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookcarrier iqCarrierIqcircle pad proCirclePadProciscodojduke nukem foreverDukeNukemForevere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfccflipflip camFlipCamfusion garageFusionGaragegrid10gridoshphp touchpadHpTouchpadhtchtc thunderboltHtcThunderboltiphone 4siphone 5Iphone4sIphone5jawbonejawbone upJawboneUpjoojooknokno tabletKnoTabletkobokobo voxKoboVoxnetflixnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsnotion inknotion ink adamNotionInkNotionInkAdampalmplaybookplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnqwiksterresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsonyt-mobiletablettabletsthunderbolttouchpadwebosThu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo introduces paid DLC, lets you complete the games you completed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/nintendo-introduces-paid-dlc-lets-you-complete-the-games-you-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/nintendo-introduces-paid-dlc-lets-you-complete-the-games-you-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/nintendo-introduces-paid-dlc-lets-you-complete-the-games-you-co/#comments Did you get a Nintendo shaped bundle of joy for Christmas? Completed the games already? Fear not, as from March Kyoto's gaming veterans will be launching paid downloadable game content for its 3D handheld. The first title to get the goodies will be Fire Emblem, and as yet, there's no clues about what treats you'll get for the reported "several hundred yen" you'll be asked to stump up. Nintendo, however, is understandably keen to stimulate interest in its 3D titles, and more importantly, claw back some of that mobile gaming market-share. With hints of downloadable add-ons coming to the Wii-U also, and Mr. Iwata's previous commitment to deliver the goods, it clearly thinks this is the way to go -- let's just hope all the kinks have been ironed out come release day.

Nintendo introduces paid DLC, lets you complete the games you completed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaz Hirai probably had a sleepless weekend as he and the team waited for the two-day sales figures for Sony's PlayStation Vita. He can probably relax a little, knowing that 321,400 of the things were exchanged for cold, hard cash in the retail outlets of Japan. In comparison, Nintendo's 3DS sold 50,000 more units but sales soon stalled -- only to be rescued with a hefty price cut. Of course, now the company has to ensure that the performance issues that early-adopters have been facing are resolved -- we'd hate to experience the same teething trouble when it arrives over here in February.

PlayStation Vita launches in Japan, shifts 321,400 units in two days originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSEnterbrainJapanNintendoOpening SalesOpeningSalesPlayStationPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaReleaseSalesTwo Day SalesTwoDaySalesVitaTue, 20 Dec 2011 05:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Circle Pad Pro cracked open, plenty of room to put your feet up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/circle-pad-pro-cracked-open-plenty-of-room-to-put-your-feet-up/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/circle-pad-pro-cracked-open-plenty-of-room-to-put-your-feet-up/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/circle-pad-pro-cracked-open-plenty-of-room-to-put-your-feet-up/#comments
Earlier this week, Nintendo announced its February 7th US release date for the Circle Pad Pro accessory exclusively through Gamestop. If you've caught yourself wondering about its components, the guys over at ldblog were able to get their hands on the unit that you see above. Beyond basic capacitors for the peripheral's single AAA battery, there's a lot of empty room inside the case -- almost too much. The Circle Pad's spacious interior leaves us wondering, could Nintendo have used this room for an extra stylus holder, or perhaps, to accommodate the beefier AA battery? The world may never know.

Circle Pad Pro cracked open, plenty of room to put your feet up originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DS3ds circle pad3dsCirclePadCircle Pad ProCirclePadProdual analogDualAnalogGamestopminipostNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsshouldershoulder buttonShoulderButtonTokyo Game ShowTokyoGameShowtriggertrigger buttonTriggerButtonSun, 18 Dec 2011 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo completes 3DS Ambassador program, delivers ten GBA games to early adopters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-completes-3ds-ambassador-program-delivers-10-gba-games/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-completes-3ds-ambassador-program-delivers-10-gba-games/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-completes-3ds-ambassador-program-delivers-10-gba-games/#comments If you've still got the 3DS price drop blues, perhaps a fresh (and final) infusion of free games will help. Early adopters that signed into the Nintendo eShop before August 11th will find ten GameBoy Advance games tacked on to their handheld's purchase history, retrievable via the same clunky redownload system that delivered the 3DS Ambassador program's NES titles. Thankfully, the unintuitive process is relatively simple -- just hop into the eShop's menu, scroll down to "Settings / Other", and select "Your Downloads," to claim your (potentially-exclusive) games. Short of having a 3DS guide us through the Louvre, we can't think of a better use for Nintendo's fledgling handheld.

Nintendo completes 3DS Ambassador program, delivers ten GBA games to early adopters originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds eshop3ds gba3dsEshop3dsGbaeshopGame Boy AdvanceGameBoyAdvanceGBAminipostNintedo 3DSNintedo3dsNIntendoNintendo 3DSNintendo eshopNintendo GBANintendoEshopNintendoGbaSci/TechFri, 16 Dec 2011 23:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS tour guides might make the Mona Lisa less underwhelming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-3ds-tour-guides-might-make-the-mona-lisa-less-underwhel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-3ds-tour-guides-might-make-the-mona-lisa-less-underwhel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/nintendo-3ds-tour-guides-might-make-the-mona-lisa-less-underwhel/#comments Other than wine, cheese and overwhelming apathy, the Louvre stands alone as France's most prized national treasure. It's enormous, it's teeming with art, and it's really old. Starting in March, though, the museum will get an infusion of comparatively new technology, thanks to the Nintendo 3DS. As the AFP reports, Nintendo has agreed to provide the Louvre with some 5,000 pocket consoles, to be offered as digital tour guides for museum patrons. With these devices tucked securely inside their fanny packs, wandering tourists will be able to pinpoint their location within the museum, select themed itineraries, and listen to audio commentary available in seven different languages. The consoles will eventually replace the museum's more traditional audio guides, as part of a wider campaign to bring 21st century technology to the Louvre's 12th century confines. "We are the first museum in the world to do this," Agnes Alfandari, the Louvre's head of multimedia, told the AFP, adding that a slate of dedicated smartphone and tablet apps is also in the works.

[Image courtesy of TrendHunter]

Nintendo 3DS tour guides might make the Mona Lisa less underwhelming originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsappapplicationartart museumArtMuseumaudio guideAudioGuideconsolefrancefrenchguideipadlouvremuseumnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsparissmartphonetablettourismtouristFri, 16 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Game Boy Advance thank you package rolls out to 3DS early adopters this Friday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/nintendos-game-boy-advance-thank-you-package-rolls-out-to-3ds-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/nintendos-game-boy-advance-thank-you-package-rolls-out-to-3ds-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/nintendos-game-boy-advance-thank-you-package-rolls-out-to-3ds-e/#comments Following August's dramatic price drop for the 3DS, Nintendo has announced that, come Friday, members of its Ambassador Program will finally be able to download the ten Game Boy Advance games they were promised. The complimentary titles in question are F-Zero Maximum Velocity, Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, Kirby & the Amazing Mirror, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Metroid Fusion, Wario Land 4 and WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames, each of which will be automatically added to your purchase history. In other news, Nintendo expects you to receive your bouquet of three dozen long-stemmed roses and promises that "It'll never happen again" by this afternoon.

Nintendo's Game Boy Advance thank you package rolls out to 3DS early adopters this Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSAmbassador ProgramAmbassadorProgramF-Zero Maximum VelocityF-zeroMaximumVelocityFire Emblem: The Sacred StonesFireEmblem:TheSacredStonesGame Boy AdvanceGameBoyAdvanceKirby the Amazing MirrorKirbyTheAmazingMirrorMario Kart: Super CircuitMarioKart:SuperCircuitNESNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsprice dropPriceDropSuper Mario Advance 3: Yoshis IslandSuperMarioAdvance3:YoshisIslandThe Legend of Zelda: The Minish CapTheLegendOfZelda:TheMinishCapWed, 14 Dec 2011 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 3DS slide pad gets unboxed in Japan, reveals massive 480 hour battery life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/nintendos-3ds-slide-pad-gets-unboxed-in-japan-reveals-massive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/nintendos-3ds-slide-pad-gets-unboxed-in-japan-reveals-massive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/nintendos-3ds-slide-pad-gets-unboxed-in-japan-reveals-massive/#comments
Now that Nintendo's 3DS slide pad is hitting shelves in Japan, it appears that Mr. Blurrycam managed to get in on one owner's early unboxing. Glance at the contents strewn about above and you'll notice what looks to be a copy of Monster Hunter, the secondary joystick-adding peripheral itself and an included wrist strap. According to Andriasang, the owner reports that the add-on is stated to last a whopping 480 hours on its single AAA battery (for the unit itself), which makes the thought of dealing with its screw-secured compartment sting a bit less. Folks in the US will still have to wait until February 7th to experience the slide pad for themselves, but in the meantime, you can hit the source links below for more insight.

Nintendo's 3DS slide pad gets unboxed in Japan, reveals massive 480 hour battery life originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadd-onbatterycircle padcircle pad proCirclePadCirclePadProgaminghandheldjapannintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsperipheralportableportable gamingPortableGamingslide padSlidePadunboxingvideogamesSun, 11 Dec 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/nintendo-boingo-bring-free-airport-wifi-to-3ds-commuter-rage-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/nintendo-boingo-bring-free-airport-wifi-to-3ds-commuter-rage-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/nintendo-boingo-bring-free-airport-wifi-to-3ds-commuter-rage-t/#comments Know what could save you from that inevitable bout of holiday travel-induced rage? Free WiFi on your 3DS, that's what. Let's be real, you and a few million others are about to be stuck waiting on a tarmac somewhere or suffocating in a boarding area throng of weary travelers. So, if you've got Nintendo's latest portable handy, you'll at least have a free internet connection to latch onto, courtesy of Boingo. The company's recently announced an agreement with the Big N to make its service free of charge to users across 42 of our nation's airports. You'll be able to take advantage of the gratis goods once your console receives a scheduled firmware update, due to roll out today. Now if that doesn't get you in a festive spirit, you're probably just a mean, green 'ol Grinch -- or a PSP owner.

Continue reading Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip

Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds update3dsUpdateairport WiFiAirportWifiBoingoconsoleDataTransferdecemberfirmwarefreegamenintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsvideo gameVideoGameWiFiFri, 09 Dec 2011 04:07:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: 3DS firmware update goes live, upgrades camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/psa-3ds-firmware-update-goes-live-upgrades-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/psa-3ds-firmware-update-goes-live-upgrades-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/psa-3ds-firmware-update-goes-live-upgrades-camera/#comments

Nintendo's 3DS update had been dragging its feet, but it's got its act together, sneaking out to devices a day earlier than expected. It will add both 3D video-recording and DLC capabilities to the handheld, although there's been no confirmation yet of the Hulu Plus feature promised back in October. According to Joystiq, there's now a new Nintendo Zone to interact with when connected to certain WiFi hotspots and a host of new "accomplishments" to unlock on StreetPass. Users are reporting that the update is rolling out now -- it may be worth booting up that guilty Black Friday purchase for a look-see.

PSA: 3DS firmware update goes live, upgrades camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d video3ds3ds update3dsUpdate3dVideoconsoledata transferDataTransferdecemberfirmwaregameminipostnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsrefreshreleasestreetpassupdateupgradevideo gameVideoGameWed, 07 Dec 2011 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS system update pushed back to December 8th, Nintendo confirms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/3ds-system-update-pushed-back-to-december-8th-nintendo-confirms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/3ds-system-update-pushed-back-to-december-8th-nintendo-confirms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/3ds-system-update-pushed-back-to-december-8th-nintendo-confirms/#comments
November is just about over and 3DS users are still without that firmware update announced last month. They needn't worry, though, because Nintendo says it's on the way. In a statement posted to its site yesterday, the company confirmed that the refresh "is in the final stages of internal testing," and that it will be released by December 8th -- not the end of November, as previously indicated. When it finally hits, users will be able to record 3D video, access new StreetPass games, and transfer data across their 3DS systems. These all sound like good things, but they'll only come to those who wait.

3DS system update pushed back to December 8th, Nintendo confirms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d video3ds3ds update3dsUpdate3dVideoconsoledata transferDataTransferdecemberfirmwaregameminipostnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsrefreshreleasestreetpassupdateupgradevideo gameVideoGameTue, 29 Nov 2011 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo looks to keep you warm, bundled even, with two more 3DS packages]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/nintendo-looks-to-keep-you-warm-bundled-even-with-two-more-3ds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/nintendo-looks-to-keep-you-warm-bundled-even-with-two-more-3ds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/nintendo-looks-to-keep-you-warm-bundled-even-with-two-more-3ds/#comments
So you've got a few folks on your holiday shopping list that just aren't Zelda fans. You can still spring for some Nintendo hardware with two more bundles due out December 4th. Inside, you'll find a pink Nintendo 3DS paired with your choice of nintendogs + cats: French Bulldog and New Friends or nintendogs + cats: Toy Poodle and New Friends. Both of the aforementioned bundles will set you back $169.99 -- the same cost of a lonely 3DS system purchased solo. If a pink handheld just isn't what you're after, you may opt for one of The Big N's other bundles already on shelves, including the Midnight Blue DSi XL. In need of a quick refresher before hitting the mall? Check out the PR below for a complete list of Nintendo's holiday package offerings.

Continue reading Nintendo looks to keep you warm, bundled even, with two more 3DS packages

Nintendo looks to keep you warm, bundled even, with two more 3DS packages originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSbundleDSi XLDsiXlLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldalimited editionLimitedEditionnintendonintendo 3DSNintendo DSi XLNintendo DSi XL ColorsNintendo3dsNintendoDsiXlNintendoDsiXlColorsrelease dateReleaseDateSuper MarioSuperMariowifiwiiwii controllerWiiControllerwiimotezeldaTue, 29 Nov 2011 01:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS available for $145 at Target's pre-Black Friday sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/nintendo-3ds-available-for-145-at-targets-pre-black-friday-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/nintendo-3ds-available-for-145-at-targets-pre-black-friday-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/nintendo-3ds-available-for-145-at-targets-pre-black-friday-sal/#comments
It's official: Black Friday has transcended both space and time. No longer bound to the Hipparchian constraints of the 24-hour day, the Mother of all Sales has now given birth to an entire generation of equally stygian offspring, oozing her mercantile tentacles into nearly every crevice of our American existence. Case in point: Target's pre-Black Friday sale. It's a sale in honor of a sale that's in honor of a holiday -- the Apollo to Thanksgiving's Jupiter, if you will. It's also where you can grab a Nintendo 3DS for just $145, as noted in this ad that we came across yesterday. So loosen those purse strings and clench your fists, because the Supra Sale draws nigh.

Nintendo 3DS available for $145 at Target's pre-Black Friday sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking to match your Black Friday with a similarly noir games console? You're in luck. Nintendo has confirmed what we saw on promo literature last week, with a 3DS bundle that includes a special edition (possibly Hyrulean-crafted) console and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Nintendo says the bundle, arriving alongside a similar Flame Red iteration with Super Mario 3D Land, can be snapped up for $200. However, bargain hunters should be able to sniff out some cheaper deals come Friday.

Continue reading Nintendo gives thanks to gamers with special edition Zelda 3DS bundle

Nintendo gives thanks to gamers with special edition Zelda 3DS bundle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dsblack fridayBlackFridayconsole bundleConsoleBundleLegend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeLegendOfZelda:OcarinaOfTimeminipostnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsOcarina of TimeOcarina of Time 3DOcarinaOfTimeOcarinaOfTime3dzeldaTue, 22 Nov 2011 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko Power Grip review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/#comments Nyko Power Grip review There have been more than a few third-party responses to the Nintendo 3DS' notably short battery life, from grips to clips, to full-on battery replacements. Despite their best efforts, these products still fall short of making the fledgling handheld international flight-ready, leaving globetrotting gamers with idle thumbs. Can't we do better? Nyko thinks so, and promises to triple the battery life of a standard 3DS with its latest accessory, the Nyko Power Grip. Other products have boasted double, but three times the play time? Now we're interested. We gave the Grip a run for its money -- read on if you want to know if it is worth yours.

Gallery: Nyko Power Grip review

Nyko Battery Grip review

Continue reading Nyko Power Grip review

Nyko Power Grip review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbatterybattery packBatteryPackcharge baseChargeBaseextended batteryExtendedBatteryfeaturefeaturedfeaturesGripnintendonykoPowerPower Grippower pak+PowerGripPowerPak+reviewFri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:00 EST