wii
Latest
Engadget Daily: Apple buys Beats, LG's G3 inspiration and more!
Today we watched Apple purchase Beats Electronics for $3 billion, investigated the benefits of solar energy, learned about LG's inspiration for the G3 and uncovered a few tricks to help you find new life in your old Wii. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Old console, new tricks: Getting the most out of your Wii
It's not a great time to be a Nintendo fan. Forecasts are falling; profits are down; and Nintendo's new console just can't bottle the lightning its predecessor left behind. The faithful may believe that the Wii U will pull through (after all, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. are just around the corner), but even diehard fans need something to play in the meantime. Look backward, friends: The Nintendo Wii still has some life in it. Dust off your Wiimotes and don your protective jackets -- we've found four ways to revitalize your old Wii.
Enter the Super Smash Bros. melee with GameCube-inspired controllers
Do you want to take on the challengers of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U with a sense of fa-melee-iarity? Good news: third-party accessory manufacturer PDP is working with Nintendo to produce the Wired Fight Pad, a controller designed after the original, fan-favorite GameCube controller. The Wired Fight Pad will connect via a Wii Remote's bottom port, so you'll already need to own said Remote to use the Fight Pad. The good news is, that means it's also compatible with the Wii. The Wired Fight Pad will work with any of that system's games that support the Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro. The Wired Fight Pad is set to release alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with an estimated price of $24.99. We've been told to expect Smash sometime this winter. [Image: Nintendo]
Wii and DS online play lives on through homebrew server
Pro-tip for life: Don't tell the Internet it can't do something. Case in point, Nintendo shut down its official servers for Wii and DS online play just three days ago, and already there's a community running their own service in its stead. While it may take some extra work and tweaking on your end to configure a DS or Wii system to be compatible with the unofficial server, it is theoretically possible to still get in a race or two of Mario Kart. We say "theoretically" because, being unofficial and all, the server isn't as stable or reliable as Nintendo's was. Not every game with online play has been tested for compatibility, and even those that have been tested could crash under server stress. Still, the project's wiki page notes that it is being actively developed, so it's possible things will improve. In the meantime, wear a hard hat and watch for falling goombas. [Image: Nintendo]
Homebrew server keeps Nintendo DS and Wii games online
Nintendo may have pulled the plug on internet multiplayer services for the DS and Wii, but that doesn't mean that you'll be stuck playing their games offline from here on out. Enterprising fans have launched an unofficial Wi-Fi Connection server that lets matchmaking and other core services work (almost) the way they did before the cutoff. In many cases, it's relatively easy to set things up. The DS usually works just by changing the handheld's connection settings; Wii owners, meanwhile, have to run some software from an SD card for the magic to happen.
PSA: Wii and DS online play shutdown imminent
As it was foretold, the end is upon us - or at least, it's upon those of us using a Wii or DS to play online games. Nintendo announced back in March that May 20, 2014 would signal the end of online service for games on the Wii and DS systems, and that day has come. Or, depending on when you read this, is rapidly approaching. If you want to get in one last match or download any DLC for the games affected by the blackout, this is your last chance. Not sure if your favorite game is affected? Check Nintendo's full list. Note that this is not your last chance to watch Netflix or Hulu using your Wii. Those services will continue, at least for the prophesied foreseeable future. [Image: Nintendo]
April NPD: PS4, Titanfall lead sales again
The PS4 outsold the Xbox One in the US in April, NPD reported. This was the fourth month in a row that PS4 sales out-performed Xbox One sales. Xbox One was the second-highest-selling piece of gaming hardware on the market for the month, and total hardware sales were up 76 percent, to $192.8 million. Microsoft reported Xbox One sales of 115,000 in April. Microsoft noted that it led software sales for the month: "April NPD Group figures released today showed that Xbox One continues to lead in software sales with the most cumulative units sold for any eighth generation home console platform life-to-date. Combined, Xbox One and Xbox 360 held eight of the top 10 spots on the generation eight and generation seven console game lists in the US." In April, Xbox One sold 447,000 games, while Xbox 360 sold 2.2 million games. Software sales overall were down 10 percent year-over-year. NPD analyst Liam Callahan said, "New physical software is in a transition period as software for new consoles are doing well, but collectively not offsetting declines." Titanfall was the No. 1 game for the second month in a row, followed by Call of Duty: Ghosts, NBA 2K14 and Minecraft for Xbox 360. See the full software top ten below. According to Callahan: "There were five SKU's in the top 10 not represented in the top 10 when ranked on a title basis (combination of SKUs across platforms), which were: 3DS Yoshi's New Island; PS4 Infamous: Second Son; PS3 MLB 14: The Show; XBO Kinect Sports Rivals; 360 Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare." [Image: EA]
Report: Tech company files complaint to halt Wii, Wii U sales in US
Philips, the personal care, lighting and healthcare technology company, has filed a complaint for patent infringement against Nintendo, according to a document on Scribd. The complaint alleges Nintendo infringes on Philips' patent '379, "Virtual Body Control Device," with the Wii, Wii Remote Plus Controller, Wii Remote Controller, Wii Nunchuk Controller, Wii MotionPlus, Wii Balance Board, Wii U, Wii U GamePad and Wii Mini. Philips says it sent notice of induced infringement to Nintendo on December 16, 2011, and since then Nintendo has deliberately infringed on its patent: "The December 16, 2011 notice letter provided Nintendo with knowledge of Nintendo's and its users' infringement. Moreover, Nintendo has with specific intent or willful blindness, actively and knowingly induced infringement of the '379 patent." Philips alleges a second instance of patent infringement, this one number '231, "User Interface System Based on Pointing Device." Philips provided notice to Nintendo of patent '231 on the filing date of its complaint, May 14, 2014. Considering Nintendo's infringement has been "deliberate and willful," Philips is seeking damages up to three times the amount inflicted by Nintendo's continued use of these products in the US. Plus, the complaint seeks to prohibit Nintendo from "making, using, selling, offering for sale, and importing within the United States" the Wii family of products. Philips is seeking a trial by jury. [Image: Nintendo]
Ubisoft sales down 20 percent from last year
Ubisoft failed to meet its projected earnings in fiscal year 2013-2014, with a loss of €49.3 million ($68 million), down from last year's profit of €69.2 million ($95 million). Ubisoft attributed its loss in part to operating costs, purchases, business acquisitions and sales of Gameloft shares. Ubisoft launched three major games in the "core" market in fiscal year 2013, and only two in 2014, leading to an 18 percent decrease (€758 million, $1 billion) in that segment's sales year-over-year. Gross profit for the year came in at €721.8 million ($986.9 million), down from last year's €913.5 million ($1.25 billion). Total sales in 2014 were €1 billion ($1.4 billion), down 17 percent at a constant exchange rate from 2013's €1.3 billion ($1.7 billion). Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot had the following to say about the year's report: "Although Ubisoft did not reach the targets announced a year ago for 2013-14, we did see a number of significant achievements during the period. Above all, we consistently achieved high quality across our games, notably for Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag – the best-rated game of the Christmas season for PS4 and Xbox One – and for South Park: The Stick of Truth, which delivered a solid sales performance for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC."
Nintendo being sued over motion patents in the Wii and Wii U
Nintendo's not having a great 2014. Between lackluster financial results, an accidental controversy, and now a lawsuit from Philips, life could be better. The Dutch electronics company Koninklijke Philips (better known as just Philips, for obvious reasons) is suing Nintendo over motion patents that span the entire Wii line: "Wii video gaming systems and related software and accessories including, for example, the Wii console, Wii Remote Plus Controller, Wii Remote Controller, Wii U console, Wii U GamePad, and Wii Mini," the lawsuit filing reads. Worse for Nintendo, Philips is looking to halt the sales of those products while the court case proceeds, which could turn the Wii U's poor sales into an even more dire situation.
50 EA games going offline due to GameSpy shutdown
EA's efforts to transition its GameSpy-based games have been in vain, after the publisher revealed 50 of its titles are going offline once the matchmaking service shuts down. Not only is it a big list of games, but it includes casualties like Battlefield 2142 for PC and Mac, and Star Wars: Battlefront on PC and PS2. Other games on the list include Battlefield 2 (PC), Command and Conquer 3 (PC and Mac), C&C Generals (PC and Mac), Red Alert 3 (PC and Mac), Crysis (PC), Crysis: Wars (PC), Crysis 2 (PC), Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (PC and Mac), Neverwinter Nights (PC, Mac and Linux) Neverwinter Nights 2 (PC and Mac), and Star Wars Battlefront 2 (PC and PS2). EA's service site has the full list of affected games, all of which lose their online services on June 30. "Unfortunately, due to technical challenges and concerns about the player experience, we do not have a solution at this time," EA said on its service page. The company noted some of the games retain sizable audiences, and it's "investigating community-supported options" in a bid to retain online functionality. However: "Significant technical hurdles remain, and at this time we don't have anything to announce." If EA doesn't come through, users may turn to services like GameRanger, which provides server support for some of the games in question. However, for many games it'll likely be so long and thanks for all the online fun soon after GameSpy's services go dark on May 31. [Image: EA]
Dragon Quest X 'under consideration' for overseas markets
Square Enix is mulling over bringing Dragon Quest X overseas, although it's unclear if that includes markets in the West. In today's financial results briefing, the company discussed the Wii, Wii U and PC MMO in a section titled "Expansion of Overseas Businesses, primarily in Asia." However, no regions were specified for Dragon Quest X's possible exportation, and Square Enix has brought recent games in the RPG series to North America and Europe. Despite noting favorable retail performances for a number of recent games, including Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster and Thief, Square Enix didn't note any specific sales numbers in today's briefing. Looking ahead, the company noted plans to start launching "large-scale online titles developed by Western studios" in this fiscal year. Square Enix didn't specify particular games, although browser-based shooter/strategy hybrid Heroes and Generals is currently in open beta. Also, the company reiterated Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is due to launch in China this summer. As per recent revisions, Square Enix posted an annual net profit of just under 6.6 billion yen ($64.8 million); compare that to the previous year when the company posted more than double that figure, but as a loss. Despite exceeding expectations across the year ending March 31, 2014, Square Enix is forecasting sales and profit performances similar to what it projected last year. For the year ending March 31, 2015, the company expects net sales of around 140 billion to 150 billion yen ($1.37 billion to $1.47 billion), and net profit between 3.5 billion and 6.5 billion yen ($34.3 million and $58.8 million). Square Enix may have turned loss into a profit this fiscal year, but the Japanese publisher continues to push the reforms it outlined in 2013. In today's statement, the company noted console game markets in the West are dominated by a small number of big-selling games, while smartphone and tablet gaming is "spreading rapidly." This speaks to the changes Square Enix spoke about this time last year, and its response to what it called "weak sales" of AAA console titles in the West. As part of those reforms, Square Enix wants to create a portfolio of games tailored to specific regions, and increase focus on tablets and mobile. [Image: Square Enix]
Watch some footage of the canceled Bonk game
Bonk, Hudson Software's headstrong caveman that made his gaming debut on the TurboGrafx-16, was set to make a Stateside comeback in Bonk: Brink of Extinction on WiiWare, PSN and XBLA. Unfortunately, Hudson Software shut down before the game was released, leaving Brink of Extinction in an uncompleted state. Judging by a trio of videos posted by YouTube user "Bonk Brink" though, who appears to be running the game on a PS3 development kit, a decent amount of progress was made on Brink of Extinction before Hudson closed up shop. One of the three videos gives a brief overview of apparent features planned for the title, including online play, downloadable content, a Horde mode and a secondary "Dactyl" story, which follows Bonk retrieving his dinner from a thieving pterodactyl. The other videos are more focused on pure gameplay, one of which is embedded above. Amassing points from collectible vegetables, head butting enemies out of this plane of existence ... yup, looks like Bonk! [Image: YouTube user Bonk Brink]
Joystiq Discussion: How do you like your Nintendo?
Nintendo isn't in peak condition. The 3DS recovered from its debut slump back in 2011, but the Wii U hasn't found a sizeable audience. As the House of Mario announced on Wednesday, it's sold just over 6 million Wii Us since the console hit in November 2012, significantly less than the PlayStation 4 managed to sell in just five months. Even with Super Smash Bros Wii U and Mario Kart 8 on the way, Nintendo only expects to sell 3.6 million Wii Us by the end of fiscal year 2015. Maybe that's not such a bad thing. Market defining sales of the Nintendo DS and Wii as well as the popularity of mascots like Mario may have skewed the world's expectations of Nintendo. Not just in terms of the scale its business, but as a creative force. Machines remembered as mighty hosts for genius games like the Nintendo 64 and Gamecube sold roughly 33 million and 22 million consoles apiece over their entire lifetimes, just a fraction of the 101 million-selling Wii. Both had scant few third party exclusives, but they did have an arsenal of spectacular Nintendo-made games, games far weirder and arguably more lovable than the bland exclusives like Wii Party and Wii Fit that fueled Wii's ascendance. Working on a smaller scale and as an underdog, Nintendo gave us Animal Crossing, Wind Waker, Super Smash Bros, Doshin the Giant, and many more. Maybe, just maybe, Nintendo is at its best when it's not in peak condition, when it's smaller. Little Mac rather than Mike Tyson, if you will. The question, then: How do you like your Nintendo? Do you want the market giants of the Wii and DS era, raking in cash like never before and pumping out massive family hits like Wii Sports Resort? Or do you want the scrappy weirdos that came up with WarioWare the same year they reported their first ever fiscal loss? Take the poll, talk in the comments. How do you prefer your Nintendo? [Images: Nintendo]
Nintendo had another very bad year and it's all the Wii U's fault
Nintendo's reported a staggering loss of $456 million for the past financial year. The blame is being laid squarely at its relatively young console, the Wii U. Sales have slowed significantly: Nintendo sold 2.72 million Wii Us in the last twelve months. (Running totals for the Xbox One and PS4: five and seven million, respectively). In the last quarter, only 310,000 units were sold. Meanwhile, Nintendo's handhelds continue to sell more favorably: 12 million 3DSes were sold in the last financial year, meaning there's now just shy of 43 million sold globally. It remains third consecutive year of losses for Nintendo, but CEO Iwata claims that this incoming financial year will see a return to operating profit ($394 million, he reckons) and millions more consoles sold. Then again, he said similar things last year.
Activision's Q1 2014 is so good it's raising 2014's outlook
Activision's net revenue in Q1 2014 was $1.11 billion, higher than its expected $885 million, but lower than Q1 2013's $1.32 billion. Activision is raising its net revenue outlook for calendar year 2014 from $4 billion to $4.22 billion. "The increase in Activision Blizzard's GAAP outlook for 2014 is a result of the company's actual Q1 GAAP performance (which was higher than its prior Q1 GAAP outlook for the reasons cited on the first page of this press release), as well as the company's current expectations for the remainder of the year," the report says. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick attributed the better-than-expected performance to Blizzard franchises World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, and Activision's Skylanders and Call of Duty franchises. Blizzard brought in 60 percent of the company's net revenue, while Activision accounted for 31 percent and distribution brought in 9 percent. Activision's net income in Q1 2014 was down from last year, falling from $456 million to $293 million. Next-gen sales (PS4, Xbox One and Wii U) brought in $108 million net revenue in Q1, while current-gen sales (PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii) brought in $546 million, for a console total of $654 million. That's 59 percent of Activision's total net revenue for the quarter. PC accounted for $100 million (9 percent), online did $201 million (18 percent), and mobile made $83 million (7 percent). Activision is spending $500 million on its console MMO Destiny, and Kotick reiterated his high hopes for the game in today's report: "We have a strong product pipeline for the balance of the year, beginning with the September 9 planned launch of Destiny, which we believe could become our next billion dollar franchise and the largest new videogame IP launch in history." [Image: Activision]
EA net revenue down in Q4, fiscal year 2014 [Update: Titanfall numbers]
EA reported net revenue of $1.12 billion in Q4 2014, down from $1.21 billion in Q4 2013. This marks the end of EA's fiscal year 2014, and its overall net revenue was similarly down, from $3.8 billion in 2013 to $3.58 billion in 2014. Gross profit for the quarter was even with 2013's number at $900 million, but for the year, gross profit fell from $2.41 billion to $2.23 billion. Operating income for 2014 fell to $33 million, compared with $121 million in 2013. Net income was up for the quarter, $367 million, but down year-over-year, from $98 million to $8 million. EA launched Titanfall in March, and while it was the best-selling game that month as rated by the NPD, EA didn't provide sales numbers in its report. EA says it is the No. 1 publisher on Xbox One and PS4 in the western world, led by sales of Titanfall, Battlefield 4, FIFA 14, Need for Speed Rivals and Madden NFL 25. Mobile revenue generated $460 million (non-GAAP) in fiscal year 2014, setting a "new record" within the company. "Electronic Arts delivered outstanding results in fiscal year 2014," CEO Andrew Wilson said in the report. "Most importantly, we produced hit games, innovative digital content and services, and amazing entertainment for our players around the world." For fiscal year 2015, EA expects net revenue of $4.38 billion. In Q1 2015, EA expects net revenue of $1.2 billion. Update: EA sold 925,000 copies of Titanfall on Xbox One and PC during the quarter, COO Peter Moore announced during EA's investor call, citing numbers from NPD. The Xbox 360 version is "off to a great start as well," Moore said. [Image: EA]
Joystiq Streams Special: Smash Bros Melee, Virtual Console Giveaway [UPDATE: Relive the stream!]
So they're finally here/Performing for you/If you know the words/You can join in too/Put your hands together, if you want to clap/As we take you through, this Joystiq rap! Huh! JS! Joystiq Streams!! Whoa, whoa, whoa. Whoa. That got weird fast. Bet you thought we were going to do an entirely new version of the "Donkey Kong Rap," didn't you? For shame! We're above such things, and it's not like we're not printing the rest of the rewritten lyrics because they were stupid. Stupid and not really about the fact that we're streaming Super Smash Bros Melee on Joystiq Streams at 4PM today while giving away codes for a bushel of Virtual Console games on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Which we are. Those things are happening. We're streaming Super Smash Bros Melee at 4PM EST on Twitch.tv/Joystiq and right here in this post on Joystiq.com. The recent Nintendo Directs for Super Smash Bros Wii U and Mario Kart 8 have stoked our inner Gamecube fires. What better way to fan the flames than by streaming the classics directly to you? Also, if you'd like to get your hands on some recent Virtual Console releases like Advance Wars and Super Mario Bros 3, come on by as the codes will be handed out gratis in the chat. Joystiq Streams regularly broadcasts at 4PM EST every Tuesday and Thursday on the Joystiq Twitch channel. [Images: Nintendo]
The Great E3 2014 Giveaway: 14 free games each week until E3
Upon returning from PAX East, the Joystiq crew breathed a deep sigh of relief, content in the knowledge that some totally sweet games were being made. From Evolve to Below, from Project Morpheus to even lonely old Wii U, video games' immediate future filled us with patient curiosity. Then we got home and it hit us: badump bedump brodump tish BOOM I CAN FEEL E3 COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT! It's coming June 10th through June 12th as a matter of fact. Oh yes, the E3 2014 engine is revving up as we speak. Just thinking about it has us all a little misty for the E3 mania of old, and you know what happens when we get misty: We start giving video games away. Every Friday between now and the end of E3 2014, Joystiq is giving away 14 games. Each week we'll bundle a selection of games around a specific theme. In turn, we want you to write to podcast@joystiq.com with the subject line "E3 2014 Giveaway Week (insert number here)" and share your favorite moment from E3s past related to that theme, all entries must be received by the following Monday at 10AM EST. For Week 1: Nintendo Freak Outs. Nintendo has a history of legendary E3 showings. There were exciting game announcements, but even more truly baffling performances. Sure, the Twilight Princess trailer was bananas good, but that Wii Music reveal? Pac-man Vs.? The Wii Vitality Sensor? Those were bananas in a totally different way. Write to us and tell us about the Nintendo E3 moment that made you think, "No way can this possibly be happening." What 14 Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and DS games will one lucky winner get their hands on? The full list and contest rules after the jump. Note: Contest runs from Friday to Monday 10AM EST.
One of Activision's top moneymakers gets a new entry in Skylanders: Trap Team
Like taxes, iPhones and, well, Madden, you can count on a new Skylanders game every year. If you're unfamiliar with the franchise, that may just be a symptom of not being around kids -- the toy / video game series is a dominant force in the kids gaming market, sharing responsibility with biggies like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft for bringing in 80 percent of Activision's earnings in 2013. Each new entry in the game series comes with a new physical device for reading toy figurines; when said figurines are placed on the device (called a "portal"), they're transported into the game world and playable in-game. Between the figures ($5 - $7 apiece, on average) and the games (anywhere from $7 to $60), it's easy to understand why the franchise is so profitable. Thankfully, the franchise is also lauded by most critics as a pretty decent game, too. The next entry, Skylanders: Trap Team, arrives this October and it's the largest game in the franchise to date.
