Engadget

Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th

Mat Smith — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:15:00 EST

Three-dimensional gaming not your thing? Then Nintendo's latest price drop might just grab you. It's cast an eye over the rest of its portable gaming family and decided to cut the cost on both the DSi (down to $100) and the hulking DSi XL (dropped to $130). These new prices will kick off on May 20th -- exactly the same day as this purple mess.

Continue reading Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th

Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL: Logic3 PowerSleeve, HP Folio 13 and a trio of Nintendo handhelds

Engadget staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

This week's IRL is a bit of a mixed bag, with tales of gadgets well-used and those deployed for pure pseudo-science. In two paragraphs, Mat Smith sums up his experience with three generations of Nintendo DS handhelds, while Dan Cooper attempts to explain why he's still using a gadget he obviously hates. And Dana, our resident laptop reviewer, tries leaving the 'ole six-pounder in the office and going home to an Ultrabook instead.

Continue reading IRL: Logic3 PowerSleeve, HP Folio 13 and a trio of Nintendo handhelds

IRL: Logic3 PowerSleeve, HP Folio 13 and a trio of Nintendo handhelds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo, NTT DoCoMo testing DS-powered speech translator

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

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.

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Nintendo purportedly advising developers to not publish digital sales figures

Darren Murph — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST

Hoping 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.

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Nintendo plans improved app store for Wii U, looks to serve Apple and Google in dance-off

Chris Barylick — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:41:00 EST

Unless you go through the '80s-style "becoming super cool" montage, the other app stores won't respect you. Nintendo seems to be in this mindset, as a source has stated that it's creating an app store for its upcoming Wii U controller that goes "far beyond" the online stores the company currently provides for its DSi and Wii consoles. According to The Daily, the new gaming system, which is set to launch in the second half of 2012, will be able to use apps that operate on the controller itself, much like iOS and Android-based tablets. In other news, Nintendo has also vowed to buy each of its employees a cheetah with the Wii U app store profits.

Nintendo plans improved app store for Wii U, looks to serve Apple and Google in dance-off originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi XL bundles land on November 6th, just in time for the holidays

Billy Steele — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:14:00 EST

Looking to spring for a new handheld gaming system this Christmas? The Big N is doing its darndest to nudge you in that direction with a new spin on the Metallic Rose and Midnight Blue versions of the DSi XL. Both painted handhelds will be available in bundles alongside Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!. These will set you back $170 a pop for each package deal, and you've got about a week to search the couch cushions for spare coin. You know, just in case the Mini-land ruckus can't wait for Santa's delivery.

Continue reading Nintendo DSi XL bundles land on November 6th, just in time for the holidays

Nintendo DSi XL bundles land on November 6th, just in time for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote!

Tim Stevens — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:41:00 EST

Another day another liveblog, but not just another company. Today it's Nintendo that will be keeping us rapt with anticipation, and with any luck the big man, Reggie Fils-Aime, will be taking us on quite a ride. Will we see the unveiling of Project Cafe? Will Nintendo tell us just how its 3DS is going to compete in a PlayStation Vita world? Could we finally get that Nintendogs and Paper Mario mash-up we've been waiting for? We'll be going live shortly, at the following times below:

06:00AM - Hawaii
09:00AM - Pacific
10:00AM - Mountain
11:00AM - Central
12:00PM - Eastern
05:00PM - London
06:00PM - Paris
08:00PM - Moscow
01:00AM - Tokyo (June 8th)

Continue reading Live from Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote!

Live from Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS eShop to launch on June 6 with internet browser and free Excite Bike

Tim Stevens — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:37:00 EST

Why wait until June 7th when you can instead get your update on June 6th? That's the question Nintendo has answered this morning, telling us that the coveted eShop update for the 3DS will come a day earlier than previously anticipated. This will finally give gamers the ability to download some titles straight to their system, but more importantly will give everyone a free copy of Excitebike, the NES classic, naturally re-mastered so that the 2-D side-scrolling racer will have a little bit of depth. Super Mario Land and a few other downloadable titles will come along help launch the show, with Nintendo pledging to add new content every Thursday thereafter.

But wait, there's more! Pokemon fans will be able to use their AR card to check out those they've already caught in 3D, and if you've purchased any DSiWare games you'll be able to download those to your 3DS. Last, but certainly not least, will be a full internet browser that you can spin up without exiting a game, which might make keeping tabs on that Ocarina of Time walkthrough a little easier. It has, after all, been a long time since last we vanquished Ganondorf and his Gerudo chums. Again, all this is set to go live in the evening of June 6th (which could still be June 7th where you are), so now might be a good time to invest in that bigger SD card you've had your eye on.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS eShop to launch on June 6 with internet browser and free Excite Bike

Nintendo 3DS eShop to launch on June 6 with internet browser and free Excite Bike originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo drops DS Lite to $100, makes it easier to (Mario) party

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:40:00 EST

Hot on the heels of a Wii price drop from about two weeks ago, Nintendo has announced that it'll be lowering the DS Lite's price to $100 (from about $130) starting on June 5th. The big N claims that its pushed over 48.9 million DS handhelds to consumers in the U.S., adding that many of the Mario DS titles have also sold well into the millions. To highlight the achievements, six of the best selling Mario themed games for DS will be getting a red makeover to their packaging -- see above right -- for easy pickin's at your favorite retail shop (no discount apparently). It may not have 3D, but the drop in price, added with less eye strain, and a long lasting battery should be enough to make the 3DS a little jealous.

Continue reading Nintendo drops DS Lite to $100, makes it easier to (Mario) party

Nintendo drops DS Lite to $100, makes it easier to (Mario) party originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Memorex intros Nintendo DS game-changing case, other not-so-game-changing accessories

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST

The Nintendo DS line has had many redesigns up to the present 3DS, but one thing that hasn't changed are the tiny, easily lost cartridges. Enter Memorex's $20 Universal Game Selector Case, announced as part of its gaming accessory lineup for E3. The UGSC stores up to three games and hooks up to the cartridge port on any DS, letting you swap between them using a signal routing switch. We've seen cases similar to this in the past, but Memorex's take is the first to support 3DS titles as well. Based on the renders, the unit looks to make for a weird fit and some noticeable extra thickness (10.5mm to be exact), especially on the DSi XL, but hopefully we'll get a better idea of how it feels in hand at E3. From a functionality perspective, the case does seem rather useful for those with forgetful tendencies, if a bit underwhelming for anybody else. Memorex will also be displaying its new third-party PS3 and Wii motion controllers at the E3, which are viewable in the gallery below, and there's a press release with details after the break.

Gallery: E3 2011: Memorex's WeTime gaming accessory line up

Continue reading Memorex intros Nintendo DS game-changing case, other not-so-game-changing accessories

Memorex intros Nintendo DS game-changing case, other not-so-game-changing accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS good for only 3 to 8 hours of play time per charge

Ross Miller — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:28:00 EST

Remember those all-night Mario Kart DS and Advance Wars marathons? Looking to recreate the magic with the 3DS? Bring a wall charger. Nintendo's just unveiled its best-case scenario figures for the 3DS' battery life, and compared with its predecessors, it ain't pretty. The official numbers are three to five hours playing per game, or five to eight if playing an older DS title (and up to three hours 30 minutes to fully recharge). So... three to eight hours under the most ideal circumstances. Let's look at the family album: the DS is 10 to 14 hours, DS Lite 15 to 19 hours, DSi 9 to 14 hours, and DSi XL 13 to 17 hours (all figures also from Nintendo). Can't say we're entirely surprised; Haus of Mario Chief Satoru Iwata's own words back in October were "it is inevitable that Nintendo 3DS will be a device which requires more frequent recharging than Nintendo DS." Think of it as an extension of the warning label. You can never be too careful, you know.

Nintendo 3DS good for only 3 to 8 hours of play time per charge originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo rolls out orange and green DSi bundles especially for Black Friday stampedes

Laura June — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST

Black Friday is one of those new school traditions we can really get behind: the consumer's holiday, where trampling an elderly person is perfectly acceptable as long as you end up with a $40 netbook. Well, Nintendo's getting in the spirit this year with two new orange and green DSi bundles for your shopping pleasure. The bundles serve to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the famous Super Mario Bros. games and come with Mario Party DS. The bundles will be available on November 26th (yes, that's Black Friday) for $149.99. Full press release is below.

Continue reading Nintendo rolls out orange and green DSi bundles especially for Black Friday stampedes

Nintendo rolls out orange and green DSi bundles especially for Black Friday stampedes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo patent application describes a grocery list app, takes the DS shopping

Tim Stevens — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:34:00 EST

If your pocket or purse makes room for a smartphone there's a good chance you've started managing your shopping lists digitally. Nintendo, however, is trying to make an ever-greater case for taking your DS with you instead, and if instant trading of content with strangers isn't enough incentive, maybe tracking groceries is. Nintendo of America has applied for a patent describing an "in-store wireless shopping network using hand-held devices." Those devices are, of course, game systems, and the images with the patent app all show a DS being used to track needed quantities of such exciting items as milk, eggs, and salsa. The picture below gives an idea of what the interface might look like, talking to a database of items and their locations to give shoppers an idea of where to find things in the store. Net result? Planning your route becomes a thrilling strategy game -- or at least keeps you from getting lost in the supermarket, ensuring you can continue to shop happily.

Continue reading Nintendo patent application describes a grocery list app, takes the DS shopping

Nintendo patent application describes a grocery list app, takes the DS shopping originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo shows off special edition Super Mario Bros. DSi and DSi XL

Paul Miller — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:27:00 EST

Yeah, Super Mario Bros. was kind of a big deal, and we can't fault Nintendo for wanting to celebrate: September 13th marked the 25th anniversary of the game's launch, and Nintendo is pushing out special editions of the DSi and DSi XL (pictured) to celebrate, along with some pretty sweet swag. We mentioned the handhelds this morning, but now we've got a couple pictures -- way to play it subdued, Nintendo. Unfortunately, the consoles are for Japan only, but what we're particularly digging is this Super Mario Collection Special Pack that Nintendo will be launching alongside. The pack will include a version of Super Mario All-Stars for the Wii, a soundtrack CD, and a "Super Mario History, 1985 to 2010" booklet with some unreleased materials like initial development planning sheets handwritten by Shigeru Miyamoto himself. Again, announced for Japan only. Sounds like the import industry is going to be hot this October when these things land!

Gallery: Nintendo shows off special edition Super Mario Bros. DSi and DSi XL

Nintendo shows off special edition Super Mario Bros. DSi and DSi XL originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:48:00 EST

Enough with the rumored prices and launch dates for the 3DS already, let's get official. Nintendo just announced a February 26 ship date in Japan for ¥25,000 (about $298). It'll then land in the US and Europe in March for an undisclosed amount. Launch colors are aqua blue or cosmo black. At a press event in Japan, Nintendo demonstrated the ability to take your picture using the 3DS' front-facing camera and then automatically converting the image into a Mii -- you can edit it too using Mii Studio on the 3DS. You can even merge two photos into a single image if you choose. Images can then be exported as QR codes in wireless "tag mode" or as a file to the bundled 2GB SD card.

Ninty also announced a special edition Super Mario DSi LL (no hardware changes) set to launch for ¥18,000 in Japan on October 28th. It also confirmed that a Wii Remote Plus is in development (it'll be announced at a date some time in the future) and a partnership with Fuji TV that will trial 3D video streaming to Nintendo's new handheld. Finally, a virtual console-style store was show serving up downloadable Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games to the 3DS.

Update: Nintendo just launched its 3DS microsite in Japan with a bit more product detail including new feature overview and software lineup videos found after the break. There you'll see a built-in pedometer with activity graph and what looks like background multitasking (or at least a state save) letting you launch other apps and then return to a game at the exact same point you left it. Nintendo also demonstrates the Mii Plaza app that lets you collect and view Miis from 3DS owners you pass throughout the day (even when the 3DS is sleeping); Augmented Reality gaming with six AR cards included in the box; a long-press home button for in-game access to web browsing, WiFi toggle, and more; a Book app; and note writing / diary software.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS final hardware

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!)

Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo's Eneloop Stick and Mobile Boosters will juice your gadgets on the go

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:46:00 EST

Make no mistake, we're unabashed Eneloop rechargeable battery fanboys around here. How could we not be given our mobile lifestyle and obsessive need to keep all our toys juiced. As such, we're stoked by the announcement of a pair of Sanyo power packs: the Eneloop Mobile Booster (model KBC-L2BS) and Eneloop Stick Booster (KBC-D1BS). The Mobile Booster is a rechargeable slab of lithium-ion with a pair of built-in USB terminals (and microUSB adapter) capable of pushing a relatively hefty 1 Amp charge for about 2 hours (or 500mA for 4 hours if charging two device) to gear that requires that kind of suck... like the iPad. The battery pack can then be recharged over AC or a USB connection on your PC. The highly portable Stick Booster, meanwhile, ships with a pair of AA Eneloops -- so when the electrons cease to flow you can just swap out the dead batteries for a pair of fresh rechargeables. The Stick Booster is also an official Nintendo licensee so you can be sure that it'll charge your DSLite, DSi, or DSi LL (no mention of the 3DS). Look for these to ship October 21st in Japan.

Gallery: Sanyo's Eneloop Stick and Mobile Boosters will juice your gadgets on the go

Sanyo's Eneloop Stick and Mobile Boosters will juice your gadgets on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo dropping DSi and DSI XL prices on September 12

Paul Miller — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:19:00 EST

Nintendo is slashing the DSi to $149.99 and the DSi XL to $169.99 (that's down $20 apiece) on September 12 in North America, after dropping prices in the UK and Japan in June. We still don't know what the 3DS will be going for or when it will land, that announcement is still slated for the end of this month, but we're sure at this price (or any) Nintendo will manage to sell a good many million of the current crop between now and then. PR is after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo dropping DSi and DSI XL prices on September 12

Nintendo dropping DSi and DSI XL prices on September 12 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pikachu is really, really excited to charge your Nintendo DSi

Tim Stevens — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:21:00 EST

The last time we plugged in our Nintendo DSi to recharge it all we got as thanks was a little light. It turned on, the electrons flowed, and we continued our humble existence. Just think how much more exciting that menial act could have been if only we had this sucker. Hori's Pikachu charger accepts a DSi or DSi XL into its faux-poké ball slot and, presumably, jumps up and down excitedly as lightning bolts dance from its maniacal little fingertips to juice up your dead cell. Or, maybe it just pulls power from an AC adapter and sends it through the connector. Either way, it's certainly more exciting than most other simple charging stands we've seen but, at 3,981 yen (just shy of $50), it's also rather more expensive.

Gallery: Hori Pikachu charger for Nintendo DSi

Pikachu is really, really excited to charge your Nintendo DSi originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo posts Q1 loss on strong Yen and lower DS prices

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:43:00 EST

Although foreshadowed, it's hard to believe that the once mighty Ninty, a company with unshakable profits even during last year's global economic downturn, just recorded a Q1 net loss of ¥25.22 billion ($288 million) compared to a net profit of ¥42.32 billion during the same 3-month period a year earlier. Revenues dropped from ¥253.50 billion to ¥188.65 billion. Lower DS portable gaming machine prices coupled with a strong Yen (86.5 percent of its sales were outside of Japan) helped pull Nintendo into the red. Regardless, Nintendo continues to forecast a full year net profit of ¥200 billion on revenue of ¥1.4 trillion. We'll see.

Nintendo posts Q1 loss on strong Yen and lower DS prices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi game lets your face do the flying (video)

Sean Hollister — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:15:00 EST

When it comes to video games that make you look absolutely ridiculous, nothing beats Microsoft's Kinect, but Nintendo's got a substitute if you just can't wait. The aptly-named Face Pilot: Fly With Your Nintendo DSi Camera! does exactly that, letting you literally direct a virtual hang glider with your face, by using the Nintendo DSi's camera to track your head in 2D space. Sure, Sony's EyeToy did similar things earlier this decade and you could program Windows-based FreeTrack software to do the same, but neither provide the portable hilarity (or challenge) of Face Pilot played on commuter rail. The downloadable title will set you back 500 Nintendo Points ($5) at the DSiWare store; watch a quick video demo after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo DSi game lets your face do the flying (video)

Nintendo DSi game lets your face do the flying (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Nintendo DSi XL headed to the US of A

Laura June — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:43:00 EST

Nintendo rather quietly announced earlier that as of July 11th, it will see the DSi XL in Midnight Blue. The new color model will cost $189.99 -- just like every other DSi XL -- and will also come with all the same installed software and apps. Yes, other than the color (we'll give them this, it's a pretty sweet shade of blue) this one's identical to every other DSi XL.

Blue Nintendo DSi XL headed to the US of A originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo trims DSi and DSi LL prices in Japan, adds new color options for bigger console (updated)

Vlad Savov — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:46:00 EST

Good news for Nippon-based handheld lovers: from June 19, Nintendo will be selling the DSi at a new reduced price of ¥15,000 ($165), accompanied by a more affordable DSi LL, which lands at ¥18,000 ($198). That will make the jumbo portable console cheaper than the regular-sized one costs today, while the whole effort seems clearly aimed at maintaining the market for Nintendo's classical wares after it blows all our minds with its 3DS debut at E3 in a couple of weeks. We look forward to it, we just wish this price cut would go global -- Europeans need love too, you know.

Update: We've also just learnt Nintendo is bringing out a trifecta of new color options for the Japanese LL: blue, yellow and green jumbo DSis will be available on June 19, right alongside the price trim. Come past the break to see the other two hues.

Continue reading Nintendo trims DSi and DSi LL prices in Japan, adds new color options for bigger console (updated)

Nintendo trims DSi and DSi LL prices in Japan, adds new color options for bigger console (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo net profit declines for first time in six years, panic remains inadvisable

Vlad Savov — Thu, 06 May 2010 06:42:00 EST

Nintendo's 2009 financial results have just been released and, shockingly enough, the company hasn't been able to break its profit record yet again. In fact, annual net profit dipped -- for the first time in six tenths of a decade -- to $2.44 billion, a 12 percent drop from the previous fiscal year's $2.79 billion. Sales of the Wii were down 21 percent year-on-year, but Nintendo still managed to shift 20 million units globally, so it's not exactly all doom and gloom at Mario HQ. And while Microsoft and Sony are working on their own motion-sensing offerings, Ninty is reloading the only way it knows how -- bringing the noir Wii to fashion-conscious Americans, and an all-new 3D portable console for the rest of us. Anyone willing to bet against Nintendo's income sheet improving next year?

[Original image courtesy of Anarkyman]

Nintendo net profit declines for first time in six years, panic remains inadvisable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Nintendo's DSi XL?

Darren Murph — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:01:00 EST

It's bigger, it's bolder, but is it really that much better? Nintendo's heralded DSi line grew in more ways than one late last month, and now that you've had a handful of weekends to toy with yours, it's time to answer one majorly important question: how would you change it? We found in our review that the DSi XL was a solid option for those without a DSi of any kind, but we didn't feel that it was worth the $190 if you were just upgrading. For those that bought in, do you find yourself agreeing? Is the new size something you're into? Would you have made it a touch larger / smaller? Is the screen up to snuff? Do you think Nintendo went far enough with the advancements? Open up in comments below -- just keep it clean, okay? Your kids are probably reading.

How would you change Nintendo's DSi XL? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 May 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puppet Pouch puts fur on your DS / DSi, smiles on people's faces

Vlad Savov — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:03:00 EST

As jaded as we are, we just can't bring ourselves to criticize this. Produced by CTA Digital, authors of other questionable gaming accessories, the Puppet Pouch acts as a superfurry (and annoyingly cute) case for your Nintendo portable console. Coming with a felt interior and elastic straps to keep your Ninty nice and minty, it also offers a zipped compartment for storing games and accessories, as well as "puppet functionality." That last bit means you can shove your hand inside it and use the little fella as part of your awesome ventriloquist act. Priced at $19.99, it's available now, but we've just got one oustanding question -- what animal is this supposed to be?

Continue reading Puppet Pouch puts fur on your DS / DSi, smiles on people's faces

Puppet Pouch puts fur on your DS / DSi, smiles on people's faces originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS may launch in October, say 'UK industry sources'

Sean Hollister — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:08:00 EST

How the mighty have fallen. Where just last year companies like Apple and Nintendo were renowned for their ability to keep completely silent about impending hardware, these days the thrill of exposure and some media pressure go a long, long way. Now, if Computer and Video Games' sources are to be believed, Nintendo's had another leak: an October release date for its autostereoscopic 3DS handheld in the UK. That's well within the original "before March 2011" timeframe, and apparently a surprise for game publishers currently planning software for Holiday 2010. Besides, since Europe typically gets Nintendo systems after the US and Japan, some lucky dogs might get the system even earlier -- we'll let you know when we see it ourselves at E3 this June.

Nintendo 3DS may launch in October, say 'UK industry sources' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi XL review

Sean Hollister — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:53:00 EST

Since Nintendo first asserted sole domination over the handheld gaming market with the release of the paperback-sized Game Boy in 1989, the company has striven time and again to make its pocket systems smaller, meeting fantastic financial success along the way. Nintendo did it with the Game Boy Pocket, the Advance SP, the Micro, the DS Lite and again ever so slightly with the DSi -- the last even at the expense of backwards compatibility and battery life. Now, for the first time in the company's history, it's made an existing platform bigger, with questionable reasons as to why. Does the Nintendo DSi XL squash its predecessors flat? Or is Nintendo compensating for something? Find out inside.

Gallery: Nintendo DSI XL / LL unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Nintendo DSi XL review

Nintendo DSi XL review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo announces 3DS -- the glasses-free 3D successor to the DS

Vlad Savov — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST

Whoa, now this is a whopper coming (almost) out of nowhere. Nintendo has just slipped out a press release in Japan informing the world that all-new 3D-capable portable hardware is coming, with a full unveiling set for E3 2010 this June. Tentatively titled the 3DS, this glasses-free 3D wonder is pitched as the successor to both the DS and DSi, and will use a "compatible cart" that should ensure backwards compatibility with your vast library of favorites from the older consoles. Nintendo expects to launch the 3DS into retail "during the fiscal year ending March 2011."

Update: Unofficial reports from Japan suggest the 3DS will have a parallax barrier 3D LCD from Sharp, a vibration function, and a "3D control stick." Read about it all here.

Nintendo announces 3DS -- the glasses-free 3D successor to the DS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo slipping DS handhelds into schools, McDonald's training sessions

Darren Murph — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:39:00 EST

What's a global gaming company to do once they've soundly dominated the portable market? Why, covertly get the DS into schools and restaurants, of course! Shigeru Miyamoto, who created undercover gems like Donkey Kong and The Legend of Zelda, recently informed the AP that his company would be rolling the DS out "in junior high and elementary schools in Japan starting in the new school year," though few details beyond that were available. We do know, however, that this invasion into the education sector is more than just a fluke, with Miyamoto noting that this very area is where he is "devoting [himself] the most." Of course, the Big N already has a nice stable of mind-bending titles, but getting actual teachers to embrace the device in the classroom would be another thing entirely. In related news, select McDonald's eateries in Japan will be using the DS to train part-time workers, though mum's the word on whether the Cooking Mama franchise will be cashing in here.

Nintendo slipping DS handhelds into schools, McDonald's training sessions originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi XL hands-on

Ross Miller — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Sure, it's been available in Japan for quite some time, but this is the first chance we've gotten to really sit down and play with Nintendo's "more communal" (as we overheard one PR rep describe it, given it's propensity for more eyes comfortably viewing the screens) portable gaming experience, the DSi XL. So let's get the comparisons out of the way: obvious volumetric differences aside, the maximum brightness versus the DSi seems to be slightly higher, and the stylus is inexplicably a handful of millimeters longer -- not a big deal, but you'll definitely figure it out when trying to stuff it into an older model. We're not really a fan of the top lid being glossy again -- we rather like the matte DSi lid, and this one seems even more fingerprint-coveting than its DS Lite predecessor. So with all that said, is the extra screen size worth it? Admittedly we do appreciate the extra room, and it comes without a cost to the picture clarity. The inherent tradeoff, however, is a complete inability to stuff this in our pockets -- we had better luck with the Mini 5, to be blunt. You'll be able to decide for yourself soon enough, but in the meantime, there's pictures below and video after the break!

Gallery: Nintendo DSi XL hands-on

Continue reading Nintendo DSi XL hands-on

Nintendo DSi XL hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo's oversized DSi XL heading to the US on March 28th for $190 (update: video)

Paul Miller — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:46:00 EST

Nintendo just announced that its new DSi XL (known and sold as the DSi LL in Japan) will be hitting North America on March 28th, and will retail for $190. In exchange for a couple mm of extra thickness and a significantly larger footprint the XL pairs two 4.2-inch LCDs for a jumbo-sized look at your well worn, oft-rehashed DS catalog. The unit will retail in Burgundy and Bronze flavors at launch, preloaded with two DSiWare Brain Age games, Photo Clock, Flipnote Studio and the DSi Browser. Unconvinced? Check out the teardown of the LL edition right here while you wait your turn to consume this American style. Feeling left out in Europe? Don't, because you guys are getting the XL on March 5th. PR is after the break.

Update: Nintendo put out a feel-good promo video, we threw that below the break as well.

You can follow Joystiq's ongoing coverage of the Nintendo Media Summit here.

Continue reading Nintendo's oversized DSi XL heading to the US on March 28th for $190 (update: video)

Nintendo's oversized DSi XL heading to the US on March 28th for $190 (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video)

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST

Dave Smith's name is as revered in the synth business as those of Tom Oberheim and "Handsome Ron" Casio. Having had his hands in everything from the Prophet 5 synth to developing the MIDI specification to his own company (Dave Smith Instruments), the man has given electronic musicians plenty to be thankful for. The boutique's latest, the Mopho Keyboard (seen here in prototype form at NAMM 2010) takes the existing Mopho synth module -- a pretty sweet deal with its sub-octave generators, audio input (you know, for modulating stuff), and feedback options -- and adds a thirty-two key keyboard and a whole mess of controls. Like original, this new Mopho has a 100 percent analog signal path, ships with a sound bank editor for both Windows and Mac, and it sounds pretty, pretty bad ass. Look for it in the near future for around $800. Video after the break.

Continue reading Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video)

Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi XL coming to Europe March 5, US eventually

Tim Stevens — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST

The last we heard, Nintendo's super-sized DSi XL (or DSi LL if you're Japanese) would be hitting the Colonies sometime in the first quarter of 2010. As of now we have no information contrary to that, but we do have news specifying when the European nobility will get theirs: March 5. That means UK gamers have less than two months to determine whether they are eligible for an upgrade from the slender DSi, and if you're not sure how to check, just measure the depth and breadth your pockets. If you have room in there for the new version, with its stereo 4.2-inch screens, you'd better make with that pre-order: Nintendo Japan sold more than 100,000 of the things in just two days.

Nintendo DSi XL coming to Europe March 5, US eventually originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pokewalker mini-game to ship with new versions of Pokemon, Pikachu unavailable for comment

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:39:00 EST

Nintendo's DSi portable gaming device not portable enough? Looking for a discrete way to keep up with your Pokeyman during mass or in your seventh grade English class? Nintendo has just the device for you: New editions of Pokemon will include the Pokewalker, a Tamagotchi-like device that you can transfer your Pocket Monsters to wirelessly. By "walking," one can catch wild Pokemon, search for hidden items, and even find new routes within the new HeartGold and SoulSilver versions of the game. Due to hit the scene March 14 for a price yet to be announced. PR after the break.

Update: To be clear, yes, this thing contains a pedometer -- meaning that you can earn experience points by walking around the neighborhood. Finally a reason to leave the apartment!

Continue reading Pokewalker mini-game to ship with new versions of Pokemon, Pikachu unavailable for comment

Pokewalker mini-game to ship with new versions of Pokemon, Pikachu unavailable for comment originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo loses DS flash cart case in French court

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST

According to a post on Maxconsole, a court in Paris has just dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nintendo over the use of flash carts on the DS. Apparently, the gamemaker was attempting to halt the use of the cartridges due to their ability to circumvent copy protection and allow for pirating of software, but a judge in France took a decidedly different view. As the carts are often used for homebrew and DIY projects, the court holds that owners of the console should be able to develop software much as a license holder of Windows might. Furthermore, the article claims that the court also deemed Nintendo's strict control of development "illegal" (Maxconsole's words), and said that development of software for the system shouldn't be hamstrung by the need for proprietary kits. This ruling follows a recent Spanish case in which the court dismissed Nintendo's lawsuit over flash carts claiming that while the add-ons do violate DRM, they also legitimately extend the functionality of the console.

Nintendo loses DS flash cart case in French court originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi LL sells 103k in two days, ripped open in two minutes

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST

The newer, embiggened Nintendo DSi LL (as it's known in Tokyo Town) has been available to the kids in Japan since the beginning of the week, and Enterbrain, Inc. is reporting that Nintendo has pushed 103,524 units in its first two days. To perspectivize things, the DSi was snatched up to the tune of about 170,000 units in the same time period, while the PSPgo sold around 28,000 units. To celebrate, the kids at PC Watch have ripped one of these bad boys -- and you'll never guess what they found! (OK, maybe you will.) Check out the link below for the hardcore details -- and don't say we didn't warn you.

Nintendo DSi LL sells 103k in two days, ripped open in two minutes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi LL set loose in Japan

Vlad Savov — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST

Feels nice when a company keeps its promises, doesn't it? Nintendo said it'd have the newly bulked up DSi LL out in Japan for November 21, and shockingly enough that's exactly what's happened. Eager Japanese upgraders have today gotten their mitts on the 4.2-inch (both screens, of course) device, while similarly inclined European and American Nintendo lovers are once again left to envy from afar. Their helping of jumbo DSi, to be known as the XL, will be showing up some time in the first quarter of 2010, long after bragging rights and gift-giving holiday occasions have passed. We're not sure whether to consider it consolation or cruelty, but you'll find a gallery containing close-ups of the new machine at the read link.

[Thanks, Craig]

Nintendo DSi LL set loose in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Easy Piano bringing keys to the DS Lite in 'early 2010'

Darren Murph — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:23:00 EST

We've got a sneaking suspicion that the DS Lite will be ~~old~~ ancient news by the time Easy Piano hit the market, but those who've learned to be content in life (and have somehow managed to resist the urge to snap up a DSi in place of their older handheld), have probably been hunting for this date. Valcon Games has just announced that its piano-teaching title (and the highly comical / interesting 13-key accessory) will be landing in North America in "early 2010," but it didn't go so far as to fess up to an MSRP. Not like it matters -- you know you're totally lining up to snag this during a midnight launch, regardless of how many heirlooms are forced onto Craigslist.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Easy Piano bringing keys to the DS Lite in 'early 2010' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The DSi XL gets sized up, then Joystiq answers your nagging questions

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Two items of note for future owners of the DSi XL (aka, The Gigantic DSi) Nintendo has slated for a November launch in Japan (and Q1 2010 here in the US). First, if you've been wondering just how much bigger this thing is in comparison to the previous version of the handheld, wonder no more. The device has been spied in action on Japanese television, and it really is quite enormous. How big? Well luckily the folks at Joystiq have put together an awesome little FAQ about the handheld (including exact dimensions -- 161 x 91.4 x 21.2mm for those keeping count) which addresses all the pressing issues and more. Check out the XL strutting its stuff on video after the break, the bop on over to the 'Stiq to fill up on notable quotes and quotable notes.

[Via Kotaku]

Read - DSi XL FAQ: Sized up
Read - My Game News Flash on the DSi XL

Continue reading The DSi XL gets sized up, then Joystiq answers your nagging questions

Filed under: Gaming

The DSi XL gets sized up, then Joystiq answers your nagging questions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo DSi XL coming to America in Q1 2010

Ross Miller — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:00 EST

Since Europe and Japan can't have all the fun -- unless, of course, it's a black Nintendo Wii -- the super-sized DSi XL is also due out in the US sometime in Q1 2010, according to a spokesperson speaking with Joystiq. Still no word on price, but we wouldn't be surprised if it parallel the slight markup for the ¥20,000 / US $221 Japanese version. Looks like that smaller-screen version isn't looking so hot for Grandma's Christmas present anymore.

Filed under: Gaming

Nintendo DSi XL coming to America in Q1 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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