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[Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/#comments Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

The first time we saw Sony's PlayStation Move, it didn't even have a name: we only knew it as the PS3 motion controller. The newfangled prototype was Sony's response to the success Nintendo found in the Wii, a motion-sensitive "me-too" that hoped to one up the competition with better tracking, more "core" games and a curious glowing ball perched on its top. Its first outing showed a handful of tech demos, flaunting gameplay concepts that we'd eventually see in Sports Champions and Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest. Since then, the Move has seen its fair share of exclusive and compatible titles, but none quite engaging enough to make the peripheral a must-have accessory. With the next generation just around the corner and Sony's portable cards already on the table, E3 2012 is looking a little light on the hardware front. If Sony's going to give the Move one final push, now is the time.

Continue reading Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console gamesConsoleGamese3e3 2012E32012gamesgamingKazKinectmotion controlMotionControlmovemove controllerMoveControllerNintendoperipheralsplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps3ps4Sci/Techsony motion controllersony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyMotionControllerSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3Sorceryvideo gamesvideo gamingVideoGamesVideoGamingwaggleWiiTue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief appearance on Twitter, goes into hiding]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/#comments Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief Twitter appearance, goes into hiding

Excited for Nintendo's new tablet-esque controller? So are the kids in TT Games' QA department. An over-excited tester tweeted out an image of a slightly different Wii U slab than the one we laid hands on at E3 2011, teasing "look we what we have at work!" Answering the call does indeed reveal something worth looking at -- a somewhat wider looking Wii U slate featuring two full-sized analog sticks (as opposed to 3DS-like circle pads), a pair of unmarked button-like squares, and a new starboard home for the controller's plus and minus buttons.

The tweet was summarily pulled, of course, but not before our friends at Joystiq nabbed a screenshot. Naturally, the rumor mill started right up, churning out speculation of developer specific slabs, early prototypes and late redesigns. The truth? We'll probably need to wait until E3 to find out, but we reached out to Nintendo for a comment all the same. We'll let you know if we hear anything more than the usual "Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors and speculation" line.

Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief appearance on Twitter, goes into hiding originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerse3e3 2012E32012gamegolfgunleakleakedleaksnintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUredesignvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesWiiwii remotewii uWiimoteWiiRemoteWiiUSun, 20 May 2012 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patent application lends a look at Wii U's core technology, add-ons too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-applies-for-wii-u-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-applies-for-wii-u-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-applies-for-wii-u-patents/#comments Image

Little did we know that, just two months after we were trying the Wii U for ourselves, Nintendo was busy patenting nearly everything its unique game console would have to offer. A pair of just-published US Patent Office applications filed last August get into the nuts and bolts of how the controller and the legacy Wii remote will play with the new device. It's clear that the patent work had started before Nintendo had redesigned the main system -- the box at the center of the patents looks like the existing Wii -- but it does show the nitty-gritty of things we only saw at last year's Nintendo E3 keynote, such as the gun attachment or playing golf with a combination of the Wii U controller and the traditional Wiimote. Nintendo also gave itself some wiggle room on the controller's screen size: although the LCD is officially 6.2 inches across, the patent allows that it might be "5 inches or larger." We're wondering how much of the overall look and technology will survive through to the finished Wii U design's unveiling at this year's E3. For now, though, you can explore the patents yourself at the links below.

Nintendo patent application lends a look at Wii U's core technology, add-ons too originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 00:40:00 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 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.

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Sure, we've seen plenty of dancing games harness the Wii and Kinect's unique motion capture systems, but the Wiipop prototype takes things to another level, combining the technology of both with some pro-level dance moves. The game utilizes the Kinect's 3D camera and up to eight body-mounted Wiimotes, letting players improvise freestyle dance moves in a SingStar-like game, matching body pops to beats in a song. The game's not quite ready for primetime, but when it is, Christian "Mio" Loclair sees its potential beyond simple gameplay. The title could, perhaps, be used to help design choreographed productions or to generate and trigger visual effects for live performance. In the meantime, pop and lock into the video after the break.

Continue reading Wiipop incorporates Kinect camera and several Wiimotes into a veritable electric boogaloo

Wiipop incorporates Kinect camera and several Wiimotes into a veritable electric boogaloo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christian LoclairChristianLoclairdancedance gameDanceGamehackkinectnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiivideowiiwiipopxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen report finds 56 percent of US households have a modern game console, total gaming time up seven percent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/#comments
Nielsen is out with its annual survey of video game use in the US today, and it's found that gaming continues to be on the rise across the board. That includes a seven percent increase in total gaming time compared to the previous year (apparently due largely to increases in mobile and tablet gaming), and an increase in modern console ownership from 50 percent of households to 56 percent; that includes so-called 7th generation consoles like the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It also found the number of cross-platform gamers be on the upswing, with 24 percent responding that they play on two or more of a console, PC, tablet or mobile device (compared to 17 percent previously). Looking at mobile gaming, specifically, Nieslen found that while iOS gaming tended to be distributed fairly evenly across all age groups, Android gaming proved to be far more popular among those aged 25-34 than any other group.

A few other tidbits: 65 percent of consoles are located in the living room, online shopping for games is up while other channels continue to decline, and streaming video continues to be a growing secondary use for game consoles (particularly on the Wii, where it accounts for 33 percent of console usage, compared to roughly 15 percent on both the Xbox 360 and PS3).

Nielsen report finds 56 percent of US households have a modern game console, total gaming time up seven percent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamingiosmicrosoftnielsennintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonystatstatisticsstatssurveyvideo game usevideo gamesVideoGamesVideoGameUsewiixbox 360Xbox360Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:40:00 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.

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Nintendo issued a fairly terse press release earlier today, announcing that it has prevailed in a US patent lawsuit for the "third consecutive time this year." That particular case concerned Nintendo's Wii Balance Board accessory and Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus software, which a company called IA Labs said infringed on one of its patents (No. 7,121,982); a claim that was dismissed by the Maryland District Court judge in the case. IA Labs was also more or less dismissed as a company by Nintendo's senior vice president of legal and general counsel Rick Flamm, who said that "we vigorously defend patent lawsuits when we firmly believe that we have not infringed another party's patent," and that "we refuse to succumb to patent trolls." The company's full statement can be found after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo says it refuses to 'succumb to patent trolls' as it wins Maryland case

Nintendo says it refuses to 'succumb to patent trolls' as it wins Maryland case originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoardia labsIaLabslawsuitlegalmarylandnintendopatentpatent infringementpatent trollPatentInfringementpatentsPatentTrollwiiwii fitwii fit plusWiiFitWiiFitPlusFri, 02 Mar 2012 21:47:00 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[Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/#comments Wii U controller to get NFC, says Satoru IwataAching for more details on Nintendo's elusive Wii U console? Let Satoru Iwata scratch your itch -- quarterly reports aren't just for reporting losses and announcing new networks, after all. Boss hog Iwata told investors that Nintendo is spicing up their next console's tablet-esque controller with a little NFC magic. Nintendo's President briefly entertains the possibilities of a console controller rocking near field communication, suggesting that Skylander-like figurines or NFC enabled cards could be created to present a "new play format in the video game world." He even says the technology might be used to implement micropayments. Sounds neat -- but will you be able to buy DLC with your Google Wallet?

Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[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.

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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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Nielsen, the purveyor of all things statistical and demographic, published a new study this week on game console usage within the US. According to the report, released on Wednesday, gamers this year spent notably more time streaming video to their consoles than they did in 2010, due in large part to the growing availability of services like Netflix, Hulu, MLB Network and ESPN3. Xbox 360 users spent 14 percent of their console time streaming video this year (compared with ten percent last year), PlayStation 3 owners devoted 15 percent (nine percent in 2010), and Nintendo Wii users spent a whopping 33 percent -- a 13 percent increase over last year's study. Each console, moreover, seems to appeal to different functions. Xbox 360 users, for example, devoted 34 percent of their time to online gaming, Wii owners spent 55 percent of their console time on offline gaming, and the PS3 was the device of choice for DVD and Blu-Ray viewing, comprising 22 percent of usage. Overall, Nielsen found that usage increased by seven percent over the last year across all three platforms, which suggests that streaming may be keeping us glued to our consoles for even longer. Read more at the source link below.

Gamers spending more time streaming video to their consoles, Nielsen finds originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-Rayconsoledemographicsdvdespn3hdpostminihulumicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360mlb networkMlbNetworknetflixnielsennintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiioffline gamingOfflineGamingonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystation 3Playstation3ps3reportsonysony playstation 3SonyPlaystation3statsstreamingstudyvideovideo on demandVideoOnDemandwiixbox 360Xbox360Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:33:00 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[Walmart selling Limited Edition Blue Wii for $99.96 on Black Friday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/walmart-selling-limited-edition-blue-wii-for-99-96-on-black-fri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/walmart-selling-limited-edition-blue-wii-for-99-96-on-black-fri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/walmart-selling-limited-edition-blue-wii-for-99-96-on-black-fri/#comments No, you aren't "losing" that thing up top -- Walmart will indeed be bringing those limited edition blue Wiis to the US of A starting this Thursday, and better still, it'll be hawking 'em for just $99.96 apiece. If you'll recall, the powder blue variants of Nintendo's newest home console were previously reserved for other sections of the globe, but a new spot that just aired on CBS' broadcast of the Titans vs. Falcons has confirmed that it'll be on sale within a matter of days for those lucky enough to snag one. They'll be offered up starting at 10:00PM on November 24th (that's Thanksgiving day, you know) and should be completely sold out by 10:00:01PM on the same day. That tally will net you a console, a matching Wii Remote Plus and a Nunchuk. Good luck -- pack a helmet.

P.S. - Black Thursday is the new Black Friday.

Walmart selling Limited Edition Blue Wii for $99.96 on Black Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black fridayblack friday 2011BlackFridayBlackFriday2011blueconsolegame consoleGameConsolegaminglimited editionLimitedEditionnintendoon saleOnSaleremote plusRemotePlussalewalmartwiiSun, 20 Nov 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: gaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2011-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2011-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2011-gaming/#commentsWelcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

Ah, the holiday season. That special time of year when we give our loved ones the new hotness of the video game world, and then promptly exploit their over-excited reactions to propel them into unwanted YouTube fame. Even if your familial relations don't have the stuff to become this generation's "N64 kid," you can still kick a few rad toys their way just for the love of it. And if you're having trouble finding the perfect gift for the gamer in your life, we're here to help. Head past the break to take a peek at Engadget's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide for video games. Not finding what you're looking for? Skip on back to our 2011 Back to School Guide for bonus gift ideas.

Continue reading Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: gaming

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D televisionBlu-rayChristmas and holiday seasonDSDS LiteDsLiteGamecube-free WiiGamecube-freeWiiGameStopgamingHGGHGG 2011Hgg2011holiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2011HolidayGiftGuideHolidayGiftGuide2011Little DeviantsLittleDeviantsMario KartMotoStorm: ApocalypseMotostorm:ApocalypseNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo DS LiteNintendo WiiNintendo3dsNintendoDsLiteNintendoWiiPlayStationPlayStation 3D displayPlayStation VitaPlayStation Vita First Edition BundlePlaystation3dDisplayPlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaFirstEditionBundleSci/TechSkylandersSonySony PlayStation 3SonyPlaystation3The Legend of ZeldaThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeWiiXboxXbox 360Xbox LiveXbox360Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Drawsome Tablet for Wii is cheaper than art lessons, probably about as fun (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/ubisofts-drawsome-tablet-for-wii-is-cheaper-than-art-lessons-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/ubisofts-drawsome-tablet-for-wii-is-cheaper-than-art-lessons-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/ubisofts-drawsome-tablet-for-wii-is-cheaper-than-art-lessons-p/#comments
If you miss the unbridled delight of messing around in Mario Paint, then the days of waiting for a modern solution may be over, thanks to Ubisoft's new Drawsome tablet for Wii. Unless, of course, you already picked up the THQ uDraw last year. On paper, it doesn't appear to be too dissimilar from THQ's offering -- you get a 6.5 x 5-inch drawing area and a stylus (unwired this time). Younger players can use the transparency layer to hold pictures of the teen-idol of choice for tracing -- masterpieces can then be transferred to an SD card. You'll also get two games: Drawsome Artist (where you can learn how to doodle Smurfs) and Sketch Quest, a four-player platformer where you build bridges to help the characters complete quests. No word on pricing (we don't expect it to cost more than the $70 uDraw) but it'll arrive in stores on December 6th, just in time for holiday shoppers to snatch them from the shelves. Catch the tablet in action after the break.

Continue reading Ubisoft's Drawsome Tablet for Wii is cheaper than art lessons, probably about as fun (video)

Ubisoft's Drawsome Tablet for Wii is cheaper than art lessons, probably about as fun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Drawing TabletDrawingTabletDrawsomeDrawsome TabletDrawsomeTabletGraphics TabletGraphicsTabletNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiStylusTHQ uDrawThqUdrawUbisoftUbisoft DrawsomeUbisoftDrawsomeuDrawvideoWacomWiiWii TabletWiiTabletWed, 09 Nov 2011 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patent posits Wiimote touchpad extension, looks like plumbing schematic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/nintendo-patent-posits-wiimote-touchpad-extension-looks-like-pl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/nintendo-patent-posits-wiimote-touchpad-extension-looks-like-pl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/nintendo-patent-posits-wiimote-touchpad-extension-looks-like-pl/#comments

This patent from Nintendo envisions how it could bring a touch interface to its Wiimotes through an (admittedly unwieldy-looking) controller extension. While the Wii U already looks set to bring touchscreen fun to all things big-screened and Nintendo-themed, this concept offers up touch functionality to existing Wiis through an infrared LED that picks up the location of your finger and transmits it periscope-style to the IR sensor on the Wiimote. If the screen remains untouched, the controller acts as normal -- or as normal as it can with that extra hardware heft.

Nintendo patent posits Wiimote touchpad extension, looks like plumbing schematic originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryconsolenintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUpatentperiscopeTouchPadtouchscreenwiiwiimoteMon, 07 Nov 2011 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii, handheld getting 3D video capture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/hulu-plus-coming-to-3ds-and-wii-handheld-getting-3d-video-captu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/hulu-plus-coming-to-3ds-and-wii-handheld-getting-3d-video-captu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/hulu-plus-coming-to-3ds-and-wii-handheld-getting-3d-video-captu/#comments Hulu Plus on Nintendo 3DS Rejoice Nintendo fans, Hulu Plus is coming to your console of choice... provided you're up on the latest in Nintendo hardware. Both the Wii and 3DS will be getting access to the streaming service's vast archives of TV shows and movies some time before the year is out. Though, you shouldn't expect to see the Galactica popping out of your portable -- this is a strictly 2D affair. A software update coming at the end of November will also deliver the ability to record 3D video with the Nintendo handheld (up to ten minutes) or even stitch together stereoscopic images for stop motion animation that jumps out of the tiny screen at you. With both Hulu and Netflix in tow, as well as the ability to create your own content, the 3DS is actually turning into quite a powerful little portable. For more details, including some game release dates, check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii, handheld getting 3D video capture

Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii, handheld getting 3D video capture originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d video3ds3dVideohdpostcrosshuluhulu plusHuluPlusnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo wiiNintendo3dsNintendoWiisoftware updateSoftwareUpdatestop motionStopMotionstreaming videoStreamingVideoupdateupgradewiiFri, 21 Oct 2011 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamecube-free Wii refresh heads to North America, competes with more versatile predecessor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/gamecube-free-wii-refresh-heads-to-north-america-competes-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/gamecube-free-wii-refresh-heads-to-north-america-competes-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/gamecube-free-wii-refresh-heads-to-north-america-competes-with/#comments Usually when a hardware refresh axes a major feature, it gets a comparable price drop. Not for Nintendo's waggle star, however -- the gamecube-free Wii refresh we've seen advertised for Europe is heading to North America for the same price as its backwards-compatible kin. $150 will get you a black console designed to lay on its side and streamlined to play only Wii software, a Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack and a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii. All well and good, except that Nintendo's press release (which you'll find after the break) also promises that the existing Wii bundle will stick around, packing Mario Kart Wii, a Wii Wheel, backwards compatibility for Gamecube games and the very same $150 price tag as the downgraded redesign. Mark your Christmas wishlists carefully folks, this one's a doozy.

Continue reading Gamecube-free Wii refresh heads to North America, competes with more versatile predecessor

Gamecube-free Wii refresh heads to North America, competes with more versatile predecessor originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlechristmasconsolefamily editionFamilyEditiongamegamecubeholidayminipostNintendonunchukOlympicspriceprice cutreleasewiiwii remote plusWiiRemotePlusSun, 16 Oct 2011 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[European blue Wii bundle takes Mario & Sonic to the Olympics, sends US gamers home without a medal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se/#comments You didn't expect the Olympics to land in London without a video game tie-in snapping at its heels, did you? Of course not, but did you expect it to be bundled with a powder-blue console? Here's the skinny: Nintendo's Mario & Sonic at the 2012 Olympic Games Limited Edition Pack pairs the outfit's upcoming Gamecube-free Wii refresh with the ghetto fabulous chromatic pop of the 1970s' tackiest grooviest tuxedo craze. Like the "Family Edition" bundle that clued us in on the hardware refresh, this package has only been announced for Europe, and there's still no word on how much either set will cost. Nintendo of Europe says they will be announcing additional bundles later this year, but if you just have to have a matching console for your blue Wiimote, you can pick one up November 18th.

European blue Wii bundle takes Mario & Sonic to the Olympics, sends US gamers home without a medal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlechristmasconsolefamily editionFamilyEditiongamegamecubeholidayNintendonunchukOlympicspriceprice cutPriceCutreleaseukupdatewiiwii partywii remote pluswii sportswii uWiiPartyWiiRemoWiiRemotePlusWiiSportsWiiUTue, 11 Oct 2011 03:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Wii games on your Android tablet via network streaming (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/play-wii-games-on-your-android-tablet-via-network-streaming-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/play-wii-games-on-your-android-tablet-via-network-streaming-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/play-wii-games-on-your-android-tablet-via-network-streaming-vid/#comments In case you haven't met him already, Obiwan222222 represents the minimalist alternative to hardcore modding. He's already shown us Wii games running on the PSP and iPod Touch, and now he's pulled off the same trick on his Asus Transformer. It's all done with network streaming: he loads up Super Mario Galaxy 2 on his PC using the open-source Dolphin emulator and then transmits it to his tablet via the Splashtop HD remote desktop app for Android. He also throws in an Xbox 360 controller to make things look more confusing than they really are. We'd obviously worry about lag with this type of setup, but the video after the break makes it look just about playable.

Continue reading Play Wii games on your Android tablet via network streaming (video)

Play Wii games on your Android tablet via network streaming (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAsusAsus TransformerAsusTransformercross-platformcustomizedGoogle AndroidGoogleAndroidmodmoddingNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiremote desktopRemoteDesktopSplashtopSplashtop HDSplashtopHdWiiMon, 19 Sep 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SUFFER '11 farming robot plays a multitude of roles, takes commands via Wiimote (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/suffer-11-farming-robot-plays-a-multitude-of-roles-takes-comma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/suffer-11-farming-robot-plays-a-multitude-of-roles-takes-comma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/suffer-11-farming-robot-plays-a-multitude-of-roles-takes-comma/#comments So much for stereotypes, eh? The future of farming is being painted in a far different light here at NEXT Aarhus, where a team from the University of Southern Denmark brought in the largest Wiimote-controlled robot that we've ever seen. The heretofore unnamed beast (going by SUFFER '11 for the time being) is a farming-centric machine that's designed to take the load off of the landowners (while providing a bit of enjoyment all the while). Put simply, this modular bot can have various apparatuses swapped into its midsection -- one pop-in attachment could pick potatoes, while another could disperse pesticide, for example. There's even a module that'll enable it to detect rows and plow down the obvious routes, making it that much easier for farmers of the next millennium to take time off. Of course, the standout feature from our perspective was the inbuilt Bluetooth and WiFi, which allowed the demonstrator to operate the 'bot with a standard Wii remote. Per usual, the vid's after the break.

Gallery: SUFFER '11 farming robot hands-on at NEXT Aarhus

Continue reading SUFFER '11 farming robot plays a multitude of roles, takes commands via Wiimote (video)

SUFFER '11 farming robot plays a multitude of roles, takes commands via Wiimote (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcontrollerdiyfarmfarmingfarming robotFarmingRobothackhands-onmodnextnext aarhusnext aarhus 2011NextAarhusNextAarhus2011nintendorobotuniversityuniversity of southern denmarkUniversityOfSouthernDenmarkvideowifiwiiwii controllerwii remoteWiiControllerwiimoteWiiRemoteTue, 30 Aug 2011 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo to release streamlined Wii in the UK, at reduced, holiday season price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nintendo-to-release-streamlined-wii-in-the-uk-at-reduced-holid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nintendo-to-release-streamlined-wii-in-the-uk-at-reduced-holid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nintendo-to-release-streamlined-wii-in-the-uk-at-reduced-holid/#comments
It may be a while before we see the Wii U hit the market, but it looks like a refreshed version of its predecessor will be hitting the UK market just in time for the holiday shopping rush. According to the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine, the refreshed console will sport a streamlined look and adjusted configuration, designed for horizontal orientation, rather than vertical. It will also be included in a "Family Edition" bundle scheduled for a holiday release, alongside a Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk controller, and editions of Wii Party and Wii Sports. The downside, however, is that the slimmed-down Wii won't be compatible with GameCube games or controllers, though it will reportedly be sold at a reduced, unspecified price. No word yet on whether Nintendo has a similar update in store for markets outside of the UK, but we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

Nintendo to release streamlined Wii in the UK, at reduced, holiday season price originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlechristmasconsolefamily editionFamilyEditiongamegamecubeholidayholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingnintendonunchukpriceprice cutPriceCutreleaseukupdatewiiwii partywii remote pluswii sportswii uWiiPartyWiiRemotePlusWiiSportsWiiUWed, 17 Aug 2011 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[LetterBomb does game-free Wii hacking for System Menu 4.3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/letterbomb-does-game-free-wii-hacking-for-system-menu-4-3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/letterbomb-does-game-free-wii-hacking-for-system-menu-4-3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/letterbomb-does-game-free-wii-hacking-for-system-menu-4-3/#comments The myth of the unhackable Wii has long since been put to rest, but that hasn't stopped intrepid homebrew enthusiasts from coming up with new exploits. Case in point: LetterBomb. This particular Wii hack is a follow-up to BannerBomb, which was billed as a replacement for Twilight Hack -- all of which are capable of launching the homebrew channel sans hardware mods. BannerBomb stopped short at Menu 4.2, but LetterBomb is carrying the exploit banner, so to speak, for the next generation. Utilizing the console's Message Board, the hack requires an SD card, a Wii running System Menu 4.3, and a Wii MAC address. If you're looking to get your game-free Wii hack on, check out the source link for the full rundown.

LetterBomb does game-free Wii hacking for System Menu 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exploithackhackerhackinghackmiihome brewHomeBrewhomebrew channelHomebrewChannelhowebrewLetteMessage BoardMessageBoardNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiSD cardSdCardSystem Menu 4.3System Menu 4.3 exploitSystem Menu 4.3 hackSystem Menu exploitSystemMenu4.3SystemMenu4.3ExploitSystemMenu4.3HackSystemMenuExploitWiiWii hackWii HomebrewWiiHackWiiHomebrewWed, 10 Aug 2011 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U landing after April 1st 2012, may stream video to controllers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/wii-u-landing-after-april-1st-2012-may-stream-video-to-controll/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/wii-u-landing-after-april-1st-2012-may-stream-video-to-controll/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/wii-u-landing-after-april-1st-2012-may-stream-video-to-controll/#comments Wii U Try as you might to maintain your nonchalant demeanor, we know you're fired up about the potential of the Wii U. Well, we won't spill your secrets, but we thought you might like to know that Reggie Fils-Aime, the president of Nintendo of America, recently sat down with David M. Ewalt at Forbes to talk about the company's upcoming console. You'll find the full interview at the source but here are a few of the more interesting tidbits. As you may have guessed, the original Wii won't be disappearing immediately. The two will be sold side by side in stores for at least a little while. Interestingly, while we already knew that games will be playable entirely on the controller, turns out there is nothing technically stopping the console from streaming other media to the portable screen -- including content from your Netflix account. Sadly, you'll be waiting till at least Q2 of 2012 to pick one up -- as Fils-Aime revealed, the next-gen gaming device won't launch until "after April 1st."

Wii U landing after April 1st 2012, may stream video to controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesgamegame consoleGameConsolegamingnintendoreggie fils-aimeReggieFils-aimereleasevideo game consoleVideoGameConsolewiiwii uWiiUTue, 05 Jul 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Cyberbike gives you a workout, costs more than the system itself]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/wii-cyberbike-gives-you-a-workout-costs-more-than-the-system-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/wii-cyberbike-gives-you-a-workout-costs-more-than-the-system-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/wii-cyberbike-gives-you-a-workout-costs-more-than-the-system-it/#comments We've seen this sort of preposterousness before from BigBen, and we're no closer to falling in love now than we were back in 2009. This behemoth allows you to get the full experience in the console's Cyber Cycling Sports title, and the feeling of actually accomplishing something in the process? A presumably marketable side effect. The updated Cyberbike Magnetic Edition is available in North America this time around, relying on -- surprise, surprise -- magnetic resistance to offer a costly workout for those under 286 pounds. This oversized peripheral is available now for $199.99 (bike and game combo), which puts it a bit too far above the cost of an actual console ($150) for us to consider giving it a shot. Plus, we've already committed to biking downtown for our eventual Wii U pickup -- and frankly, that's enough to cover our yearly workout quota.

Continue reading Wii Cyberbike gives you a workout, costs more than the system itself

Wii Cyberbike gives you a workout, costs more than the system itself originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Planning to replace that aging Blu-ray player with a Wii U? Not so fast. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata says the gaming console won't play DVD or Blu-ray discs, due to patent licensing fees.

Wii U does not have DVD or Blu-ray playback capabilities. The reason for that is that we feel that enough people already have devices that are capable of playing DVDs and Blu-ray, such that it didn't warrant the cost involved to build that functionality into the Wii U console because of the patents related to those technologies.

So there you have it. Iwata doesn't want to hand over a bag of cash for baby Blu's "bag of hurt." By the time the Wii U hits store shelves in 2012, we may be buying Blu-ray players just for their Netflix capabilities, so here's to hoping the console at least carries over that functionality from its predecessor.

Wii U will not play DVDs or Blu-ray, Iwata says originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-Rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerdvddvd playerDvdPlayergaming consoleGamingConsoleiwatanintendoNintendoWiiSatoru IwataSatoruIwataWiiwii uwii u consoleWiiUWiiUConsoleWed, 15 Jun 2011 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/#comments Nintendo hasn't been too keen on letting us mere mortals stroke the Wii U, as no amount of coins could unlock the console's cabinet at E3. Surprisingly though, Inside Games managed to get up close and personal to this white box outside its little cave, and then came home alive with a few clear shots. Mind you, there's hardly anything exciting here: we're just gazing at some air vents on the side and back, plus a few ports -- including HDMI -- on the latter. As pointed out by our brethren over at Joystiq, only time will tell whether this curvy Wii U will come with an attachment to imitate its predecessor's vertical standing. Check out the backside after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety

Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDconsolee3e3 2011E32011eyes-ongame consoleGameConsolegamingHD4000NintendoRadeon HD4000RadeonHd4000wiiwii uWiiUWed, 15 Jun 2011 01:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Iwata talks about Wii U's place in the living room]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/nintendos-iwata-talks-about-wii-us-place-in-the-living-room/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/nintendos-iwata-talks-about-wii-us-place-in-the-living-room/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/nintendos-iwata-talks-about-wii-us-place-in-the-living-room/#comments
Nintendo took some inspiration from the TV remote for its Wii controller, and it apparently thinks its new Wii U controller could well be the "TV remote of the future." That's just one tidbit from All Things D's sitdown with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who also talked more broadly about the Wii U's new role in the living room. As evidenced by E3, that will include catering to more hardcore gamers than the Wii did, but Iwata says the Wii U is also an effort to take some of the couch time back from folks playing games on tablets, smartphones or laptops. To that end, Iwata says that Nintendo's mission is to "shorten the distance between people and gaming" and remove some of the barriers involved with console gaming, further adding that it's also trying to "reach out to the people who are not interested in video games." Though it's not saying much about it, Nintendo's no doubt hoping to win back a few investors as well. As you may have noticed, the company's stock slipped significantly following its E3 announcement and, while it's bounced back a bit since, it's still well off its Wii-fueled heights of recent years.

Nintendo's Iwata talks about Wii U's place in the living room originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatanintendoSatoru IwataSatoruIwatawiiwii uWiiUTue, 14 Jun 2011 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo bringing 'Red Flare' 3DS, new Wii package to Japan this summer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nintendo-bringing-red-flare-3ds-new-wii-package-to-japan-this/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nintendo-bringing-red-flare-3ds-new-wii-package-to-japan-this/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nintendo-bringing-red-flare-3ds-new-wii-package-to-japan-this/#comments
Now that we're all sitting on summer's doorstep, Nintendo has decided to add a little heat to its 3DS lineup, with a new 'Red Flare' handheld, coming to Japan next month. Offering a sanguine alternative to the Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black variants, this little fireball will retail for ¥25,000 (about $312) when it hits Japanese stores on July 14th -- just in time for the release of Star Fox 64 3D. The company is also planning to unleash a new Wii bundle on June 23rd, which will package two Wii Remote Plus controllers (one in black or white, one in blue) with Wii Sports Resort software, for ¥20,000 (around $250). No word yet on whether these offers will be coming Westward anytime soon, but you can find more information in the translated press release, after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo bringing 'Red Flare' 3DS, new Wii package to Japan this summer

Nintendo bringing 'Red Flare' 3DS, new Wii package to Japan this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dsavailabilitycolorgamejapannintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dspricered 3dsred flare 3dsRed3dsRedFlare3dsStar Fox 64star fox 64 3dStarFox64StarFox643dwiiwii remote pluswii sports resortWiiRemotePlusWiiSportsResortThu, 09 Jun 2011 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo admits its Wii U highlight reel was spiced up with PS3 and Xbox 360 footage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/#comments Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote yesterday gave the world its first official look at the all-new Wii U hardware plus (we thought) a glimpse at the graphical capabilities of its next console. As it turns out, the impressive list of upcoming games for the 2012-bound console was just that, a list, with the visuals we saw on screen coming from PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of said titles. Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime has confirmed that to be the case in an interview with GameTrailers, where he also points out that the eventual Wii U games will look at least as good as their PS3 / 360 counterparts. Which is why, in his eyes, it's okay to show us those games being played on the competition's (current-gen) hardware. He does remind us that the Wii U will be delivering graphics at a 1080p resolution, and points to the garden tech demo that also graced E3 as an indicator of what can be done with Nintendo's next console. That's all well and good, but maybe tell us in advance next time, Reggie?

Nintendo admits its Wii U highlight reel was spiced up with PS3 and Xbox 360 footage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole warsConsoleWarse3e3 2011E32011footagegaminghighlightsinterviewmicrosoftnintendoNintendo of Americanintendo wii uNintendoOfAmericaNintendoWiiUpresentationps3reggie fils-aimeReggie-Fils-AimeReggieFils-aimesonyvideowiiwii uWiiUxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii U console eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-console-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-console-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-console-eyes-on/#comments Sadly we weren't able to get our hands-on the new console that's going to come along with the Wii U controller. Every operational unit is clad in shimmering Lucite and locked away. But, from what we can see peering through the glass it's more or less a curvaceous Wii. It's a little bit chubbier, maybe a hint taller, but the design is much the same: glossy white and a big disc slot. Nintendo definitely isn't giving up on physical distribution for this round. All that we can see beyond that is a power button, a reset button, a red sync button, and a little flip-down door much like on the Wii. What's behind the door? Memory cards? More buttons? Magic? Feel free to speculate wildly in comments.

Gallery: Nintendo Wii U Console Eyes-On


Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Nintendo Wii U console eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolee3e3 2011E32011eyes-ongame consoleGameConsolegamingNintendowiiwii uWiiUTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii U controller, first hands-on! (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-controller-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-controller-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/nintendo-wii-u-controller-first-hands-on/#comments We just elbowed our way through the crowds and managed to get our first hands-on time with Nintendo's revolutionary new controller, the Wii U. As you can see in the images, it's a rather different thing than even the company's typically unusually styled contraptions. The dominant feature is the center-mounted 6.2-inch touchscreen, which actually looks really good. We'd expected Nintendo would cheap out to keep costs low, but that doesn't appear to be the case, at least not in our first impressions. Join us after the break for more details.

Gallery: Nintendo Wii U Hands-On

Continue reading Nintendo Wii U controller, first hands-on! (video)

Nintendo Wii U controller, first hands-on! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011handheldhands-onnintendotouchscreenvideowiiwii uWiiUTue, 07 Jun 2011 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The Wii U controller, revealed! (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-controller-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-controller-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-controller-revealed/#comments Whoa! The rumors turned out to be true: a 6.2-inch screen will be built into the controller for Nintendo's next-generation Wii U console. It'll also feature a microphone, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, dual analog controls, two shoulder buttons and two triggers, a front-facing camera, a stylus, and yes, it's a touchscreen, too! Satoru Iwata was careful to forewarn that the Wii U's controller was "not designed to be a portable game machine," even if it shares some characteristics with handhelds. You will, however, be able to game and video chat even without a TV. Screen resolution isn't given yet, but the display ratio is stated as 16:9, matching every other widescreen in your living room. Check the video after the break while we go try to hunt down some hands-on time with this multifunctional new beast of a controller.

Gallery: Nintendo Wii U Controller

Controller30Controller 2Controller3Controller 4Controller 5

Gallery: Nintendo Wii U press images

Continue reading The Wii U controller, revealed! (video)

The Wii U controller, revealed! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newscontrollercontrollerse3e3 2011E32011next generationNextGenerationnintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUofficialrevealedvideowiiWii UWiiUTue, 07 Jun 2011 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[The Wii U, Nintendo's next console (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-nintendos-next-console/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-nintendos-next-console/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/the-wiiu-nintendos-next-console/#comments Coming in 2012, Nintendo's next home console will deliver "deeper game experiences" that aim to offer "something for everyone." And it'll be called the Wii U! A variety of new controls will be made available by that crazy new controller with a 6.2-inch touchscreen embedded in it. Most importantly, you'll no longer be tied to a TV to enjoy your home consoling action -- the Wii U controller can handle your gaming session when the television is needed for other purposes, while a built-in front-facing cam will let you video chat from anywhere too. Notably, you won't have to use the 6.2-inch behemoth if you don't want too -- the Wii U will be compatible with all current-gen accessories and software. Yes, your expansive Wii collection will play on the U version of the console as well. We've also seen some decidedly high-def visuals from Nintendo showing off the Wii U's graphical prowess. See video of the unveiling after the break!

Batman: Arkham City, an Assassin's Creed game, Dirt, Ghost Recon Online, Tekken, Metro Last Light, Aliens Colonial Marines, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, and Darksiders II all got a mention as coming to the Wii U. Yes! EA's John Riccitiello just said the Wii U will deliver "brilliant HD graphics." Finally, the Wii is going HD!

Speaking of HD, the fact sheet from Nintendo informs us that the Wii U can pump out 1080p video over HDMI. It'll also be compatible with component, S-video and composite cables. There'll be "internal flash memory" of unspecified quantity, which will be expandable via either an SD card or external USB HDD. IBM is, as with the original Wii, once again responsible for providing the processor inside. Four USB 2.0 slots are made available, while game media will be served up on "proprietary high-density optical discs." There's also another, worthwhile, reminder that the Wii U will play Wii games and their optical discs without a problem.

Update: We just got word from the folks at Kotaku that Nintendo game designer Katsuya Eguchi has revealed the Wii U's proprietary disc format will hold up to 25GB of data.

Update 2: And now we have the final piece of the puzzle: the Wii U's graphics will be handled by a "custom AMD Radeon HD GPU."

Gallery: Nintendo Wii U


Gallery: Nintendo Wii U press images

Continue reading The Wii U, Nintendo's next console (video)

The Wii U, Nintendo's next console (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDbreaking newsconsolee3e3 2011E32011gamingnext generationNextGenerationnintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUofficialrevealedvideowiiWii UWiiUTue, 07 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/live-from-nintendos-e3-2011-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/live-from-nintendos-e3-2011-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/live-from-nintendos-e3-2011-keynote/#comments
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsconsoledsdsie3e3 2011E32011liveblognintendoproject cafeProjectCafewiiwii hdWii UWiiHdWiiUTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:41:00 EST